This story was unusual for a Western - I really enjoyed the story with such a strong female character. The changing weather in Texas is very well described in all its horror and beauty.

Bravo an excellent tale.

Linda IR

BEFORE you read this book hold on, I suggest reading Outrage in Blanco by Bill Crider, from Brash Book publishers. Outrage in Blanco is a flat out good western novel, a retro read for we older folks yet written in a contemporary style to make a fine intro to westerns for the younger set. Now to Texas Vigilante, which picks up as the reluctant hero of Outrage at Blanco sets out to avenge the foul acts inflicted on those who are close to her. I did say her as this hero is a tough as nails and homely as the keg the nails arrived in smart, cunning, down to earth widow beloved by those close to her. The plot is well laid out. Law enforcement is usually a potbellied sheriff and this at a time when doughnut shops were yet to exist (it really is way back in time). The real law are Texas Rangers, still today revered by law abiding folk and feared by law breakers. A most notable asset is the descriptive landscape, set in the Texas wilderness parts of which exist still to this day. Both books are refreshingly free of the vulgarity of many of today's novels although the vulgarity of today’s novels are likely realistic for today’s world. There is the colorful language befitting the times as “heck”, “gosh”, and “shucks” sneak into the conversations. An enjoyable break from the bestseller booklist of the day offerings, likely to get some readers looking for more Bill Crider while others may find it not their niche. A five star read for this reviewer.

I got this one right after I read Outrage at Blanco. Since then I've ordered (2) more novels by Crider. I'm hooked.

Not my usual genre of book, but Bill Crider has a new fan now.
I really enjoyed this book.. From start to finish the book moved at a nice pace. I love a strong female character, and Ellie didn't disappoint. Would definitely recommend this book to friends, and look forward to reading more titles by this author.

Texas Vigilante – Bill Crider 4 Stars I love this series!

The farm of the late Jonathan Crossland now belongs to Ellie Taine. (If you want to know how he came to leave it to her then I strongly recommend that you read “Outrage in Blanco”).

She has employed Lane Tolbert as the manager. He and his wife Sue and their young daughter, Laurie live in the cottage and things are going along really well, Lane is well respected among the other workers. Ellie has built up a special bond with Laurie. She doesn’t understand why Sue is always tense, until they receive the news that her brother, Angel has broken out of prison.

They don’t have enough time to prepare for his arrival and when he hits the farm with three other extremely violent criminals, no one is prepared for his actions; abducting Laurie. Ellie persuades Sue to accompany her to track down the men. (Lane was shot when Angel abducted Laurie).

Brady, Lane’s brother is a Texas Ranger, but it takes him awhile to catch up to Ellie and Sue in their pursuit of this group of deranged killers.

Bill Crider has once again done a superb job of giving us a view of this very feisty lady who will not ever give up her fight for justice. I love her and hope, Bill Crider that there are more stories in the pipeline! If I may just have one very small niggle – it’s the cover of the book. Considering that the books are set circa 1880, portraying Ellie on the cover wearing the latest model in sunglasses is a no-no!

I received this ebook free from the publisher through NetGalley.com. I give it 4 and 1/2 stars(rounded up to 5). It is a crisp western set in 1880s Texas. It was an easy read--2 days for me. Ellie Taine is a widow running a ranch when a group of escaped convicts kidnapped the daughter of her foreman. She goes after them with the girl's mother, because the father was shot during the kidnapping. This book is a sequel to a previous book by Crider, Outrage at Blanco, which is now on my to be read list of books.
The writing reminds me of westerns written by Elmore Leonard. I learned about this author from my GR friend Col. Thanks Col!

In the 1880's, Ellie is hiring Lane Tolbert to help her manage the ranch. He needs the work as he needs to support his family -- a wife, Sue and daughter, Laurie. Ellie likes Laurie. Angel Ware is Sue's brother and serving a life sentence for murder. He escapes prison and wants revenge against Sue and all the people who put him in prison. Angel takes Laurie which has Ellie taking up her guns to save Laurie.

This is a story not only of revenge, but also finding strength and courage within one's self. The writing is excellent. The descriptive landscapes are done so well, one can see them. It is fast paced. The author has a new fan as this is my first book I've read by him.

He should never have been named Angel. His personality and actions makes him more matched with the devil than any angel.

Brash Books and Net Galley let me read this book for review (thank you). It has been published so you can grab a copy now.

"Outrage at Blanco" was where I met Ellie. She managed to overcome the odds and get the men who raped her and shot her husband. This time she has an even bigger challenge.

Angel breaks out of a prison trip to another jail and takes his friends with him on a journey to get revenge. His sister turned him in and he's going to kidnap his niece. He doesn't realize that she's living on Ellie's ranch and Ellie takes care of her people...

When Angel comes through, the gang shoots the husband and beats up the sister before he takes the niece. When he runs, leaving dead men in his wake, Ellie decides it's time for the women to take up the hunt.

I really enjoy Ellie. She's a take charge, just do it type of person. She knows men frown on her acting inappropriately (like a vigilante) but she doesn't care what they think. She loved that little girl and she's going to save her.

The wind and weather fight against them. The gang is waiting for the posse. What can two women do? They head out with guns, to do what they can do. They're not going to give up. A Texas Ranger joins the hunt and they find them. But there's no way to get them out of the abandoned church.

Mr. Crider is not ashamed to make the women in his stories strong and talented. It might be because of lack of sense, but they still manage to win. Even the niece had better sense than her uncle. This was a really good read. If something tough comes up, I'd like Ellie to be on my side, too.