The Cost of Duty: Douglas Falls: Prequel

by J.L. Dawson

Disgraced Constable Adam Morgan has been banished to the small frontier town of Douglas Falls. Hoping only to start over and restore his honour, he never expects to find a permanent home there.
Young and enthusiastic pastor Daniel Coleman arrives in Douglas Falls at the same time. The two men soon learn they will need to rely on each other and the faith they share to overcome many hurdles and watch over the town.
Just as Adam begins to embrace the dream of a future and a family, someone threatens to expose the truth about his past. He must weigh the cost of doing his duty and do whatever it takes to keep the truth from destroying everything he holds dear.


The Cost of Duty is a compelling family saga of adventure, love and friendship on the Canadian Frontier at the end of the 19th Century.

281 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2022

Reviews

[Renate Deutsche Oma · Rating 3 out of 5]

J.L. Dawson, a New Zealand author is new to this reader of the Around the World in 50 Books (Minus One) 2024 International Reading Challenge. While the Cost of Duty is a Prequel to the Douglas Falls series, the story starts slowly. As a Michigander, whose state borders Canada I am intrigued with Canadian Mounties; BUT found the historical novel frustrating to determine when this novel takes place - when at end of the 19th Century? While I admired the friendship between Adam Morgan and the pastor Daniel Coleman and the inclusion of a 10 day blizzard and corrupt Mounties, I found it unbelievable that Constable Morgan was also the Douglas Falls "doctor." This historical novel has some likable characters (Adam, Daniel and Victoria), several extremely annoying antagonists (Wallace and Delia), a slow moving and at times confusing plot, and a frustrating, unresolved issues conclusion. There are 4 more books in the series, processing with Constable Adam Morgan's life - continuing with his marriage and his family.

[Meredith Resce · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had decided to rate this book at three stars for the majority of the story, however, when I came to the last page, I felt I wanted to drop it two stars, because there was no resolution to the drama that had a risen. I assume there must be a sequel that I have to read to deal with so many unresolved issues. The story started slowly, the constable was a likable character, and his friendship with the pastor was also a likable facet of the story. The romance in, it was very frustrating because it never emerged. The antagonist, who didn’t emerge until about 2/3 of the way through the story, was melodramatic and I found her unbelievable. It would have been better to have seen some resolution with that situation before the end of book one.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story introduces us, to many characters, but Adam is torned between the best Mountie that Canada has and what he did. Adam was sent to Douglas Falls, to repent for his mistake. He just wants to do his job, serve his time and maybe one day have a family. He can't do that, until he serves his time. Many factors, still hold him back, but there is one person, Delia, that knows his past and won't let him forget. Powerful storyline and the start of a good series.
I was given a copy of the book, by the author for an honest review.

[Caroline Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to the town of Douglas Falls. It’s the end of the 19th century in frontier Canada and Constable Adam Morgan and Pastor Daniel Coleman have just arrived in the town. Daniel and Adam forge a deep friendship, a friendship that introduces Adam to faith and sees the men help each other in their responsibilities to the town. But Adam has been sent to Douglas Falls as punishment for a past crime, and now keeping his past a secret puts his future in jeopardy. A great read set in beautiful Canada.

[R. Hollis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leaves you wanting more

I can't wait for the next book! Although there are some minor grammatical errors, it is a genuine pleasure to become immersed in Douglas Falls. The plot is well written and the characters are as well. I can't wait to see how the Mountie gets out of his predicament!

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly loved this tale. I think that Constable Adam Morgan is a well-developed and likeable character. The other characters in the book are well-developed as well, some more likeable than as others which is intended. I love the dynamics developed and the Mountie action. The only draw-back I had was that the ended felt very abrupt. Am looking forward to the rest of the series though.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great inspirational read! This book is so well written you feel like you are there. It has just the right amount of drama and romance to keep you turning the pages. I loved everything about this book and can't wait for the next one.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drew me right in

I really enjoyed this story. The two main characters, a Mountie and a Pastor, are interesting and likeable. It's easy to care about what happens to them.
Bring on the next book in the series. I need to know what happens next!

[Shelly Brinlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is very relatable. I was drawn to the characters and enjoyed seeing how their faith (or lack thereof) drove their choices. A few things were left hanging at the end, so I look forward to reading the next book to see what happens.

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series was so well written and kept me engaged the whole time! There were ups and downs, love and laughter, family and friends, Mounties, community and so much more all in the frontier town of Douglas Falls. Highly recommend!

[Mary Mccauley · Rating 4 out of 5]

How much are you willing to sacrifice to keep your past a secret? The cost can be high if you are hiding something.
I enjoyed this book about a young man who fears a mistake in his past will wipe out his dream...but is the cost of a God given dream worth the sacrifice?

[Debbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four point 5

I enjoyed the book, the story, and its strong Christian base. I could not give it a full five as some of it seemed a bit wordy.