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Sheriff Ben Stillman #1
Once a Marshal
FROM THE CURRENT KING OF THE VIOLENT, SEXY, HARD-HITTING WESTERN
The Classic Sheriff Ben Stillman Series Begins
Playing poker, smoking cigarettes, drinking whiskey—retirement was treacherous business for ex-lawman Ben Stillman. The best of life seemed to be past, but then the past came looking for him…
The son of an old friend rides into Ben's life with a plea for justice and a mind for revenge. Up on the Hi-Line in Montana, a rich Englishman is rustling ranchers out of their livelihoods... and their lives. The boy suspects these rustlers have murdered his father, Milk River Bill Harmon, and the law is too crooked to get any straight answers.
But can the worn-out old lawman live up to the legendary lawman the boy has grown to admire?
For fans of William W. Johnstone and George P. Cosmatos’s Tombstone, you’ll love this first novel in the epic, fast-paced Sheriff Ben Stillman series.
The Classic Sheriff Ben Stillman Series Begins
Playing poker, smoking cigarettes, drinking whiskey—retirement was treacherous business for ex-lawman Ben Stillman. The best of life seemed to be past, but then the past came looking for him…
The son of an old friend rides into Ben's life with a plea for justice and a mind for revenge. Up on the Hi-Line in Montana, a rich Englishman is rustling ranchers out of their livelihoods... and their lives. The boy suspects these rustlers have murdered his father, Milk River Bill Harmon, and the law is too crooked to get any straight answers.
But can the worn-out old lawman live up to the legendary lawman the boy has grown to admire?
For fans of William W. Johnstone and George P. Cosmatos’s Tombstone, you’ll love this first novel in the epic, fast-paced Sheriff Ben Stillman series.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 1998
2006 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Peter Brandvold
192 books127 followersPeter Brandvold has written well over one hundred action westerns under his own name and his pseudonym, Frank Leslie. Born and raised in North Dakota, he has lived all over the West. He currently lives in western Minnesota with his dog. Follow him at Amazon and here peterbrandvold.blogspot.comand here: facebook.com/peter.brandvold.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
September 26, 2020
Obviously Mr. Brandvold is not very knowledgeable about ballistics or nineteenth century firearms. He describes a physics defying shooting as a man being thrown back by the impact of a .31 Caliber black powder round. No handgun round will literally throw a person back, down or sideways but that .31 caliber is a pipsqueak, a mouse gun. He writes of Ben Stillman reloading the magazine of his Colt Peacemaker, of snapping the magazine open and closed. Revolvers don't have magazines. The Colt Peacemaker does not snap open for loading. The empties are manually ejected one case at a time using an ejector rod. The chambers of the cylinder are loaded by inserting a cartridge, rotating the cylinder, inserting a cartridge, rotating the cylinder, etc. until either five or six rounds have been loaded. This model was habitually carried with five rounds in the cylinder with the hammer resting on an empty chamber. This was done because of the danger of an accidental discharge if the hammer received a sharp blow while resting on a live cartridge. Brandvold also has at least two characters carrying Colt Walker Dragoon revolvers. The Walker was an 1847 cap and ball revolver, not a cartridge weapon. Only 1100 were made for the initial order of which only 100 were made for the civilian market. The subsequent orders are known as the First, Second and Third Dragoon Models. In addition to being quite large, heavy and clumsy other problems with the Walker include cylinder ruptures and an inadequate loading lever latch which allowed the lever to drop under recoil, locking up the action. It is unlikely that even one character would be carrying a Walker. The whole thing reads as if Brandvold had a list or maybe one of those quickly thrown together firearms picture books from which he chose weapons at random. IF YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT NINETEENTH CENTURY FIREARMS, AVOID SPECIFICS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. Better for readers to suspect that you don't know much about the weapons used in the west than for you to prove it.
In addition to lack of firearms knowledge, there is also a rattlesnake problem. The diamondback does not range as far north as Montana. The Prairie rattler does have a limited range in Montana. I'm not sure if it lives in the geographic area of the novel.
The main character, Ben Stillman, is just not very effective for a legendary lawman. His tactical sense is...well, he doesn't really have much in the way of tactical sense. He is almost always reactive and being taken by surprise. He survives several incidents on nothing more than luck. In one incident, he is hunted by two of the bad guys, one of them emerges from the woods almost on top of Stillman. He doesn't shoot because that would let the other bad guy know where he is. Really? Determining direction, much less location of a shot in the mountainous woods is actually problematic. Besides that, he was facing two to one odds. Eliminating one opponent would make the odds one to one. This is one of the incidents he survives, barely, by nothing but luck. In a really silly episode, Stillman, his partner, a wounded man and a woman are trailed by ten men intent on killing them. As night falls Stillman considers raiding the enemy camp but his partner says that there is no way the two of them could take ten men in the dark. There are so many things wrong with this that it would require an essay to address all of them. Suffice it to say that there is no better time to do it than in the dark. When I was younger, I was trained to deal with similar situations and Stillman and his partner are babes in the woods. For a raid to be successful, it would not be necessary to take all 10 of the enemy. One each would improve their situation. Two each would dramatically improve the odds. Strike hard and fast then withdraw before the surviving enemy can organize and react. There are just too many unbelievables to enjoy this novel.
In addition to lack of firearms knowledge, there is also a rattlesnake problem. The diamondback does not range as far north as Montana. The Prairie rattler does have a limited range in Montana. I'm not sure if it lives in the geographic area of the novel.
The main character, Ben Stillman, is just not very effective for a legendary lawman. His tactical sense is...well, he doesn't really have much in the way of tactical sense. He is almost always reactive and being taken by surprise. He survives several incidents on nothing more than luck. In one incident, he is hunted by two of the bad guys, one of them emerges from the woods almost on top of Stillman. He doesn't shoot because that would let the other bad guy know where he is. Really? Determining direction, much less location of a shot in the mountainous woods is actually problematic. Besides that, he was facing two to one odds. Eliminating one opponent would make the odds one to one. This is one of the incidents he survives, barely, by nothing but luck. In a really silly episode, Stillman, his partner, a wounded man and a woman are trailed by ten men intent on killing them. As night falls Stillman considers raiding the enemy camp but his partner says that there is no way the two of them could take ten men in the dark. There are so many things wrong with this that it would require an essay to address all of them. Suffice it to say that there is no better time to do it than in the dark. When I was younger, I was trained to deal with similar situations and Stillman and his partner are babes in the woods. For a raid to be successful, it would not be necessary to take all 10 of the enemy. One each would improve their situation. Two each would dramatically improve the odds. Strike hard and fast then withdraw before the surviving enemy can organize and react. There are just too many unbelievables to enjoy this novel.
December 22, 2020
When somebody kills his father, a young nester immediately blames the local land-hog. He goes and finds a former marshal who was a friend of his father's. Unfortunately, this particular marshal was shot in the back, and has a bullet near his spine, like John Wayne in El Dorado.
He still shows up to help, and starts investigating. He finds various suspects, a cattle rustling scheme, a corrupt sheriff, a land hog, a crazed gunslinger, and a lost love.
All in all, it's okay. The villain has a pretty good cattle rustling scheme, even if it's not really germane to the story.
He still shows up to help, and starts investigating. He finds various suspects, a cattle rustling scheme, a corrupt sheriff, a land hog, a crazed gunslinger, and a lost love.
All in all, it's okay. The villain has a pretty good cattle rustling scheme, even if it's not really germane to the story.
July 26, 2010
I've seen this author in the bookstore from time to time and the folks who design his covers do a good job! However, the old caveat that you can't judge a book by its cover most certainly ran true in this case.
First, this was a mediocre western novel at best. I can see how this author could've really developed a good idea about a murder in the midst of a quasi-range war that might have really been good. The author had some interesting ideas for some characters that COULD have been on a par with anything we see in McMurty's "Lonesome Dove." However, the character development quickly began to take a cameo rather than leading the story's plot, as it should have.
Former Marshall Ben Stillman is retired after being shot in the back (by mistake) by a prostitute while making an arrest. When one of his best friend's sons looks him and asks for help in solving the murder of his friends he at first refuses, but later shows up. The main suspect of the murder is a bad guy, but he didn't do it-- however, it sets the stage for more conflict.
Brandvold is another of those writers that seem to think that every female character in the book is prepared to shed her clothes and have a roll in the hay. While this certainly went on in the old west, the frequency of it in this novel would tend to lead one to believe that all women during this time periode had sex with their fiance, ex love, boss' wife, etc. It is treated almost as normal, instead of going against the normal morals of the age. What happened to the virginal women that men wanted to marry? In Brandvold's west, they don't seem to exist. Don't get me wrong, these women don't give in to seduction, they are the ones doing the seducing. If it was just one female character I could buy it.. But both of the lead female characters indulge in this wanton sexual activity.
Brandvold also seems to believe that the F word is filler word. Though the opening chapters of the book were relatively free of strong language, towards the end, the F word begins to appear more and more-- adding little to the story. Once again, not that the word was never uttered-- it just wasn't as common as it is today, despite the character's usage in Brandvold's lame novel.
I should throw at least one positive out there. Brandvold does a good job describing action. The snap of the bullets and the swoosh of leather is described well.
However, Brandvold's heroes recover quickly from severe beatings, minor bullet wounds, etc. In one chapter, one man gets a .31 caliber pistol emptied into him before he dies. I hope Mr. Brandvold never suffers a bullet wound. I've had some catastrophic injuries in my life that were nowhere near bullet wounds, but recognize that it takes more than a day or two laying in a bed to recover from severe physical trauma such as being beaten nearly to death with a bullwhip.
Brandvold has all the makings of a crackerjack novel in "Once a Marshal".. however, like the not-so-master chef, he is just unable to stir them together properly and bake them until done. Instead, the reader feels as if he just tried to chock as much action into the novel as he can without too much serious regard for plot and characterization.
I thought I might have found a decent western author to read.. sadly-- I was wrong.
First, this was a mediocre western novel at best. I can see how this author could've really developed a good idea about a murder in the midst of a quasi-range war that might have really been good. The author had some interesting ideas for some characters that COULD have been on a par with anything we see in McMurty's "Lonesome Dove." However, the character development quickly began to take a cameo rather than leading the story's plot, as it should have.
Former Marshall Ben Stillman is retired after being shot in the back (by mistake) by a prostitute while making an arrest. When one of his best friend's sons looks him and asks for help in solving the murder of his friends he at first refuses, but later shows up. The main suspect of the murder is a bad guy, but he didn't do it-- however, it sets the stage for more conflict.
Brandvold is another of those writers that seem to think that every female character in the book is prepared to shed her clothes and have a roll in the hay. While this certainly went on in the old west, the frequency of it in this novel would tend to lead one to believe that all women during this time periode had sex with their fiance, ex love, boss' wife, etc. It is treated almost as normal, instead of going against the normal morals of the age. What happened to the virginal women that men wanted to marry? In Brandvold's west, they don't seem to exist. Don't get me wrong, these women don't give in to seduction, they are the ones doing the seducing. If it was just one female character I could buy it.. But both of the lead female characters indulge in this wanton sexual activity.
Brandvold also seems to believe that the F word is filler word. Though the opening chapters of the book were relatively free of strong language, towards the end, the F word begins to appear more and more-- adding little to the story. Once again, not that the word was never uttered-- it just wasn't as common as it is today, despite the character's usage in Brandvold's lame novel.
I should throw at least one positive out there. Brandvold does a good job describing action. The snap of the bullets and the swoosh of leather is described well.
However, Brandvold's heroes recover quickly from severe beatings, minor bullet wounds, etc. In one chapter, one man gets a .31 caliber pistol emptied into him before he dies. I hope Mr. Brandvold never suffers a bullet wound. I've had some catastrophic injuries in my life that were nowhere near bullet wounds, but recognize that it takes more than a day or two laying in a bed to recover from severe physical trauma such as being beaten nearly to death with a bullwhip.
Brandvold has all the makings of a crackerjack novel in "Once a Marshal".. however, like the not-so-master chef, he is just unable to stir them together properly and bake them until done. Instead, the reader feels as if he just tried to chock as much action into the novel as he can without too much serious regard for plot and characterization.
I thought I might have found a decent western author to read.. sadly-- I was wrong.
February 16, 2025
Solid western tale, maybe closer to a 3.5. I do believe it's a tad long and could have used some cutting. I do like the character of Marshal Stillman, a retired marshal who has gone soft after three years of gambling and drinking. Though, when the son of a friend came to find the legendary lawman because his father had been killed, he knew that he would have to find the strength to return to the life he once had.
Recommended, overall, a fine western that I believe is overwritten a bit. Though the characters are all mostly well done and the tale does move at a good pace.
Recommended, overall, a fine western that I believe is overwritten a bit. Though the characters are all mostly well done and the tale does move at a good pace.
August 23, 2019
Bad shooting
Overall story line was ok. Two things that were wrong, 1st single action Colt pistols do not have magazines,they have cylinders, 2nd you never loaded a single action Colt with 6 bullets, you let hammer rest on the empty chamber. If you didn't you just might shoot yourself.
Overall story line was ok. Two things that were wrong, 1st single action Colt pistols do not have magazines,they have cylinders, 2nd you never loaded a single action Colt with 6 bullets, you let hammer rest on the empty chamber. If you didn't you just might shoot yourself.
June 17, 2019
Everything I was looking for!
This wonderful first book in the Ben Stillman series has just enough of every key ingredient to make for a fun, thrilling read. Likable good guys, despicable bad guys, shoitouts, romance, redemption, revenge... This book has it all! And the price..! I would have paid much more and felt it a worthwhile purchase. Still, there’s something fitting about paying $0.99 for such a “pulpy” tale. And I mean that in the most complimentary way.
This wonderful first book in the Ben Stillman series has just enough of every key ingredient to make for a fun, thrilling read. Likable good guys, despicable bad guys, shoitouts, romance, redemption, revenge... This book has it all! And the price..! I would have paid much more and felt it a worthwhile purchase. Still, there’s something fitting about paying $0.99 for such a “pulpy” tale. And I mean that in the most complimentary way.
March 12, 2019
TITLE: Once A Marshal (Sheriff Ben Stillman Book 1)
AUTHOR: Peter Brandvold
GENRE: Western
PAGES: 330
I love westerns, but then again if you read this blog you will know that by now, if not…SURPRISE! I love westerns! In my reading of westerns, i have come to the conclusion that there are two types of western authors out there. Those who want to sound like they know what they are talking about, and those who DO know what they are talking about.
Peter Brandvold knows what he is talking about!
Ben Stillman is a retired marshal. He now lives his life day to day with a bullet from a prostitute lodged in his back. He is reluctantly dragged back into the law game by a son of one of his best friends. The son implores Ben to solve the mystery of his father’s murder.
While trying to solve a murder, Ben also gets caught up in the middle of a range war fueled by Donovan Hobbs, a greedy land baron and husband to Ben’s lost love, Fay. Hobbs has the muscle and money behind him that makes the rest of the town cow down to his every whim. Going up against him would be fool hardy to say the least, yet Ben finds himself on a collision course with Hobbs to do what is right.
This is one of those rare novels where you can actually see the movie unfold in you mind, and it runs like a Saturday Matinee cliffhanger. It is compelling to read, the pacing is fast, and before you know it, you are finished and wanting more! Luckily, this is the first novel in a series that is at least eleven novels long.
This book is perfect for fans of Louis L’Amour, Max Brand, and Ralph Compton. If you are looking for a novel to start your love affair with westerns, this book is perfect for that as well!
5 out of 5 Bookmarks!
AUTHOR: Peter Brandvold
GENRE: Western
PAGES: 330
I love westerns, but then again if you read this blog you will know that by now, if not…SURPRISE! I love westerns! In my reading of westerns, i have come to the conclusion that there are two types of western authors out there. Those who want to sound like they know what they are talking about, and those who DO know what they are talking about.
Peter Brandvold knows what he is talking about!
Ben Stillman is a retired marshal. He now lives his life day to day with a bullet from a prostitute lodged in his back. He is reluctantly dragged back into the law game by a son of one of his best friends. The son implores Ben to solve the mystery of his father’s murder.
While trying to solve a murder, Ben also gets caught up in the middle of a range war fueled by Donovan Hobbs, a greedy land baron and husband to Ben’s lost love, Fay. Hobbs has the muscle and money behind him that makes the rest of the town cow down to his every whim. Going up against him would be fool hardy to say the least, yet Ben finds himself on a collision course with Hobbs to do what is right.
This is one of those rare novels where you can actually see the movie unfold in you mind, and it runs like a Saturday Matinee cliffhanger. It is compelling to read, the pacing is fast, and before you know it, you are finished and wanting more! Luckily, this is the first novel in a series that is at least eleven novels long.
This book is perfect for fans of Louis L’Amour, Max Brand, and Ralph Compton. If you are looking for a novel to start your love affair with westerns, this book is perfect for that as well!
5 out of 5 Bookmarks!
May 16, 2021
Great story!
Lots of action in this old style western. Great characters and a story line that won't let you put it down! Great read!
Lots of action in this old style western. Great characters and a story line that won't let you put it down! Great read!
May 30, 2019
This is the first book I have read from this author. He tells a good story. I will read more of his books.
November 13, 2015
This book is a western. A new western. Most of the westerns that I have read were either from the 50’s or written by Loius L’Amour. So…I found it rather refreshing to read a western written recently. One thing that I really liked was the dialog. There is a little profanity in the book. Not much, but a little. This makes it more realistic. I cannot image cowboys not cussing every once in a while. After all, no matter how hard we try, we all do it.
As for the writing, I found it easy to read and an enjoyable storyline. The main character is not a superhero and has his faults. Yes, he is a quick draw, but he was a U.S. marshal, and I’m sure that they had to be pretty fast with a gun, or they wouldn’t last. The other characters in the book are well portrayed. They all have strong and weak points. Jody, being a half-Indian, is not respected by anybody. Hobbs, at first, doesn’t seem to be much of a threat. I was later shocked at his ruthlessness, and wasn’t sure if the one dastardly act that he performed was out of character. At least, let’s put it this way…I didn’t expect it.
The emotions that fly in Once a Marshall making the book more realistic then a lot of other westerns that I have read and I found that I had a very good time reading the book.
I rated this book an 8 out of 10.
As for the writing, I found it easy to read and an enjoyable storyline. The main character is not a superhero and has his faults. Yes, he is a quick draw, but he was a U.S. marshal, and I’m sure that they had to be pretty fast with a gun, or they wouldn’t last. The other characters in the book are well portrayed. They all have strong and weak points. Jody, being a half-Indian, is not respected by anybody. Hobbs, at first, doesn’t seem to be much of a threat. I was later shocked at his ruthlessness, and wasn’t sure if the one dastardly act that he performed was out of character. At least, let’s put it this way…I didn’t expect it.
The emotions that fly in Once a Marshall making the book more realistic then a lot of other westerns that I have read and I found that I had a very good time reading the book.
I rated this book an 8 out of 10.
June 1, 2019
I was disappointed
First of all, this is my first Peter Brandvold novel. I've heard a lot of great things about his novels but I was disappointed by this one.
This book read like it was the author's first book. It started off really strong and I was really liking it but then I read chapters 16 & 17 and I just got very confused and didn't know what was going on. It seemed like the chronological order of events were all mixed up, and I got confused about who was doing what and it was hard to make sense of.
And then the author started talking about loading the magazine of a six-gun and spinning the magazine to make sure it's loaded. That's a very fundamental mistake that should never happen.
Lastly, I think the book was too long. There were scenes that went on too long and there were several scenes that I thought were repetitive. I think if the book were trimmed by 100 pages the story could be tighter, more harrowing and exciting.
That's my two cents, take it for what it's worth. I'm sorry, but I can't recommend this book.
First of all, this is my first Peter Brandvold novel. I've heard a lot of great things about his novels but I was disappointed by this one.
This book read like it was the author's first book. It started off really strong and I was really liking it but then I read chapters 16 & 17 and I just got very confused and didn't know what was going on. It seemed like the chronological order of events were all mixed up, and I got confused about who was doing what and it was hard to make sense of.
And then the author started talking about loading the magazine of a six-gun and spinning the magazine to make sure it's loaded. That's a very fundamental mistake that should never happen.
Lastly, I think the book was too long. There were scenes that went on too long and there were several scenes that I thought were repetitive. I think if the book were trimmed by 100 pages the story could be tighter, more harrowing and exciting.
That's my two cents, take it for what it's worth. I'm sorry, but I can't recommend this book.
May 22, 2020
Fast-paced, character-driven, and spot-on descriptions! Yep, Peter Brandvold has the skill to spin yarns set in the wild west. I was hooked from the beginning, then held as the story unfolded. The clinchers were how Ben, the retired sheriff, bonded with the young couple. Ben's longtime friend was Jody's father, who was killed, and ol' Ben came out of retirement to settle the score. Then, he runs into the love of his life. Nice elements by Brandvold. The conclusion was very fast-paced, action-packed, and ended with all loose ends tied nicely. As an author and avid reader, I recommend 'Once A Sheriff' for all western fans. "Thank you for a memorable read, Peter. Keep writin'...and smilin'..."
March 21, 2020
The author does not know much about firearms. His descriptions and nomenclature related to them is incorrect. Also, the plot lines are beyond predictable and people simple do not act or speak as the author has written. It took me months to read this book.
May 17, 2020
Could Be Better
Very a disappointed in the author's portrayal of Stillman. A bumbling, accident prone man. Incapable of capturing or even surviving! I'm not sure why the author was trying to make the main character look so inept!
Very a disappointed in the author's portrayal of Stillman. A bumbling, accident prone man. Incapable of capturing or even surviving! I'm not sure why the author was trying to make the main character look so inept!
January 31, 2020
ANOTHER CHANCE
Retired Deputy U.S.Marshal Ben Stillman has been lingering around town getting drunk, playing poker so might and 😴sleeping late. He's not happy but he's a survivor. He's still suffers from the bullet to his back, which is inoperable due to the closeness of the bullet to his spine. Besides his other pastimes he finds solace raising 🐔chickens which also could bring in extra money.
Meanwhile on the outskirts of Clantick, Montana Jody Harmon has found the dead body of his father Bill Harmon, Jody feels that a rich English rancher is behind the cattle rustling, burned out ranches and dead ranchers/farmers. Jody Harmon heads out to locate retired U.S. Marshal Ben Stillman. He finds him and explains what happened, but Ben decided he's not going to get involved and heartbroken Jody heads back to his farm in the Hi-Line to carry on and hope to discover who murdered his father.
Well folks, Ben hitched a ride to Hi-Line to investors killed his long time friend Mill River Bill Harmon. Once he arrived all hell breaks out, Ben gets involved in the rustling going on, and he finds out about this English man Hobbs, whose hired mercenary cowboys to carry out his murders, rustling and intimidating the local farming community. Land baron who while living in England took advantage of those nere-do-wells in his country. Hobbs control the bank and mercantile store, food and money, if you can't purchase food or get a bank extensions your dead in the water. Hobbs controlled the bank since he was it's biggest depositor, he's a horrible man.
We meet Fay Hobbs his future wife and Leon McMannigle who will eventually become a Deputy working for soon to be Sheriff Ben Stillman.
I suggest you all read about Sheriff Ben Stillman adventures as Sheriff covering the Hi-Line of Montana. You'll add his name to the growing list of lawmen of the West, who were true warriors trying to up hold the law in the territories and protect the innocent.
Retired Deputy U.S.Marshal Ben Stillman has been lingering around town getting drunk, playing poker so might and 😴sleeping late. He's not happy but he's a survivor. He's still suffers from the bullet to his back, which is inoperable due to the closeness of the bullet to his spine. Besides his other pastimes he finds solace raising 🐔chickens which also could bring in extra money.
Meanwhile on the outskirts of Clantick, Montana Jody Harmon has found the dead body of his father Bill Harmon, Jody feels that a rich English rancher is behind the cattle rustling, burned out ranches and dead ranchers/farmers. Jody Harmon heads out to locate retired U.S. Marshal Ben Stillman. He finds him and explains what happened, but Ben decided he's not going to get involved and heartbroken Jody heads back to his farm in the Hi-Line to carry on and hope to discover who murdered his father.
Well folks, Ben hitched a ride to Hi-Line to investors killed his long time friend Mill River Bill Harmon. Once he arrived all hell breaks out, Ben gets involved in the rustling going on, and he finds out about this English man Hobbs, whose hired mercenary cowboys to carry out his murders, rustling and intimidating the local farming community. Land baron who while living in England took advantage of those nere-do-wells in his country. Hobbs control the bank and mercantile store, food and money, if you can't purchase food or get a bank extensions your dead in the water. Hobbs controlled the bank since he was it's biggest depositor, he's a horrible man.
We meet Fay Hobbs his future wife and Leon McMannigle who will eventually become a Deputy working for soon to be Sheriff Ben Stillman.
I suggest you all read about Sheriff Ben Stillman adventures as Sheriff covering the Hi-Line of Montana. You'll add his name to the growing list of lawmen of the West, who were true warriors trying to up hold the law in the territories and protect the innocent.
March 4, 2019
I believe this is my first time enjoying a story by this outstanding author, and I definitely admit to being the loser for just becoming familiar with his stories. t
Most definitely a five star representation of our old American western adventures, as there is enough suspenseful to go maintain any reader's attention. Too, the overwhelming camaraderie of the good guys never ceases to amaze me throughout the entire book. The characters definitely were definitely befitting of their roles both good guys and bad guys alike. The authors storylines successfully displayed the talents of each and every character from beginning to end!
There is enough ongoing gunfights to appease the most demanding reader's undivided attention from beginning to end. Too, I am definitely impressed with Mr. Brandvoid's analytical presentation of each and every outstanding episode, as they unraveled each exciting new adventure.
Ben is definitely worthy of the trust placed in his followers and the heartwarming entertainment between each new star only enhances the many romantic relationships! If you, by chance, find a dull moment which I did not, just continue reading and the ongoing suspenseful endeavors will certainly pacify your needs!
Definitely recommend this compassionate story of real western excitement, regardless of your reading preference. I bought both of these stories on speculation, and now I find myself anxiously awaiting the next exciting escapades of Ben Stillman and his colleagues trips throughout the old American west! Happy trails.
Most definitely a five star representation of our old American western adventures, as there is enough suspenseful to go maintain any reader's attention. Too, the overwhelming camaraderie of the good guys never ceases to amaze me throughout the entire book. The characters definitely were definitely befitting of their roles both good guys and bad guys alike. The authors storylines successfully displayed the talents of each and every character from beginning to end!
There is enough ongoing gunfights to appease the most demanding reader's undivided attention from beginning to end. Too, I am definitely impressed with Mr. Brandvoid's analytical presentation of each and every outstanding episode, as they unraveled each exciting new adventure.
Ben is definitely worthy of the trust placed in his followers and the heartwarming entertainment between each new star only enhances the many romantic relationships! If you, by chance, find a dull moment which I did not, just continue reading and the ongoing suspenseful endeavors will certainly pacify your needs!
Definitely recommend this compassionate story of real western excitement, regardless of your reading preference. I bought both of these stories on speculation, and now I find myself anxiously awaiting the next exciting escapades of Ben Stillman and his colleagues trips throughout the old American west! Happy trails.
March 19, 2020
Here we have a root em toot em Western. As the story starts a son jokes with his father that his girlfriend likes a little injun to spice up her Dutch. His mother was a full-blooded Cree. Two people in love rarely think about how society will react to their mix-race children, and the heartache that racism causes. The girl’s father may be a drunken layabout but he doesn’t cotton to his daughter consorting with a half-breed.
The setting is the Hi-Line Country of Montana along the Milk River on the Alberta Border. Cattle Rustling has gone on both in Wyoming and Montana to the present day and at the time we’re talking robber barons owned the law and local authorities right up to the state governor. Small time ranchers were either bought off, scared off or murdered and open range fenced off and assimilated. But add to that an unfaithful trophy wife and you have a plot line that seems to be passed around among authors so often its hard to say who plagiarized who. This present book is only slightly reworked from three others I’ve read in the last few years.
As the book progresses the dead bodies pile up like cordwood. Piles and cross-piles like a Shakespearean Tragedy though here the hero and heroin end up taking a roll in the hay.
The setting is the Hi-Line Country of Montana along the Milk River on the Alberta Border. Cattle Rustling has gone on both in Wyoming and Montana to the present day and at the time we’re talking robber barons owned the law and local authorities right up to the state governor. Small time ranchers were either bought off, scared off or murdered and open range fenced off and assimilated. But add to that an unfaithful trophy wife and you have a plot line that seems to be passed around among authors so often its hard to say who plagiarized who. This present book is only slightly reworked from three others I’ve read in the last few years.
As the book progresses the dead bodies pile up like cordwood. Piles and cross-piles like a Shakespearean Tragedy though here the hero and heroin end up taking a roll in the hay.
August 20, 2020
This is the first of Brandvold's books I have read. It was a quick, pretty enjoyable story with some basic themes of the old west told in an interesting manner. The characters are pretty memorable and distinct, particularly the women, and overall it was entertaining.
There are some flaws; a few technical matters relating to guns and the opening scene with the rattlesnake in mountainous Montana was a bit off, but that needn't bother a casual reader of Westerns too deeply. More troubling was the plotting that was designed not reasonably or creatively but in order to set up a series of showdowns.
The main character, a retried Deputy Marshal who after being wounded is slower and out of shape, spends much of the book trying to get back up to speed. His hands are still blazing fast with a pistol but his aim is a bit off and his reactions not quite as honed. That part is particularly interesting.
The situations and events are sometimes quite harsh and brutal, as life often was in the old West; Brandvold pulls few punches. Overall its pretty solid reading and good enough to make me want to read more as I suspect the flaws I've noted fade with more experience writing and this is a good foundation to build from.
There are some flaws; a few technical matters relating to guns and the opening scene with the rattlesnake in mountainous Montana was a bit off, but that needn't bother a casual reader of Westerns too deeply. More troubling was the plotting that was designed not reasonably or creatively but in order to set up a series of showdowns.
The main character, a retried Deputy Marshal who after being wounded is slower and out of shape, spends much of the book trying to get back up to speed. His hands are still blazing fast with a pistol but his aim is a bit off and his reactions not quite as honed. That part is particularly interesting.
The situations and events are sometimes quite harsh and brutal, as life often was in the old West; Brandvold pulls few punches. Overall its pretty solid reading and good enough to make me want to read more as I suspect the flaws I've noted fade with more experience writing and this is a good foundation to build from.
February 1, 2020
One thing that I really liked about this book was the dialog. There is a little profanity in the book. Not much, but a little. This makes it more realistic. I cannot image cowboys not cussing every once in a while. After all, no matter how hard we try, we all do it.
The sex scenes in the book are also well done. Not graphic but does make it clear that it did exist in the times and place.
As for the writing, I found it easy to read and an enjoyable storyline. The main character is not a superhero and has his faults. Yes, he is a quick draw, but he was a U.S. marshal, and I’m sure that they had to be pretty fast with a gun, or they wouldn’t last. The other characters in the book are well portrayed and made very real by Frank Kearney's narration.
The emotions that fly in "Once A Marshall" make the book more realistic than most westerns that I have read. I really enjoyed listening to the book.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
The sex scenes in the book are also well done. Not graphic but does make it clear that it did exist in the times and place.
As for the writing, I found it easy to read and an enjoyable storyline. The main character is not a superhero and has his faults. Yes, he is a quick draw, but he was a U.S. marshal, and I’m sure that they had to be pretty fast with a gun, or they wouldn’t last. The other characters in the book are well portrayed and made very real by Frank Kearney's narration.
The emotions that fly in "Once A Marshall" make the book more realistic than most westerns that I have read. I really enjoyed listening to the book.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
April 21, 2022
Once a Marshal
Jody’s father is killed by the woman he loves father. Sticky situation. You ask why. It’s because Jody is what they call a half breed. Jody seeks out justice for the death of his father and finds Ben Stillman once Marshal for help. Ol Ben isn’t in his prime from what we read but still comes to help the young man who’s father and his selfs friend from years back. What Ben learns there is more at play then just the gunning down of his old friend. There’s cattle rustling and other murders at steak. Bin faces death numerous times in the story. It’s definitely a page turning experience.
Now I’m going to be honest. I personally didn’t care for the language, nor the nakedness and adult situations. I picked up this story free from Amazon. I was looking for historical clean western stores. So two out of 3 isn’t bad I suppose if nudity and adult content isn’t your thing skip it.
Jody’s father is killed by the woman he loves father. Sticky situation. You ask why. It’s because Jody is what they call a half breed. Jody seeks out justice for the death of his father and finds Ben Stillman once Marshal for help. Ol Ben isn’t in his prime from what we read but still comes to help the young man who’s father and his selfs friend from years back. What Ben learns there is more at play then just the gunning down of his old friend. There’s cattle rustling and other murders at steak. Bin faces death numerous times in the story. It’s definitely a page turning experience.
Now I’m going to be honest. I personally didn’t care for the language, nor the nakedness and adult situations. I picked up this story free from Amazon. I was looking for historical clean western stores. So two out of 3 isn’t bad I suppose if nudity and adult content isn’t your thing skip it.
July 7, 2019
You get to see Marshall Ben Stillman, retired, at his absolute worst, from the very start. A bullet in his back from a whore, while trying to arrest a suspect, his life is now one of booze and cards until the son of an old friend of his comes looking for his help. His father has been killed and the son thinks a rich English rancher is responsible. Ben is out of shape and out of practice with his shooting iron, but goes to investigate. Turns out Fay, his one true love, is now married to the rich rancher. It is easy to see why he would be a suspect. He has the sheriff bought off, all the merchants and the banker are afraid of him, and he has mostly hired guns. Smaller ranches that won't sell out to him are getting burned down and ranch families killed. Stillman has his work cut out for him, but he does get help along the way.Really good read!
January 11, 2022
After several stops and go with Peter Brandvold books/series, I decided that I needed to go read the very first one (series) he published. Peter Brandvold he's regarded as one of the great new writers of hard hitting western action and Once a Marshal is raw proof of it. This story is very well told, with interesting characters and good pacing. I read many of the Piccadilly Cowboys books as my western diet and I appreciate how Once a Mashal tend to keep the same overall violent presentation of the old west, but with a little bit more meat on the bone. The book length, which is almost double most Piccadily's outing, allows for more character depth and more detailed oriented storytelling. I rarely can keep my interest for more than a 200-250 page book, but Once a Marshal was able to do it. So kudos to you Perter Brandvold.
February 1, 2020
As I’ve said before, there’s nothing like a good western to cleanse the palette. This one is pretty good story-wise but there are several issues regarding firearms. Retired Deputy U.S. Marshal Ben Stillman is driven by friendship and loyalty to travel to the Hi-Line to find the killer of an old friend. Shot, whipped and beaten Ben revives his old skills as a lawman to discover who murdered his old friend and deliver some old west judgment. Returning to his old stomping ground, Ben rekindles long-lost loves and friendships. If you can overlook the discrepancies the story is filled with action, romance, and imagery. The characters are well-developed and authentic. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
February 25, 2021
A western in the mold of Louis L'Amour.
Action, murders, rustling, crooked lawman and deadly cowpokes killing farmers and ranchers all over the valley, all after Sheriff Ben Stillman comes to town to find out who murdered his long time friend. The Englishman is behind it, Ben's going to prove it, and not just because the Englishman is married to the one woman that Ben has always loved. That's just the icing on the cake for Ben. He's tired of folks who think they are better than the law, now the laws going to step up and clean up this mess once and for all.
Action, murders, rustling, crooked lawman and deadly cowpokes killing farmers and ranchers all over the valley, all after Sheriff Ben Stillman comes to town to find out who murdered his long time friend. The Englishman is behind it, Ben's going to prove it, and not just because the Englishman is married to the one woman that Ben has always loved. That's just the icing on the cake for Ben. He's tired of folks who think they are better than the law, now the laws going to step up and clean up this mess once and for all.
April 2, 2021
I thought that I might try the western genre- my grandfather used to read them in the 50's : if this is an example of the modern western FORGET IT. Tripe with a capital T. The characters were all stereotypes, the arrogant Englishman, the faithful good-hearted black man, I could go on. The senseless slaughter the appalling " sex scenes" I continued to the end to see if it improved-it didn't.
I spent 3 hours reading this rubbish so that you do not have to
I spent 3 hours reading this rubbish so that you do not have to
February 7, 2019
A Great Full-Bodied, Hard-Core Western!
Dang if Brandvold hasn't created one of the most exciting, action-packed western ever created! His characters and scenes are pure 3-D in that they are easy to visualize. He grabs readers attention early on and holds them reined tightly until the very end. Most entertaining.
Dang if Brandvold hasn't created one of the most exciting, action-packed western ever created! His characters and scenes are pure 3-D in that they are easy to visualize. He grabs readers attention early on and holds them reined tightly until the very end. Most entertaining.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2019
Real good western.
Love this time period in America's history. Mr. Grandville covers all aspects of Western living. The women of the west were not helpless. Characters in this book gives western women a backbone The gun play is very good. The story was fresh. The romance was welcome surprise.
Love this time period in America's history. Mr. Grandville covers all aspects of Western living. The women of the west were not helpless. Characters in this book gives western women a backbone The gun play is very good. The story was fresh. The romance was welcome surprise.
July 23, 2019
A quick adventure
I always keep western in my to read list for when the world is particularly bleak. And this was just what I needed sure the house could have been cleaned and my husband would probably like a home cooked meal and I have clients waiting for call backs but I don't regret sitting down to read this one bit😊
I always keep western in my to read list for when the world is particularly bleak. And this was just what I needed sure the house could have been cleaned and my husband would probably like a home cooked meal and I have clients waiting for call backs but I don't regret sitting down to read this one bit😊
March 6, 2020
A GREAT WESTERN READ!
This Book Is A Great Read! This Story if full of "On The Edge Of Your Seat" action! The Folks in this story are believable & Great to travel with! I am looking forward to reading the sequel to this story! Enjoy Yourself reading this Western! It is worth Your time to read & to purchase!
This Book Is A Great Read! This Story if full of "On The Edge Of Your Seat" action! The Folks in this story are believable & Great to travel with! I am looking forward to reading the sequel to this story! Enjoy Yourself reading this Western! It is worth Your time to read & to purchase!
September 29, 2020
II have read when he was young. When he was in the middle marshaling , And was shot.now he is going back.
Well we wwhapill be hearing about Ben again. Good for us we enjoy him he . he is always getting into a mess. What happened to Fay. Did he keep her. Write another book so find out out what is happening to. Ben.
Well we wwhapill be hearing about Ben again. Good for us we enjoy him he . he is always getting into a mess. What happened to Fay. Did he keep her. Write another book so find out out what is happening to. Ben.
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