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Mountain Justice Kindle Edition
Product details
- ASIN : B00D5CENXA
- Publisher : Karen Black (May 31, 2013)
- Publication date : May 31, 2013
- Language : English
- File size : 3.3 MB
- Simultaneous device usage : Unlimited
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 24 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: #79,260 in Short Stories (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Writing in a variety of genres, Black's character driven stories rarely turn out quite the way the reader would expect. The author combines imagination and experience to weave dramatic plots with believable characters in descriptive settings, whether contemporary or supernatural.
Those familiar with her prose can attest to her fascination with the paranormal. Even when it isn’t the basis of the plot, it is not unusual to find a touch of the supernatural in her books. Occasionally, the reference is so subtle, the reader could miss it.
With a passion for animals, the author includes a four-legged character in most storylines, even if just a cameo appearance. Two of Black’s novels, “Race into Murder” and “Ride into Romance,” draw on her background as a racehorse owner. Her experience at the racetrack supplies realism to the setting, the races and the characters.
Black lives in the United States with her husband, and two alien creatures disguised as cats. While each of the furry critters is unique, one of them is rumored to be ET’s second cousin. The rumor, however, has not been confirmed.
http://www.Storiesbykaren.org
Twitter @KarensStories https://twitter.com/KarensStories
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karen-Black-Author-Karens-Stories/446827615394900
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find this book to be a short but exciting story with well-written prose and vivid descriptions. The book is fast-paced and customers consider it an excellent read, with characters that are fully realized. They appreciate the theme of swift justice, and one customer notes the inherent survival streak in the narrative.
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Customers enjoy the story length of this book, describing it as short but exciting and a riveting tale, with one customer noting how every word builds the plot.
"...This is a riveting story of friendship and a justice that one cannot always find in the lawbooks...." Read more
"...saying, you’ll have to read this beautifully written and extremely emotional short story to find out...." Read more
"...novella/short story hit me right between the eyes with its action-packed twists and turns--kind of like the mountain roads my father used to drive..." Read more
"This is a great short story about a woman who finds herself in an abusive relationship and must rely on an unexpected hero to save her life...." Read more
Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting its well-crafted prose and descriptive style, with one customer highlighting its effective portrayal of abuse scenes.
"...This action-packed tale is filled with vivid descriptions of the environment and character interactions...." Read more
"...I’m not saying, you’ll have to read this beautifully written and extremely emotional short story to find out...." Read more
"...each punch and kick that George delivers, thanks to the writing skills of this author...." Read more
"...It is well-written." Read more
Customers find the book fast-paced and easy to read.
"...across as a strong woman with an inherent survival streak and quick reactions...." Read more
"...looking for a quick read, a quick read which won’t disappoint you, a quick read as you slowly sip your morning cup of Joe; then you’ve found it in..." Read more
"...If you’re looking for a quick thrill ride, pick up a copy!" Read more
"Karen Black's short story MOUNTAIN JUSTICE is vivid and immediate. Despite the compact story, characters are fully realized and complex...." Read more
Customers find the book to be an excellent read, with one mentioning it makes a good summer beach read.
"...will be teased with a bit of her novel, Race Into Murder-another excellent read." Read more
"...It is an enjoyable read and took me only thirty minutes from start to finish. It is well-written." Read more
"...I am also the survivor of abuse so this book was a perfect read...." Read more
"Great, short story that tells a tale of true love conquering all...." Read more
Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting that they are fully realized with distinct personalities, and one customer mentions the inclusion of a horse as a character.
"...tale is filled with vivid descriptions of the environment and character interactions...." Read more
"...Realistic procedures, actions and reactions. Believable characters with distinct personalities and dialogue...." Read more
"...Despite the compact story, characters are fully realized and complex. (Including the horse, whom I loved!)..." Read more
"...The title describes the scenario. The horse was a character and played a role in the development of the story's finale...." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's approach to justice, describing it as swift and easy to follow, with one customer noting its authentic portrayal of hillbilly justice.
"...Mountain Justice is swift. This book will keep you reading until the end. The ending will surprise you." Read more
"The reading goes fast and easy in this tale of hillbilly justice. Annie's ex-husband is out of prison with a chip on his shoulder...." Read more
"I needed a good short story and Mountain Justice was a perfect find...." Read more
"Justice is served!..." Read more
Customers appreciate the strength of the book, with one noting its careful craftsmanship and another highlighting Annie's bravery.
"...n't a lot of character development, but Annie did come across as a strong woman with an inherent survival streak and quick reactions...." Read more
"...It is a complete story though, with everything carefully crafted to give the reader all the important information needed to form an understanding..." Read more
"This was a fast paced, right to the heart of it, short story. Annie was brave and strong. Her characteristics made her a great leading character...." Read more
Reviews with images

Mountain Justice is swift. The ending will surprise you
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2021Author Karen Black brings together the story of life in a small mountain community. Annie and George have a failing marriage because George is abusive. Annie adores her animals and her home in the mountains. She is particularly attuned to her horse, Czar
This action-packed tale is filled with vivid descriptions of the environment and character interactions. Author Black uses an economy of words to convey her powerful account. A perfect example of her well-written prose is provided below.
"With her head pounding and her vision blurred, she pulled her arm backward, unsuccessful in her attempt to pull it from his grasp, and thought, "If I don't get away, this time he is going to kill me."
He hit her again. Her teeth punctured her lip and the familiar coppery taste of blood filled her mouth. She jerked her arm back and twisted away, breaking his grip. Somehow she got to her feet and sprinted down the steps toward the road. He was right behind her.
In three long leaps, she was across the dirt road, past the fenced paddock and into the woods. Vaguely aware of a sharp pain in her shoulder, she was focused on the heavy steps that pounded close behind her. Running as fast as she could, she felt like she was slowing down and imagined she could feel his breath on her neck. He was strong, and he could run, but she was faster, at least she had been before she was five months pregnant."
Annie's childhood friend, Rob Tully, is the local vet. Annie calls for his support with her animals, especially Czar, her horse. Their relationship is connected like a family without anything official. They seem to know one another and click on an undefined level. This is a riveting story of friendship and a justice that one cannot always find in the lawbooks.
I enjoy the short stories of this author and heartily recommend this one. Additionally, you will be teased with a bit of her novel, Race Into Murder-another excellent read.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2020Mountain Justice is an intense and short read about a woman who is the victim of horrific physical and mental abuse by her husband. Anne is six months pregnant when her savage and mentally unstable husband beats her nearly to death because he thought she looked at another man with interest. Annie is discovered, beaten and bleeding, by her old school friend, veterinarian, Rob, who also helps her care for her horse, Czar. Due to his early intervention, Annie lives, although she loses her baby, and returns to live on the farm, which is actually hers. Her husband, George, is sent to prison for five years.
During this five year period, Annie continues her life on the farm while George nurses his hatred for her from afar. He blames her for his imprisonment and vows to punish her. At the end of the five years, George is released from prison and at the same time, Annie's horse starts behaving in a strange and unsettled way.
This story is short so there isn't a lot of character development, but Annie did come across as a strong woman with an inherent survival streak and quick reactions. Rob is sensitive and his attachment to both Annie and her horse allow him to tune in to out of place events and circumstance, thereby, saving Annie's life early in the story and working out his help is needed later in the story.
George only features as a sullen and savage personality and it is distressing and awful to read about him, knowing that there are men out there like him who treat their womenfolk so badly.
An insightful short story which will keep you turning the pages.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2015If you’re looking for a quick read, a quick read which won’t disappoint you, a quick read as you slowly sip your morning cup of Joe; then you’ve found it in this short story written by Karen Black.
The moment you begin reading Mountain Justice, and before you can blink your eyes, the author has you witnessing the brutal abuse Annie has suffering through at the hands of her husband George. Running after her as she tries to escape, George succeeds in catching up to her, he drags her back home and despite her being about five months pregnant, he repeating throws her to the floor.
Luckily for Annie, Rob, the veterinarian who takes care of her horse Czar happens upon the scene and knocks George out with a punch to his face. The sheriff is called, George gets arrested, the baby dies, and George gets sent to prison for five years, and Annie files for divorce.
Unfortunately, the moment George gets released, he returns to resume where he’d left off with Annie, relentlessly abusing her once again. However, this time aid comes from an unexpected source, and Rob has to save George for the moment. Rob takes him up to the hills, away from Annie and leaves him there.
Who came to Annie’s aid this time? What happened to George at the top of the hill? I’m not saying, you’ll have to read this beautifully written and extremely emotional short story to find out. But one thing you can count on here, Mountain Justice did come and saved the day for all concerned.
Since I can’t argue with Mountain Justice, I must give this endeavor by Karen Black 5 Stars.
Top reviews from other countries
- Jessica PetersonReviewed in Canada on July 13, 2013
5.0 out of 5 stars an excellent short story
I really enjoyed this story. I love stories about the bond that humans and animals share and I love that a horse was a hero. This story touches on an issue that is all too real for many women and I'm glad it had a happy ending.
- Sophia GamptonReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 23, 2013
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful short story
What a delight! This story is both moving and enlightening as it follows the tale of Annie as she struggles against her cruel husband George. Her friendship with Rob and her love of her horse, Czar help her to keep going even after George is imprisoned for beating her and causing her to lose her baby.
This book is well-written and the description and characters detailed and realistic. The tale carries the reader eagerly forward as you wait to see whether Annie will get the happy ending she deserves or not.
When her horse defends her against George, the detail is marvellous as the relationship between woman and beast is described so vividly.
Lovely!
- JanvierReviewed in the United Kingdom on September 15, 2013
4.0 out of 5 stars Vivid sense of place
This story was involving and the characters clearly defined. The writing is strong and active and it's clear where the action is happening without getting bogged down in flowery description. Sometimes there is a little too much action and there might be too much violence for some, however the theme of justice is uplifting. It's a short easy read ideal for when you're looking for a little escapism.
- Alen B CurtissReviewed in the United Kingdom on July 24, 2013
5.0 out of 5 stars Justice, mountain style!
A nice, short read, ideal to keep you entertained during a break at work etc. And entertaining it is too, keeping you involved and gripped from the first paragraph. The characters are well developed, and even for such a short read, you still care about what happens to them.
It was nice to see a horse play such a big part in the outcome, rather than the usual literary 'heroic' dog. Justice prevailed, which is always a good thing.
A good story, well worth the time to read it.
Recommended!
- SSReadsALotReviewed in Australia on July 17, 2015
3.0 out of 5 stars A short story about domestic violence
I liked the image on the cover, and the idea that the story was about a horse - so I read it. Yeah, it has a horse in it. A thoroughbred stallion. So why is the horse on the cover a paint? This is not a horse story, nor a story about a "horse whisperer". It's a story about an abusive husband. It was okay, I guess, if you like that sort of thing. Definitely not something I'd have read if I'd realised what it was.