Snarling Wolf

Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail #4

by David Fitz-Gerald

Dive back into the gripping, frontier chaos. Snarling Wolf is the fourth adventurous installment in the Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail series.

The famed Snake River marks the point the wagon master claims that all the greenhorns turn loco. After twelve hundred grueling miles and four relentless months on the trail, the expedition teeters on the brink. Frayed nerves, exhausted patience, and the specter of doom cast a dark cloud over the travelers.

At every turn, new dangers emerge. A young man who is like a brother to Dorcas Moon is ravaged in a mountain lion attack. A heat wave grips the dusty, barren plains and spreads sickness. The wolves that lurk in the shadows edge closer. Even the rattlesnakes seem emboldened.

Dorcas' daughter, Rose's descent into madness can no longer be ignored. What began as an eerie preoccupation with death takes a shocking turn when Rose reveals her truths. Dorcas is thrust into a realm of disbelief, and her worst fears about Rose's mysterious suitor become a stark reality.

As weary emigrants yearn for respite, tales of murderous outlaws spread like wildfire across the prairie. Passing strangers share the latest terrifying news. It's only a matter of when, not if, the notorious highwaymen will strike. Which bend of the mighty snake shelters the feared outlaws?

Grab your copy of Snarling Wolf now and unveil the next chapter in Dorcas Moon's relentless saga. Sink your teeth into this tale of survival, madness, and the unyielding spirit of those who brave the treacherous migration.

Genres: Historical Fiction

245 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2024

About the author

David Fitz-Gerald writes frontier and pioneer western fiction from the wilds of western Vermont—about as far west as you can get without slipping into New York.

Though he’s never wrangled beeves to market, Dave was a top hand on his grandfather’s dude ranch in the Adirondack Mountains… before he turned ten. He’s lived most of his life on dirt roads. Whenever he gets the chance, he travels west to recharge his spirit on the windswept prairies.

He’s an Adirondack 46’er which means that he’s hiked to the top of every mountain in the park. In 2018, Dave completed the 1960s fitness craze by hiking 50 miles in one day. That’s one heck of a long walk, but not nearly as grueling as the iconic trails that he chases in his fiction.

Even after all these years, Dave still has his head in the clouds like Ken from My Friend Flicka, and a quiet, self-reliant spirit like Sam from The Trumpet of the Swan. That blend of wonder, heart, and spirit runs through the characters he portrays. His editor states he is “exceptionally good at creating real moments between characters”—and readers seem to agree.

Dave’s breakthrough series, Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail won Chanticleer’s Grand Prize for Book Series. He’s now the author of nearly twenty novels and counting, and as long as there’s coffee in the kitchen, Dave will be plotting one adventurous story after another.

Reviews

[Fred Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

EVEN THOUGH THEY'VE MADE IT 2/3 OF THE OREGON TRAIL THE WORST IS STILL TO COME

☆☆☆☆☆

Dorcas Moon and her fellow travelers have faced more hardships and loss during their travels along the Oregon Trail from Fort Bridger.
They started in Independence, Missouri, four hard months later, and they have made it to Idaho. Their group has lost friends, some of them family, stock, supplies, endured sickness, broken bones, extreme heat, and days of traveling with no water insight walking beside their oxygen driven wagons.

At the same time, they have witnessed great marvels when it comes to the scenery and have made friends along the way. They've brought new life into the world, they have formed unbreakable bonds with some of their group and have severed friendships due to conflicts brought on by days upon days of walking with little rest and sometimes little food.

If you are into historical fiction, Snarling Wolf: A Pioneer Western Adventure (Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail Book 4) by David Fitz-Gerald is a great book and the series as a whole is definitely a great series.

Quotes:
"I don't suppose the color of one's skin has much to do with the kindness in their heart."

"It would be like sprinkling sugar on a turd. There's no way to sweeten up a man like Horace Blocker."

[Paul Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLURB
Dive back into the gripping, frontier chaos. Snarling Wolf is the fourth adventurous installment in the Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail series.

The famed Snake River marks the point the wagon master claims that all the greenhorns turn loco. After twelve hundred grueling miles and four relentless months on the trail, the expedition teeters on the brink. Frayed nerves, exhausted patience, and the specter of doom cast a dark cloud over the travelers.

At every turn, new dangers emerge. A young man who is like a brother to Dorcas Moon is ravaged in a mountain lion attack. A heat wave grips the dusty, barren plains and spreads sickness. The wolves that lurk in the shadows edge closer. Even the rattlesnakes seem emboldened.

Dorcas' daughter, Rose's descent into madness can no longer be ignored. What began as an eerie preoccupation with death takes a shocking turn when Rose reveals her truths. Dorcas is thrust into a realm of disbelief, and her worst fears about Rose's mysterious suitor become a stark reality.

As weary emigrants yearn for respite, tales of murderous outlaws spread like wildfire across the prairie. Passing strangers share the latest terrifying news. It's only a matter of when, not if, the notorious highwaymen will strike. Which bend of the mighty snake shelters the feared outlaws?

Grab your copy of Snarling Wolf now and unveil the next chapter in Dorcas Moon's relentless saga. Sink your teeth into this tale of survival, madness, and the unyielding spirit of those who brave the treacherous migration.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2024
REVIEW
As Dembi Koofai would say about this edition of Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail, “Ver good.”, though that is an understated quote. Along with all of the dangers our intrepid pioneers have faced, with more to come, Dorcas now realizes that all her children have abilities that go beyond the norm. As with the other books in the series, the author has plumbed the depths of human emotions and endurance. Dorcas faces some challenges ahead as they face the coming mountainous trail and the ever-present danger of outlaws. Home is just around the bend…will they make it? 5 Stars

[Gail Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author.

As I read this I wonder at the staying power of those early days pioneers. I think that I would have turned tail and headed home after a very short time with all the trials and tribulations that they suffered.

Dorcas has more trials to overcome with her unusually gifted family. She is afraid of wolves and as the title of this book suggests, there is a reference to wolves that comes very close to her and her family.

This series just keeps getting better and better. I am looking forward to reading the next book which is the conclusion of the series.

[Bill Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting book.

Have enjoyed the first four books. Each page is like a good movie - it keeps you on the edge of your seat.

[Bridget Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book!

Mr Fitz-Gerald has quickly become one of my new favorite authors! His Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail series is phenomenal. If you have a vivid, overactive imagination, these books are perfect. You can almost feel the bouncing of the wagons, feel the sun, wind, rain and snow, and smell the campfires. I am looking forward to book #5!

[Brandy George · Rating 5 out of 5]

good read

I am so looking forward to book 5. Do they make the journey, does Dorcas find love have any more kids because she is not old. Women have kids late in life. All her kids are special does Dorcas finally excepts that? What will happen to Rose? I hope there will be a good epilogue too. You get action, lost, adventure, but not a lot of romance hope it’s in the next book.

[kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Dorcas. A woman true to herself at a time when women definitely lived within a box. Liked the spiritual mumbo jumbo. Though Christianity took quite a hit. Not surprising though. Typical that the preacher would be a raving looney and the native American sat around smoking a pipe with God knows what in it and chanting kumbaya. Well maybe in the last book they'll have an off day and cut off the preacher's nose.

I've read many wagon train books and none had the detail and scope of what a daily grind the trip was. It was fascinating. The people were quirky which was understandable. Only a quirk would gather his family in a wagon the size of the laundry room and start out on a thousand mile plus trip through hostile territory.

So why 4 stars instead of 5?. I cringe every time they mention 13 year old Rose in a sexual relationship. He may be the superstar of shamans but he is still 30. She may be in touch with every dead person since Adam and Eve but she is still 13. Maybe if she was17? Maybe if he was 17? But their not so it turns my stomach. In full disclosure I've worked with sexually exploited children. The results ain't pretty.

Except for that one issue I have enjoyed these books immensely and am looking forward to the next one.

[Cathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I don’t care what Captain Meadows or The Committee thinks of me and my family. Our fellow travelers will have to accept us, or not, as they wish. If the friends who accompanied us on this expedition now judge us unfit company, so be it. If our new friends want to ostracize us, we shall have to endure the separation."

For the past four months, Dorcas Moon and her family have been journeying to Oregon, and life on the road has become their new normal. They have grown accustomed to the daily labour of chores, walking, and steering the wagons that transport their cherished belongings.

They have reached the penultimate part of their journey – Snake River. After spending a considerable amount of time on the trail, Snake River is renowned as the tipping point where people on the journey start losing their sanity. Despite knowing that the end is near, the caravan grows more disheartened with each passing moment. Weariness starts to set in, and with it comes irritation, and short tempers. Things are said and done with little thought of the consequence.

Snarling Wolf, the fourth novel in David Fitz-Gerald’s series, Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail, rejoins Dorcas Moon as the caravan reaches yet another landmark in the journey of their lives. With mounting tension, it quickly becomes apparent that it is not only outside forces that threaten the safety of Dorcas and her family.

Dorcas and her family are already seen as different from everyone else. Rose, specifically, is the one who receives the harshest criticism, as she often seems detached from the reality of those around her. Her fixation on the graves along the path has intensified. Making matters worse, she has established a bond with a Brulé shaman, causing the caravan to become increasingly unhappy with her. Throughout the trail, Dorcas has been there to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. And yet, when things turn around, when she needs help, everyone turns a blind eye towards her and her family. They don’t want to associate with her, and so she and her family must attempt to make their way by themselves, even while surrounded by other people. As strong as Dorcas’s resolve is, she is not as tough as nails, as she would have those around her believe. She struggles through the nasty looks and words she overhears, and attempts to shield her family from any such hate. Dorcas definitely goes through a lot in this series, while trying to protect those around her, and although she rarely sees anything back in return, that doesn’t stop her from being nice to those around her. She is truly a character to be admired, for no matter what life throws at her, she refuses to roll over and give in, but will fight anyone and everyone to protect those she cares about.

Love plays a significant role in this series, but its true importance and impact on the story start to become evident in this novel. Love is a strong bond, and Dorcas is very much a believer that love is a force not to be reckoned with, but rather one to nurture. She might not be the biggest fan of the shaman who goes by the name of Snarling Wolf, but she can see that, however much she might not like the age difference, Rose has a connection with him, and Dorcas tries her hardest to come to terms with their relationship, and accept Snarling Wolf into her family. Her love of Rose, and her desire to maintain a good relationship with her eldest daughter, is enough for her to put aside her concerns for the sake of her daughter’s happiness.

In several instances in this series, Dorcas places the feelings of others above her own and provides unwavering support as they follow their hearts. This results in the development of strong friendships. Her own love life, however, is not so forthcoming. She is adamant that she is too old for courting, and does not need a man in her life in order to survive. But ever since setting out on the journey, she has been unable to forget about the assistant wagon master, Agapito Huerta Delgado. She knows she could never pursue a relationship with him, but that doesn’t stop her from dreaming. Dorcas and Agapito have a developing friendship filled with gentle words and caring gestures, but the series’ ongoing traumas prevent them from finding the right time to deepen their connection. There is no day of rest, for there is always something happening, and something that must be attended to, but when there is a spare moment, where they may spend a few minutes together, the connection between them is undeniable. The author has done a marvellous job of creating chemistry between two characters who do not get to spend much time together. While reading, you cannot help but root for them, even to just become better friends, for there are many obstacles standing between them and for all she does for other people, Dorcas deserves someone to look out for her as well.

Continuing the trend set by the prior instalments, this novel heightens tension by incorporating the viewpoint of a notorious gang of brothers, relentless in their pursuit of unsuspecting travellers along the trail. The mounting suspense amplifies as the wheels of the wagons inch forward, drawing nearer to the outlaws’ concealed hideout. Waiting for the moment that they finally advance upon the wagons will certainly keep you on the edge of your seat, and ensure you cannot put one book down without wanting to pick up the next one in the series.

As the series progresses towards its climactic conclusion, Snarling Wolf: A Pioneer Western Adventure (Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail Book 4) by David Fitz-Gerald establishes itself as the next captivating instalment in this enthralling narrative. With the future still unknown, and with only one book remaining, this novel is an integral part of the story, building not only tension, but advancing relationships and capturing the reader in an unescapable trap. There is no other option but to keep reading and hope that the beloved characters reach their destination unscathed.

I Highly Recommend.

Review by Ellie Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club

[Blessing Debel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Trail I Won’t Forget

Snarling Wolf yanks you straight onto the dusty Oregon Trail and refuses to let go. By the time Dorcas Moon’s weary expedition reaches the Snake River, the tension is wound tighter than a wagon wheel about to snap. Between the mountain lion attack, feverish heat waves, emboldened wolves, and Rose’s chilling descent into madness, every chapter feels like balancing on the knife’s edge of survival.

David Fitz-Gerald’s storytelling is steeped in the grit, heart, and wonder of the pioneer spirit. His characters aren’t just names on a page, they bleed, break, and cling to hope the way real people do. I could practically taste the dust and feel the looming dread with every mile traveled.

If you’re craving a frontier adventure that’s equal parts harrowing, heartfelt, and utterly addictive, Snarling Wolf is your next stop. Buckle up, because the wagon train waits for no one.

[Ray Phenicie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would you do as a pioneer

These brooks have had me hooked from the first one. The different stories about each character is so interesting. It is exciting to read about the country and relive how difficult the journey west for these brave people and their families. Both our maternal grandmothers were pioneers and lived in sod houses. One was in Idaho'! The other came down into Illinois and then went on to South Dakota with the land rush after getting married. They were trying their luck at farming not a good idea! Wind and the dust bowl and. Grasshoppers got the farm land useless. But that another story. How would you have dealt with walking to Oregon?

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Extension

This book ended sadly, but it is an inspiring tale as Dorcas learns to accept the change in her children and in herself. They have all grown through out the long journey and they are not done yet. Life changes day to day and the heroic adapt with the change and become for it.

[Peter Hendrycks · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is made very clear in this book that the trail is taking its toll on the physical and mental states of those involved. Top that off with the threat of bandits, and everyone is on edge. We nowadays who dwell on hardship, still have it better than these folks! I think the author spends too much time with his side notes about Viper and his gang. I hope they get whats coming to them!

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

another portion that could have been part of a full book.

Again, if this was not on KU I would not be spending money on this series. It should all be one book.
For it to be a more successful series, the stories need to be more complete.
I’m guess that they author is trying to bring back the success of the Wagon’s West series from the 80’s but I’m not impressed

[Nancy Clayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Series

I didn't love the first book in this series, but as I've read the next books, I've grown to like it more with each book. The characters have become real people to me. I enjoy the history of the trail, and the research in this book is consistent with other books I have read. I can't imagine embarking on such a journey with all the hardships the people went through.

[Earlene Click · Rating 5 out of 5]

4th in this series

This is again a very exciting and adventurous tale of travelers on their way to Oregon via the Oregon Trail west. The final part of the series is next and I can’t wait to begin reading it.

[Jeannie N Sommers · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the fourth installment of the series, we learn more about roses wife snarling Wolf. The fact that Rose is 13 it’s hard to justify in modern times. Obviously her soul is much older. The characters evolve and the continuing saga goes on.

[Deborah Becker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Oregon trail...

Is a great story, well written and has all the heart ache and joy you can imagine. Each of the 5 books is a portion of their journey. Ill be looking forward to reading more of David Fitzgerald's books.

[Loretta · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book four of a five book series. I am really liking the books as each book takes us on another leg of the journey taken along the Oregon Trail. So much risk, danger, and death from various happenings along the way. Now on to the final book!

[Linda Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite author!!

This has been the most exciting series I have ever read. I can hardly wait to read the next book.

[Robert Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snarling Wolf:

This was a wonderful saga of a wagon train and the many experiences the families endure. Bandits wolves and scarce water were often on their minds.

[Val Wilkerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful Series

Great series about life on the Oregon trail. This is book four and all have been wonderful.

[Wayne Money · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Reading

This series of books have shown me how hard everyday life was on the frontier. The people had to be diligent.

[Beverly Kee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this series is amazing!

I have fallen under the spell of this series, great storyline and writing! So many things happening and still so far to go!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is really a great series. Can’t wait until they reach their destination!!

[Candie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snarling Wolf

The wagon train continues on its westward journey. Except now it seems they’re really getting to the hardest part of their journey.

[billie kurtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snarling Wolf

I have enjoyed this series and would recommend it to everyone. There has not been a boring spot so far and I can’t wait to go on the adventure.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snarling Wolf

Another adventure along the way of the Oregon Trail. I find it interesting to see how the early pioneers had to deal with every day occurances.

[Dale Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

I have thoroughly enjoyed this entire series and would highly recommend to anyone. Very entertaining. Very interesting. Looking forward t book 5/

[Paula Clever · Rating 5 out of 5]

the book is great book and can't even imagine traveling back old time

[Mandy Gerwig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the best one so far action-packed and very fast read can't wait to see how this series ends!!