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Chisholm #1

Apache Ambush

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He was half Apache, half white. As a boy, he had seen his Indian mother gunned down by the hated bluecoats during an attack on his village. Now, years later, here he was, Wade Chisholm, scout for the U.S. Cavalry, alone in Apache country, asked to locate the hostiles - his people - then decide if he had the stomach to lead soldiers in the massacre of another village. But "Longknife" knew the Apaches had already filled the desolate desert. The Apache death chant. Chisholm was as good as dead!

125 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 4, 2015

75 people are currently reading
57 people want to read

About the author

Chet Cunningham

219 books23 followers
aka Jess Cody, Cathy Cunningham, Lionel Derrick (with Mark Roberts 2), Keith Douglass (with William H Keith), J.D. Bondie, Chad Calhoun, G.A. Carrington, Kit Dalton, Dirk Fletcher, Don Pendleton

Since his first novel was published in 1968 Chet Cunningham has written and had published nearly 300 works of fiction and 15 non fiction books. He is equally adept on horseback, in the techno-thriller arena, or recounting military history. His output includes 125 westerns and 50 men's action/adventure novels.

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5 stars
122 (42%)
4 stars
92 (32%)
3 stars
44 (15%)
2 stars
16 (5%)
1 star
10 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for HornFan2 .
761 reviews45 followers
December 22, 2018
Chet Cunningham's an author that should have a section in any readers library, he's written in multiple genre's and one of the legends. Can't believe it's been 31 years since I first discovered him and read 'Slaughter at Buffalo Creek', it's been a while since I read one of his books and definitely will be reading more from him.

In Apache Ambush, it Wade Chisolm is half Apache, half white, who watched his mother being gunned down during n attack on his Village by the bluecoats, ending up being raised by an Officer's family, went to West Point, and now a scout for the U.S. Cavalry.

He makes himself look like an Apache, then goes looking for the Chiricahua hideout, they've been killing, taking captives, looting homestead's and disappearing without a trace.

The author Chet Cunningham writes a real good story, brings his characters to life, puts the reader right in the pages and enjoyed reading this one. Definitely worth it to read, author Chet Cunningham one of the legends in the Western genre and a great starting point for your first Western read.
1,146 reviews9 followers
June 4, 2018
The start of another good story

I picked 5 stars because this was a good story and a good start to a series. I have to admit my rate was going to be one star less, but the twist ending changed my mind. The main character is a likeable protagonist. He is caught between two cultures that of the Apache and the white man. Many times this type of character select the path he takes because he is harmed by one of the two cultures. In this story he goes with the culture of his father not because of a desire for revenge against the culture of his mother, but for the reason his Apache heritage will not accept him after his mother's death. Wade Chisholm by the end of the book looks to be headed for a good life only to have it destroyed. What happens I will leave for you to find out. If you like western then I believe you will enjoy this one.
122 reviews1 follower
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May 3, 2021
Apache Ambush is “cowboys and Indians” at its finest! I highly recommend it to anyone who truly loves great western action thrillers

Apache Ambush is a terrific, action packed western with great characters and authentic storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more books by Mr. Cunningham
Profile Image for Frank Kelso.
Author 12 books368 followers
July 27, 2025
A true cowboy and Indian story.

A straight forward story of a disgraced officer standing tall and protecting soldiers fighting to settle the Chiracawa Apache to a standstill. A great first book in what appears to be a promising series.
731 reviews2 followers
September 29, 2017
A very good and entertaining novel. I enjoyed reading this novel and recommend it to everyone.
Profile Image for Alan Hardy.
Author 27 books127 followers
May 22, 2015
A great Wild West yarn containing a classic conflict between not just the US Cavalry and the Apaches but also waging within the breast of Wade Chisholm, a half-Indian US Army scout leading the Cavalry against his own people, with the memory of his own mother being slaughtered by the Cavalry when he was a young boy riding with him. This stirring tale, as well as being full of action, tension and romance, explores the dilemmas of loyalty, revenge, ethnicity and individual values. Another Western classic!
Profile Image for Reg Shell.
199 reviews7 followers
May 16, 2015
A Great Western Novel.



Another great western story by Chet Cunningham, in this one the main character is Wade Chisholm a half Apache and half white man.
He is helping the 5th U.S. Cavalry to overcome atrocities that are occurring in the mountains around Phoenix Arizona.

I would recommend the reading of Chet Cunningham's westerns as they bring the story to life, and you feel that you are there with the characters, again a great read.




Profile Image for D.K. Cassidy.
Author 19 books121 followers
May 16, 2015
A Western With A Twist.

Imagine having to lead the U.S. Calvary to kill your people. Wade Chisholm is a scout for the Calvary, and he is half Indian. What a horrible conflict for him.

You don’t have to be a fan of Westerns to enjoy this novel. The author explores much more than Apaches versus the Calvary. He touches on relationships, history, and throws in a bit of romance. This was thought provoking and enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Carol and Gary Curtis.
886 reviews13 followers
June 4, 2015
Excellent story. Not quite five stars as it's a little short. Particularly interesting was the romance, short as it was with an unhappy ending in the next book. The main character was well crafted but not overly long winded, just enough. I do enjoy Westerns and this was a good one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
116 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2015
Another good Chet Cunningham Western

He has the genre down pat. When you are ready for a Western tale that will keep you interested till the end, try a Chet Cunningham story. This one is about an Army scout hunting the tribe of raiding Indians that raised him.
614 reviews2 followers
August 23, 2015
Good western adventure

A good story of Indian fighting in the Arizona territory. Well written with plenty of action. I enjoyed the character of Wade Chisolm. This won't be the last of the series that I read.
396 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2015
Half Apache

Wade Chisholm is a great scout. The story us intriguing and keeps you turning the pages. Ready to start book two.
140 reviews9 followers
August 8, 2015
There is a lot I could say about this book.

Suffice to say, I love Westerns but this one disappoints.
Profile Image for Dan Panke.
344 reviews1 follower
August 10, 2015
An interesting tale that offers a conflict for the main character who chose the white man ahead of his Apache half.
Profile Image for Martha Peebles.
899 reviews10 followers
May 24, 2016
Really good book

I have totally enjoyed this book. I love how Chisholm keeps his cool in tight places. I am really looking forward to book 2.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews

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