The Shopkeeper [Paperback]

James D. Best (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 15, 2007

In 1879, Steve Dancy sells his New York shop and ventures west to explore and write a journal about his adventures. Though he's not looking for trouble, Dancy's infatuation with another man's wife soon embroils him in a deadly feud with Sean Washburn, a Nevada silver baron.

Infuriated by the outrages of two hired thugs, the shopkeeper kills both men in an impulsive street fight. Dancy believes this barbarian act has closed the episode. He is wrong. He has interfered with Washburn's ambitions, and this is something the mining tycoon will not allow.

Pinkertons, hired assassins, and aggrieved bystanders escalate the feud until it pulls in all the moneyed interests and power brokers in Nevada. Can the former city slicker settle accounts without losing his life in the process?

Editorial Reviews

Review

I have to say its one of the best western books I've read in a long time. You'll find yourself lost in the book--the fast pace keeps it interesting. --Woman'sDay, Maritza Barone

The Shopkeeper is an entertaining story about a New York shopkeeper who has relocated to the wild west. The Shopkeeper is a smart gunslinger and star of a new western series.  --Nashville Examiner, Diane Scearce

A great book, I do hope that The Shopkeeper gets the readership it richly deserves.  --Blogger News Network, Simon Barrett

Steve Dancy is set on experiencing the West. At first glance, he is nothing more than a dilettante Easterner intent on writing a journal about his adventures on the frontier. He's not running away from a hopeless life. To the contrary, he's educated and seems to have enough money for his simple needs. Although anxious to avoid trouble, he can be pushed only so far, and when he chances upon some bad men doing unspeakable things to a woman, he feels he must take a hand. It isn't long before he's caught up in gunplay, which leads him into taking desperate measures, including buying a bank and a hotel, and influencing the upcoming gubernatorial elections. Dancy is a far different man than these Westerners think he is. Wealthy after selling off his Eastern businesses, maybe he should have told them what kind of goods he sold, because he's sure not like any other shopkeepers they know.

This is a fast paced tale with an interesting hero. In structure, with short chapters, crisp dialogue, and lots of movement, it's reminiscent of a thriller. Sadly, neither of the women in this story were enduring, the older too evil and crass to believe, and the younger far from worthy of the infatuation the hero apparently feels toward her. The motivation seems weak for all the mayhem that ensues. Still, you'll certainly find enough twists and turns to provide an entertaining and exciting story. --Western Writers of America Roundup Magazine, August, 2008

From the Inside Flap

"The James Best books...are about the best new Western series to come along since Larry McMurtry"--Larry Winget, True West Magazine, March, 2012
 
"The prose is decidedly and artfully simply, and I'd argue that the story reveals itself more like a detective novel than a typical western."--Melanie at Books Eats

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Wheatmark; First Thus edition (December 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587369222
• ISBN-13: 978-1587369223
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.5 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (110 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #60,263 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

James D. Best is the author of The Shopkeeper, Leadville, and Murder at Thumb Butte in the Steve Dancy Western series. His other books include Tempest at Dawn, Principled Action, The Shut Mouth Society, and The Digital Organization. Tempest at Dawn is a dramatization of the 1787 Constitutional Convention and Principled Action is a non-fiction companion book. James has written monthly columns for two magazine and numerous journal articles. He lives with his wife, Diane, in Paradise Valley, Arizona.

You can learn more about James and his books at jamesdbest.blogspot.com

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 44 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Old West - Come Alive January 30, 2008

By Sandy Castle

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

What a fun read this book was. The Steve Dancy character is likeable and down-to-earth, but has some surprising talents that are uncovered as the story unfolds. I liked the link between the rough and ready spirit of the West and the complexity of the accompanying politics. The details of day-to-day living in a mining town, on the trail, at a cattle ranch, and in the political arena made this story really come alive. The other characters were well developed and you just have to love the elder Mrs. Bolton. I look forward to reading `Leadville' to find out what Steve Dancy learns about the West in next chapter of his adventures

42 of 46 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Gift! April 5, 2008

By Heather LaRee VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I chose this book because of the reviews as a gift for an avid Western reader who doesn't troll online or frequent bookstores because of an illness. He received this wonderful gift last Wednesday and finished it on his second day LOVING IT and wanting another "Steve Dancy" book NOW. He'll have to wait for Christmas it appears but thank you James D. Best for a fabulous new character and wonderfully written book from someone who loves his (quality) Westerns. You have brightened someone's days who needed some brightening! His daughter is jealous that SHE didn't give it to him. So, well done Mr. Best... Keep writing!!

33 of 37 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Good read for those who like old-fashioned westerns. June 2, 2009

By Kentucky Kurio

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I love westerns and all the five star reviews had me excited about reading this book. I will say this - the book is fast-paced with lots of action. And the first few chapters are excellent with several great surprises.

But ultimately the convoluted plot left me shaking my head. Too many of the plot-twists just did not ring true to me. There also seemed to be too many western stereotypes here with paper-thin characters. (Although I give the author credit for his female characters who are more fully developed than most of his male characters.)

All in all, a pleasant read but not much more. Still, recommended for those who like old-fashioned westerns.