I didn’t expect to become engrossed in a series of coonhound books, but they are about so much more, along with a sense of humor and wonderful storytelling. 

The Forest Ghost–a prequel to the Ryland Creek novels

It is often a long path to find one’s name.

In 1962, young Arthur McCutcheon hails from a well-to-do family who want ivied collegiate walls for him. Instead, Arthur is drawn to the tree-covered hills of Painted Post.

Just beginning to explore the forests, Arthur’s life is turned upside down by villainous schemes, and his future quickly becomes murky.

Thrust into a new world with Renee, his loyal hound, Arthur learns about the woods and life from the venerable Seneca chief, John “Gray Eyes” Cornplanter.

It won’t be easy as Gray Eyes, his daughter, Mist, and wife, Shell, try to teach the bumbling if eager teen. But one thing is certain.

There’s something different about this youth from Painted Post with a foot in both worlds.

The exciting prequel to The Last Coon Hunter.

First Place Winner of the New York State Outdoor Writers Association 2021 Excellence in Craft Awards (Book)

My thoughts: As a fan of backstories, I’d call this one a humdinger. It’s also my favorite of the Ryland Creek Saga, so far.

Through the author’s superb storytelling, we get to meet so many of the charismatic characters from the Saga itself, but especially Arthur McCutcheon as an impulsive and directionless teen who gets kicked out of school. His journey, though, is unexpected and engrossing, and includes unexpected veterans of WWII and insight into the Seneca Nation, a misguided visit to the home of a fabled witch, humans with evil intentions, coon dogs, and a young man who not only finds direction but also his true name.

I started reading the series with Book I, but the author suggested starting with the Fifth Anniversary edition, which is the sixth book. He said “it more represents my maturing writing style and it has an extra scene in it.” Through Joe Crance’s masterful storytelling, the lush rugged setting becomes another character in these stories, with its own lore and mystery, along with ancient Native American legends. I’ve savored through Book 4 and have just downloaded The Backroads of Painted Post. 

Meet Joe Crance

Joseph Gary Crance was born in Upstate New York near his hometown of Painted Post. As a youth, Joe spent hundreds of nights with his father, a New York State Forest Ranger, and their coonhounds chasing raccoon through the hills of this scenic land.

After a career in the U.S. Air Force (USAF)—a part of which he spent teaching survival training—he returned with his family to Painted Post and the woodland hollows of his youth to again listen to the nighttime songs of hounds pursuing the wily ringtail.

Admittedly, Joe doesn’t climb these unchanging hills as fast as he once did. But that’s okay. His hounds and the oaks have a great deal of patience.

Mr. Crance is a member of the New York State Outdoor Writers Association and holds degrees in Survival and Rescue Operations from the Community College of the USAF and a bachelors in Professional Writing from Mansfield University.

Please have a look at Joe’s Amazon Author Page.

There’s also a Ryland Creek Facebook page.