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Beware a Pale Horse

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From the bestselling author of Old Dogs and The Accidental Sheriff comes the thrilling Western novel, Beware a Pale Horse!

Just when he thought his lawman days were over, duty calls once again for Grant Coolidge, as a range war erupts around his new home of Lockwood. Initially reluctant to get in the middle of a battle that's not his to fight, the rise of brutal vigilante justice dished out by a group led by a mysterious and menacing man riding a pale horse pushes Grant to pick a side.

As friendships grow and a romance blooms, the stakes are high to keep order in the burgeoning railroad town in Wyoming Territory.

Chock-full of adventure, humor, and romance, Ron Schwab's latest Western novel is unforgettable!

297 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 11, 2023

662 people are currently reading
70 people want to read

About the author

Ron Schwab

47 books192 followers
Ron 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.

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5 stars
2,319 (65%)
4 stars
951 (26%)
3 stars
231 (6%)
2 stars
38 (1%)
1 star
23 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
Profile Image for Fred Barnes.
316 reviews42 followers
September 10, 2024
9/02/24:

RATING ☆☆☆☆☆

FAST PACE WESTERN ACTION MYSTERY THAT WILL KEEP YOUR INTERESTS THROUGHOUT
Beware a Pale Horse (Lockwood Book 2) by Ron Schwab has written a very well written book and series that will most likely go down as one of the best no matter what genre you're into. Granted, this is a western, but you could take this storyline out of the late 1870's in Wyoming and place all the characters and events into the present or even the future and the characters and storyline would still work very well.

Ron's main character, Grant Coolidge is a solid character, with strong morals, and quick to stand up for justice for his friends, neighbors, and members of the small town community of Lockwood, Wyoming. Grant is a dime story author who finds himself time and time again stepping into the role of a lawman to fight injustice and bring thoughs that pray on the innocent to justice.

In this book (the second book in this series) Grant, Hannah, Jim, Bushwa, and Trouble, just to name a few, track down hired mercenaries that are hell bent to win a range war against legal homesteaders and small time ranchers out in the countryside of the Wyoming wilderness.

The action-packed, fast-paced mystery thriller will keep your curiosity up from the fisrt page to the last to see if or how Grant and his team can save the day and bring justice in their small little community in the wild west.

Quotes from "Beware a Pale Horse":

"Folks must be convinced that everyone loses if the law of rope rules. Nobody is safe when the law gets stomped on. We can close our eyes to it for a spell and pretend it don't concern us, but sooner or later the raging mob will find us, and the price will be a dear one. It might be the destruction of our property or death of loved ones, and if we don't make a stand, it will be the loss of our freedom."

"Do not judge quickly, he thought. People are often not what the first encounter suggests."

I have really enjoyed the first two books in this series and I am currently reading the third book in this series. I hope you will also find yourself enjoying these books as well as I have.
Profile Image for Bonnye Reed.
4,696 reviews109 followers
March 29, 2023
We are back in Lockwood with Grant Coolidge, and Pale Horse is a continuation of the first novel in this series, Accidental Sheriff, but it stands on its own quite well. The story is richer if read as a series. This is a western tale you will not want to miss.

Released of his lawman duties with the return of the actual sheriff, Grant looks to settle himself into the community of Lockwood. Unfortunately, his sense of contentment is short-lived, as vicious vigilantes start a range war between the big ranchers, members of a Stockman's group, and the little men, the homesteaders, and those with small ranches that are breaking up the unfenced public land surrounding the town. The Public land the big ranchers use liberally to graze their stock. People are being hung, places burned out, and justice must be found. This is all interfering with Grant's pursuit of the lovely Hannah, an independent woman with spirit and flare.

I really hope there will be more of this series. But I love anything Ron Schwab brings to us.

Reviewed on March 28, 2023, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, and BookBub.
354 reviews4 followers
January 21, 2023
Another Western Hit for Ron Schwab

I throughly enjoyed the continuation of the series. The characters are what make this story come to life. Each one is unique and adds depth and warmth to the book. The scene settings are just enough to give you the visualization without weighing you down in the details. I appreciate that the plot picks up shortly after the first book. This is well worth your time and monies.
Profile Image for Christine.
422 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2023
My reading of the story reminded me of the Wyoming Range Wars. I appreciate the descriptive historical details and the fictional story draws the reader into a very interesting western place and time with believable characters. The book is one of the best I've read this year. I took a star off the rating for the few typographical errors, and some editing would have helped the reading go a little more smoothly. Locations: [Wyoming: Lockwood (fictional), Big River County (fictional), North Laramie River Valley]
Profile Image for Elise Larson.
Author 8 books54 followers
June 13, 2023
An exciting western adventure filled with humor and a touch of romance. Five delighted stars!

I discovered The Accidental Sheriff two weeks ago, and as a longtime fan of well-written western novels, I'm seriously hooked! The second book in the Lockwood series is every bit as good as the first, filled with plenty of excitement, humor, a touch of romance, and memorable characters in authentic western settings. What more could I ask for?

You'll find plenty of villains, but this book is also filled with likable characters, many of whom also appeared in The Accidental Sheriff. There's "Trouble" Yates, a young entrepreneur who stars in the third book in this series; Gideon Trout, a ten-year-old orphan who "adopts" Grant; Jasmine and Primrose, teenage girls who become Hannah's wards; and Hannah herself, whose slow-burn romance with Grant finally heats up toward the end. Realistic dialogue--often laced with humor--brings each character to life.

Thankfully, Ron Schwab has 34 books to his credit, which should keep me immersed in western adventures for quite a while. Beware a Pale Horse earns five delighted stars from me. Trouble comes next!
399 reviews4 followers
January 26, 2023
A long time waiting.

I loved reading the Accidental Sheriff several months ago. I had hoped to read the sequel right away. It was worth the wait even though I couldn’t remember a lot of what I read in the first book. Thank goodness there were a few reminders of what went on. It is a very clever idea for a writer to use the idea of a dime novelist in the western world who is forced to use his clever, creative mind in catching the real life bad guys and promote justice. Grant Coolidge is cool and funny.
131 reviews
January 16, 2023
Death rider

When I started this book I forgot the characters. By the second chapter it was coming back to me. I surely hope the author continues with this series right away. I love the characters and how they interact. When he adds more characters the story gets better. I would advise anyone who starts the series to begin with the first book. To the author I would like to say Ron please keep this series going.Thanks for all the entertainment.
Profile Image for Donald Montano.
Author 13 books377 followers
February 18, 2023
A good hard-charging story of the West still in its infancy yet showing signs of coming civilization

A strong man of character, and a writer of Western novels to boot. Add into the mix a woman lawyer who knows her own mind and a cast of truly colorful characters to fight a dreaded band of Justice Riders who spread murder across the land under the guise of justice. Now you have a story! And the author tells it with wit and style to make you want to keep turning the pages.
488 reviews7 followers
March 17, 2023
Terrific Series, Terrific Novel 👏👏

Mr Schwab is one of my favorite authors. He always paints a fine landscape for his novels. But his development of terrific characters separates him from most in his genre. His characters are interesting, sometimes complex, but always have depth. The quality of his writing is top notch, and his storyline strong. This book is no exception: So many interesting characters abound that I hope he has plans for more books in this series!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
224 reviews2 followers
March 28, 2023
A Terrific Western Saga

Schwab presents a follow up to Accidental Sheriff which readers do not want to miss. Lockwood is still the setting but a couple of well crafted new characters join the previous cast of Grant and Hannah and their adopted children & pets. A vigilante group hired by some huge cattle farmers to rid the valley of settlers including The Accidental Sheriff & his new girl friend, Hannah. The action is non stop and the ending is terrific.
12 reviews
September 13, 2024
ILoved this book and I think you Wii too! If you have read any of his books ,know what I 'm talki


I can love All of his books , but this was one of his best. His books tend to be like three books in one ,When you think your at about the end you start a new chapter and you can't put it down ! All his books are great and this is one of the Best!! How I
You known once to start reading his books you'll not STOP!!! Mary Ray craft

20 reviews
January 29, 2023
Beware a pale horse

Another outstanding book by Ron SCHWAB that is time well spent. I will be waiting for the next book in this series. As the pages get closer to the end I find myself wondering how soon the next book will be available. As good as or better then the law wrangler series and that is saying something.




18 reviews
March 2, 2023
Action packed and with q pleasant ending

The title coated me since I have watched the Clint Eastwood " Pale Rider " I didn't expect the bad guy to be riding the horse but loved how the horse wound up at the end .
I would recommend this to my friends because it was a clean book !
24 reviews1 follower
April 2, 2023
I'm sorry, but.

This pale horse book was not nearly as well written as the accidental sheriff one. It was just too slow in spots, too fast in others, the plot became pretty obvious and the dialogue a little lame, too much was explained that didn't need to be...other parts needed more elaboration but didn't get it....
877 reviews25 followers
April 30, 2023
Beware a Pale Horse (2)

Wonderful story and very enjoyable reading! This is book 2 in the series. I live western books and television shows. Mostly the older ones through! They are better at depicting the story of long ago much better! I can't remember reading a better Western story series!
532 reviews5 followers
May 30, 2023
A fantastic tale

I have now read all three books in this series and I'm only disappointed that there are not more to read. The characters are so rich and strong that they fill my imagination with possibilities. They are the work of a great author and I definitively have become a fan.
49 reviews1 follower
September 8, 2023
Pale horse

Another very good and interesting story. Ron Schwab has my attention. He weaves a compelling mystery western with great characters and somehow gets romance involved . I'm looking forward for more great stories from him. I would tell a synopsis of the story but you should just give it a chance and read it on your on.
161 reviews1 follower
May 15, 2024
Great sequel

A great follow up to book 1. Grant continues to make a place for himself in Lockwood. Hannah becomes more involved as they interact more and Trouble finds that with Sammy. Action and suspense great and I really enjoyed it. On to 3rd one. A couple minor proofing issues in this one got missed. Worth reading!
Profile Image for Donald Toth.
11 reviews
June 23, 2024
Historically sound and an action adventure

This book was historically accurate in it's setting and in the language or vernacular. It set the stage for the next book and perhaps one stand-alone book, TROUBLE and BUSHWA. Come to think of it it would rate 99.9 to book one's 90 percent favorable.
Profile Image for Jerry Nallon.
59 reviews
January 16, 2023
Another enjoyable book

I never tire of reading Ron Schwab books. My only problem with his books is that I just can’t put them down. I usually have have to go back after a time and re-read his books again, because I enjoy all the books and characters so much.
Profile Image for Cody .
493 reviews4 followers
January 20, 2023
Nope

Got into the first few pages and one of the 1st things they do is shoot a dog.
Thus the 1 star rating and stopped reading right then.
Ending the life of an innocent pet never ever adds to a story.
Profile Image for Linda.
503 reviews7 followers
January 25, 2023
Awesome Read

Great addition to the first book. This author is a superb writer. Great story line with some super good characters. Would highly recommend this series as well as all books written by this author.
Profile Image for laurel kingman.
108 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2023
Great read, if you like coyboys, cowgirls and horses.

The only thing wrong with Ron Schwab books, is there aren't enough of them. He always paints a clear picture of all the characters, including the horses.
Profile Image for Jeanne Mann.
41 reviews
January 29, 2023
Loved every minute of it

It’s so nice to read a good story that keeps you captivated on what’s going happen next. Further, there’s something honest and true about the way this book is written
70 reviews
January 30, 2023
Unusual western

Enjoyable read, quick, many familiar western elements, rangecwar, outlaws, and people living and working in a hard land mixer with romance, colorful characters and a surprised deliverence.
71 reviews1 follower
February 11, 2023
A Pale Horse

I totally liked the book. I will recommend this book, to family and friends. I gave the 5 star rating, because of all the action, and suspense, that, made up
the story line.

136 reviews1 follower
February 15, 2023
Great book

Grant, a writer of dime novels showed he was more than a writer. After visiting his army friend he decided to go to Lockwood for inspiration for his books. While traveling by train was the first time. Really enjoyed this book. Always enjoy Ron Schwab as books.
21 reviews
February 18, 2023
Ron Schwab writes very good stories. Beware a Pale Horse is 2nd story about Grant Cooledge a writer who is pulled into the stories and usually able to make things right with Hannah Locke (a member of the Locke famil who Ron Schwab has used many times).
Profile Image for Mike Bradford.
347 reviews
February 22, 2023
great second book in this series

Great continuation from the first book. Very well written and great characters in the storyline
Hope for more on these characters
Highly recommend this series
Profile Image for John Lawless.
50 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2023
Wow, A GREAT BOOK

I t this is one of the better books that I have read in my77 years of life and the hundreds of western stories I have enjoyed. It meets all of my criteria for a good CLEAN story with minimal deaths. Thanks for your sharing it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews

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