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The Forest Ghost: A Ryland Creek Novel
It is often a long path to find one's name.
In 1962, young Arthur McCutcheon hails from a well-to-do family who want ivied collegiate walls for him. Instead, Arthur is drawn to the tree-covered hills of Painted Post.
Just beginning to explore the forests, Arthur’s life is turned upside down by villainous schemes, and his future quickly becomes murky.
Thrust into a new world with Renee, his loyal hound, Arthur learns about the woods and life from the venerable Seneca chief, John “Gray Eyes” Cornplanter.
It won’t be easy as Gray Eyes, his daughter, Mist, and wife, Shell, try to teach the bumbling if eager teen.
But one thing is certain.
There’s something different about this youth from Painted Post with a foot in both worlds.
The exciting prequel to The Last Coon Hunter.
First Place Winner of the New York State Outdoor Writers Association 2021 Excellence in Craft Awards (Book)
In 1962, young Arthur McCutcheon hails from a well-to-do family who want ivied collegiate walls for him. Instead, Arthur is drawn to the tree-covered hills of Painted Post.
Just beginning to explore the forests, Arthur’s life is turned upside down by villainous schemes, and his future quickly becomes murky.
Thrust into a new world with Renee, his loyal hound, Arthur learns about the woods and life from the venerable Seneca chief, John “Gray Eyes” Cornplanter.
It won’t be easy as Gray Eyes, his daughter, Mist, and wife, Shell, try to teach the bumbling if eager teen.
But one thing is certain.
There’s something different about this youth from Painted Post with a foot in both worlds.
The exciting prequel to The Last Coon Hunter.
First Place Winner of the New York State Outdoor Writers Association 2021 Excellence in Craft Awards (Book)
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 5, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 18, 2026
As a fan of backstories, I'd call this one a humdinger. It's also my favorite of the Ryland Creek Saga, so far.
Through the author's superb storytelling, we get to meet so many of the charismatic characters from the Saga itself, but especially Arthur McCutcheon as an impulsive and directionless teen who gets kicked out of school. His journey, though, is unexpected and engrossing, and includes unexpected veterans of WWII and insight into the Seneca Nation, a misguided visit to the home of a fabled witch, humans with evil intentions, coon dogs, and a young man who not only finds direction but also his true name.
Through the author's superb storytelling, we get to meet so many of the charismatic characters from the Saga itself, but especially Arthur McCutcheon as an impulsive and directionless teen who gets kicked out of school. His journey, though, is unexpected and engrossing, and includes unexpected veterans of WWII and insight into the Seneca Nation, a misguided visit to the home of a fabled witch, humans with evil intentions, coon dogs, and a young man who not only finds direction but also his true name.
October 10, 2026
As a now 80 year old that, during my youth, ran with the hounds at night in Florida swamps hunting the coon, I felt a deep connection to this story and to the coon hound. The story is as good as I’ve ever read and will read again someday.
March 7, 2022
Events and influential people in our youth shape our lives as we become an adult and beyond. This delightful prequel to the beloved Ryland Creek Saga eloquently illustrates such experiences of Uncle Arthur. In earlier novels in this series, we get a glimpse into the workings of this interesting and eccentric member of the Ernst family. In The Forest Ghost, we see the teenager Arthur grow into the character we know and love. The author fleshed out comments from the other books in a charming way to complete the picture. He seamlessly introduced new personalities to Painted Post, and we learn snippets of compelling backstory about other familiar characters. This book does a phenomenal job blending the passion and knowledge of coon hunting with Native American culture, history, prejudice, timeless teen issues, sorrow, and the mystical world. Well done!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews