Title: Code of the Mountain Man (Mountain Man #8)
Author: William W Johnstone
Pages: 292
Year: 2014
Publisher: Pinnacle
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
Smoke and Sally Jensen have worked hard to build up their ranch they named Sugarloaf. They love their family and those who work on their ranch. The closest town is called Big Rock, which is where the action begins. As Smoke and Sally are in town, the Slater gang comes thundering into town shooting guns at anything or anyone. In the aftermath, Sally is one of those stuck by a stray bullet. When the doctor fixes up her arm, Smoke makes plans to go after the ruthless group of men.
Smoke was taught by Preacher how to survive in the mountains, and he also learned how to outfox those who come to kill him. When a ruthless judge puts out a warrant for Smoke, the hills become infested with bounty hunters who have dreams of gaining a reputation by killing the last mountain man. There are others out to get Smoke and most of those have a price on their own heads.
When Smoke begins to whittle down the odds, most come to realize that he is too much of a mountain man to pursue. Others begin to wonder how they would collect the bounty when they themselves are wanted by the law. However, there are stubborn men who, no matter what, figure they must continue the hunt, which just may cost them their lives.
There is more action and adventure in the novel that builds with each page turned. Plan on sitting a spell and living once again in the Old West where men have a code and the guts to seek justice done. There is also romance that is tender and respectful, especially between Smoke and Sally. Sally is a frontier woman now and not easily swayed to stay behind when her man is in trouble, so watch for her bravery and intelligence to shine as well!
Visit the author’s website and see the vast array of tales awaiting you at https://williamjohnstonebooks.com
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. ( )