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Destitution: A Classic Western
Elijah Rable rides into Destitution looking for some fun but ends up with a badge on his chest, a price on his head, and two women vying for his heart.
Destitution is just a miserable little frontier town in the middle of nowhere. So why is the air thick with fear and greed? And why are its most powerful citizens hiring gunslingers?
Joined by a female sharpshooter with more grit than a sandstorm, Rable gets busy trying to solve the mystery. But he’d better be quick if he wants to stop the war, save the folks counting on him, and get out of Destitution alive.
From the bestselling author of the Silent Justice series, Destitution is a classic Western with a touch of romance. It’s perfect for fans of C.J. Petit and R.O. Lane.
“John Deacon writes the kind of Westerns I like to read—gritty and fun with lots of heart.” — Don Bentley, New York Times Bestselling author of the Matt Drake series and Tom Clancy Jack Ryan, Jr. novels
Destitution is just a miserable little frontier town in the middle of nowhere. So why is the air thick with fear and greed? And why are its most powerful citizens hiring gunslingers?
Joined by a female sharpshooter with more grit than a sandstorm, Rable gets busy trying to solve the mystery. But he’d better be quick if he wants to stop the war, save the folks counting on him, and get out of Destitution alive.
From the bestselling author of the Silent Justice series, Destitution is a classic Western with a touch of romance. It’s perfect for fans of C.J. Petit and R.O. Lane.
“John Deacon writes the kind of Westerns I like to read—gritty and fun with lots of heart.” — Don Bentley, New York Times Bestselling author of the Matt Drake series and Tom Clancy Jack Ryan, Jr. novels
- GenresWesterns
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2022
666 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
November 20, 2025
A SIGN OF A GREAT BOOK IS WHEN YOU'RE FINISHED YOU WANT MORE & IT'S THAT WAY WITH THIS BOOK
☆☆☆☆☆
Destitution: A Classic Western by John Deacon is a great suspense filled western thriller that will blow your mind at the conclusion of the story. The characters are well-developed, everyday people that make it easy to follow the storyline as well as pulling you into the story itself. As you read, you'll find yourself rooting for Rable as he tries to unravel what is actually going on in the town of Destitution and how to stop a deadly war before it destroys the town itself and kill the innocent residents.
This book has it all, ranchers, cowhands, gunfighters, corrupt city politicians, greedy bankers, a lumber baron, a evil banker, and evil stepsisters. But on the other side of the coin, there is a determined man who is out to help others as well as bring those to justice that prey on the weak for their own benefit. It also has it moments of humor and compassion as well as romance.
As a standalone book, once finished, you'll want more and John Deacon has left that door open for the possibility for the story continue. We can only hope that John will continue the adventures of Elijah Rable.
Quotes:
"Applegate is nuttier than a squirrel turd." 😀
"But logic does not rule supreme. The heart has its say, as does intuition. And sometimes, intuition, especially in matters of family, trumps logic."
☆☆☆☆☆
Destitution: A Classic Western by John Deacon is a great suspense filled western thriller that will blow your mind at the conclusion of the story. The characters are well-developed, everyday people that make it easy to follow the storyline as well as pulling you into the story itself. As you read, you'll find yourself rooting for Rable as he tries to unravel what is actually going on in the town of Destitution and how to stop a deadly war before it destroys the town itself and kill the innocent residents.
This book has it all, ranchers, cowhands, gunfighters, corrupt city politicians, greedy bankers, a lumber baron, a evil banker, and evil stepsisters. But on the other side of the coin, there is a determined man who is out to help others as well as bring those to justice that prey on the weak for their own benefit. It also has it moments of humor and compassion as well as romance.
As a standalone book, once finished, you'll want more and John Deacon has left that door open for the possibility for the story continue. We can only hope that John will continue the adventures of Elijah Rable.
Quotes:
"Applegate is nuttier than a squirrel turd." 😀
"But logic does not rule supreme. The heart has its say, as does intuition. And sometimes, intuition, especially in matters of family, trumps logic."
September 1, 2024
One of those very good "solo" Western's that deserve a series. Charismatic good guys/girls and bad guys/girls power a lightning fast plot that take quite original twists and turns in this exceptionally entertaining book. My thanks to John Deacon!
October 31, 2025
My review of a dawned good book.
Restitution is a really good read with some nice twists that kinda keep you guessing. I discovered John deacons books and went on to read all of them in just 3 weeks. It's rare for me to give a 5 rating, but I did on all of his except for 2. Really good story teller. Can't wait for the next one.
Restitution is a really good read with some nice twists that kinda keep you guessing. I discovered John deacons books and went on to read all of them in just 3 weeks. It's rare for me to give a 5 rating, but I did on all of his except for 2. Really good story teller. Can't wait for the next one.
May 5, 2025
honorary character bests the bullies
I like reading John Deacon’s books for the wild western setting and witty dialogue. There are learning nuggets of wisdom without being preachy. Lige, the new Marshal, stands for justice against bad behavior so instinctively, it makes me wish I could do the same! There are some twists that keep you wondering who really has the town of Destitution’s best interests in mind. I liked both main female characters and think more time could have been devoted to Cordelia. She really deserves her own book! A nice reprieve from my British Drama go-to.
I like reading John Deacon’s books for the wild western setting and witty dialogue. There are learning nuggets of wisdom without being preachy. Lige, the new Marshal, stands for justice against bad behavior so instinctively, it makes me wish I could do the same! There are some twists that keep you wondering who really has the town of Destitution’s best interests in mind. I liked both main female characters and think more time could have been devoted to Cordelia. She really deserves her own book! A nice reprieve from my British Drama go-to.
January 4, 2026
Great Story
Great story of good vs evil in the old west with some twists. Ready for more great ones from Deacon
Great story of good vs evil in the old west with some twists. Ready for more great ones from Deacon
February 13, 2023
I was surprised when I saw the author had started a third series. Not that I'm complaining because I'm not.
Elijah is a drifter who fights for justice and can't stay in any one place for too long. Upon entering the town of Destitution, he meets a beautiful bartender and declares she'll be his wife. That's all I'll say about the plot.
The book is a part mystery part western. The mystery is which of the town leaders are going to wrest control away from the other's and how they'll do it. Elijah follows the events closely while also dealing with some troubles that might be part of the mystery or not. All the characters are well drawn with clear motivations for what they want (or don't).
Elijah is the odd man out. He plays the neutral party trying to solve the mystery while not fanning the flames. There is a small love story and I'm very interested in seeing where this series goes. The editing is sharp and excellent.
5/5* Recommended.
Elijah is a drifter who fights for justice and can't stay in any one place for too long. Upon entering the town of Destitution, he meets a beautiful bartender and declares she'll be his wife. That's all I'll say about the plot.
The book is a part mystery part western. The mystery is which of the town leaders are going to wrest control away from the other's and how they'll do it. Elijah follows the events closely while also dealing with some troubles that might be part of the mystery or not. All the characters are well drawn with clear motivations for what they want (or don't).
Elijah is the odd man out. He plays the neutral party trying to solve the mystery while not fanning the flames. There is a small love story and I'm very interested in seeing where this series goes. The editing is sharp and excellent.
5/5* Recommended.
August 19, 2022
Elijah Rable rides into the unlikely town of Destitution on his way to nowhere in particular. He is soon caught up in the events of the town. Three of the biggest business owners all hiring gun fighters and a brand new bank that doesn't have any customers, but is well guarded by outlaws. They have no law, but they do have a lovely bar owner who convinces him to be the town marshal. It is a powder keg building itself up to a huge explosion if Rable can't find a way to pull the fuse first. Really enjoyable read, as they all have been.
December 22, 2022
Town in Big Trouble
Greedy men each wanting to take over the town for their own reasons share in the fight any way they can. There is a saloon owner, a lumber barron, a merchant, and a bank owner all at odds with one another when a drifter comes to town and unexpectedly becomes the town marshal. The new Marshall is good with his gun and very determined to clean up the town. A beautiful woman bartender complicates things as she is desired by Many of the towns prominate men.
The book is full of action and holds your interest well.
Greedy men each wanting to take over the town for their own reasons share in the fight any way they can. There is a saloon owner, a lumber barron, a merchant, and a bank owner all at odds with one another when a drifter comes to town and unexpectedly becomes the town marshal. The new Marshall is good with his gun and very determined to clean up the town. A beautiful woman bartender complicates things as she is desired by Many of the towns prominate men.
The book is full of action and holds your interest well.
May 15, 2024
WOW! WHAT A STORY!
John Deacon sure can write a great tale of the Wild West! This is another awesome book. I wish there was a 2nd book because I want to read more about Rable and Cordelia after they leave Destitution to travel through the West. What a pair they make, two sharpshooters who believe in making things better in the Wild West. They’re sure to take on the bad guys and end up winning one for the good guys, people that deserve a chance for a better life while settling the West.
John Deacon sure can write a great tale of the Wild West! This is another awesome book. I wish there was a 2nd book because I want to read more about Rable and Cordelia after they leave Destitution to travel through the West. What a pair they make, two sharpshooters who believe in making things better in the Wild West. They’re sure to take on the bad guys and end up winning one for the good guys, people that deserve a chance for a better life while settling the West.
August 23, 2022
Great story about settling the west that was filled with desperate people, trying times and killers of all sorts. Elijah Rable road the trails, stopped in small towns and rode on when he felt like it. In Destitution, he put on a badge as temporary duty to bring calm to the area and settle some feuds. It’s a good story and keeps a fan of westerns interested until The End.
September 14, 2022
Very nice
I've read Mr. Deacons other books and this one is just as good as the others. There's drama humor, good guys, bad guys, and the hero rides into the sunset with the girl. A night with a book like this sure beats watching the evening news or those critters on C-Span
Hope to see more.
Bill Hodges
I've read Mr. Deacons other books and this one is just as good as the others. There's drama humor, good guys, bad guys, and the hero rides into the sunset with the girl. A night with a book like this sure beats watching the evening news or those critters on C-Span
Hope to see more.
Bill Hodges
September 22, 2022
Complex, Engaging story.
Lots of twists and turns. Gunfighters, Ranchers, Bankers, Lawmen, Ordinary citizens of this small town. Greed, lustful men, cubby women saloon keeper. Along with a young sharpshooter , who is the 20 yr old daughter of the largest rancher in the area. Great story.
Lots of twists and turns. Gunfighters, Ranchers, Bankers, Lawmen, Ordinary citizens of this small town. Greed, lustful men, cubby women saloon keeper. Along with a young sharpshooter , who is the 20 yr old daughter of the largest rancher in the area. Great story.
October 8, 2022
Classic Western Delivers a Great Story
The time is back in the day, characters are well developed, the true villain is well hidden to the very end, pace of the story is rapid and the good guy & girl find each other. Sorta like a prequel to ‘Gun Smoke’ with Marshall Dillon & Miss Kitty. Great read.
The time is back in the day, characters are well developed, the true villain is well hidden to the very end, pace of the story is rapid and the good guy & girl find each other. Sorta like a prequel to ‘Gun Smoke’ with Marshall Dillon & Miss Kitty. Great read.
October 19, 2022
Had me on the edge of my seat
This book really had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. I really enjoyed reading this and would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good old western book. Simple, straightforward and interesting, not to mention full of adventure, Read it and you won’t regret it, I promise….
This book really had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. I really enjoyed reading this and would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good old western book. Simple, straightforward and interesting, not to mention full of adventure, Read it and you won’t regret it, I promise….
February 10, 2023
Entertaining!
I discovered John Dragon's books last week. I've read one a day since then. Now I await his next. They aren't heavy reads with loads of literary genius; maybe that's why I like them. Sometimes a reader wants nothing more than a good story with interesting characters, fine settings and good old fashioned ethical dilemmas the good guys win.
I discovered John Dragon's books last week. I've read one a day since then. Now I await his next. They aren't heavy reads with loads of literary genius; maybe that's why I like them. Sometimes a reader wants nothing more than a good story with interesting characters, fine settings and good old fashioned ethical dilemmas the good guys win.
July 26, 2023
A soft 5
This dotted all the i's and crossed all the t's for a good western. The ending was predictable but satisfying. I never did guess what was in the safe. That was a surprise. This is a new author for me and I'll definitely be looking forward to reading more of his books
This dotted all the i's and crossed all the t's for a good western. The ending was predictable but satisfying. I never did guess what was in the safe. That was a surprise. This is a new author for me and I'll definitely be looking forward to reading more of his books
December 2, 2023
lost
John you lost me in the final chapters . Take a little time and reread the last 5 chapters. If I am wrong let me know . At times I wondered if it was your writing. Can’t wait to.pread your next on h oping is is back cfthe level of Heck and Lobo
Also I wonder if near misses aimed at the hero could
Possibly miss by somewhere other than the ear. Bob Evans
John you lost me in the final chapters . Take a little time and reread the last 5 chapters. If I am wrong let me know . At times I wondered if it was your writing. Can’t wait to.pread your next on h oping is is back cfthe level of Heck and Lobo
Also I wonder if near misses aimed at the hero could
Possibly miss by somewhere other than the ear. Bob Evans
December 31, 2023
Wow, cool story
Bloody, so highly recommended for all adult readers. Very interesting turn of events. Crazies, greed, madness, jealousy, and manipulation just for the control of one town and it's wealth. Didn't see the end coming. Death for many, love for some, and the hangman's noose for another.
Bloody, so highly recommended for all adult readers. Very interesting turn of events. Crazies, greed, madness, jealousy, and manipulation just for the control of one town and it's wealth. Didn't see the end coming. Death for many, love for some, and the hangman's noose for another.
August 8, 2025
Destitution
This was fun story to read. Having an unknown come in to town to get supplies and ended up being the town’s sheriff, handling the riff raff and getting the gorl in the end makes this a great story. Of course it had all the gun play, leveraging and legitimate talent made the story possible and believe able
This was fun story to read. Having an unknown come in to town to get supplies and ended up being the town’s sheriff, handling the riff raff and getting the gorl in the end makes this a great story. Of course it had all the gun play, leveraging and legitimate talent made the story possible and believe able
September 18, 2022
Classic Western
John Deacon said it well. Good, good guys and bad, bad guys with a little romance thrown in! Excellent read with some mystery, too. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more in the future!
John Deacon said it well. Good, good guys and bad, bad guys with a little romance thrown in! Excellent read with some mystery, too. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more in the future!
September 22, 2022
I just discovered John Deacon.
Outstanding writer. One of the best Westerns I've ever read.
I blew through all of his books, one after the other.
I could have taken a break.
But what would be the fun of that?
J. Smitty-Haward
Outstanding writer. One of the best Westerns I've ever read.
I blew through all of his books, one after the other.
I could have taken a break.
But what would be the fun of that?
J. Smitty-Haward
September 26, 2022
Good old Western story
Drifter drifts into town. Drifter steps into power struggle. Drifter has to choose between two women.
Drifter figures out scheme, foils plot, gets girl.
Just a good old standard Western.
Drifter drifts into town. Drifter steps into power struggle. Drifter has to choose between two women.
Drifter figures out scheme, foils plot, gets girl.
Just a good old standard Western.
September 27, 2022
A western mystery and a love story!
The setting is in a western town at the start of development. However, there are deadly conflicts revo!Bing around honesty and violent greed. Caution, there are surprises!
The setting is in a western town at the start of development. However, there are deadly conflicts revo!Bing around honesty and violent greed. Caution, there are surprises!
December 18, 2022
Check this great western story out. you won’t be sorry.
Another good tread from John. Love the character development and details about Destitution. Like to hear more about the happy couple and their adventures!
Another good tread from John. Love the character development and details about Destitution. Like to hear more about the happy couple and their adventures!
January 31, 2023
Elije Rable ready for any job!
Greedy, wicked men fight for control over a city called Destitution. Deceiving, lying beautiful woman. Step sisters taking over an unwell-disillusioned father and cutting out the real daughter. Justice is met with Lije Rabble.
Greedy, wicked men fight for control over a city called Destitution. Deceiving, lying beautiful woman. Step sisters taking over an unwell-disillusioned father and cutting out the real daughter. Justice is met with Lije Rabble.
February 9, 2023
Mr Dragon's books
Well I have done it again and found another very good western writer,he made me read his Justice series in two days and Destitution in one day.Enjoyed all of them immensely and can't wait for the next installment of Justice.Thanks for writing such great stories.
Well I have done it again and found another very good western writer,he made me read his Justice series in two days and Destitution in one day.Enjoyed all of them immensely and can't wait for the next installment of Justice.Thanks for writing such great stories.
February 18, 2023
A good ol western
The. gun slinger the Harley the damsel in distress and a Shuster banker yup got them all. Nice story easy to read enough twists to keep a snake bent. Thank you Mr deacon for an easy to read book
The. gun slinger the Harley the damsel in distress and a Shuster banker yup got them all. Nice story easy to read enough twists to keep a snake bent. Thank you Mr deacon for an easy to read book
April 4, 2023
Excellent
This was a great read. It held the reader in suspense from beginning to end. I was involved with each character in their trials and difficulties. I was completely entertained and impressed with the writing.
This was a great read. It held the reader in suspense from beginning to end. I was involved with each character in their trials and difficulties. I was completely entertained and impressed with the writing.
May 25, 2023
Great Read
Is Destitution a man, a place, or a state of mind? Well written, short chapters, characters well developed, little hints of where things might go, but not really sure until the conclusion. Hard to put down until you have read the last sentence.
Is Destitution a man, a place, or a state of mind? Well written, short chapters, characters well developed, little hints of where things might go, but not really sure until the conclusion. Hard to put down until you have read the last sentence.
August 29, 2023
nice read
I liked the ending.
I always thought Maria was too cunning and managed to enthral Rable for a while, until he saw through her.
Cordelia is a great heroine and a perfect partner for Rable.
I liked the ending.
I always thought Maria was too cunning and managed to enthral Rable for a while, until he saw through her.
Cordelia is a great heroine and a perfect partner for Rable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews