Partners

by David Milton McGowan

Thomas Brash is trying to escape but knows he never will. Pursuing him is the memory of the family he lost to cholera. Perhaps he believes that traveling alone in a wild, dangerous land will end all his memories; there is no doubt he wishes to be alone. Whatever his intentions the appearance of Frank Clement and the circumstances of that meeting upset those plans. Brash views Clement as an uneducated child who requires fatherly protection and guidance. Clement views Brash as a tenderfoot and can not understand how anyone who knows so little could live so long. These two loners are joined by others and they all become partners. Having achieved relative sanctuary and surrounded by civilization their wilderness past comes back to haunt them.

256 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2008

About the author

David Milton McGowan (D. M. McGowan) is a novelist who occasionally writes rhymes and songs. His stories generally contain Canadian themes since he believes his birth-land doesn’t receive the recognition it deserves for its contribution to the world. In addition the neighbors often receive denunciations that could be equally applied to Canada despite a benevolent reputation and only acceptance of that history might precipitate change.
He has been a cowboy, forest fire fighter, heavy equipment operator, farmhand, gardener, road musician and businessman. He has many years’ experience in the welding/fabrication industries and as a commercial driver. He has lived in several areas in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario and played music in much of North America. He and Karen are the proud seniors to four children and eight grand-children.
Dave has several published novels, both digital and print, is presently expanding his recorded or audible offerings (narrated by the author) and several short stories some available separately and some compiled in collections. Most work, even a few contemporary shorts can be classified as Western Fiction or Historical Fiction and will include Adventure, Mystery and the building of the Canadian West.

Reviews

[Goodness CN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Partners by D M McGowan is fictional. It tells us about adventure, the wealth of true friendship, and the importance of accepting others without judgment.
The story centers around the life of middle-aged Thomas Brash dealing with grief over the loss of his family goes on a journey with no destination to find himself and the process comes across different people from different cultures and despite his wish alone to be alone meets four unlikely people who become his partners on this difficult but fulfilling journey with surprising turns. The book shows its readers how we can always learn from others even when it seems unlikely. Brash views Clement as an uneducated child who requires fatherly protection and guidance. Clement views Brash as a tenderfoot and can not understand how anyone who knows so little could live so long. However, as they learn invaluable lessons from each other while learning to respect and trust themselves. As they journey together through the wilderness, they meet up with two other men, and the four of them become business partners.

I love how the writer captures the characters in the story giving the readers vivid descriptions of who they are; from Thomas struggling to deal with his grief and new companions, to Frank who we can call street smart, and then Clyde and Sam who the first two learned to trust in the long run.McGowan spins a story of how as people, we form alliances against common enemies. As such it’s timeless because we humans will always need other people to help us get through life. Through the unique combination of their skills and qualities, they form a partnership to survive. Tom’s diplomatic approach wins friends, while Frank’s skill with a pistol deals effectively with enemies.

I give this book a 5 out of 5-star rating, the complexity of each character in their world full of adventure makes the book an interesting choice, coupled with its depth, and rich lessons which makes it an excellent read.

I recommend this book to lovers of adventure, wild Western stories, and suspense. It gives the thrill of an adventure with its usual fast pace and being out in the wild makes it nearly impossible to know what could happen next whilst keeping readers hooked

[Lydia Efobi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Partners, a spellbinding read by Dave McGowan, is a book about Thomas Brash. The devastating loss of his family to cholera continues to haunt him. He yearns to escape his memories and seeks solace in the wild, dangerous land he traverses, hoping to find peace in solitude. However, his plans halt due to the unexpected arrival of Frank Clement, whom Thomas tags naive and in need of guidance.

Despite their differences, circumstances cause these two men to form an unlikely partnership. Unfortunately, as they carve out a life for themselves and find relative safety among civilization, their past in the wilderness comes back to haunt them. The memories of their former lives are never far away, and they must confront the harsh realities of their past to find a way forward.

The book offers a unique perspective on the Canadian frontier in 1866. The author’s meticulous attention to detail had me drawing my shoulders up close to my ears as I sneaked through the bushes with Thomas. It goes to show you how Dave McGowan excellently wrote the book such that it brings your imaginary prowess to play.

Similarly, the story unfolded at a perfect pace. It was full of twists and turns, and the characters are likable for their unique qualities. The writing style in this book is captivating and engaging, with no dull moments throughout the story. The author's knowledge of Indian customs is impressive, and I enjoyed learning about them as Thomas taught Frank how to interact with the new camp of Indians they encountered.

Inevitably, this book is a 5-star read, and I recommend this book to buffs of adventure, history, and stories of resilience.

[Anna Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Partners by Dave M. McGowan is a wonderful adventure book filled with countless twists and turns. The story begins with Thomas Brash who struggles with the loss of his family, he tries to cope by exiling himself to a wild and dangerous land, leaving behind his wealth and properties.

While riding, he encounters a gang of robbers but luckily a young man, Frank Clement, saves his life from the gang of robbers.

At Frank’s insistence, they both decide to journey together. Thomas sees Frank as a naive kid without any proper education, while Frank sees Thomas as an over-educated white man who lacks the skills to survive out in the wild.

The duo form an unlikely team as they journey through the desert trying to escape from the gang of robbers. The book covers their journey through their adventures in the wild as they become partners.

The book wonderfully captures the way of life out in the Canadian frontier in 1866. The author thoroughly describes every detail of the adventures which makes it easier to get completely immersed in Thomas and Frank’s adventures.

Dave M. McGowan was not only meticulous in accounting for the adventures of the characters, but he also took care to write in the dialect of each character. This made the book highly relatable and more realistic.

Naturally, the book gets a well-deserved 5-star rating. Lovers of adventure, action, and gun-slinging, and especially lovers of Western culture will find this book most interesting. The author’s writing was simple and easy to understand, which helped younger readers to enjoy the book as well.

[Rakhi (New Book Reviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you ever wonder how a story can quietly pull you in without dramatic noise or flashy turns?

Partners by David M. McGowan, this book builds that kind of connection through emotion and realism rather than chaos and spectacle.

This book is a deeply moving and unforgettable read.

The highlight I loved about this book is how human emotions, struggles, and unexpected companionship have been subtly layered. The storyline is both reflective and gripping, creating a space where survival meets purpose.

The author has done an incredible job of turning ordinary moments into something profound. The characters’ journeys have been shaped with depth, and even the silences speak volumes. The writing is smooth, honest, and unforced, creating an immersive and natural rhythm.

This book is a heartfelt read for anyone who enjoys slow-burn stories filled with realism and emotional depth. I found this book to be honest, quietly powerful, and impossible to ignore once started. The author’s ability to blend strength with vulnerability is truly impressive. The way the story evolves without ever feeling forced shows a mastery of storytelling.

Overall, a poignant, raw, and unforgettable read.

[Georgia Coon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible. I read this all in the same day - couldn’t put it down. Each and every chapter kept me so involved, wanting more and needing to find out the rest. The ending shocked me. It was one of those books that sent you into panic and on the edge of your seat.

[Maple Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant story. It is a delightful story that I have loved reading. I really was hooked on this book from the beginning to the end. I highly recommend this story to everyone

[Chuck Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is good but proofreading is very much needed

[Marie Burton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a 3.5 star read.
The Blurb: "Thomas Brash is trying to escape but knows he never will. Pursuing him is the memory of the family he lost to cholera. Perhaps he believes that traveling alone in a wild, dangerous land will end all his memories; there is no doubt he wishes to be alone. Whatever his intentions the appearance of Frank Clement and the circumstances of that meeting upset those plans. Brash views Clement as an uneducated child who requires fatherly protection and guidance. Clement views Brash as a tenderfoot and can not understand how anyone who knows so little could live so long. These two loners are joined by others and they all become partners. Having achieved relative sanctuary and surrounded by civilization their wilderness past comes back to haunt them."


This book is reminiscent of the old-style westerns my mama used to read. It is set in Canada where, as an American, I really had no concept of their history and the frontier as we call it, so this was an intriguing setting. This is a story that flows easily between the concept of camaraderie and the intense events that the partners endure together; and the relationship that develops between two men who are very different. Surprising to both of the man they become partners as a consequence of a murderous event that brings them together as they then explore the Canadian West in 1866.

Frank is the young man looking for a sense of peace in his life after his parents die and coincidentally he meets Tom who is also moving on in life as he gets over the loss of his entire young family. We learn some of the history of the land that they travel, as they meet Blackfoot/feet Indians and fall in step with them and their customs. They fall in step with the indians and learn how to hunt buffalo and enjoy themselves as they try to figure out a way to get out of their camp without disrespecting them. They have several disputes with others which are well played out, and they even move on to pan for gold for awhile until they make enough money to create a homestead on. These two characters are likable for their distinguishing qualities; Frank is a young man who is very learned in the ability to survive the wilderness yet he is still a bit green in dealing amiably with others, while Tom exhibits his knowledge through words and has the important ability to circumvent disaster when facing difficult situations such as clashing cultures with the Blackfoot Indians.

The writing was straight forward and there really were not any slow points within the book. The author was quite knowledgeable regarding the customs of the Indians and I enjoyed learning some of them along the way as Tom taught Frank how to conduct himself with his new camp of Indians. Frank's speech though was a bit to get used to as his words were spelled out phonetically to show his western drawl style of speech. It certainly added to the authenticity of the character of Frank, and the dialogue helped distinguish between the other characters in the book that we were introduced to periodically. There are distinct stages in the book as the travelers moved along which were all interesting to read about, along with the new characters we meet along the way. At one point, Frank and Tom becomes part of a posse to catch a One Eared murderous man, and they also confront a colonel and his soldiers.

I imagine that those who grew up play-acting Cowboys and Indians in their backyards will really enjoy this story and the adventures that the partners have. I enjoyed the story and think anyone interested in a colonial era type story will enjoy this one. I am pleased to report that the author has just released "Homesteader", another Canadian western with a new set of characters.

[Barbara Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story opens in 1866 with Thomas Brash traveling across the southern portion of what will become Saskatchewan in western Canada, leaving behind painful memories of the loss of his wife and children to cholera. During Brash’s journey, he encounters a youth, Frank Clement, who has left his own tormented life behind. The two men are opposites of each other: Brash, educated soldier and well spoken, and Clement, rash, expert marksman, illiterate, with an ability to survive in the wilderness. Through the contrast of their characteristics they form a tenuous partnership to travel in the North-West Territories, prime Blackfoot country whose violent reputation is well known.

It is through this partnership after witnessing the murder of two aboriginals, and the diplomatic means Brash uses to form an alliance with the Blackfoot tribe run by the warrior chief, Red Shirt, that the two men come to understand the benefits each provides the other.

As western stories go, The Partners provides a good foundation in the history of early Canada. I particularly liked the intricate details with the Blackfoot Confederacy in comparison with other First Nations, the descriptions of the land and culture differences in the time period. There is an incident about two-thirds of the way into the book where Brash uses a military tactic to offset the approach of the U.S. Army after they cross the medicine line (49th parallel) into the North-West Territories. A brilliant plot piece: loved it.

Mr. McGowan has excellent knowledge about the early history of Canada which is revealed in each page. The story moves well with progressing conflicts that are solved relatively quickly or a little later on. I recommend this book to anyone who wants an entertaining excursion into the past.

[Clayton Bye · Rating 4 out of 5]

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