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My Newest Book – The Sons of Philo Gaines
Michael R. Ritt's books on Goodreads
The Sons of Philo Gaines The Sons of Philo Gaines
reviews: 12
ratings: 13 (avg rating 4.92)

Rough Country Rough Country
ratings: 4 (avg rating 5.00)

The Untamed West The Untamed West
reviews: 1
ratings: 4 (avg rating 4.25)

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The Sons of Philo Gaines

Philo Gaines is a legend-mountain man, Indian fighter, Texas Ranger and army scout. Philo is one other thing-a father with three sons; a scholar, a gambler, and a gunman. Each one is trying to leave his own mark on a hard land that requires the best out of hard men. In September 1873, Matthew Gaines arrives in the west Texas town of Mustang Flats. A quiet scholar, Matthew leaves Princeton to become the town’s new school teacher. Haunted by a past he can’t seem to outrun, he discovers an unexpected connection to his own family in Mustang Flats-a secret that could cost him his life and brings his brothers, David and Luke, heading toward Mustang Flats and a showdown with destiny.

 

 

The Sons of Philo Gaines was featured on the premier episode of the Six-Gun Justice podcast. Click on the image to the left to listen to the podcast. Or, go to their blog to read their review by clicking HERE.

An Engaging Tale Of Revenge, Redemption, And Love…

“Michael R. Ritt’s sure-footed debut walks tall into territory that Western readers can’t get enough of. The Sons of Philo Gaines is an engaging tale of revenge, redemption, and love, presented by a new voice that is sure to make a mark. You’ll be left biting at the bit for Ritt’s next Western adventure. I know I am.”

– Larry D. Sweazy, multiple award-winning author of The Lost are the Last to Die

 

If There Is A Sequel Or If This Becomes A Series, I’m In…

 “The Sons of Philo Gaines by Michael Ritt is a cleverly plotted, fast moving novel that Western readers are sure to enjoy.  In the tradition of Louis L’Amour, the three Gaines brothers come together in a remote Texas town to stand up to a ruthless, greedy rancher that no one else seems willing or capable of stopping.  Amos Tolliver has set his mind on putting together the largest ranch in Texas, and it seems for a while like nothing and no one can stop him.  That is, until Philo Gaines’ sons step forward.  Mike Ritt writes with an engaging style, and his close attention to the many details, locations, and historic ties add to the realism of the story and the entertainment of readers.  If there is a sequel or if this becomes a series, I’m in.”

– Greg Hunt – Author of Backtrail

 

Excellent Characters, Non-stop Action And Some Clever Twists…

“I love a good story and The Sons of Philo Gaines by Michael Ritt is a VERY good story!  Excellent characters, non-stop action and some clever twists. If you enjoy Westerns, you’ll love The Sons of Philo Gaines.”

– Jim Jones, Western Writers of America Spur Award winner and Author of the Jared Delaney and Tommy Stallings Series.

 

A Sure Delight To Western Fans…

“The author did a great job creating three brothers with distinct personalities, making the basis for what could be the beginning of a really good series. It’s well-plotted with a fast pace and many twists and surprises—a sure delight to western fans. The ending is perfect!”

– Easy Jackson, Author of Muskrat Hill

 

This Book Would Make A Great Movie…

“A thoroughly enjoyable read, from cover to cover. This novel has it all; action, adventure, comedy and a touch of romance. The author made it easy to imagine the reality of living in the west in the late 1800’s. The historical aspects added a touch of realism to the overall story. This book would make a great movie!”

– Wendy J., Goodreads Review

 

I Absolutely Loved It!!…

“This was the best western book I have read in a long time! I have always enjoyed Louis L’Amour, and it really reminds me of his style of writing … enough twists and turns to keep you interested all the way through … It is also a clean book that any age kid can read and enjoy without worry of the content. A well written story, I really hope it continues further in another book! I absolutely loved it!!”

– Doug J., Goodreads Review

 

The Sons of Philo Gaines Is Quite A Good Read…

“In a kudo to the author Michael Ritt, characters vary, male and female alike, leading to some truly interesting personalities. No one-dimensional typical western folk here… I do indeed hear and see our three brothers appearing again in future adventures.”

–  Charles J., Goodreads Review

 

I Couldn’t Put It Down…

“I’ve always thought that a good book actually pulls me in to where I can picture being there as I’m sure most people do. This book does exactly that. The story is great with several unexpected twists that had me going back to reread some passages. I’m not much of a reader but I couldn’t put it down and I had it read in a couple days because I needed to see what was going to happen next. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am very much looking forward to the next in this series.”

–  Lloyd B., Goodreads Review

 

I Can’t Wait To See Where This Series Takes Me Next…

“Fast paced from cover to cover. I could not put the book down. I love this story. The book is full of colorful characters from the three brothers to the would-be stagecoach robber and his mule. It is so well written I could hear the boots on the boardwalk and smell the gun powder. I can’t wait to see where this series takes me next.”

–  Cheryl B., Goodreads Review

 

Ritt Excels…

“Fresh, clean writing and a deep sense of place highlight the brothers’ solo stories. No mean feat since the narrative casts a wide net over Texas, the New Mexico territory, and Wyoming. Here, Ritt excels, adding just enough description to root the tales, but not inhibit the action…I’m looking forward to Ritt’s next offering.”

–  Richard Prosch, Western Writers of America Spur Award winner and Author of Needle Drop: A Dan Spalding Mystery

 

A Superb Accomplishment…

“Every once in a while, you pick up a book and within a few pages, you realize you’re in the hands of a master. Your worries disappear. You settle in, get comfortable, and don’t have to do a thing but immerse yourself in the world he’s created, just read and enjoy. So it is with Michael Ritt’s “The Sons of Philo Gaines”. He has written a western tale to savor and I loved every single bite.”

–  Kathleen Morris, Author of The Transformation of Chastity James

 

An Expertly Rendered Story…

“Michael Ritt’s story spans a vast landscape stretching across the country, and his ability to weave description throughout his narrative has the effect of placing the reader in the stagecoach heading to Ft. Laramie, on the boardwalk in Mustang Flats, and on the banks of the Pecos River in New Mexico. One can practically taste the dust of the trail and hear the creak of the harnesses in Ritt’s prose.”

–  Dean M. King, Author of Sarah’s Cross

 

Masterfully Told Story…

“The Sons of Philo Gaines by Michael Ritt is a page-turning, fun-to-read, classic western filled with viscerally satisfying justice that would do Louis L’Amour proud. Western reading entertainment at its best.”

–  Michael Farmer, Author of The Odyssey of Geronimo: Twenty-Three Years a Prisoner of War