Leaving Independence

The Greatest Historical Western Writers of the 21st Century, William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone, bring to life the harrowing journeys of the fearless pioneers who braved the Oregon Trail--and lived to tell the tale . . .

Independence, Missouri, 1865. Seasoned wagon master Virgil Grissom prepares to lead a new group of families westward across the Oregon Trail. Among them are struggling farmer Matt Moran, his wife Katie, and their three small children. In spite of the long, treacherous journey ahead, Grissom is confident that this solid, hard-working farmer and his family are tough enough to endure the harsh elements, the rugged terrain, and the occasional run-in with hostile tribes. But he's not so sure about the farmer's younger brother, Clay, who plans to catch up with them along the trail. Alone. Which has Grissom worried . . .

On the Oregon Trail, a lone man is dead man.

Clay Moran fought hard in the Civil War, serving as lieutenant in the US Calvary. Now that Robert E. Lee has surrendered, Clay is free to head west with his brother's family. Problem is, the wagon train has left Independence already--and Clay has to go it alone. Luckily, the army let him keep his horse. But when a couple of bushwhackers steal that horse and all his money, he's left high and dry. If Clay hopes to catch up with the wagon train, he'll have to rely on his wits. His guts. And every skill he learned in the war. Along the way, he'll have to do things a man should never have to do--just to survive . . .

JOHNSTONE COUNTRY. GO WEST, LIVE FREE, OR DIE TRYING.

Author: William W. Johnstone, J. a. Johnstone
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corporation
Published: 01/21/2025
Pages: 320
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.81lbs
ISBN: 9781496746139

About the Author
William W. Johnstone is the #1 bestselling Western writer in America and the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of hundreds of books, with over 50 million copies sold. Born in southern Missouri, he was raised with strong moral and family values by his minister father, and tutored by his schoolteacher mother. He left school at fifteen to work in a carnival and then as a deputy sheriff before serving in the army. He went on to become known as "the Greatest Western writer of the 21st Century." Visit him online at WilliamJohnstone.net.

J.A. Johnstone learned to write from the master himself, Uncle William W. Johnstone, who began tutoring J.A. at an early age. After-school hours were often spent retyping manuscripts or researching his massive American Western History library as well as the more modern wars and conflicts. J.A. worked hard and learned, later going on to become the co-author of William W. Johnstone's many bestselling westerns and thrillers. J.A. Johnstone lives on a ranch in Tennessee and more information is at WilliamJohnstone.net.