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The Coyote Saga #1
Night of the Coyote
As an army scout, Ethan Ramsey was called “Puma” by the Sioux Indians because of his stealth in hunting his prey from the shadows. It’s now 1875, however, and there has been peace in this part of Wyoming for several years, and Ethan has settled down in the small town of Lockwood. No longer working in stealth, he is the town’s lone lawyer.
When two young Sioux are lynched by a makeshift posse for a crime they may or may not have committed, Ethan knows he must act quickly to prevent a bloody retaliation from their Sioux tribe. Can he gain the trust of both his former enemy and the townspeople of Lockwood so that there is enough time to unravel the mystery of the crime and ensure justice is fairly served?
In Night of the Coyote, the worlds of the old and new collide, and the clock is ticking for Ethan to prevent a further descent into violence.
When two young Sioux are lynched by a makeshift posse for a crime they may or may not have committed, Ethan knows he must act quickly to prevent a bloody retaliation from their Sioux tribe. Can he gain the trust of both his former enemy and the townspeople of Lockwood so that there is enough time to unravel the mystery of the crime and ensure justice is fairly served?
In Night of the Coyote, the worlds of the old and new collide, and the clock is ticking for Ethan to prevent a further descent into violence.
316 pages, Paperback
First published August 6, 2015
598 people are currently reading
623 people want to read
About the author
Ron Schwab
47 books193 followersRon Schwab is the author of the popular Western series, The Law Wranglers, The Coyote Saga, and The Lockes, as well as several standalone novels, including Grit, a winner of the Western Fictioneers Peacemaker Award for Best Western Novel, and Cut Nose, a finalist for the Western Writers of America Best Western Historical Novel. He is a member of the Western Writers of America, Western Fictioneers, and Mystery Writers of America.
Ron’s earlier published works included the suspense novels, Crocodile Fears and The Buddy System, both printed under a pseudonym, Michael J. Stewart. He is a member of the Western Writers of America, Western Fictioneers, and Mystery Writers of America.
Ron and his wife, Bev, divide their time between their home in Fairbury, Nebraska and their cabin in the Kansas Flint Hills.
Ron’s earlier published works included the suspense novels, Crocodile Fears and The Buddy System, both printed under a pseudonym, Michael J. Stewart. He is a member of the Western Writers of America, Western Fictioneers, and Mystery Writers of America.
Ron and his wife, Bev, divide their time between their home in Fairbury, Nebraska and their cabin in the Kansas Flint Hills.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
February 21, 2025
A WESTERN MYSTERY SUSPENSE THRILLER THAT IS A MUST READ FOR ALL WESTERN LOVERS
☆☆☆☆☆
Night of the Coyote (The Coyote Saga Book 1) by Ron Schwab is a very well written story of a lawyer in Lockwood, Wyoming, in 1875. The lead character, Ethan Ramsey is a lawyer who takes on a case to find the murders of two young local Sioux Indian boys by a lynch mob who due to their bigotry against Indians and in the drunken outrage killed the two innocent boys. But in doing so, they left a third boy escape.
The boys were wrongly accused of wrongdoings. Ethan is hired to defend the third boy and if at all possible, bring justice to the two murdered boys and if at all possible, bring justice to those who were also murdered in their little rural community.
Ethan, being a lawyer, you would picture a man who is more or less a dandy, soft hands, weak, and more of a suit than that of a man who is a part time rancher, an ex-army Indian scout during the Indian Wars, and a man who could hold his own in a fight if one was forced upon him. He his well respected by his community and the residents within his small town and the surrounding areas.
This story, being the first book out of three, is just the start of the story and well worth reading. It's action-packed, intriguing, suspenseful, and even has romantic twists that will hold you interest and leave you wanting to continue with the next book in the series. I truly enjoyed this book and hope you will, too.
Quotes:
"A man that straddles a fence usually gets sore balls."
"There is some spiritual force that we cannot begin to comprehend that created this world."
"A town without law is anarchy where nobody's person or property is secure."
"Only a fool builds his future on someone else's life. And it's not fair to the person who has to carry that burden."
"There is a big difference between being foolish and being brave."
☆☆☆☆☆
Night of the Coyote (The Coyote Saga Book 1) by Ron Schwab is a very well written story of a lawyer in Lockwood, Wyoming, in 1875. The lead character, Ethan Ramsey is a lawyer who takes on a case to find the murders of two young local Sioux Indian boys by a lynch mob who due to their bigotry against Indians and in the drunken outrage killed the two innocent boys. But in doing so, they left a third boy escape.
The boys were wrongly accused of wrongdoings. Ethan is hired to defend the third boy and if at all possible, bring justice to the two murdered boys and if at all possible, bring justice to those who were also murdered in their little rural community.
Ethan, being a lawyer, you would picture a man who is more or less a dandy, soft hands, weak, and more of a suit than that of a man who is a part time rancher, an ex-army Indian scout during the Indian Wars, and a man who could hold his own in a fight if one was forced upon him. He his well respected by his community and the residents within his small town and the surrounding areas.
This story, being the first book out of three, is just the start of the story and well worth reading. It's action-packed, intriguing, suspenseful, and even has romantic twists that will hold you interest and leave you wanting to continue with the next book in the series. I truly enjoyed this book and hope you will, too.
Quotes:
"A man that straddles a fence usually gets sore balls."
"There is some spiritual force that we cannot begin to comprehend that created this world."
"A town without law is anarchy where nobody's person or property is secure."
"Only a fool builds his future on someone else's life. And it's not fair to the person who has to carry that burden."
"There is a big difference between being foolish and being brave."
December 30, 2023
So good!! Thoroughly enjoyed this!
5 STARS + excellent narration by Rodney J. Turner.
Two worlds collide head-on in 1870’s Wyoming between white town folk and Sioux Indians when three people are murdered found in a burned out house, and a lynch mob blame the Sioux, taking the lives of two young braves lives in retaliation.
Problem is, the braves didn’t do it!! Enter two more pieces of this puzzle… a fiercely independent halfbreed woman (Sioux/French) and a stubborn lawyer who wants to uphold truth and justice, even if it’s not popular and may get him killed. The woman hires this lawyer and all hell breaks lose as they work together to gather the clues and find out what really happened before a bloody war ensues. And it won’t be without severe cost! Bold and intriguing main characters that speak intelligent dialogue absent senseless repetition. Earns a spot on my favorite’s list!
Part 1 of a 3 part series! Can’t wait for the next one. Free on hoopla (including the audiobooks).
Wholeheartedly recommended for historical fiction and western lovers!
5 STARS + excellent narration by Rodney J. Turner.
Two worlds collide head-on in 1870’s Wyoming between white town folk and Sioux Indians when three people are murdered found in a burned out house, and a lynch mob blame the Sioux, taking the lives of two young braves lives in retaliation.
Problem is, the braves didn’t do it!! Enter two more pieces of this puzzle… a fiercely independent halfbreed woman (Sioux/French) and a stubborn lawyer who wants to uphold truth and justice, even if it’s not popular and may get him killed. The woman hires this lawyer and all hell breaks lose as they work together to gather the clues and find out what really happened before a bloody war ensues. And it won’t be without severe cost! Bold and intriguing main characters that speak intelligent dialogue absent senseless repetition. Earns a spot on my favorite’s list!
Part 1 of a 3 part series! Can’t wait for the next one. Free on hoopla (including the audiobooks).
Wholeheartedly recommended for historical fiction and western lovers!
November 22, 2023
This gripping tale is one of the best western novels I've ever read! I discovered Ron Schwab's western novels six months ago, and of the ten I've read so far, Night of the Coyote is my absolute favorite. Filled with mystery, suspense, danger, and surprising plot twists, this intriguing story kept me glued to my Kindle to the very last page.
The story begins in Lockwood, Wyoming, when vigilantes hang two Sioux Indian boys for supposedly murdering rancher Jake Harper and his daughter. A third boy (Bear Killer) escapes from the vigilantes and returns to his tribe. Attorney Ethan Ramsey is hired by Skye dePaul (Bear Killer's cousin) to represent Bear Killer and bring him back to Lockwood for a fair trial, in hopes of preventing a bloody Sioux uprising over the unjust hangings.
Skye is a beautiful woman, half Sioux and half French. Educated, intelligent and strong-willed, she insists on heading into the mountains with Ethan to fetch Bear Killer. Ethan is intrigued and frustrated by stubborn, capable Skye, who's unlike any woman he's ever known. Feelings soon develop between them, but they have little time for romance, because the real murderer of Jake Harper and his daughter will go to any lengths to prevent Ethan and Skye from uncovering the truth and seeing justice done.
The murderer hires professional gunmen to eliminate Ethan, Skye, and anyone else who might discover his identity and his motive behind the murders. There's plenty of action and violence as the nail-biting plot follows a twisted, deadly path to a shocking final revelation that came as a complete surprise to me.
Kudos to the author for immersive western settings, memorable characters, authentic dialogue, flawless proofreading, and a sweet, slow-burn romance that I hope to read more about in Book 2 of this exciting saga. Book 1 easily earns five glowing stars and my highest recommendation!
The story begins in Lockwood, Wyoming, when vigilantes hang two Sioux Indian boys for supposedly murdering rancher Jake Harper and his daughter. A third boy (Bear Killer) escapes from the vigilantes and returns to his tribe. Attorney Ethan Ramsey is hired by Skye dePaul (Bear Killer's cousin) to represent Bear Killer and bring him back to Lockwood for a fair trial, in hopes of preventing a bloody Sioux uprising over the unjust hangings.
Skye is a beautiful woman, half Sioux and half French. Educated, intelligent and strong-willed, she insists on heading into the mountains with Ethan to fetch Bear Killer. Ethan is intrigued and frustrated by stubborn, capable Skye, who's unlike any woman he's ever known. Feelings soon develop between them, but they have little time for romance, because the real murderer of Jake Harper and his daughter will go to any lengths to prevent Ethan and Skye from uncovering the truth and seeing justice done.
The murderer hires professional gunmen to eliminate Ethan, Skye, and anyone else who might discover his identity and his motive behind the murders. There's plenty of action and violence as the nail-biting plot follows a twisted, deadly path to a shocking final revelation that came as a complete surprise to me.
Kudos to the author for immersive western settings, memorable characters, authentic dialogue, flawless proofreading, and a sweet, slow-burn romance that I hope to read more about in Book 2 of this exciting saga. Book 1 easily earns five glowing stars and my highest recommendation!
May 12, 2021
Superb
I read all three books in the Coyote Saga. I have been and continue to be impressed with Mr. Schwab’s story telling. He is excellent at what he does, from scene setting, to characters and their development, to historical accuracy and getting other perspectives of the story at just the right time. That’s why I’m giving the first two books five stars. The third and last book has all the same high qualities; but he jumps 50 years in the storyline and changes the main characters. What a huge and disappointing let-down, and why I’ve rated the third book in the “saga” with just a single star. While it was historically entertaining, the time jump didn’t qualify as a Western, by my definition.
I read all three books in the Coyote Saga. I have been and continue to be impressed with Mr. Schwab’s story telling. He is excellent at what he does, from scene setting, to characters and their development, to historical accuracy and getting other perspectives of the story at just the right time. That’s why I’m giving the first two books five stars. The third and last book has all the same high qualities; but he jumps 50 years in the storyline and changes the main characters. What a huge and disappointing let-down, and why I’ve rated the third book in the “saga” with just a single star. While it was historically entertaining, the time jump didn’t qualify as a Western, by my definition.
June 18, 2021
Ethan meets sky in his office as she comes to hire him to protect bear killer her cousin
Ethan and Skye take up the dead Indian boys too limp buffaloe's camp. They talked to the Chiefs about bear killer who is his son and had a best protect him by taking him into town to his ranch and keeping him there well Ethan sorts out the legal problems that he's accused of. The Harper family was killed by somebody but Ethan and the Indians know that it wasn't their killer and his friends. So far they don't have any clues who it was so they have to fear it them out from scratch. In the meantime Ethan thinks that's the only safe place to put bear killer.
Ethan and Skye take up the dead Indian boys too limp buffaloe's camp. They talked to the Chiefs about bear killer who is his son and had a best protect him by taking him into town to his ranch and keeping him there well Ethan sorts out the legal problems that he's accused of. The Harper family was killed by somebody but Ethan and the Indians know that it wasn't their killer and his friends. So far they don't have any clues who it was so they have to fear it them out from scratch. In the meantime Ethan thinks that's the only safe place to put bear killer.
December 9, 2023
Young East Coast Lawyer Goes West and Fines A Home
Ethan settles in Lockwood in the Wyoming Territory, buys a small ranch property, sets up his law practice, and just when he’s comfortable, townspeople began a fight with a local Indian Tribe. A lynching occurs, Ethan is asked to defend the accused Indian by a young Indian maiden. Tempers flare. Then his ranch Forman is murdered and the Sheriff ask him to help solve several seemingly unconnected cases. The pace of this story never slows. The guilty party will surprise you, and the ending leaves you wondering if he ever gets together with the fair Maiden. Great read.
Ethan settles in Lockwood in the Wyoming Territory, buys a small ranch property, sets up his law practice, and just when he’s comfortable, townspeople began a fight with a local Indian Tribe. A lynching occurs, Ethan is asked to defend the accused Indian by a young Indian maiden. Tempers flare. Then his ranch Forman is murdered and the Sheriff ask him to help solve several seemingly unconnected cases. The pace of this story never slows. The guilty party will surprise you, and the ending leaves you wondering if he ever gets together with the fair Maiden. Great read.
May 10, 2021
Ron Schwab does an excellent job of recreating the experience of the early settlement of the West, with all of the tensions and struggles to move into a more settled and structured life. He creates strong characters and very realistic situations that draw you into the story as if you are feeling it. This story deals with the tensions between the Indians and the settlers, greed, and strong moral characters. It was so engrossing I read it in one day and am looking for more Ron Schwab books to read.
May 30, 2025
Listened to audiobook.
Old fashioned western mystery set around 1875 in Wyoming.
Loved it.
Skye (a Sioux native) and Ramsey (a local attorney) are the main characters. Skye’s cousin has been accused of some murders he did not commit. Two Indian boys have been lynched for the supposed murders. A regular whodunnit.
Gentle reader: a little profanity by an old Indian but it is very comical.
And before anyone gets PC on me, Indians is the wording used in the book for the time period of the story.
Old fashioned western mystery set around 1875 in Wyoming.
Loved it.
Skye (a Sioux native) and Ramsey (a local attorney) are the main characters. Skye’s cousin has been accused of some murders he did not commit. Two Indian boys have been lynched for the supposed murders. A regular whodunnit.
Gentle reader: a little profanity by an old Indian but it is very comical.
And before anyone gets PC on me, Indians is the wording used in the book for the time period of the story.
May 4, 2017
This is an excellent book. Not a true western like you would normally read. But this book grabs you. You don't want to put it down. I read it in 2 days. The story telling is great and the writing flows nicely. The characters are developed nicely as well. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reading Deals, in exchange for an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reading Deals, in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2017
Night of the Coyote
I have read a lot of western books, as my orders from Amazon will attest. I have also written several reviews and they have been posted. Of them all l liked this one best. The reason is this, I love his sense of humor, it was never forced but came across as ordinary conversation. The second reason is that the plot was well developed and yet caught me blindsided. I love the book and the author and I cannot wait to read book 2.
I have read a lot of western books, as my orders from Amazon will attest. I have also written several reviews and they have been posted. Of them all l liked this one best. The reason is this, I love his sense of humor, it was never forced but came across as ordinary conversation. The second reason is that the plot was well developed and yet caught me blindsided. I love the book and the author and I cannot wait to read book 2.
November 8, 2018
My first book by this author. I was looking for a western to read and found this one rated well so decided to give it a try. It was enjoyable! I wasn't expecting a territory lawyer story solving a mystery in his small town in Wyoming, but it was well done. It ended with something left to pursue for some of the characters that might be interesting so I will be giving the second volume a try, also.
June 7, 2024
Ethan is sheriff when two young Sioux are lynched for a crime they did not commit. He has to act quickly to hopefully prevent a bloody retaliation and a possible resurfacing of hostilities. It is a modern western and one that is well developed and well written. There is probably nothing special about it, but there doesn’t need to be. One for the western lovers.
March 21, 2025
The Coyote Knew
This book brings a world of life to the people of all kinds who lived in this country during that period.
This story depicts the strong, the good, and the values of the people, real people of many races, who existed and strove for their livelihoods. It is an exciting tale told with real-world accounts. It's a great book to read.
This book brings a world of life to the people of all kinds who lived in this country during that period.
This story depicts the strong, the good, and the values of the people, real people of many races, who existed and strove for their livelihoods. It is an exciting tale told with real-world accounts. It's a great book to read.
April 18, 2018
Western reading
I read this book as I wanted to see if anyone was writing good westerns. I liked the story line in this book and was impressed with the pace of the story. I wIll definitely be reading the next installment.
I read this book as I wanted to see if anyone was writing good westerns. I liked the story line in this book and was impressed with the pace of the story. I wIll definitely be reading the next installment.
October 11, 2019
Great read
Wonderful story!!!! Ron Schwab stories just keep getting better. His writing puts you right in the story with wild West life, adventure, romance, and a sad history between the white man and Native American Indian.
Wonderful story!!!! Ron Schwab stories just keep getting better. His writing puts you right in the story with wild West life, adventure, romance, and a sad history between the white man and Native American Indian.
February 25, 2020
Two Worlds Collide
The heroine is caught between two worlds -- that of the White Man and the Indian. The lawyer risks his reputation, his life and his heart to bring the two worlds together peacefully.
The heroine is caught between two worlds -- that of the White Man and the Indian. The lawyer risks his reputation, his life and his heart to bring the two worlds together peacefully.
June 11, 2020
4 stars
Good story. Racism is as prevalent today as in the 1800's. Glad the real culprits were found and dealt with appropriately. Did not like the ending because it did not really end.
Good story. Racism is as prevalent today as in the 1800's. Glad the real culprits were found and dealt with appropriately. Did not like the ending because it did not really end.
January 6, 2021
Really great
I loved this story, and the characters were absolutely fantastic. The only complaint I have is the word Sioux . That is a word that white men used, the Indian people would have used Lakota. The word Sioux comes from the Crow, who were the enemies of the Lakota..
I loved this story, and the characters were absolutely fantastic. The only complaint I have is the word Sioux . That is a word that white men used, the Indian people would have used Lakota. The word Sioux comes from the Crow, who were the enemies of the Lakota..
May 11, 2021
Had It All
What is not to like about westerns there is adventure, mystery, lynching, cowboys and indians and a horse the Webbs should pay for. Almost forgot I love a heroine. Great to add a new author to my library. Thanks for a good tale, Ron Schwab.
What is not to like about westerns there is adventure, mystery, lynching, cowboys and indians and a horse the Webbs should pay for. Almost forgot I love a heroine. Great to add a new author to my library. Thanks for a good tale, Ron Schwab.
May 16, 2021
Well written
I don't read a lot of western, but this one caught my eye and offered a change of pace. I enjoyed it and found it to be less predictable than many of the genre. I recommend it.
I don't read a lot of western, but this one caught my eye and offered a change of pace. I enjoyed it and found it to be less predictable than many of the genre. I recommend it.
February 15, 2022
I loved this book!
I am so glad that this is book 1 to a another saga! I have found myself in love with so many of this authors books! I hated that Skye lost part of her arm,it didn't seem like it was a needed part of the story. Can't wait to read the next book!
I am so glad that this is book 1 to a another saga! I have found myself in love with so many of this authors books! I hated that Skye lost part of her arm,it didn't seem like it was a needed part of the story. Can't wait to read the next book!
November 25, 2023
Fast moving plot,well written
I've only heard (text to speech) the first book of the 3 in the saga. Ron Schwab has very believable characters and uses the power of suspense while switching events happening simultaneously in other areas with other characters in the story.
I've only heard (text to speech) the first book of the 3 in the saga. Ron Schwab has very believable characters and uses the power of suspense while switching events happening simultaneously in other areas with other characters in the story.
February 11, 2024
Great beginning
Looks like I have a new series to follow. The storyline is compelling and loaded with adventure. I'm looking forward to book two to get more of the story. I'm a fan.
Looks like I have a new series to follow. The storyline is compelling and loaded with adventure. I'm looking forward to book two to get more of the story. I'm a fan.
May 6, 2025
fantastic writing of a well planned story.
Hard can you put this book down once you start reading it the surprise in the end well planned to keep you in suspense waiting to start book 2 keep up the good work Ron,.
Hard can you put this book down once you start reading it the surprise in the end well planned to keep you in suspense waiting to start book 2 keep up the good work Ron,.
November 27, 2025
A western featuring a lawyer instead of a gunman? Will wonders never cease?
If you think you may enjoy a Western with some crime procedural elements, check this one out. It is the first in a trilogy.
If you think you may enjoy a Western with some crime procedural elements, check this one out. It is the first in a trilogy.
May 14, 2017
A real entertaining read
It is a fast read. It held my interest through the whole book. A little mystery, some adventure. Nice dialogue. Most of all a good story.
It is a fast read. It held my interest through the whole book. A little mystery, some adventure. Nice dialogue. Most of all a good story.
October 28, 2018
Night of the Coyote
This book has an easy to follow plot and interesting characters. I recommend this book to all lovers of historical, romance, novels.
This book has an easy to follow plot and interesting characters. I recommend this book to all lovers of historical, romance, novels.
October 31, 2020
Not your average western novel or expected end. Great read
May 7, 2021
Cowboy's Tale
Rob Schwab has created some very Cool characters, and then entwines them in a very interesting plot. This book is the #1 i f
Rob Schwab has created some very Cool characters, and then entwines them in a very interesting plot. This book is the #1 i f
May 7, 2021
Good enough read that I've started on book #2
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews