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Ghost of the Guadalupe
From the bestselling author of Old Dogs and The Accidental Sheriff comes the gripping new Western novel, Ghost of the Guadalupe!
"Doc" Hayes had experienced enough tragedy for several lifetimes, but he thought he had finally found his sanctuary amidst the rugged beauty of the Guadalupe Mountain range. Together with his friend and business partner, Conor Byrne, a West Point graduate with a taste for adventure, Doc was the center of what he hoped would be a burgeoning frontier settlement.
With the arrival of Kathleen Ryan, a young woman cloaked in secrets, unexpected trouble soon follows. And trouble often seems to have a way of begetting even more trouble.
Chock-full of colorful characters, heart-pounding escapades, and romance set against the backdrop of the New Mexico frontier, Ron Schwab's latest Western novel promises to leave you captivated by its rich storytelling and lingering emotions.
"Doc" Hayes had experienced enough tragedy for several lifetimes, but he thought he had finally found his sanctuary amidst the rugged beauty of the Guadalupe Mountain range. Together with his friend and business partner, Conor Byrne, a West Point graduate with a taste for adventure, Doc was the center of what he hoped would be a burgeoning frontier settlement.
With the arrival of Kathleen Ryan, a young woman cloaked in secrets, unexpected trouble soon follows. And trouble often seems to have a way of begetting even more trouble.
Chock-full of colorful characters, heart-pounding escapades, and romance set against the backdrop of the New Mexico frontier, Ron Schwab's latest Western novel promises to leave you captivated by its rich storytelling and lingering emotions.
- GenresWesterns
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 21, 2023
437 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Ron Schwab
47 books192 followersRon Schwab is the author of the popular Western series, The Law Wranglers, The Coyote Saga, and The Lockes, as well as several standalone novels, including Grit, a winner of the Western Fictioneers Peacemaker Award for Best Western Novel, and Cut Nose, a finalist for the Western Writers of America Best Western Historical Novel. He is a member of the Western Writers of America, Western Fictioneers, and Mystery Writers of America.
Ron’s earlier published works included the suspense novels, Crocodile Fears and The Buddy System, both printed under a pseudonym, Michael J. Stewart. He is a member of the Western Writers of America, Western Fictioneers, and Mystery Writers of America.
Ron and his wife, Bev, divide their time between their home in Fairbury, Nebraska and their cabin in the Kansas Flint Hills.
Ron’s earlier published works included the suspense novels, Crocodile Fears and The Buddy System, both printed under a pseudonym, Michael J. Stewart. He is a member of the Western Writers of America, Western Fictioneers, and Mystery Writers of America.
Ron and his wife, Bev, divide their time between their home in Fairbury, Nebraska and their cabin in the Kansas Flint Hills.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
May 2, 2025
A WESTERN MYSTERY SUSPENSE THRILLER THAT WILL KEEP YOUR INTEREST THROUGHOUT.
☆☆☆☆☆
Ghost of the Guadalupe by Ron Schwab is a fictional story based on facts during the 1860's in the New Mexico Territory a few years prior to the famous Lincoln County Wars. With the Santa Fe Ring starting to seize land from poor ranchers and farmers resided on the land at the foothills of the Guadalupe Mountain Range.
Ron writes with a voice put to paper that will have you feel that you are right there in the action with the main characters while they deal with the struggles of holding onto their land and their families all the while the bad guys are out to take their land away by false legal actions and claims, burning out them, or outright murdering them.
If you enjoy a great Western, action, mysteries, and even romance, this is definitely worth reading, and you will not be disappointed. The heroes in Ron's books are the kind with morals and determination to protect those who can not protect themselves. You'll find yourself routing for the good guys and cheering when the bad guys are taken down.
Quotes:
"Don't be bitter about the wrongs against you or the tragedies that life may throw at you. Be better. You must lift yourself above these things, be the best that you can be at what you choose. Do not give in to whatever forces that have turned against you. Be better, not bitter."
"Sometimes, blaming others is just an excuse for our own shortcomings."
"People could work for a better tomorrow but still be happy with what they had."
"I wouldn't make horse rustling a habit. It can be hard on the neck, I am told."
☆☆☆☆☆
Ghost of the Guadalupe by Ron Schwab is a fictional story based on facts during the 1860's in the New Mexico Territory a few years prior to the famous Lincoln County Wars. With the Santa Fe Ring starting to seize land from poor ranchers and farmers resided on the land at the foothills of the Guadalupe Mountain Range.
Ron writes with a voice put to paper that will have you feel that you are right there in the action with the main characters while they deal with the struggles of holding onto their land and their families all the while the bad guys are out to take their land away by false legal actions and claims, burning out them, or outright murdering them.
If you enjoy a great Western, action, mysteries, and even romance, this is definitely worth reading, and you will not be disappointed. The heroes in Ron's books are the kind with morals and determination to protect those who can not protect themselves. You'll find yourself routing for the good guys and cheering when the bad guys are taken down.
Quotes:
"Don't be bitter about the wrongs against you or the tragedies that life may throw at you. Be better. You must lift yourself above these things, be the best that you can be at what you choose. Do not give in to whatever forces that have turned against you. Be better, not bitter."
"Sometimes, blaming others is just an excuse for our own shortcomings."
"People could work for a better tomorrow but still be happy with what they had."
"I wouldn't make horse rustling a habit. It can be hard on the neck, I am told."
December 16, 2023
The greedy want the land and also want the people on it to get off it. Or else. This is the scenario in Shane, in Pale Rider, in Open Range and other westerns. It’s a trope as common as enemies to lovers - which is also an element of this novel.
The Santa Fe Ring wants the land. All of it. And they’ve hired enforcers to make sure they get it.
A handful of women and men are ranged against them. Unlikely warriors, a number of whom are used to their desk jobs. They may not be enough despite their courage. But. There is the Ghost. Fantasma. It haunts the hills and ridges of the New Mexican desert. It will fight. Will it fight for the powerful? Or the underdog?
Not less important than the confrontation is the relationship between Kat and Conor. It seethes with animosity from Kat. She wants nothing to do with men who have only abused her. Why would Conor be any different?
Brilliantly conceived, beautifully written and highly entertaining.
The Santa Fe Ring wants the land. All of it. And they’ve hired enforcers to make sure they get it.
A handful of women and men are ranged against them. Unlikely warriors, a number of whom are used to their desk jobs. They may not be enough despite their courage. But. There is the Ghost. Fantasma. It haunts the hills and ridges of the New Mexican desert. It will fight. Will it fight for the powerful? Or the underdog?
Not less important than the confrontation is the relationship between Kat and Conor. It seethes with animosity from Kat. She wants nothing to do with men who have only abused her. Why would Conor be any different?
Brilliantly conceived, beautifully written and highly entertaining.
September 24, 2023
Kat escapes from her brutal common-law "husband", is thrown in jail for hitting him with an axe, escapes from jail, steals the sheriff's horse, and flees to parts unknown. Then the story begins.
Kat is rescued from her pursuers by what turns out to be the "ghost" and left at the TRIAD, a complex of once abandoned adobe buildings where a medical doctor of sorts runs a small trading post. He patches her up, and then the story begins again. There is lots of treachery, fraud, bad people, and killing, but also lots of good honest smart people to come to the rescue when needed. Romance is light, but satisfying. Overall, a good read with a sad/happy ending. I enjoyed it.
Kat is rescued from her pursuers by what turns out to be the "ghost" and left at the TRIAD, a complex of once abandoned adobe buildings where a medical doctor of sorts runs a small trading post. He patches her up, and then the story begins again. There is lots of treachery, fraud, bad people, and killing, but also lots of good honest smart people to come to the rescue when needed. Romance is light, but satisfying. Overall, a good read with a sad/happy ending. I enjoyed it.
September 4, 2023
Steadfast heroes, evil villains, a touch of romance and a helpful ghost! Five delighted stars.
Like several other books I've read by this author, Ghost of the Guadalupe is brimming with steadfast heroes, evil villains, nail-biting danger, and a touch of romance in an immersive western setting. Although it's fiction, the author's extensive research makes the story seem almost real. Best of all, the female characters have courage, grit, determination, and intelligence (two are lawyers). You'll find no shrinking violets in this novel!
Here's a bit of the plot, but no big spoilers. Desperate to escape from an abusive man and a crooked lawman, our heroine (Kat Ryan) steals the deputy's horse and rides south into the Guadalupe Mountains, hoping to elude her vicious trackers. She's rescued from their clutches by a mysterious Ghost, who takes the naked, beaten woman to the Triad, a fortress-like structure owned by Roman (Doc) Hayes. Doc nurses Kat back to health in the hospital wing of his building, which also houses his residence in the center and a large trading post on the other side.
Kat is happy at the Triad as she develops a father-daughter relationship with Doc Hayes. She shows little interest in Doc's young friend, a handsome fellow named Conor Byrne, who owns a struggling ranch nearby. But Kat's happiness is far from assured, because her trackers are determined to find her. To make matters worse, all of the ranchers in the area are being threatened with eviction by armed "enforcers" of the Santa Fe Ring--a nefarious group representing a man who falsely claims to be the legal heir of a land grant covering more than 100,000 acres.
Hoping to prove his legal rights to the land he purchased sixteen years ago, Doc hires two Santa Fe lawyers and a surveyor, who arrive at the Triad to begin work. But they don't get far before Kat flees into the mountains to escape her abusive tracker. Meanwhile, the Santa Fe Ring's twenty "enforcers" receive orders to attack the Triad and every neighboring ranch, kill every occupant, and burn the buildings. Things look ominous for our small band of heroes. Will they get help from the elusive Ghost? And who exactly is this Ghost, anyway? I'm not saying.
Scenes of violence, bloodshed and death are counterbalanced with warm friendships and light romance. Will Kat relinquish her memories of physical abuse and open her heart to Conor's love? You'll find out in this engrossing story, which earns five delighted stars from me.
Like several other books I've read by this author, Ghost of the Guadalupe is brimming with steadfast heroes, evil villains, nail-biting danger, and a touch of romance in an immersive western setting. Although it's fiction, the author's extensive research makes the story seem almost real. Best of all, the female characters have courage, grit, determination, and intelligence (two are lawyers). You'll find no shrinking violets in this novel!
Here's a bit of the plot, but no big spoilers. Desperate to escape from an abusive man and a crooked lawman, our heroine (Kat Ryan) steals the deputy's horse and rides south into the Guadalupe Mountains, hoping to elude her vicious trackers. She's rescued from their clutches by a mysterious Ghost, who takes the naked, beaten woman to the Triad, a fortress-like structure owned by Roman (Doc) Hayes. Doc nurses Kat back to health in the hospital wing of his building, which also houses his residence in the center and a large trading post on the other side.
Kat is happy at the Triad as she develops a father-daughter relationship with Doc Hayes. She shows little interest in Doc's young friend, a handsome fellow named Conor Byrne, who owns a struggling ranch nearby. But Kat's happiness is far from assured, because her trackers are determined to find her. To make matters worse, all of the ranchers in the area are being threatened with eviction by armed "enforcers" of the Santa Fe Ring--a nefarious group representing a man who falsely claims to be the legal heir of a land grant covering more than 100,000 acres.
Hoping to prove his legal rights to the land he purchased sixteen years ago, Doc hires two Santa Fe lawyers and a surveyor, who arrive at the Triad to begin work. But they don't get far before Kat flees into the mountains to escape her abusive tracker. Meanwhile, the Santa Fe Ring's twenty "enforcers" receive orders to attack the Triad and every neighboring ranch, kill every occupant, and burn the buildings. Things look ominous for our small band of heroes. Will they get help from the elusive Ghost? And who exactly is this Ghost, anyway? I'm not saying.
Scenes of violence, bloodshed and death are counterbalanced with warm friendships and light romance. Will Kat relinquish her memories of physical abuse and open her heart to Conor's love? You'll find out in this engrossing story, which earns five delighted stars from me.
February 3, 2024
Again and Again
Every time I read another of Mr. Schwab's books on Kindle I am surprised. Not that I am surprised at how well he tells a story, I got over that after the first book of his I read. What I am surprised about is that it still doesn't require me to take out a second mortgage to pay for his books.
Mr. Schwab, your named doesn't sound Irish, but I hope that Leprechaun you must have in your pocket lives longer than I. Thank you.
This book is another that follows a previous story line, but like almost all others, the protagonist's and their stories are different. There is so much action, I find it really difficult to do a review without serving up a platter full of spoilers, but let me give it a shot.
First, a young lady's parents die. Then a bad guy lied to her and forces her to become his common law wife. Then she does some violence, steals the Deputy Marshals horse and escapes. Then some other stuff happens, a lot of other stuff, actually, she marries a guy and the story ends with hints of how life will proceed for her and her husband - who just happens to have a friend who just happened to be THE first black man to graduate from West Point (a Real person).
See, I couldn't do a very good job.
I RECOMMEND this book, unconditionally.
Every time I read another of Mr. Schwab's books on Kindle I am surprised. Not that I am surprised at how well he tells a story, I got over that after the first book of his I read. What I am surprised about is that it still doesn't require me to take out a second mortgage to pay for his books.
Mr. Schwab, your named doesn't sound Irish, but I hope that Leprechaun you must have in your pocket lives longer than I. Thank you.
This book is another that follows a previous story line, but like almost all others, the protagonist's and their stories are different. There is so much action, I find it really difficult to do a review without serving up a platter full of spoilers, but let me give it a shot.
First, a young lady's parents die. Then a bad guy lied to her and forces her to become his common law wife. Then she does some violence, steals the Deputy Marshals horse and escapes. Then some other stuff happens, a lot of other stuff, actually, she marries a guy and the story ends with hints of how life will proceed for her and her husband - who just happens to have a friend who just happened to be THE first black man to graduate from West Point (a Real person).
See, I couldn't do a very good job.
I RECOMMEND this book, unconditionally.
September 6, 2023
Great
You there is everything you would want in Ron's books he gives mystery gets wonderful storyline that makes it so hard to lay the book down. The storyline of the ghost was wonderful and keeps you guessing until almost the very end. Then when you find out you see he has really thought his story out to make it somewhat sad but you know he thought it through to have a sad but yet prefect ending. I live all his books. He is a great writer and you won't be sorry to look for all his books. He leaves it all in all his books. Impossible to say which you enjoy the most. Thanks Ron.
You there is everything you would want in Ron's books he gives mystery gets wonderful storyline that makes it so hard to lay the book down. The storyline of the ghost was wonderful and keeps you guessing until almost the very end. Then when you find out you see he has really thought his story out to make it somewhat sad but you know he thought it through to have a sad but yet prefect ending. I live all his books. He is a great writer and you won't be sorry to look for all his books. He leaves it all in all his books. Impossible to say which you enjoy the most. Thanks Ron.
November 7, 2023
Excellent as Usual👏
I've come to expect an excellent read from Ron, and this was no exception. A great writer that can spin an entertaining story, he always has interesting well developed characters working within an intriguing storyline. Kat, Doc, Flipper, and the Ghost were especially interesting. Colin was a solid lead character, and there were a number of terrific support characters. It was pleasing to bring back Jael and Shanna from the Law Wrangler series. I've read all of his books, and I look forward to the next!🌟
I've come to expect an excellent read from Ron, and this was no exception. A great writer that can spin an entertaining story, he always has interesting well developed characters working within an intriguing storyline. Kat, Doc, Flipper, and the Ghost were especially interesting. Colin was a solid lead character, and there were a number of terrific support characters. It was pleasing to bring back Jael and Shanna from the Law Wrangler series. I've read all of his books, and I look forward to the next!🌟
September 14, 2023
Fast paced and riveting book
I have read all of the books written by Ron Schwab and eagerly await his next one. His command of the written word is exceptional and holds your interest to the very end. I find myself so immersed in the characters and storylines so that I want more. This book is definitely a standalone, but I am of the hope that he will write a sequel to Conor and Kat’s lifetime story.
I have read all of the books written by Ron Schwab and eagerly await his next one. His command of the written word is exceptional and holds your interest to the very end. I find myself so immersed in the characters and storylines so that I want more. This book is definitely a standalone, but I am of the hope that he will write a sequel to Conor and Kat’s lifetime story.
September 1, 2023
Great read
It was good to read about the Sinclair and Rivers lawyers again. An abused woman escapes her circumstances and ends up in an isolated trading post. Kat joins a doctor and a rancher who are fighting for their land. A ghost roams the mountains and helps in the fight. Highly recommended. Great story telling.
It was good to read about the Sinclair and Rivers lawyers again. An abused woman escapes her circumstances and ends up in an isolated trading post. Kat joins a doctor and a rancher who are fighting for their land. A ghost roams the mountains and helps in the fight. Highly recommended. Great story telling.
September 6, 2023
Ron Schwab's books keep getting better.
Every time I read one Ron Schwab's books, I think this is the best one yet. And the same applies to this book. It is exciting, interesting, very engaging characters and is very different from your everyday ordinary Western novel. I loved it and highly recommend it.
Every time I read one Ron Schwab's books, I think this is the best one yet. And the same applies to this book. It is exciting, interesting, very engaging characters and is very different from your everyday ordinary Western novel. I loved it and highly recommend it.
September 7, 2023
Well done Mr. Schwab!
This is by far my favorite story of Mr. Schwab’s. His story telling is top notch, and I’m a tough critic. I rarely give 5 stars. The plot is somewhat predictable, but worth discovering. The characters are awesome and the scene settings are perfect. I hope he writes another book with these characters and turns a potential series into a long running saga.
This is by far my favorite story of Mr. Schwab’s. His story telling is top notch, and I’m a tough critic. I rarely give 5 stars. The plot is somewhat predictable, but worth discovering. The characters are awesome and the scene settings are perfect. I hope he writes another book with these characters and turns a potential series into a long running saga.
September 20, 2023
Another Great Story From Ron Schwab
I have become an ardent fan of author Ron Schwab whose stories, in my opinion, remind me of those written by Louis L’Amour.
“Ghost of the Guadalupe” contains all the elements necessary for a “Classic Western”. A great plot. Flowing prose. Action, and then comes “The End”.
I highly Recommend This Book.
I have become an ardent fan of author Ron Schwab whose stories, in my opinion, remind me of those written by Louis L’Amour.
“Ghost of the Guadalupe” contains all the elements necessary for a “Classic Western”. A great plot. Flowing prose. Action, and then comes “The End”.
I highly Recommend This Book.
October 10, 2023
When's the sequel?
Characters and plots this good don't just deserve book 2. They demand a sequel. How many kids? Does the Ghost continue to appear? Does the salt business flourish? When do the 3 West Point amigos have a reunion? Even the pup deserves a family. Hope the Schwab family has the next book in the pipeline very soon.
Characters and plots this good don't just deserve book 2. They demand a sequel. How many kids? Does the Ghost continue to appear? Does the salt business flourish? When do the 3 West Point amigos have a reunion? Even the pup deserves a family. Hope the Schwab family has the next book in the pipeline very soon.
December 1, 2023
Great Classic Western
I really enjoyed reading this novel. It had action and romance . With the introduction of a historical Jewish character and an African American character the story became a lot more interesting than other Westerns. I highly recommend this novel to other others.
I really enjoyed reading this novel. It had action and romance . With the introduction of a historical Jewish character and an African American character the story became a lot more interesting than other Westerns. I highly recommend this novel to other others.
December 12, 2023
As the norm really good book, never fails me with his story telling,gets a person into the story in the first few pages. Then it is hard to sit down! Bad thing is I cannot stop reading the story and the next thing I know I am finished !! Cannot set the book down. Keep it up Ron and I will keep reading your stories.
Thanks you oh so much !!
Thanks you oh so much !!
January 11, 2024
Another spellbinding novel from the pen of Ron Schwab.
The author has a matched ability to pair the characters with clever but stunning effectiveness. They are capable of killing at will and showing tenderness that brings a tear. Mr. Schwab has real knowledge of the country and the times of his writing. Just fun to read.
The author has a matched ability to pair the characters with clever but stunning effectiveness. They are capable of killing at will and showing tenderness that brings a tear. Mr. Schwab has real knowledge of the country and the times of his writing. Just fun to read.
August 28, 2023
Great Western
Another great book by a great writer. Very interesting storyline for this book and characters
Highly recommend this book. The writer keeps you turning pages to discover what trials happen next
Another great book by a great writer. Very interesting storyline for this book and characters
Highly recommend this book. The writer keeps you turning pages to discover what trials happen next
September 6, 2023
Great ghost story
I've read a lot of books about the Santa Fe ring. This is an action packed story about that land grab. I really like the characters. Ron Schwab did a great job on this. I sure would like a sequel just to see how the story continues.
I've read a lot of books about the Santa Fe ring. This is an action packed story about that land grab. I really like the characters. Ron Schwab did a great job on this. I sure would like a sequel just to see how the story continues.
September 9, 2023
Great read
This was an outstanding story. Great story line with super characters and lots of action. Would highly recommend this book and all others written by this author to all that enjoy a great western.
This was an outstanding story. Great story line with super characters and lots of action. Would highly recommend this book and all others written by this author to all that enjoy a great western.
September 10, 2023
Surprisingly a very good book. Takes a little time to get engrossed in this book.
Ok liked the way it mmm moved you to anticipate the next page
Won't ruin the surprise at the ending but it catches you off guard
Ok liked the way it mmm moved you to anticipate the next page
Won't ruin the surprise at the ending but it catches you off guard
October 4, 2023
Excellent read.
I greatly enjoyed this book, more than some of others. The characters were very believable, the storyline flowed well and married with the characters. I look forward to your next book. Thank you for a great book.
I greatly enjoyed this book, more than some of others. The characters were very believable, the storyline flowed well and married with the characters. I look forward to your next book. Thank you for a great book.
October 8, 2023
Great story
Very well written novel . I have read so much junk in th he past few months, it was a pleasure to read an author of this quality. The story moved along and the characters were realistic and fitting.
Very well written novel . I have read so much junk in th he past few months, it was a pleasure to read an author of this quality. The story moved along and the characters were realistic and fitting.
October 9, 2023
Intriguing story
Excellent story with mystery, intrigue, and justice. Really enjoyed bringing in characters from other books by the author. I highly recommend reading this book. It kept my interest up throughout the entire book.
Excellent story with mystery, intrigue, and justice. Really enjoyed bringing in characters from other books by the author. I highly recommend reading this book. It kept my interest up throughout the entire book.
October 28, 2023
And then there was a ghost...
I can say that this was one book I did not want to end. Say this I truly hope that Ron writes a sequel to this story. Thanks for all the entertainment. I love your stories.
I can say that this was one book I did not want to end. Say this I truly hope that Ron writes a sequel to this story. Thanks for all the entertainment. I love your stories.
November 27, 2023
Ghosts and bad men
Good verble easy to follow,harrowing escapes,deadly people everywhere hiding won't work,watchful all the time,don't trrust anyone,love will follow you,were ever you go
Good verble easy to follow,harrowing escapes,deadly people everywhere hiding won't work,watchful all the time,don't trrust anyone,love will follow you,were ever you go
January 8, 2024
Marvrlous
Since I student taught on the Montana reservation this was a real treat. The west came alive in the story. American Shakesphere could be a meme. Zane Grey came to mind also.
Since I student taught on the Montana reservation this was a real treat. The west came alive in the story. American Shakesphere could be a meme. Zane Grey came to mind also.
January 16, 2024
A Fine Adventure
The author combines good storytelling along with action, mystery and romance. The characters are fully described and interesting and left this reader wishing she could have met them along the way.
The author combines good storytelling along with action, mystery and romance. The characters are fully described and interesting and left this reader wishing she could have met them along the way.
April 8, 2024
Recommended read
This is a very well written novel. It grabs your attention with the first paragraph. Great characters and a great storyline. Eagerly waiting for Mr. Schwab is next book!
This is a very well written novel. It grabs your attention with the first paragraph. Great characters and a great storyline. Eagerly waiting for Mr. Schwab is next book!
August 24, 2025
Some problematic dialog, good characters, decent world building, a good story, no theme. 3-stars
The strengths of this book are its characters and its story. If you can overlook the cringe worthy dialog you'll have a good time.
The strengths of this book are its characters and its story. If you can overlook the cringe worthy dialog you'll have a good time.
December 12, 2025
Around the horn
I had been intentionally skipping over this book. Just looked like something I wasn't interested in, however, this book ties several of Ron's books together. I am very impressed.
I had been intentionally skipping over this book. Just looked like something I wasn't interested in, however, this book ties several of Ron's books together. I am very impressed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews