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The Bricklayer: A Western

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188 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 19, 2026

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R. O. Lane

2 books1 follower

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5 stars
730 (79%)
4 stars
159 (17%)
3 stars
24 (2%)
2 stars
3 (<1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
108 reviews1 follower
June 22, 2026
A different kind of story

Having read every book that R. O. Lane has written, I found this new book to be as good as his others, but different in style if not in subject. This book is about a late-1870's young man who has had a very hard young life. His determination to make something of himself is his motivation and the crux of the story. But Lane's style is different. Where he has driven his usual story with great dialogue, he now uses narrative. Dialogue in this book is minimal, yet perhaps because of that, it is more important. I am intrigued, and enjoyed reading Mr. Lane's latest.
Profile Image for Walter Breyer.
82 reviews
June 25, 2026
Weak

This is the third R.O. Lane story I have found disappointing recently. The previous two that I placed in this same category are Waiting for Pa and Unsinkable Nellie. Mr. Lane is a gifted author, no doubt, whose writings past I have enjoyed immensely. However, something appears amiss when the writings previously mentioned, together with this one, appear so lacking, and the plot so weak.
32 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2026
Just a pure delight

Just a pure delight to read another of Mr. Lane’s wonderful books. Just a fun “can’t put it down read” like all his books. I love the technical parts of the bricklayer and obviously there had to be some research on Mr. Lane’s part. I always love the food sections and it wouldn’t be a lane book without a nice love story weaved into it. Thank you sir for bringing such wonderful reading into all our lives. Claude Diamond J.D.
85 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2026
Wonderful story!

R.O. Lane has written an amazing story about what families are all about. Josiah wasn’t born into the Castaneda family but he grew to be one of them through his determination to do what was right. Great story told with feeling and awareness of how things would have happened in those times and culture. Definitely worth the read. I am only sorry that I finished the book.
160 reviews6 followers
July 8, 2026
Lane has penned another winner!

We follow Josiah from his child labor days in a Buffalo New York factory to a Spanish land grant in California. Is escape from the factory was via brick laying which also served him well in California. Investment income allows him to travel outside San Francisco and help an old Don save his land. Good tale well written as always.


66 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2026
Excellent

I have been experimenting with different authors in the Western genre over the past few weeks. Some were reasonable, some dire. It is an absolute joy to come back to RO Lane, knowing that I am in safe hands again. Brilliant story telling, careful research, wonderful characters... just perfect.
14 reviews
July 13, 2026
more than a bricklayer

I wasn’t entirely sure this was a western upon viewing the title. But it had good guys and bad guys that lived and died by those guns they used. The story is a good one and I enjoyed the early part of the story as Josiah grew from boy to man. A good read for a slightly different western story.
58 reviews5 followers
July 22, 2026
The Bricklayer

As always Mr. Lane writes up an entertaining and beautiful story. His characters are very well thought out and his plots are really well written. I couldn't put it down.If you like his writing then you will enjoy this one. Can not wait for his next story. Thanks for entertaining us.
Profile Image for Frank Kelso.
Author 12 books368 followers
June 20, 2026
Slow and steady - A pleasant love story.

A young lad had a tough childhood, but it failed to turn him bitter. The more he learned the better jobs he found. Through it all he maintained his positive attitude and prospered both spiritually and financially.
283 reviews6 followers
June 27, 2026
Excellent!

Start to finish, this tale grips the reader with desire to discover what will happen next. A true rags to riches tale, but very realistic. Looking forward to more from R.O. Lane!
543 reviews4 followers
June 28, 2026
really good story

Good character with lots of adventure and romance thrown in like only this author can do. I start a story from this author and I can’t put it down until it’s finished. I love his writing style and his stories just keep you wanting more and more
Profile Image for Barry Jenkins.
380 reviews5 followers
July 2, 2026
Loved this

I always enjoy a Lane story, having read every one of them over the past few years. I think personally that this is one of the best stories that Lane has written and I look forward to his next book.
Profile Image for Jerry Nallon.
96 reviews
July 3, 2026
good story

Another feel good story from R O Lane. I like his well told stories. Work hard, try to improve yourself, sprinkle in a little romance, be kind. I like when the good guys win.
88 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2026
As usual, great

All the books are great. The only thing wrong with them is the wait for the next one. Besides being a fun read I always learn something from the period descriptions, like the brick clamps .
6 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2026
Best western writer

RO Lane is the World's best western writer. He always has great plots with great characters. l have read every one of novels and look forward to the next one.





read every one of his work and always look toward the the next one.
215 reviews1 follower
July 13, 2026
Another Great Story, Mr. Lane

Well this book has all the good stuff you could want. Great character that's easy to follow and understand. Loyalty, and righteousness of character, and solid strength of will are on display. The reader is never lost.
1 review
July 17, 2026
Good read

This book had good character development through a story which kept moving. It will keep your interest to the last page and you might learn some rock solid wisdom from the Bricklayer.
24 reviews
July 17, 2026
Must Read!

A man with a valuable skill becomes the saviour of a old ranch needing protection and care. The Old Bernardo is a nice touch. Interesting and knowledgeable attempt explaining brick repair and layout.
903 reviews5 followers
July 21, 2026
5 Stars

Another good one from R.O. Lane, the life of Josiah Fuller from a 7 year old forced to work 12 hour days in a factory in Buffalo, New York to a young man earning his way in California.
64 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2026
This is a good western yarn. Even though it starts in the East, and the hero is marked up a bit at the beginning - it has a nice pace to it. A believable plot. All in all - NOT BAD.

Thank goodness it wasn't written to have a sequel!!!!!
3,884 reviews19 followers
June 24, 2026
Great story!

I think I read this book before but it seemed a little different so maybe not. Loved it, the storyline was really good!
18 reviews
June 25, 2026
Read

This author never disappoints. I would recommend that you read any book that he has written you will not be disappointed.
6 reviews
June 25, 2026
Very enjoyable

Well, written with a great flow to the plot. Enjoyed the story very much. I enjoy Best, the stories were the good guys win.
48 reviews
June 27, 2026
Good book

I liked the book that was a little bit romance with some western in it and some history of that time. I look forward to reading more from the author.
2 reviews
June 29, 2026
One of his best books and I have read them all.
Just could not put it down.
Profile Image for Charles Horne.
182 reviews5 followers
June 29, 2026
Great

A good read on a young man making his mark on the world one step at a time. Working on himself to be a true good man, squares off and judged by all as good.
6 reviews
June 30, 2026
A very good book

This is an excellent story with an admirable main character. No overblown superhero, just a good story told clearly. You will enjoy it.
Profile Image for Patrick.
23 reviews
July 3, 2026
A well told tale

A main character with grit in the face of a tough life, who makes the most of opportunities and good fortune.
2 reviews
July 5, 2026
Good Read

Another good read by R. O. Lane. Based on the title I wasn't sure if I would like it, but R. O. delivered.
22 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2026
Great read

I am a big R.O. fan. When I see a new R.O. book, I stop what I am reading and read the R.O. book.
This book delivers. Thank you for the adventure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews