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Joy To The Just
When a mild-mannered undertaker in 1870s Oklahoma loses two friends to outlaw violence, he swears vengeance and sets out to make himself an instrument of frontier justice. The results are more complicated, funnier, and far less satisfying than he hoped. A new novel of the old west by the author of DEVIL UP.
"It is joy to the just to do judgment, but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity." (Proverbs 21:15)
"It is joy to the just to do judgment, but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity." (Proverbs 21:15)
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 17, 2022
216 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
T.R. Pearson
34 books274 followersThomas Reid Pearson is an American novelist born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He is the author of seventeen novels and four works of non-fiction under his own name, including A Short History of a Small Place, Cry Me A River, Jerusalem Gap, and Seaworthy, and has written three additional novels -- Ranchero, Beluga, and Nowhere Nice -- under the pseudonym Rick Gavin. Pearson has also ghostwritten several other books, both fiction and nonfiction, and has written or co-written various feature film and TV scripts.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 29, 2022
another Joy to read from TR
TR fans (and we are many) know him lately for detective tales and mysteries with quirky characters and a great deal of humor. But long time fans also treasure his early novels that take us deep into the Southern Psyche in a way few writers can ever bring to life.
Now TR is returning to his roots, in a way, with a Western theme about three misfits who seem surprised to find themselves employed as bounty hunters.
Only TR would see fit to placing a South Sea giant in a crew of outlaw seekers, along with an undertaker and failed criminal. But if you think the hero’s are strange, wait until you meet the outlaws.
TR Pearson is a national treasure and I don’t mind saying so. His books keep you engaged, make you worried, and get you to laugh out loud every few pages. His characters are exactly that, “characters” that you wind up hoping remain safely within the pages of his books and I ain’t kidding.
The price of this novel is practically free. Stop reading reviews and start enjoying Joy to the Just.
TR fans (and we are many) know him lately for detective tales and mysteries with quirky characters and a great deal of humor. But long time fans also treasure his early novels that take us deep into the Southern Psyche in a way few writers can ever bring to life.
Now TR is returning to his roots, in a way, with a Western theme about three misfits who seem surprised to find themselves employed as bounty hunters.
Only TR would see fit to placing a South Sea giant in a crew of outlaw seekers, along with an undertaker and failed criminal. But if you think the hero’s are strange, wait until you meet the outlaws.
TR Pearson is a national treasure and I don’t mind saying so. His books keep you engaged, make you worried, and get you to laugh out loud every few pages. His characters are exactly that, “characters” that you wind up hoping remain safely within the pages of his books and I ain’t kidding.
The price of this novel is practically free. Stop reading reviews and start enjoying Joy to the Just.
November 26, 2023
So I had really loved the first book in this series but i struggled reading this one. The problem with it is that the story just repeats itself endlessly. There really wasn't anything in the plot to keep my attention... Which is sad.
I remember it took me 3 days to struggle through this book as I just wanted to read something else instead of this..but I kept at it and I did indeed finish it. Actually finished it awhile ago but for unknown reasons the review from my kindle never posted itself here?
But this story was about an undertaker turned bounty hunter. He was searching for this outlaw who had killed his two employees. The undertaker is not really a killer but he had to learn how to be one. And then he meets this island savage (who I actually remember very well) named Mungo (boy I even remember his name!) And they start going after bounties.
Now in here the main character had some plan to teach his horse to come at a whistle. Its mentioned throughout the book. But its only mentioned. Either the author himself has no idea to actually teach a horse stuff (???) or else the character just had the idea and just too lazy to actually DO it. But nothing much comes of it. Even though his horse is on the cover. In fact his horse is rarely mentioned.
Now who SHOULD be on the cover of this book is the cow. Yes, a COW. The cow has a huge role. So why is there a horse on the cover I have no idea.
In one scene I did have some worry about the cow. For the cow's safety. I admit that.
This story actually sticks in your head very well. I guess its better than I had thought. So because of that I will raise my rating to 4 stars. I mean it was quite awhile ago i read this one. Maybe a month?
But the plot is basically the same thing over and over and over. Go catch (shoot) the outlaws, wrap the dead corpse in fabric, put it on a horse and go hand it in to the Marshall. It got kind of boring. So you are just reading and hoping it ends soon.
The first book had very intriguing characters. This one doesn't. And that is the difference. Its more revenge driven.
I remember it took me 3 days to struggle through this book as I just wanted to read something else instead of this..but I kept at it and I did indeed finish it. Actually finished it awhile ago but for unknown reasons the review from my kindle never posted itself here?
But this story was about an undertaker turned bounty hunter. He was searching for this outlaw who had killed his two employees. The undertaker is not really a killer but he had to learn how to be one. And then he meets this island savage (who I actually remember very well) named Mungo (boy I even remember his name!) And they start going after bounties.
Now in here the main character had some plan to teach his horse to come at a whistle. Its mentioned throughout the book. But its only mentioned. Either the author himself has no idea to actually teach a horse stuff (???) or else the character just had the idea and just too lazy to actually DO it. But nothing much comes of it. Even though his horse is on the cover. In fact his horse is rarely mentioned.
Now who SHOULD be on the cover of this book is the cow. Yes, a COW. The cow has a huge role. So why is there a horse on the cover I have no idea.
In one scene I did have some worry about the cow. For the cow's safety. I admit that.
This story actually sticks in your head very well. I guess its better than I had thought. So because of that I will raise my rating to 4 stars. I mean it was quite awhile ago i read this one. Maybe a month?
But the plot is basically the same thing over and over and over. Go catch (shoot) the outlaws, wrap the dead corpse in fabric, put it on a horse and go hand it in to the Marshall. It got kind of boring. So you are just reading and hoping it ends soon.
The first book had very intriguing characters. This one doesn't. And that is the difference. Its more revenge driven.
September 12, 2022
Reading a book by TR Pearson is a bit like going on a road trip with an old friend or a beloved family member. Your not sure what adventure you are going to have at the outset. And your not sure what new and interesting things you are going to see along the way. But you know you are going to have fine, learn some things, and see something new. No less is true of Amoy to the Just.
This book is, as much as anything, an exploration of the various ways we communicate with those we love. It is also a story of personal growth and maturation. How do we find our way in an uncertain world? And especially after we have tried and failed at various things, I.e., marriages, parenting, careers, etc. what lies at the heart of this book is the magical power of love. And more than romantic love. This book will leave you thinking and reflecting for a long time.
One of the best books I’ve read in a good while.
This book is, as much as anything, an exploration of the various ways we communicate with those we love. It is also a story of personal growth and maturation. How do we find our way in an uncertain world? And especially after we have tried and failed at various things, I.e., marriages, parenting, careers, etc. what lies at the heart of this book is the magical power of love. And more than romantic love. This book will leave you thinking and reflecting for a long time.
One of the best books I’ve read in a good while.
February 9, 2022
Loved it. To be fair, I love just about anything T.R. Pearson writes. I would probably read his grocery list. If you are a redneck, or a Southerner, you know this guy. You are related to this guy. This is a kind of old west Ray Tatum, and if you don't know Ray, shame on you!!
November 27, 2023
Best set of novels I’ve come across in a long time!
This author can get you laughing and keep you interested ( no skipping paragraphs in these tales.). Probably the best characters and plot of any novels I’ve run across in a long time. Maybe more realistic than you care to believe. The old west was no walk in the park whether you settled there or just tried to make your way through trying to get somewhere else.
This author can get you laughing and keep you interested ( no skipping paragraphs in these tales.). Probably the best characters and plot of any novels I’ve run across in a long time. Maybe more realistic than you care to believe. The old west was no walk in the park whether you settled there or just tried to make your way through trying to get somewhere else.
April 5, 2022
TRP Bounty Hunter
Still word for word best writer around. Strap on and have some fun. Just enough back story to get the reader oriented, then the characters get dropped and the adventure is off. Fantastical yet totally plausible and fun story telling once you accept the premise with a characteristic TRP climax - not so much showy as satisfying and even hopeful.
Still word for word best writer around. Strap on and have some fun. Just enough back story to get the reader oriented, then the characters get dropped and the adventure is off. Fantastical yet totally plausible and fun story telling once you accept the premise with a characteristic TRP climax - not so much showy as satisfying and even hopeful.
January 26, 2023
Top quality
An interesting story and way of life. It's sort of a "any job worth doing is worth doing right" story. I loved all the main characters! I recommend tis book to anyone who enjoys a good story, unless you're not one who can stomach human cruelty to other humans. Lots of blood, guts, and rotting corpses. I rated this book 5
An interesting story and way of life. It's sort of a "any job worth doing is worth doing right" story. I loved all the main characters! I recommend tis book to anyone who enjoys a good story, unless you're not one who can stomach human cruelty to other humans. Lots of blood, guts, and rotting corpses. I rated this book 5
January 26, 2022
Satisfying read
Mr Pearson has the most unique handle on the English language that I have experienced. The only one better would be Sam Clemens. I can assure you of some chuckles and grins and a story that will leave a satisfying feeling that only a good story can leave.
Mr Pearson has the most unique handle on the English language that I have experienced. The only one better would be Sam Clemens. I can assure you of some chuckles and grins and a story that will leave a satisfying feeling that only a good story can leave.
February 10, 2022
Perfection
Every book of TR Pearson's that I read gets better and better. I love stories of the old West. I love sharp wit and humor. And as the milkmaid to some Ayrshires, I love dairy cows and their quirky personalities. This book had it all and more.
Every book of TR Pearson's that I read gets better and better. I love stories of the old West. I love sharp wit and humor. And as the milkmaid to some Ayrshires, I love dairy cows and their quirky personalities. This book had it all and more.
March 14, 2022
Wonderful story teller
I've read at least a dozen of his books and he has several styles of writing. Most authors see to write only one way, this is not the case with Mr. Pearson . It is truly a delight to explore his books.
I've read at least a dozen of his books and he has several styles of writing. Most authors see to write only one way, this is not the case with Mr. Pearson . It is truly a delight to explore his books.
May 25, 2022
unique characterizations of some unique characters
Fast paced. Easy to read. Quirky yet (and?) comforting despite the gore…it was the Wild West after all. Well worth finding and reading
Fast paced. Easy to read. Quirky yet (and?) comforting despite the gore…it was the Wild West after all. Well worth finding and reading
June 19, 2022
Witty, Wry, Great Characters
Can’t say I ever read Westerns, but this is a winner. Had me laughing out loud in quite a few spots. I really enjoyed the author’s wry and intelligent sense of humor.
Can’t say I ever read Westerns, but this is a winner. Had me laughing out loud in quite a few spots. I really enjoyed the author’s wry and intelligent sense of humor.
July 20, 2022
recommended for bounty hunters
Good read if you like a lot of killings. Painted a vivid picture of a fictional west. Interesting characters. Kept me wanting to turn the page to find out what was going to happen next. Like author’s storytelling style. Easy reading.
Good read if you like a lot of killings. Painted a vivid picture of a fictional west. Interesting characters. Kept me wanting to turn the page to find out what was going to happen next. Like author’s storytelling style. Easy reading.
December 1, 2022
Love this book!
Everything by TR Pearson is beautifully written and such a pleasure to read. I’ve read almost every one of his books, but now I savor them. Might have to start rereading with Short History of a Small Place.
Everything by TR Pearson is beautifully written and such a pleasure to read. I’ve read almost every one of his books, but now I savor them. Might have to start rereading with Short History of a Small Place.
January 26, 2023
very enjoyable read
Though the descriptions were shocking, there was a matter of fact statement to them. I really appreciated the humor, the characters, the precise telling of the story and the appropriate length of the Noel.
Though the descriptions were shocking, there was a matter of fact statement to them. I really appreciated the humor, the characters, the precise telling of the story and the appropriate length of the Noel.
January 4, 2024
I totally like this new discovery .
I read Devil up first which is a fast page turning story to follow. Joy to the just, is another good story. I am ready to read the third book to see if it is as good. I recently discovered this author and hope all his writing is as enjoyable.
I read Devil up first which is a fast page turning story to follow. Joy to the just, is another good story. I am ready to read the third book to see if it is as good. I recently discovered this author and hope all his writing is as enjoyable.
April 26, 2024
Easy read
This is an easy read. Just full of killing and meanness but written in a humorous dry witted way of a cowboy even if he didn't Chase cows but ended up chasing outlaws. Mr Pearson has just become one of my favorite writers.
This is an easy read. Just full of killing and meanness but written in a humorous dry witted way of a cowboy even if he didn't Chase cows but ended up chasing outlaws. Mr Pearson has just become one of my favorite writers.
July 2, 2024
Wild, wild West
What an interesting book! Wild and unsettled land all around, seemingly, and everyone was free to take whatever they wanted, killing for the sport of it! Fascinating story, well written .
What an interesting book! Wild and unsettled land all around, seemingly, and everyone was free to take whatever they wanted, killing for the sport of it! Fascinating story, well written .
July 14, 2025
glad to ride along
This was a page turner and an imagination igniter. Righteousness was abounding, delivered in measured, mannerly way. Characters that you can get behind, human and animal. I loved it!
This was a page turner and an imagination igniter. Righteousness was abounding, delivered in measured, mannerly way. Characters that you can get behind, human and animal. I loved it!
January 22, 2022
Most Entertaining
You will smile from amusement and wonder at the imaginative wild west story you are about to be transported through.
You will smile from amusement and wonder at the imaginative wild west story you are about to be transported through.
February 13, 2022
Joy to the Just
Well written western tale of Dansel in distress being rescued by men on horses wrong being righted and not Judging everyone by how they look
Well written western tale of Dansel in distress being rescued by men on horses wrong being righted and not Judging everyone by how they look
February 14, 2022
Joy to the Just, a joy to read. A rollicking good time following an odd group of bounty hunters on a mission. I'm pretty sure there was a smile on my face the entire time I was reading.
Read
February 22, 2022Very interesting story about the Plains with very interesting, unique characters.
I would recommend if you like stories about the settlement and wild days of the West in the 1800's.
I would recommend if you like stories about the settlement and wild days of the West in the 1800's.
September 18, 2022
loved it!
I enjoy TR Pearson’s books. And this one didn’t disappoint! I enjoy his characters and the humor he brings into his books. Such stories he comes up with!!
I enjoy TR Pearson’s books. And this one didn’t disappoint! I enjoy his characters and the humor he brings into his books. Such stories he comes up with!!
December 28, 2022
Awesome
Great western yarn. Really like this writer's style. Held my attention, now looking for another of his books! Thank you.
Great western yarn. Really like this writer's style. Held my attention, now looking for another of his books! Thank you.
April 2, 2023
Suits me
Easy to read, flows well, likable characters, a thread of homespun morality runs through it. Maybe not for everyone, but it suits me
Easy to read, flows well, likable characters, a thread of homespun morality runs through it. Maybe not for everyone, but it suits me
May 10, 2023
Adventure in the Wild,Wild West
A tale of survival in the old west with most interesting, unusual and descriptive characters that hold your attention with their activities.
A tale of survival in the old west with most interesting, unusual and descriptive characters that hold your attention with their activities.
August 6, 2024
your imagination
Is absolutely wonderful how do you think of these characters and descriptions. I love your books and hope to read many more.
Is absolutely wonderful how do you think of these characters and descriptions. I love your books and hope to read many more.
March 14, 2023
My second book by this author. I didn't like it quite as much as Devil Up, but it was another solid, fun, engaging read.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews