Don't Poke the Bear! (An Emmett Love Western Book 2)

Emmett Love has settled down with the love of his life, Gentry the ex-whore, and they're running the Lucky Spur Saloon in Dodge City, circa 1861. They're in un-wedded bliss and they've got a pet bear, to boot. About the time his old buddies Shrug and Rose show up, all Hell breaks loose. Emmett's made Sheriff. Then his world comes crashing down in a shocking plot twist.As with all of John Locke's novellas, the characters and dialogue sparkle, and the story unfolds a mile a minute. It's a tremendously amusing tale that takes a sour and sobering turn.A sequel to FOLLOW THE STONE, DON'T POKE THE BEAR supersedes the original title by leaps and bounds. The plot is stronger, and the author seems surer of what he's trying to accomplish.Yet, it feels like half a novel. It ends at the halfway point. Perhaps that's what Locke is shooting for, though. It's a bit like a Saturday morning serial Western. It leads the reader to the cliff and leaves 'em hanging....until the "next exciting episode."That's a very entertaining way to pass a weekend, if you're a person who likes to read for fun.

I had never read a John Locke book, and then I admit I was roped in by the title of this one (along with a sample). Though westerns aren't my genre, I was taken by the characters from Emmett to Gantry to Rose and even the mayor. And of course, then there's Emmett's pet bear, Rudy, and it was all (almost) believable.And then, three quarters of the way through, Emmett's loves go off on a trip, and there's NO resolution. At the end I felt cheated. It was as though Locke (who also wrote a book about how he sold 5 million copies of his books on Amazon) either didn't know how to end it, resolve his entwined destiny with the antagonist, or he was going to write a sequel and I'd have to buy it to get closure.Well, sorry, but even though there is a sequel, I'm not going to give it a try. Once burnt, twice shy. The trouble is that it's also put me off his other books which have gotten good reviews. It's not that I hold a grudge, but I feel as though at the end, I had gone through that door at the end of a fun house.

Little bit of a mish-mash on plot. Make no mistake, I enjoy John Locke and this is written in his usual entertaining style, but this book is not up to his usual standard. It reads as if it contains the conclusion to one story (two, counting the prologue), the middle of a different story, and the opening scenes of yet another story. Relates to and is dependent on Follow the Stone and (probably, I've not read it yet) the next in the series. Not to be read as a stand-alone.

Whether it is one of his zany mysteries or uniquely bizarre westerns...no one does it better than author John Locke! Don't Poke the Bear follows up on the shenanigans of Emmett Love and gang of misfits! I laughed, snickered, snorted and once nearly wet my pants....one thing I wasn't was bored. I won't go into plot details as so many have said what I already was thinking, but I will say that if you haven't read John Locke, you are missing out on the best of the best in fiction writing. Mr. Locke has the gift of wit, sneakiness in plotting, wildly insane characters and just the old fashioned ability to tell a damn good tale and make you want more...more..and more! Die hard fan from first book...and am always eager for the next one. Get John Locke's entire cache of books...great prices...and you will not regret it. Kudos to the author for another funtastic adventure!

There are four books in the series, all of which I have had the pleasure of reading and I rate each one with the highest of stars. The story line is great, as are the characters. The series is one of the best I have read and must say I had a hard time putting my Kindle down before I finished each one. The main character Emmett Love is a delightful guy surrounded by delightful close friends who seem to be able to get themselves into all kinds of mischief and at time it's very funny. In fact on reading it it can take you through all kinds of emotions. I would seriously recommend this series to all readers. John Locke.....what joy you bring with your great books. Many thanks. Keep them coming.

I've never been let down by J. Locke's writings and this was no different. This series is/was great fun reading, just as suspenseful as the D. Creed series (tho I'm partial to Donovan Creed ...... lol). The jokes were great, the suspense was wonderful & it was another "can't put down" book.John Locke will go far with his writings and will end up be up in the top 10 writers.For those that haven't read his works yet you really should give him a try. I've noticed that the "top" writers are selling their books for $9.99 and up & because of their name we buy them. The young writers of today can hold their own with the top contenders. I don't know about the other young writers but I do know that John Locke answers his emails as well as posting on the boards, chatting with his followers and listening/requesting their input regarding his works.Great job John, I'll always be your fan.:~D

With the background of the Civil War, Locke writes a very creative Emmett Love western. After shooting Bad Vlad, "the world's greatest marksman", Emmett inherits Rudy the mistreated bear, who is restored to good health. After a wrongful arrest by union soldiers, Emmett spends 2 years and 4 months breaking rocks for the railroad and is later freed. After heading for home, he is found and playfully knocked down by Rudy. Together they head for Dodge. Emmett is not prepared for the shock when he reached Dodge. Rose and Shrug are always special to Emmett, but especially Rose displays her gifted "witchy" talents. A must read.