An Exceptional Hound

Ryland Creek Saga, Book II

By: Joseph Gary Crance

Narrated by: Wayne Thompson

Something darker than a moonless night has emerged from the shadows to terrorize the Lands of the Painted Post, and a king and his master must face a deadly challenge.

"So you want to be a coon hunter?” Nathan asked gruffly. “Y-y-yes, sir, I do!” Jason stuttered. Nathan nodded. “Be at my house tomorrow night around sunset. Your parents know where I live. Wear some good boots and a warm coat. Painted Post won’t care how cold you get.” Thus begins 12-year-old Jason Canton’s tutelage under the guidance of Nathan Ernst, with his legendary coonhound Seth and somewhat eccentric Uncle Arthur.

Jason and his close friends, Bobby and Tara, soon learn the ways of the woods and life, following the call of the hounds in the darkened forests. But something powerful and not entirely of this world has brought its malice to the woods of the rural Upstate New York town of Painted Post. This cunning menace will test the skills and courage of Nathan, Jason, and his friends. They must rely on one another to meet this menace. They will need the strength of the bond between hunter and dog. They will require an exceptional hound. The exciting sequel to The Last Coon Hunter.

First Place, NY State Outdoor Writers Assoc. 2024 Excellence in Craft Award--TV, Radio, Video, and Audio category.

©2018 Joseph Gary Crance (P)2025 Joseph Gary Crance

Fabulous fun and exciting story

Wayne Thompson is the perfect voice for the Ryland Creek Series. He brings the characters to life. Their fun antics and the sadness. The story came alive from this wonderful author.

Each book in the saga keeps getting even better!

I’ve read Joseph Gary Crance’s complete series. Now, knowing the whole saga, I can’t wait to go through it again to appreciate how intricately interlaced it is. What seems a peripheral detail in an earlier book takes on pivotal importance later in the series. I expected the audible versions would be convenient and entertaining, but I find that Wayne Thompson’s rendering of the characters brings the stories to vivid life. He makes the saga even more visual for the audience. I heartily recommend this thrilling, mystical experience.

Excellent 2nd book in the Ryland Creek Saga

I have read and enjoyed all the charming books in the Ryland Creek Saga. Book two of this series, An Exceptional Hound, continues to be my favorite. We follow Nathan Ernst, his loyal coonhound Seth, and Uncle Arthur as they teach a group of pre-teens the ways of coon hunting. Instructions about this niche sport are expertly conveyed with wisdom and humor, while mixing in universal lessons. A tale such as this intrigued me, even though I am unacquainted with actual nocturnal raccoon hunts. The masterful writing of the author, Mr. Joseph Crance, had me engaged in the story from page one.

As for this audiobook version, I was thoroughly pleased with the work of Mr. Wayne Thompson. His talent as a voice actor floods every chapter. The calm, lyrical quality of his delivery, coupled with his vocal range for the different characters, makes this a pleasant listening experience. Please do not mistake this for a soothing, sleep-inducing book. Oh no. In the plot, a bloodthirsty, evil bear called Scar Paw emerges as a threat to humans and beasts in the forests of Painted Post, NY. Mr. Thompson also succeeds in conveying the menace of the creature.

Recently on a family camping trip, I was out in the dark walking back to our sleeping quarters. For a moment, the “Huh, huh, huh” taunting, wicked chortle of Scar Paw from the audiobook echoed in my mind. Although this middle-aged woman has plenty of sense and life under her belt, I did quicken my steps for a stride or two. Or three.

Bravo to the author and voice performer for delivering another memorable project. I’m hoping additional collaborations from this team will be released in the future.