There is no such thing as a bad Johnstone book. Westerns fill a large portion of my library with Johnstone titles holding several shelves. The stories are vividly portrayed and authentic to the era. Dust, mud and blood flow through the stories as the characters take the law into their own hands. The Johnstone name is branded on many series, each one following a family that has earned their right to claim their place in the history of the western settlers. Through these series, you can easily see the hardships that come naturally with each new generation.

The Forty-Niners is the start of a new series centered around three brothers as they make their way to California in the 1849 gold rush. They will face their challenges in the only way possible. Violence will be met with violence. With guns or fists, these brothers will take their place in the newest Johnstone dynasty. 5 easy stars from this western lover and charter member of the Johnstone fan club.1 Janalyn Prude3,325 93

When cord Barnett is told by his local sweetheart that goal was found in California he finds it interesting and even tells his Pa Vern about it despite the drought cord, Pa, Steven and Flint Barnett have no plans to head west but when Pa has a dream they found gold they sell the farm and do exactly that. Heading west can be a very dangerous endeavor and cord his brothers and Paul will find exactly that but when they reach the Platte river they will also find new friends in Abraham Olmsted and his beautiful nubile daughters Glory and Kat when others scoff at Mr. Olmsted bringing beautiful young girls to California people soon learn not only can the girls take care of their self but their poor isn’t shabby at it either, and not to mention they have new protectors in the Barnett Brothers. Cord has taken a liking to the redhead glory and Flynn although he has a wild streak he takes a shine to cat who it seems has a streak of her own. When they finally make it to Rio Ore California The journey may be over but the day they get there trouble soon finds them in the shape of Rick Jones and a town with no law he takes the position of resident outlaw and thinks he runs the town at least the underbelly he does along with Ellis the man who owns the bear flag saloon he isn’t the only one to fear so thankfully on the other side of the street there is Teddy’s bar who is the unofficial mayor of Rio Ore and is a man more chords speed and also a man he can respect. They also make new friends with ham and his childhood best friend who will eventually work for the Barnett and Olmsted claims. Unfortunately Flint Burnett doesn’t want to work hard and wants to find an easier way to make money they already heard about the reapers but what chord and Paul Olmsted didn’t hear was that once the group arrived in the settlement Flint make quick work of becoming a member. It isn’t until cord becomes Marshall and big lovable Steve becomes assistant Marshall and this is where the problem comes in Flint wants Steve to let him know the ins and outs of what’s happening in the town but when it comes right down to it Steve wants to have a change of heart. He looked up to his brother Flint and would do anything for him but Steve isn’t a bad guy in is finding it hard to hang with the evil side of his brother he loves both his brothers but he will have to choose between breaking the law and robbing their friends and neighbors are letting Cord know what his brother has been up to. I love the Johnstone westerns and I noticed not as many are coming out I hope that doesn’t mean it is the end of an era there is much more to the story I do have one critique however in the book they kept referring to them as the 49ers and that term didn’t come out until a few decades later but that was just a small critique and didn’t affect enjoyment of the book at all I love these books so much I thought the Barnetts were a great family with the exception of Flint and I also love Pa Olmsted. Are always fine the Johnstone writing so vivid he can really draw a picture in your head and you start giving the characters your own vision of what they’re doing in any certain situation not to mention he is great with catching small details that I find a lot of writers disregard. If you’re looking for a great book in the wild west you definitely won’t go wrong with the 49ers from William and J Johnstone I love this book and definitely recommend it. I want to thank Kensington Books and NetGalley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.a-truly-great-western my-alltime-favorites net-gally Lisa2,658 42

Title: The Forty-niners: A Novel of the Gold Rush
Author: William W. Johnstone and J. A. Johnstone
Pages: 352
Year: 2024
Publisher: Kensington
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
The Barnett family is heading to California to try and find their fortunes. Vern, along with his three sons Flint, Steven, and Cord, decide to strike out and leave their land that has been suffering from a drought. Flint is the oldest and most impetuous of the three sons. He is quick-tempered and believes taking from others is the way to get rich. Steven does whatever Flint says. He is big and strong, but it isn’t often he strikes out on his own. Cord stands out from the three. He is loyal and faithful to family, friends, and the land until it becomes obvious that the farm is ruined. California is the best option now.
Cord is thinking of asking his girl to go to California with him as his wife, but what he discovers ruins that thought and maybe any prospects he comes across. The journey the family takes is long and dangerous but when they join up with others heading west, life gets interesting for the Barnetts and their travel companions. Once they land in California, the action in the novel really heats up. The tension between the brothers that is first seen at the start of the story, crescendos toward the end of the story in an interesting way!
Here is the first novel in a brand-new series by the Johnstones who bring history and western action together. I enjoyed reading the tale, and it seemed so real as I progressed through the book. Flint is the son who is bossy, quick with a weapon, and a ladies’ man. Cord and Flint aren’t that close as Cord is one who abides by the law and loyal to his family even when he isn’t treated the same in return. By the end of the book, it was pretty clear to me how the three brothers were going to end up in their new home but was an exciting read! Don’t pass up an exciting adventure and new series!
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.
johnstone-novels JacquiAuthor 63 books208

This William Johnstone tale, The Forty-Niners (Pinnacle 2023), tells the story drawn from America's Gold Rush, often told and retold, but this one, thanks to Johnstone's voice, sounds fresh and new. You read how farmers and workers and any number of desperate people on America's East Coast and the Midwest found hope in the Gold Rush of 1849, so much so that the difficulties of traveling across the continent, fighting Indians, and overcoming Nature paled in comparison to the danger of starvation and losing everything they own, all for the hope that at the end of their ordeal will be the miracle of gold.

In this story, several families join together in a wagon train, supporting one another as they make their way down this rough cross-country trail, filled with Indians, hunger, thirst, and disease.   The characters are multilayered and complex, most easy to , but of course, with the despicable ones. This story is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys the complexities of a life that isn’t completely good or bad but where people struggle to make their way as best they can.2 s Frida Dillenbeck417 2

What an epic story of a family of brothers moving west to California in search of gold and the dream of riches. One brother will do anything to get what he desires. One brother has a black and white sense of right and wrong and one brother follows.

As the story unfolds, through leaving their legacy land in the Ozark Mountains to travel across the Great Plains encountering Buffalo, Indians, outlaws and Mother Nature’s greatest storms, the family finds its way to northern California to stake claims to pan for gold.

As different prospectors find gold and sell to the local business man, raids happen that cause fear in the town. No one feels safe due to the robbers known as the Reapers.

A truly epic tale if the gold rush era. goodreads-won-giveaways Patricia90 5

The Johnstone westerns always are thrilling and authentic. This rip-roaring, danger around every bend in the road book didn't disappoint this reviewer. The short chapters make the reading easier for someone who has to stop frequently and rest her old eyes.

I won the book on Goodreads' giveaway. My only disappointment was that we never knew how many began the covered wagon journey from Fort Kearny to Rio Oro.adventure historical-fiction western-history Doug Yonce1,125 37

As usual, with the Johnstone name attached, you’re in for a good read. We start off traveling from Arkansas to California and end up in gold country. Brothers take different paths as we get a good look the rough and tumble life of the 49ers. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review. Kevin McInerney83 4

Standard writing by the Johnstones. This one is obviously set in the background of the California Gold Rush. The story begins in Arkansas and begins with the Bennets traveling to California. Early on, they battle Indians, endure a twister, and battle outlaws. Quickly, the story advances 3 months and voila they are in California! Not very deep, but a decent story. Ellen315 24

What a great read. Not my normal genre but received from @KensingtonBooks & @betweenthechapters.net. the writer had the plot roll out perfectly, not spending too much time in one place on the characters travels. Felt a good depiction of the gold rush. Allan Mac Manes1 review

Great Read

Different than most of the Johnstone books but very interesting. A book that captures your interest and is hard to put down. Dawn15

I loved it. Great story, characters and ending. Pauline Kennedy2

This is not my usual genre, so it surprised me when I loved it. My favorite historical fiction author is John Jakes, and the Johnstones are coming in as a close second. Janet1,013 36

This was an entertaining story. This was a Goodreads winner. Travelmaven562 10

Interesting historical fiction about a family going west with hopes for more success than they're having on their farm. historical-fiction won-on-goodreads Jana Leah47 16 Read

enjoyed Kate641 4

I can't top the amazing that have been shared so I will just say thank you to Kensington, William W. Johnstone and Goodreads Giveaways for my copy of this book. Dennis1 review

Enjoyed this book. Johnstones western books are the best, highly recommend this book. Robin Perkins111

I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway.

Good storyline. Fast paced. Easy to read. The characters are well developed and typical, but right ending. Betsy762 59

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