Dark Night in Big Rock (The Jensen Brand)

Dark Night in Big Rock by William W. Johnstone and J. A. Johnstone is the latest in the series about the Jensen family. I really like the fact that these books generally is set around the year 1900 it gives a new dimension to the classic western and it's so damned well done. We see the differences between the older and the younger generations as times move on. We also get to see how the older folks deal with new inventions, such as telephones, automobiles, elevators and new weaponry. I just love this stuff. In this book we have some of the usual western stuff bad guys on the path of revenge, a range war and some shady characters swindling people of there money. We also get some real good shootouts and some fisticuffs. I had a blast reading this book that hits the bookstores in the end of March. I am thankful that @kensingtonbooks @netgalley and #Pinnacle gave me this advance copy and @williamw.j.a.johnstone for writing it. #NetGalley #Kensington #DarkNightInBigRock #WilliamWJohnstone #JAJohnstone #Western #TheJensenBrand

“Dark Night in Big Rock” is an illustration of that truism. Another Johnstone saga that brings that thought to my mind. The story is told in such a way that all of the sub themes in this book come to their conclusion. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys tales of the Old West,

All of the original Smoke Jensen books are excellent. So often, when an author tries to move from the original character to their relatives or kids, it loses the momentum of the original. I'm happy to say, that isn't the case here. Dark Night in Big Rock (Pinnacle Books 2022), Book 5 of the Jensen Brand, deals with Smoke's two twin children, Louis, a newly graduated lawyer who's returned to Big Rock to set up a practice, and Denny, the heir apparent to Smoke's ranch, Sugarloaf. Louis is eager for new clients, but doesn't want to rely on his famous father's law work or his friends. He becomes involved with two men with ranches that border each other who are fighting over their property lines. Louis is not a seasoned lawyer but feels by applying his prodigious and Harvard-honed mental power, he can unravel the mystery of who owns what before a full-blown range war breaks out. You'll have to read this book to see if he manages to do that before too many innocent folks are killed. This is a typical excellent Johnstone Old West book--fast, feel-good, and with characters you like. And, if you like a little romance in your Western, you'll find that here, too.  Highly recommended for those who love a good Western.

Very interesting and exciting. Western characters are well developed and leave m any ideas for future books which I eagerly look forward to. I am ready to buy more right now! Gilbert Ellis

What a thrilling, nonstop, western, action romance! Unlike other stories in the series, this novel focuses mainly on the twin adult children of Smoke and Sally, Louis and Denise. Louis has returned from the east after attending Harvard to earn his law degree with his wife Melanie and son Brad. Denise, better known as Denny, has been working on the family ranch called Sugarloaf. Louis has health issues and can’t overexert himself but don’t discount this Jensen just yet when there is a threat to harm someone he loves. Denny may wear a dress now and again but that doesn’t mean she isn’t ready for trouble should it rear its ugly head. The trouble starts when two long-time ranchers go to war when a new survey shows the boundaries of their land as being in the wrong area. The Box RG and the Ace of Diamonds have been without any issues until the new map is drawn and bullets start flying. Louis offers to help the two owners of the spreads find out the truth if he can get them to quietly listen and answer questions. Denny is ready to lend a hand to her brother. At one point, she offers to track down the surveyor who is said to live in Denver. Curious as to why the two men are fighting over a single water hole, she ends up witnessing a clash between two ranch hands, helping to save a life in the process. Conrad Morgan has his eye on Denny, as well as keeping his business interests in the area growing. Brice, at one time, was interested in Denny and isn’t sure where or if they are to have a future together. Hence, the very tense times both Conrad and Brice are together! Well, I won’t tell you anymore of the plot because that would ruin your enjoyment of discovery! The action starts on the first page and doesn’t let up until the very last word. Suffice it to say that a lot is going on in the novel but not in a confusing way at all. I was hooked and read the tale because I enjoy the well-developed characters and to see where the author was going to take the plot with Louis and Denny. I was happily surprised to see that Smoke wasn’t the focus, even though I do enjoy reading a book with him as the main protagonist. If you haven’t read the other books in the series, don’t worry as you can pick up the book and enjoy it just the same. If you want to read the series from the beginning, start with the first one titled, The Jensen Brand followed by Too Soon to Die, Rising Fire and Gold Mine Massacre.