I'm there for any Matthew Harffy book, especially when he turns his expertise to crafting a western!

This takes the small ranch vs landowner conflict trope and places it at the centre of Dark Frontier. Chuck in a murder mystery, a man trying to not return to the violence of his past, gun fights, saloon brawls, high stakes and a simple need to deliver justice and you have yourself a fantastic recipe for a Western, especially when that recipe is compiled by Matthew Harffy.

Dark Frontier is a great 2024 publication that takes these classic tropes and makes them feel fresh. We have great twists and turns, vivid characters, with White in particular as a standout, and a huge dose of tension that is crafted and manipulated by Harffy brilliantly.

4/5 STARS

Dark frontier written by Matthew Harffey is about Gabriel Stokes, ex-military and war veteran and retired London policeman. He arrives in the west to visit his old war buddy John Thornford, only to learn he was murdered. After getting John’s head Forman Jedidiah white,an arrested and freed from the local police he learns the plight of his friend and now his family and goes to the ranch to see what he can do. Gabriel himself is running from a drinking problem, a lost love and the haunting memories of an alcoholic father who he despairs one more drink will make him just like the ghost he’s running from. The more he’s around Marianne and her children the more he wants to protect them but that’s not the only reason and the other reasons go much deeper than that. They’re up against a cattle Baron name Grant who it seems the whole town is in fear of Will everyone except for Gabriel Stokes and Jedediah White before it’s over they will have the loyalty of others. Everyone warns Gabriel off of his mission but he is steadfast and has a purpose and will see it through or die and at first he tries to do things the right way but in the end he will have to do things his way. I feel I am not doing this book justice it was so good it is an epic very long story but OMG if you love story set in the west you will definitely enjoy this one oh I certainly did I loved it despite wishing it would’ve been shorter I think headed been it wouldn’t of been the same book. What a great book and an awesome way to pass the day. #NetGalley,#Head of Zeus, #MatthewHarffy, #DarkFrontier,

Dark Frontier is an engaging novel that masterfully intertwines the classic elements of a Western with the intrigue of a whodunit. This book is particularly appealing to readers who grew up captivated by cowboy shows and have since developed a passion for detective stories.

The narrative is both well-written and meticulously paced, ensuring that readers are drawn into the unfolding mystery while also savouring the rich details of the setting. The characters of Gabriel Stokes and Jed White are notably well-rounded and intricately crafted, each possessing their unique motivations and complexities that make them relatable and compelling.

Set against the backdrop of Oregon, the landscape is vividly portrayed, capturing the essence of the frontier with accuracy and authenticity. The author's keen attention to detail enhances the immersive experience, allowing readers to visualize the harsh beauty of the wilderness through which the characters navigate. This level of craftsmanship is what one comes to expect from a skilled writer like Matthew, yet in Dark Frontier, he truly excels, delivering a setting that feels alive and integral to the story.

http://thesecretbookreview.co.uk

Mathew Harffy is known for his brilliant books set in the Dark Ages, so to see he had written a Western was an exciting change of pace.

Now I’ve never even read a genuine Western, so I was excited to see where one of my favourite authors led me. I wasn’t disappointed.

A great cast of characters and a compelling storyline combine for a truly memorable book. Id love for there to be a followup as it seems Harffy has so much to offer here.

Having previously read books by this author set in the dark ages, I was interested to read this book, set in Oregon in the 1890's. At 464 pages it is quite a read but it is needed as the author provides great character progression and makes the environment of Oregon into another character.
It is probably best to class this a Western/cowboy type book but with a twist. The author is English and one of the main characters is English, served in the Army in Afghanistan in the Second Anglo-Afghan War in 1878, and had also been an officer of the Metropolitan Police in London. Not only does this really put a different slant on the story but it also has many real life events and people mentioned in the book that, if you are interested, will send you on fact-finding internet searches.
Although it is a medium paced book it is a great read and I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good story with a different perspective.
I am already looking forward and hoping for book 2.
The book will be available in paperback in January 2025 but you can purchase the hardback, audiobook and ebook now.
Many thanks to Head of Zeus, NetGalley and the author for providing me with an electronic version of the book in return for an honest and unbiaed review

1890. Lieutenant Gabriel Stokes of the British Army left behind the horrors of war in Afghanistan for a role in the Metropolitan Police. Though he rose quickly through the ranks, the squalid violence of London's East End proved just as dark and oppressive as the battlefield. 
With his life falling apart, and longing for peace and meaning, Gabriel leaves the grime of London behind and heads for the wilderness and wide open spaces of the American West.

What an absolutely brilliant book. It’s not my usual fare but I really enjoyed reading it. The characters, the scenery all described wonderfully. It was one of those “hard to put down” novels. First class writing and a great story.

I'm not a huge fan of Western but I read Matthew Harffy and had to read it as I love his novels (and thought it was one in another series I love).
I must admit I read the name and didn't check the plot.
That said it's a fascinating and new take on an epic genre, the new frontier and being pioneers.
Harffy did and excellent job in developing the plot and the characters. Gabriel
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

First novel by this author for me and it’s a cracking read. Not usually a fan of westerns but this glorious tale had me hooked from the start. An ex soldier and London policeman with a history off to the wilderness of Oregon to aid an old army comrade what’s not to like . Full of action and stereotype bad guys it all works brilliantly. Hopefully the ending offers a clue there may be more to come.

This is a fast paced exciting adventure from the author of the Birnicia Chronicles . As always with matthew Harffy's books I find it takes a little while to get going and then gallops through the story. Its nice to read a western from this author as he is known more for Viking sagas and the dark ages.
Set in the 1890s Our hero {or not} Gabriel Stokes, is a London detective during the Jack the Ripper murders and to get away from both his unloving family and his past he boards a steamer and heads to Oregon, home of his former commander, John Thornford who unbeknown to Gabriel has been killed leaving a widow and orphans. Things tend to get a bit tricky after this but I don't want to tell you the story as Matthew Harffy does a far better job. An original story from a very readable author I recommend this western whole Heartedly. I would like to thank the Author, Publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book

This is the first book I've read by Matthew Harffy and I can say right now it will not be the last.

Dark Frontier is an absolutely fantastic western that I really struggled to put down. The second half in particular led to a couple of very late nights. The plot may not be the most original (greedy, corrupt, bullying landgrabber vs small ranches etc), but it is incredibly well done with plenty of mystery to unravel along the way and the whodunnit thread works so well.

Action and suspense abound, the setting is superb, but the real strength for me was the character work. Stokes and White come from different worlds and I really loved how their relationship evolves as the story progresses.

I loved everything about this book and my only complaint was the lack of depth around White's background. Hopefully we'll get to find out more in the future and I think that's what makes him such an interesting and entertaining character!

A truly gripping novel, Dark Frontier is a real treat to read.

Thank you NetGalley and Head of Zeus for an ARC copy of this book.

Nineteenth-century Oregon may be a departure in terms of period and location for Matthew Harffy but there’s no departure from the creation of a compelling and action-packed story.

The author gives Gabriel Stokes a fascinating back story: service in the British Army in Afghanistan, including exposure to the savagery of the Battle of Maiwand, followed by a stint in the Metropolitan Police during the period of the grisly Ripper murders. Gabriel’s had troubles in his personal life as well. (Surely plenty of material here for a prequel at some point?) He’s tried to blot out the traumatic memories that still give him nightmares with drink and drugs, but it hasn’t worked. He hopes the wide open spaces of Oregon and a reunion with his former commanding officer and friend, Captain John Thornfield (who also saved his life), will help him leave those memories behind.

Unfortunately for Gabriel the bad times are only just beginning, starting with the dreadful news that greets him when he arrives at the Thornfield ranch. It’s enough to drive him back into the grasp of the demons that possessed him before but, showing immense strength of character, he resists. Just.

Gabriel’s strong sense of justice means he can’t just ignore a crime, especially one that’s likely to go unpunished because power and influence seems to get you whatever you want in this neck of the woods. He’s determined to bring the culprit to account by following the same sort of diligent process he would have done back in London: gathering evidence and putting it before a court. Doing things in the right way. But as he’s warned, ‘There is no right way here. Just who’s left standing when the smoke clears. That’s the western way.’

The hard drinking, quick on the draw, grizzled old Jedidiah White makes a wonderful foil to Gabriel. Jed’s motto: Shoot first, ask questions later. Actually don’t bother with the questions. I also liked the inclusion of a character who brings unique skills to the investigation but also reflects the unhappy history of dealings between Native Americans and European settlers.

There are some great set piece scenes in which Gabriel, Jed and the Thornfield ranch hands fight the bad guys, often against the odds and with the outcome very much in doubt. We get a clear sense of the ruthless nature of the men they’re up against and how money can buy anybody and anything, including a willingness to look the other way.

Even if it moves at a trot rather than a gallop at the beginning, Dark Frontier has everything you could want from a Wild West adventure, including a little history lesson along the way about the conflict between cattle ranchers and sheep farmers.

I have to admit cowboys and Westerns are not really my thing. I had to read The Virginian for American Lit at uni and found it so boring. Then there's all the films my dad made me watch - snoresville.
BUT - this book was so much better than all of that and I'm going to even recommend it to my John Wayne loving dad as a great read. Matthew Harffy you sir, are quite possibly a genius. This book had me hooked from the get go and I really, really enjoyed it.

I have to confess, I haven’t read a Western in years, but Dark Frontier by Matthew Harffy has certainly got me in the mood for more. And for an author used to writing about warfare with guns and axes in the early medieval period, he certainly knows his way around a six-shooter. Though he does manage to get a sword into the action at one point, which was pretty impressive!

Dark Frontier is the story of a man heading west to escape his past, and his demons, only to find his demons are not that easy to avoid. He also finds that trouble is just as present in the American West as it was on the streets of London. And, a policeman at heart, trouble is not something he seems to be able to walk away from. Dark Frontier is a fascinating adventure based around a ranch war between a sheep farmer and a cattle baron. The cattle baron wants more land – the sheep farmer doesn’t want to oblige.

Things turn nasty.

With the West becoming more accessible with the expansion of the railroad, cattle barons are greedy for more land so they can fulfill government contracts. JT’s, the ranch belonging to Gabe’s best friend, John Thornford, is in the way of progress, as far one cattle baron is concerned. Throw in a murder mystery, budding friendships, violent attacks and a good fist fight or two – along with the odd pistol whipping and shoot-outs and you have the ingredients for a perfect Western novel.

What makes Dark Frontier such an incredible story is the breadth and range of characters. Gabe Stokes is the quintessential, broken Englishman who finds that the rules are few and far-between when it comes to the wide open plains of frontier America. Mary Ann Thornford is a widow, with 2 young children, left alone to take on the oily, powerful and determined cattle baron, Tom Grant. She has a handful of farmhands to help out, and Her husband’s old friend, Gabe Stokes.

With a fast-paced, engrossing story and characters the reader can get behind, Dark Frontier has all the ingredients for an exciting adventure. And it doesn’t disappoint. Matthew Harffy has certainly made the switch from early medieval historical fiction to the Wild Wild West with great aplomb.

Enjoyed it immensely!

I do hope there are more Westerns to come!

Gabriel Stokes has fled his life in London to join his friend in Oregon, hoping to leave behind the violence and corruption he’s seen as member of Metropolitan Police. But once he arrives, he discovers that Oregon provides the same violence and corruption he saw in London, just with a different accent.

Dark Frontier by Matthew Harffy takes the reader on a journey through the nascent American west, where land grabs were common, guns were prolific and justice is served by force, rather than the courts. Like all great westerns, this one has the usual cast of characters: a beyond reproach rancher who has been murdered, his stoic widow, a corrupt local sheriff, a land-grabbing cattle baron and even a faithful dog.

This is the fourteenth novel from Harffy, who is best known for his Bernicia Chronicles, an action-packed historical series set in seventh century Anglo-Saxon Britain. Dark Frontier benefits from his attention to detail and extensive research, as well as his ability to write a page-turning mystery.

In his author’s note, Harffy writes that he always wanted to write a Western, but he waited until he saw that the themes of nineteenth-century Oregon conflicts were similar to those of seventh-century Britain. He also outlines all of the research he did in order to ensure accuracy, including reading historical accounts, firing both revolvers and rifles, as well as riding horses around Oregon.

For those who’ve enjoyed this foray into the American west, Harffy writes that there will be more novels in this series.

BLURB
A thrilling historical western set in 1890s Oregon, from the author of the critically acclaimed Bernicia Chronicles. An English soldier turned policeman escapes to the American West for a new future, but life on the frontier proves far harder than he ever imagined...

A man can flee from everything but his own nature.

1890. Lieutenant Gabriel Stokes of the British Army left behind the horrors of war in Afghanistan for a role in the Metropolitan Police. Though he rose quickly through the ranks, the squalid violence of London’s East End proved just as dark and oppressive as the battlefield.

With his life falling apart, and longing for peace and meaning, Gabriel leaves the grime of London behind and heads for the wilderness and wide open spaces of the American West.

He soon realises that the wilds of Oregon are far from the idyll he has yearned for. The Blue Mountains may be beautiful, but with the frontier a complex patchwork of feuds and felonies, and ranchers as vicious as any back alley cut-throat in London, Gabriel finds himself unable to escape his past and the demons that drive him. Can he find a place for himself on the far edge of the New World?
REVIEW
I am convinced that the author must have been an Oregonian in a prior life. Our Northumbrian scribe makes the transition from seax, sword, and shield to Colt revolvers and Remington rifles, in breathtaking style. He captures the wild beauty, and the dangers inherent in such an environment. And along the way has created a masterful tale; a plot that twists like a sheep trail in the hills, characters that are larger than life befitting the violent time Gabriel Stokes finds himself in. Revenge, loyalty, oaths kept, and the sheer unpredictability of the outcome make this a great read. So, get yourself a good pony, and a Colt revolver, and ride along with the JT Crew. 5 STARS

1890. Lieutenant Gabriel Stokes thought he had turned his back on horrors when he left the British Army, and tried to forget his experiences of the bloody Second Anglo-Afghan War. But, a job in the Metropolitan Police, with a first hand view of the depraved crimes committed in London's East End, has only scarred him more. Stoke's job and marriage have become casualties of his desperate need to seek solace and the bottom of a bottle and in London's seedy opium dens, but when he receives a letter from his old commanding officer, Captain John Thornfield, he sees the chance for a different life.

Swearing off his vices, Stokes heads for the wide open spaces of Oregon, in the American West, where Thornfield has settled with his family to establish a thriving sheep farm. However, as soon as he arrives he realises that this is not going to the quiet break in the wilderness that he pictured. The scenery may be stunning, but the people here are just as eaten up with greed and violence as anywhere else in the world, and his damaged psyche continues to plague him. Thornfield's family are in need of his help, and his sense of justice, and this might just give him the motivation he needs to save himself too.

Having thoroughly enjoyed Matthew Harffy's books sent in the Dark Ages/Medieval era, which are beautifully written, gripping adventures, my interest was well and truly piqued by, Dark Frontier, his first foray into the Western genre. At first, this might appear to be a big step-change, but, dear reader, it is soon apparent that the timeless emotions and desires that motivated the actions of his earlier characters are also here in glorious technicolour - just in an alternative setting.

And what a setting this is. Harffy has clearly done his homework in recreating an American West that, while purported to have been 'tamed' in 1890, is every bit as wild as you need for a cracking adventure story. The environment is beautiful, but full of dangers of the landscape, wildlife, and human varieties - especially the human ones, fuelled by years of divisive history and deeply held hatred.

Onto this vivid stage he drops Gabriel Stokes, a man tortured by his own demons, formed from the sights he has seen during his time in the army and among the violence of the East End. Stokes needs a sense of purpose, and Harffy gives him just that. He has to pick up the reins of frontier life fast, shaping his fixed notions of justice to fit new challenges in a small town torn apart by fierce feuding between cattle ranchers and sheep farmers. Stokes is not a man afraid of a fight, and if the tried and tested methods of the law man do not quite fit in Oregon, then there is only one way to tackle a foe determined to get what he wants at any cost - through a good old fashioned, gunslinging, shoot-out! Yee-haw! Cue a bunch of fabulous characters around Stokes who all come together in a rollicking tale of good against evil, with some nicely contrived twists that make it difficult to tell enemy from friend until murderous mysteries have been solved.

Harffy touches on so much fascinating history in this book. Stokes' background in the army and the Metropolitan Police force of this era are interesting enough, but it is the tinderbox of the American West that really grabs your imagination. The combined effects of the fallout-out from the American Civil War, the Indian Wars, money, politics, conflict between cattle and sheep farmers, and the presence of guns for hire in an all-but lawless land, make for a backdrop in which anything goes. But this is also a land on the cusp of changes, which makes it ripe for a seasoned author to speculate about what happens next too - which he does with the delicious little hook that tells of more adventures for Stokes and co to come.

It has been so long since I read a great Western, which this is, without a doubt. Mr Harffy, you were clearly born to take this turn in your writing journey, and I cannot wait for more.

Very different from my usual fare, but I really enjoyed this book. Set in 1890s in Oregon, Gabriel Stokes is fleeing from his old life - memories of the Afghan wars, alcohol and opium addiction, the nightmares of coping with life as a policeman in London during the Ripper years and a wife who totally despises him. He chooses Oregon to meet up with his former commanding officer and friend, only to immediately be swept up in new violence and tyranny.

Hoping for a peaceful life, Gabe discovers life on the frontier is harsh and often short. He will need all his military and police skills to solve a murder and protect the innocent.

Well written, a great plot and a thoroughly enjoyable read. Thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

An exciting and gritty Western, the tale of a troubled former English officer and Metropolitan detective who travels to Oregon at the invitation of an army friend. Brutally vivid, the frontier culture is brought to life. I am not a fan of Westerns but this story was written with authenticity and I look forward to reading more in the series.

Dark Frontier has everything you want in an Old West adventure—a scarred but admirable hero riding a good horse, a varied posse of guys to help him, strong women, a moustache-twisting villain, stunning wilderness, triumph and tragedy, and of course a big gunfight or two. The hero, Gabriel Stokes, is escaping from his past in the British army and London police force, so despite ‘not being from these parts,’ he arrives at his friend’s sheep ranch in Oregon already able to ride and shoot. He has all the skills he needs to unravel the truth about a mysterious death and root out a source of violence and corruption that is blighting the town. His main compadre in these efforts is a frontiersman that seems to be part Gus McCrae from Lonesome Dove and part Gabby Johnson from Blazing Saddles (of “authentic frontier gibberish” fame). Despite their differences, these two forge a complex and highly effective partnership.
I’m an American and a third-generation reader of Westerns, so I was intrigued to find out about this novel written by one of my favorite British authors of medieval historical fiction. Harffy captures the dialect and rhythm of 19th-century Western speech well. There is plenty of action and some surprising twists. There is rather a lot of specific detail about firearms which feels a little self-conscious, but I interpret that as a desire for accuracy rooted in respect for the genre. I also felt that a certain twist at the end was slightly forced, but with the advantage that there seems to be an “open range” for Gabriel Stokes’ future adventures.

It’s 1890, and Lieutenant Gabriel Stokes has made a life decision to leave it all behind and move to Oregon in the American west.
Once a soldier and then a police officer he craves a peaceful life.
On arrival he soon finds out a quiet life might be more difficult than he thought.
With the Blue Mountains full of felons and ranchers, all with an axe to grind or feuds to settle, can Gabriel find the idyllic life he craves in the New World?
A book set further into the future from the authors usual period, but a novel that leaves no prisoners. This book has it all, it’s a fast- paced western full of adventure, with a setting to die for, and cast of characters that really give the story a real authentic feel throughout.
Matthew Harffy is one of the best historical writers in the business and Dark Frontier is one of his finest works to date. Don’t miss out it’s phenomenal.