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Ghost Rifle #1
Ghost Rifle
Three-time Spur Award winner Max McCoy combines fast-paced action, frontier history, and powerful family drama in this epic saga of life, love, and death in the American west.
Searching for a ghost, a legend, and a dream...
Descended from a long line of ramblers and rogues, Jack Picaro came to America to seek his fortune. But after killing his best friend in a drunken duel, the apprentice gunsmith flees westward, leaving behind children he does not know, Gus and April. As Jack ventures up the Missouri River, he finds an unspoiled land where a man can live free - and also be attacked by an Arikara war party. His rifle stolen in the bloody skirmish, Jack sets out alone to reclaim it. His wild escapade ends in a fight to the death with a legendary Crow warrior named Standing Wolf. So begins a fateful epic search across the last frontiers of the untamed West.
From the muddy banks of the Mississippi to the shining peaks of the Rockies, Jack Picaro will leave a trail of clues for an abandoned son, Gus, to find a famous gunsmith who will make history with a weapon of his own design - and forged a legend that would be passed down for generations. This is the story of...The Ghost Rifle.
Searching for a ghost, a legend, and a dream...
Descended from a long line of ramblers and rogues, Jack Picaro came to America to seek his fortune. But after killing his best friend in a drunken duel, the apprentice gunsmith flees westward, leaving behind children he does not know, Gus and April. As Jack ventures up the Missouri River, he finds an unspoiled land where a man can live free - and also be attacked by an Arikara war party. His rifle stolen in the bloody skirmish, Jack sets out alone to reclaim it. His wild escapade ends in a fight to the death with a legendary Crow warrior named Standing Wolf. So begins a fateful epic search across the last frontiers of the untamed West.
From the muddy banks of the Mississippi to the shining peaks of the Rockies, Jack Picaro will leave a trail of clues for an abandoned son, Gus, to find a famous gunsmith who will make history with a weapon of his own design - and forged a legend that would be passed down for generations. This is the story of...The Ghost Rifle.
- GenresWesterns
Audible Audio
Published May 25, 2021
66 people are currently reading
414 people want to read
About the author
Max McCoy
46 books61 followersMax McCoy is an award-winning journalist and author. He’s won awards for his reporting on unsolved murders, serial killers, and hate groups. In addition to his daily newspaper work, Max has written for publications as diverse as American Photographer, True West, and The New Territory. He’s the author of four original Indiana Jones adventures for Lucasfilm/Bantam and the novelization of the epic TNT miniseries, Into the West. His novels, including Damnation Road, have won three Spur awards from the Western Writers of America. His novels, Hellfire Canyon and Of Grave Concern, have also been named Kansas Notable Books by the state library. He's a tenured professor of journalism at Emporia State University, in east central Kansas, where he specializes in investigative reporting and nonfiction narrative. He's also director of the university’s Center for Great Plains Studies. His most recent book is Elevations: A Personal Exploration of the Arkansas River, from the University Press of Kansas.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 15, 2022
A different view of how the fur trade began on the upper Missouri
This started slow with a troubled protagonist. Jack found trouble as as sought to learn to survive among the tribes along the Missouri, battling legendary native leaders. Jack earned honor as he faced death time and time again.
This started slow with a troubled protagonist. Jack found trouble as as sought to learn to survive among the tribes along the Missouri, battling legendary native leaders. Jack earned honor as he faced death time and time again.
May 2, 2021
Max McCoy's Ghost Rifle (Pinnacle 2021), Book 1 of A Ghost Rifle Western, seems at first a simple story. Jack Picaro comes to America to make his fortune but accidentally kills his best friend. He flees because he thinks no one will believe him, changes his name, and moves westward working on a ferry boat. It is attacked by Indians. They kill the ferry boat's crew and steal Picaro's gun. It's not just any gun. He forged it, spent hours making it better than any other gun of its time. A ghost gun. He must retrieve it.
This journey to reclaim his gun is a sort of adult coming of age story, about figuring out one's responsibilities, what's important in life. For example, early on the journey, he kills a Buffalo cow because he's hungry, eats one meal from it and leaves the rest to rot. The author touches--though lightly--on the waste of the animal's life. Later, he defaces a holy Indian place by scratching his name into its stone walls. Again, as with the buffalo, he doesn't understand the fullness of his actions.
These pieces are what bothered me about the book. I sensed the author had Picaro perform these actions so he could grow from learning how he should have acted but that isn't clearly delineated. I would have enjoyed the story more and felt the animal's life well-spent if this western man had learned from it. But this is only the first book of the series. The author tantalizes readers at the end as Jack is tracked down by two children he sired without even knowing it. I can't help but think I will feel differently about the series once I've read the next.
Overall, this is an interesting story not like many other Westerns I've read.
This journey to reclaim his gun is a sort of adult coming of age story, about figuring out one's responsibilities, what's important in life. For example, early on the journey, he kills a Buffalo cow because he's hungry, eats one meal from it and leaves the rest to rot. The author touches--though lightly--on the waste of the animal's life. Later, he defaces a holy Indian place by scratching his name into its stone walls. Again, as with the buffalo, he doesn't understand the fullness of his actions.
These pieces are what bothered me about the book. I sensed the author had Picaro perform these actions so he could grow from learning how he should have acted but that isn't clearly delineated. I would have enjoyed the story more and felt the animal's life well-spent if this western man had learned from it. But this is only the first book of the series. The author tantalizes readers at the end as Jack is tracked down by two children he sired without even knowing it. I can't help but think I will feel differently about the series once I've read the next.
Overall, this is an interesting story not like many other Westerns I've read.
May 24, 2021
I knew Mac McCoy from his Ophelia Wylde paranormal mystery series, which is also set in the American West. Disappointed that the series had come to an end, I decided to give this new one a chance, even though it was not the same genre. Adventure awaited me, and I’m so glad I’ve stepped foot on the trail.
The Ghost Rifle provides a good balance of historical detail and adventuresome storytelling In a smoothly readable voice. Not being terribly familiar with the conventions in the Westerns genre, I hesitate to make much of a technical critique. However, I can say that I was engaged, educated, and entertained from start to end, and look forward to the next Jack Picaro volume.
Thank you to Max McCoy, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Ghost Rifle provides a good balance of historical detail and adventuresome storytelling In a smoothly readable voice. Not being terribly familiar with the conventions in the Westerns genre, I hesitate to make much of a technical critique. However, I can say that I was engaged, educated, and entertained from start to end, and look forward to the next Jack Picaro volume.
Thank you to Max McCoy, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 26, 2025
Goodreads Giveaway Kindle Win from May 2021
#ReadWhatIOwn
#AudioAdvent
Surprising myself I thoroughly enjoyed The Ghost Rifle and was elated upon completion to see there is a book two. Prior commitments prevented me from picking up the second book right away.
I liked the storytelling.
There is swearing and while I am not a proponent I understood its placement.
I would gift this with a bottle and cheese.
#ReadWhatIOwn
#AudioAdvent
Surprising myself I thoroughly enjoyed The Ghost Rifle and was elated upon completion to see there is a book two. Prior commitments prevented me from picking up the second book right away.
I liked the storytelling.
There is swearing and while I am not a proponent I understood its placement.
I would gift this with a bottle and cheese.
March 27, 2021
Enjoyable look at life on the frontier with indentured servant/gunsmith Mountain Jack escaping from troubles and finding many more in his search for his Ghost Rifle. Hopefully more books will follow in what could be a great new series ala The Sacketts. I received an advanced digital copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
June 18, 2021
I received a free advanced reader copy of “ The Ghost Rifle” through Net Galley. My thanks to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for this fine historical novel.
To begin with, Max Mc Coy’s novel “ The Ghost Rifle” is the first in a series of books centered around that rifle. The ending of this book is not so much a cliff-hanger as the first book in a sage whose length is undetermined. This book is enjoyable on its own , though it did whet my appetite for the next book in the series.
That said, my experience in reading western novels leads me to believe that they are either amateurishly written on a six grade reader level and turned out in batches like packaged bread, or sweeping epic sagas that rise to the level of unputdownable dramas. The books of Terry Johnston are an example of great writing historical fiction set in the pioneer West. “ The Ghost Rifle” is as good as the best. If you loved the classic novels of Terry Johnson , you will love “ The Ghost Rifle .”
The hero of the book is one Jacques Aguirre a gunsmith indentured to a master in Frontier Missouri n the early 1830’s. He flees the town a wanted man, after a duel over a lady results in an accidental discharge of Jacques pistol, killing his opponent, the lady’s brother. Heading west, Jacques becomes Jack, and the rifle he carries, a masterpiece of workmanship he tooled from the finest steel with careful workmanship- the ghost gun . That rifle- and it’s ownership- is the quest of the novel
Jack signs on with a group of fur trappers heading up river to the Missouri to beaver- trapping country. There he finds all the adventure he could have wanted and more. He has encounters with the indigenous peoples both hostile and friendly while traveling awe-struck on seeing some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
Max McCoy story telling ability draws the reader in by painting a panorama of the west. His MC Jack is a deftly-drawn hero as his adventure leads him north. He gains insight into himself as he encounters the land and the Indians who people the prairies. I particularly enjoyed Mc Coy’s natives - they are fully drawn, strong and sympathetic characters, not stock Indians neither savages nor louts . There is real sense of the author’s empathy for them and their way of life.
“ The Ghost Rifle”is an epic adventure very worth reading. The story moves smoothly with many lyric moments, episodes of great danger and a story that never falters.
Highly recommended for everyone.
Sensitivity warnings: yes, the native peoples of the West are termed Indians, not the current nomenclature ( historically appropriate for the times.) Bloody fighting episodes, but not too graphic nor prolonged. Romantic love scene or two.
Easy five stars.
To begin with, Max Mc Coy’s novel “ The Ghost Rifle” is the first in a series of books centered around that rifle. The ending of this book is not so much a cliff-hanger as the first book in a sage whose length is undetermined. This book is enjoyable on its own , though it did whet my appetite for the next book in the series.
That said, my experience in reading western novels leads me to believe that they are either amateurishly written on a six grade reader level and turned out in batches like packaged bread, or sweeping epic sagas that rise to the level of unputdownable dramas. The books of Terry Johnston are an example of great writing historical fiction set in the pioneer West. “ The Ghost Rifle” is as good as the best. If you loved the classic novels of Terry Johnson , you will love “ The Ghost Rifle .”
The hero of the book is one Jacques Aguirre a gunsmith indentured to a master in Frontier Missouri n the early 1830’s. He flees the town a wanted man, after a duel over a lady results in an accidental discharge of Jacques pistol, killing his opponent, the lady’s brother. Heading west, Jacques becomes Jack, and the rifle he carries, a masterpiece of workmanship he tooled from the finest steel with careful workmanship- the ghost gun . That rifle- and it’s ownership- is the quest of the novel
Jack signs on with a group of fur trappers heading up river to the Missouri to beaver- trapping country. There he finds all the adventure he could have wanted and more. He has encounters with the indigenous peoples both hostile and friendly while traveling awe-struck on seeing some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
Max McCoy story telling ability draws the reader in by painting a panorama of the west. His MC Jack is a deftly-drawn hero as his adventure leads him north. He gains insight into himself as he encounters the land and the Indians who people the prairies. I particularly enjoyed Mc Coy’s natives - they are fully drawn, strong and sympathetic characters, not stock Indians neither savages nor louts . There is real sense of the author’s empathy for them and their way of life.
“ The Ghost Rifle”is an epic adventure very worth reading. The story moves smoothly with many lyric moments, episodes of great danger and a story that never falters.
Highly recommended for everyone.
Sensitivity warnings: yes, the native peoples of the West are termed Indians, not the current nomenclature ( historically appropriate for the times.) Bloody fighting episodes, but not too graphic nor prolonged. Romantic love scene or two.
Easy five stars.
May 5, 2025
Jacques Aguirre is a 23-year old apprentice blacksmith living in St. Louis in 1822 and when we start this adventure he is in a duel with a man over Jacques' scandalous relations with the man's niece. After the duel is concluded with no fatalities, Jacques accidentally kills the niece's brother in a gun mishap.
Jacques'/Jack's subsequent western adventure is a labored coming-of-age story, interspersed with historical anecdotes, philosophical discussions he has in his head, and difficulties of basic survival as he tries to recover a gun that he crafted himself (the "Ghost Rifle"). He also has those genre-standard meetups with condescending Christians who are ignorant, intrusive and judgemental, especially when compared to those noble natives Jack visits; how brave of the author to tread this well-worn path (eyeroll).
Verdict: Instead of being entertaining or interesting or whatever else we might appreciate from a good western, "The Ghost Rifle" (2021) is just a meandering, condescending, lazy and wasted read. Quit on page 245 (of 394).
Jeff's Rating: 1 / 5 (Bad)
movie rating if made into a movie: R
Jacques'/Jack's subsequent western adventure is a labored coming-of-age story, interspersed with historical anecdotes, philosophical discussions he has in his head, and difficulties of basic survival as he tries to recover a gun that he crafted himself (the "Ghost Rifle"). He also has those genre-standard meetups with condescending Christians who are ignorant, intrusive and judgemental, especially when compared to those noble natives Jack visits; how brave of the author to tread this well-worn path (eyeroll).
Verdict: Instead of being entertaining or interesting or whatever else we might appreciate from a good western, "The Ghost Rifle" (2021) is just a meandering, condescending, lazy and wasted read. Quit on page 245 (of 394).
Jeff's Rating: 1 / 5 (Bad)
movie rating if made into a movie: R
May 19, 2023
A new author to me. I'm a fan of the western genre but this is not your typical western. Jack Picaro is a gunsmith who built the weapon he carries.....aka the ghost rifle. As a young man, Jack kills a friend while drunk and runs from the consequences. As he faces the many challenges that were typical of the era, Jack will lose his ghost rifle and travel the western frontier to recover it.
This is the first book in a new series. The back story and the characters have been developed to allow growth and some exciting stories in the following stories. Max McCoy has earned a slot on my followed authors.
This is the first book in a new series. The back story and the characters have been developed to allow growth and some exciting stories in the following stories. Max McCoy has earned a slot on my followed authors.
June 24, 2021
America's Last Frontier
This book is about America's last frontier, known at the time as the West, its also about an individual that is tracking down a rifle that he made and that he loses.
This book is the first out of two, it is very descriptive with places and people and well written and can be read alone, as of this review, the second book hasn't been released.
There is a couple of twists and a historical figure that the main character meets , that the author intertwine with the story.
Enjoy and Good reading
This book is about America's last frontier, known at the time as the West, its also about an individual that is tracking down a rifle that he made and that he loses.
This book is the first out of two, it is very descriptive with places and people and well written and can be read alone, as of this review, the second book hasn't been released.
There is a couple of twists and a historical figure that the main character meets , that the author intertwine with the story.
Enjoy and Good reading
June 2, 2021
I never really liked plain history so when an author is able to combine history with a great story, I am always thrilled. Loved this book that while detailing early exploration of our country kept me reading so I could find out how the story would end. Spoiler alert, the ending will only make you want to read the next in the series
August 5, 2021
I don’t typically like these books, but after about 40% through the book I got into it. Many parts threw me off but exciting enough to keep me reading. Certainly worth the time to read it, but I won’t likely read it over and over again.
February 11, 2022
Great story
I always enjoy reading about life on the frontier. Having grown up with Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone stories, this is a good look at life on the frontier. It's not the idyllic adventure kids think but mostly harsh and always a danger. This was well done.
I always enjoy reading about life on the frontier. Having grown up with Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone stories, this is a good look at life on the frontier. It's not the idyllic adventure kids think but mostly harsh and always a danger. This was well done.
February 13, 2022
well written
Great read, good story……
Life in the fur trade was harsh, great descriptions, believable characters.
The singing rifle is a bit out there, however I suppose it could happen
Great read, good story……
Life in the fur trade was harsh, great descriptions, believable characters.
The singing rifle is a bit out there, however I suppose it could happen
April 3, 2022
A great story of adventure and intriguing.
The author has written a great story of life in the wild in early stages of our country that will keep you entertained and wanting to know just where the story will take you next. A story full of action, suspense and adventure.
The author has written a great story of life in the wild in early stages of our country that will keep you entertained and wanting to know just where the story will take you next. A story full of action, suspense and adventure.
May 22, 2021
Good book
I think this is a good book. I think other people will like to read it. I sure did.Thanks For writing a good book
I think this is a good book. I think other people will like to read it. I sure did.Thanks For writing a good book
July 13, 2021
Great!
I was so fortunate to have won a copy of this book! It kept my interest and was a fast read.
I was so fortunate to have won a copy of this book! It kept my interest and was a fast read.
February 6, 2022
Audible Audiobook Library 📚: mediocre narration
April 27, 2022
An excellent western story
This book is as good as any book in the mountain man series by Louis L'AMOUR. I really enjoyed the book.
This book is as good as any book in the mountain man series by Louis L'AMOUR. I really enjoyed the book.
May 22, 2022
Ends on surprise cliffhanger. Jack has children who want to find him.
52-2022# 29 >500 pg
52-2022# 29 >500 pg
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews