The Reckoning

Jess Williams, Book 1

By: Robert J. Thomas

Narrated by: Jay Emmitt Caudill

Don't let the prologue of this book fool you; this is a Western novel.

The Reckoning is the first in the series of Jess Williams Western novels written by Robert J. Thomas. Jess Williams is an ordinary young boy with a loving family, growing up in Black Creek, Kansas. That all changes when he comes home and finds his entire family brutally murdered.

Forced to become a man overnight, he vows to avenge his family's savage deaths. He begins to practice with his Pa's Colt .45, and then a stroke of destiny arrives when he discovers a new pistol and holster that mysteriously appears. Jess practices with it relentlessly until he becomes so quick that he is unbeatable on the draw.

He leaves home transformed from a boy to a highly skilled shootist with no reason to live except to hunt down and kill each of the three men responsible for the murders of his family. As he begins his journey, he does so with a pistol and holster that no one has ever seen before - and won't again for almost one hundred years.

©2003 Robert J. Thomas (P)2015 Robert J. Thomas

The reckoning

This book is my favorite western that I have listened to. There is over a hundred books in the series. just not audiobooks. Outlaws kills Jess Williams whole family and he tracks them down and seeks revenge. There is a lot of action and adventure in this. I'm glad I came across it. Jay emitt Caudillo did an excellent job narriating this book. This is definitely a five star book and we'll worth the money or a credit. if my review is any help will you please click in the helpful link below. Thank you

Excellent

Excellent western story of a young boy of 14 who had to become a man after the brutal murders of his father, mother and 7 year old sister. In time he hunts down each of the men that killed his parents bringing justice and Reckoning. In the tradition of Louis L'amour and Max Brand.

Violent Justice!

What did you love best about The Reckoning?

When Jess Williams was a boy and cruel outlaws savagely killed his parents and little sister Jess swore to bring the attackers to justice ...his brand of justice. Practicing daily on his fast-draw and accuracy with a mysteriously appearing gun and holster he prepared himself to set out to find his family's killers.

What other book might you compare The Reckoning to and why?

There are similar westerns with slight variations, but "The Reckoning" is certainly credit worthy.

What about Jay Emmitt Caudill’s performance did you like?

His ability to bring the character's personalities to life.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The sadness of the brutality of the murders of Jess' family and the loss of his innocence.

Any additional comments?

Although I wish there was not so much detailed violence, it shows just how wild and untamed the west was, and how hard it was to enforce the law. How vulnerable small towns and outlying farms and dwellings were at the hands of ruthless men.

I enjoyed the character of Jess Williams, who although showed no remorse for killing the bad guys, had a kindness about him. He performed kind deeds toward those in need, but doled out justice to those who took advantage of those who could not defend themselves.

Great book

Robert J Thomas is a great author. I have read the entire series of Jess Williams. Thomas has done a good job with this character. He is a killer out for revenge but also a very kind person wanting to give to others

i love this book, ill listen to it again no doubt

never heard another story like this one, its entertaining redemptive sad but ends well .