Left on Rancho

by Francesco Paola

For fans of Tod Goldberg’s Gangster Trilogy and Tim O’Brien’s America Fantastica, this contemporary noir follows a burned-out tech entrepreneur into the Wild West of California cannabis and the converging worlds of contraband weed and illegal immigration.

It’s October 2019 and Andrew Eastman, a tech entrepreneur with a bank account running on fumes, has just ridden into Adelanto, a desolate outpost in the Mojave Desert, to help an old friend. The ask: turn around a fledgling legal cannabis operation.

Andrew, the outsider, asks too many questions—about the viability of the legal market, the inoperative surveillance cameras in the factory, and the dominance of the illegal trade—and makes himself a target. Undeterred, he journeys from Adelanto to West Hollywood to the underbelly of Los Angeles on a hunt for contraband. When he lands at the intersection of cannabis and immigration, and as bodies pile up around him, he is left with one last decision—one that will forever change him.

352 pages, Paperback

Published February 11, 2025

Reviews

[Edward "Gryftkin" Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andrew has hit rock bottom. His job is gone. His savings is gone. He's got a great car, but I can only imagine the insurance payments. In a stroke of luck, his friend Charlie calls up to help him get his current business on track. Even if he wasn't out of options, he's never been able to tell Charlie "no". So he hops in his car and heads on down to Adelanto in his Porche to put his tech background and business savvy to work in the... cannabis business. Kannwerks IS a legitimate company making gummies in the California legal cannabis industry (with all the issues that come with it still not being legal at the federal level). But Andrew soon runs into questions. The local authorities are checking out suspicious deaths in the desert near the plant. Equipment is breaking down before it should. Over half the security cameras don't work. And to top it off, there is an illegal gummy permeating the market that appears identical to the new formula that they are getting ready to bring to market. He soon realizes that Charlie has been keeping secrets and "Andy" is in over his head. This book is absolutely a 4 star. I might even give it a 4.5, if I could. While slow to start, it is expertly written and I went from not really caring about the cannabis angle at the beginning to being all in by the climax of the story. At just over 350 pages this debut novel was a quick read with an interesting protagonist who can't just ignore things and walk away with a payday. Can't wait to see what Francesco has for us next.

[Shree G · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book starts somewhat like a Bosch episode. I loved reading the first chapter. It was a reflection of the book's title and cover. Sadly the rest of the book did not give (at least me) those initial vibes.

The author draws some nice and unique parallels throughout the book, which I slowly began to enjoy and look forward to.

To my delight, I discovered that many locations mentioned in the book actually exist! Pictures from places like Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch provided some much-needed 'assisted imagination' to add to the story visuals in my head.

I give the author due credit for providing a window into the world of the cannabis commercial application industry, food and drug administration policies, and bringing a twist of cross-border migration issues, etc. However, oftentimes, the author digressed into explaining a technical concept and process that some readers would find boring or uninspiring. Terminologies and legalese were often strewn about with the expectation that the average reader of the genre would know & appreciate, but often it would not, leading from boredom to misery and pain.

In addition, the frequent conversations between characters in Spanish fall on deaf ears to a non-Spanish speaker. At best, I know a handful of words, but largely, I was lost in translation. If the author wants to localize the fare and lend the story an air of authenticity, it will appeal to/limit only readers from that part of the reading community who are conversant with Spanish.

This medical thriller is a book of many genres, which is a double-edged sword. Readers today discover & pick up titles based on their favorite genre/s, and when too much of masala is added to enhance the dish, it sometimes loses its authenticity in the mind of the reader. I look back at Arthur Hailey, Robin Cook, & Michael Crichton and respect them for sticking to the genre they promised, helping readers like yours truly to stay as far away from their books as possible!

As a parallel, I would like to provide an example of a perfect mix of genres in one single book, and that book is Playing for Pizza by the legendary John Grisham. It talked about a former national football hero coming to terms with bad form, good Italian wine, pizza, and Italy in general not necessarily in that order. I absolutely loved the book because I am a former athlete, and could relate to the protagonist's mental state, and love everything about Italy. To my horror, I later discovered that it did dismally as a commercial product because Mr. Grisham's readers primarily came to him for legal thrillers, but Playing for Pizza turned out to be more of a travelogue or NFL story of sorts. I sadly foresee the same fate for this book, but am hopeful of being proved wrong.

I wish the author good luck and success for the book. Thank you, NetGalley for allowing me to preview it, & can't wait for it to be released to follow other readers' reviews & opinions about it.

[Shawna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The dirty little (and big) secrets of the cannabis industry!

Andrew Eastman's boyhood friend hits him up to come help him save his floundering cannabis infused gummy business based in the SoCal high desert town of Adelanto. Unwittingly, he begins asking more and more questions and sticks his nose where it doesn't belong which only serves to cause him more trouble and make him a target.

With what felt like a tour of areas I've visited the author does a great job to illustrate what life is like in this area - Southern California isn't all movie stars and palm trees. What I'm not familiar with (and honestly never considered) is the darker side of cannabis and the way the legal and illegal sides meet and clash, and the potential for illegal aspects in the legalized sector.

While this is fiction, I can completely see a lot of this happening. Paola did a great job describing characters and building visuals for the reader. I was a bit lost with some of the Spanish dialog, but not a deal breaker. I had the gist of what was being said and there wasn't a lot of it. I was left wondering what was happening next throughout the book, never suspecting what was indeed next.

Thanks to NetGalley, SparkPress and Franceso Paola for the eARC.

Pub Date Feb 11 2025 #LeftonRancho #NetGalley

[Teresa Brock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Left on Rancho by Francesco Paola

In the tangled world where crime and corruption intersect with cannabis and immigration, legal and illegal markets blur, leaving lives shattered and collateral damage in their wake. This gripping debut novel follows Andrew Eastman, a tech entrepreneur trying to save a failing cannabis operation bought by his childhood friend, Charlie, in the heart of California's High Desert. As Andrew digs deeper, he uncovers a dangerous web of smuggling, surveillance, and exploitation. With bodies piling up, he faces a life-altering choice that could change everything.

The book is rich in detail and highly informative, offering a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of the cannabis industry. Andrew Eastman is the kind of friend everyone wishes they had—loyal, well-intentioned, but also naive in his unwavering support for Charlie. The cannabis business is a tangled mess with no clear resolution. While we've all heard of cartels and immigration issues, Paola's novel takes a deep dive into government corruption and other systemic problems, leaving readers questioning Andrew's choices. A true cat-and-mouse thriller, the suspense builds relentlessly to a pulse-pounding conclusion.

[Dominique · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to @booksparks for this gifted copy of Left on Rancho by Francesco Paola! I’ve never even thought about the deep corruption happening between cannabis and immigration—where legal and illegal markets blur, and lives become collateral. This debut novel follows Andrew, a tech entrepreneur trying to save a failing weed operation who was purchased by his childhood friend, Charlie, in the California High Desert, only to uncover a dangerous web of smuggling, surveillance, and exploitation. As bodies start piling up, he’s left with a choice that will change everything.

Overall, I enjoyed this book, I read half of it on a flight and then finished it over the next week. I did feel like it was overly detailed at times making the read a little slow but by chapter 42 my jaw was on the ground!

Charlie is the main characters best friend and let’s just say he is a wild boy! White boys with access to money definitely live a different life in this drug-filled underground world lol being able to crowdfund million of dollars from “investors” and no one cares is a luxury lol it’s interesting to say the least

[Miranda Summerset · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 STARS! I went into this book knowing nothing about it & I was hooked. I'm not too much into the weed industry but I find the business side of it fascinating, & this book weaves a tale that is perfect for thriller lovers. Its got kind of a dark & seedy feel to it while not being disrespectful to medical marijuana users & literally sucks you into this place in the desert. The author did such a good job putting you right with Andy in California & taking you along this wild ride. I was definitely pleasantly surprised with this. This is way better than I ever would have thought & I do recommend for anyone wanting a seedy business & shady characters book.

[Julie Hatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Left on Rancho, by Franceso Paola is a fast-paced deep dive into the underworld of the cannabis trade. Paola weaves a captivating story that takes us into the high desert of California, where all is not sunny and bright. Though cannabis is technically legal, the novel delves into the industry’s many shades of darkness. The characters are masterfully created. The protagonist, who is surprisingly not a stoner, realizes too late the serious mistake he makes by turning left on dusty Rancho. Left on Rancho is not only well written, but nearly impossible to put down until the very end.

[Jame_EReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This book is quite detailed and honestly very informative. Andrew Eastman is the best friend everyone wanted to have yet also naive to support Charlie nonetheless. The Cannabis business is absolutely a messy business with no real ending. We have heard of the cartels and immigration issues and while this book maneuvered with the government and other issues, this book had me wondering why Andrew got himself into the mess. The book is a cat and mouse chase and ending was undoubtedly a suspenseful one.

[Niki McDowell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really tried with this book, but sadly it just wasn’t for me.

It had some great ideas (cannabis production, immigration, cartels, corruption) but there was not enough to keep me engaged.

The main idea is a guy who is down and out on his luck, feels obligated to help a childhood friend with his cannabis business. When he digs in, deaths and overall corrupt business practices start to surface and he finds himself in for more than he bargained for.

I unfortunately slogged through it to the end and felt like the book as about 100 pages too long.

[David E. Landau · Rating 5 out of 5]

You won’t be able to put it down!

Left on Rancho is one of those rare books that grabs you from the very first page and doesn’t let go. The attention to detail and the authenticity of the characters pulled me right into the heart of the story, and before I knew it, I was completely hooked. Paola knows exactly how to craft a narrative that builds momentum with every chapter, leading to a truly satisfying conclusion. His storytelling is immersive, vivid, and full of heart. I highly recommend Left on Rancho to anyone looking for a compelling read—they won’t be disappointed!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Left on Rancho" Francesco Paola masterfully weaves an entertaining experience of working in the Southern California desert in the Cannabis business. With a gripping narrative and complex characters, Paola weaves a tapestry of scenes of betrayed friends, fast cars, murder, and love. The layers of deceit and lies in the cannabis business are uncovered at the expense of the main character, Andrew, resulting in betrayed friendships, beatings by thugs, and murder. A thrilling ride not to miss!

[Jude Berman · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a gripping narrative, snappy dialogue, and obvious first-person familiarity with the cannabis industry and immigration issues at the Southern border, Paola crafts a masterful tale. I couldn’t rest till I knew how all the pieces tied together. A blend of intrigue and relevance makes Left at Rancho a must-read.

[Bruce Raterink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters, murders, cannabis, and lots of little twists and turns. Not only was this a well paced mystery but a fascinating look at the legalized cannabis business in California. Very informative as well as entertaining. Highly recommended

Thanks to SparkPress for an advanced reader copy.

[Meghan ReadsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

“There are only two reasons to take a left on Rancho: cannabis and immigration.”

This story delivers a solid fast paced plot about the underbelly of cannabis and immigration and what happens when the bodies pile up and you’ve become a target by asking one too many questions… loyalty and friendship but at what cost?

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read. I really enjoyed the multi cultural aspects of the characters in the story and learning about the “culture” of the cannabis industry in California. The protagonist is a “third culture kid” or TCK. He was raised overseas and a childhood friend pulls him into a tricky situation.The character of Andrew, as a TCK, is super curious and a problem solver. He unfolds a mystery and grapples with an ethical response. I was anxious for the characters until the end! Great references to youthful experiences in Thailand and Italy. Bravo.

[Michele Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

I could not get into this book. I tried. I've been reading it for over a month and it just cannot keep my attention.

[Lari Mertens · Rating 5 out of 5]

A smart and intriguing tale told through the business of marijuana.

[Carsten Hochmuth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read that builds to a blockbuster ending! The author is great at putting you right into the desert in the middle of dust, heat, criminals and cannabis.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some pacing issues, but a good thriller with an interesting setting.

[Bobbi Lemberger weinstein · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dry as the desert that the main character dislikes…
Reads more than a business article than a novel.
DNF

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an interesting story. It was detailed and informative and definitely thought provoking.

I received an arc and this review is my own.

[Cheryl Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel offers a rare glimpse into the dark underbelly of the cannabis industry—both legal and illegal. It follows Andrew Eastman, a tech entrepreneur at a crossroads in life, as he helps an old friend run a THC gummy business in Southern California. But when Andrew starts noticing red flags, his curiosity leads him into dangerous territory. Murder, corruption, and a touch of romance add to the intrigue of this page-turning story! Whether you're completely new to startups and the cannabis industry (like I was), or deeply immersed in that world, you'll find this book fascinating. Highly recommend!