Nathan Stark is a rough and gruff fighter on the western plains; he takes no prisoners. Nathan Stark is introduced to us in the first book where we learn due to suffering the loss of family to Indian attacks, he now seeks to carry out vengeance. At the end of the first book, Nathan’s heart and perspective may be changing some as he works alongside another Army Scout called Moses Red Buffalo. Perhaps it is also due to the influence of a blossoming relationship with Delia, who Nathan knew before and now must leave as he is reassigned to Fort Randall.

Together these two Army Scouts must help locate and return Blackfeet to a reservation in Canada. But more is going on in the town than just folks being afraid of the attacks happening in the wilderness. The main character is Bennett McGreevey who owns a big cattle ranch and several businesses in town. One of his goals is to run the whole territory by taking out the other smaller ranchers.

Not only are the area sod busters facing an imminent threat from renegade Indians but also from being forced out by McGreevey’s hired guns. While many ranchers have fled from their homes and land, there are a few who dare to fight it out no matter who is pushing. Nathan and Red Buffalo are finding themselves tasked with pushing the renegades back on to the reservation and also protecting the ranchers from the hired guns.

The book is exciting and filled with nonstop western action. I like how there seems to be a friendship growing between Nathan and Red Buffalo along with their willingness to put themselves in harm’s way to protect others. The ending was a surprise, and in this novel it seems there was more revealing of Red Buffalo’s character and that was enjoyable.

Once again the Johnstone pen has brought alive the old west with its dangers and beauty. I do recommend reading the first Nathan Stark novel before reading Trigger Happy as some of what occurs in book one plays into the second installment. However, one can enjoy reading Trigger Happy without reading Nathan Stark, Army Scout, which begins the series. (Written by LBJ)