The Stranger
A Horror Western
Josh isn't nine anymore. He's spent years growing up, growing stronger, and growing angrier.
Now, he's ready.
Ready to take on the three men who made him an orphan, and the bastard who sent them.
A dark stranger rides toward Specrtre Wyoming. Despite his appearance, he is not quite human.
But something much worse.
And his black heart is bent on vengeance.
And what of the beautiful huntress that is trackiing him? A hunter of the undead, those who thirst for blood.
Human blood.
What will happen in the town of Spectre?
Who will survive the final showdown between man, vampire, and demon?
And the biggest question....
WHO is The Stranger?
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Available in: Paperback
Reader Reviews
7 ratings
Alison O.
The Stranger by Jim Donohue
Narrated by Logan South
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
YEE-HAW!! 🤠
This outstanding book is suspenseful, filled with tension, evil, and different horrors!
Josh’s parents are murdered and he’s only 9 years old. Even though he’s so young, he wants revenge! As he's gotten older, he’s been planning his revenge! He doesn’t know that as he returns to his hometown a mysterious stranger is riding into town as well.
This is my first Horror- Western book, and it totally works!! This book is very well written and so extremely descriptive! I pictured the entire book as a movie.
I listened to the audio version and the narrator did an amazing job!! He is so expressive and it’s an immersive listen! It’s so entertaining!
Some people write good books, but Jim knows how to write amazing books!! He’s consistent with telling excellent stories, and all are so well written.
This is an absolute must read and I highly recommend the audio version!! I was hooked from the very beginning!
•••My favorite line!!•••
“She had a knife and fork. Ya think she meant to carve us up and chew us to death?”
Charlene M.
This horror western has such a cool tone - it really feels like you're around a campfire listening to it being told rather than reading it.
The ending is a bit of a gut punch but I think it could have been more of one if the characters had been doing more together for a longer period of time.
But overall well worth a read and again, such a cool vibe!
Liz M.
This one had all the ingredients for something unforgettable—revenge, supernatural chaos, and a morally gray antihero—but it never fully locked in the way I wanted it to.
Josh Lemmings’ backstory hits hard right out of the gate. A child shaped by violence, raised in the shadow of loss, and fueled by revenge? That’s a strong foundation. And the setup—a mysterious, not-quite-human stranger rolling into Spectre, Wyoming—definitely delivers on atmosphere. There’s a gritty, almost Western-horror vibe here that should feel electric.
But somewhere along the way, the execution felt uneven. The pacing jumps around, and some of the reveals—especially surrounding The Stranger—don’t land with the impact they’re clearly meant to have. The story introduces a lot of compelling elements (vampires, demons, hunters), but they don’t always feel fully developed, like the book is juggling more than it can comfortably carry.
The huntress character had real potential and added an interesting layer, but I wanted more depth there—more tension, more connection, more stakes.
That said, it’s not a bad read. There are moments where the darkness hits, and the concept itself is strong enough to keep you turning pages. It just feels like it needed a bit more focus and polish to really deliver on everything it promises.
If you’re into revenge-driven supernatural thrillers with a Western edge, this is worth checking out—just don’t expect it to fully sink its teeth in.
Crystal O.
Koen S.
Jim’s lands at a solid 4⭐ read—gritty, atmospheric, and surprisingly immersive. It leans into a Western horror setting that feels raw and unforgiving, pulling you into a story driven by revenge, buried truths, and the kind of past that refuses to stay buried.
The pacing keeps things moving without losing tension, and the world-building adds just enough edge to make everything feel vivid and real. There’s a steady sense of unease woven throughout, with layers unfolding in a way that keeps you engaged without giving too much away.
If you’re into darker, character driven stories with a haunting backdrop
Gail C.
S.
By: Jim Donohue
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Release Date: November 30, 2025
Length: 215 pages
Content Warnings: Violence, Gore, Loss, Supernatural Horror
At first, I was a little worried. I had no expectations and no idea what this story was really about, and it felt a bit slow at the beginning. But it didn’t take long to realize this wasn’t just a simple western horror story, and oh man, was I right.
Jim shares how he grew up with his sister Sharon, watching horror films like House on Haunted Hill and The Sadist, and TV shows like The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, and Alfred Hitchcock Presents. But what truly shaped him was discovering a young Stephen King together.
While this isn’t Jim’s first published work, it’s his first full-length novel, and my only question is: why didn’t he do this sooner?
I want to thank everyone who told him to keep going, even when he thought about stopping the story at 13,000 words. From now on, you can add me to that list of people who will say: keep going, always.
This is a raw, chilling western horror that drags you deep into the Wild West and the evil, both human and supernatural, that lurks there. In this world, vampires exist. Not the romantic kind, but vile, merciless creatures that strike with fury. When Josh was nine years old, a corrupt banker sent his men to his family’s ranch. They murdered his parents, and Josh swore revenge.
Throughout the story, you can feel Jim’s past inspirations. He’s not copying Stephen King, but his admiration shines through. Jim has a unique storytelling voice that is immersive, passionate, and full of heart. After reading The Turning, I didn’t expect to step into an even larger world he’s building, but now I know there’s much more to come, and I’m eagerly waiting for whatever he writes next.
What truly got me was Josh. He’s a complete, fully developed character whose arc is packed with adventure, horror, heartbreak, and even humor. This isn’t a horror-comedy, but I found myself laughing out loud more than once. Example?
“I’m glad you remember the story. Tell me, though, which was the one that made you remember?”
This full scene may well be my favorite. I’m not going to spoil it, but those who have read it will know, and you will too once you have.
When this novel is released, don’t hesitate. Give it a chance. You’ll have one hell of a ride.