What do you think?
Rate this book
Ben Blue #7
Spirit Valley
Ben Blue gets the news that eight of his prized horses are missing and it looked as if they were stolen. A young stallion and seven blooded mares had been taken overnight. A chase ensues, which reveals a large and well organized operation. Northern and central New Mexico have been hit hard. Some of the animals were beyond price tags. Horses from all over the territory were being stolen and funneled through a network of seemingly honest ranches. Many the treasured horses were being sent east or to California, but others were being kept as breeding stock on an isolated ranch.
Due to poor communications, the size of the theft ring attracted little attention other than in localized areas. Ben is not one to take such a loss without an all out effort to recover his property. The thieves opened the dance, and they would have to pay the piper. Along the way Ben finds a place he hopes never to see again.
Due to poor communications, the size of the theft ring attracted little attention other than in localized areas. Ben is not one to take such a loss without an all out effort to recover his property. The thieves opened the dance, and they would have to pay the piper. Along the way Ben finds a place he hopes never to see again.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2015
245 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Lou Bradshaw
41 books40 followersLou Bradshaw is a lifelong story teller, who spent most of his life as a commercial illustrator and graphic artist. Deadlines, clients, and vendors were all sources of sleep depriving stress. To combat insomnia, he would often create stories in his mind to take the place of what was bothering him. Soon, some of those stories had grown to the point that they needed to be put on paper. Taking up a felt tip pen and a loose leaf binder, he found something new, challenging, and exciting. He soon filled multiple binders and his distraction had become a passion. Upon retirement, he began assembling notes and scribbles into novels… the rest is history.
One of the unique features of his work is that as a dyslexic child, he was considered either slow or lazy by most of his teachers. To date he has written 7 books, which is 6 more than he was able to read while in school. His only legitimate book report, although 3 months late, was Huckleberry Finn.
Lou and his wife Avon live in the Missouri Ozarks, where they enjoy their family, golf, and the great outdoors.
Visit me on Facebook at Lou Bradshaw Artist – Author
www.facebook.com/loubradshawarts.
Also check out my blog “Your Daily Dose of Nonsense”
www.loubradshaw.blogspot.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 26, 2018
They just keep getting better and better! I am constantly impressed with Mr. Bradshaw and his exciting episodes of Ben Blue. I am amazed at the consistency of this author's writing abilities. Each story is very impressive and the storylines are consistent in their individual excitement .
Still, five stars do not give justice to these wonderful stories. I anxiously await the next episode, as each adventure of Ben Blue seems to improve on the previous episode.
I marvel at the many facets covered in each book, and the author creates his own magic throughout the many exciting episode of his characters. The storylines are so well written and easily followed, regardless of what the situations may entail. The author is a master and has his own unique methods, as he gives the readers the impression they ate riding along with the participants.
Definitely recommend this series to all readers who love romantic western excitement, as you will be anticipating, what's happening next! Do not !is this series of the very descriptive episodes of the true old western adventures!
Still, five stars do not give justice to these wonderful stories. I anxiously await the next episode, as each adventure of Ben Blue seems to improve on the previous episode.
I marvel at the many facets covered in each book, and the author creates his own magic throughout the many exciting episode of his characters. The storylines are so well written and easily followed, regardless of what the situations may entail. The author is a master and has his own unique methods, as he gives the readers the impression they ate riding along with the participants.
Definitely recommend this series to all readers who love romantic western excitement, as you will be anticipating, what's happening next! Do not !is this series of the very descriptive episodes of the true old western adventures!
February 13, 2020
Ben is raising prized horses for breeding. When his horses are stolen he learns that other ranchers have lost horses who are valued beyond a price. Ben and his associate begin to search for the lost horses and the outlaws who stole them. Using his tracking skills he follows the trail into ever increasing isolated areas. He comes across a hidden valley that had been occupied by the ancient Pueblo Indians. The trail continues on to rugged areas where he finally finds the outlaw gangs and the missing horses. Sending the horses home he then begins to eliminate the outlaw gang and the leader.
There is danger, intrigue, violence and romance in this story. Ben narrates his story and we come to know all the characters in very exciting book. There is action from the first page at Lou Bradshaw engages the reader on an exciting journey with Ben and his family.
There is danger, intrigue, violence and romance in this story. Ben narrates his story and we come to know all the characters in very exciting book. There is action from the first page at Lou Bradshaw engages the reader on an exciting journey with Ben and his family.
April 5, 2018
Spirit valley (Ben Blue Book 7)
Ben Blue is a rancher with a penchant for law enforcement when necessary. Necessary includes his family, friends and neighbor's. He is like a bear with his nose on the scent for his next meal. He methodically pursues his quarry until justice is served. The Arthur (Lou Bradshaw) has a flair with words and his story line is well thought out and presented. This work is a very interesting read and will please all you western fans. So, "Giddy Up."
Ben Blue is a rancher with a penchant for law enforcement when necessary. Necessary includes his family, friends and neighbor's. He is like a bear with his nose on the scent for his next meal. He methodically pursues his quarry until justice is served. The Arthur (Lou Bradshaw) has a flair with words and his story line is well thought out and presented. This work is a very interesting read and will please all you western fans. So, "Giddy Up."
November 14, 2018
An LB Ben Blue (7) Western/Horse Theft/Murder/Pueblo Spirits
LB has penned an unusual western about the lost Indian Tribe of the Pueblos in the mountain sides of New Mexico and how BY interfaced with one of the spirits. The rancher around Taos were doing real fine until the thoroughbred horses began to disappear. BY was on the trail immediately and discovered the hiding place and criminals responsible. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
LB has penned an unusual western about the lost Indian Tribe of the Pueblos in the mountain sides of New Mexico and how BY interfaced with one of the spirits. The rancher around Taos were doing real fine until the thoroughbred horses began to disappear. BY was on the trail immediately and discovered the hiding place and criminals responsible. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
March 11, 2017
Disappointing
In my opinion, this book was not up to the level of the others in this series. The plot was weak and not enough time spent on the spirit valley itself. There were more grammatical errors in this one that were harder to ignore. Sad.
In my opinion, this book was not up to the level of the others in this series. The plot was weak and not enough time spent on the spirit valley itself. There were more grammatical errors in this one that were harder to ignore. Sad.
March 20, 2020
Ben Blue, another time, and another fine adventure.
Loved reading this book, spirits just want to rest in peace. Ben respects that, and sends a few that dont, to their rest in the spirit world. Great read!
Loved reading this book, spirits just want to rest in peace. Ben respects that, and sends a few that dont, to their rest in the spirit world. Great read!
April 30, 2021
Ben Blue a neck of a lawman
Ben Blue is one neck of a lawman. When bad men steal peoples horses, he on the hunt. He finds them in them in a hidden valley. The stealing continues and there are many parts and people involved.
Ben Blue is one neck of a lawman. When bad men steal peoples horses, he on the hunt. He finds them in them in a hidden valley. The stealing continues and there are many parts and people involved.
May 29, 2017
Also a fun book to read
Just another great read from Lou Bradshaw .If you like westerns , the Ben Blue series is just the ones to get .
Just another great read from Lou Bradshaw .If you like westerns , the Ben Blue series is just the ones to get .
February 28, 2019
Very good rrading!
I enjoy the way Louis develops his characters and the surrounding areas of countryside so the reader can become a part of the storyline.
I enjoy the way Louis develops his characters and the surrounding areas of countryside so the reader can become a part of the storyline.
June 16, 2019
Spirit Valley (7)
This was a good old fashioned shoot em up western adventure with a little bit of Indian lore added to make this one a little more than just another oater.
This was a good old fashioned shoot em up western adventure with a little bit of Indian lore added to make this one a little more than just another oater.
October 24, 2019
another great story but would of like more info on the Spirits or a follow up book about them
October 24, 2019
Great
Another excellent story only Lou Bradshaw could write. Holds my interest and if I have to stop ready can't wait to get back to it.
Another excellent story only Lou Bradshaw could write. Holds my interest and if I have to stop ready can't wait to get back to it.
January 31, 2020
Good as always.
Just keep on writing them and I, and many others I'm sure, will keep on reading them! Just waiting for the next one.
Just keep on writing them and I, and many others I'm sure, will keep on reading them! Just waiting for the next one.
June 27, 2020
Five stars!! Pen slipped.
Another good western story. I like the "lost canyon" element in stories. Louis LaMoure used it in his book "Flint".
Another good western story. I like the "lost canyon" element in stories. Louis LaMoure used it in his book "Flint".
September 5, 2015
Lou Bradshaw amazes me.
Lou Bradshaw may have waited until he was ready to retire to start writing, but he does one Heck of a job. I love his descriptions of the Sangre da Cristo mountains I know if you be real still, you can feel you are not alone and I always try to Respect their house. I don't leave trash anywhere I go. I try to not leave anything but my footprints. Unless I can make it better. Good job as usual Lou anxiously awaiting the next one.
Lou Bradshaw may have waited until he was ready to retire to start writing, but he does one Heck of a job. I love his descriptions of the Sangre da Cristo mountains I know if you be real still, you can feel you are not alone and I always try to Respect their house. I don't leave trash anywhere I go. I try to not leave anything but my footprints. Unless I can make it better. Good job as usual Lou anxiously awaiting the next one.
August 10, 2015
Lou did it again!!!!!
I enjoy a good story. This IS one. I will admit to being a Lou Bradshaw fan, and at 84, I've read a lot of books. Some have been good, but ALL of the Ben Blue books have been, in my opinion, well plotted, filled with tongue - in - cheek dialogue, and enough clear joy for any reader. Oh yeah, I liked it.
I enjoy a good story. This IS one. I will admit to being a Lou Bradshaw fan, and at 84, I've read a lot of books. Some have been good, but ALL of the Ben Blue books have been, in my opinion, well plotted, filled with tongue - in - cheek dialogue, and enough clear joy for any reader. Oh yeah, I liked it.
January 24, 2017
Spirit Valley was different
Ben Blue book 7 was a different story line than the first 6,Even though Ben did his usual tracking down the bad guys and somehow managing to come out unscathed in the end he made friends with an Indian spirit and had some stories to tell his family when he got back home ,would he tell them,would they believe him? Book 8 coming up
Ben Blue book 7 was a different story line than the first 6,Even though Ben did his usual tracking down the bad guys and somehow managing to come out unscathed in the end he made friends with an Indian spirit and had some stories to tell his family when he got back home ,would he tell them,would they believe him? Book 8 coming up
October 17, 2015
Better then usual western. Keep it up.
Will read your other books now. Descriptions made it easy to visualize the scenes. Don't much care for the cover art. It looks to much like other cheap western novels.
Will read your other books now. Descriptions made it easy to visualize the scenes. Don't much care for the cover art. It looks to much like other cheap western novels.
January 14, 2023
5 stars
Another excellent Ben Blue adventure. Ben is present throughout this story. I like Baca. Would love to see this made into a movie but do not trust Hollywood to do justice to story.
Another excellent Ben Blue adventure. Ben is present throughout this story. I like Baca. Would love to see this made into a movie but do not trust Hollywood to do justice to story.
August 23, 2015
Another Great Story
Ben Blue does it again. When trouble comes calling, Ben Blue is there to answer. Never cross him or one of his friends.
Ben Blue does it again. When trouble comes calling, Ben Blue is there to answer. Never cross him or one of his friends.
September 24, 2015
Loved iti
Enjoy every last word.
Ben is back to work. He also says gets her done in true simple thinking. Can't wait for another episode
Enjoy every last word.
Ben is back to work. He also says gets her done in true simple thinking. Can't wait for another episode
July 30, 2018
Another good story!
I chose the five star rating because Lou Bradshaw is a great story teller, he keeps his stories exciting and moving. This book is about horse thieves.
I chose the five star rating because Lou Bradshaw is a great story teller, he keeps his stories exciting and moving. This book is about horse thieves.
February 16, 2016
Highly recommended
Blue and the Mexican crew did a great job in this book with them making it a good job of saving the horses.
Blue and the Mexican crew did a great job in this book with them making it a good job of saving the horses.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews