The Strange Life of William Jameson
The tumultuous second half of the 19th century brings constant change in William’s life. From the Oregon Trail, to England, to that of a Fencing Master in New Orleans with a beautiful Creole paramour, to the Civil War and finally, the Reconstruction Era.
LOBO Reviews
In “LOBO,” John H. Manhold has finely honed the narrative skills demonstrated in his award-winning “EL Tigre” to create an even more compelling novel of pre- & post-Civil War America. The book is subtitled “The Strange Life of William Jameson”: it is a wonderfully rich and vibrant life of a charismatic hero who faces adversity with brave adaptation instead of despair. Jameson’s journeys bring the reader along from childhood pioneer days during Oregon’s boom thru Cheyenne captivity, London at the start of the Industrial Revolution and into the beautifully complex mystique of New Orleans. Manhold peels back the layers of New Orleans society to reveal her hidden secrets and fascinating past. The depth and exquisite detail of historical and political background research, as well as the author’s expert knowledge of the era’s weaponry, meld perfectly into the story development. John H. Manhold further enhances “LOBO” by pairing the title character with a singular soulmate of equal strength and determination. Fans of “EL Tigre” will be rewarded by a tantalizing surprise prospect at the end of “LOBO”…”LOBO” will grab the imagination of men, women and young adults from beginning to end and leave you waiting for his next book! Melvin Kligman, Independent Book Reviewer in Amazon
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Excerpted from a lengthy review by Sweetwater Jack in The Cowboy Chronicle, vol23, No.4 April 2010 – the Monthly Journal of the Single Action Shooting Society. This is the official publication of the 80,000+ member society.
Well, I done er’ again. I mean findin’ another SASS Member and Cowboy Action Shooter that can write up a storm, and keep this old cowpoke turnin’ the pages for hours. John Manhold, better known to the Cowboy Action Shooting world as “El Tigre Viejo” is no novice to putting words to paper … Lord, no! With six textbooks, a lexicon in four languages and a bunch of historical mystery and adventure novels to his credit, he has paid his dues in the literary world. “El Tigre” is either a world-class researcher, deeply into the nineteenth century and the ways of the era, or there is something to this reincarnation stuff, and he’s managed to bring with him his memories of a past life.
As I’ve said before, I’m a READER. And LOBO is a READ! … the central character, Billy, starts out as a young boy as he and his family leave the familiarity of their Ohio farm and head west. It’s the 1850’s and Oregon beckons. Fortunately for Billy/William Jameson, one of his strongest traits is adaptability, and it stands him in good stead as he faces being captured by a Comanche raiding party, living the life of a Plains Indian slave and later warrior, being schooled in England at Eton, surviving a storm at sea, then fighting off pirates, all of the while escaping the wrath of the British Authorities after a deadly saber duel…Of course landing in New Orleans. A city of mystery, thrills and diverse culture. … El Tigre’s understanding of the social, political, and cultural aspects of the times is demonstrated very well in LOBO, but it does not overshadow the plot or detract from the rapport the reader is building with his hero. You have become, at this point very concerned about the welfare of William Jameson. As Civil War approaches, what choices should William make? And why is he called LOBO?
I know what happened. But if YOU want to find out, ya gotta’ go out and buy the book!
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I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED LOBO! A GRAND STORY! I LIKE THE CONTINUING HISTORICAL ASPECT OF YOUR BOOKS. IT IS ONE OF THOSE IN WHICH IT IS EASY TO IDENTIFY WITH AND CARE ABOUT THE CHARACTERS. HARD TO PUT DOWN ONCE ONE STARTS READING IT! GOOD SHOOTIN’ AND GOD BLESS.
IT IS GREAT TO READ SOMETHING WITH A GOOD STORY THAT ALSO KEEPS THE MIND ENGAGED!
John Taffin, Columnist for Gun Magazines
I am enjoying the story. It certainly moves along well. Your efforts in research are impressive. I’m learning things I had no idea of. Like Louisiana’s resistance to succession at the beginning of the issue. I feel a privilege to know an author who’s work I enjoy. I look forward to your next El Tigre. Paul Krause (Prescott, AZ).
Lobo
Lobo – A great read that also keeps the mind engaged and is hard to put down once one starts reading it! John Taffin, Columnist , Gun Magazines
Lobo
Good job! Tex, Editor, The Cowboy Chronicle: I finished LOBO a few evenings ago … another great book! I love your heros!! Good job!
Tex, Editor, The Cowboy Chronicle