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Cascade Manhunt
After continuous complaints that a poaching ring is running rampant in northeastern Washington, Fish & Wildlife police officer Luke McCain is assigned to go undercover to infiltrate the gang. Just as Luke and his fellow officers move to finally catch the poachers red-handed, one of the crooks flees into the mountains and Luke has to hunt him down.
Days later, a serial killer suspected of killing dozens of women around the Northwest escapes from custody when a Department of Corrections van crashes in the rugged North Cascades. Luke and Jack are hand-picked by the governor to join the manhunt, and the pressure is on to find the fugitive before he disappears into the wilderness, possibly to reemerge and kill again.
Praise for Cascade Manhunt:
"As a retired Washington State undercover Fish and Wildlife detective, I found Rob’s book to be spot-on. I simply couldn’t put Cascade Manhunt down and am already thirsting for Rob’s next book." --Todd Vandivert, retired Washington State Fish and Wildlife Detective and author of the Wildlife Justice series
"Like Rob Phillips' earlier books in the Luke McCain series, unique characters make Cascade Manhunt come alive. A plotline that twists and turns through the backcountry woods of central Washington keeps your attention until the very end." --Dennis Dauble, author of Bury Me with My Fly Rod and Chasing Ghost Trout
"Thieving poachers, a corrupt cop, a psychopathic serial killer—multiple intriguing, fast-paced plots skillfully written to move along separate but parallel storylines toward an epic conclusion.... Cascade Manhunt, the latest edition to the Luke McCain thriller series leaves me wanting more." --Terry W. Sheely, author and writer
Praise for the Luke McCain Mystery
"This is crime fiction at its finest – the perfect blend of a compelling mystery, a fabulous setting, the best dog ever, and a very likeable hero you won’t forget."
--Christine Carbo, award-winning author of the Glacier Mystery Series
"Cascade Vengeance takes readers on a thrill ride through the dual worlds of drug dealing and big-game hunting deep in Washington’s Cascade mountains. Rob Phillips uses his extensive knowledge of the region to tell the fast-moving tale of game warden Luke McCain and his yellow Lab Jack, as they face down poachers, murderous drug cartel members, and feral dogs on the way to the story’s harrowing and heartbreaking conclusion."
--Scott Graham, National Outdoor Book Award-winning author of Mesa Verde Victim
"Weaving experiences that will be familiar to any hunter or angler into a murder mystery plot, The Cascade Killer is a criminal thriller with a unique outdoor twist that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat the whole time. Phillips is clearly an experienced outdoorsman himself and the story he tells is authentic, realistic, and enjoyable. If you’re looking for an enjoyable read out in deer camp or for just sitting next to your fireplace, then The Cascade Killer is a definite winner." --John McAdams, author of The Big Game Hunting Blog & host of The Big Game Hunting Podcast
Days later, a serial killer suspected of killing dozens of women around the Northwest escapes from custody when a Department of Corrections van crashes in the rugged North Cascades. Luke and Jack are hand-picked by the governor to join the manhunt, and the pressure is on to find the fugitive before he disappears into the wilderness, possibly to reemerge and kill again.
Praise for Cascade Manhunt:
"As a retired Washington State undercover Fish and Wildlife detective, I found Rob’s book to be spot-on. I simply couldn’t put Cascade Manhunt down and am already thirsting for Rob’s next book." --Todd Vandivert, retired Washington State Fish and Wildlife Detective and author of the Wildlife Justice series
"Like Rob Phillips' earlier books in the Luke McCain series, unique characters make Cascade Manhunt come alive. A plotline that twists and turns through the backcountry woods of central Washington keeps your attention until the very end." --Dennis Dauble, author of Bury Me with My Fly Rod and Chasing Ghost Trout
"Thieving poachers, a corrupt cop, a psychopathic serial killer—multiple intriguing, fast-paced plots skillfully written to move along separate but parallel storylines toward an epic conclusion.... Cascade Manhunt, the latest edition to the Luke McCain thriller series leaves me wanting more." --Terry W. Sheely, author and writer
Praise for the Luke McCain Mystery
"This is crime fiction at its finest – the perfect blend of a compelling mystery, a fabulous setting, the best dog ever, and a very likeable hero you won’t forget."
--Christine Carbo, award-winning author of the Glacier Mystery Series
"Cascade Vengeance takes readers on a thrill ride through the dual worlds of drug dealing and big-game hunting deep in Washington’s Cascade mountains. Rob Phillips uses his extensive knowledge of the region to tell the fast-moving tale of game warden Luke McCain and his yellow Lab Jack, as they face down poachers, murderous drug cartel members, and feral dogs on the way to the story’s harrowing and heartbreaking conclusion."
--Scott Graham, National Outdoor Book Award-winning author of Mesa Verde Victim
"Weaving experiences that will be familiar to any hunter or angler into a murder mystery plot, The Cascade Killer is a criminal thriller with a unique outdoor twist that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat the whole time. Phillips is clearly an experienced outdoorsman himself and the story he tells is authentic, realistic, and enjoyable. If you’re looking for an enjoyable read out in deer camp or for just sitting next to your fireplace, then The Cascade Killer is a definite winner." --John McAdams, author of The Big Game Hunting Blog & host of The Big Game Hunting Podcast
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 6, 2023
152 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 12, 2023
Whether or not you've embarked on any of the Luke McCain mystery thrillers, you will enjoy the latest installment in the series. As I've written before in my reviews of Rob Phillips' work, I am his brother and give unabashed positive reviews of his books. I think that would be expected, right?
Each book in the author's body of work seems to improve on the one before. That may be due to a growing familiarity with Game Warden Luke McCain, his talented dog Jack ("one part Labrador and three parts chow hound" as described in the series), and McCain's wife Sara. I personally was hoping for an appearance by Jim Kingsbury, and was rewarded with a bit of a cameo appearance at the end of the book.
There are twists and turns in Cascade Manhunt. At parts, you'll be quickly turning pages to see what happens next, and at times the author gives readers some reason to have empathy for even the most notorious of criminals.
Deep in the heart of this book, as with others in the series, is the geographical setting of Central Washington. Phillips even has some fun with one of the TV news reporters mispronouncing a place name, which often happens with some of the trickier names that originate from indigenous tribes of the Pacific Northwest.
For those of you who want even more Luke McCain, keep an eye out for the exciting next tale of McCain outdoor adventure that promises to hit bookstores in early December.
Each book in the author's body of work seems to improve on the one before. That may be due to a growing familiarity with Game Warden Luke McCain, his talented dog Jack ("one part Labrador and three parts chow hound" as described in the series), and McCain's wife Sara. I personally was hoping for an appearance by Jim Kingsbury, and was rewarded with a bit of a cameo appearance at the end of the book.
There are twists and turns in Cascade Manhunt. At parts, you'll be quickly turning pages to see what happens next, and at times the author gives readers some reason to have empathy for even the most notorious of criminals.
Deep in the heart of this book, as with others in the series, is the geographical setting of Central Washington. Phillips even has some fun with one of the TV news reporters mispronouncing a place name, which often happens with some of the trickier names that originate from indigenous tribes of the Pacific Northwest.
For those of you who want even more Luke McCain, keep an eye out for the exciting next tale of McCain outdoor adventure that promises to hit bookstores in early December.
September 10, 2024
Another five star review from me! I can’t believe out of 5 books I’ve given three 5 star reviews. I am normally sooo conservative with my reviews but I do think this one was the best so far. At first I was missing Jack, I wished Luke could’ve taken him undercover with him. However in the second half of the book I got my Jack filling! I did miss Kingsbury’s t-shirts though. Also, I am with Luke I felt real sorry for the bad guy and I NEVER do that. Another amazing story by a talented author who knows his characters and setting of the book!
I am so glad he hasn’t changed or damaged the characters and has stayed true to himself and the characters!
I am so glad he hasn’t changed or damaged the characters and has stayed true to himself and the characters!
July 10, 2023
Book 5, of the Luke McCain novels, was another great read from this author. Each time I finish one, I get impatient for the next.
One of the great things about his novels is that they are set in my home state. In fact, they are also set in the county and the community that I live in. Each story is believable and very well written.
This weekend is the annual, Nile Valley Days at the Jim Sprick Park, in on Highway 410, west of Naches, Washington. Rob Phillips always has a booth there and I am looking forward to talking to him again. Maybe get an idea when book 6 will be published.
One of the great things about his novels is that they are set in my home state. In fact, they are also set in the county and the community that I live in. Each story is believable and very well written.
This weekend is the annual, Nile Valley Days at the Jim Sprick Park, in on Highway 410, west of Naches, Washington. Rob Phillips always has a booth there and I am looking forward to talking to him again. Maybe get an idea when book 6 will be published.
August 14, 2025
Like the Mounties, Luke McCain always gets his man!!!
I loved the plot, the settings(I live in Northwest Central Washington State myself), and the implications of the main character's mental illness on all of us. I have driven the North Cascades Highway(state highway 20), and can appreciate where the DOC transport van went off the road. Another excellent book from Rob Phillips. Loved it!!!! Move over Joe Pickett, there is another game warden being a Range Rider. Jack Durrett
I loved the plot, the settings(I live in Northwest Central Washington State myself), and the implications of the main character's mental illness on all of us. I have driven the North Cascades Highway(state highway 20), and can appreciate where the DOC transport van went off the road. Another excellent book from Rob Phillips. Loved it!!!! Move over Joe Pickett, there is another game warden being a Range Rider. Jack Durrett
July 11, 2023
action packed
Big fan of these characters, Luke and his trusty dog. Couple stories going on here. First we have an undercover assignment with poachers of wolves and endangered breed. Then we get a serial killer and finally a vigilante. All woven and layered to keep you invested and satisfied wherever the story takes you. All of the books with this series are consistently solid and full of action told with great researched details and perfectly paced.
Big fan of these characters, Luke and his trusty dog. Couple stories going on here. First we have an undercover assignment with poachers of wolves and endangered breed. Then we get a serial killer and finally a vigilante. All woven and layered to keep you invested and satisfied wherever the story takes you. All of the books with this series are consistently solid and full of action told with great researched details and perfectly paced.
September 8, 2023
Best book yet!
I have read the entire Luke McCain series, and the "Cascade Manhunt" is by far Rob Phillips' best work. Great job of weaving a poaching ring in with tracking down a serial killer. Plus, his faithful yellow lab Jack is once again included. A great read!
I have read the entire Luke McCain series, and the "Cascade Manhunt" is by far Rob Phillips' best work. Great job of weaving a poaching ring in with tracking down a serial killer. Plus, his faithful yellow lab Jack is once again included. A great read!
April 17, 2024
I love Luke McCain novels! Found my first one at the thrift store and as I was reading it realized this was a local author and I loved all the references of the valley. These books are easy reading and definitely entertaining.
I also love the dog in all the books, definitely recommend
I also love the dog in all the books, definitely recommend
August 27, 2024
Very disappointed in this one. It was like several little stories with a lot of filler to stretch it out. I managed to finish it by skipping through a lot of paragraphs and even some whole chapters.
After reading his 4 previous books I really expected a lot more from this author.
After reading his 4 previous books I really expected a lot more from this author.
August 29, 2024
Manhunting in the Mountains
Once again the story telling is first class as as the story. I certainly hope Rob Phillips continues this top notch series. Most enjoyable read, thanks again.
Once again the story telling is first class as as the story. I certainly hope Rob Phillips continues this top notch series. Most enjoyable read, thanks again.
October 21, 2024
Great read!
This is the first book I've read by this author, and I am already planning on reading another. Interesting characters and two tales in one book. The book was void of any cursing and had plenty of dialogue, which is a requirement for my tastes.
This is the first book I've read by this author, and I am already planning on reading another. Interesting characters and two tales in one book. The book was void of any cursing and had plenty of dialogue, which is a requirement for my tastes.
December 10, 2025
Wow! Even better than the last one,!
This is a great work. It was very interesting and believe able, with terrific geographic reference to compliment the story. I highly recommend u this book!
This is a great work. It was very interesting and believe able, with terrific geographic reference to compliment the story. I highly recommend u this book!
July 17, 2023
Luke McCain is to Fish & Wildlife police what Walt Longmire is to Sheriffs!
August 26, 2023
Hunter
Well written, generic settings despite all the hype. Keeps the pages turning. Bring on the next entry, I'm up for a good one.
Well written, generic settings despite all the hype. Keeps the pages turning. Bring on the next entry, I'm up for a good one.
October 26, 2023
love the yellow dog stories
This one is as good as they get… I couldn’t put it down; even a good laugh at the end…I swear
This one is as good as they get… I couldn’t put it down; even a good laugh at the end…I swear
June 12, 2024
Another Excellent Rob Phillips Novel
Amazing storyline! I loved how he brought it all together. Being from Naches, Washington, I love hearing about home in his books.
Amazing storyline! I loved how he brought it all together. Being from Naches, Washington, I love hearing about home in his books.
July 3, 2025
Great book
A very believable barley line, unlike so many. Reading this book made me feel as if I was there, too. That doesn't happen often.
A very believable barley line, unlike so many. Reading this book made me feel as if I was there, too. That doesn't happen often.
November 25, 2025
Absolutely love this book series. The main character is likable and intelligent.
December 24, 2025
Good story
The old "page turner" phrase came to mind as I read this book. Very entertaining and a good time. Rob does a good job getting the reader into the hero's head.
The old "page turner" phrase came to mind as I read this book. Very entertaining and a good time. Rob does a good job getting the reader into the hero's head.
January 14, 2026
Always enjoy these quick reads. Always action packed and filled with places I know and love, along with great characters that I can picture running into!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews