Smoke Jensen is a character that fans enjoy and always look forward to whatever challenge awaits the mountain man. Smoke has had many wild adventures in his young life and his body bears the scars from multiple wounds he suffered in the engagements.  Taught by Preacher in the ways to live life in the high lonesome, Smoke knows how to hunt both man and animal.  Now the knowledge he gained may come in handy when the town of Big Rock faces attacks from multiple adversaries.

Smoke and Sally are working hard to build their ranch they call the Sugarloaf.  So far, they have just a few hands to help and one of them is named Pearlie.  Sally is comfortable in the house or in the saddle, and Smoke has taught her how to defend herself when necessary.  As the couple learns that a renegade band of Indians has fled the reservation, killing many while leaving a trail of blood, it seems the warrior leader is on a track straight for Big Rock.

The army has also camped outside Big Rock in anticipation of the band of killers, but is this their only purpose?  The leader of the First Colorado Rifle Brigade is Colonel Talbot who, once camp is set up outside the town, sends in his captain to bring the sheriff to him for a talk.  Monte Carson isn’t one who likes being ordered around but with Smoke beside him they pay a visit to hear out the colonel.  When the colonel shares his suspicions that the band of Indians led by Black Drum is on their way and the town folks need to be ready, Smoke and Monte begin to spread the word to prepare not just the town but those in the outlying ranches.

Smoke, Sally and the town are in danger, and it will take everyone to make a stand to live through the storm that is coming.  Throughout the novel it seems Smoke and others aren’t quite sure what to make of the army brigade, and when a few of the town’s folk are hurt by soldiers, folks are wondering just who they should be prepared to make their stand against.  Interesting twists and turns are wonderfully built through the story from Smoke helping the army to some of the citizens leading men landing in jail.

When the Shooting Starts is the newest addition to the Smoke Jensen Novel of the West series, and in my opinion it’s one of the best!  The romance Smoke and Sally have is touching and how they stand by each other through thick and thin is magnificent.  At a time when life is precarious and one mistake can lead to disastrous results, the story makes a point of showing when folks stand together to fight evil, right can be restored!  I hope the author plans more for this series.  I can’t get enough of Smoke and Sally Jensen along with their ranch hands coming together to help folks! (Written by LBJ)