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Wagons West #9
Washington!
Bantam #220919-1, 1982. First Printing. This paperback is in near fine condition. Tanning to the page margins. There is a 3/4" x 1/2" price sticker at the upper right corner of the front wrapper. Wagons West No 9.
338 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1982
12 people are currently reading
461 people want to read
About the author
Dana Fuller Ross
106 books146 followersDana Fuller Ross is a pseudonym used by Noel B. Gerson and James M. Reasoner.
Noel Gearson specializes in historical military novels, westerns, and mysteries. He also writes under the pseudonyms, "Dana Fuller Ross.", Anne Marie Burgess; Michael Burgess; Nicholas Gorham; Paul Lewis; Leon Phillips; Donald Clayton Porter; Philip Vail; and Carter A. Vaughan. He has written more than 325 novels.
James Reasoner (pictured) is an American writer. He is the author of more than 150 books and many short stories in a career spanning more than thirty years. Reasoner has used at least nineteen pseudonyms, in addition to his own name: Jim Austin; Peter Danielson; Terrance Duncan; Tom Early; Wesley Ellis; Tabor Evans; Jake Foster; William Grant; Matthew Hart; Livia James; Mike Jameson; Justin Ladd; Jake Logan; Hank Mitchum; Lee Morgan; J.L. Reasoner (with his wife); Dana Fuller Ross; Adam Rutledge; and Jon Sharpe. Since most of Reasoner's books were written as part of various existing Western fiction series, many of his pseudonyms were publishing "house" names that may have been used by other authors who contributed to those series
Noel Gearson specializes in historical military novels, westerns, and mysteries. He also writes under the pseudonyms, "Dana Fuller Ross.", Anne Marie Burgess; Michael Burgess; Nicholas Gorham; Paul Lewis; Leon Phillips; Donald Clayton Porter; Philip Vail; and Carter A. Vaughan. He has written more than 325 novels.
James Reasoner (pictured) is an American writer. He is the author of more than 150 books and many short stories in a career spanning more than thirty years. Reasoner has used at least nineteen pseudonyms, in addition to his own name: Jim Austin; Peter Danielson; Terrance Duncan; Tom Early; Wesley Ellis; Tabor Evans; Jake Foster; William Grant; Matthew Hart; Livia James; Mike Jameson; Justin Ladd; Jake Logan; Hank Mitchum; Lee Morgan; J.L. Reasoner (with his wife); Dana Fuller Ross; Adam Rutledge; and Jon Sharpe. Since most of Reasoner's books were written as part of various existing Western fiction series, many of his pseudonyms were publishing "house" names that may have been used by other authors who contributed to those series
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 19, 2023
See, this is why I never warmed to Toby. His first wife is a, well, a slut but even considering the last two books the characterization of Caroline is so off here. Anyways, she is scared he is going to hurt because she left him so she runs, and he chases her (in fairness, he does have the right to talk to her and he was never abusive), but he keeps chasing her when it is clear she is freaking out.
Also, Beth does have a point. Certain people moved on very, very quickly.
Also, Beth does have a point. Certain people moved on very, very quickly.
December 21, 2007
May sound somewhat repetitive here but I got hooked on the first book and it was like an addiction.
The author shows how the westward movement affected families and individuals while placing them within history itself.
The author shows how the westward movement affected families and individuals while placing them within history itself.
April 18, 2012
I really liked this book :)
Enter stage left Toby Holt.
I honestly wanted Toby and Beth Blake to get together. But with Rob, I don't mind him, it doesn't feel the same. And I like Clarissa, but to me it just doesn't feel the same.
And do I approve of General Blake and Eulalia? I feel like even though we grew attached to Cathy Blake and Whip Holt, I feel like Lee and Eulalia should go for it.
I really liked this book, and I can't wait to read the next!
Enter stage left Toby Holt.
I honestly wanted Toby and Beth Blake to get together. But with Rob, I don't mind him, it doesn't feel the same. And I like Clarissa, but to me it just doesn't feel the same.
And do I approve of General Blake and Eulalia? I feel like even though we grew attached to Cathy Blake and Whip Holt, I feel like Lee and Eulalia should go for it.
I really liked this book, and I can't wait to read the next!
January 6, 2013
If this is the one where two 'main' characters died....I cried! And if it's also the one where two moms try to push their children together....it never works, Mom....just let Nature take its course?
March 16, 2023
By the 9th book of the Wagon's West series, the formula has been pretty established. Characters will go to a new area, there will be a bad guy there, and one of good guys will get the better of him. There will also be a new love story as a character that hasn't previously gotten married will end up getting married. And a few new characters will be introduced.
Washington! feels more important than the other books I've read in the series outside of the first one. It features the end of two major characters storylines, people who have been around a long time. It also brings three of the main characters into an interesting love triangle that is a bit reminiscent of Whip, Eulalia, and Cathy, but instead of being totally familiar, those characters actually share their experiences with the younger generation and when it plays out you're not sure things will work out as they have before.
The bad guy is a pretty standard one for these books, but the final confrontation between him and Toby is pretty well executed. The new characters that are introduced, Bettina and Clarissa are fine, and I'm guessing Clarissa will be a major character going forward. This book sets up Montana pretty directly, and it's clear that the story of the Holts, Blakes, and Brentwoods will be continuing through that one pretty directly.
Washington! feels more important than the other books I've read in the series outside of the first one. It features the end of two major characters storylines, people who have been around a long time. It also brings three of the main characters into an interesting love triangle that is a bit reminiscent of Whip, Eulalia, and Cathy, but instead of being totally familiar, those characters actually share their experiences with the younger generation and when it plays out you're not sure things will work out as they have before.
The bad guy is a pretty standard one for these books, but the final confrontation between him and Toby is pretty well executed. The new characters that are introduced, Bettina and Clarissa are fine, and I'm guessing Clarissa will be a major character going forward. This book sets up Montana pretty directly, and it's clear that the story of the Holts, Blakes, and Brentwoods will be continuing through that one pretty directly.
August 21, 2023
This book was much better than its predecessor. Exciting ending with a good transition to what's coming in book #10 of the series. This collection of books is my western historical fiction soap opera or guilty pleasure. Even though it's taking me forever to get through them. :)
What I liked: The book is a great catalyst for reviewing the historical part of the story - Governor Pickering's term, President Andrew Johnson, the Northwest Pacific Railroad, and the relationship of the US Government with Native American tribes.
What I didn't like: How the author took liberty with how quickly the travel time seemed by horseback and wagon for long distances. Also, it seemed to take very little time for Toby, his Nez Perce Indian friend David, Rob Martin, and Frank Woods to complete the building of a large lodge in the upper Washington Territory. These things are minor though and the author admits to "simplifying" setting and events while faithfully following the general outline of history.
Overall, I would recommend this to readers who enjoy western historical fiction. But I also highly recommend starting with the first book - Independence!
What I liked: The book is a great catalyst for reviewing the historical part of the story - Governor Pickering's term, President Andrew Johnson, the Northwest Pacific Railroad, and the relationship of the US Government with Native American tribes.
What I didn't like: How the author took liberty with how quickly the travel time seemed by horseback and wagon for long distances. Also, it seemed to take very little time for Toby, his Nez Perce Indian friend David, Rob Martin, and Frank Woods to complete the building of a large lodge in the upper Washington Territory. These things are minor though and the author admits to "simplifying" setting and events while faithfully following the general outline of history.
Overall, I would recommend this to readers who enjoy western historical fiction. But I also highly recommend starting with the first book - Independence!
September 20, 2025
Fuller Ross did my boy dirty in this one, y'all.
It's not bad enough that Lee Blake had to make-do with Holt's seconds with Cathy, no matter how well that eventually turned out. To repeat that a second time after Cathy and Whip went squish is just plain disrespectful. I hope the squished come back and haunt the widow/ers for all eternity. If Ross wasn't already gone, I'd wish him to always have a rock in his shoes.
That said, the series is continuing to be a giant caricature. Harrison was so comic-book villain-ish that I'm surprised he didn't pause in his evildoings to randomly twirl his mustache and cackle. Beth is the quintessential spoiled brat, even after she's experienced so much of the world (supposedly). Toby's wife (who was so cookie-cutter that I've forgotten her name already) was the prostitute/women's libber who had to be put down because money and a disregard for social conventions made her unable to be allowed to live. It's so bad. So, so bad.
And I am EATING IT UP.
Fourteen more to go.
It's not bad enough that Lee Blake had to make-do with Holt's seconds with Cathy, no matter how well that eventually turned out. To repeat that a second time after Cathy and Whip went squish is just plain disrespectful. I hope the squished come back and haunt the widow/ers for all eternity. If Ross wasn't already gone, I'd wish him to always have a rock in his shoes.
That said, the series is continuing to be a giant caricature. Harrison was so comic-book villain-ish that I'm surprised he didn't pause in his evildoings to randomly twirl his mustache and cackle. Beth is the quintessential spoiled brat, even after she's experienced so much of the world (supposedly). Toby's wife (who was so cookie-cutter that I've forgotten her name already) was the prostitute/women's libber who had to be put down because money and a disregard for social conventions made her unable to be allowed to live. It's so bad. So, so bad.
And I am EATING IT UP.
Fourteen more to go.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2017
This one was much better then the last one... and I think the other anonymous author wrote it. I could tell a distinct style different in the writing and plotting. Figuring out which one of the two authors is becoming part of the fun... one author goes for the show aspect or writing, and the other goes with the tell aspect. After this one, I am actually thinking of putting 2 books between these so that I can go to each one a little fresher, with a little more distance. When reading a series so close like this you begin to see the redundancies and such in plotting (it's how I ruined Johnathan Kellerman for myself - when I discovered him many many years ago I read everything he wrote back to back. Same problem resulted. I could see exactly how each book was laid out and how the plotting would flow, which then ruined any further reading of Kellerman).
March 8, 2020
The Civil War is over and we are on to the lawless land of Washington! We now see a more jaded mature Toby Holt dealing with the aftermath of war wounds and a poor judgement in marriage. Founding Wagon West family Toni & Bob Martin's son Rob (Toby bff) also makes a appearance along with Frank Woods (another offspring from the founding WW train). This book also marks a HUGE issue that changes the course of everyone so for that alone this has to be read.
November 20, 2025
There are a few elements to this book that left more to be desired. There was an insane amount of detail that went into to the death of Harrison, but Caroline’s seemed random. The groundwork for her “insanity” seemed to be lacking.
I am curious to see the development of Eulalia’s budding “relationship” in future books. I may even say I side with Beth in thinking it’s inappropriate how fast they’ve moved on; although, you could argue it’s a trauma bond.
I am curious to see the development of Eulalia’s budding “relationship” in future books. I may even say I side with Beth in thinking it’s inappropriate how fast they’ve moved on; although, you could argue it’s a trauma bond.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2019
This was another solid chapter in the Holt saga of taming the west. Yet, while solid, it didn’t live up to its predecessor, which I found turned into a particularly strong story.
Washington feels smaller...like a stopgap, or transitional, novel designed to simply set us up for where they want the story to go next.
Washington feels smaller...like a stopgap, or transitional, novel designed to simply set us up for where they want the story to go next.
October 30, 2021
a quick and fun read with the usual cliches.
January 4, 2022
Hadn’t read one of these in a while it was like visiting old friends.
July 24, 2024
Bullies appear to be the same no matter what century they are in. I love when the good guys win!
April 6, 2025
after everything that whip has survived, he dies in a fucking avalanche??? i assumed he and the other MAJOR characters were actually invincible, and i was truly shocked.
then we have toby and beth committing the same sin as their parents and refusing to marry each other when they both desperately want to.
but hey, divorce is finally starting to be accepted—so there may be hope!
my guess for the book cover characters: toby + caroline
then we have toby and beth committing the same sin as their parents and refusing to marry each other when they both desperately want to.
but hey, divorce is finally starting to be accepted—so there may be hope!
my guess for the book cover characters: toby + caroline
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2015
More of the same Wagons West series. Don't know if I will make it through the entire set. It is interesting but very predictible. In this book our here Toby Holt and his partner Rob Martin more to Tumwater Washington to begin their logging company careers. They get sidetracked by the governor who wants them to survey the area for the proposed railroad line, so of course, they do that. They also have to deal with a town bully who creates havoc.
July 19, 2010
Definitely enjoyed this one better than the last, and glad I will no longer have to hear about Whip's arthritis. This is the last one of these that I own. However they are available at the library so I may continue on, but a series of 24 is seriously too long.
September 19, 2014
RAIDERS OF LITTLE HOUSE!!! Toby Holt goes on a dangerous mission to free the Washington logging community of Tumwater from the influences of greedy land baron and general nuisance Tom Harrison. It soon gets personal when Harrison kidnaps a 5-year-old girl. Soap opera-ish at times but a lotta fun.
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November 19, 2008W Ros
July 2, 2009
Not a great book by any stretch of the imagination, but it's always fun when the setting is where you are!
March 20, 2012
Continuing saga of the Holt and Martin families. Enjoyed.
November 7, 2013
After the disappointment of Nevada, Washington renewed my faith again in this series!!! :D
January 20, 2014
Excellent- the 3 Indian nations- band together to fight the settlers and the army. A wonderful series on life on the frontier and the settling of the West.
June 28, 2015
This is #9 in the Wagons West series and a very interesting read.
July 7, 2015
Great story as all of the books in this series have been. you'd never know that more than one author was involved in writing all the books! I can't wait to read the next book.
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December 4, 2007Ross, Dana Fuller PB
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews