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Ben Savage, Saloon Ranger #3
Slaughter at Wolf Creek
National bestselling Western authors William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone return with another breakneck, trigger-happy historical western featuring the redoubtable saloon ranger Ben Savage.
JOHNSTONE COUNTRY. ALL SHOTS ON THE HOUSE.
Running a small town saloon is no easy task, even for a former Texas Ranger like Ben Savage. A lot of men get mean after a few shots of hooch. Some get violent. Others get revenge—bloody, bloody revenge . . .
SLAUGHTERDAY NIGHT
There’s a new stranger in town, and he goes by the name of Lucas Blaine. Some folks say he’s the fastest gun in the West. But Ben Savage don’t put much stock in what folks say—until the killing starts. So far, Blaine has his sights set on just one a pretty widow who’s staying with the wife of a Baptist preacher. No one knows what the connection is between the two, but the local sheriff isn’t taking any chances. In the past, he’s relied on Ben Savage to help keep Wolf Creek from becoming target practice for gunslingers. But this time, a woman is involved. And the gunslinger’s about to turn Wolf Creek into a slaughterhouse . . .
Live Free. Read Hard.
JOHNSTONE COUNTRY. ALL SHOTS ON THE HOUSE.
Running a small town saloon is no easy task, even for a former Texas Ranger like Ben Savage. A lot of men get mean after a few shots of hooch. Some get violent. Others get revenge—bloody, bloody revenge . . .
SLAUGHTERDAY NIGHT
There’s a new stranger in town, and he goes by the name of Lucas Blaine. Some folks say he’s the fastest gun in the West. But Ben Savage don’t put much stock in what folks say—until the killing starts. So far, Blaine has his sights set on just one a pretty widow who’s staying with the wife of a Baptist preacher. No one knows what the connection is between the two, but the local sheriff isn’t taking any chances. In the past, he’s relied on Ben Savage to help keep Wolf Creek from becoming target practice for gunslingers. But this time, a woman is involved. And the gunslinger’s about to turn Wolf Creek into a slaughterhouse . . .
Live Free. Read Hard.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2022
120 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
William W. Johnstone
1,040 books1,390 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 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 19, 2022
Slaughter at Wolf Creek by William W. johnstone and J.A. Johnstone is the latest adventure with Ben Savage ex Texas ranger and now saloon owner. Some real fun events in this western although some annoying elements but I did enjoy it. The quiet town of Buzzard's Bluff contains some great characters and the action and humor is good. I must thank Netgalley, Pinnacle and Kensington for letting me read this book.
July 22, 2022
William Johnstone's Slaughter at Wolf Creek (Pinnacle Books 2022) is another excellent old west story by the master of that genre. Ben Savage, retired Texas Ranger and now owner of the local saloon in Buzzard's Bluff, is one of my favorite of Johnstone's well-established characters. He does help the town sheriff on occasion and this time, it's when a band of outlaws try to rob the town bank. They are arrested by the Sheriff and Ben before they accomplish their goal, but turns out, they are only part of the gang. When the rest of the band comes to town to free their incarcerated members, the two lawmen need more help, which comes in the form of a retired gunslinger renowned for his skill.
Great story with lots of likeable characters. I will definitely read more of this series.
Great story with lots of likeable characters. I will definitely read more of this series.
August 20, 2022
A Johnstone ghostwriter misstep. This one gravely missing the greatest strength, which over hundreds of novels can be depended on, excellent characters. I believe this is the only one of the couple hundred I've read, that has blatantly stereotypical paper-thin characters typical of a western book. After just reading the very good Johnstone 'Sons of Thunder', the quality of this one really stands out.
The linear, pretty predictable story with far too many repetitive narrative and dialogue gets irritating rereading so much over and over. A particular element that is weirdly focused is food. Usually the food is mentioned in a Johnstone tale is of jerky. Here pork chops, coffee, biscuits, meatloaf, etc. are written of. The subject of meatloaf cover pages of copy. Also continuous mention of breakfasts, dinners and suppers are covered. Even the bad guys are written at various points of meals and attaining them. Was the ghost writer hungry composing this?
It's at the 80% point that the book finally provides some real meat(loaf) to bite into. The book should've started at that point. The wandering gun man is the best constructed character.
I recall another Johnstone book of another series with an odd focus of food and a rather spare story that came out last year. Might be the same ghost writer.
I'm guessing this was a rushed entry that was fluffed to meet the page count. This could've been a short story.
I should point out that I acquired this book via NetGalley.com.
Bottom line: I don't recommend this book. 4 out of ten points.
The linear, pretty predictable story with far too many repetitive narrative and dialogue gets irritating rereading so much over and over. A particular element that is weirdly focused is food. Usually the food is mentioned in a Johnstone tale is of jerky. Here pork chops, coffee, biscuits, meatloaf, etc. are written of. The subject of meatloaf cover pages of copy. Also continuous mention of breakfasts, dinners and suppers are covered. Even the bad guys are written at various points of meals and attaining them. Was the ghost writer hungry composing this?
It's at the 80% point that the book finally provides some real meat(loaf) to bite into. The book should've started at that point. The wandering gun man is the best constructed character.
I recall another Johnstone book of another series with an odd focus of food and a rather spare story that came out last year. Might be the same ghost writer.
I'm guessing this was a rushed entry that was fluffed to meet the page count. This could've been a short story.
I should point out that I acquired this book via NetGalley.com.
Bottom line: I don't recommend this book. 4 out of ten points.
August 24, 2023
It used to be that I would read a "lust in the dust" type of story to take a break from my usual mystery and gore. I now have tried another western to do that for me, instead of the lusty romance. While they have not been fantastic books, I am finding them to be refreshing and enjoyable. I guess they take me back to a time when I eagerly awaited watching Bonanza, The Rifleman, and Paladin.
This book, turned out to be the third in a series, revolving around a retired Texas Ranger named Ben Savage. He is now 1/2 owner of the Lost Coyote Saloon, in a little-known town of Buzzards Bluff.
A group of no-Gooders rides thru and decide they will help themselves to the money in the bank. Unfortunately, things don't go as they planned. Now the town is subjected to others trying to help the hapless would-be robbers. In addition, a young man is trying to rid himself of his past and move forward, without much success, through no fault of his own. Ben Savage is called upon by the local Sheriff to help when needed.
Again, not a Pulitzer Prize winner story, but one that I enjoyed as it brought back memories of watching some of my favorite shows growing up. If time allows, I may look into the first 2 stories in this series when I need my next break.
This book, turned out to be the third in a series, revolving around a retired Texas Ranger named Ben Savage. He is now 1/2 owner of the Lost Coyote Saloon, in a little-known town of Buzzards Bluff.
A group of no-Gooders rides thru and decide they will help themselves to the money in the bank. Unfortunately, things don't go as they planned. Now the town is subjected to others trying to help the hapless would-be robbers. In addition, a young man is trying to rid himself of his past and move forward, without much success, through no fault of his own. Ben Savage is called upon by the local Sheriff to help when needed.
Again, not a Pulitzer Prize winner story, but one that I enjoyed as it brought back memories of watching some of my favorite shows growing up. If time allows, I may look into the first 2 stories in this series when I need my next break.
October 26, 2022
When someone asks for a recommendation in the western genre, there are few options. Outside Louie L"Amour and Zane Grey, I'd have to say the Johnstones. William W Johnstone and JA Johnstone are the authors of the majority of the westerns on my bookshelves. They set their stories in some of the most interesting eras in history, keeping the background stories authentic. The Johnstones have many series, each one centered around a family and an era. From settlers making their way west to ranchers in Texas to Irish immigrants across the territories and those lone men just trying to stay out of trouble, like Ben Savage. He's a former Texas Ranger who now owns a bar in Buzzard's Bluff, a small town near Wolf Creek.
When a hired gun comes to Buzzard's Bluff looking for someone, Ben knows trouble has come to town. Ben is the Sheriff's back up but this time, they may be outgunned. As always, I enjoyed this book and now must wait for book #3 in the series. Luckily the Johnstones have enough different series that I can usually find a new book in one of them when I need a book to read.
When a hired gun comes to Buzzard's Bluff looking for someone, Ben knows trouble has come to town. Ben is the Sheriff's back up but this time, they may be outgunned. As always, I enjoyed this book and now must wait for book #3 in the series. Luckily the Johnstones have enough different series that I can usually find a new book in one of them when I need a book to read.
February 21, 2023
Slaughter? What slaughter? I really didn't care much for this story. Found it rather slow and boring. Were a few interesting parts but overall, no thanks. Stupid ending too. Leaves you hanging. Or maybe just put in for the start of the next story in this series.
A gal asked Ben Savage, the main character of the series if he and his saloon partner, Rachel would ever get married. Why would he? All Rachel does is complain and whine every time Ben leaves to help out the town's sheriff. What man would want to put up with that? Ben Savage is a retired Texas Ranger, of course he is going to help any law enforcement officer.
A gal asked Ben Savage, the main character of the series if he and his saloon partner, Rachel would ever get married. Why would he? All Rachel does is complain and whine every time Ben leaves to help out the town's sheriff. What man would want to put up with that? Ben Savage is a retired Texas Ranger, of course he is going to help any law enforcement officer.
November 28, 2022
This was my first Johnstone read and will not be my last! I don't know what kept me from this genre for so long, but I absolutely loved being able to be transported to this Western Era courtesy of this book.
The story details Former Texas Ranger Ben Savage as he deals with life as a bar-owner in the town of Wolf Creek. I anticipated in a story like this the Sheriff would be the main character, but overtime I was able to establish Savage as the story's main hero.
Looking forward to more!
The story details Former Texas Ranger Ben Savage as he deals with life as a bar-owner in the town of Wolf Creek. I anticipated in a story like this the Sheriff would be the main character, but overtime I was able to establish Savage as the story's main hero.
Looking forward to more!
March 1, 2023
interesting dialogue
I love the characters that came to life in this well thought western. My kind of enjoyable time. I’ve read many William W Johnstone novels and continue to buy them regularly.
I love the characters that came to life in this well thought western. My kind of enjoyable time. I’ve read many William W Johnstone novels and continue to buy them regularly.
March 5, 2023
Great Story Again....No surprise!
Again the Johnstone 's have written another great book. It amazes me how the stories keep rolling out but always are interesting and keep you waiting on what comes next.
Again the Johnstone 's have written another great book. It amazes me how the stories keep rolling out but always are interesting and keep you waiting on what comes next.
April 13, 2023
A great series
The third in this series does not disappoint. It's well written and has plenty of action and intrigue. The strong characters make the whole series enjoyable and I hope the author picks up on them for another tale of Ben Savage.
The third in this series does not disappoint. It's well written and has plenty of action and intrigue. The strong characters make the whole series enjoyable and I hope the author picks up on them for another tale of Ben Savage.
April 25, 2023
Very good reading
I really like reading this book. It kept you interested in what was going to happen. It had everything a book should have. I am glad that I read this book and can not wait until I get the next book by William W. Johnstone.
I really like reading this book. It kept you interested in what was going to happen. It had everything a book should have. I am glad that I read this book and can not wait until I get the next book by William W. Johnstone.
November 30, 2023
Terrific western!
This story is full of detail and really brings the image alive while you're reading. Third book in this series, but first book for me. Could definitely be a standalone, I had no issues jumping in. Looking forward to more!!
This story is full of detail and really brings the image alive while you're reading. Third book in this series, but first book for me. Could definitely be a standalone, I had no issues jumping in. Looking forward to more!!
February 23, 2023
Better than most of their work
July 31, 2024
This was a refreshing read for someone who's never read a western before. Nicely written and with a story that wraps around itself without too many loose ends to worry about.
December 20, 2024
This is another good book in the Ben Savage series
February 27, 2024
24-12. Another adventure of the Saloon Ranger. So sad this adventure has ended. I borrowed this e-book from the Sacramento Public Library through the Hoopla app.
April 1, 2023
Being the third book of the series, I’ve read about saloons, gunfights, robberies and many friends living in Buzzard’s Bluff. It’s been great to see former Ranger Ben Savage in action; watch Sheriff Mack Bragg keep the peace; and Rachel who ran the saloon, watch Ben ride off to catch bad guys that happen to get away. Hubby and I love great westerns and have enjoyed this series. Thanks for great writing and grand adventures.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews