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Smoke Jensen #4
When the Shooting Starts
Johnstone Country. Where Legends Are Born.Before he became known as “The Last Mountain Man,” Smoke Jensen and his bride Sally were hardworking ranchers on the Colorado frontier. This is a story of the early years. When times were hard, tensions were high, and guns were the law. . . .WHEN THE SHOOTING STARTS For Smoke and Sally Jensen, the Sugarloaf Ranch is the American Dream come true. A glorious stretch of untamed land near the Colorado-Kansas border, it’s the perfect place to stake their claim, raise some cattle, and start a new family. But when a man claiming to be an army colonel arrives in Big Rock—with a well-armed militia—the Jensens’ dream becomes a living nightmare. This stranger calls himself Colonel Lamar Talbot. He’s come to warn them about a looming war with the Cheyenne Indians. And only he can save them from a bloody massacre—by launching a counterattack that’s even bloodier. . . . Smoke and Sally aren’t sure they trust him. They suspect the colonel and his men are nothing more than brutal vigilantes with a hidden agenda of their own. But the Cheyenne war parties are a very real threat. The tribe’s charismatic leader, Black Drum, is launching raids on local ranches, farms, and the railroads, too. Every day, the violence gets worse and the war moves closer—until it reaches the Sugarloaf Ranch. That’s when Smoke grabs his guns. That’s when the shooting starts—and the final battle begins. . . .
- GenresWesterns
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2022
258 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
William W. Johnstone
1,041 books1,391 followersWilliam W. Johnstone is the #1 bestselling Western writer in America and the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of hundreds of books, with over 50 million copies sold. Born in southern Missouri, he was raised with strong moral and family values by his minister father, and tutored by his schoolteacher mother. He left school at fifteen to work in a carnival and then as a deputy sheriff before serving in the army. He went on to become known as "the Greatest Western writer of the 21st Century." Visit him online at WilliamJohnstone.net.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 8, 2024
5.0 stars ...
This is the Authors Johnstone and "Smoke Jensen" at their very best. I wouldn't change a word ... absolutely perfect! Five thumbs up! 👍👍👍👍👍
This is the Authors Johnstone and "Smoke Jensen" at their very best. I wouldn't change a word ... absolutely perfect! Five thumbs up! 👍👍👍👍👍
April 9, 2022
When the Shooting Starts by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone is not the best book in this series mostly because they don't have all the facts strait about when Smoke started his ranch in Colorado but after so many books I can imagine that it's hard keeping track of all the facts. I still enjoyed the book because it had some new and interesting plot twists that I haven't seen befor, such as a company of soldiers who came to protect the citizens but are they really soldiers? The book deals with a lot of different problems and as usual we get a lot of fist fighting and shootouts as there should be in a good western. I still wonder why Smoke suddenly stopped wearing his trademark two gun rig that he had in all the early books. I must thank @kensingtonbooks @netgalley and #Pinnacle that gave me this advance copy and @williamw.j.a.johnstone for writing it. #NetGalley #Kensington #WhenTheShootingStarts
March 11, 2022
Smoke Jensen is one of the many long-standing series in the Jensen Family Universe that includes Smoke, his children, his relatives, and Smoke's adopted father, Preacher. Smoke has a long and storied career starting as mountain man raised by Preacher, moving on to soldier, renegade, somewhat-outlaw, ending as an law abiding ranch owner who is a pillar of Big Rock, the town he started. When the Shoot Starts, Book 4 of the Smoke Jensen Westerns, takes place soon after Smoke established his ranch Sugarloaf and married Sally, but before his children. An Indian war chief Black Drum escapes from the reservation and swears to destroy the white man who has destroyed his legacy. The more successful he is at this gruesome task, the more Indians join his group until it numbers close to one hundred. At that point, Black Drum decides that Sugarloaf and Big Rock are good places to make his stand. Smoke Jensen disagrees. The story is complicated when outlaws who masquerade as the Army to defend Big Rock from the Indians make it hard to tell the good guys from the bad. Another excellent Smoke Jensen book. If you love this Universe, you won't want to miss it.
September 15, 2025
When it’s a Smoke Jensen story, you know the body count will be high. In this story, a band of Indians is raiding the area where his ranch is located. A group of vigilantes purporting to be Army come in to rescue the settlers. They are simply a group of criminals that have found a racket that pays. Between confrontations with the Indians and the vigilantes, Smoke’s plate is full. The book has a lot of action and is an interesting original tale.
April 15, 2023
I miss Johnstone Country, and coming back to it in this novel made me realize how much I missed this world.
When the Shooting Starts is a novel about Smoke Jensen and his wife, Sally Jensen, fighting off a Cheyenne war chief named Black Drum, who has done terrible, horrible things to people, and thinks that his “medicine” is helping him clear out all the white people that was on Cheyenne land. When the word about Black Drum attacking ranches and towns starts to spread all over town, that’s when this vigilante group who’s name I’ve forgotten because I hate them so much appeared, that’s when things started to get a little interesting…
…mostly because these old outlaws thought that they can just come in and try and take over the town, using the fact that Black Drum is going to attack Big Rock soon. They pretty much stole from the poor merchant who was going to be wiped out of almost everything and almost destroyed his store-for what reason other than the “because I can” bit, which is bullcrap in my opinion. The leader of this vigilante outfit, Lamar Talbot, rules with an iron fist and is trying to get the people to rally around him and to trust his men.
When Black Drum and his men did attack the local ranches, it was Smoke Jensen and his men at his ranch, the Sugarloaf, helping to defend them and the town, and wasn’t pretty keen on the vigilante group because of how they were acting. Because of the fear of Black Drum attacking, he sent his wife Sally into town, knowing that she hates it and really wants to stay with him, and he went with the vigilante people to find Black Drum and stop him.
Well he didn’t expect the captain of the vigilante outfit turn around and try and kill him, or the fact that once Smoke came out and killed Black Drum’s men (and Black Drum himself) that’s when Colonel Talbot turned the tables on him and locked him and his two friends up for a really stupid reason, and thanks to Pearlie and his friend, it turns out their hunches about Mr. Talbot, because the United States Army showed up and basically arrested him, telling him of his crimes (bothering innocent Indigenous people and killing them for no reason), getting the townsfolk to give them money or anything they want, and I think that’s all they did.
I really enjoyed this book and glad to be reading westerns again.
When the Shooting Starts is a novel about Smoke Jensen and his wife, Sally Jensen, fighting off a Cheyenne war chief named Black Drum, who has done terrible, horrible things to people, and thinks that his “medicine” is helping him clear out all the white people that was on Cheyenne land. When the word about Black Drum attacking ranches and towns starts to spread all over town, that’s when this vigilante group who’s name I’ve forgotten because I hate them so much appeared, that’s when things started to get a little interesting…
…mostly because these old outlaws thought that they can just come in and try and take over the town, using the fact that Black Drum is going to attack Big Rock soon. They pretty much stole from the poor merchant who was going to be wiped out of almost everything and almost destroyed his store-for what reason other than the “because I can” bit, which is bullcrap in my opinion. The leader of this vigilante outfit, Lamar Talbot, rules with an iron fist and is trying to get the people to rally around him and to trust his men.
When Black Drum and his men did attack the local ranches, it was Smoke Jensen and his men at his ranch, the Sugarloaf, helping to defend them and the town, and wasn’t pretty keen on the vigilante group because of how they were acting. Because of the fear of Black Drum attacking, he sent his wife Sally into town, knowing that she hates it and really wants to stay with him, and he went with the vigilante people to find Black Drum and stop him.
Well he didn’t expect the captain of the vigilante outfit turn around and try and kill him, or the fact that once Smoke came out and killed Black Drum’s men (and Black Drum himself) that’s when Colonel Talbot turned the tables on him and locked him and his two friends up for a really stupid reason, and thanks to Pearlie and his friend, it turns out their hunches about Mr. Talbot, because the United States Army showed up and basically arrested him, telling him of his crimes (bothering innocent Indigenous people and killing them for no reason), getting the townsfolk to give them money or anything they want, and I think that’s all they did.
I really enjoyed this book and glad to be reading westerns again.
June 3, 2022
This new series of Smoke Jensen books diverges from the run of the original 'Mountain Man' series. The plots more involved and better overall. This entry continues that.
This volume layers various threats involving Smoke and his ranch and beyond. The build up of the elements threatening is paced very well and increases tension as various battles ensue. The direction of the tale seems obvious, but the plotting is such to have the reader unsure how all of the elements can get the reader there. Thus, lots of effort to turn the pages faster to get there.
As usual from the Johnstone Clan, great characters that help embrace the tale. The nuanced approach with a number of new characters is particularly well done.
Writing is fine, but recent new series entries into the Johnstone Clan corral that are particularly well written, have the weaker entries stand out. This is not a drawback, per se. Just an observation involving weaker dialogue and a need to edit in spots. This book would've been stronger with about 75 less pages.
A drawback is further inconsistency of the background of Smoke Jensen and the foundation of the many series. It's unfortunate that an editor for continuity is absent. This is only a problem for those of us that have read a good deal of the series and wish issues of the past were resolved, like the weird handling of the Jensen children.
To note: Unlike so many who read via Netgalley.com, I don't praise every book. In fact, most I've panned. I write my honest view.
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 7 out of ten points.
This volume layers various threats involving Smoke and his ranch and beyond. The build up of the elements threatening is paced very well and increases tension as various battles ensue. The direction of the tale seems obvious, but the plotting is such to have the reader unsure how all of the elements can get the reader there. Thus, lots of effort to turn the pages faster to get there.
As usual from the Johnstone Clan, great characters that help embrace the tale. The nuanced approach with a number of new characters is particularly well done.
Writing is fine, but recent new series entries into the Johnstone Clan corral that are particularly well written, have the weaker entries stand out. This is not a drawback, per se. Just an observation involving weaker dialogue and a need to edit in spots. This book would've been stronger with about 75 less pages.
A drawback is further inconsistency of the background of Smoke Jensen and the foundation of the many series. It's unfortunate that an editor for continuity is absent. This is only a problem for those of us that have read a good deal of the series and wish issues of the past were resolved, like the weird handling of the Jensen children.
To note: Unlike so many who read via Netgalley.com, I don't praise every book. In fact, most I've panned. I write my honest view.
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 7 out of ten points.
April 7, 2023
There is no such thing as a bad Johnstone western. Each series is built around main characters whose belief in the law and family is absolute, even if they've had to be reformed to get there. From Preacher, the original mountain man to the Jensen family to Perly Gates, to.....well, you get the point. Many times, characters from one series will show up in another as supporting hands. The communities are true to the era, clothing, guns, food and troubles are all what you'd find if you looked them up in the history books. No two stories are the same, each character or set of characters is unique and so are their stories. The writing is skillful, readers are pulled into the story and you will laugh and cry right along with the characters. I made the mistake of picking up a Johnstone western my uncle was reading. Ive been hooked ever since. Now I share them with my reading family and will continue as long as new Johnstones are released.
May 16, 2022
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this exciting book about smoke jensen
a renegage swarm of indians lead by black drum are on the rampage killing all white men they come across
and its not long before they find smokes outfit...
but before they do an army base is established with offers that they are there to help with the indian uprising
and as smoke gets to grip with all that is happening so do the army....
but are they a help or hinderance...
a fast paced book that keeps you on your toes, love a good smoke jensen story and this one doesnt let you down
a renegage swarm of indians lead by black drum are on the rampage killing all white men they come across
and its not long before they find smokes outfit...
but before they do an army base is established with offers that they are there to help with the indian uprising
and as smoke gets to grip with all that is happening so do the army....
but are they a help or hinderance...
a fast paced book that keeps you on your toes, love a good smoke jensen story and this one doesnt let you down
July 26, 2023
Really good book
I have been reading William Johnstone books for many years. I actually started with the Preacher series, then The Mountain Man (Smoke Jenson) series, the Eagle series, and the last gunfighter series. I read every book. After Mr. Johnstone passed away, I tried reading some books that were written by others, but the stories and the way things were worded just were not the same. Now, after reading the fourth book in this series , I seeing the old Johnson writing back again. I really enjoyed this book, and I already purchased book five. I would suggest this series to anyone looking for some good western reading!
I have been reading William Johnstone books for many years. I actually started with the Preacher series, then The Mountain Man (Smoke Jenson) series, the Eagle series, and the last gunfighter series. I read every book. After Mr. Johnstone passed away, I tried reading some books that were written by others, but the stories and the way things were worded just were not the same. Now, after reading the fourth book in this series , I seeing the old Johnson writing back again. I really enjoyed this book, and I already purchased book five. I would suggest this series to anyone looking for some good western reading!
August 29, 2023
Gripping stories
Captivating stories of the western US, beyond the 100th meridian in the 1880's or so. Stories of, in their own wording of struggles, victories, defeats, gunplay, fights (physical & mental) that places you in the scenes. The stories are not a hard read, but still gripping, with highs and lows that make Johnston's books hard to put down. After reading some 25 or more books in different series of theirs, I have a encouragement for more action, more detailed accounts, more intertwining story lines. Thank you!
Captivating stories of the western US, beyond the 100th meridian in the 1880's or so. Stories of, in their own wording of struggles, victories, defeats, gunplay, fights (physical & mental) that places you in the scenes. The stories are not a hard read, but still gripping, with highs and lows that make Johnston's books hard to put down. After reading some 25 or more books in different series of theirs, I have a encouragement for more action, more detailed accounts, more intertwining story lines. Thank you!
April 8, 2025
What a great adventure! Guns blazing, thieves stealing, Indians attacking and Sally running to Smoke for comfort. All this is found in this amazing storyline. I felt out of breath just reading about it. Loved seeing Louis Longmont and Pearlie again. The military arrives at Big Rock just in time to fight a band of Indians who were terrorizing the countryside. This, of course, disrupts the solitude Smoke and Sally look for on Sugarloaf Ranch. But then, it's never really quiet wherever Smoke Jensen chooses to be.
October 2, 2025
Whenever you can read a Smoke Jensen book, it is really a good day. I enjoy them so much that I have read some more than once. Here, a man has come into the valley wanting to take over all of the ranches. He teams up with a Comanche to make it look like the Indians are the ones doing the raids. Sally finally tells Smoke something is not right and to start looking into what is going on with their friends all around them, and that is when the real Smoke comes out and gives it back to those who were hurting everyone. A good book.
November 25, 2023
A excellent read
This series has been quite interesting with all the twists and turns of each of these true barn burners. All of the stories have been interconnected so the tales have flowed seamlessly from one book to the next. I'm off to read the fifth and final book, so far, in this series.
This series has been quite interesting with all the twists and turns of each of these true barn burners. All of the stories have been interconnected so the tales have flowed seamlessly from one book to the next. I'm off to read the fifth and final book, so far, in this series.
August 27, 2024
Couldn’t Put Down
Even though some of the happenings are beyond belief, you always want the hero to be a cut above everyone else. Since I was a little boy, many years ago, cowboys were always my heroes! The Smoke Jenson novels always keep me on the edge of my seat! This one didn’t fail!
Even though some of the happenings are beyond belief, you always want the hero to be a cut above everyone else. Since I was a little boy, many years ago, cowboys were always my heroes! The Smoke Jenson novels always keep me on the edge of my seat! This one didn’t fail!
September 7, 2025
This was an awesome book. It takes you back to the early days of Big Rock, Colorado. With a savage war party making its way towards Big Rock, a squad of Soldiers shows up promising to wipe the Indians out and save the town. Smoke, Monte, and Louis senses something is off with the soldiers. Once the secret is learned about the soldiers, Smoke teaches them a lesson in frontier justice.
August 23, 2022
This story takes us back to when Smoke has owned his ranch for four years. He is married to Sally and his foreman is Perlie. Has three cowboys working for him. Cheyenne Indian trouble and solders who really aren’t. Pretty good reading. Lots of murder and mayhem.
February 6, 2023
great read
As usual I was part of the action. I felt like I was an eye witness with the characters in the story. I enjoyed feeling like in the middle of the action. Johnstones are great storytellers.
As usual I was part of the action. I felt like I was an eye witness with the characters in the story. I enjoyed feeling like in the middle of the action. Johnstones are great storytellers.
July 17, 2023
When the Shooting Starts
Smoke and his men saved a family from Indian attach led by Black Drum. Col Tolbert and his men came to fight the Indians but also to loot the Big Rock occupants. They were not real soldiers but outlaws. Great story of Smoke and Sally.
Smoke and his men saved a family from Indian attach led by Black Drum. Col Tolbert and his men came to fight the Indians but also to loot the Big Rock occupants. They were not real soldiers but outlaws. Great story of Smoke and Sally.
March 26, 2022
It has everything: cowboys, Indians on the warpath, towns and ranchers, even a civilian militia. Lots of gun fights and some great fist fights. Action packed. And no cussing. Great escapism book
May 26, 2022
Brilliant
Another fine story about Smoke Jensen. A hostile group of killing Indians that need to be stopped.Hard to put this book down
Another fine story about Smoke Jensen. A hostile group of killing Indians that need to be stopped.Hard to put this book down
June 28, 2022
Really enjoyed. My first in this series and will go back and read from the beginning.
July 25, 2022
I haven't read a real 'Cowboys and Indians' book in years so this was a refreshing change.
September 20, 2022
As expected
Pretty good story with reasonable amount of characters. Not so many you can't keep up. But this was all predictable, even the ending.
Pretty good story with reasonable amount of characters. Not so many you can't keep up. But this was all predictable, even the ending.
February 22, 2024
Super story
Very interesting depiction of a time in our past that helped shape this great nation of ours
Hope there are sequils
Very interesting depiction of a time in our past that helped shape this great nation of ours
Hope there are sequils
March 9, 2024
Awesome read
Full of action from start to finish. Love how Sally stood by smoke. Great page turner. Can't wait to see what the 5th book has in-store for its readers!
Full of action from start to finish. Love how Sally stood by smoke. Great page turner. Can't wait to see what the 5th book has in-store for its readers!
June 5, 2024
3.5 stars.
November 30, 2024
great series
This series just gets better and better after each book. Lots of adventure and intrigue and lots of action great stories
This series just gets better and better after each book. Lots of adventure and intrigue and lots of action great stories
October 27, 2025
Smoke Jensen
Another great saga about Smoke Jensen. Enjoying this series of books. Great twist in the plot in this one. On to the next one in this series.
Another great saga about Smoke Jensen. Enjoying this series of books. Great twist in the plot in this one. On to the next one in this series.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews