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Texas Paladin #3
Texas Paladin, Death Wish
Two young Texas Rangers are murdered by a hardened border criminal, and Jubal Coe straps on his Colt and heads for the border to find out who did it and bring them to justice. He's joined by the father of one dead Ranger and the uncle of another. They hunt down the shrewd mastermind behind the killing and confront him with hot lead and Ranger justice. Another exciting novel of the old West by R. O. Lane
- GenresFiction
207 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2019
About the author
R.O. Lane
64 books116 followersR.O. Lane is the author of several western novels, including the US Marshal series. R. O. has BA in English and an MA in communications research. He worked as a writer and editor for three daily newspapers and has written dozens of speeches for senior officers of three Fortune 500 corporations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
June 6, 2026
RANGER JUSTICE SERVED WHEN A RUTHLESS MURDERER KILLS TWO OF THEIR OWN
6/05/26 Review:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
With the death of two young rangers on their first assignment out of training, three Texas Rangers set out to track down the killer or killers not just for justice but for revenge too. These three seasoned Rangers have no desire to bring the murderers in to be tried for their crimes, they're set to bring Ranger Justice and put an end to the murdering, thieving, cattle rustling, and arm dealers six feet under a blanket of dirt. One of the Rangers, Jubal Coe, was their academy trainer, one Ranger is the seasoned Ranger who is the uncle of one of the young men, Jacob, and the third Ranger, Luke, is the father of the other young ranger.
Texas Paladin, Death Wish, book 3 by R.O. Lane is a well-written, action-packed, western thriller that will keep you guessing how the three seasoned Rangers are going to settle the score and serve justice casing Trice, the rancher, murderer, cattle rustler, and arms dealer who has been able to stay under the radar of the law for over twenty years and fooled everyone leaving them to believe he was an enterprising and successful rancher living on the Texas and Mexico border. Trice is not the brainless criminal looking just to make a score drinking and pissing his bounty away, he's one of the smartest and slipperiest criminal Jubal has had to chase down. The chase not only throughout Texas but extends into Mexico, and even goes as far east as Louisiana. It's a chase on horseback, multiple rail services, steamships, paddle wheels, on foot and even swimming to catch this slippery villain with the bullets flying all around.
This is a great book and a great conclusion to a great series that every western lover will truly enjoy. If you haven't had to read one of R.O. Lane's books and or series, this is a good one to wet your whistle on. You will not be disappointed and you might end up as I have determined to read every book I can, written by R.O. Lane.
6/05/26 Review:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
With the death of two young rangers on their first assignment out of training, three Texas Rangers set out to track down the killer or killers not just for justice but for revenge too. These three seasoned Rangers have no desire to bring the murderers in to be tried for their crimes, they're set to bring Ranger Justice and put an end to the murdering, thieving, cattle rustling, and arm dealers six feet under a blanket of dirt. One of the Rangers, Jubal Coe, was their academy trainer, one Ranger is the seasoned Ranger who is the uncle of one of the young men, Jacob, and the third Ranger, Luke, is the father of the other young ranger.
Texas Paladin, Death Wish, book 3 by R.O. Lane is a well-written, action-packed, western thriller that will keep you guessing how the three seasoned Rangers are going to settle the score and serve justice casing Trice, the rancher, murderer, cattle rustler, and arms dealer who has been able to stay under the radar of the law for over twenty years and fooled everyone leaving them to believe he was an enterprising and successful rancher living on the Texas and Mexico border. Trice is not the brainless criminal looking just to make a score drinking and pissing his bounty away, he's one of the smartest and slipperiest criminal Jubal has had to chase down. The chase not only throughout Texas but extends into Mexico, and even goes as far east as Louisiana. It's a chase on horseback, multiple rail services, steamships, paddle wheels, on foot and even swimming to catch this slippery villain with the bullets flying all around.
This is a great book and a great conclusion to a great series that every western lover will truly enjoy. If you haven't had to read one of R.O. Lane's books and or series, this is a good one to wet your whistle on. You will not be disappointed and you might end up as I have determined to read every book I can, written by R.O. Lane.
October 7, 2020
Great book
I truly enjoyed this book, this character is one of favorite characters in the books that you write. Please keep adding to the series as well as your other books.
I truly enjoyed this book, this character is one of favorite characters in the books that you write. Please keep adding to the series as well as your other books.
July 27, 2025
5 STARS, MANHUNT FOR RANGERS MURDERERS
5 STARS for this Book 3 in this Texas Paladin Series with its shoot-em-up action which is very heavy in this book. Our main criminal Trice had been an agitator in the Civil War in the group he rode with, when one leader was killed or caught/killed he moved on to a more violent & really criminal activities units that robbed stages & banks not to mention people. Not the actions of regular soldiers for sure. His group after the death of the last leader about 6 of the men decided with Trice to go to Texas & they headed that way after shooting their wounded knowing if caught they would spill everything they knew. Especially their names.
In Texas Trice stated a big ranch partly with stolen money he brokenhearted with him but he played a lot of high stakes poker on the way Texas & after arriving. He invested in some cattle & soon with only 4 men left that came with him he paid them off to never come back. He became part of the Mexican Border gang cattle rustler group who bought & sold the cattle to be brought both sides. He met one of the most beautiful !Mexican Ladies he had ever seen while at a village Fiesta. He soon spoke with her father & asked her to marry him & took her to his ranch. They began their. family and now years later he didn't have to do anything, work legal or illegal, however, he felt he got the most excitement from planning robberies especially of guns of any kind from the government. He felt a bigger thrill than sex, running stolen cattle & selling them, and as much as he loved playing poker that, too. It was knowing he out thought them that really thrilled him now, the them being any law enforcement or government agency that came investigating. Funny, he had money in many different banks in different cities in Texas & A few other states plus the Country of Mexico, enough to support his family of 3 children which his eldest was a son that was 13 yrs old, another son & daughter who were at least 10 yrs old. They would live very well, too on the huge ranch that had a large herd of.cattle & men to care for them. His wife had workers that took care of the house, yard, cooked, drove the carriages, & she also had her Father on his huge 500,000 acres Ranch in Mexico that was very successful if she needed anything that he didn't provide but he did. Now, he decides to rob a train & take off 3 wagon loads of Winchester rifles that a man had purchased & was sending to the US Army in Honor of his brother who was murdered or killed and would have lived if he had one of the Winchester rifles would have had a chance to survive. Trice robbed the train & the Texas Rangers sent 2 young 22 yrs old Texas Rangers who had only been rangers a little over a year or so and Trice had them murdered
Jubal Coe was assigned to lead the investigation & manhunt. He ends up with a member of each one of the young Ranger's families to help him in the chase. Each of the men have or had connections to the Rangers & all go on to try to solve this train robbery of rifles to the Rangers' murder all as active law enforcement under the ranger name.
This one is filled with more shoot-em-up action than usual. The gangs on the border have no problems in killing law enforcement whether it be a Texas Ranger or a Sheriff or even an US Marshall. That goes for either side of the border they would have no problem killing the Mexican equivalent of the enforcement agents mentioned.
Unfortunately at this time this is the last book in this Series! Here's hoping we see more in the future. Never say never.
RECOMMENDED
5 STARS for this Book 3 in this Texas Paladin Series with its shoot-em-up action which is very heavy in this book. Our main criminal Trice had been an agitator in the Civil War in the group he rode with, when one leader was killed or caught/killed he moved on to a more violent & really criminal activities units that robbed stages & banks not to mention people. Not the actions of regular soldiers for sure. His group after the death of the last leader about 6 of the men decided with Trice to go to Texas & they headed that way after shooting their wounded knowing if caught they would spill everything they knew. Especially their names.
In Texas Trice stated a big ranch partly with stolen money he brokenhearted with him but he played a lot of high stakes poker on the way Texas & after arriving. He invested in some cattle & soon with only 4 men left that came with him he paid them off to never come back. He became part of the Mexican Border gang cattle rustler group who bought & sold the cattle to be brought both sides. He met one of the most beautiful !Mexican Ladies he had ever seen while at a village Fiesta. He soon spoke with her father & asked her to marry him & took her to his ranch. They began their. family and now years later he didn't have to do anything, work legal or illegal, however, he felt he got the most excitement from planning robberies especially of guns of any kind from the government. He felt a bigger thrill than sex, running stolen cattle & selling them, and as much as he loved playing poker that, too. It was knowing he out thought them that really thrilled him now, the them being any law enforcement or government agency that came investigating. Funny, he had money in many different banks in different cities in Texas & A few other states plus the Country of Mexico, enough to support his family of 3 children which his eldest was a son that was 13 yrs old, another son & daughter who were at least 10 yrs old. They would live very well, too on the huge ranch that had a large herd of.cattle & men to care for them. His wife had workers that took care of the house, yard, cooked, drove the carriages, & she also had her Father on his huge 500,000 acres Ranch in Mexico that was very successful if she needed anything that he didn't provide but he did. Now, he decides to rob a train & take off 3 wagon loads of Winchester rifles that a man had purchased & was sending to the US Army in Honor of his brother who was murdered or killed and would have lived if he had one of the Winchester rifles would have had a chance to survive. Trice robbed the train & the Texas Rangers sent 2 young 22 yrs old Texas Rangers who had only been rangers a little over a year or so and Trice had them murdered
Jubal Coe was assigned to lead the investigation & manhunt. He ends up with a member of each one of the young Ranger's families to help him in the chase. Each of the men have or had connections to the Rangers & all go on to try to solve this train robbery of rifles to the Rangers' murder all as active law enforcement under the ranger name.
This one is filled with more shoot-em-up action than usual. The gangs on the border have no problems in killing law enforcement whether it be a Texas Ranger or a Sheriff or even an US Marshall. That goes for either side of the border they would have no problem killing the Mexican equivalent of the enforcement agents mentioned.
Unfortunately at this time this is the last book in this Series! Here's hoping we see more in the future. Never say never.
RECOMMENDED
March 28, 2024
Really I like this story but could you please explain to me why Maddie is trailing around after her husband on his rather dangerous job....pregnant and with a baby in tow no less. None of the Rangers think it's strange she shows up and starts hanging out with them. They're not annoyed they're impressed when her husband brags about what a great shot she is and how she backed him up in other scenarios. Isn't that what the other rangers are for.
There is no bring your wife/husband to work day as far as I know unless your partners in a business. I worked all my life and cannot imagine one job I went to where my co workers would have said "oh goody your husband is going to hang out with us today ". Likewise my husband probably would have locked me in a closet if he thought I was planning on turning up at his job.
So it missed being 5 stars but it still was a good story.
There is no bring your wife/husband to work day as far as I know unless your partners in a business. I worked all my life and cannot imagine one job I went to where my co workers would have said "oh goody your husband is going to hang out with us today ". Likewise my husband probably would have locked me in a closet if he thought I was planning on turning up at his job.
So it missed being 5 stars but it still was a good story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2022
Ranger Jubal Coe completes another Wild mission
This follow-on story to the Paladin beginning is just as action packed and can be read singly. Ranger Coe retires from ‘field’ law enforcement, marries & settles down, is promoted to Leutinant and becomes the chief Training Officer for Ranger recruits. When two of his newly minted Rangers are murdered by a big time cattle rustler, Coe asked for ‘leave’ to hunt down the guilty but is given cart blanch powers by the Chief Ranger to bring in the killers ‘dead or alive’, and the race is on.
This follow-on story to the Paladin beginning is just as action packed and can be read singly. Ranger Coe retires from ‘field’ law enforcement, marries & settles down, is promoted to Leutinant and becomes the chief Training Officer for Ranger recruits. When two of his newly minted Rangers are murdered by a big time cattle rustler, Coe asked for ‘leave’ to hunt down the guilty but is given cart blanch powers by the Chief Ranger to bring in the killers ‘dead or alive’, and the race is on.
November 23, 2019
A losing hand
Mr. Lane strikes again with an entrancing journey into anticipating the workings of an arrogant criminals' mind.
He snares your attention with what seems to be a glimpse of a regular day's events that develops into a fast moving plot that refuses to set a reader free until the fateful words " The End" show up on the last page of his novel.
Altogether, a delightful voyage into the depths of Mr. Lane's fertile imagination !
Mr. Lane strikes again with an entrancing journey into anticipating the workings of an arrogant criminals' mind.
He snares your attention with what seems to be a glimpse of a regular day's events that develops into a fast moving plot that refuses to set a reader free until the fateful words " The End" show up on the last page of his novel.
Altogether, a delightful voyage into the depths of Mr. Lane's fertile imagination !
May 5, 2020
Texas Paladin, Death Wish
There are a lot of things that outlaws can do and maybe never be caught, or even acknowledged, unless there was a witness. However one thing that is never done, is to kill a Texas Ranger, much less two. Jubal Coe was a ranger that had gone after the worst that there was, and he would find these guys, no matter what. No matter where it took him, but he was coming.
There are a lot of things that outlaws can do and maybe never be caught, or even acknowledged, unless there was a witness. However one thing that is never done, is to kill a Texas Ranger, much less two. Jubal Coe was a ranger that had gone after the worst that there was, and he would find these guys, no matter what. No matter where it took him, but he was coming.
October 22, 2020
Texas Saladin, Death Wish
This was a truly outstanding book about the Texas Rangers and their journey to capture a devil of a Outlaw who was a Cattle Thief and Murder. I also enjoyed the love story. I rarely give five stars to and Western without a sweet romance thrown in with the Main Character. You are one of my favorite Authors of Western fiction. I have read all of your books and highly recommend all to your readers.
This was a truly outstanding book about the Texas Rangers and their journey to capture a devil of a Outlaw who was a Cattle Thief and Murder. I also enjoyed the love story. I rarely give five stars to and Western without a sweet romance thrown in with the Main Character. You are one of my favorite Authors of Western fiction. I have read all of your books and highly recommend all to your readers.
May 14, 2024
Texas Paladin, Death Wish
This has been a great series and this book #3 was reinforcement that the Texas Rangers will get resolved any one that murders a Ranger. Jubal took over the investigation when 2 of his trainees were murdered while investigating a train robbery. It’s sad to read about Police Officers being murdered but it’s reassuring to know that the Texas Rangers will track down and apprehend those responsible.
This has been a great series and this book #3 was reinforcement that the Texas Rangers will get resolved any one that murders a Ranger. Jubal took over the investigation when 2 of his trainees were murdered while investigating a train robbery. It’s sad to read about Police Officers being murdered but it’s reassuring to know that the Texas Rangers will track down and apprehend those responsible.
March 22, 2025
Fun storyline
Great storyline loaded with action, mystery, and intrigue. Funny how the story focuses on a how men can become bored with even the best that life has to offer especially when they don't find satisfaction or fulfillment in what they have. There seems to be no limit to the desire for more of what they don't have and the desire to deceive others that are more trusting in nature.
Great storyline loaded with action, mystery, and intrigue. Funny how the story focuses on a how men can become bored with even the best that life has to offer especially when they don't find satisfaction or fulfillment in what they have. There seems to be no limit to the desire for more of what they don't have and the desire to deceive others that are more trusting in nature.
December 17, 2019
R O Lane has written another engaging story of a US Marshal who is determined to bring justice for the murders of two young marshals. The Outlaw is a long term criminal whose only goal is to stay alive and get richer. Jubal Coe, relatives of the slain marshals and railroad detective combine forces to pursue the criminal across the southwest. Jubal and associates are able to keep focused on outlaws cagey attempts to escape from the law. However, Jubal outsmarts the criminal and kills him in a desperate search for justice.
Justice does prevail and right overcomes evil.
A captivating story.
Justice does prevail and right overcomes evil.
A captivating story.
March 4, 2022
Makes me proud to be a Texan!
Mr. Lane has taught me a lot about The Texas Rangers and about the old west. I've learned about how the territories grew to become states and how settlers came west. I wish there was a number 4 in the Texas Saladin series to here about Tubal Coe and his growing family.
Mr. Lane has taught me a lot about The Texas Rangers and about the old west. I've learned about how the territories grew to become states and how settlers came west. I wish there was a number 4 in the Texas Saladin series to here about Tubal Coe and his growing family.
March 5, 2024
Texas Rangers always get their man.
A long chase after a very clever " muy malo hombre" and his cohorts following the murder of two young Rangers.
Meeting at the funeral, the fathers (one a current Ranger the other a former Ranger) join Jubal Coe to bring this crew to justice. From Texas to Mexico and finally New Orleans... it's a journey of intrigue and lucky escapes.
A long chase after a very clever " muy malo hombre" and his cohorts following the murder of two young Rangers.
Meeting at the funeral, the fathers (one a current Ranger the other a former Ranger) join Jubal Coe to bring this crew to justice. From Texas to Mexico and finally New Orleans... it's a journey of intrigue and lucky escapes.
March 12, 2025
Texas paladin
The good guy's versus the bad guys. After civil war few Missouri followed Contrails Raiders rubbish the country robbed killing. I enjoy this series on Jubal Ranger experience. Hayden was very worthy opponent for the Rangers, at the end Jubal got his man as plan. Looking forward for next addition , good story.
The good guy's versus the bad guys. After civil war few Missouri followed Contrails Raiders rubbish the country robbed killing. I enjoy this series on Jubal Ranger experience. Hayden was very worthy opponent for the Rangers, at the end Jubal got his man as plan. Looking forward for next addition , good story.
September 5, 2025
Determined
Jubal Coe suffered immense pain. He was offered immense happiness. He felt deep grief and anger. This trio of books offers one of the best multi volume books I have read. Each of the afore mentioned situations gave Jubal the determination to make sure that right prevailed.
Jubal Coe suffered immense pain. He was offered immense happiness. He felt deep grief and anger. This trio of books offers one of the best multi volume books I have read. Each of the afore mentioned situations gave Jubal the determination to make sure that right prevailed.
November 19, 2019
A great read
Mr. Lane you've done it again another great winner. Great characters and lots of superb action. Jubal Cow is the man. Would highly every book you have written. Looking forward to the next one.
Mr. Lane you've done it again another great winner. Great characters and lots of superb action. Jubal Cow is the man. Would highly every book you have written. Looking forward to the next one.
November 25, 2019
I just plain love reading R. O lane books. I have yet to be disappointed. A plot, good characters both good and bad
It’s the standard western the lawn against the bad ones. Plenty of action and twists of and turns. But for sure it’s interesting and I keep on reading.
It’s the standard western the lawn against the bad ones. Plenty of action and twists of and turns. But for sure it’s interesting and I keep on reading.
November 26, 2019
4 Stars
Note Kindle users: book does not let you know how much time is left in each chapter.
When two young rangers are murdered Jubal Coe and the boys father and uncle vow to bring the murderers to justice. Lots of action.
Note Kindle users: book does not let you know how much time is left in each chapter.
When two young rangers are murdered Jubal Coe and the boys father and uncle vow to bring the murderers to justice. Lots of action.
December 30, 2019
A tail of the Texas Rangers and their chase of a thief.
At first I was confused thinking I was reading different stories but in the end they all came together. The rangers never gave up in their pursuit of the killers of the two TeXas Rangers.
At first I was confused thinking I was reading different stories but in the end they all came together. The rangers never gave up in their pursuit of the killers of the two TeXas Rangers.
March 9, 2020
Jubal Coe, Texas Ranger
Texas Rangers after men who killed two young Texas Rangers who were investigating the shipment of stolen rifles owned by US Army. After the chase, and outwitting the murderer, Coe gets his man.
Texas Rangers after men who killed two young Texas Rangers who were investigating the shipment of stolen rifles owned by US Army. After the chase, and outwitting the murderer, Coe gets his man.
November 8, 2020
End of a series
Everything must end, according to an old proverb from Chaucer but at least this story ends well for Ranger Coe, which at times I wondered if it could possibly happen!
Everything must end, according to an old proverb from Chaucer but at least this story ends well for Ranger Coe, which at times I wondered if it could possibly happen!
December 17, 2020
Great as usual
Another great story from a talented writer. The characters were believable, the setting described well, the language of the characters is appropriate to the setting. A great story and worth your time.
Another great story from a talented writer. The characters were believable, the setting described well, the language of the characters is appropriate to the setting. A great story and worth your time.
April 30, 2021
Jubal is the man
Tubal always gets his man. Excellent story of how power and green become more important that love or family. Tice like to think he was the smartest person alive. Tubal was smarter.
Tubal always gets his man. Excellent story of how power and green become more important that love or family. Tice like to think he was the smartest person alive. Tubal was smarter.
May 1, 2021
This was the best chase!
I'm writing to all who loves great western stories that this series was awesome kept you right there with them couldn't put it down ! I know those who love these stories will love this one!
I'm writing to all who loves great western stories that this series was awesome kept you right there with them couldn't put it down ! I know those who love these stories will love this one!
August 31, 2021
They had a rough time killing trace
Extremely good story was very good , that criminal was tough to catch. Trace was a extremely smart man, but he was dumb he could have gotten away, but he wanted to just do one more job
Extremely good story was very good , that criminal was tough to catch. Trace was a extremely smart man, but he was dumb he could have gotten away, but he wanted to just do one more job
October 24, 2021
Great series from great author
I sincerely enjoy this authors stories. He has great plots, in depth characters and no nonsense in his stories. I enjoyed this character throughly.
I sincerely enjoy this authors stories. He has great plots, in depth characters and no nonsense in his stories. I enjoyed this character throughly.
January 22, 2022
Never Stop the Chase
Once again the author showed his knowledge of the time period and cultures of the times. Underestimating your adversary can get you killed. But the wicked must be stopped. When they run you must chase them.
Once again the author showed his knowledge of the time period and cultures of the times. Underestimating your adversary can get you killed. But the wicked must be stopped. When they run you must chase them.
February 18, 2022
Volume 3 in this saga of a Texas ranger.
A Ranger tracks after a wealthy cattle baron in post civil war Texas Mexico and Louisiana. His new wife and son follow him around in his searches.
A good read!!
A Ranger tracks after a wealthy cattle baron in post civil war Texas Mexico and Louisiana. His new wife and son follow him around in his searches.
A good read!!
March 31, 2022
Excellent sequel with
Really enjoyed this sequel as it's always interesting to see where the author takes the story. The hero doesn't always come out unscathed, but runs true to the western genre.
Really enjoyed this sequel as it's always interesting to see where the author takes the story. The hero doesn't always come out unscathed, but runs true to the western genre.
July 19, 2022
Another winner from R. O. Lane
The Texas Paladin trio was always exciting and intriguing at the same time. You could never anticipate the next twist but always know Coe would triumph in the end. A real winner.
The Texas Paladin trio was always exciting and intriguing at the same time. You could never anticipate the next twist but always know Coe would triumph in the end. A real winner.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews