What do you think?
Rate this book
The Iron Door Mine
He wasn't a gunfighter, just a young lawyer. They kidnapped his wife to force him to give them the map to the Iron Door Mine and the gold hidden there. She told the kidnappers that her husband would kill them. They laughed and made fun of him. Weeks later, on a fateful day in the Sonoran Desert, the young lawyer sat his horse and watched the kidnapper come toward him with a white flag on the barrel of his rifle. The kidnapper stopped and demanded he turn over the gold from the Iron Door Mine. The young lawyer told the kidnapper the only thing he would get was the bullet his wife had promised. The kidnapper made his play, and the young lawyer planted two bullets in the kidnapper's chest. The gold the Jesuits left in the Iron Door Mine has been sought for hundreds of years, but the truth is the young lawyer found it and took it away.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 7, 2017
About the author
R.O. Lane
64 books107 followersR.O. Lane is the author of several western novels, including the US Marshal series. R. O. has BA in English and an MA in communications research. He worked as a writer and editor for three daily newspapers and has written dozens of speeches for senior officers of three Fortune 500 corporations.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
April 10, 2026
CONSUMED WITH THE LUST OF GETTING RICH BRIGNS THE END TO SOME OF ARIZONA'S MOST WANTED OUTLAWS
4/09/26 Review:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Iron Door Mine by R.O. Lane is a well told tale of a grandfather and his grandson who was thought to be the man he was through love and tutelage, Virgil, Ben's grandfather who was a prospector who hit it rich is the gold mines in Colorado. Virgil Hale, at sixty years old, gives up his prospecting days to settle down and get to know his son, daughter, and their children, including Ben, Virgil's first grandchild.
Ben who has a passion for law and with his grandfather's help, worked during his evenings after school and on the weekends learning as much as possible from both the law firm and the judges. At the age of twelve, took the bar exam for the state of California at the advice of his employer and low and behold passed the first time becoming the youngest person to pass the bar. This brought more than a few opportunities for clerking or even practicing law but following his grandfather's advice and with the backing of his parents, Ben heads off to college in San Francisco. While attending law school, Ben meets the love of his life in a fellow law student named Lilly. Shortly after graduation, they marry and start their lives together as husband and wife both working as lawyers.
Unfortunately, not to long after they're married, Ben's grandfather past on leaving Ben and Lilly his house and more than enough money to live pretty good as long as long as they were somewhat careful. Within his inheritance, Ben received a copy of a map of the lost Iron Gate Mine in Arizona which was closed up somewhere around a little more than a hundred years prior by the Padre who was called back to Rome. The Catalinas mountains just out of Tubac, Arizona was the home of Tohono O'odham Indians who were hired by the Padre during the 1760's to dig and process the gold ingots and prep them for transport. When the Padre was called back to Rome, the was no way he could transport all the processed gold, so per the legion, the gold was placed into the mine, sealed with a iron gate, and covered up so it was almost impossible to locate. This cause a number of prospectors for more than a hundred years to search for the legionary mine and the fortune of gold left behind.
R.O. Lane has written a intriguing and suspenseful tale of the legionary mine and it's hidden gold within. The characters are written in a way that you'll find yourself really enjoying reading about their lives, their challenges and the way they face those challenges. The main characters are those that are truly relatable, with a great work ethic, compassion towards others, loyal, and have high morals that will not only entertain you but will hold your interest from the get-go wanting to learn more about each of the cast. As with all of the books I have read so far written by R.O. Lane, their heart touching at times, full of action and suspense with a touch of romance thrown in making them appealing to just about all readers and all ages.
4/09/26 Review:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Iron Door Mine by R.O. Lane is a well told tale of a grandfather and his grandson who was thought to be the man he was through love and tutelage, Virgil, Ben's grandfather who was a prospector who hit it rich is the gold mines in Colorado. Virgil Hale, at sixty years old, gives up his prospecting days to settle down and get to know his son, daughter, and their children, including Ben, Virgil's first grandchild.
Ben who has a passion for law and with his grandfather's help, worked during his evenings after school and on the weekends learning as much as possible from both the law firm and the judges. At the age of twelve, took the bar exam for the state of California at the advice of his employer and low and behold passed the first time becoming the youngest person to pass the bar. This brought more than a few opportunities for clerking or even practicing law but following his grandfather's advice and with the backing of his parents, Ben heads off to college in San Francisco. While attending law school, Ben meets the love of his life in a fellow law student named Lilly. Shortly after graduation, they marry and start their lives together as husband and wife both working as lawyers.
Unfortunately, not to long after they're married, Ben's grandfather past on leaving Ben and Lilly his house and more than enough money to live pretty good as long as long as they were somewhat careful. Within his inheritance, Ben received a copy of a map of the lost Iron Gate Mine in Arizona which was closed up somewhere around a little more than a hundred years prior by the Padre who was called back to Rome. The Catalinas mountains just out of Tubac, Arizona was the home of Tohono O'odham Indians who were hired by the Padre during the 1760's to dig and process the gold ingots and prep them for transport. When the Padre was called back to Rome, the was no way he could transport all the processed gold, so per the legion, the gold was placed into the mine, sealed with a iron gate, and covered up so it was almost impossible to locate. This cause a number of prospectors for more than a hundred years to search for the legionary mine and the fortune of gold left behind.
R.O. Lane has written a intriguing and suspenseful tale of the legionary mine and it's hidden gold within. The characters are written in a way that you'll find yourself really enjoying reading about their lives, their challenges and the way they face those challenges. The main characters are those that are truly relatable, with a great work ethic, compassion towards others, loyal, and have high morals that will not only entertain you but will hold your interest from the get-go wanting to learn more about each of the cast. As with all of the books I have read so far written by R.O. Lane, their heart touching at times, full of action and suspense with a touch of romance thrown in making them appealing to just about all readers and all ages.
July 13, 2018
The Iron Door Mine 🐎
This not your usual Western!!! The story is amazing, unexpected and totally absorbing! I wish l could give it 10 stars! I love Westerns and the author amazed me with it's twists and turns.
This not your usual Western!!! The story is amazing, unexpected and totally absorbing! I wish l could give it 10 stars! I love Westerns and the author amazed me with it's twists and turns.
September 13, 2018
A wonderful. Western about lawyers..
A wonderful action western. A surprising twist with cowboys, outlaws and Indians.. then we get a gold mine thrown in. A grandpa's love and sharing his experience of guns.
A wonderful action western. A surprising twist with cowboys, outlaws and Indians.. then we get a gold mine thrown in. A grandpa's love and sharing his experience of guns.
June 4, 2019
Excellent
Certainly an enjoyment. .Wonderful story with great examples. Highly recommend it.....kept me hanging on wanting more...many twist and turns. Thank you
Certainly an enjoyment. .Wonderful story with great examples. Highly recommend it.....kept me hanging on wanting more...many twist and turns. Thank you
August 15, 2018
As always, Mr. Lane did another magnificent job with this exceptionally heartwarming and entertaining story. There is never a dull money and his uncanny renditions of our old western folklore adventures is so fulfilling that the urge to read the entire story before setting it aside. I have certainly enjoyed several of his novels, but this one is definitely one of his very best.
Yes, it is another five star masterpiece by a very accomplished and prolific writer. There is plenty of family-friendly and family-friendly episodes to satisfy your every whim. I can definitely testify as to the very best storytelling adventures that will appease your I deepest interests.
The selection of characters is unsurpassed , especially Ben, Lily, Moon, and Logan. They don't take Jack off anyone. Great storylines that maintained my complete attention immediately, and throughout the entire book. There is enough romance and gunplay to satisfy your every expectation, and the author certainly did his homework based on the excellent camaraderie of the good guys involved.
I, most certainly, recommend this book to all readers who definitely enjoy somewhat "true episodes" of our real old western folklore. This story grabs you immediately and doesn't let go until the final paragraph. Read it, but please, set aside a few hours of uninterrupted time, as you will not want to set it down until the last word.😂
Yes, it is another five star masterpiece by a very accomplished and prolific writer. There is plenty of family-friendly and family-friendly episodes to satisfy your every whim. I can definitely testify as to the very best storytelling adventures that will appease your I deepest interests.
The selection of characters is unsurpassed , especially Ben, Lily, Moon, and Logan. They don't take Jack off anyone. Great storylines that maintained my complete attention immediately, and throughout the entire book. There is enough romance and gunplay to satisfy your every expectation, and the author certainly did his homework based on the excellent camaraderie of the good guys involved.
I, most certainly, recommend this book to all readers who definitely enjoy somewhat "true episodes" of our real old western folklore. This story grabs you immediately and doesn't let go until the final paragraph. Read it, but please, set aside a few hours of uninterrupted time, as you will not want to set it down until the last word.😂
December 8, 2019
This was a unique western story as Ben is a highly intelligent lawyer who was tutored by his grandfather who encouraged him to excel in his studies, his legal career and his survival skills. His grandfather willed him a map to the Iron Door Mine that had been hunted for many years. Ben and his lawyer wife set out to find the mine with antagonists along the way to threaten them. Ben enlisted the help of one of his grandfather's friends who was able to guide them through desert terrain and fight off villains who were in hot pursuit of the mine. Ben's wife, Lilly, was kidnapped and the search intensified. Ben and his guide found the mine, retrieved the gold and set out to rescue Lilly. Ben would have made his grandfather proud as he met and overcame the villains and saved his wife.
The story was filled with action and held the readers interest throughout. The individual characters were well developed which made the story so very interesting.
The story was filled with action and held the readers interest throughout. The individual characters were well developed which made the story so very interesting.
May 16, 2022
Reviews
Why do they want me to type a review when I just tapped 5 stars? I’m old and read I’m my phone but typing is much harder for old fingers. I’m betting most of the readers are older as I am.
The authors need to be happy with the star method. Many times I don’t leave a review because it won let me submit the 5 star review I leave without typing out a written review. In my opinion the author is missing out on readers rating his book!
Have a great day ! I doubt if anyone reads this or it gets deleted. Either way I enjoy this author
I wonder how much “BS” I can leave.
Why do they want me to type a review when I just tapped 5 stars? I’m old and read I’m my phone but typing is much harder for old fingers. I’m betting most of the readers are older as I am.
The authors need to be happy with the star method. Many times I don’t leave a review because it won let me submit the 5 star review I leave without typing out a written review. In my opinion the author is missing out on readers rating his book!
Have a great day ! I doubt if anyone reads this or it gets deleted. Either way I enjoy this author
I wonder how much “BS” I can leave.
April 14, 2018
A Good Mine Western in the SOCAl desert West of Tucson
RIO has written a western about a young man whose grandfather left him a map to a gold mine. Once he received the map his wife was kidnapped for the map and was not released as promise. This began the chase from Sacramento, San Francisco, Denver, Tucson, Mojave Desert, the mountains of SOCAL. This is an excellent read for the genre.....ER
RIO has written a western about a young man whose grandfather left him a map to a gold mine. Once he received the map his wife was kidnapped for the map and was not released as promise. This began the chase from Sacramento, San Francisco, Denver, Tucson, Mojave Desert, the mountains of SOCAL. This is an excellent read for the genre.....ER
July 14, 2025
THRILLING PAGE TURNING 5 STARS
Grab a copy of this exciting 5 STARS R.O. Lane Western before you do anything else. It has everything you need in a western romance drama & is filled with great characters. Action packed as this author's storylines usually are plus brimming with shoot-em-up activity.
Throw in some gold mine hunting & kidnapping that makes it impossible to put down.
RECOMMENDED
Grab a copy of this exciting 5 STARS R.O. Lane Western before you do anything else. It has everything you need in a western romance drama & is filled with great characters. Action packed as this author's storylines usually are plus brimming with shoot-em-up activity.
Throw in some gold mine hunting & kidnapping that makes it impossible to put down.
RECOMMENDED
August 22, 2019
Iron Door Mine
The book was a really good read. The beginning and the end had a lot of action, so it kept you interested in what was going on. However, the middle of the book was not as interesting. I enjoyed the story line and if you like westerns with a little bit of romance, you will like it too.
The book was a really good read. The beginning and the end had a lot of action, so it kept you interested in what was going on. However, the middle of the book was not as interesting. I enjoyed the story line and if you like westerns with a little bit of romance, you will like it too.
February 10, 2020
Really good classic western...
Some other reviewers talked about the slow start of this book. Friends, that so called slow start was what developed the backbone of the characters in this book. I wish more authors in this genre took the time to flesh out their characters, and history of the region. A remarkable read!
Some other reviewers talked about the slow start of this book. Friends, that so called slow start was what developed the backbone of the characters in this book. I wish more authors in this genre took the time to flesh out their characters, and history of the region. A remarkable read!
October 4, 2022
Exception Storytelling
The characters in this story are so well developed and display the character traits of spirituality developed individuals. Other characters depict the character defects and personality traits of people who never learned or were never offered the opportunity for spiritual development.
The characters in this story are so well developed and display the character traits of spirituality developed individuals. Other characters depict the character defects and personality traits of people who never learned or were never offered the opportunity for spiritual development.
June 11, 2018
Searching
This story is somewhat different from other stories from ROL. However, it is well written and fast moving with plenty of action involving criminals who are willing to do anything to get what they want. I highly recommend this author.
This story is somewhat different from other stories from ROL. However, it is well written and fast moving with plenty of action involving criminals who are willing to do anything to get what they want. I highly recommend this author.
July 21, 2018
3 Stars
Starts out slow. Grandpa gets a treasure map. Then helps grandson get a job at a law firm, he learns to box, meets Lilly gets married, then Grandpa dies. That's about the first half of the book. After that it does get better. All and all 3 stars is the best I can give it.
Starts out slow. Grandpa gets a treasure map. Then helps grandson get a job at a law firm, he learns to box, meets Lilly gets married, then Grandpa dies. That's about the first half of the book. After that it does get better. All and all 3 stars is the best I can give it.
September 1, 2018
Spellbinder
Exciting tale, with lost treasure, gunfights and all. However the hero encounters too little hardship. The story might be a bit more interesting if he wasnt born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
Exciting tale, with lost treasure, gunfights and all. However the hero encounters too little hardship. The story might be a bit more interesting if he wasnt born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
September 4, 2018
Wonderful book,as per usual.
Very different this time. A really nice surprise. Still easy reading through, with a new and exciting plot that kept me wondering what was next. Loved every minute of my time spent with Ben and Lilly.
Very different this time. A really nice surprise. Still easy reading through, with a new and exciting plot that kept me wondering what was next. Loved every minute of my time spent with Ben and Lilly.
August 5, 2019
Another great western story by R. O. Lane
Great western story as told by R. O. Lane . After reading all of his books I don't how he comes up with such great stories. The story has adventure,romance, and real life situations.
Great western story as told by R. O. Lane . After reading all of his books I don't how he comes up with such great stories. The story has adventure,romance, and real life situations.
January 15, 2020
The Iron Door Mine
R.O. Lane has got to be one of the best western writers of all time. His stories are exciting, believable and interesting. Can't wait to get back to the next exciting adventure. So, "Giddy Up."
R.O. Lane has got to be one of the best western writers of all time. His stories are exciting, believable and interesting. Can't wait to get back to the next exciting adventure. So, "Giddy Up."
July 18, 2020
Wow!
Loved this book as much as all other R.O. Lane's books which have all been entertaining and suspenseful. Also, the main characters are admirable people who I enjoy meeting. Thanks!!
Loved this book as much as all other R.O. Lane's books which have all been entertaining and suspenseful. Also, the main characters are admirable people who I enjoy meeting. Thanks!!
August 11, 2020
Great Gold Adventure
It is amazing what men will do for gold. Some men did for it all of their lives and other try to steal it. Ben wife Lily was kidnapped to get a treasure map that led to the iron door mine. All they found was death.
It is amazing what men will do for gold. Some men did for it all of their lives and other try to steal it. Ben wife Lily was kidnapped to get a treasure map that led to the iron door mine. All they found was death.
January 2, 2021
The story of a gold mine hidden for 100 years found by the grandson of a man who was given the map by a native American for whom he did a kindess. Several characters are brought together on the pursuit of the gold and the book has a satisfyingly conclusion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2021
Man's quest for gold
A young woman was kidnapped because of gold, and her husband and his friends rescued her. Then they decided that the best thing to do with the gold was to help the Indian tribe that dug it
A young woman was kidnapped because of gold, and her husband and his friends rescued her. Then they decided that the best thing to do with the gold was to help the Indian tribe that dug it
November 1, 2022
A wild tale
Another adventure that has all of the action and intrigue you could ever ask for. A totally different story with lots of plot twists to keep you entertained. Great read.
Another adventure that has all of the action and intrigue you could ever ask for. A totally different story with lots of plot twists to keep you entertained. Great read.
October 10, 2024
Great read by R. O. Lane
Great read by R. O. Lane! Sit back and get ready for a rollercoaster ride of great western justice. A great storyline with lots of twists and turn that keeps you glued to your book. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!!
Great read by R. O. Lane! Sit back and get ready for a rollercoaster ride of great western justice. A great storyline with lots of twists and turn that keeps you glued to your book. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!!
April 1, 2018
Excellent!
Lots of adventure and a hero who had an awesome grandfather.
There is something of a lesson here. The greedy criminals brought about their on downfall...
Lots of adventure and a hero who had an awesome grandfather.
There is something of a lesson here. The greedy criminals brought about their on downfall...
April 14, 2018
The Iron Door Mine
Different story line than usual. Still full of adventure and drama. Enjoyable story that is hard to put down. R
Different story line than usual. Still full of adventure and drama. Enjoyable story that is hard to put down. R
June 3, 2018
The Iron Door Mine
This is a good western story. The story had some of the best action and adventure that can be had. All the characters are realistic and filled out well.
This is a good western story. The story had some of the best action and adventure that can be had. All the characters are realistic and filled out well.
June 5, 2018
Good Guys Win
A straight forward book with a few twists to keep things interesting.
Lawyers doing cowboy things. No cussing that made my day
A straight forward book with a few twists to keep things interesting.
Lawyers doing cowboy things. No cussing that made my day
June 11, 2018
A good read
A well written book, well researched, I will read another book written by this author. This was a great story.
A well written book, well researched, I will read another book written by this author. This was a great story.
July 3, 2018
Great book
I really enjoyed this book. Great story, well told with very real and well established characters. I look forward to reading more of his work.
I really enjoyed this book. Great story, well told with very real and well established characters. I look forward to reading more of his work.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews