Lawdog: The Life and Times of Hayden Tilden: The Life and Times of Hayden Tilden

Western fans will enjoy this book. There's lots of old west action with some romance. It is an enjoyable read and the story is well told.

J.Lee Butts has produced one of the best westerns I've read in a very long time. I couldn't get enough of Hayden Tillman, who was not only tough but tender, kind, thoughtful and careful. The format of the story was delightful, moving back in forth between memories and reality. The other characters in the story were well described and served to make the story a good one. I hope Mr. Butts is planning to write sequels because I want to know the "rest of the story".

Usually books of this genre do not attract my attention nor do I tend to migrate to them; however, I found myself catapulted back in time when living meant surviving; when a man's word stood for everything and when the look of a woman could leave a man's soul breathless. This little western has all the key elements that any testosterone reader would crave but it is by far an extraordinary love story. Lovers of "Braveheart" or "Gladiator" will long for each chapter of Hayden Tilden's life. J. Lee Butts richly created characters that will be etched into your mind long after the last turn of the page. So put your spurs on....you are in for one "hell of a good ride."

Lawdog is a good example of a genre book transcending its genre. Anyone who likes adventure, suspense, history, or just a plain old good read will love this book. Since I am a student of the history of the area and time setting for Lawdog, I was fascinated to find so much accurate detail and events that really occurred used as background. I am sure that the ending is leading up to another story from the Life and Times of Hayden Tilden and I just can't wait!

Hayden Tilden is one hell of a character who starts out on a vengeance trail after his family is butchered by an evil man dressed in black. Along the way he becomes a U.S. marshal for "The hanging judge" Isaac Parker and hunts some of the worst criminals you can imagine. The story, told by Tilden himself now in a nursing home and being interviewed by a kid reporter, gives the story a great feel. The book ends with the hint of a series, which I hope Mr. Butts will transform into a reality. The only problem with the book is that once you start, you can't bear to put it down!