A Vigilante is Born - Johnny Wideman - Vigilante Justice Series, #1

   Johnny Wideman always felt like he never truly belonged. His father Harvey, was a distinguished Texas Ranger who looked down upon him. Harvey Wideman looked down upon his son Johnny, because he never had the skills and aptitude to follow in his footsteps. Harvey did dote on his other son Gilbert, who continued his legacy and became a Texas Ranger, as well.

    When Gilbert apprehends a notorious outlaw Matthew Bernard, it seems like a time of celebration. Gilbert is hailed as a hero and gets even more approval from his father. However in retribution, Bernard's gang composed of his other siblings ambushes Gilbert and his entire family in their own home. The Bernard brothers burn the Wideman homestead to the ground and massacre the entire family. Johnny is gravely injured but somehow manages to survive.

    Johnny is brought to the local doctor who manages to mend his wounds. Johnny is left with a burning  desire to take revenge on the Bernard brothers, but he doesn't know where to start. He has no skills with guns, or how to track down anyone. Johnny doesn't know how he will get his righteous vengeance, until a mysterious stranger comes to him offering to train him. The stranger offers to train Johnny and give him all the skills he will need to take down the Bernard brothers and avenge his family. The stranger doesn't even charge Johnny a single cent, but Johnny is suspicious. There has to be some kind of catch, but Johnny will do anything it takes to avenge his family.