We're in beta!Authors: Lock in 50% off for lifeReaders: Free forever

NEW FEATURES RELEASED!Click here for detailsorhere for error-tracking

FIND BOOKS TO BUY
The Stranger
4.3 (4 ratings)

The Stranger

A Horror Western

Josh Lemmings was nine years old when he saw his parents gunned down on the front porch of their ranch, and he was taken in by the kind Reverend Gatlin.
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?

Published: November 30, 2025

Pages: 225

ISBN: 9798273671706

Get This Book

Buy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, Inside Story earns from qualifying purchases?By purchasing via this link, Inside Story may earn a small commission from Amazon at no extra cost to you or the author. Win-win-win!

Available in: Paperback

Reader Reviews

4.3

4 ratings

Koen S.

Inside Story
Apr 27, 2026

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

Charlene M.

Inside Story
Apr 18, 2026
A Unique Tone

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!

Crystal O.

Inside Story
Apr 13, 2026
Definitely a new concept for me, a Western Horror. I didnt think I would enjoy it, but surprisingly it was really good. vampires, demons, revenge, love, and sacrifice. It felt rushed in some areas such as Loralie and the Strangers adventures before everyone comes together but the love and sacrifice was well worth it.

Gail C.

Apr 12, 2026
Wow! I loved loved loved The Stranger! Nine year old Josh witnessed his parents gunned down, and vowed vengeance. Reverend Gatlin took young Josh in, taught him the ways of God, but still Josh had vengeance in his heart. His time with the Reverend was cut short, a vampire changed the Reverend and he begged Josh to run as far away from him before he could no longer control his need to feast on blood. So, Josh ran. But, never forgot who was responsible for his parents death. He promised himself that he would kill them.

About the Author

Jim Donohue
I published my first short story, Hard labor, in February of 2025. That was followed by Ramona, Repossession, Blood Diamond, The Turning, Unliving Legends, and my debut novel, The Stranger, which was released in November of 2025. My most recent release is a 13 story collection called Depths of Degradation. My next novel, a small town horror tale called Kingsburg, will be released this summer.