Hostile Territory

Preacher & MacCallister #5

by William W. Johnstone, J.A. Johnstone

Gunfighters Preacher and Jamie MacCallister keep the peace on the Oregon Trail in the latest novel in the Preacher & Jamie MacCallister Western series from national bestselling authors William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone.

Preacher and Jamie MacCallister search for a hidden fortune that might be just a legend—but the bandits, bullets, and bloodshed they find are all too real . . .
 
HOSTILE TERRITORY
 
Jamie MacCallister remembers the Alamo—especially one brave frontiersman who died fighting there. Now the fallen veteran’s granddaughter needs Jamie’s help. She’s found a letter written by her grandfather with a map to the spot where Alamo legend Jim Bowie supposedly hid a fortune in silver and gold. Jamie never believed the story. Countless treasure hunters had scoured the area and come up empty handed. But his friend’s grandaughter is convinced it’s hidden where no one has ever dared to search—deep in the heart of Comanche country . . .
 
There’s no way Jamie will let this nice young lady venture into such hostile territory—not without his help. But they’re going to need backup. Enter easily the toughest mountain man in the West and, luckily, Jamie MacCallister’s loyal friend. Together, they begin their journey at Fort Belknap, the farthest outpost of civilization—and the gateway to the barbaric Comancheria. In that deadly, untamed land the three will seek their fortune. But what they find is a cutthroat gang of outlaws, a bloodthirsty group of deserters, and a powerful tribe of Comanche warriors—who kill all trespassers on sight . . .

Genres: Westerns

360 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 2023

About the author

William 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.

Reviews

[Bill Riggs · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quest for treasure deep inside Comanche territory is just the kind of adventure Jamie and Preacher look for to keep their lives interesting. Knowing they will be facing many dangers along the way; the two agree to guide a young woman through danger in her search for Jim Bowie’s treasure that he supposedly hid before becoming a casualty of the Alamo.

[Abibliofob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hostile Territory by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone is another book in the series with both Jamie MacCallister and Preacher. This time it's a treasure hunt into the Comancheria and I have a strong feeling that I have read this one before. It contains what it needs to be a good western but it is deja vu all over again. I must thank Kensington Books Pinnacle and Netgalley for the book.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Jamie McAllister intercedes on a woman’s behalf he gets a new enemy and a new friend. His new friend is name Hannah she has a letter from her grandpa and a map. She was told to find Jamie and ask for his help. Supposedly over an Indian country where the Comanches ruled the land is a buried treasure and Hannah wants Jamie‘s help to find it. Jamie is hesitant at first but agreed to do it only if his friend preacher will come with them. He sends a letter to all the haunts he thinks preacher maybe and tells him to meet them in San Antonio Texas. Jamie is happy to see upon his arrival in San Antonio that preacher horse and dog are all there waiting for him now he hast to hire guys to go with them first he hast to deal with Teddy and his gang who have followed him from his hometown and want revenge but before it’s over he will have a new enemy one preacher and Jamie knock the sidewinders down a couple of pegs it seems everyone except Teddy has had an about face and heard about Jamie‘s adventure and wants to go along. Jamie being the good guy that he is gives them the benefit of the dog before it’s over he will be happy he did it seems everywhere Jamie turns someone new is there and wanting to piggyback on this adventure I love William and Jay Johnstone books and this is a great example of why this is the fifth book in the preacher Series and after reading desolation Creek from the SmokeJensen’s books I was happy to gobbled this one up. There is nothing that shuts Me up faster than putting a new Johnstone book in my hand I love these books so much and have only given 4 stars 1 Johnstone Book and it isn’t this one. If you love great adventure awesome gun fights and want to read about the smart intelligent man who traveled the west you definitely need to pick this book up it is OMG good! An excellent example of great western writing. I received this boat for net Galley in Kensington box but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Sue Plant · Rating 4 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this exciting book

MacCallister and preacher are out looking for the fabled treasure of bowie which is according to the map in comanche territory

they have been hired to take a small group into the area by a fallen heroes granddaughter and though they fear its a fools errand they do like an adventure

but its not long before they all fall foul of lynch a unhinged man and some ex army deserters... and with the comanches surrounding them its tense times for preacher and maccallister

good read though love a good western on a sunday

[Jacqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

MacCallister Western series (Pinnacle 2023), started me out a little skeptical. Jamie MacCallister agrees to spearhead a treasure hunt for Hannah--a woman Jamie barely knew and who wasn't particularly likable--through an area which is about as dangerous as it comes, even for a Mountain Man. Jamie only agrees to go if Preacher goes, and Preacher only goes because he's bored and it sounds like fun (If you've read all the Preacher stories, this is a highly likely reason for Preacher). Add to that their Old West respect for women--Hannah was going to go regardless and neither of them could let her go without the best chance to survive. 

I know. The plot is a bit weak, but I always love Preacher's adventures so I gave it a try. The expedition heads out, runs into lots of Indians and bad guys and then something they didn't expect (no spoilers). When I was finished, I realized that there is nothing more fun than riding the river with Preacher and Jamie MacCallister.

[George Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining, can't put down.

You know when MacCallister and Preacher are involved that it will be interesting. This book has so many different elements. Treasure hunt, killers out for revenge, Indians on the warpath, romance, surprise ending. I would reread it to see what I missed the first time.

[John Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful series

Enjoyed every page and I only hope that there will be more in the future. Loved the characters and the fast-paced action and adventure that made the stories so vivid and real. Great stuff.

[Phillip Mclaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

5th in the set

A young woman arrives at MacCallister’s with a letter from her grandfather at the Alamo, and a map to find Jim Bowie’s treasure of silver and gold.
One problem , it’s in the middle of COMANCHE land.

[Beverly Kee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story!

I love reading a good western book and this was a really good one! These two authors have combined to write wonderful stories. It was fun to see Preacher and Jamie back together too!

[RICHARD LEWIS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defying The Odds In Comancheria

This was a great western!It was very well written a believable story line. It was full of action with lots of shooting, battles with the Comanches,and a terrific ending. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it!

[THOMAS E. TONEY · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hostile Territory

There is lots of action and adventure in this book about the hunt for Jim Bowie's treasure! The narrative keeps you in suspense until the very end!

[Nolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another adventure with Jamie MacCallister and Preacher. Good story

[Dirk Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a good read

It's a good read, I always enjoy a Johnstone's book. Very entertaining, lots and lots of action. Hard to put down, I would recommend this book to everyone.

[Rosemary]

Great Story

It was so good to read a story with two of my.favorite characters. As always the book was entertaining to the end! Great job!

[Nancy Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

my favorite of the Johnstone books are those with Preacher & Jaimie. enjoyable quick reads

[Bill Lents · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling action....

A winner! Great action and interesting characters throughout. A very enjoyable read. Looking to more from this author to read.

[William W. Flinner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced action for Preacher and Jamie Mac to the end!

Preacher and his staunch Horse and Dog animal friends are perfect foils to help Jamie MacCallister to come to a logical conclusions to the problems that they get into.

[Brian Lobodzinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

All you want from a Western: mystery, action, romance, deviousness and an interesting plot. Great little story to pass away a few hours. Well worth the low price.

[dennis cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

A really great adventure .I really enjoy any story by William johnstone. they always hold my interest.
I have acollection.

[laura bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed

Preacher and Jaime make all situations interesting. I always look to reading their next adventure. I live in San Antonio so the Alamo references were nice

[Steve Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just read my first William W. Johnston Western

I have read nearly every Louis L’Amour book written and looking for a new author. Very glad I found William Johnston. A true Western story with all the adventure, drama and frontiersman stuff a reader could want.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the Graphic Audio and it was pretty good.

[Daverly Whitescarver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read!

I really appreciate this author! He brings the story to life. I hope to read all of his and ma's books.

[Derrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent story. Interesting mix of characters.

[ted tull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hostile Territory

Another good adventure with both Preacher and Jamie MacAllister again. I love it when they work together. That WA Book 5. Getting ready for 6.

[Joanne Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

good series

Always a good read when it deals with the main two characters. Enjoy reading about the adventures they can get into

[Mike Dietz · Rating 3 out of 5]

a good adventure and a fresh treasure premise

[Rob Smith, Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I coulda sworn i read nearly the identical story last year in one of the Johnstone Clan's newer series. After reading some 250 of Johnstone books, this is one of the few times I believe I found a near duplication. This one is as well written.

The plot in this one is more involved with various characters coming from other angles. Of course, there is also the teaming of the very strong characters MacCallister and Preacher.
I found the writing of Preacher off. There were actions that had been written in the past he wouldn't have made. The whole idea the duo would risk so much seem more literary contrivance than consistent.

I recall the one from last year did a much better job describing the settings and, especially, the setting of the last act.

Still this is a good book with typically great Johnstone characters and fulfilling to the reader.
The wrangler of Johnstone writers needs to better check duplication.

Bottom line: I recommend this book. 7 out of ten points.