What do you think?
Rate this book
The Haunted Ranch Mysteries #1
Death Rides the Desert
A haunted ranch. A clever fox. Ghosts with opinions.
Claire Caldwell came to Arizona to sell her great aunt’s ranch, lick her wounds, and escape back to Chicago.
Then the ranch decided it wanted a new owner.
A copper furred fox starts leaving gifts on her doorstep. Translucent cowboys appear in the barn. A woman who died in 1985 cooks tamales in Claire’s kitchen like she never left. And somehow, the dead all seem to know one thing Claire does not.
She can see them.
When the most hated man in Perdido Springs turns up dead on Claire’s property and the sheriff waves it off as an accident, the ghosts make it clear. Someone in town is lying. Someone is dangerous. And everyone had a reason to want the victim gone.
With a mystical fox at her side, a house full of chatty spirits, and a too handsome veterinarian who keeps showing up just when she needs him, Claire has to solve a murder nobody wants solved.
Before she becomes the next ghost haunting Whispering Saguaro Ranch.
Welcome to the desert, where the dead do not rest and the living keep secrets.
Claire Caldwell came to Arizona to sell her great aunt’s ranch, lick her wounds, and escape back to Chicago.
Then the ranch decided it wanted a new owner.
A copper furred fox starts leaving gifts on her doorstep. Translucent cowboys appear in the barn. A woman who died in 1985 cooks tamales in Claire’s kitchen like she never left. And somehow, the dead all seem to know one thing Claire does not.
She can see them.
When the most hated man in Perdido Springs turns up dead on Claire’s property and the sheriff waves it off as an accident, the ghosts make it clear. Someone in town is lying. Someone is dangerous. And everyone had a reason to want the victim gone.
With a mystical fox at her side, a house full of chatty spirits, and a too handsome veterinarian who keeps showing up just when she needs him, Claire has to solve a murder nobody wants solved.
Before she becomes the next ghost haunting Whispering Saguaro Ranch.
Welcome to the desert, where the dead do not rest and the living keep secrets.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2025
332 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Sara Bourgeois
234 books344 followersSara Bourgeois is a Midwesterner through and through. She spends her time writing, reading, herding cats, and standing in her driveway during tornado warnings. (You can't see them from the basement.)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 10, 2025
DNF 64%
At first I didn’t know how to feel about this book. The FMC is very much TSTL and all the “baddies” are comically villainous. This book has way too many 4 and 5 star reviews for its quality. No way did that many people read this and come out thinking it was a masterpiece. This genre isn’t unique, the characters aren’t unique, the mystery wasn’t unique, and it wasn’t particularly well written, so how does it warrant such praise from “readers”?
There’s so many inconsistencies. When our FMC accidentally injures a pregnant mare and calls the vet Sam, she explains Harlan’s death as if Sam wasn’t there in the previous chapter. I mean come on! That’s incredibly sloppy and should’ve been caught during editing or by beta readers immediately. Leads me to believe neither editing nor beta reading actually happened.
The “mystery” around Harlan’s death was so freaking predictable. The FMC and Sam were already speculating and had some evidence immediately after the bodies discovery. Ridiculous. Why the FMC thinks she can handle a murder investigation is beyond me. She’s involved herself in all sorts of stuff she’s completely ill equipped to handle and for the dumbest of reasons. And the author creates these situations in such ridiculous ways, I.e. having Sam call to tell her the mare (who isn’t anything to do with the FMC) is in distress. Why? Why would a seasoned vet call someone who has no clue about animals and no vested interest and then tell her not to come? DUMB!
The author has tried to make the FMC naive in an endearing way, but missed the mark. The “humor” isn’t funny at all but rather cringe.
Peripheral characters aren’t introduced in the most bizarre ways, almost as if the reader is expected to already know them. The FMC certainly acts as if she knows everyone after being in town for 3 days and leaving the ranch a total of 2 times.
Everyone talks about the FMC “asking questions” but she literally hasn’t talked to anyone about anything. I now know exactly how I feel about this book. It’s bad. Very bad.
At first I didn’t know how to feel about this book. The FMC is very much TSTL and all the “baddies” are comically villainous. This book has way too many 4 and 5 star reviews for its quality. No way did that many people read this and come out thinking it was a masterpiece. This genre isn’t unique, the characters aren’t unique, the mystery wasn’t unique, and it wasn’t particularly well written, so how does it warrant such praise from “readers”?
There’s so many inconsistencies. When our FMC accidentally injures a pregnant mare and calls the vet Sam, she explains Harlan’s death as if Sam wasn’t there in the previous chapter. I mean come on! That’s incredibly sloppy and should’ve been caught during editing or by beta readers immediately. Leads me to believe neither editing nor beta reading actually happened.
The “mystery” around Harlan’s death was so freaking predictable. The FMC and Sam were already speculating and had some evidence immediately after the bodies discovery. Ridiculous. Why the FMC thinks she can handle a murder investigation is beyond me. She’s involved herself in all sorts of stuff she’s completely ill equipped to handle and for the dumbest of reasons. And the author creates these situations in such ridiculous ways, I.e. having Sam call to tell her the mare (who isn’t anything to do with the FMC) is in distress. Why? Why would a seasoned vet call someone who has no clue about animals and no vested interest and then tell her not to come? DUMB!
The author has tried to make the FMC naive in an endearing way, but missed the mark. The “humor” isn’t funny at all but rather cringe.
Peripheral characters aren’t introduced in the most bizarre ways, almost as if the reader is expected to already know them. The FMC certainly acts as if she knows everyone after being in town for 3 days and leaving the ranch a total of 2 times.
Everyone talks about the FMC “asking questions” but she literally hasn’t talked to anyone about anything. I now know exactly how I feel about this book. It’s bad. Very bad.
October 23, 2025
3.5 stars, maybe?
I enjoyed it, but it could have been better.
There were a few plot issues, like a character who was in a scene, and then in the next says they weren't there. Then there's the ghost who makes her food, but other ghosts can't touch anything?
The villain was fairly obvious, so no real surprise.
The writing style was fun. The end and SM was hilarious.
I would read more from this author.
November 10, 2025
Kept me hooked!
Fascinating mystery that kept me hooked and a beautiful heart-warming story. I will definitely be reading more! I can’t wait to see what happens next with Claire, Sam, Luis, and all the animals!
Fascinating mystery that kept me hooked and a beautiful heart-warming story. I will definitely be reading more! I can’t wait to see what happens next with Claire, Sam, Luis, and all the animals!
October 30, 2025
There were some plot issues, such as a character was in one scene but then in the very next one it was stated that they were not in the previous one; probably just needed better editing. It was also pretty obvious who the culprit was.
I loved the guard fox though.
I loved the guard fox though.
October 3, 2025
Inheriting her great aunt’s ranch wasn’t the biggest surprise in Claire’s life. It was finding out she can see ghosts. Claire knows nothing about running a ranch, caring for ornery animals, or dealing with ghosts. Rumors of hidden treasure don’t help either, especially when people are desperate enough to do anything to get it. Break-ins, vehicle assault, and murder are all in the mix. Will Claire be the next victim?
Death Rides the Desert starts an engaging and entertaining new series from Sara Bourgeois. The cast of characters include a ghostly housekeeper, an animal video influencer, a charming veterinarian, a mystical fox, and assorted animals that will have you laughing at their antics. And then there’s Claire, relatable and determined. I loved that she was self aware enough to chastise herself when she did ill advised things, like searching the mine alone. Rosa might just be the best housekeeper even if she has been dead since the 80s. The mine and cowboy ghosts were fun additions, too. There’s a budding romance between Claire and vet, Sam that was very sweet. The resolution of the endangered pregnant mare and the future of the ranch were both heart tugging, and I was misty eyed reading them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Death Rides the Desert starts an engaging and entertaining new series from Sara Bourgeois. The cast of characters include a ghostly housekeeper, an animal video influencer, a charming veterinarian, a mystical fox, and assorted animals that will have you laughing at their antics. And then there’s Claire, relatable and determined. I loved that she was self aware enough to chastise herself when she did ill advised things, like searching the mine alone. Rosa might just be the best housekeeper even if she has been dead since the 80s. The mine and cowboy ghosts were fun additions, too. There’s a budding romance between Claire and vet, Sam that was very sweet. The resolution of the endangered pregnant mare and the future of the ranch were both heart tugging, and I was misty eyed reading them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 22, 2025
A Fun Feel-Good Read!
I have to admit that I needed to read this book. Sometimes life gets a bit difficult and it can be hard for me to find a feel-good book that doesn't require anything from me but this book filled that gap. Pure entertaining escapism. I liked all the characters, female lead was sort of like a regular person who just so happened to see ghosts. She was also a city gal who knew nothing about taking care of animals. The setting was one of my favorites too, an Arizona desert ranch with quirky horses, goats and chickens, not to mention a handsome veterinarian.
There are some humorous moments that will have you laughing out loud such as the first time El Diablo, the rooster, makes his appearance. I don't want to give anything away but the animals on the ranch are often hilarious.
I highly recommend this story and this author to anyone who likes a fairly light hearted quick read.
Yes, there is a murder to solve but this is a cozy mystery, nothing hardcore, so pure escapism with a feel good ending.
I have to admit that I needed to read this book. Sometimes life gets a bit difficult and it can be hard for me to find a feel-good book that doesn't require anything from me but this book filled that gap. Pure entertaining escapism. I liked all the characters, female lead was sort of like a regular person who just so happened to see ghosts. She was also a city gal who knew nothing about taking care of animals. The setting was one of my favorites too, an Arizona desert ranch with quirky horses, goats and chickens, not to mention a handsome veterinarian.
There are some humorous moments that will have you laughing out loud such as the first time El Diablo, the rooster, makes his appearance. I don't want to give anything away but the animals on the ranch are often hilarious.
I highly recommend this story and this author to anyone who likes a fairly light hearted quick read.
Yes, there is a murder to solve but this is a cozy mystery, nothing hardcore, so pure escapism with a feel good ending.
January 17, 2026
Overall, the book was fine. Not a ton of new ideas with the exception of the fox. At first, I thought it was a ghost also, but nope. Claire can see ghosts - like I said not really new ideas. However, the location is a bit different. There are definitely editing issues. Repeated sentences, explanation of things the person was there to see, inclusion of Claire in an animal distress issue. The murder mystery was pretty obvious, especially with all the clues discovered. The small-town deputy was as textbook "good old boy" as you could get. Feel good ending but plenty of TSTL moments to wade through before getting there. Maybe book 2 just to see if the fmc remains too curious for reality.
October 10, 2025
Feeling down in the dumps, blue and just miserable? Meet Claire-fired from her corporate job, dumped by her boyfriend and now on her way out to a ranch in the desert left to her by some Aunt. The only thing is this ranch has a lot of other people living there; its just that they aren't quite visible.And then Claire has visitors some of whom really are just interested in the ranch and its land andwhen they can get it rather then her. The writing is rapid fast and super funny so much so you laugh out loud. Thoroughly enjoyed!!!!!!
January 18, 2026
Phoenix Rising. When you read the story from beginning to end you will understand what my title means. The story is very good, even better than I thought when I read the prequel. The characters are vivid even the ghosts and there are quite a few of them. The plot is straightforward, and the premise is who killed the guy who owned more than half the town and why, despite the inept deputy claiming it was an accident. A wild fox suddenly becomes the main character's guardian and chaos strikes at her from every direction. I most assuredly recommend this book and look forward to the next one.
October 5, 2025
a transplant from Chicago inherita her Aunt's ranch in the desert.
I really enjoyed the beginnings of this journey of self discovery.
the cowboy ghosts are more than a little sarcastic and hilarious.
the city transplants to the mystic desert, ironic and intriguing.
throw in some wacky friends and neighbors, a hor veterinarian, and colorful cranks and bad guys - this is more than a whodunnit.
a painted desert murder mystery meets mystical adventures journeys.
I really enjoyed the beginnings of this journey of self discovery.
the cowboy ghosts are more than a little sarcastic and hilarious.
the city transplants to the mystic desert, ironic and intriguing.
throw in some wacky friends and neighbors, a hor veterinarian, and colorful cranks and bad guys - this is more than a whodunnit.
a painted desert murder mystery meets mystical adventures journeys.
January 11, 2026
Claire is steeped in mayhem
Claire is in way over her head. She has a ranch she knows nothing about, a job she loved and got let go from , and finally a city she badly wants to go back to. What is a girl to do?
So the girl, Claire gets wrapped up in a curse of Spanish silver that people want on her property. It is mayhem murder, and mystery, honestly what is Claire to do handle it with her new found friends.
Claire is in way over her head. She has a ranch she knows nothing about, a job she loved and got let go from , and finally a city she badly wants to go back to. What is a girl to do?
So the girl, Claire gets wrapped up in a curse of Spanish silver that people want on her property. It is mayhem murder, and mystery, honestly what is Claire to do handle it with her new found friends.
October 5, 2025
Death Rides the Desert Book 1 of The Haunted Ranch Mysteries by Sara Bourgeois is another hit!! Excellent and likeable characters, great worldbuilding and an engaging storyline. I loved it and can't wait for more!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 18, 2025
Funny and easy reading
This book was a fun & easy read, with a friendly ghost housekeeper, a spirit fox, and a city girl who sees ghosts, who's learning how to run a ranch. There's also a murder and plenty of bad people. It's well written, amusing, and keeps your interest until the end.
This book was a fun & easy read, with a friendly ghost housekeeper, a spirit fox, and a city girl who sees ghosts, who's learning how to run a ranch. There's also a murder and plenty of bad people. It's well written, amusing, and keeps your interest until the end.
December 10, 2025
new series
I enjoyed the start of this new series. City girl becomes country girl…..with the added benefit of seeing ghosts, and having a fox keep her safe. And, of course, a new love interest. This was a fun read done in one afternoon (although it is now 11:15 p.m.!!) Ready for the next book, but I know I will have to wait for book 3
I enjoyed the start of this new series. City girl becomes country girl…..with the added benefit of seeing ghosts, and having a fox keep her safe. And, of course, a new love interest. This was a fun read done in one afternoon (although it is now 11:15 p.m.!!) Ready for the next book, but I know I will have to wait for book 3
January 2, 2026
AWFUL!!! The writing is terrible, you dislike the main character because she is annoying. She's met someone and barely spoken to them less than a handful of times and suddenly he's going to kiss her... and she is new in town doesn't know anyone and suddenly knows exactly who is walking into the cafe' she is at. Just plain awful.
January 17, 2026
Grabs Your Attention From The First Page
I absolutely love this story of how a woman inherits a ranch from a great-aunt she barely remembers from her childhood. Claire's grows as her ranch does and she has some surprising supportive characters that help her learn how to take care of the animals, as well as a wonderful veterinarian who supports her every step of the way.
I absolutely love this story of how a woman inherits a ranch from a great-aunt she barely remembers from her childhood. Claire's grows as her ranch does and she has some surprising supportive characters that help her learn how to take care of the animals, as well as a wonderful veterinarian who supports her every step of the way.
October 2, 2025
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked this interesting mystery where Claire does solve the murder despite opposition. I liked what she does with her great aunt's ranch.
October 4, 2025
Arc review I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. What a cute story I liked that Clair calwell inherited her aunts farm and all the stuff that happens when there
October 7, 2025
So Great!!
What a fun and entertaining book. I finished in one day! I adore all of the characters and the fact that she is starting an animal sanctuary. Can’t wait to read the next one!
What a fun and entertaining book. I finished in one day! I adore all of the characters and the fact that she is starting an animal sanctuary. Can’t wait to read the next one!
October 16, 2025
Totally enjoyed it! This is a well written and has well developed characters. The story is catching and with the strong characters makes for a very enjoyable read. Great Reading Everyone! Can't wait for the next one!
October 19, 2025
Great cozy read
I've read other books by Sara Bourgeois and have enjoyed each and every one. Her ghost characters have spunk and humor. This book was no different, particularly ghost Maria who is quite saucy at times.
I've read other books by Sara Bourgeois and have enjoyed each and every one. Her ghost characters have spunk and humor. This book was no different, particularly ghost Maria who is quite saucy at times.
November 1, 2025
Will Really Keep Your Interest
Good story with a lot of things he to stop you from putting the book down. Very good characters that all blend very well. Heart warming and you will want to read the next one.
Good story with a lot of things he to stop you from putting the book down. Very good characters that all blend very well. Heart warming and you will want to read the next one.
November 18, 2025
My Heart
Another great series from Sara Bourgeois. A heartfelt story that reminds us what is truly valuable in life - family, friends, and fur babies. I would love to have the opportunity to run an animal sanctuary.
Another great series from Sara Bourgeois. A heartfelt story that reminds us what is truly valuable in life - family, friends, and fur babies. I would love to have the opportunity to run an animal sanctuary.
November 18, 2025
The plot has potential but the execution gave me whiplash. Started out good, descriptive but quickly we were jumping from one thing to another with no rhyme or reason.. I read it all and liked the end but getting there was a struggle.
December 8, 2025
First five pages I was hooked
First 5 pages I was hooked, stopped to start some hot chocolate, it was going to be an entertaining night. This author writes with such fluidity the story never stops. Well done!
First 5 pages I was hooked, stopped to start some hot chocolate, it was going to be an entertaining night. This author writes with such fluidity the story never stops. Well done!
December 15, 2025
Awesome
Can always guarantee a quality series from Sara Bourgeois and for sure Claire’s journey from desperate city girl to ghost girl is a wonderful beginning. Depth and a strong mystical base makes for an entertaining read.
Can always guarantee a quality series from Sara Bourgeois and for sure Claire’s journey from desperate city girl to ghost girl is a wonderful beginning. Depth and a strong mystical base makes for an entertaining read.
January 3, 2026
It was okay.
Idk if I’m a Debbie downer or just a sucker for a good horror novel but when things end all sunshine and rainbows and everyone bright and happy it doesn’t read real to me. I liked the ride, the end was just.. not my cup of tea. Still a good book though.
Idk if I’m a Debbie downer or just a sucker for a good horror novel but when things end all sunshine and rainbows and everyone bright and happy it doesn’t read real to me. I liked the ride, the end was just.. not my cup of tea. Still a good book though.
January 10, 2026
Great story
Love animal and ghost stories! This book has both. I got into it pretty quickly and I confess it was the fox that piqued my interest initially. Read it in about a day and a half.
Love animal and ghost stories! This book has both. I got into it pretty quickly and I confess it was the fox that piqued my interest initially. Read it in about a day and a half.
October 7, 2025
Loved this!
I was sitting in the truck, while the youngest granddaughter played, and I was laughing my head off!
I’m already in love with these books!
I was sitting in the truck, while the youngest granddaughter played, and I was laughing my head off!
I’m already in love with these books!
October 24, 2025
Enjoyed this
Had to finish once I started. Strong female character with a paranormal aspect. Can't wait for the next book to see what happens next on the ranch.
Had to finish once I started. Strong female character with a paranormal aspect. Can't wait for the next book to see what happens next on the ranch.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews