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The Last Gunfighter #1
The Drifter
Once, Frank Morgan had a wife and a future on the land--until a rich man with a grudge drove him out of Colorado. Since then, Morgan's taken up the one skill that always came easy--gunfighting--and drifted to a mining town in the New Mexico Territory.
250 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
378 people are currently reading
445 people want to read
About the author
William W. Johnstone
1,041 books1,392 followersWilliam 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 7, 2019
Frank Morgan comes to town and takes up the job of marshal, just as every two-bit bank robber, gunslinger, assassin, and gang member hits town with their own agendas.
Now, if you are looking for a western with a deep plot, this book isn't it. The entire book is scene after scene of "Hey, there is a bad guy over there doing bad things! Let's shoot him!". I am very forgiving with westerns, though, and if there is good gunslinging action then I'm pretty happy. Luckily, this book has that in spades. Plus, who doesn't love a western novel with both a Gatling gun AND people being blown up by dynamite in it?
Now, if you are looking for a western with a deep plot, this book isn't it. The entire book is scene after scene of "Hey, there is a bad guy over there doing bad things! Let's shoot him!". I am very forgiving with westerns, though, and if there is good gunslinging action then I'm pretty happy. Luckily, this book has that in spades. Plus, who doesn't love a western novel with both a Gatling gun AND people being blown up by dynamite in it?
July 2, 2017
Well, darned if Johnstone didn't write another classic tale of the old west. Shoot-outs, love interests, lightning fast gunfighters, and an untamed town all make up the story that accomplished what I look for in a western - take me away to a dusty, rough-and-tumble time with interesting characters (including our protagonist) and settings.
I look forward to reading more of this Last Gunfighter series. It will be interesting to see how Frank represents the end of an era when major disputes could be settled with steel pulled from holsters.
I look forward to reading more of this Last Gunfighter series. It will be interesting to see how Frank represents the end of an era when major disputes could be settled with steel pulled from holsters.
April 12, 2015
Exactly what one expects from this author: a quick read with plenty of action.
November 26, 2020
I have nearly the entire rest of the series. It was this first I was missing. Over the Summer of 2020, the Kindle version popped up at a mere 99 cents. So, I nabbed it. Then I ventured into the local library book store after 7 months of the quarantine nonsense and there, among a slew of other Johnstone Clan books, was a copy of the real book in November 2020. So, I got to it and placed this as my November 2020 Johnstone book to read.
Per chance, I was also notified of the availability of the newest Mountain Man entry to read free via Net Galley with a time deadline. That had me dipping into two books at the same time. The first from 2000 and the second from 2020. As quoted in the subject book also, how the mighty have fallen! The 2020 book starts horribly written. I've been finding the lower quality mostly true for the most recent Johnstone Clan books. Whereas, this one started very well and got even better.
Preceding this was my reading Arthur Doyle's writing of the west and this is comparable to that. Typical very strong Johnstone characters (Some stereotypical) with very good written dialogue. The plotting is well thought out with very well written settings. What Johnstone (He was still alive at this point) or whoever wrote this didn't know was the few dozen books this one volume was setting up for.
This earlier johnstone does something missing from current books in the various series and that is a well thought out and satisfying ending (Though it does continue into the next entry. Most all of the Johnstone recent books have abrupt, unsatisfying endings.
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 8 out of ten points.
Per chance, I was also notified of the availability of the newest Mountain Man entry to read free via Net Galley with a time deadline. That had me dipping into two books at the same time. The first from 2000 and the second from 2020. As quoted in the subject book also, how the mighty have fallen! The 2020 book starts horribly written. I've been finding the lower quality mostly true for the most recent Johnstone Clan books. Whereas, this one started very well and got even better.
Preceding this was my reading Arthur Doyle's writing of the west and this is comparable to that. Typical very strong Johnstone characters (Some stereotypical) with very good written dialogue. The plotting is well thought out with very well written settings. What Johnstone (He was still alive at this point) or whoever wrote this didn't know was the few dozen books this one volume was setting up for.
This earlier johnstone does something missing from current books in the various series and that is a well thought out and satisfying ending (Though it does continue into the next entry. Most all of the Johnstone recent books have abrupt, unsatisfying endings.
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 8 out of ten points.
January 3, 2021
I've heard about this series for quite a while. I have read other books written by the same author, I haven't had the chance to read anything in this series.
It was entertaining, I give it three of four stars. It does follow the standard roaming reluctant gunfighter premise. We've read the books or seen the movies:
Framed for crimes he didn't commit...
Forced by circumstances to become a gunfighter...
Of course he's the fastest at the hook and draw around.
So that everybody is aware that this is part of a greater universe created by the author, The book at various times does mention other characters written by Mr Johnstone.
we do run in the standard trope of the father and son separated by time and distance, unbeknownst to each other, and when they do meet they don't get along. The son is bitter and the father is stunned.
Of course along the way you will find the want to be gunfighters who want to challenge Frank Morgan to see who's faster.
If you can get past the tropes and the fact that it's written like a 1940's b movie, you'll enjoy it.
Again I found it entertaining.
If you've read any of the Smoke Jensen novels, You will Will notice a similar recipe.
It was entertaining, I give it three of four stars. It does follow the standard roaming reluctant gunfighter premise. We've read the books or seen the movies:
Framed for crimes he didn't commit...
Forced by circumstances to become a gunfighter...
Of course he's the fastest at the hook and draw around.
So that everybody is aware that this is part of a greater universe created by the author, The book at various times does mention other characters written by Mr Johnstone.
we do run in the standard trope of the father and son separated by time and distance, unbeknownst to each other, and when they do meet they don't get along. The son is bitter and the father is stunned.
Of course along the way you will find the want to be gunfighters who want to challenge Frank Morgan to see who's faster.
If you can get past the tropes and the fact that it's written like a 1940's b movie, you'll enjoy it.
Again I found it entertaining.
If you've read any of the Smoke Jensen novels, You will Will notice a similar recipe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2018
Frank Morgan is a real "superman" in this one. He's a good guy who marries well but his father-in-law hates him and so he is divorced again, leaving his wife pregnant. He then bounces around from town to town always managing to stay on the good side of the law and ends up, years later, in a booming mining town that needs a sheriff, meets up with his former wife and son, but has a sad ending. Even so, it's a good story. Easy reading; could not put it down.
April 23, 2018
I was first introduced to the character Frank Morgan when I read the 23rd book in the Last Gunfighter series - Montana Gundown. I was unaware at the time that it was a series of books. I found a copy of The Drifter, the 1st book in the series, in a used bookstore and simply couldn't put it down. It is a classic western story that sets the foundation for who Frank Morgan was, is, and will be. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and will definitely look for more in the Last Gunfighter series.
February 16, 2021
I've read a few in this series before I knew who the Last Gunfighter was. I have now finished the Loner series and really enjoy C0nrad Browning, so this provided a lot of background into the family and who Frank Morgan is. I am curious as to where the series will eventually lead as I would have thought it would have started previous to where it did. But, it was cool hearing 'Kid Morgan' again as I finished that series a long time ago. Great start.
July 1, 2017
Frank Morgan
One of the best gun fighter's in the west, he got the job done. Has lots of action and romance. Meet again and finds out he has a son named Conrad. Real sad about his lovely lady.
One of the best gun fighter's in the west, he got the job done. Has lots of action and romance. Meet again and finds out he has a son named Conrad. Real sad about his lovely lady.
July 12, 2017
Great old west action
Excellent read. Loved it. Had some great action in it and also had a bit of funny humor in it at just the right places. Highly recommend this book and look forward to hearing about a sequel.
Excellent read. Loved it. Had some great action in it and also had a bit of funny humor in it at just the right places. Highly recommend this book and look forward to hearing about a sequel.
February 3, 2018
All he wanted to do was survive. He had been married, but his wifes father did not approve of him and he made life miserable so he left.. many years later he learns that his wife was in a small town and there was some trouble brewing. He went there and ended up as the marshall of that town..
March 8, 2018
Very good Western
Love a good western for a quick and entertaining read. Johnstone is rapidly becoming one of my favorite authors in this genre. You will come to like the last gunfighter but you also know you would give him a wide berth if you met him on teal life.
Love a good western for a quick and entertaining read. Johnstone is rapidly becoming one of my favorite authors in this genre. You will come to like the last gunfighter but you also know you would give him a wide berth if you met him on teal life.
June 23, 2020
I read this book years ago and is now June 2020 and I’m just updating my Goodreads app. I love drifting back to my western books and this was a good read. Seem to get a pretty good start in this series.
May 8, 2022
a great Western thrill ride !
The Drifter , like every other great western I’ve read from the pen of Mr. Johnstone, is well written and chock full of edge of your seat shoot-‘em-up action
The Drifter , like every other great western I’ve read from the pen of Mr. Johnstone, is well written and chock full of edge of your seat shoot-‘em-up action
July 10, 2022
Not too bad.
The violence was a little unbelievable. The characters dialogue was a little too contrived. The hero again does too much. Need to have supporting characters have more meaningful action in plot.
The violence was a little unbelievable. The characters dialogue was a little too contrived. The hero again does too much. Need to have supporting characters have more meaningful action in plot.
July 15, 2017
Terrific western! Must read. Intense action along with a dose of hilarity and some sadness too.
August 7, 2017
Plain common shoot em up gunfighter western. story of an aging gunfighter and with a modicum of ancient romance
August 17, 2019
The Drifter
This was a pretty good read, and it just about could make sense. The fire situation the town finds itself in is a little over the top but fits in.
This was a pretty good read, and it just about could make sense. The fire situation the town finds itself in is a little over the top but fits in.
June 8, 2021
Hard to believe that many people are willing to test their speed in drawing a gun and killing or be killed. And a Gatling gun?
October 26, 2021
Delightful
This book is what I expect in a western some sadness, some happiness and one hero. Sorry it ended so soon. Believe I’ll read this whole series.
This book is what I expect in a western some sadness, some happiness and one hero. Sorry it ended so soon. Believe I’ll read this whole series.
December 17, 2021
Surprises, thrills, gunsmoke. Frank goes to help his ex Viv at silver mines and gets caught in crossfire of gangs and assassins after them and her prissy son Conrad. Typos 21.14 op-catin ^ operating 25.14 bit ^ hit 26.5 vail ^ veil
August 29, 2022
Always a go to for a comical yet serious western.
September 8, 2022
Those is my favorite book in the series. It is a great book for people that are just getting into Westerns.
August 10, 2023
Great western!
March 28, 2024
this was outstanding. I am going to like this series just as much as Smoke Jensen.
April 12, 2024
24-42. Liked the premise of this Western tale. I borrowed this ebook from the Sacramento public library through the Libby app
March 23, 2017
Good!
This is a really good story of the old west with a thrilling plot and great characters. The Master writer did it again!
This is a really good story of the old west with a thrilling plot and great characters. The Master writer did it again!
April 23, 2023
A little too 'cliche' ...... but still a good read.
May 23, 2023
In "Drifter," acclaimed author William W. Johnstone takes readers on an enthralling journey through the untamed landscapes of the Wild West. With his rich storytelling and deep understanding of the genre, Johnstone weaves a compelling narrative that combines elements of action, adventure, and redemption. This Western masterpiece pays homage to the iconic era of frontier exploration, delivering a riveting tale that will resonate with fans of the genre.
Authentic Portrayal of the Wild West:
With meticulous attention to detail, Johnstone paints an authentic picture of the Wild West in "Drifter." From dusty saloons to wide-open prairies, his vivid descriptions transport readers to a time when lawlessness and rugged individualism reigned. The author's deep knowledge of Western history shines through, capturing the essence of the era and immersing readers in a world filled with cowboys, outlaws, and the ever-present pursuit of justice.
Engaging Characters and Compelling Relationships:
The characters in "Drifter" are brought to life with depth and nuance, showcasing Johnstone's skill at creating memorable personalities. From the brooding drifter haunted by his past to the fiery local sheriff, each character possesses a unique voice and motivations that add richness to the story. The dynamic relationships between the characters, characterized by loyalty, tension, and unexpected alliances, create a captivating tapestry of human interaction against the backdrop of the Old West.
Themes of Redemption and Honor:
At its core, "Drifter" explores themes of redemption, honor, and the search for inner peace. Johnstone expertly weaves these themes into the narrative, allowing readers to connect with the struggles and personal growth of the protagonist. As the drifter confronts his own demons and navigates the challenges of the frontier, the novel offers profound insights into the power of forgiveness and the quest for a second chance.
Action-Packed Adventure:
"Drifter" delivers a satisfying blend of action and adventure that will keep readers hooked from start to finish. Johnstone's knack for crafting thrilling and pulse-pounding scenes is on full display as shootouts, horseback pursuits, and showdowns punctuate the narrative. The author's ability to balance these action sequences with poignant character moments and introspection ensures a well-rounded reading experience.
Reflections on the Frontier Spirit:
Johnstone's "Drifter" offers more than just an entertaining tale—it serves as a reflection on the enduring allure of the frontier spirit. The novel captures the resilience and resourcefulness of those who dared to explore and conquer the untamed West. It celebrates the indomitable human spirit and the triumph of honor and justice in a world fraught with danger and lawlessness.
Authentic Portrayal of the Wild West:
With meticulous attention to detail, Johnstone paints an authentic picture of the Wild West in "Drifter." From dusty saloons to wide-open prairies, his vivid descriptions transport readers to a time when lawlessness and rugged individualism reigned. The author's deep knowledge of Western history shines through, capturing the essence of the era and immersing readers in a world filled with cowboys, outlaws, and the ever-present pursuit of justice.
Engaging Characters and Compelling Relationships:
The characters in "Drifter" are brought to life with depth and nuance, showcasing Johnstone's skill at creating memorable personalities. From the brooding drifter haunted by his past to the fiery local sheriff, each character possesses a unique voice and motivations that add richness to the story. The dynamic relationships between the characters, characterized by loyalty, tension, and unexpected alliances, create a captivating tapestry of human interaction against the backdrop of the Old West.
Themes of Redemption and Honor:
At its core, "Drifter" explores themes of redemption, honor, and the search for inner peace. Johnstone expertly weaves these themes into the narrative, allowing readers to connect with the struggles and personal growth of the protagonist. As the drifter confronts his own demons and navigates the challenges of the frontier, the novel offers profound insights into the power of forgiveness and the quest for a second chance.
Action-Packed Adventure:
"Drifter" delivers a satisfying blend of action and adventure that will keep readers hooked from start to finish. Johnstone's knack for crafting thrilling and pulse-pounding scenes is on full display as shootouts, horseback pursuits, and showdowns punctuate the narrative. The author's ability to balance these action sequences with poignant character moments and introspection ensures a well-rounded reading experience.
Reflections on the Frontier Spirit:
Johnstone's "Drifter" offers more than just an entertaining tale—it serves as a reflection on the enduring allure of the frontier spirit. The novel captures the resilience and resourcefulness of those who dared to explore and conquer the untamed West. It celebrates the indomitable human spirit and the triumph of honor and justice in a world fraught with danger and lawlessness.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews