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Concho #1

The Ranger

Concho Ten-Wolves is a Texas Ranger working the Rio Grande border between Mexico and the U.S.. His father was black, his mother a full-blood member of the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas. He remembers neither of them. Both disappeared soon after Concho’s birth and his Kickapoo grandmother raised him on the tribal reservation just outside Eagle Pass, Texas.

Often bullied as a youth for his differences, Concho soon grew into the promise of his big hands and wide shoulders. Hatred of him remained in some; fear joined that emotion in others. Concho learned to walk a solitary path, which first took him away to college and then to Afghanistan as an Army Ranger.

Now, a group of Neo-Nazi terrorists have taken over a mall in Eagle Pass. One hostage is the woman Concho loves. The only path Concho can see is straight ahead and through.

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 27, 2021

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About the author

A.W. Hart

42 books12 followers

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5 stars
287 (56%)
4 stars
164 (32%)
3 stars
49 (9%)
2 stars
4 (<1%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Lyndon.
Author 78 books123 followers
December 25, 2021
Concho is one tough son of a gun. And this first Concho novel by Charles Gramlich (writing under the house name A.W. Hart) is a "bust em up, take em down" modern western action/crime story that starts strong and doesn't quit.

If you like rogue cops with a moral compass who get into a lot of trouble and fight their way out of it, you'll like this Kickapoo Indian Texas Ranger version of Jack Reacher. The plot holds up and the writing is solid. Not a lot of bad language, which I appreciate, but there is quite a bit of violence. But all in defense of the law, mind you. ;)

I think there are four books in the series now, all from Wolfpack Publishing. I'll get to them eventually, I'm sure. If you enjoy Craig Johnson's Longmire novels, Concho might be your next western lawman to cheer for.

Update: Can't believe I didn't get any "likes" for this review! (grin) So, since I forgot to review Book 2, I'm going to copy and paste some of what I wrote here and include it in my update to "Hot, Blue & Righteous." ;-) (Oh, may, another update. I see there are some people who liked this review. Goodreads is so weird; notifications and the newsfeed are inconsistent for me! Anyway, carry on!)
Profile Image for Stewart Sternberg.
Author 6 books35 followers
August 8, 2021
Concho is a testosterone cocktail. The Texas Ranger is a flawed hero, the strong silent type with a temper and a skeptical eye for authority. He's a Hemingway protagonist, the sort that respects the aficionado and hates pretention. Or, one could just say: "Women want him and men want to be him."

The book is two-fisted action, and the author knows how to set a scene and time it with deft perfection. Concho is as good as any of the Jack Reacher series or the Bourne adventures.

Applause for an action hero who is at once likeable and challenging in his approach to law and order.
Profile Image for Tony Petry.
199 reviews5 followers
September 4, 2021
Charles Gramlich writing under the name A.W. Hart once again. This book and character Concho Ten-Wolves is Gramlich at his all time best. Gramlich proves here why he is one of the greatest authors today.
If you like crime, mystery, history and action all rolled up together then this is the book for you.
113 reviews2 followers
June 26, 2021
Fun book to read

I almost never give a book 5 stars. This was a very good book, well written, good quality characters, and a great sense of humor. I very much enjoyed it and look forward to book 2.
Thank you
215 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2021
Exciting read

I found this story fast moving and full of action. The lead character encompassed mystery as well as competence.I like heroes that are intelligent and loyal. Looking forward to the next book in this series, so much yet to uncover about Concho.
Profile Image for Donadee's Corner.
2,649 reviews63 followers
June 8, 2021
AW Hart – Concho Bk 1 – The Ranger – Reviewed 6/7/21 – Read 6/4-5/21

Concho Ten-Wolves-Texas Ranger guarding the Rio Grande border between Mexico and the US. The Ranger!

His father was black, his mother full-blooded Kickapoo, but they both disappeared soon after he was born, leaving his grandmother to raise Concho Ten-Wolves on the tribal reservation just outside of Eagle Pass, Texas. Because he was different, he was bullied and even hated, but he grew up into a very large man that walked a solitary path. Later he went to college and then into the Army. As a Ranger, he ended up in Afghanistan. Later he worked his way up into the Texas Rangers and finally found a good fit. He was assigned to Eagle pass, and he still lives on the reservation, but not in the same wickiup that his grandmother raised him in.

On this day, he receives a radio call that terrorists have taken over the Eagle Pass Mall. He is informed that they are a Neo-Nazi group that has been causing trouble for some time around the area. Now, this is a problem for Concho, as the woman he loves is the manager there. Arriving he prepares himself for the worse, taking his beloved Bow and arrows, he sidesteps everyone and heads to the area where the manager’s office is. Finding the office empty he begins his pursuit of the terrorists. He rescues one woman, moving her to Maria’s office and telling her to stay put for the count of 15 minutes, then to move out on the roof and flag the police below on the ground to get her down.

Join now as the hunt begins, Concho races down the stairs to the ground floor of the mall…

What did I like? Talk about in with a bang, Concho is one heck of a man, not only in size but in the heart. I have read all of the books that AW Hart has written (via different authors) but this one lies nearer my heart with Concho being Native American, even though it is only part, but the same as me. Here again, the values, beliefs, and knowledge of the tribal life play a big part in the man that he has become. He walks with the knowledge of the land and people around him, and he cares!
What will you like? Anyone that is a fan of westerns will fall in love with this series. Not only are the values the same, but it just seems that Concho gets into more trouble than the average bear. He has senses that have led him to safety more times than he cares to count, and his beliefs of right and wrong make him more of a man than a cop. He knows that he wears the two colors of his heritage, but he does it with pride, and admiration of the Tribal History. This is going to be one heck of a series, with lots of humor, excitement, mystery, intrigue, and values. Don’t miss adding this, the beginning, of the Concho series to your Western Library today. ‘The Ranger’ is available now.

• ASIN: B0945MBKXY
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 6/2/2021
• File Size: 5092 KB
• Print Length: 306 pages
• Genre: Contemporary Western Fiction, Native American Literature, Westerns
41 reviews
July 11, 2021
Outstanding!!

My pleasure to meet Concho Ten wolves! I really appreciate a well written mystery with a real action hero. Everything necessary for a page turning novel has been incorporated in this story. Well done Mr.Hart.
18 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2021
Fun read

I thoroughly enjoyed the many character developments. . .the scene settings, so realistic and picturesque. . .loving contemporary westerns, this fits right in. Heartily recommend it.
94 reviews
June 6, 2021
Good story, well-written.

There were a few grammar or spelling errors. On the whole, an interesting story. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for LUAYNE.
1,953 reviews5 followers
June 8, 2021
Excellent

Extremely well written modern type western involving a Texas ranger, murder, arson, many gun battles, conflicts with boss, some romance, legends, and mystic visions. No foul language or descriptive sex scenes. Everything concluded and all questions answered.
Profile Image for Douglas L Hubman.
6 reviews
July 7, 2021
Great hero book. Waiting on the second book which was to be auto delivered on 7th, July. Where is it?
Profile Image for wayne franks.
13 reviews
Read
July 28, 2021
Pageturner

A great storyline with believable characters,lots of action,one of those books you never want to put down,that keeps you guessing. Can't wait to read the next one
922 reviews12 followers
June 3, 2021
Intense Hardcore Justice Well Served!
A.W. Hart is one of the most creative writers ever as he demonstrates with this full-bodied, graphically visual tales of prejudice, crime and eventual justice! From the first paragraph, only action transitions throughout with no boring fillers! Definitely a fast page-turner!
147 reviews
December 13, 2021
Read away

Another hero. If the series has him as scarred as the first book, it won’t be long before he will no longer be handsome.
48 reviews
September 1, 2021
Action packed!
The last time I read a "modern" western, it was by the master, Mr. Lamour. I would say that Concho ranks right up there with his characters.
I've already dug in and found Mr. Hart's next Concho story.
200 reviews2 followers
August 29, 2021
Love to read

What a great book!!!!! Loved it!! Just my kind of book. Now I want to read more of this authors books.
62 reviews
August 21, 2021
Ver enjoyable

Good read. Moves fast with lots of characters and a good plot. I am looking forward to more of the same.
96 reviews
August 4, 2021
I liked

I was expecting a good old western style story with horses and bad guys. I almost deleted it, but the writing kept me intrigued. So while modern Westerns 😋 are not my preferred venue, I truly enjoyed this book.
50 reviews1 follower
September 12, 2021
Concho-Ten Wolves

What a great modern western thriller! Concho is a special kind of hero who is constantly trying to save his special Indian world! The character development was excellent and the story kept you turning pages! Especially
liked the Indian side of the story! Liked it so much I bought the next two in the series!

160 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2022
A really good book

First time reader of this author, and really enjoyed the story and characters. Concho is a very believable and strong character. Just wanted more. 🙂 Will definitely be reading this series.
7,851 reviews53 followers
March 11, 2023
He was the choice for the bullies growing up. Now he is a ranger, doing justice and brings fear to those that think they have other ideas
He is fierce, loyal to his ancestry and to Marie his love.
Woven with history a different era, with a magic that captures us as we read
Profile Image for Joe.
573 reviews21 followers
July 26, 2025
Entertaining and easy to read. Not the most realistic and some of the attempts at connecting to real life miss the mark. The plot is fairly predictable, some of the twists seem forced or inconsequential, but overall a nice break from more serious reading.
Profile Image for Ryan.
91 reviews1 follower
November 10, 2025
A well-written, two-fisted tale with plenty of action! I’ll definitely read the rest of this modern western series. Highly recommended for fans of the old men’s adventure paperbacks of the 70s and 80s.
Profile Image for Steve.
961 reviews18 followers
December 6, 2021
This was an action-packed modern western and a quick read.
I don't think I will be reading any more by this author though.
112 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2022
Great action! Kind of reminded me a little of Longmire except set in Texas. Suspenseful to the end. Makes me want read the next A.W. Hart book!
Profile Image for Mary Stenvall.
Author 15 books8 followers
October 20, 2022
If you combined Superman, Dwayne Johnson, Jack Reacher and Dom Toretto you would have Concho, the smaller edition.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews