The Family Jensen

The Family Jensen #1

by William W. Johnstone, J.A. Johnstone

From the bestselling authors of the acclaimed Mountain Man series comes a sprawling Western saga that brings together for the first time the legendary frontiersmen, the Jensens, in a bloody battle for freedom, justice, and the fate of a territory.

Genres: Westerns, Action, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Ebooks

317 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

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

[Mike (the Paladin) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mentioned once in a review of a William W. Johnstone book that I hadn't read one by or "also by" J.A.Johnstone. Well now I have and I'm hoping that I like others better.

The problem here is not that the book isn't "good" or an "exciting read". However the dialogue compared to the other books I've read by William W. Jonhstone is a bit....hokey. There's pretentious and sort of cliched feel to some of it. It's sometimes as if the protagonist throws out his chest and in an accentuated baritone voice "proclaims" the line.

Also, in this book that starts with our multiple protagonists needing to shoot themselves out of a trap and then telling in "flashback mode" how they all are involved in the situation several plots that I've read in other W.W.Johnstone books are recycled, and not in an original way. It's sort of like taking the plot of an earlier book and then changing the character names (the plots were from the Last Gun Fighter series, rather than the Jensen series).

Okay so, all in all a good serviceable "shoot'em up". If you haven't read the earlier books then you won't note the clone like plots. So 3 stars and hoping the other books by William W. Johnstone's successor get better.

[Michael · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought this book was one of the worst books I've read in quite awhile. The plot was amazingly simplistic, and the dialogue and events were unimaginative and extremely predictable. The portrayal of the characters was extremely stereotypical as well. I've read Johnstone in the past and enjoyed a book or two, but it's been quite awhile and after reading this I'm doubting my recollection of the other books.

[Derrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the stories were interesting and gave a unique way of giving us short stories. These are not characters that I truly enjoy. I still haven't figured out exactly why, but this collection didn't help with me feeling any differently towards these particular persons.

[Sean Cozart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before today, the only works I've read from William W. Johnstone and/or/with J.A. Johnstone was the first three books for the "The Loner" series which I loved until the main story arc ended. And I thought, if that series was as good as it was before it started hitting the downhill slope, his other series should be good as well.

This book gave good insight into the fact even though this is the "first" book of the series, we are well within the character's stories as they had previous solo series. In this series, the very old but still nimble Preacher (from "The First Mountain Man" series), gunfighter protégé Smoke Jensen ("Mountain Man" series) and the young Matt Jensen (series of same name) join together to stop a cattle man from encroaching on Indian lands in the Bighorn Mountains.

Thing is, I love my Westerns, it's one of my favorite genre. Yet, this book didn't really captivate my interest. There was nothing particularly exciting or distinct about it that made it different from others I've read. So I removed a star for lack of interest. I will give credit however to a very creative form of writing. Pretty much, our three heroes are locked up in cabin with a bunch of hired killers doing what they do best and the explanation is expressed through backstories on each of the characters. That was probably the most enjoyable thing about the story.

The thing that disappointed me the most was characters. To me, the protagonists were not likable. I do not like Preacher, yes, he's the iconic character of Johnstone but to me, anyone who likes to have one-night stands with Indian women and he's afraid to go back because he might see his child and settle down... to me, that's the biggest schmuck you get. That's just not a likable character to me and it would be hard for me to read the series about his character if that's the thing he does. Same thing goes to Matt Jensen. I was starting to like him the best because he was young and innocent, plus he showed embarrassment when an Indian girl took off her shirt in front him. Yet he still falls into the loop I hate and has a one-night or should I say like three-night stand with the woman and still leaves to be a drifter. It's like, what kind of douche are you. Smoke Jensen is the only likable character to me because he's a family man. The only downside is, I feel his like his character is too much like the Loner from the previous series I read. Anyway I'll leave it at that and if I read any more Johnstone series, I'm not sure I'll be reading Preacher or Matt.

[Barbara Lee Wood]

TWO-BIT DESPARADOS

STOMP those snakes. This is what Smoke Jensen, Matt Jensen and Preacher, this trip is and will be hard to destroy. It's the same old moves, rich greedy men who use force and bribery to achieve their aims..very very sad!
A tribe of Crow Indians led by Chief Crazy Bear who have lived and hunted those forest and fields for centuries, a rich ranch owner wants the land for his own. This type of land grabbing isn't new, considering White men this includes the United States which has a history of not honoring the treaties they've signed. There's mention of a group called "The Indian Ring" which is probably a bunch of crooked government officials using their status in the government to hide behind and remain anonymous to those who serve with them. It's still going on..manipulation of the system to gain a monetary highs..
The author's as always, enlightens the disposition of the Native Americans of the United States, remember they were born here, were made citizens in 1868..that's a real hoot!, and they are still mistreated, considered as non considered.
I enjoy reading the books written by these authors and I suggest all who enjoy reading about life in the West, read their books and you won't be disappointed..
The immigration of Europeans to this country and the Chinese, Irish, Italians who helped build the railroads across the Western States and territories all contribute building this country. Reading these westerns gives tibits of historical information, and insight of what everyone has gone through, trying to make a new life for themselves.

[RICHARD STENTON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once you are introduced to Preacher, Smoke and Matt you are interested to read anything which focuses on their exploits. This contains all three and is very interesting to see their situation when they are trying to save an Indian Tribe from the terrible treatment by a big rancher and be exposed to the prejudice toward all Indian's at this time. There are flashbacks of times each was exposed to problems with this tribe and the flashbacks as well as the present situation are all exciting and difficult to put the book down.

[Fen4etoYNWA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Еха! Не бях се разхождал из Дивия запад от тийнейджърските години, когато обикалях прериите с Олд Шетърхенд, Олд Файърхенд и Винету.
Много се радвам, че се срещнах с Мат Дженсън, Смоук Дженсън и Прийчър! Абсолютна класика, уестърн по канон. Добрите герои са само добри, благородни и помагат на онези в нужда. Лошите герои са само лоши, алчни и мразещи. Добрите бият лошите с много куршуми, юмруци и остроумие (остроумие, което се вижда от километри, нооо лошите не разбират откъде им е дошло).
С удоволствие продължавам да чета поредицата.

[Mary Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a audiobook that I chose for a trip I was on with my husband. Hubby is very fond of Westerns and this really was a good match. The narrator was excellent and the characters were engaging. I think this is really a 3 1/2 star book....the only thing that detracted from the fourth star is that the gun battles began to be a bit "tedious". The story line included many flashbacks to previous scenarios that involved fights....at times it became repetitive.

[Bethany Salway · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel is pure pulp. All the protagonists are from the same mold of a stoic hero archetype. Ridiculously skilled and with the arrogance to go with it. From the beginning, their victory is obvious to them as is to us, the readers.

Nonetheless, there's exciting writing, and the stories varied enough to be entertaining. A decent choice if you want some escapist fiction.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Time line confusing

Reads as if written by committee. Jumps from time to another time and back. New characters all over the place. Things happen in past to characters never explained. Confusing times 10!

[David Burnworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Preacher, Smoke, and Matt reminisce about the time they helped an old friend, a friend they will try and help again. But they must hold off a small army of cutthroats before getting to the Crow village to help.

[Eddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It like a Saturday western movie as a kid, a very good feeling.

[larry brashear · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT!

This is a wonderful story of the old west and one can understand great.memories of the past would not want those times to end.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

William W Johnstone is up there with Lamour, in Jensen family he combines the heroes of several series into one book series and they all shine, great book series

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Smoke Jensen a lot when I was younger and saw this one for sale and really wanted to revisit the stories. I liked it so much I'm already on another. These bring good memories.

[Nathaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it.

[John Shearer]

The Family Jensen

This was a good trio of stories that kept the same characters and timeline throughout. The author leaves no doubt that you are part of the story line.

[Yosef Shapiro · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story features: Smoke, preacher, and Matt. It features three related flashbacks as well as the current day story.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great of the Family Jensen ....on to book number 2 of the series...

[Ted Cartier · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sort of blend of three stand alone stories with a fourth overall story. All were good fun.

[Carol Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good story

I really enjoy reading the books that William Johnston write, they are some real accounts about the west. I will reread these books many times in the future.

[John R. deMore · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can the family get into next

You can always count on a lot of action when the Jensen family get together to help someone out who needs help

[Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A exciting, quick read. Tough to put down, excitement keeps you pinned to reading. I enjoyed it.

[Curtis Jensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty basic action packed western. Cocky gunslingers protect an Indian tribe from an encroaching rancher. Good entertainment, not very cerebral; tries a little too hard to be politically correct.

[Jensen Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I really love this book, and I really enjoy reading it. It was actually my first time reading Western, and I'm surprise that it has my name in the book series. I can't wait to what to read next.

[Rob Smith, Jr. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book of a series by the Johnstone Clan, that I've read, are usually excellent. This one missed that mark. There certainly are some great stories inside and even a good overall story. It's just that in an effort to weave four stories together as a whole doesn't work. The three individual stories of the three main characters read as stories meant for another purpose. So that the main underlining story also seems like a separate novel. Seems to me the Johnstone Clan could've just fleshed out all four stories into separate books that might not run the typical 300 pages. Maybe that was the initial idea.

The writing is OK. Though it does seem as if, at least, one of the three separate stories was written be an also separate author.

The characters are as good as always. Especially good work done for the indian characters. The bad guys were lacking in this case.

I'm going to recommend the book due almost entirely with the last fourth of the book. I do recommend reading the book as separate novels. Might be best to skip the prologue, I think it makes more sense that way.

Bottom line: I recommend this book. 5 out of 10 points.

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Family Jensen has Smoke Jensen, Preacher, and Matt Jensen out to help an old friend, Crow chief Crazy Bear, and his tribe with a greedy cattle baron. They get waylaid and are temporarily surrounded in a line shack.

The tale is broken into three parts as each of the trio relate their adventures with the big Chief before they break out and head for the village.

The author includes one of his own characters, Federal Judge Errol Starr, albeit with a slight name change. And there's even a redheaded investigator named Halliday that's an obvious nod to Brett Halliday and his famous creation, Private eye Mike Shayne.

[Jerry Sodemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read to bring back memories

I read many of William W. Johnstone's westerns, then I got sidetracked and stop reading for almost a year. This book brought a number of past adventures back to me as Preacher, Smoke Jensen and Matt Jensen are trapped in a cabin, and pass the time telling each other a story about something that had happened to them in the past. This is another great read!

[HornFan2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This really was four stories blended into one. It was an excellent read, about Smoke Jensen, Matt Jensen, and Preacher and William never disappoints when writing about these characters. Obviously it was another one were William wrote the majority of it, the ghost writer couldn't screw it up and neither his estate.

[Steve Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story with multiple plots which highlight some of the history between books.

Good story with multiple plots which highlight some of the history between books.

Good book with multiple stories that helps to fill in the gaps between books. Everything fits together nicely by the end. Non stop action throughout.