"John Layne's second novel, Red River Reunion, is brimming with period detail and authenticity. His historical knowledge, coupled with his law enforcement background, makes this book an enjoyable read for anyone interested in the Old West." - G. Michael Hopf, USA Today Best-Selling Author
"John Layne's latest novel is a sure fire hit for fans of the literature of the old west, especially in Texas. It reads like the film it will probably be one of these days. The reader can see beyond the words on the page to pictures in the mind. This book deserves to be at the top of anyone's list of the best works in the western genre. - Donigan Merritt, Author of 10 novels, including Possessed by Shadows, the Hatch trilogy, and The Common Bond
"From the author (John Layne) who brought you the thrilling Western novel 'Gunslingers A Story Of The Old West' comes Red River Reunion published by Labrador Publishing. I've said it before but it bears repeating, "Good old fashioned Western novels are few and far between.'
And that's a shame. Where else can you read tales of courageous individuals who gambled it all to begin a new life in a new frontier? They faced hardship, thirst, hunger, danger on all sides and often lonely isolated lives where the law of the gun ruled supreme.
Even more impressive is that Westerns are based on real occurrences-things that could actually (and sometimes did) occur. Westerns are great stories about common folk often placed in uncommon and often dangerous situations and yet somehow they survive. Red River Reunion is set in the latter part of the 19th Century in the Old West. It follows the continuing story of Marshall Luxton Danner and Texas Ranger Wes Payne as they seek to defend the weak, the meek and uphold Western law. New characters are introduced along with new threats, new locations and dangerous situations.
What I really enjoy about the novel is the feeling of authenticity. It's obvious from the start that author has done his research. His prose perfectly describes The Old West. I actually felt like I was walking the dusty streets of towns, camping out at night under the star filled sky and listening to the sound of cattle and the occasional coyote. The characters feel like real people. The book describes their struggles, their hardships and their determination to make a life for themselves in the new mostly unexplored territory.
It's so nice to read a real Western novel. Red River Reunion is a welcome respite for the modern world of fast and furious. It harkens back to the day when people welcomed a day of good hard honest work and the line between good and evil was clearly drawn. Red River Reunion is a book to be savored, read slowly and enjoyed. I highly recommend the book and I'm anxious to see what other books the author has planed in the future."
-Boyce McClain's Collectors' Corner
FIVE STARS "Growing up as a fan of Hoppy, Gene, and Roy, it was refreshing to read a good tale of the Old West. A triumvirate of protagonists are introduced and brought together to fight off a town's boss who isn't content with just one town. Mix in lots of bad guys, ambushes, love interests, Rangers, and marshals and you have the recipe for a great western adventure." - Doug Yonce
FOUR STARS "This wonderful book had the feel of a good old fashion western, complete with the all elements you would expect., most especially, justice coming and staying in town! Satisfying Good western tale with lots of colorful characters, but the downside was I couldn't remember who they all were. All in all, an enjoyable western adventure to those who like a bit if nostalgic reading about the Wild West. and the quest to keep order against those who would disturb the peace." - Laur VanPatter
