Today, I'm featuring The Rustler Hunter—a new release—at least I think it's new. I grabbed this book from BookSirens, but in my whirlwind, I forgot to check if it’s already out. Let's just call it a fresh take on the Western genre, or more specifically, a Christian Western—yes, those exist. It’s reminiscent of the classic Westerns we adore, but with a twist: scriptures woven into the narrative and an underlying theme of faith. Some readers might roll their eyes and shy away because, let’s face it, they aren’t looking for a sermon alongside their shootouts. Personally, I have no qualms; I once went through a phase where I gobbled up Christian historical romances like popcorn at the movies. No judgment here!
The story revolves around the enigmatic J.J. Westin, known far and wide as the infamous Rustler Hunter. He’s plunged into the gritty world of Arizona Territory's largest cattle ranch, intent on rooting out the rustlers draining it dry. But these aren’t your typical thieves; they’re trusted cowboys sneaking around from within the bunkhouse. Just when he thinks he’s got it all figured out, he crosses paths with Hayley Harper—the tough-as-nails cook with a secret identity. Hayley is not just a survivor; she’s a Pinkerton agent on the same case, all while being the daughter of the infamous outlaw Galen Harper. Talk about family ties!
As if things weren’t complicated enough, their undercover operation goes sideways, exposing a sinister web of corruption that spans across three territories. With enemies zeroing in and bullets whizzing by, this legendary manhunter and the outlaw’s daughter must navigate the treacherous badlands of 1898 Arizona, a landscape where trust is as rare as a blue moon and justice might just come at the end of a gun.
In the shadow of Canyon Diablo, the notorious Aztec Land & Cattle Company's Hashknife outfit reigned over a million acres of the wildest land in the Arizona Territory. It’s a scene straight out of the Westerns of yore, full of grit, desperation, and a touch of lawlessness.
Now, let’s get to my little nitpicking session: what on earth is happening with modern Western covers? I’m a sucker for those striking illustrated or painted works from the 1930s to the early ’90s. Somewhere along the line, that magic has faded. Technology—curse it!—has birthed a slew of photoshopped, AI-generated covers that leave me feeling underwhelmed. Don’t get me wrong; I dabble with AI images on this blog, but I’m no artist, and let's face it, I’m on a budget. Still, it’s no excuse for the sad state of book covers today. A captivating cover can be the difference between a book finding a home on a shelf or languishing in obscurity. This goes for indie authors too—if your old titles are being republished as eBooks with eyesores for covers, you’re doing it all wrong. Tip to all publishers and authors: “Covers sell the books!” Keep that in mind!
But I digress. Let’s return to The Rustler Hunter. I’m not totally hating the cover, though I’d tweak the font. You know the saying— “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” or something to that effect.
The Rustler Hunter—what a snappy title! It carries a pulpy narrative reminiscent of old serials. We’ve got a classic good-guy hero, a damsel on a mission, and a quintessential bad guy surrounded by his henchmen. As I type this, the plot starts to feel like a James Bond thriller in a cowboy’s skin. Clearly, I’ve read way too much! But fear not, the narrative ticks all the boxes you’d expect from a Western. It’s full of well-timed twists, character archetypes, and plot points that feel almost obligatory, and yet, they work.
R.J. Sloane’s writing style radiates an appreciation for the old school Westerns, which is a breath of fresh air. His prose is crisp and pulpy in the best possible way. You can tell he’s done his homework—every checkmark for an entertaining yarn is hit, even with the Christian elements sprinkled in. All in all, it’s a fine read that proves sometimes, even in the wild chaos of the West, good stories find a way to shine bright. ╌★★★★✰
Want to support future Gunsmoke & Grit reviews? Please consider purchasing The Rustler Hunter on Paperback [*] and Kindle. [*] I don't receive a significant commission, but every penny helps.
〜B.J. Burgess
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“The plot thickens… especially when you comment.” 〜B.J. Burgess