An American Outlaw (The Whicher Series Book 1)

The prose are spare and terse like the countries the story takes place in, both Iraq and East Texas. The characters and story grabbed me from the first page and didn't let go. Haunting and gritty, rife with life and death, hope and despair, an excellent read!

This story is loaded with realistic characters set in a current time that keeps you wanting to follow each step they make. John Stonehouse has a writing style that strongly resembles that of Sam Peckinpah, alot of gunpowder in a small barrel, you know its going to explode and you wont want to miss it when it does.

What a great book! In some ways similar to a book by Cormac McCarthy - sparse prose, well-developed characters, a blurry line between good and bad, a compelling atmosphere, and a story that will stay with me.

this book has a minimum of sex and foul language. this is about aarine who tried to take care of his life long friends doing the war in Iraq.The system then fails his woundrd friends when returned to U.S. A very interesting book.

An American Outlaw shows the impact and camaraderie of our soldiers war experiences in the middle east.
How our society fails to take care of our wounded hero's and their families.
Ending somewhat predictable.

The plot was OK but the pacing was glacial. Almost everything that was said had to be repeated. Little action. Except for Marshall Whicher, not many likable characters. I didn't dislike, I just know I'll never read it again. Book 2 was much better.

This story is actually two. The primary villain, Gilman James, narrates his personal account of this saga. The second story is about U.S. Marshall, John Whicher's pursuit of three rogue veterans who have served multiple tours to the middle east wars. The fourth man being pursued is the brother of a fallen warrior. The returned warriors have gone on a continuous bank robbery trek, using military techniques to accomplish their crimes. This story is intense and reveals the thoughts and confused actions of military members scarred by war experiences. The writing style is a little difficult to adjust to, but it helps the reader become familiar with all the characters. I now know and understand the challenges of returned warriors to our country. A good read.

Always keen to highlight debut authors, John Stonehouse has proved to be a real find with his first book, An American Outlaw. This is a blistering slice of modern Americana that is hugely reminiscent in the spare, sparse style of authors like Cormac McCarthy, Ace Atkins and Denis Johnson, and hooks the reader throughout with its depiction of a fast-moving and tension filled manhunt across Texas.

The action focuses on Gilman James (a distant relation of outlaw Jesse James) and his two cohorts, having successfully completed one heist, and on the verge of a second in the far southwest of Texas. However, due to an unfortunate power outage, and the gung-ho actions of the other members of his team, their second job leads to death and injury and sees Gil and his injured friend on the receiving end of a desperate manhunt in the company of Tennille Labrea, a woman harbouring a secret and with an agenda all of her own. Stonehouse splits the action effectively between the trio’s flight from justice, and the actions of those who pursue them, headed by John Whicher from the US Marshals Office- a dogged and uncompromising ex-soldier who always aims gets his man.

With the ex-military background of James, his cohorts, and the marvellous and dogged Whicher, Stonehouse plays heavily on the themes of friendship, loyalty and the bonds and experiences illicited by the involvement in military conflict, and this is a real strength of the book. There is an interesting play on the way that the moral duty afforded to those who serve their country can be quickly unravelled in their return to society, as evinced by James and his friends’ actions. Stonehouse reveals a step at a time the connection between the main male characters through their military service across both Gulf Wars, highlighting key events across their tours of duty, and how these incidents have shaped and defined their connections to one another. The characters of Whicher and James, in particular, are incredibly well- defined, and lead to a shifting of loyalties in the reader’s conscience along the way, as neither man is wholly good or bad, making them both vital to the central plot and the holding of the reader’s interest. The pace is relentless and tense, and supported by this excellent characterisation, truly keeps those pages turning. Although I was initially less sure about the introduction of the female charater, Tennille, a young Hispanic woman joining up with the fugitives, my fears were quickly assuaged, as her story was integrated well into the main plot, thus undoing my feeling of her being a token female character to make up the numbers.

The atmosphere and location of the action is brilliantly rendered, with clipped and precise descriptions of the dusty environs of the Texas landscape and its haunting but desolate beauty. You can almost hear the twanging strains of a lone guitar, as the fugitives track across this endless wasteland of run down gas stations, diners and the miles and miles of deserted and hostile Texan terrain. It is incredibly visual, and also ramps up the tension tenfold, as the fugitives’ desperation increases in the sights of their dogged pursuer. Aided by the authentic and spare dialogue which captures the linguistic rhythms of Gilman’s southern roots and the Texan drawl of others, and the superb characterisation of the central characters, I would thoroughly recommend this. A good read.

'You took up a gun, your world could turn upside down in a heartbeat. A bank. A gas station. A patrol, the other side of the world. Or a robbery, the fields of Texas. You stepped off, the fall could be an inch, a mile—unending. Nobody to save you, nobody there.'

An American Outlaw is a stunningly stylish dose of southern American crime fiction and you know when you enjoy reading something so much you're practically buzzing when you sit down to write a review. Well that's how I'm feeling and all from looking at James Lee Burke on the store and clicking through customers also bought section. Certainly glad I took a punt on this.

What captured the atmosphere, the characters and a chase laden plot perfectly was John Stonehouse's style of writing and all this in a debut novel that's left me eagerly waiting for his next offering. You know I like my quotes so there's a couple scattered through the review.

The style of writing is reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy's No Country for Old Men, it's short, sharp, sparse and not a wasted word in site. There's no beating around the bush and it takes a little while getting used to, it's not for everyone but you can say that for every book ever written. I'll give you an example of a direct prose that borders on cutting but at the same time a mite refreshing.

‘I faced a lot of things. But I couldn't look her in the eye, the girl I met in second grade. Freckles and the chestnut hair. If every bone in her body had gone, she couldn't have looked more broken. Crushed. She told me she could sit on that porch, not a soul could see her—not a soul could hear her ask the world why it took everything. The boy she loved from eight years old.’

To the story a group of ex-marines plan a robbery spree, on the day of the bank job Gilman Francis James, a descendant of the infamous Frank & Jesse James is left stranded as a power blow out robs him of petrol and the ability to phone his partners. Their plans plunge into catastrophe and pretty soon it's all down to improvisation and the unknown as they become wanted fugitives at large. Every man and his dog on their case.

On The hunt US deputy Marshal John Whicher, four main strategic points, four towns and 'thirty thousand square miles of desert and mountain and honest to god wilderness.'

And just what Gil didn't need when lying low, a hard headed young woman with plans of her own and a shotgun. Tennille needs cash, needs an out for her daughter, escape from a partner and Gil drops into her lap like a tainted gift from God.

Right is forever broken, compromised, wrong takes over until finally the boundaries between good and immorality fade into obscurity as everyone's reasons come to the fore.

Atmospheric I guess would be the perfect word to describe this, bleak and harsh conditions, the mountains, the trails, the rain and the desert almost taking on the role of a vengeful character, providing help them wrenching it away in a storm of indifference.

'Dust is everywhere, he screws his eyes tight against it. He holds his jacket across his mouth in the choking haze, sand scattering, the ground shifting. Like smoke beneath his boots.’

Apologies for the long review but I did like this and I think it shows. A read with plenty of depth, an ending that just felt right, one the reader could appreciate and even applaud if you’re of an excitable type. Three compelling characters that surprisingly you find, at some point you’re actually rooting for all of them.

Recommended

An American Outlaw is a debut novel from author John Stonehouse. We have a fast-paced tale of robbery and pursuit set in wildest Texas. Fairly straight-forward you would think, but there’s a depth to the prose which extends far beyond that of some of the books I read.

We have a fantastic setting, vividly depicted, so much so I’m sure I coughed and spat desert dust as I turned the pages.

We have an interesting mix of characters, mainly focusing around a trio of strong, determined and likeable individuals; Gil – a disaffected veteran, loyal to friends and family but now willing to put himself on the wrong side of the law, like his famous ancestor; Tennille – a single Hispanic mother, getting by but unwilling to sacrifice her daughter to her abusive ex-husband and looking for an opportunity to forge a new life for them both away from his clutches; and Whicher, another veteran and now a Marshal. Whicher has a decency about him, as well as tenacity and acumen – a quality which serves him well in his pursuit of Gilman James after poor fortune and impetuosity from his partners in crime derail the meticulous planning laid in place.

Stonehouse weaves together our three main characters into a fast moving plot-line, producing a tale that ultimately resolves satisfactorily, leaving our characters’ integrity intact. In doing so he touches on issues which effect a lot of people today on either side of the Atlantic ……. economic downturn, banks, foreclosure, poor prospects, rejection and isolation, provoking feelings of powerlessness and disenfranchisement. Should we be surprised when people decide to fight back?

I’m looking forward to more from this powerful author in the years to come.

4 from 5 initially, on reflection re-scored to 5 from 5 - can't think of a valid reason why not!

He was kind enough to send me a copy of this bad boy in return for an honest review.

**3.5 - 4 stars**

Thank you to the author for the review copy.

The scion of one of the West's great outlaws comes home from the war in Iraq—Gilman James, the last of three childhood friends to return.
His brothers-in-arms are mere shadows of their former selves—Gil, unmarked—determines to take care of them. But how far should a man go for the people he loves?

Admittedly at the start of this book I wasnt entirely convinced I would love it but the further into it I got the more it took a hold of me - and I'm not sure how useful this is to the next reader but it happily got me through the several bus journeys I had to take that day!

There is a plethora of action in this one and its written in a quirky, snappy style that I thought was terrific as soon as my brain absorbed it. There are some great characters here, Gil is a superb action "hero" with actual intelligence John offered a great juxtaposition and I liked that it had a strong female lead without the author feeling the need to over do sexual tension..if you want an action thriller thats exactly what you will get.

A bank robbery gone wrong, an exhilerating chase, set against the backdrop of some great scene setting, I spent a pleasurable few hours with this one. It is a bit rough and ready - but the story more than makes up for that so all in all a pretty good read.

Happy Reading Folks!

As usual I paid nothing for this book as the author approached me with a free copy in exchange for a review. Also as usual though my absolute candid thoughts follow.

On the positive side, the author has a great grasp of his setting and his characters; I'd be unsurprised to find out he's an ex-Marine from Texas. The book has a great air of believability and action and the author's short, choppy, not-quite-sentences give the text a unique textual flow that works very well with the grim subject matter. His choice of characters in the person of an ex-Marine turned outlaw is innovative, relatable and timely.

To the negative, the book suffers from a rather typical lack of editorial polish. There are quite a few typos and misspellings and the author's use of short action-oriented sentences can at times make the text rather disjointed and this leaves the reader wondering what they just read. Further, the language is very colloquial in nature and while this adds to the atmospheric feel of the work it can sometimes be rather befuddling.

To summarize, this novel stands out among its peers at this pricepoint but can't quite earn five stars because it's up against more refined competition. I could see this one picked up by a major house and republished with a bit more of the proverbial spit-and-polish.

I almost didn't read An American Outlaw because of the "about this book" information, but working my way through my kindle library alphabetically and decided to check it off my list. I was quickly engrossed in the characters and the unraveling plot of justice outside the law. Instead of a reluctant read it turned out to be a book I hated to put down. The Texas setting, the plight of a generation of disenfranchised veterans carrying wounds we often cannot see, and the inner struggles of a lawman wrestling unexpected conflicting choices make the book readable and memorable. Looking forward to more in this series.

Gilman James, a distant relative of the famous outlaw, gets involved in a bank robbery gone bad(one dead, one wounded), a young kid jumping the gun, and is pursued by a U.S. Marshal. He'd simply wanted to help some old friends, and their family, who'd been left wounded by the war in the Middle East.

A young Mexican woman with her own problems, an ex-husband who wants their child and her(he doesn't believe in the ex- part) becomes part of the group as they try to escape.

Author John Stonehouse has produced a gripping tale of revenge as a man seeks to right the wrongs done to his friends.

Didn't finish this. You've got to be kidding, John Stonehouse! This is the most unlikely plot with cardboard characters, lots of typos, and stilted sentences included. I'm an avid reader, and seldom quit on a book, but this was a waste of my time and money. Terrible excuse for a book.

The novel itself was outstanding but I was (perhaps overly) bothered by the author improperly using "y'all" repeatedly. His characters use the word to address a single person whereas "y'all" is the plural of you. It's a contraction meaning "you all." I know this seems a small thing but it's the hallmark of a non Texan trying to sound Texan.

From the first word to the ending period was timeless!!! Such an original storyline with the greatest characters. I'm always in search of THE BOOK. Always remember the good ones. Thank you for writing with such grit.....

This is the tale of 3 lifelong friends, combat vets, USMC, of Desert Storm, back in the US dealing with what's happening now and in the recent past in the desert that is west Texas. Along this journey they meet interesting characters: folks in diners and gas stations, banks and cattle auctions, a gutsy single mom running from an abusive husband, and a focused US Marshall. Through bits and pieces we learn how they got to this place in their lives. Think "Thelma & Louise" with bits of "Dog Day Afternoon" and "Blackhawk Down". This action packed thriller is a page turner with twists--never predictable. It is definitely a good read!

The narrative made me feel like I was there, actually part of the story. Thought the storyline was good and kept me guessing.I really appreciated the empathy empowered in the characters.I am a USMC VIETNAM VET, so I am sure there is a little bias on my part. Thank you for bringing out some of the treatment of our young men that we trained to kill but did not retrain them to rejoin a society they are no longer a part of. I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially vets. I will be looking for more books by this author.

Spellbinding novel.. The best crime book I have read in years....one of those books that you want read again..the author sucks you in on every page...the way he writes draws you in.... You feel and care about these people... Read this book you will not be disappointed....

I have to say for those that haven't read this yet your missing out! The author brings up a topic we have all heard about and that is PTSD. I don't think anyone should be disappointed by this read at all.The first 200 follow a certain course.Then after the next 200 start twitsting and turning and you don't know which way they will go.I'm glad I didn't miss out on this one!

I've just finished this book. It is truly a page turner. The story line and characters are very interesting. The whole book just kept my interest in wanting to find out what was going to happen next. This new for me author is extremely talented. He knows how to grab the reader, almost from the first page. I can't wait to read his next book.

I was loaned this book by a friend and once I got around to reading it I couldn't put it down. Great action, felt like I was there at times. Highly recommend this to anyone that loves the modern day western style read. Would definitely read this author's work again! Thanks John Stonehouse for getting me out of my romance funk! LOL

This is a gripping story. Very well written. Although I in no way condone the acts of the outlaw(s), I couldn't help hope that things would work out favorably for them, but saw no way that could be possible. I am trying to avoid including any spoilers so I can't really tell my favorite parts. I'll just say the author did a masterful job and encourage you to read the book.

One of the best books by a new author I've come across in a long time. Great story & wonderful characters, I didn't want it to end. Anyone who has served our country will be especially moved. I've recommended this book to my family members and I'd recommended it to you as well. Fantastic job, I can't wait for his next book.

Haven't read a crime thriller in a long time but this was a revelation & had all the right ingrediants. Great plot, fantastic characters and wonderful location. Would highly recommend it. TerenceB, Ireland.

Stonehouse took a risk choosing to write a modern Western, and he mostly succeeded. As a Texan, I found his portrayal of good ol' boy dialect and poor grammar exaggerated, but I enjoyed reading a book set in a desolate Texas region. I will definitely read An American Kill.

John Stonehill:

I am reviewing your book Before I have read it. I just ordered it today.
In four months you will have many doors opened to you in writing. Do not jump at second contract, wait nine days & then sign up. I look forward to reading All of your book's.

Sally Vickers
Malibu Ca.

I'm always a little unsure reading a new author - but a friend recommended that this would be worth a read and I couldn't agree more. I really liked the sharp, snappy writing style which, along with a gripping plot development, made it difficult to put down. Looking forward to more from this writer!

This was a great story. We get into the story with flashbacks of the war scenes from the Middle East. You get the idea of what these guys are doing and why they are "outlaws" for a very good cause, and you hope they can succeed. It's about good guys doing not so good things in a country that has "let the returning soldiers down" and the law if after them. What a page turner. Thank you for this free book on Kindle.

I hadn't heard of this author before, but I'm glad I took a punt. Gripping story, had me hooked from the start. Great setting in Texas, very moody and atmospheric. It's a bit out of the ordinary, seeing through the eyes of the hunter and the hunted. It drew me in and kept me there. Would recommend.

At the beginning of this book, Gilman James explains that you don't know him, but you probably have heard of his great-great grandfather. This sets the tone of this book, in which Gilman is our narrator, and begins to feel like a friend.

Gilman and his friends Michael and Steven have set out to rob a bank. Each is staying in a town about 100 miles from the intended target; Gilman is in a small town out in West Texas, awaiting the robbery later that day. However, power to the town went down, and there is no cell phone service. The agreement was that if they all didn't check in a couple of hours before the robbery, they would postpone it by one day. With no phone service, and no power, so Gilman can't gas up his truck, he spends the night in a tiny motel. The next morning, when the power returns, Gilman finds his face on the TV, wanted in connection with the robbery of a bank.

The story bounces back and forth between Gilman James and the US Marshall who's been sent to find him; it's a very well told, fast paced story. I wasn't entirely sure where it would end, and I didn't see the final outcome. Overall, an excellent book.

Gilman James is a distant relative of the western era outlaw and following in his footsteps as he tries a series of his own misbegotten adventures with ex-Marine buddies. Not that long out of the service and his last mission in Iraq where things went from bad to severe; his life-long buddies fighting most of the same PTSD symptoms as himself now discovering another private war of their own at home. This story, unusual in style with short, clipped sentences, relays a powerful storyline. Except for the lack of fine editing skills, this book would have garnered a 5 star rating. The characters are described well enough to picture, the desolate countryside disheartening, the goal seemingly out of reach--yet so close. The law in hot pursuit quickly closes in with U.S. Deputy Marshall John Whicher at the lead--thank heaven. Enter Tennille, the unlikely name of a beautiful Mexican woman with a close to PTSD situation of her own. Her desperation, his situation; can it be saved? There'd have to be a miracle.

I hadn't heard of this author before, but I'm glad I took a punt. Gripping story, had me hooked from the start. Great setting in Texas, very moody and atmospheric. It's a bit out of the ordinary, seeing through the eyes of the hunter and the hunted. It drew me in and kept me there. Would recommend.