Review: 'The Last Gunfighter: Ambush Valley' by William W. Johnstone & J. A. Johnstone

Today, I’m venturing into the Ambush Valley, the 17th installment of The Last Gunfighter series, which was kicked off in 2000 by the late William W. Johnstone (1938-2004). The last solo effort in the series from Johnstone was Renegades in 2005. After that, Fred Austin stepped in for Savage Country in 2006, paving the way for J.A. Johnstone, William's niece, to join the fray, starting with the fourteenth book, The Devil's Legion. However, I am unsure about his niece's involvement in the actual writing of the books. A "Publisher's Note" appeared in later installments, detailing how the Johnstone family selected authors to complete unfinished outlines and craft new tales, breathing fresh life into the series.

At the center of The Last Gunfighter saga is Frank "The Drifter" Morgan, a legendary figure renowned and feared across the Wild West. After six tumultuous months, Frank has taken a rare breather, settling into the role of town Marshal in Buckskin. It’s not his first experience donning a badge, but this stint promises to be the longest by far.

Frank’s son, Conrad Browning, is now a man unto himself, married to the spirited Rebel Callahan. Following the death of Conrad's mother, the pair inherited the Browning empire, which includes banks. However, Frank has little interest in the family's business affairs. He prefers to leave those matters in the hands of lawyers to ensure fairness prevails. Yet, the peace is shattered when a gang led by Cicero McCoy pulls a daring heist, making off with eighty thousand dollars from one of the banks. McCoy, in a sinister twist, hides the loot in Ambush Valley before turning on his own men, leaving a trail of bodies behind. Captured by bounty hunters, he’s sentenced to a long, bleak twenty-five years in Yuma Territorial Prison.

But how does Frank Morgan fit into this tangled plot? Conrad conspires to enlist his father's help by sending him undercover to Yuma as a prisoner. For over a month, Frank endures the gruesome labor of prison life, working to cultivate a friendship with McCoy. The aim? To orchestrate a daring escape in the hopes that McCoy will lead him straight to the stolen bank money.

I approached this tale with what I like to call "multi-task reading." I read the paperback while immersing myself in the audiobook, which runs 7 hours and 27 minutes and was produced by Recorded Books, Inc. and Blackstone Publishing. The narration is unabridged, offering a straightforward delivery without unnecessary embellishments. George Guidall, the narrator, enchants listeners with his deep, resonant baritone reminiscent of Ian McShane, known for his role as Al Swearengen in HBO's Deadwood. Guidall effortlessly channels a range of believable voices, even capturing female characters with skill, ensuring that I was always engaged and eager to continue.

The writing itself is exceptional; the prose flows smoothly, fostering a rhythm that keeps readers engaged. The dialogue rings true, grounded in authenticity, while the descriptions strike a perfect balance, allowing imagination to fill in the gaps. While the plot may tread a familiar Western trope of retrieving stolen loot, Frank Morgan transcends the stereotype of the ordinary gunslinger. His past complicates the narrative, particularly concerning the tumultuous relationship he shares with his son, Conrad. At this point, I’m still undecided about Conrad; I find his wife, Rebel, far more intriguing.

There’s also a spinoff series, The Loner, focusing on Conrad, which piques my interest enough to seek out all its volumes.

Overall, The Last Gunfighter: Ambush Valley captivated me in both paperback and audio form. The narrative brims with action—bank robberies, shootouts, bloodshed, and a gripping prison break—providing enough tension to keep readers perched on the edge of their seats. It’s a wild ride through the unforgiving landscape of the Old West, and I relished every moment. ╌★★★★★

〜B.J. Burgess

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