📝 Review Note:
This review is shared as part of the Book Tour hosted by Zooloo’s Book Tours, running 27 October until 2 November 2025 and you can follow along with the Schedule.
Thank you to Janey Clarke, Blossom Spring Publishing, and Zooloo’s Book Tours for including me on this epic book tour and for providing a copy of the digital edition of this western saga to read and review.
My reviews for the four earlier books in this series can be found here. Check back soon for my review of the final book of the series…
As always, this review reflects my honest thoughts.
About the book
In the shadow of Devil’s Mountain, vengeance is the only path for Cassidy. Her parents, among many others, were brutally murdered by the notorious outlaw Matt Dawson. Consumed by rage and grief, Cassidy’s mission is clear. She is to bring the baby-faced Dawson to justice and make him pay for his crimes.
Hiding in the treacherous terrain of Devil’s Mountain, Dawson and his enigmatic leader, known only as Duke, have discovered an Apache family living in ancient cliff dwellings. They believe that there is hidden gold there. With the aid of a sinister medicine man, they unleash dark, mystical forces to terrify and control everyone on the mountain.
As inexplicable events unfold, Cassidy is thrust into a perilous journey. Her closest allies, Josh and Sam, are captured by the ruthless gang, adding urgency to her quest. Now, she must navigate the mountain’s dangers, confront supernatural threats, and outwit the malevolent outlaws.
With courage and determination, Cassidy faces her greatest challenges. Justice is more than a goal—it’s a battle for the good against the darkest of evils.
The Dead Reckoning by Janey Clarke
The Devil’s Mountain Dames – book 5
Published by Blossom Spring Publishing on 6 August 2025
About the Author
Who is Janey Clarke?
Janey Clarke writes charming, witty, cosy mysteries. From septuagenarian shenanigans in Cornwall to the intrigue of Regency-era whodunits and now to her newest venture into the rugged drama of the Wild West.
Janey Clarke writes charming, witty, cosy mysteries. From septuagenarian shenanigans in Cornwall to the intrigue of Regency-era whodunits and now to her newest venture into the rugged drama of the Wild West.
When not plotting her next twist or researching historical details, she can be found exploring the stunning Jurassic Coast in Dorset with her loyal spaniel by her side.
With a passion for tea, old books, and well-timed humour, Janey Clarke creates stories she hopes will whisk readers away to delightful worlds where solving a mystery is always the order of the day. And always solved by a feisty heroine!
Visit her at janeyclarke.com to learn more about her books.
Janey is also on Facebook Instagram and X (formerly Twitter)
My Review
The Devil’s Mountain Dames series has been a genuine standout for me this year, and The Dead Reckoning is another gripping instalment that shows exactly why Janey Clarke’s storytelling keeps me coming back. Five books in, she still captures that perfect balance of Western action, sharp tension, and fantastic character chemistry.
I will admit I missed Amy. Her presence has been such a steady emotional core throughout the earlier books, and without her, the dynamic felt a little different. Cassidy is also a character I’ve not fully warmed to, and I’m still not sure why. Her determination is admirable, but I found myself struggling to connect with her in the same way I have with others in the series.
There’s also a strong supernatural thread woven through this book. While it certainly heightens the tension, it pushed the story in a different direction and sat slightly outside my comfort zone. The mystical elements weren’t quite to my taste, but I can absolutely see how they’ll add excitement for other readers.
Even with those personal niggles, this is still a tense, atmospheric, and well-written instalment in a series I’ve loved from the very beginning. Clarke delivers danger, drama, and that creeping sense of dread that kept me eagerly turning the pages. I’m fully invested and already looking forward to the sixth and final book.
Another excellent addition to the Devil’s Mountain saga — just with a slightly different flavour this time.
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You can view my reviews on the earlier books in this series by clicking on the link(s) below
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