With plenty of time on his hands, Gabriel Wolff, the infamous retired gunman, has begun to take stock of his life. His soul-searching has led him to have regrets about the choices he made in his past. When the mayor of a wild cattle town in Kansas recruits him to be their city marshal, he sees his chance to rewrite his legacy. Gabriel quickly learns that reputation will go only so far in corralling the cowboys and outlaws that frequent Crystal City. A young deputy full of bravado and a sassy, easy on the eyes saloonkeeper also have him stepping into unfamiliar territory. As Gabriel begins to rewrite his narrative, he finds that not only has the story changed, but so has he. The trouble is that he just might die before he’s able to tame the town and enjoy his new life.
Duane Boehm grew up on a farm outside of Petersburg, Illinois. All the time spent driving a tractor gave him plenty of opportunity to let his imagination run wild and not tear up too much equipment. The two passions he developed early in life were the love of playing guitar and reading books.
He eventually moved to a mini-farm outside of Murfreesboro, Tennessee with his wife and replaced planting corn with trees and raising dogs. For a number of years he worked as an IT consultant and continued with being a part-time musician and songwriter. He dabbled in writing short stories with the idea in the back of his mind that someday he would write a novel. One Christmas after watching "A Christmas Carol", he was inspired to begin his journey as a novelist.
BEING AN OLD FART IS NO EXCUSE FOR NOT TRYING TO CHANGE YOUR WAYS, BETTER YOURSELF & YOUR REPUTATION
☆☆☆☆☆
Never Too Old (Never Too Old Westerns Book 1) by Duane Boehm is a western novel that has it all from good guys and villains, to interesting and inspiring people who you will find yourself drawn to what's going to happen next, to romance and relationships between both old acquaintances and new. The one thing that stands out in this story is that the main character, Gabriel, is as old as dirt. Well, not really but at 70 years old it seems that way when it comes to him taking on a new career as the city marshal of Crystal City, Kansas.
Gabriel has a history that in his later days, he would like to somewhat rewrite his current legacy from a hired gun to a man with ethics and morals, and a man who would be looked at in a positive manner in future generations.
From young characters to old, from grumpy old men to sweet and loving townsfolk, to ruthless killers, this book has it all. It's well written, the main characters are those you'll find easily to relate to and even see yourself in their shoes going through their daily lives dealing with their struggles and accomplishments. You'll find yourself drawn into the story from the first page to the last and will be jonesing to start the second book in this series as soon as you complete the first book.
This is the first opportunity I have had to read any of Duane Boehm's works and I can honestly tell you it will not be the last. I have really enjoyed reading this, being an old fart myself, there is a lot to relate to when it comes to viewing your past when age starts creeping in and you realize your immortality is not reality. Your time on this earth is limited and you might want to mend your ways.
Again, like I stated, I really enjoyed this first book and have already finished the second and final book in this series and can tell you you will not be disappointed to read both books. I hope you will find yourself enjoying this book as much as I have.
Quotes:
"In my experience, most everything is a woman's idea. Even the things the man thinks he came up with, the woman planted the seed in his mind in the first place."
"I guess we never get too old for bad judgment."
"The thought crossed my mind that the theory that the Earth was flat probably originated in Kansas."
"No one ever said doing the right thing was the easy choice or even the preferable one."
"One of the flaws of the human condition is that by the time a man had a little wisdom about him, he's likely too damn old to do much with it."
If you like Westerns, you've got to read this one! It was absolutely outstanding! I will now forever be a Boehm fan. It was a great story about an old gunslinger who in his later years becomes a towns sheriff and turns a lawless town into one that is now a safe place to live. In the end he also falls in love and is honored by the towns citizens as well as the then governor. Read it - you'll love it!
Gabriel and Long John are called upon to assist in taming a town of cut throat outlaw gangs!
Another Duane Boehm five star masterpiece that leaves no stone unturned in his outstandingly descriptive renditions of realistic old American western folklore adventures! Gabriel, a man of few words, but means what he says, is called upon by the Mayor of this otherwise peaceful community to end the ongoing hardships facing them! The Author's outstanding storylines are very descriptive, and definitely entertaining revelations, in the way Gabriel, and crew, goes about their business in bringing justice to those responsible for their wrongful misdeeds! Too, the character selections could not have been any better portrayed in their commanding assignments throughout this compelling western series of unending gunfighting excursions! Most definitely recommend this compassionately, and definitely heartwarming, series of how our old American western frontier was finally tamed! You dyed in the wool western fanatics will certainly be appeased, cover to cover, as Gabriel, and his crew of dedicated lawmen, along with selected City personnel, go about their efforts to bring peace and stability to their beloved community! You non-western readers will most definitely, find yourselves hard put to lay this book aside until the final paragraph has been read!!!😃
I've said in most of my previous reviews of his novels that it is the terrific characters and the dialogue between them that distinguishes him from most other Western writers. His supporting characters are often very integral to the story. Such is the case with Mayor Clarence Dodge, a likeable politician for a change. I've read all of his books and have never been disappointed.
I have read every book written by DB. I have even had the privilege of a few emails from him. But this one to me is the best! All of his books have really been a treasure to me. Maybe this is my favorite cause I am old and have ammends to make. But this author is my dude! I love u DB!!!
This is another five star western story by a writer who rates at the top of western story writers of today. His characters are all believable and the reader quickly learns to care about them. His stories keep you interested from the first page to the very end.
Yes, it was that good. The story held my interest throughout and was typical of the excellent writing that I and many others have come to expect from this author. If you are into this genre then this book is a must-read.
Duane Boehm always provides a good read. This was one of his best. Lots of action and a nice touch of romance. I loved the characters, and as usual Boehm draws the readers into his characters, and they become friends you care about (or enemies you hate). Easy to give this novel five stars.
Gabriel is a retired gun fighter. He and his pal, Long John have been down a lot of trails. At 70 years old, he has quite a reputation, so when he saw a man staring at him in a Denver saloon, he was ready for action. Turned out it was a job offer to be a city marshal in a small Kansas town. Between outlaw gands and cattle drives through town, the city marshal job is often vacant. Plenty of action as they clean up the town.
This was a great story and I wished it hadn't ended. The story had great characters and was something you could relate to. The author is very talented in creating stories with that human touch. The amount of action and suspense was well done. You just could not figure out where it was going and what was to happen. The ending was nice. Well done Duane
Old, well at least older, gun men - Gabriel Wolff and his cohort Long John - bring law and order to Crystal City, Kansas, a rough and tumble cow town. Seventy years old Gabriel, supported by five loyal deputies, turns his life around proving you are never TOO old to choose to help other and leave a legacy of honor.
My first read of this author. It will not be the last. It was beautifully written. Totally full of grit and interesting characters as two old friends ride out to rewrite a little bit of personal history. Their past history had been anything but pretty. This time they're on the side of the law. In fact, they are the law...
This was a book that once started, you can not put down The writer weaves the characters together very well. Love the storyline and ending. I would highly recommend this book
I don't think I can tell you that I have read many books that a main character is my age, since I have past the age of 70. A good story the author understands the day to day world of being old and still have the need to do.something positive
As an avid van of the TV western Gunsmoke, I pictured Gabrial as Matt later in life and Tilly as Ms. Kitty. It was an inspiring read about the ability to change if you really want to.
Gabriel just turn 70. He had been a hired gun all of his life. He became a sheriff to reinvent his image and leave a legacy. He made a new life full of adventures, friends and love. Excellent story filled with colorful characters.
Just an all around good book. One of the few I did not want to end. Been reading westerns books for around 55 years. I'll remember this one. Read enjoy, and have a great life.
I really enjoyed this book and especially since I have attained the Gray hair status I fully enjoyed that the whole book and growing old is only a state of mind.
Gabriel and his old friend John took the job of sheriff and assistant in the Kansas town. They didn't know how it would end. When the cattle and Cowboys started coming it would be time to make it happen or get killed trying. It would be a courageous time
A great book with the right amount of gunfights and outlaws to keep you turning the pages. The characters are perfect! With humor and serious conflicts that are so real. I'm enjoying every minute of this series.
Another good read from Mr. Boehm.Thoroughly enjoyed this western novel as much as his others.They are all great reads.You have done it again.Thank you.
Somewhat different plot, interesting characters. Excellent and quick read perfect for a cosy day. I discovered a new author. Like characters who were seniors