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Cut Nose
FINALIST - WESTERN WRITERS OF AMERICA BEST WESTERN HISTORICAL NOVELFINALIST - WILL ROGERS MEDALLION AWARD WESTERN FICTIONCaptain Will Nilsson’s journey to the War of the Rebellion is deferred by the President of the United States so he can be the administration’s eyes and ears on the ground of what would later be referred to as the Dakota War of 1862. Little did Will know this would make him a witness to countless horrific deaths on both sides of the conflict and, ultimately, to the largest mass execution in United States history.Amidst the chaos, Will’s life intersects with the Dakota warrior called “Cut Nose,” so named after having part of his nose bitten off in a fight, and Anja Lund, a young schoolteacher whose spirit is unyielding despite heartbreak at every turn. As the stakes grow increasingly higher, these three form powerful and mysterious connections with each other, intertwining their fates through both love and war.Featuring heart-stopping battles, intrigue, and romance, Cut Nose will keep readers electrified until the last page.
- GenresWesternsHistorical
476 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2019
695 people are currently reading
53 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 55 reviews
April 23, 2025
A VERY TRAGIC PART OF OUR HISTORY
☆☆☆☆☆
A VERY TRAGIC PART OF OUR HISTORY FOR BOTH THE SETTLERS AND THE NATIVE SIOUX INDIANS OF THE DAKOTAS.
Cut Nose by Ron SchwabRon Schwab is a historical fiction account of the Dakota War of 1862 based on historical facts recorded both during the war and after. During 1862, the U.S. was not only at war with itself (Rebellion War - also known as the U.S. Civil War) but involved in a very bloody and sad war with the Native Dakota Indians in Minnesota. The Sioux Indians were "given" land through treaties in which part of the treaty was that the U.S. government under President Abraham Lincoln was to provide both food and gold for the payment of the land which was settled by the white along with some Sioux Indians and mixed races who had took up farming, ranching, and even gold mining outside the cities. In the cities and forts in the area, many businesses were diverse to the point that most of the communities hardly took notice of the difference of color working and living together in peace.
With the U.S. tied up in the Civil War in the east, the promised resources (including their gold payments) were cut back and delayed. With the Sioux not being able to purchase items at the stores in town or at the forts, with credit cut off, they were placed into a situation of staving which lead to revolting snd within a short time outright war.
This story is told through the characters of Will Nilsson, a JAG officer with the rank of Captain), a school teacher by Anja Lund, and their friends, family, and neighbors along with Cut Nose and others of the Dakotas involved. The characters are well developed, and you will find yourself routing for them. At other times, you'll be so struck to be the amount cruelty on both sides. It was not a war fought by soldiers against soldiers. It was a war of elimination no matter whether it was man, woman, or child, friend, family, or race.
If you're like me, my knowledge of the Dakota War on 1862 was pretty much nonexistent other than I knew it had taken place. Though this is a work of fiction, it's based on facts of the time and will give you an insight into what went down. That being said, it's a great story. It's full of action, suspense, loss, and struggles. It's also full of heroism and romance. It is definitely a great book to read if you enjoy a well told story that at the same time educates you on events, what leaf up to them, and what transpired in the aftermath of said events.
☆☆☆☆☆
A VERY TRAGIC PART OF OUR HISTORY FOR BOTH THE SETTLERS AND THE NATIVE SIOUX INDIANS OF THE DAKOTAS.
Cut Nose by Ron SchwabRon Schwab is a historical fiction account of the Dakota War of 1862 based on historical facts recorded both during the war and after. During 1862, the U.S. was not only at war with itself (Rebellion War - also known as the U.S. Civil War) but involved in a very bloody and sad war with the Native Dakota Indians in Minnesota. The Sioux Indians were "given" land through treaties in which part of the treaty was that the U.S. government under President Abraham Lincoln was to provide both food and gold for the payment of the land which was settled by the white along with some Sioux Indians and mixed races who had took up farming, ranching, and even gold mining outside the cities. In the cities and forts in the area, many businesses were diverse to the point that most of the communities hardly took notice of the difference of color working and living together in peace.
With the U.S. tied up in the Civil War in the east, the promised resources (including their gold payments) were cut back and delayed. With the Sioux not being able to purchase items at the stores in town or at the forts, with credit cut off, they were placed into a situation of staving which lead to revolting snd within a short time outright war.
This story is told through the characters of Will Nilsson, a JAG officer with the rank of Captain), a school teacher by Anja Lund, and their friends, family, and neighbors along with Cut Nose and others of the Dakotas involved. The characters are well developed, and you will find yourself routing for them. At other times, you'll be so struck to be the amount cruelty on both sides. It was not a war fought by soldiers against soldiers. It was a war of elimination no matter whether it was man, woman, or child, friend, family, or race.
If you're like me, my knowledge of the Dakota War on 1862 was pretty much nonexistent other than I knew it had taken place. Though this is a work of fiction, it's based on facts of the time and will give you an insight into what went down. That being said, it's a great story. It's full of action, suspense, loss, and struggles. It's also full of heroism and romance. It is definitely a great book to read if you enjoy a well told story that at the same time educates you on events, what leaf up to them, and what transpired in the aftermath of said events.
June 15, 2019
Great reminder the frontier began at the Minnesota border in 1862
Thanks for a great historical Western. The US government failed to meet their treaty obligations. And acted in "bad Faith" in this and other treaties with the Native People's. The author wove a believable story around historical events, and demonstrated once again, history is written by the winner.
Thanks for a great historical Western. The US government failed to meet their treaty obligations. And acted in "bad Faith" in this and other treaties with the Native People's. The author wove a believable story around historical events, and demonstrated once again, history is written by the winner.
June 30, 2021
Decent historical fiction
There were some minor grammar errors that seemed to fall more to colloquialisms, so I let them slide.
The story revolves around the uprising of the Dakota Indians just as the Civil War was about to start. The politicians in D.C. were supposed to send gold annually in payment for the land sold by the Dakotas. White traders artificially inflated prices, meaning that well before the gold arrived, any further credit was denied them until the old bill was paid. This time, despite warnings from multiple sources, by the time the gold arrived, the war against white settlers has started in earnest. Women and children were generally taken captive, though not always. On this case, captives were returned. The Dakotas also went against mixed and full blooded Dakotas who were living like the white man, e.g., farming. The punishment was far too severe for the crime...no mitigating circumstances were considered. In the afterword, the author said the hanging of those condemned to death for their role in the war remains the largest public execution ever on US soil.
There are love stories involved, thankfully with a happy ending for the daughter of the leader of the warband & a young friend who has lost her entire family.
There were some minor grammar errors that seemed to fall more to colloquialisms, so I let them slide.
The story revolves around the uprising of the Dakota Indians just as the Civil War was about to start. The politicians in D.C. were supposed to send gold annually in payment for the land sold by the Dakotas. White traders artificially inflated prices, meaning that well before the gold arrived, any further credit was denied them until the old bill was paid. This time, despite warnings from multiple sources, by the time the gold arrived, the war against white settlers has started in earnest. Women and children were generally taken captive, though not always. On this case, captives were returned. The Dakotas also went against mixed and full blooded Dakotas who were living like the white man, e.g., farming. The punishment was far too severe for the crime...no mitigating circumstances were considered. In the afterword, the author said the hanging of those condemned to death for their role in the war remains the largest public execution ever on US soil.
There are love stories involved, thankfully with a happy ending for the daughter of the leader of the warband & a young friend who has lost her entire family.
August 11, 2019
Ron Schwab’s historic-western, “Cut Nose,” is as real a depiction of life in the American frontier in the 1860s one can find. Schwab revisits Minnesota’s Dakota War of 1862 through the eyes of Captain Will Nilsson and the vengeful Dakota warrior Cut Nose.
This is a war history has forgotten, but Schwab brings it back to life with graphic descriptions of the struggle between Native Americans and white settlers in brutal detail. It is a classic tale of American politicians not fulfilling promises to the native people of this land. The Dakota Nation, led by Cut Nose, rebelled and the cost in human life was violent and devastating. Schwab’s descriptions of the savage fighting on both sides will not soon be forgotten.
Of course, there is a romantic twist throughout, as Nilsson juggles his duties to the War Department and a half-blood teacher, Anja Lund.
The novel concludes with a mass hanging of the most violent Dakota warriors. It remains today as the largest mass execution in American history.
“Cut Nose” is not for the faint of heart, but a journey worth your time.
This is a war history has forgotten, but Schwab brings it back to life with graphic descriptions of the struggle between Native Americans and white settlers in brutal detail. It is a classic tale of American politicians not fulfilling promises to the native people of this land. The Dakota Nation, led by Cut Nose, rebelled and the cost in human life was violent and devastating. Schwab’s descriptions of the savage fighting on both sides will not soon be forgotten.
Of course, there is a romantic twist throughout, as Nilsson juggles his duties to the War Department and a half-blood teacher, Anja Lund.
The novel concludes with a mass hanging of the most violent Dakota warriors. It remains today as the largest mass execution in American history.
“Cut Nose” is not for the faint of heart, but a journey worth your time.
February 24, 2023
An extraordinary Western adventure, well thought out and written with superb insight about a terrible real life event in our history.
There is a love story here as well, sensitive and slow to take hold, but finally bursting fully into flame that is a pleasure to be a witness to. The story of Will and Anja wraps around an escalating threat of war with the Dakota Indians in the northwest territory of Minnesota.
There has been a tennuous peace between the whites and the Indians for years, enough time for mixed marriages to take place and trust to settle in on both sides. But with the coming of winter and no food supplies arriving as promised, anger builds among young warriors and a violent war erupts.
Sometimes gruesome in the telling and certainly horrible in ferocity, the war spreads rapidly across a sparcely settled frontier before finally being put down with force.
How will the participents be judged? Who will hang and who will go free?
Read on.
There is a love story here as well, sensitive and slow to take hold, but finally bursting fully into flame that is a pleasure to be a witness to. The story of Will and Anja wraps around an escalating threat of war with the Dakota Indians in the northwest territory of Minnesota.
There has been a tennuous peace between the whites and the Indians for years, enough time for mixed marriages to take place and trust to settle in on both sides. But with the coming of winter and no food supplies arriving as promised, anger builds among young warriors and a violent war erupts.
Sometimes gruesome in the telling and certainly horrible in ferocity, the war spreads rapidly across a sparcely settled frontier before finally being put down with force.
How will the participents be judged? Who will hang and who will go free?
Read on.
June 5, 2021
So many great characters and adventures
Captain will is on special assignment from Washington to monitor the Indians and their hostilities in Minnesota. Of course no one knows that but it causes him to come and go and travel around a lot Billy Buck is a sidekick and also courier to take messages to fort Snelling. Anja is the school teacher and bookkeeper that will runs across in his travels. He meets her at the boarding house where she recommends he stay and they go over plans and get to know each other. But war is coming between the Dakotas and the white folk in Minnesota led by cut nose, cut nose leads a group called the soldiers for war which is a group out of the white man from Minnesota. Right now they have about a hundred followers but soon that'll swell to thousands.
Captain will is on special assignment from Washington to monitor the Indians and their hostilities in Minnesota. Of course no one knows that but it causes him to come and go and travel around a lot Billy Buck is a sidekick and also courier to take messages to fort Snelling. Anja is the school teacher and bookkeeper that will runs across in his travels. He meets her at the boarding house where she recommends he stay and they go over plans and get to know each other. But war is coming between the Dakotas and the white folk in Minnesota led by cut nose, cut nose leads a group called the soldiers for war which is a group out of the white man from Minnesota. Right now they have about a hundred followers but soon that'll swell to thousands.
June 15, 2019
An RS. Western Adventure Battle Between Indians and Whites
Rs. has. penned a fictitious western adventure wrapped around actual people and events of the time just before the Civil War and through to the settlement of the western states. I enjoy novels that cross back and forth between the authors imagination and real events. The essential points made here deal with the treaties made and then broken. I often wonder what the situation would have been if the tribes had worked together. My great-great grandfather, Dawson Clan, often said when angry, "Why did we let those white people come into our country. We should have said no at Jamestown and Plymouth Rock. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
Rs. has. penned a fictitious western adventure wrapped around actual people and events of the time just before the Civil War and through to the settlement of the western states. I enjoy novels that cross back and forth between the authors imagination and real events. The essential points made here deal with the treaties made and then broken. I often wonder what the situation would have been if the tribes had worked together. My great-great grandfather, Dawson Clan, often said when angry, "Why did we let those white people come into our country. We should have said no at Jamestown and Plymouth Rock. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
June 15, 2019
Schwab is an excellent storyteller as he tells of a sad and true moment in our nation's history. It's 1862 and while the balance of our nation is caught in the tragic conflict of a civil war. In the newly formed State of Minnesta is a powder keg ready to blow as the Dakotas prepare for war. Broken treaties and promises along with late reparation payments speak of desperation and lost pride. This is Schwab at his best with action, intrigue with people's lives on the line. An excellent read about a little known event which takes place in the midst of a nation at war.
May 25, 2019
I enjoy reading history-based novels and this one is a good one about a little known Indian war, featuring a Sioux warrior named Cut Nose. As with many historical novels, it was difficult to read sometimes because of "man's inhumanity to man", I guess you'd say, on both sides. There is plenty of action once the background is set, and some romance to spice things up a little. If you like history, you'll like this book.
August 25, 2021
This rating was predicated by the authors ability to show the difference between two races and their struggles. It showed the struggles that a president must endure to uphold the constitution even if it was an unpopular decision. It also showed the hardships suffered by the early settlers
and mistreatment of the earlier settlers-the Indians. Recommended for anyone interested in the early settlement of the west. An overall good read.
and mistreatment of the earlier settlers-the Indians. Recommended for anyone interested in the early settlement of the west. An overall good read.
November 12, 2025
Great story you have to get past the second chapters
Great story it is impossible to write a review on the window and set up the words to use the letters to use using me cover the review. You can’t see what you’re writing.. 😘 also Cowboys don’t talk the way it’s put on paper. I’ve been around cowboy most of my life. I’ve never heard one. Use the words that we describe these guys and funny finding the next book is difficult as they’re not in order of the nut related.
Great story it is impossible to write a review on the window and set up the words to use the letters to use using me cover the review. You can’t see what you’re writing.. 😘 also Cowboys don’t talk the way it’s put on paper. I’ve been around cowboy most of my life. I’ve never heard one. Use the words that we describe these guys and funny finding the next book is difficult as they’re not in order of the nut related.
June 13, 2019
Excellent As Usual
My favorite author who is currently writing in this genre, I have read all of his books, and look forward to the next. I hope that the last sentence of this book portends a sequel. As usual, there is excellent character development and fine writing with an intriguing storyline.
My favorite author who is currently writing in this genre, I have read all of his books, and look forward to the next. I hope that the last sentence of this book portends a sequel. As usual, there is excellent character development and fine writing with an intriguing storyline.
February 2, 2022
One of Ron Schwab's best
This Civil War Era novel is by far one of the best of Ron Schwab's books that I have read. It is to coin a phrase, a story with a new wrinkle. It isn't like any story I ever read. It is written like a story that needs to be told, it is fiction, but it could be history. Enjoy, I did. Thanks, Mr. Schwab.
This Civil War Era novel is by far one of the best of Ron Schwab's books that I have read. It is to coin a phrase, a story with a new wrinkle. It isn't like any story I ever read. It is written like a story that needs to be told, it is fiction, but it could be history. Enjoy, I did. Thanks, Mr. Schwab.
February 11, 2022
To read a great review of the attrocies of war.. read Cutnose. I got very angry realizing who was truly responsible for the action of these Indiane. All these lives lost because of prejudices and the need for power. What these folks endured because promises broken by those who know better...SHAME!
June 25, 2023
Dakota Uprising
I enjoyed this book as I have all of Ron Schwab's . I have read in a few books of President Lincoln allowing 39 Indians to hang, and about the uprising in Minnesota, but never put them together until now. The other books were chastising the President with out telling the full story. Every one needs to read "Cut Nose"
I enjoyed this book as I have all of Ron Schwab's . I have read in a few books of President Lincoln allowing 39 Indians to hang, and about the uprising in Minnesota, but never put them together until now. The other books were chastising the President with out telling the full story. Every one needs to read "Cut Nose"
October 17, 2023
You would give it 6 stars if you could
The historical accurate details helped make this the best Western book I've read in the last 20 years! Its not very often a book can entertain as well as educate. This book inspired me to read more about the Dakota uprising. There was enough meat in the epilogue for a whole other book.
The historical accurate details helped make this the best Western book I've read in the last 20 years! Its not very often a book can entertain as well as educate. This book inspired me to read more about the Dakota uprising. There was enough meat in the epilogue for a whole other book.
October 9, 2024
Another good read!
This the 17th book of his I have read and it was another winner! I have always felt bad about the way Native Americans were treated by the government! Rumors that my ggg grandmother was a Cherokee were found untrue when I had a DNA test and found no Indian DNA traces but lots of Irish!
This the 17th book of his I have read and it was another winner! I have always felt bad about the way Native Americans were treated by the government! Rumors that my ggg grandmother was a Cherokee were found untrue when I had a DNA test and found no Indian DNA traces but lots of Irish!
July 28, 2025
A Marvelous Historical Novel
This is a story draped in historical facts and woven into a narrative about native American peoples' interactions, peaceful and not so peaceful, with the settlers who moved into Minnesota.
It's a "must read" for those who love the country's history in all of its myriad of colors.
This is a story draped in historical facts and woven into a narrative about native American peoples' interactions, peaceful and not so peaceful, with the settlers who moved into Minnesota.
It's a "must read" for those who love the country's history in all of its myriad of colors.
May 28, 2019
Absolutely amazing story
This book is absolutely fantastic. A definite page turner with great characters and superb action. Would highly recommend this book to everyone that enjoys a great story.
This book is absolutely fantastic. A definite page turner with great characters and superb action. Would highly recommend this book to everyone that enjoys a great story.
June 2, 2019
Great historical story
Great story of fact and fiction interveaved with great characters. Excellent story filled with action, adventure, suspense, romance. India were not treated well by our earlier founding fathers.
Great story of fact and fiction interveaved with great characters. Excellent story filled with action, adventure, suspense, romance. India were not treated well by our earlier founding fathers.
June 8, 2019
Cut Nose
Ron Schwab can write. I've read all of his books and this one tells a tale that I didn't know happened in our history. A great story and well written. I can't wait to read his next one.
Ron Schwab can write. I've read all of his books and this one tells a tale that I didn't know happened in our history. A great story and well written. I can't wait to read his next one.
July 6, 2019
Thoughtful writing about the brutal attempted gene code of the native Americans.
The story of a military officer and his part in the saga between the American Indian and the emigrants who infiltrated the west to make their own.
The story of a military officer and his part in the saga between the American Indian and the emigrants who infiltrated the west to make their own.
September 6, 2019
Excellent
Historical based novel with a very personal touch. A good mix of action, character development and history. The time and research involved resulted in an outstanding story.
Historical based novel with a very personal touch. A good mix of action, character development and history. The time and research involved resulted in an outstanding story.
March 21, 2021
An absorbing novel
Wonderful historical novel of bleak time in America. I often found it difficult to lay the book down to go to sleep. Ron Schwab creates fiction that reads like non - fiction in intensity.
Wonderful historical novel of bleak time in America. I often found it difficult to lay the book down to go to sleep. Ron Schwab creates fiction that reads like non - fiction in intensity.
April 28, 2021
Great Book
Really enjoyed how the author wove actual events into book and storyline
Loved all the different characters n the story and their life’s
Would recommend this book to everyone
Really enjoyed how the author wove actual events into book and storyline
Loved all the different characters n the story and their life’s
Would recommend this book to everyone
July 6, 2021
Being from Minnesota, it was great to finally read about the monument in Mankato that depicts the hanging of the Indians. I am sure I learned about this in school but that was many years ago. It was very well written and highly entertaining.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2021
Disturbing
This book contains bloody violence by whites mistreatment of Indians and all the broken treaties and promises made by a greedy government. Also contains horrors of civil war.
This book contains bloody violence by whites mistreatment of Indians and all the broken treaties and promises made by a greedy government. Also contains horrors of civil war.
July 18, 2021
Good
An interesting piece of history. I know at lot history of the Lakota people that lived on the plains of the Dakotas and knew that at one time they lived in Minnesota, but didn't know this piece of history.
An interesting piece of history. I know at lot history of the Lakota people that lived on the plains of the Dakotas and knew that at one time they lived in Minnesota, but didn't know this piece of history.
September 15, 2021
Fair and honest reporting…
Great historical novel that holds your attention and depicts facts in a compelling fashion. Recommended for anyone interested in American Indian history who has difficulty wading through text book prose and likes a good factual story-teller.
Great historical novel that holds your attention and depicts facts in a compelling fashion. Recommended for anyone interested in American Indian history who has difficulty wading through text book prose and likes a good factual story-teller.
October 5, 2021
Absolutely a wonderful book to read. I truly enjoyed this book Thank you to the author.
History is such a wonderful thing to understand and appreciate. I truly believe this Author did his homework writing this book. Thanks
History is such a wonderful thing to understand and appreciate. I truly believe this Author did his homework writing this book. Thanks
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews