I just finished Stoker by Dick Warburton, and I’d say it was a solid middle-of-the-road read—interesting, but not quite gripping. Set in 1860s America, it follows Lord Matthew Stoker, a British aristocrat navigating the harsh realities of the Great Plains. Early on, he encounters a traumatized young woman—the only survivor of a brutal attack—and sets out to help her, only to be drawn into a tangled web of danger, deceit, and family tension.

The historical setting was a strong point. Warburton captures the rugged, often brutal atmosphere of the frontier well, and I appreciated the inclusion of real-life figures like explorer Richard Burton. There’s plenty of action and intrigue, especially once the shady blackmailer James Maybrick enters the scene.

That said, I had a hard time connecting with the characters. Stoker, while noble and well-intentioned, felt a little flat, and I wanted more emotional depth, particularly around his relationships and inner conflicts. The plot kept moving, but I didn’t feel fully invested.

Overall, Stoker was an enjoyable but not unforgettable read. If you're into historical Westerns with a dash of mystery and danger, it's worth a look—but I wouldn’t rush to reread it.

Stoker is different from what I normally read, but I decided to try something different. The story is good with the wagon train and description of the West. Overall, however, I couldn't connect with this story. I think fans of western fiction will enjoy this one. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Stoker was a thrilling adventurous read. I absolutely love reading Western stories and this one did not disappoint. I would love for there to be a sequel and I think the author was talented in creating an atmosphere that was memorable and intriguing. I highly recommend this book to fans of the Wild West and want an exciting read.