Bloody Newton by Johnny D Boggs is about a Newtown cropping up in Kansas called Newton in the book entails all those aiming to go there. First up is Gary and his two sons Tyler and Evan and they’re going to run 3200 head of cattle. At first their aiming to go to Abilene, but thanks to the Railroad in Judge muse who are starting the new town of Newton they’ve sent men into Texas and Chicago to direct them away from Abilene and towards Newton. We also get to know restaurant owner Denise B Beard and reporter Cindy Bagwell, Who in an effort to besmirch the new town of Newton and get rid of Cindy at the same time sends her there to report on any violent deaths and murders. Something she does without a complaint. Can I just stop here and say I found the letters between her and the editor Dodd to be so humorous. While Gary his boys and Hue, the arrogant pompous son of Gary‘s best friend drive the herd to Kansas the violence ramps up in Newton. Throughout the book at the beginning of each chapter is an authentic newspaper article that only helps ramp up the tension between Kansas and the Texas cowboys. When the storylines converge it will end in a bloodbath and only some will make it home again. This story is based on a real account of Newton Kansas that I had never heard of but the author who in my opinion is such a great writer there was a part in the book where Gary is in pain and wore out in the cattle has stampeded and he is trying to find his son Tyler and in that moment I was so swept up in the thunderstorm the wind blowing I was shocked when I snapped back into my own reality and that is a sign of a great writer. This is an awesome Western and a book I definitely recommend. I did fine Hughes conversion happen quite quickly but with the rest of the book being so awesome it’s forgivable. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.#KensingtonPublishing, #NetGalley, #JohnnyDBoggs, #BloodyNewton,

Leave it to Kensington to have ALL the good westerns! I'd never read Johnny Boggs before, but I will be now, and so will my patrons as we all discover a new author!! THANKS Kensington and Netgally!

I discovered Mr. Boggs when I read Longhorns East and jumped at the opportunity to read his latest historical fiction. It’s setting is centered around the up and coming town of Newton, Kansas during the late 1800’s. A new railroad track is going to change Newton into a booming, lawless city. The story is interspersed with period newspaper blurbs that rival current tabloid fodder. As a native Texan I’m familiar with the cattle drives and their destinations in Kansas but Newton was a tale I hadn’t heard of. I appreciated the author’s research and colorful portrayal of the adversities of the era. I became totally invested in the characters and cared about what the outcome would entail. The people are authentic and true to the period of history.
Gary is a cattle driver from Texas with two son’s, Evan and Taylor. He’s the one in charge of everything from the cattle to all the men and the success of the resulting sale. He faces dangerous river crossings, stampedes and exhaustion during the months it takes to reach trails end. He will lead the men and cattle from Texas through Indian Territory to reach Kansas. Cindy is an aspiring newspaper reporter whose misfortune lands her in Newton. Denise loves to cook and wants her own restaurant. She just needs to keep her brother out of trouble long enough to settle in one place. Gary, Cindy and Denise will cross paths in Newton and their futures are forever entwined and altered there.
If you enjoy a Western vibe with lots of historical innuendo, you’ll soak up the atmosphere in this story. There are gunfights, heartbreaking tragedy, death, hardships, love, honor, lifelong friendships, success and a glimpse of the people who founded our great country.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an advanced reader’s copy of “Bloody Newton” by Johnny D. Boggs, Kensington Publishing, publication expected 06/25/2024. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.