A Hill of Beans...a book I was in the mood for, and was okay, to say the least. Even though it was book three of the Chuckwagon Trail series, this is my second western I've read by Mr. William W. Johnstone, and I have to say, I really enjoyed reading this one. Yes, I gave this book three out of a five stars, but it was because it stared real slow, and then it picked up and it felt like a real western.

This book introduces Dewey "Mac" Mackenzie (well to me it introduces Mac), a man on the run from his past who one night hears a rumbling of a cattle stampede. He had two choices: either get stomped on by the cattle, or help the cattle rustlers get the heard under control. He gets them under control, and joins up with the group called the Rafter B.

At first, they didn't like him-no one warmed up to him. But the more they spend time together, even firing the horrible cook and making Mac the Chuckwagon cook, they liked him so much that they kept him on the trail till they meet trouble-trouble in the form of Van Horne and his men, and of course the Forrests, Belinda and Herbert. The Rafter B outfit moved across the trail, and they have narrowly escaped the Kiowa Tribe (I'm trying to write this in a respectful manner because Mr. William did a good job depicting them), and the action was just so beautiful. Even the scrap between Mac and Roman over Belinda was really good.

The one thing that made me a bit upset was that Mac and Colleen didn't get together. I thought it was okay for him to finally let his guard down and be with her, but it looked like it didn't happen as she fell for Malloy, the new member of the group and also a Texas Ranger. But one thing ticked me off SO MUCH was Belinda betraying them, using her feminine wiles to try and get what she wanted, even having to lie to poor Mac about what was going on until he overheard her and her husband talking and then making love (which was uncomfortable to hear.)

I wish I read the rest of this book series (or the first two books introducing Mac to me) because I really like Mac and I wish he didn't have to go to California and stayed with the Rafter B...but maybe one day it'll happen....one day....

William W Johnstone third installment from his Chuckwagon Trail series, A Hill of Beans, is exactly what I would expect from him. Another great read by him. Five stars.

Disclaimer: I'm a Johnstone junkie. Never met a Johnstone western that I didn't love. These westerns run as serials, each one centered around a character as true to life as you'll ever read. HILL OF BEANS is the next story In Mac McKenzie's journey as a wagon trail cook. Although these are listed as part of a series, each of the Johnstone westerns is an outstanding story that can definitely be read as stand alones.
Accused of a crime he did not commit, Mac keeps moving, staying ahead of anyone who might be looking for him. His trade as a wagon trail cook keeps him working and gives him the chance to do what he does best, help those who need it. Of course, trouble finds him. The story would be pretty boring if it didn't. I recommend these books to all my western loving friends and have yet to find anyone who didn't love them as much as I do.

Even though this is #3 in the series, it was quite easy to read without having read the previous ones. I don't think I missed out by jumping in at #3.

William W. Johnstone is the author of over 300 books, and while that kind of productivity as an author is staggering, this was my first introduction to his writing. It's my understanding that this book was one of many written by either a basic outline or an unfinished manuscript by William W. Johnstone, after his death. While I found that tidbit interesting, as both an author and a reader, it did not detract from the story.

Let's talk about the less-than-wonderful parts first.
There were a number of sentences that went on far too long. One in particular that stands out was an entire paragraph long. No, it was not dialogue. Passages like that can tire the reader. But I plowed on.
I would have liked to have been shown the land they rode through a bit more often. A better description of the cattle too.

Now, all that being said, this novel did have strengths.
The main character was well-developed, both in a easy-to-see sort of way and psychologically. His motivations were clear, relatable and he was a genuinely good guy.
Conflicts in the plot were resolved in a way that made sense for the land and the time.
It was an entertaining story that was easy to read and highly enjoyable.

I'm very glad Netgalley and the publisher granted me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I just finished the latest adventure with trail cook Dewey “Mac” Mckenzie by William W. Johnstone; J.A. Johnstone. Thanks to Netgalley, Pinnacle and Kensington Books for letting me have these few hours of entertaining western reading. I think this is the most innovating in the genre for many years. Great fun for lovers of westerns. Our hero stumbles upon one cattle drive after another trying to get away from the wanted posters. If you love westerns like I do then this is one for you.

Usually westerns about cattle drives follow a similar path. Rustlers attack the drive, kill a few good cowboys, and the rest want revenge. A Hill of Beans (Pinnacle Books 2020), Book 3 in the Chuckwagon Trail series,starts like that but in true Johnstone fashion, doesn't take long to diverge. These particular rustlers decide to steal cattle by causing a stampede and have the misfortune of sending the frenzied cows right through the middle of Dewey “Mac” Mackenzie's campground. He not only helps to stop the stampede but then goes after the rustlers and retrieves the stolen cows. When the trail drive's cook gets injured, Mac--who says he is between drives--is hired to cook which is what he likes to do anyway. That's all in the first few pages (well, more than few--20% maybe) and the action is just starting. Mac and the boss's son save a man from hanging when they go into town for supplies which is where the real problems start.

Mac is an interesting character, not at all the typical western hero. He’s a quick thinker, committed to helping others, fun to be around, talented with a frying pan, and has secrets he’s not telling that could change everything. Of course the owner of the new crew has his own secrets. I spent most of the book trying to figure out what all of those were and whose were worse.

This, like most books by these authors, is atmospheric, steeped in old west authenticity, and a fun read. If you like Westerns, you'll enjoy it.

--to be published on my blog, WordDreams, 5/2020