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Plainsman Western Series #1
The Trail to Redemption
Every time he squeezed the trigger, somebody died. He thought it was just the way of the war, but after taking a couple bullets and being mustered out, it continued. When he stood over the ashes of his family’s farm and stared at their graves, the same bile rose in his throat, and he knew somebody was going to have to pay… and pay with their blood.
This was to be the beginning of a blood hunt that would take Reuben Grundy across four states, pit him against renegade outlaws posing as the Home Guard for the north, the Bushwhackers of Captain Quantrill and the men in butternut and grey, as well as the mighty Pawnee of the plains. His father had taught young Reuben to never look for others to do what needs to be done, even if it means putting his life on the line. And Reuben would do just that, with his training as one of Berdan’s Sharpshooters at the outset of the war between the states, and his own time beside his father in the woods, Reuben was destined to become one of the most feared hunters of the plains.
Whether it was for man or beast, when his sights settled on the target, death was sure to follow.
This was to be the beginning of a blood hunt that would take Reuben Grundy across four states, pit him against renegade outlaws posing as the Home Guard for the north, the Bushwhackers of Captain Quantrill and the men in butternut and grey, as well as the mighty Pawnee of the plains. His father had taught young Reuben to never look for others to do what needs to be done, even if it means putting his life on the line. And Reuben would do just that, with his training as one of Berdan’s Sharpshooters at the outset of the war between the states, and his own time beside his father in the woods, Reuben was destined to become one of the most feared hunters of the plains.
Whether it was for man or beast, when his sights settled on the target, death was sure to follow.
- GenresWesterns
241 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 17, 2021
499 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
B.N. Rundell
88 books81 followersBorn and raised in Colorado into a family of ranchers and cowboys, B.N. Rundell is the youngest of seven sons. Juggling bull riding, skiing, and high school, graduation was a launching pad for a hitch in the Army Paratroopers. After the army, he finished his college education in Springfield, MO, and together with his wife and growing family, entered the ministry as a Baptist preacher.
Together, B.N. and Dawn raised four girls that are now married and have made them proud grandparents. With many years as a successful pastor and educator, he retired from the ministry and followed in the footsteps of his entrepreneurial father and started a successful insurance agency, which is now in the hands of his trusted nephew. He has also been a successful audiobook narrator and has recorded many books for several award-winning authors. Now finally realizing his life-long dream, B.N. has turned his efforts to writing a variety of books, from children’s picture books and young adult adventure books, to the historical fiction and western genres which are his first love.
Together, B.N. and Dawn raised four girls that are now married and have made them proud grandparents. With many years as a successful pastor and educator, he retired from the ministry and followed in the footsteps of his entrepreneurial father and started a successful insurance agency, which is now in the hands of his trusted nephew. He has also been a successful audiobook narrator and has recorded many books for several award-winning authors. Now finally realizing his life-long dream, B.N. has turned his efforts to writing a variety of books, from children’s picture books and young adult adventure books, to the historical fiction and western genres which are his first love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 29, 2023
Written well enough. A man returns from a war that isn’t over yet to find his farm burned down, his family killed. He sets out to avenge his family, tracking bushwhackers who burn farm after farm, slaying all the people. No sooner are these dealt with then a bunch of Quantrill’s Raiders (Confederate irregulars) show up, just as bloodthirsty as the bushwhackers. There is a lot of shooting and killing. It’s still more along the lines of a 1950s b/w western film but with a definite creep into the violence of the era of “the man with no name.”
It is good writing overall but there is lazy writing too, the author constantly falling back on chuckled chuckled chuckled … the hero even chuckles as he loads his rifle and shoots a man to death (really .. the hero) or cackled cackled cackled … and then falling back on 20th and 21st century expressions not used in the 1860s - outlaws did not hit farms or hit ranches or hit banks - they raided them or struck them or attacked them - and a man in a fight did not say “show me what you got” - Lou Gossett Jr said that to Richard Gere in An Officer and a Gentleman. You can’t bring modern expressions into historical fiction. It weakens a book’s authenticity. If you want to know how they talked read the newspapers of (in this story’s case) the early 1860s or any dime romances that had begun to roll off the presses.
3 and 1/2 stars. Many will find it a good read, and not nitpick like me, and there are acres of entertainment in the story. Just remember - this is a true shoot ‘em up.
It is good writing overall but there is lazy writing too, the author constantly falling back on chuckled chuckled chuckled … the hero even chuckles as he loads his rifle and shoots a man to death (really .. the hero) or cackled cackled cackled … and then falling back on 20th and 21st century expressions not used in the 1860s - outlaws did not hit farms or hit ranches or hit banks - they raided them or struck them or attacked them - and a man in a fight did not say “show me what you got” - Lou Gossett Jr said that to Richard Gere in An Officer and a Gentleman. You can’t bring modern expressions into historical fiction. It weakens a book’s authenticity. If you want to know how they talked read the newspapers of (in this story’s case) the early 1860s or any dime romances that had begun to roll off the presses.
3 and 1/2 stars. Many will find it a good read, and not nitpick like me, and there are acres of entertainment in the story. Just remember - this is a true shoot ‘em up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2021
Bob Rundell – Plainsman Western Bk 1 – The Trail to Redemption – Reviewed 11/18/21 –Read 11/12-14/21
War is hell and it impacts the men that are involved, but will it help in the future?
Reuben Grundy fought in the war and had been a member of the Berdan Sharpshooters, this gave him special training, and every time that he fired someone died. This bothered him but he knew that there was nothing he could do to change the past. He and his brother both had caught bullets, Reuben survived but his brother did not, but before he passed on, he made Reuben promise to take care of the family. Reuben’s wounds were such that he was discharged from service, and he headed home.
He arrived and found a nightmare, the house and barns burned, everything destroyed, and there were three headstones! Reuben knew that his sister had been promised to the neighbor’s son, so with hopefulness, he headed to town to find out if she had survived. Arriving there he was so relieved when he found his sister, well, married, and expecting her first child. Her husband offered to buy the farm and hold it till he could sell it off, but it would give Reuben money for now. Reuben had a job to do and that was to find the bushwhackers that had killed his family, and the story begins.
Join Reuben as he searches for the killers, then on to explore the West…
What did I like? This is the third series that I have read of Bob’s and from his other series I knew that this one would be exciting. I was not wrong!!! What I like the most is the soft touch of faith that Bob weaves throughout his work. Never do I feel overwhelmed with it, and it makes everything feel so real. The other thing I love about his work is the way that he describes the landscape that his characters travel in. He brings it to life in my mind, making my mind’s eye open and I’m able to see everything clearly.
What will you like? The times were tough for everyone while the war was going on but there were so many out there taking advantage of the families that were left behind. Reuben Grundy is a man of honor and faith, even though in the beginning it had been shaken by his war experience, but he could not stand by and see people hurt around him. Through him, we find more than a little excitement, gunplay, bushwhackers, and new and exciting lands to the west. The characters will take your heart by storm and the land they travel through will come alive with sounds and nature. The storyline is indeed very well written and edited, woven to capture the hearts of all that read it. You certainly will not want to miss BN Rundell’s first book in the new Plainsman Western Series, “The Trail to Redemption” is available NOW!!!
• ASIN: B09HSXB78H
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 11/17/2021
• File Size: 4229 KB
• Print Length: 241 pages
• Genre: Louis L'Amour Westerns, Classic American Fiction, Frontier & Pioneer Western Fiction
War is hell and it impacts the men that are involved, but will it help in the future?
Reuben Grundy fought in the war and had been a member of the Berdan Sharpshooters, this gave him special training, and every time that he fired someone died. This bothered him but he knew that there was nothing he could do to change the past. He and his brother both had caught bullets, Reuben survived but his brother did not, but before he passed on, he made Reuben promise to take care of the family. Reuben’s wounds were such that he was discharged from service, and he headed home.
He arrived and found a nightmare, the house and barns burned, everything destroyed, and there were three headstones! Reuben knew that his sister had been promised to the neighbor’s son, so with hopefulness, he headed to town to find out if she had survived. Arriving there he was so relieved when he found his sister, well, married, and expecting her first child. Her husband offered to buy the farm and hold it till he could sell it off, but it would give Reuben money for now. Reuben had a job to do and that was to find the bushwhackers that had killed his family, and the story begins.
Join Reuben as he searches for the killers, then on to explore the West…
What did I like? This is the third series that I have read of Bob’s and from his other series I knew that this one would be exciting. I was not wrong!!! What I like the most is the soft touch of faith that Bob weaves throughout his work. Never do I feel overwhelmed with it, and it makes everything feel so real. The other thing I love about his work is the way that he describes the landscape that his characters travel in. He brings it to life in my mind, making my mind’s eye open and I’m able to see everything clearly.
What will you like? The times were tough for everyone while the war was going on but there were so many out there taking advantage of the families that were left behind. Reuben Grundy is a man of honor and faith, even though in the beginning it had been shaken by his war experience, but he could not stand by and see people hurt around him. Through him, we find more than a little excitement, gunplay, bushwhackers, and new and exciting lands to the west. The characters will take your heart by storm and the land they travel through will come alive with sounds and nature. The storyline is indeed very well written and edited, woven to capture the hearts of all that read it. You certainly will not want to miss BN Rundell’s first book in the new Plainsman Western Series, “The Trail to Redemption” is available NOW!!!
• ASIN: B09HSXB78H
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 11/17/2021
• File Size: 4229 KB
• Print Length: 241 pages
• Genre: Louis L'Amour Westerns, Classic American Fiction, Frontier & Pioneer Western Fiction
October 4, 2022
Revenge! Sure it is a common trope in westerns, but it is one that gets my attention each and every time. “You done my family wrong, now you gotta die!” “You shot my dog, now you gotta die!” “You killed my woman, now you gotta die!”, and the list goes on and on, and I live each and every one.
I came across B. N. Rundell’s The Trail To Redemption: The Plainsmen Western Series Book One a few months ago. It finally weaned its way to the top of my pile. I picked it up and tore through it like a twister!
Reuben Grundy is a soldier in the Union forces during the American Civil War. His time in the army is just about done when he is wounded along with his brother. Before his brother dies, he promises to protect their parents and the rest of the family. When Reuben gets him he finds his parent murdered and their farm burnt to the ground. He finds his sister and husband alive and they tell him that it was “The Home Guard” who did this. Men who are taking advantage of homesteaders, killing them then taking everything of value. The lowest of the low. Reuben goes on the trail of revenge to make these men pay. Reuben discovers that there is more than one home guard. It is a terrible job, but he is fighting for what is right. He will not stop until his God-given job is done.
As a revenge tale goes, this one is close to the top of the list for my favorite. You have a troubled hero who has had a belly full of killing in the war. He understands that he may have to kill again to stop these men from committing evil acts in the name of the home guard. He also understands that revenge may have to take a back seat to doing what is right. The writing is solid, and the story flows quickly. Reuben Grundy is a hero that I enjoyed following. I look further to his next adventures.
The one gripe I have is that the story gets a bit repetitive. Early on Reuben gets his vengeance, but as he travels west with a mother and son, he hears word of another home guard attacking innocent farmers and goes back on the trail. It keeps the story going, but there could have been other things to get the hero embroiled in aside from more vengeance.
All in all I give this 4 bookmarks out of 5!
I came across B. N. Rundell’s The Trail To Redemption: The Plainsmen Western Series Book One a few months ago. It finally weaned its way to the top of my pile. I picked it up and tore through it like a twister!
Reuben Grundy is a soldier in the Union forces during the American Civil War. His time in the army is just about done when he is wounded along with his brother. Before his brother dies, he promises to protect their parents and the rest of the family. When Reuben gets him he finds his parent murdered and their farm burnt to the ground. He finds his sister and husband alive and they tell him that it was “The Home Guard” who did this. Men who are taking advantage of homesteaders, killing them then taking everything of value. The lowest of the low. Reuben goes on the trail of revenge to make these men pay. Reuben discovers that there is more than one home guard. It is a terrible job, but he is fighting for what is right. He will not stop until his God-given job is done.
As a revenge tale goes, this one is close to the top of the list for my favorite. You have a troubled hero who has had a belly full of killing in the war. He understands that he may have to kill again to stop these men from committing evil acts in the name of the home guard. He also understands that revenge may have to take a back seat to doing what is right. The writing is solid, and the story flows quickly. Reuben Grundy is a hero that I enjoyed following. I look further to his next adventures.
The one gripe I have is that the story gets a bit repetitive. Early on Reuben gets his vengeance, but as he travels west with a mother and son, he hears word of another home guard attacking innocent farmers and goes back on the trail. It keeps the story going, but there could have been other things to get the hero embroiled in aside from more vengeance.
All in all I give this 4 bookmarks out of 5!
May 24, 2022
Every time he squeezed the trigger, somebody died. He thought it was just the way of the war, but after taking a couple bullets and being mustered out, it continued. When he stood over the ashes of his family’s farm and stared at their graves, the same bile rose in his throat, and he knew somebody was going to have to pay… and pay with their blood.
This was to be the beginning of a blood hunt that would take Reuben Grundy across four states, pit him against renegade outlaws posing as the Home Guard for the north, the Bushwhackers of Captain Quantrill and the men in butternut and grey, as well as the mighty Pawnee of the plains. His father had taught young Reuben to never look for others to do what needs to be done, even if it means putting his life on the line. And Reuben would do just that, with his training as one of Berdan’s Sharpshooters at the outset of the war between the states, and his own time beside his father in the woods, Reuben was destined to become one of the most feared hunters of the plains.
Whether it was for man or beast, when his sights settled on the target, death was sure to follow.
This was to be the beginning of a blood hunt that would take Reuben Grundy across four states, pit him against renegade outlaws posing as the Home Guard for the north, the Bushwhackers of Captain Quantrill and the men in butternut and grey, as well as the mighty Pawnee of the plains. His father had taught young Reuben to never look for others to do what needs to be done, even if it means putting his life on the line. And Reuben would do just that, with his training as one of Berdan’s Sharpshooters at the outset of the war between the states, and his own time beside his father in the woods, Reuben was destined to become one of the most feared hunters of the plains.
Whether it was for man or beast, when his sights settled on the target, death was sure to follow.
May 13, 2022
Darn good story, very good reading
Well, I am surprised. I read a western semi romance story one day, now I have read everything C J Petit has written. Today I just finished a very good well written story about late/post civil war written by a minister.
I don't normally enjoy either genre, BUT SO FAR BOTH AUTHORS HAVE ME HOOKED.
Great characters all around, very well written, thoroughly enjoyable story, what more can I ask for. EXCEPT MORE! So I bought book two and will look for more books by this fine writer.
Thank you Mr Rundell
Well, I am surprised. I read a western semi romance story one day, now I have read everything C J Petit has written. Today I just finished a very good well written story about late/post civil war written by a minister.
I don't normally enjoy either genre, BUT SO FAR BOTH AUTHORS HAVE ME HOOKED.
Great characters all around, very well written, thoroughly enjoyable story, what more can I ask for. EXCEPT MORE! So I bought book two and will look for more books by this fine writer.
Thank you Mr Rundell
October 26, 2022
We, in this household, love reading a good historical western. This story is filled with history, Civil War horrors and civilians that suffered loss and hardship during the 1862 era. Young soldiers returned home to burned out ruined farms where bootleggers had taken advantage of young men being gone to war; farmers crops were torched, and families slain; all of this done by crude gangs who terrorized communities. This book was well written, and we enjoyed a hero or heroine within the pages. Thanks for a great read!
February 28, 2022
Great
It was a fascinating look into the past. With the end of slavery and the men returning home. Reuben returned from the union army being a sniper. having watched his brother die. When he returned to the farm of his family he found. It burned to the ground. His parents and younger brother murdered by a group of men pretending to be protectors . He followed their rampage of murder. Read it to find out what happens.
It was a fascinating look into the past. With the end of slavery and the men returning home. Reuben returned from the union army being a sniper. having watched his brother die. When he returned to the farm of his family he found. It burned to the ground. His parents and younger brother murdered by a group of men pretending to be protectors . He followed their rampage of murder. Read it to find out what happens.
April 17, 2023
One Good Man, One Woman & Child Travel West
This story is placed at the end of the Civil War as the two sides battled to a close, people tired of the war fled west, and those folks already settled in the upper mid-west helped the Travelers on their way. The author has crafted a strong new main character, Rueben, who safely leads a small group of folks to Ft Kearney on the 1st leg of their journey to Oregon.
This story is placed at the end of the Civil War as the two sides battled to a close, people tired of the war fled west, and those folks already settled in the upper mid-west helped the Travelers on their way. The author has crafted a strong new main character, Rueben, who safely leads a small group of folks to Ft Kearney on the 1st leg of their journey to Oregon.
November 21, 2021
Love western stories.
The story is very relevant considering today"s
controversies over racism and such. The main character accepts everyone for who they are as a Christian man. This is shorter than his other stories but just as goid
The story is very relevant considering today"s
controversies over racism and such. The main character accepts everyone for who they are as a Christian man. This is shorter than his other stories but just as goid
December 3, 2021
A pure entertaining western, thanks to Rundell's attention to the genre, detail and history. Great story of a Civil War vet that has to deal with personal loss, revenge and redemption as he makes his way west. A quick and action filled read. Highly recommend.
December 17, 2021
Good Read
Active western without the appeal to base attractions. It is good for all family enjoyment and relaxed reading. It has the right mention of spiritual beliefs for effective witness.
Active western without the appeal to base attractions. It is good for all family enjoyment and relaxed reading. It has the right mention of spiritual beliefs for effective witness.
December 28, 2021
Great story
Always a good story from this author. Good strong characters lots of intrigue and plots and action. Always look forward to reading a story from this author no matter how many times I have read it before
Always a good story from this author. Good strong characters lots of intrigue and plots and action. Always look forward to reading a story from this author no matter how many times I have read it before
February 10, 2022
a great story
Delightful read, sturdy characters, and plenty of adventure mid Civil War.
This will be a great series just because of the writers skills.
Onto number two.
Thank you B.N. Randell.
Delightful read, sturdy characters, and plenty of adventure mid Civil War.
This will be a great series just because of the writers skills.
Onto number two.
Thank you B.N. Randell.
April 20, 2022
After reading the first two books I wondered why I read the second book. Simple storylines that just get played over and over again. Shallow characters with religious references that (my guess) reflect the author's personal beliefs. It reads like Ground Hog Day.
April 22, 2022
Review
I like Mountain Man stories and the cover lead me to believe this was such a story. It was way to late in the history of America to be that kind if a story. It was a good story. It covered parts of the civil war I had not thought about. War is terrible!
I like Mountain Man stories and the cover lead me to believe this was such a story. It was way to late in the history of America to be that kind if a story. It was a good story. It covered parts of the civil war I had not thought about. War is terrible!
September 17, 2022
5 Stars
First book in the Plainsman series by B.N. Runnell. When Reuben Gundry returned from the war he found his family's farm burned to the ground and his parents and younger brother murdered. He vowed to get justice for his family. And followed the murderer's trail west.
First book in the Plainsman series by B.N. Runnell. When Reuben Gundry returned from the war he found his family's farm burned to the ground and his parents and younger brother murdered. He vowed to get justice for his family. And followed the murderer's trail west.
March 18, 2023
a story of war
This man had lost most all his family while fighting in the civil war. When he went home he found only 1 sister. He goes after the killers with a vengeance and succeeds then moved on further west. Pretty good with Christian values in it
This man had lost most all his family while fighting in the civil war. When he went home he found only 1 sister. He goes after the killers with a vengeance and succeeds then moved on further west. Pretty good with Christian values in it
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June 18, 2023Revenge
What would anyone do when you come and find your family slaughter. You seek the killers. But his journey becomes longer when not only group but groups of home guard raid pillars and murder farmers. His common sense won me as his character evolved throughout the book.
What would anyone do when you come and find your family slaughter. You seek the killers. But his journey becomes longer when not only group but groups of home guard raid pillars and murder farmers. His common sense won me as his character evolved throughout the book.
July 24, 2023
Great story like the rest of his!
Enjoyed this book! It had the same great storyline and ability to grab you like the other books by him and yet give you a whole new plot! Awesome writing!
Enjoyed this book! It had the same great storyline and ability to grab you like the other books by him and yet give you a whole new plot! Awesome writing!
March 10, 2025
Ride the Trail
People old and young were affected by our bloody civil war. The main character in this book was but he thought he was coming home to peace but he was not. Great read. Mr. Randell has become my favorite author. Big D
People old and young were affected by our bloody civil war. The main character in this book was but he thought he was coming home to peace but he was not. Great read. Mr. Randell has become my favorite author. Big D
November 21, 2021
Great read
Love this author's writing. Wonderful storyteller and vivid descriptions. Am glad to read of the plan of salvation. Highly recommended.
Love this author's writing. Wonderful storyteller and vivid descriptions. Am glad to read of the plan of salvation. Highly recommended.
November 26, 2021
great start to a new series
Great storyline
Author keeps you flipping pages wanting more of the story
Love the way he weaves the characters in the book. Highly recommend this book
Great storyline
Author keeps you flipping pages wanting more of the story
Love the way he weaves the characters in the book. Highly recommend this book
December 1, 2021
Another good one
As usual Mr.Rundell has done a great job of holding my interest throughout another great story. I will be anxiously awaiting volume 2.
As usual Mr.Rundell has done a great job of holding my interest throughout another great story. I will be anxiously awaiting volume 2.
December 6, 2021
Another great read!
A nice story with a great plot! The characters were believable. Also, I appreciate the positive moral part of the story.
A nice story with a great plot! The characters were believable. Also, I appreciate the positive moral part of the story.
December 17, 2021
Good Tale
First part: taking care of murdering scum; second: making it to Fort Kearney. All plausible, all interesting. Looking to book 3.
First part: taking care of murdering scum; second: making it to Fort Kearney. All plausible, all interesting. Looking to book 3.
December 19, 2021
Typical western
Only problem with the book is that the author just repeats himself in the book just changing the the names of the people involved.
Only problem with the book is that the author just repeats himself in the book just changing the the names of the people involved.
January 5, 2022
Good book!
I always enjoy Mr. Rundell's writings and I was not disappointed with this one.Looking forward to the next book in this series
I always enjoy Mr. Rundell's writings and I was not disappointed with this one.Looking forward to the next book in this series
January 27, 2022
Rufus
Said Rufus was dead, 2/3 pgs later put a dead body on Rufus to bury it. A heck of a mule, should have been named Lazarus.
Said Rufus was dead, 2/3 pgs later put a dead body on Rufus to bury it. A heck of a mule, should have been named Lazarus.
March 23, 2022
Amazing!
Bro.. Russell is a most prolific writer. He just keeps the great books com. He is truly a God sent gift.
Bro.. Russell is a most prolific writer. He just keeps the great books com. He is truly a God sent gift.
April 11, 2022
Great reading
Can't wait to read book 2. Good story line and held my interest throughout. B.N Rundell is an excellent writer.
Can't wait to read book 2. Good story line and held my interest throughout. B.N Rundell is an excellent writer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews