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The Blood Hounds #2
No Man's Land
In the aftermath of a bloody train robbery, The Pinkerton Detective Agency enlists the newly married detectives Trace and Darby Crockett to track down the gold bullion that was stolen from the train, as well as one of the passengers who was abducted by the outlaws: the fifteen year-old daughter of a railroad executive.
Time is of the essence in bestselling author Ron Schwab's second Blood Hounds novel, No Man's Land, as this sprawling Western doubles down on suspense and adventure, providing Trace and Darby with their most dangerous mission yet.
Time is of the essence in bestselling author Ron Schwab's second Blood Hounds novel, No Man's Land, as this sprawling Western doubles down on suspense and adventure, providing Trace and Darby with their most dangerous mission yet.
- GenresWesterns
239 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2020
635 people are currently reading
60 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 56 reviews
February 16, 2025
A WESTERN MYSTERY, THRILLER, AND ACTION ADVENTURE THAT WILL AMAZE YOU
☆☆☆☆☆
No Man's Land: A Blood Hounds Novel (The Blood Hounds Book 2) by Ron Schwab is a well written tell of a group of Pinkerton Agents who are to retrieve a young woman kidnapped during a train robbery gone wrong by a group of ruthless bandits who have no problem robbing, killing, abusing women, and kidnapping young women to either ransom or enslave.
The group of Pinkertons (contracted) are led by a husband and wife team (Trace & Darby) and their new addition to their team Audra, who was a real help and asset in the first book. Also, addition to the team on a temporary basis is a gentleman named Clay, which brings additional resources as well. They are hired to find the bandits, return the stolen gold from the train, bring the thugs to justice, and above all, find the kidnapped young woman and bring her home safe if at all possible.
While searching for the group of bandits, the Crockett's (Trace & Darby) along with Audra and Clay face many challenges placing themselves in the line of fire and risking their lifes right and left to serve justice and save the life of Maddie, the kidnapped young woman.
If you enjoy stories that have true heroes with morals, action-packed, and thrillers that will hold your interest throughout the story, this book and series is for you.
Quotes:
"He was a man careful with his words, one of those rare persons who had discovered one learns more when his own lips aren't flapping."
"Things happen to us, and we shoot off in some direction we would never have guessed. We learn what we're made of. Those with an iron core survive and adapt. The glass dolls break."
"Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment."
☆☆☆☆☆
No Man's Land: A Blood Hounds Novel (The Blood Hounds Book 2) by Ron Schwab is a well written tell of a group of Pinkerton Agents who are to retrieve a young woman kidnapped during a train robbery gone wrong by a group of ruthless bandits who have no problem robbing, killing, abusing women, and kidnapping young women to either ransom or enslave.
The group of Pinkertons (contracted) are led by a husband and wife team (Trace & Darby) and their new addition to their team Audra, who was a real help and asset in the first book. Also, addition to the team on a temporary basis is a gentleman named Clay, which brings additional resources as well. They are hired to find the bandits, return the stolen gold from the train, bring the thugs to justice, and above all, find the kidnapped young woman and bring her home safe if at all possible.
While searching for the group of bandits, the Crockett's (Trace & Darby) along with Audra and Clay face many challenges placing themselves in the line of fire and risking their lifes right and left to serve justice and save the life of Maddie, the kidnapped young woman.
If you enjoy stories that have true heroes with morals, action-packed, and thrillers that will hold your interest throughout the story, this book and series is for you.
Quotes:
"He was a man careful with his words, one of those rare persons who had discovered one learns more when his own lips aren't flapping."
"Things happen to us, and we shoot off in some direction we would never have guessed. We learn what we're made of. Those with an iron core survive and adapt. The glass dolls break."
"Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment."
June 2, 2020
Started off a little slowly, but began to escalate pretty quickly and became an inferno before this compelling western masterpiece ended! Another outstanding western masterpiece by one of the best western folklore Authors of old western folklore adventures!
Definitely another five star masterpiece of realistic American western folklore adventures. The storylines successfully portrays compassionate camaraderie throughout the entire story, and the outstanding character selections were effectively selected for their commanding assignments from beginning to end.I
Once again the Pinkertons go above and beyond in their quest for justice.
The good guys, and gals, Trace, Clay, Clones, Darby and Audra, work hard in their quest for justice, and the recovery of stolen gold bullion! Also, a young girl, abducted by the bad guys, contributed to the demise of a few herself. She is finally rescued during the old recovery, and all is well that ends well!
No problem recommending this compelling western folklore masterpiece to all readers, as the excitement never ceases throughout the entire story, and the compassionate intriguing adventures will definitely leave you breathless as this outstanding story unfolds. Try it! You'll love it!!!😃
Definitely another five star masterpiece of realistic American western folklore adventures. The storylines successfully portrays compassionate camaraderie throughout the entire story, and the outstanding character selections were effectively selected for their commanding assignments from beginning to end.I
Once again the Pinkertons go above and beyond in their quest for justice.
The good guys, and gals, Trace, Clay, Clones, Darby and Audra, work hard in their quest for justice, and the recovery of stolen gold bullion! Also, a young girl, abducted by the bad guys, contributed to the demise of a few herself. She is finally rescued during the old recovery, and all is well that ends well!
No problem recommending this compelling western folklore masterpiece to all readers, as the excitement never ceases throughout the entire story, and the compassionate intriguing adventures will definitely leave you breathless as this outstanding story unfolds. Try it! You'll love it!!!😃
December 26, 2023
Kindle Unlimited
Ron Schwab is a favorite author of mine for a very good reason. In No Man's Land, it's August of 1882 in this the second of four in the Blook Hounds series, we are with newlywed Pinkerton Agents Darcy and Trace Crockett and their friend Audra as they follow up on a train robbery where $300,000 in gold bullion was stolen and a young woman, the 15-year-old daughter of an AT&SF Railroad Vice-President, was kidnapped from the train. The robbers were equipped to handle that kind of extreme weight and already had a reputation in the West as the Blue Bandana Gang. Pinkerton agents were killed, as well as civilians when the train was derailed after hitting a stone-filled buckboard. Obviously, there is some sort of leak of information available to this gang, either from the Denver Mint which handled the gold, or the Pinkerton Agency in Denver which handled the shipment of the bullion to be pressed into coins on the East Coast.
The pace is fast, the excitement never ends, and the folks are all interesting and personable - this is a tale to keep you up way too late. I loved it.
REVIEWED on December 25, 2023, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, and BookBub. Not available for review at B&N or Kobo.
Ron Schwab is a favorite author of mine for a very good reason. In No Man's Land, it's August of 1882 in this the second of four in the Blook Hounds series, we are with newlywed Pinkerton Agents Darcy and Trace Crockett and their friend Audra as they follow up on a train robbery where $300,000 in gold bullion was stolen and a young woman, the 15-year-old daughter of an AT&SF Railroad Vice-President, was kidnapped from the train. The robbers were equipped to handle that kind of extreme weight and already had a reputation in the West as the Blue Bandana Gang. Pinkerton agents were killed, as well as civilians when the train was derailed after hitting a stone-filled buckboard. Obviously, there is some sort of leak of information available to this gang, either from the Denver Mint which handled the gold, or the Pinkerton Agency in Denver which handled the shipment of the bullion to be pressed into coins on the East Coast.
The pace is fast, the excitement never ends, and the folks are all interesting and personable - this is a tale to keep you up way too late. I loved it.
REVIEWED on December 25, 2023, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, and BookBub. Not available for review at B&N or Kobo.
October 2, 2020
Five Stars EXCEPT
Ron is one of my favorite authors. I have read all of his books and enjoyed them all. He is a great storyteller and a solid writer. He develops interesting characters , and immerses them within a realistic intriguing plot. This is no exception. Why then only four stars? "Copperhead Canyon" is the central location for this story, and is specifically described as to location and the abundance of copperhead snakes. THE PROBLEM: There are no copperhead snakes this far west (by a few hundred miles). It should have been named "Rattlesnake Canyon." I expect better research from any author, especially an experienced author. I only took away one star, as the book is otherwise excellent. I would normally take away two or three stars from a lesser quality work. Mr. Schwab is better than this!
Ron is one of my favorite authors. I have read all of his books and enjoyed them all. He is a great storyteller and a solid writer. He develops interesting characters , and immerses them within a realistic intriguing plot. This is no exception. Why then only four stars? "Copperhead Canyon" is the central location for this story, and is specifically described as to location and the abundance of copperhead snakes. THE PROBLEM: There are no copperhead snakes this far west (by a few hundred miles). It should have been named "Rattlesnake Canyon." I expect better research from any author, especially an experienced author. I only took away one star, as the book is otherwise excellent. I would normally take away two or three stars from a lesser quality work. Mr. Schwab is better than this!
June 25, 2021
The head of the Kansas City Pinkerton agency comes to trace and Darby and Audrey with the proposal to add clay to the mix because the robbery of the blue bandana gang killed and injured and kidnaped a young woman
Such a serious crime has the nation and an uproar and most people don't know about the kidnapping of Maddie Sinclair who is the vice president of the train lines daughter. The bloodhounds are asked to take Clay on as one of theirs to help round up the gang rescue the gold and the girl. Clay fits in nicely with the group and they set of to no mans land on the train to set a trap for the blue bandana gang. But of instead of the Gatling gun for protection they end up with a coffin full of gold and their surprise attack taken. They are not sure how they're going to take out the blue bandana gang when they attack with the Gatling gun gone.
Such a serious crime has the nation and an uproar and most people don't know about the kidnapping of Maddie Sinclair who is the vice president of the train lines daughter. The bloodhounds are asked to take Clay on as one of theirs to help round up the gang rescue the gold and the girl. Clay fits in nicely with the group and they set of to no mans land on the train to set a trap for the blue bandana gang. But of instead of the Gatling gun for protection they end up with a coffin full of gold and their surprise attack taken. They are not sure how they're going to take out the blue bandana gang when they attack with the Gatling gun gone.
March 26, 2021
Solid Western
I’ve read all 3 books in the Blood Hounds series, thus far. I enjoy all the characters, and even the new ones introduced in the subsequent stories. The scene settings work for me; as they are just enough, without slowing the story down. I believe they are paced about right, in terms of timing, dialogue, and action. My only disappointment in the tales are that you don’t get much of peek into the lives of the main characters, either before the story unfolds, of after it wraps up. I personally feel a little cheated on how things are going with them, or what changes are made once the action is over.
I’ve read all 3 books in the Blood Hounds series, thus far. I enjoy all the characters, and even the new ones introduced in the subsequent stories. The scene settings work for me; as they are just enough, without slowing the story down. I believe they are paced about right, in terms of timing, dialogue, and action. My only disappointment in the tales are that you don’t get much of peek into the lives of the main characters, either before the story unfolds, of after it wraps up. I personally feel a little cheated on how things are going with them, or what changes are made once the action is over.
July 14, 2021
Pretty good western.
It' s a good read but not a great book. Interesting use of women, educated black man, and woman of "ill repute" turning her life around as central characters. One thing that I didn't like in this book and the previous one was Trace's use of a stallion as his regular riding horse. It seemed to be an effort to emphasize the hero's manliness when a stallion could actually be an aggravation riding or stabling with other horses. Additionally he noted that one of his companions was riding a mare, which could quickly cause stallion trouble. The whole stallion thing was a little too much and was noted several times in the story.
It' s a good read but not a great book. Interesting use of women, educated black man, and woman of "ill repute" turning her life around as central characters. One thing that I didn't like in this book and the previous one was Trace's use of a stallion as his regular riding horse. It seemed to be an effort to emphasize the hero's manliness when a stallion could actually be an aggravation riding or stabling with other horses. Additionally he noted that one of his companions was riding a mare, which could quickly cause stallion trouble. The whole stallion thing was a little too much and was noted several times in the story.
October 6, 2020
Second Read
This is the second book I've read by Ron Schwab. Was not disappointed. Each character is well defined as to their personality and abilities and of course flaws. The story moved along nicely and divided up so it keeps you in suspense of what's going to happen next to each individual character. The young lady Maddie is quite the surprise and steps up to the task at hand. Finding a surprising new friend. You'll have to read it to fine out. My suggestion is to read book one first. You won't be disappointed. 😀
This is the second book I've read by Ron Schwab. Was not disappointed. Each character is well defined as to their personality and abilities and of course flaws. The story moved along nicely and divided up so it keeps you in suspense of what's going to happen next to each individual character. The young lady Maddie is quite the surprise and steps up to the task at hand. Finding a surprising new friend. You'll have to read it to fine out. My suggestion is to read book one first. You won't be disappointed. 😀
October 27, 2020
Trace, Darby and Audra now have their own detective agency, but they still do contract work for the Pinkertons. When the Blue Bandana gang robs a train that has $300,000 in gold bars a couple of agents are killed and a young girl is kidnapped. Alan Pinkerton wants the Bloodhounds on the trail. Their one proviso is that they have their Pinkerton man, Clay, ride with them. This turns out to be a very good decision. What better way to catch train robbers than to bait them with more gold bars? Looking forward to more in this series!
September 16, 2024
Bloodhounds, part 2
Having just read part #1 a few weeks ago, I was wondering how the author would continue his character lines. New people are being introduced right and left; some you know will continue, others you know will not, and others, you are left guessing. Add this to the story being told and it adds some intrigue into the mix. I love how this author makes the "find the person" the central theme, not just murder and mayhem. Very good mix of action. A 4.6 out of 5 rating.
Having just read part #1 a few weeks ago, I was wondering how the author would continue his character lines. New people are being introduced right and left; some you know will continue, others you know will not, and others, you are left guessing. Add this to the story being told and it adds some intrigue into the mix. I love how this author makes the "find the person" the central theme, not just murder and mayhem. Very good mix of action. A 4.6 out of 5 rating.
May 25, 2020
This is the second book about the married duo,Trace and Darby and I think it is better than the first book. Sharp attention to detail Darby and outgoing Trace make a good marriage and excellent detective agency.When they accept an assignment from the Pinkertons to locate $300,00 worth of stolen gold bars and take down the gang of murdering thieves, the action starts. This book is interesting and well written and if you enjoy westerns, you will like this book.
June 7, 2020
Great Story
I truly enjoyed reading this Western, it had great character development, exciting adventures, and very realistic. Ron Schwab
Is a great author. His characters are always multidimensional, and
Have true depth. His facts are always close to the historical events. This is a real page turner.
I truly enjoyed reading this Western, it had great character development, exciting adventures, and very realistic. Ron Schwab
Is a great author. His characters are always multidimensional, and
Have true depth. His facts are always close to the historical events. This is a real page turner.
July 6, 2020
Both books are excellent
Ron is an excellent writer. Good grammar and editing makes reading a pleasure. His characters take on a life of their own. So many westerns are formulaic. Always the same plot just the names are different. Not true of these stories. The plots are unique and interesting.
Ron is an excellent writer. Good grammar and editing makes reading a pleasure. His characters take on a life of their own. So many westerns are formulaic. Always the same plot just the names are different. Not true of these stories. The plots are unique and interesting.
July 9, 2020
Excellent resd
Great western reading during Covid. His writing is very descriptive of the land about the story. I enjoyed his characters immensely he puts together a very interesting mix of characters. I also like his attention to the history of the west. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I'll be reading more of his stories to get my Western fix. Thank you!
Great western reading during Covid. His writing is very descriptive of the land about the story. I enjoyed his characters immensely he puts together a very interesting mix of characters. I also like his attention to the history of the west. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I'll be reading more of his stories to get my Western fix. Thank you!
July 30, 2020
Good read! I like the relationship that is developing between Darby and Trace, and Audra seems to have her eyes fixed on the new guy to the group. Excellent story, and the descriptions of the scenery were just right. Altogether, a really good book that I would recommend to anyone that likes westerns.
January 16, 2022
This book started out really slowly for me. Several new characters were introduced all at once right at the beginning, including some backstories on each. I found that part of the book to be boring and I wondered if I would even finish it. Thankfully once the new characters and the story were finally set up (maybe halfway through the book), the pace picked up and became more interesting.
March 8, 2022
Great story
I really like the characters. They all are pretty strong especially Audra . I like Clay also. They are just normal people taking care of business and each other. I like the way the author shows the bonds of the characters and how they work closely together. The story moves along quickly. You can tell at the end there's still more story. Gotta go buy book 3!!
I really like the characters. They all are pretty strong especially Audra . I like Clay also. They are just normal people taking care of business and each other. I like the way the author shows the bonds of the characters and how they work closely together. The story moves along quickly. You can tell at the end there's still more story. Gotta go buy book 3!!
March 12, 2022
Another great book
This is my second book I have read of yours. You still rate as
top story teller and writer. Your in the the top 10% of the writers out of the hundred of book I have read over the all my
years . I am 80 years old so that been a lot years. Reading is my
favorite pass time. THANK YOU
This is my second book I have read of yours. You still rate as
top story teller and writer. Your in the the top 10% of the writers out of the hundred of book I have read over the all my
years . I am 80 years old so that been a lot years. Reading is my
favorite pass time. THANK YOU
June 30, 2020
No Man's Land 2
This was a good read that keeps your interest and attention from start to finish.The story is filled with action and adventure, it makes sense that keeps your interest,and follows the most logical conclusion possible.
This was a good read that keeps your interest and attention from start to finish.The story is filled with action and adventure, it makes sense that keeps your interest,and follows the most logical conclusion possible.
July 12, 2020
Delightful tale!
I thoroughly enjoyed this take of the Old West. Great characters and nicely paced hunt down of the train robber bad guys. I highly recommend this second book in the series and I hope there are more to come.
I thoroughly enjoyed this take of the Old West. Great characters and nicely paced hunt down of the train robber bad guys. I highly recommend this second book in the series and I hope there are more to come.
August 2, 2020
Suspense
Interesting story I liked the addition of the women to the story line. In most of the westerns ladies are not portrayed as being able to take care of themselves, these ladies could do just that
Interesting story I liked the addition of the women to the story line. In most of the westerns ladies are not portrayed as being able to take care of themselves, these ladies could do just that
August 9, 2020
Great sequel to series
I thoroughly enjoyed this 2nd book in the series. If you like westerns (you must if you picked out this book) you should really read this. Also, if you're like me, when you're done, you'll be hoping there is another book after this one.
I thoroughly enjoyed this 2nd book in the series. If you like westerns (you must if you picked out this book) you should really read this. Also, if you're like me, when you're done, you'll be hoping there is another book after this one.
August 22, 2020
Yeehaaa!!!
Another riproarin' tale brought to you by the wild West and Pinkertons National Detective Agency! An excellent story by an excellent author. I am sure that anyone who loves western stories will enjoy reading this.
Another riproarin' tale brought to you by the wild West and Pinkertons National Detective Agency! An excellent story by an excellent author. I am sure that anyone who loves western stories will enjoy reading this.
February 15, 2021
While, I thought this second was not as strong as the first, I did very much enjoy the book. I like the additional characters and the plot's twists and turns. Sometime the action seemed just a bit confused. I'll be going on to the third in the series simply because I enjoyed the first two.
June 15, 2021
Great Book
I have read three books in this series (Bloodhounds) and all three excellent The author is very descriptive helping you to visualize the location, circumstances, and the action! Recommend for anyone who likes western books!
I have read three books in this series (Bloodhounds) and all three excellent The author is very descriptive helping you to visualize the location, circumstances, and the action! Recommend for anyone who likes western books!
January 8, 2022
Too bad , Ron Schwab could be a fair western writer if he wasn't so obsessed with sex. It seems that all his characters are sexually immoral.
I just enjoy a good, reasonably clean western novel. I feel that the people who settled the west , were a reasonably moral people
I just enjoy a good, reasonably clean western novel. I feel that the people who settled the west , were a reasonably moral people
November 2, 2022
love the continuing series with Darb and Trace.
Looking forward to more Pinkerton episodes. Enjoy Trace and Darby, also Clay and Audra. Wonder how Colmes will workout. Glad he wasn’t a bad guy…,yet anyway. Always love a good dog in these stories.
Looking forward to more Pinkerton episodes. Enjoy Trace and Darby, also Clay and Audra. Wonder how Colmes will workout. Glad he wasn’t a bad guy…,yet anyway. Always love a good dog in these stories.
November 8, 2023
Excellent!
As I have been following the author's stories I was again finding it difficult to put this story down. Lots of action,adventure and intrigue. Can't wait to start another novel.
As I have been following the author's stories I was again finding it difficult to put this story down. Lots of action,adventure and intrigue. Can't wait to start another novel.
December 14, 2023
A entertaining series
I enjoy the way the characters are brought in and seem to make the team substantially stronger. The storyline is unique and loadedeith action. Well thought out plot brings you into the story and keeps the pages turning.
I enjoy the way the characters are brought in and seem to make the team substantially stronger. The storyline is unique and loadedeith action. Well thought out plot brings you into the story and keeps the pages turning.
March 16, 2024
Good second book
Natural follow onto book one. Interesting plot line with typical “trail” detail. Recommend starting with book one as the protagonists relationship is key to the series.
Natural follow onto book one. Interesting plot line with typical “trail” detail. Recommend starting with book one as the protagonists relationship is key to the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews