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Sam Westin Mysteries #2
Bear Bait
Wildlife biologist and writer Summer “Sam” Westin loves the wilderness. But her latest attempt to protect nature may just get her burned… Sam Westin is working on a twelve-week project for the National Park Service as a biologist and a volunteer firewatcher when, one night, she hears an explosion. Above a nearby lake, fire lights the sky. She calls it in and is the first on the scene to do battle. When the blaze is finally extinguished, a body is discovered in the embers. It’s a young woman who was working on the park’s trail crew for the summer—and she’s still clinging to life. Sensing something sinister, Sam starts asking questions. Who started the fire? Was the young woman involved? Does this have something to do with an old gold mine? Is the recent sighting of an illegal bear hunter just coincidence? Sam wants the answers—but someone else wants her out of the way before she finds them...
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 2, 2012
176 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
Pamela Beason
26 books193 followersPamela Beason lives in the Pacific Northwest, where she writes novels and screenplays and works as a private investigator. When she's not on the job, she explores the natural world on foot, in cross-country skis, in her kayak, or underwater scuba diving.
Beason is the author of nine full-length fiction works: THE ONLY WITNESS, THE ONLY CLUE (books 1 and 2 of the Neema Mysteries); SHAKEN, CALL OF THE JAGUAR (romantic suspense novels), ENDANGERED, BEAR BAIT, and UNDERCURRENTS in the Summer "Sam" Westin series; and RACE WITH DANGER and RACE TO TRUTH, books 1 and 2 of a YA Run for Your Life adventure trilogy. She also wrote the nonfiction titles, SAVE YOUR MONEY, YOUR SANITY, AND OUR PLANET and SO YOU WANT TO BE A PI?. Pam's writing has earned her multiple prizes, including the Daphne du Maurier Award, two First Place prizes and two Grand Prizes in the Chanticleer Book Reviews Contest, and an Honorable Mention in a Library Journal contest.
As an avid outdoorswoman and animal lover, Beason challenges the human assumption that we are the superior species. Drifting through life is not enough; you have to live it.
Pamela blogs and tweets about writing, outdoor adventures, and the value of being present in the moment. She looks forward to connecting with readers on her Twitter, Goodreads Page or Blog.
Beason is the author of nine full-length fiction works: THE ONLY WITNESS, THE ONLY CLUE (books 1 and 2 of the Neema Mysteries); SHAKEN, CALL OF THE JAGUAR (romantic suspense novels), ENDANGERED, BEAR BAIT, and UNDERCURRENTS in the Summer "Sam" Westin series; and RACE WITH DANGER and RACE TO TRUTH, books 1 and 2 of a YA Run for Your Life adventure trilogy. She also wrote the nonfiction titles, SAVE YOUR MONEY, YOUR SANITY, AND OUR PLANET and SO YOU WANT TO BE A PI?. Pam's writing has earned her multiple prizes, including the Daphne du Maurier Award, two First Place prizes and two Grand Prizes in the Chanticleer Book Reviews Contest, and an Honorable Mention in a Library Journal contest.
As an avid outdoorswoman and animal lover, Beason challenges the human assumption that we are the superior species. Drifting through life is not enough; you have to live it.
Pamela blogs and tweets about writing, outdoor adventures, and the value of being present in the moment. She looks forward to connecting with readers on her Twitter, Goodreads Page or Blog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 14, 2018
This book was almost a cozy, but I liked it. Temporary park worker helps catch some killers and with her FBI boyfriend unearths a plot by right wingers to kill environmentalists.
January 7, 2019
The second episode of Summer Westin's adventures, Bear Bait is a book that is enjoyable to read but much less well built than the first part of the series.
The plot is too scattered, there are too many views on the story, even if Summer remains at the center of the book. The suspense is of lower quality than in Endangered, because of the multiplicity of intrigues and the spreading of the story over several weeks.
Fortunately the characters are interesting and the heroine is particularly endearing.
It remains a recommendable novel, especially for those who have enjoyed the first part.
The plot is too scattered, there are too many views on the story, even if Summer remains at the center of the book. The suspense is of lower quality than in Endangered, because of the multiplicity of intrigues and the spreading of the story over several weeks.
Fortunately the characters are interesting and the heroine is particularly endearing.
It remains a recommendable novel, especially for those who have enjoyed the first part.
June 13, 2022
In this book, Sam Westin is working on a twelve-week project for the National Park Service in Washington State. While on fire watch in a lookout tower, Sam hears an explosion, which is followed by three fires. Once the fires are extinguished, a young woman is discovered, horribly burned and barely clinging to life. Who started the fire? Was the young woman involved? Is the recent sighting of an illegal bear hunter just a coincidence?
I didn't enjoy Bear Bait as much as I did Endangered Had the book stuck with one primary storyline, I would have been happier. However, there were additional (and quite convoluted) storylines I felt the book could have done without. Bear Bait was also a little heavier in the romance department than I like.
This doesn't mean I'm giving up on the Sam Westin Mysteries! It's on to Undercurrents!
I didn't enjoy Bear Bait as much as I did Endangered Had the book stuck with one primary storyline, I would have been happier. However, there were additional (and quite convoluted) storylines I felt the book could have done without. Bear Bait was also a little heavier in the romance department than I like.
This doesn't mean I'm giving up on the Sam Westin Mysteries! It's on to Undercurrents!
January 16, 2016
Wildlife biologist Summer "Sam" Westin is working on a 12 week project for the National Park Service at Olympic National Park. One night while working as a volunteer fire watcher she hears an explosion and sees fire light up the sky. When the fire is finally extinguished a body is discovered among the embers. It is a young woman who was working on the park's trail crew and she is found to still be clinging to life.
Sam has so many questions starting with who started the fire? That question leads her on a trail that has to be followed carefully to be believed while finding who truly is behind this violence.
Dollycas's Thoughts
Wow, this is one of those stories where you need to fasten your seat belts and hold on tight!
Sam Westin is a strong woman. A woman who loves nature and animals and fights to protect both. The author definitely writes what she knows so I believe she has the same characteristics. She has a true gift of writing what she knows in such a way that is engaging, entertaining and thought provoking. Sam is truly dedicated and continues to put herself in danger to get to the truth, especially when others tell her to back off. She has a tender heart and a strong will, both of which can get her in trouble.
The book is full of suspense but it offers so much more. The author has a way of describing the setting that places you right there on the trail or in the watch tower with all the splendor surrounding you. You can almost feel the ground move as a herd of elk pass by, smell the smoke from the fire, or feel the lake water wash over you as you take a quick dip. I actually escaped into this book and right into Olympic National Park and all it's glory.
Pamela Beason has created a wonderful mystery, in a spectacular place, with wonderful characters and takes us on a wild ride.
Sam has so many questions starting with who started the fire? That question leads her on a trail that has to be followed carefully to be believed while finding who truly is behind this violence.
Dollycas's Thoughts
Wow, this is one of those stories where you need to fasten your seat belts and hold on tight!
Sam Westin is a strong woman. A woman who loves nature and animals and fights to protect both. The author definitely writes what she knows so I believe she has the same characteristics. She has a true gift of writing what she knows in such a way that is engaging, entertaining and thought provoking. Sam is truly dedicated and continues to put herself in danger to get to the truth, especially when others tell her to back off. She has a tender heart and a strong will, both of which can get her in trouble.
The book is full of suspense but it offers so much more. The author has a way of describing the setting that places you right there on the trail or in the watch tower with all the splendor surrounding you. You can almost feel the ground move as a herd of elk pass by, smell the smoke from the fire, or feel the lake water wash over you as you take a quick dip. I actually escaped into this book and right into Olympic National Park and all it's glory.
Pamela Beason has created a wonderful mystery, in a spectacular place, with wonderful characters and takes us on a wild ride.
January 16, 2013
#2 in the Summer "Sam" Westin series. More polished than the first book of the series, Endangered (2011)but the protagonist dithers. Sam is an almost 40 year old, college graduate, who is supposedly an accomplished biologist and writer, but she can't make up her mind. She is plagued by self-doubt - about her lack of a career and the sincerity of her love interest. Her boss spends quite a bit of time telling her to buckle down and do what she is paid to do instead of trying to do the law enforcement rangers job by finding the arsonists, poachers, etc. Of course, if she followed orders there would not be a book.
Summer “Sam” Westin is working on a twelve-week project for the National Park Service as a biologist when, one night, she hears an explosion. Above a nearby lake, fire lights the sky. She calls it in and is the first on the scene to do battle. When the blaze is extinguished, a body is discovered in the embers. It's a young woman who was working on the park's trail crew for the summer--and she's still clinging to life. Sensing something sinister, Sam starts asking questions. Who started the fire? Was the young woman involved? Does this have something to do with an old gold mine? Is the recent sighting of an illegal bear hunter just coincidence? Sam wants the answers--but someone else wants her out of the way before she finds them...
Summer “Sam” Westin is working on a twelve-week project for the National Park Service as a biologist when, one night, she hears an explosion. Above a nearby lake, fire lights the sky. She calls it in and is the first on the scene to do battle. When the blaze is extinguished, a body is discovered in the embers. It's a young woman who was working on the park's trail crew for the summer--and she's still clinging to life. Sensing something sinister, Sam starts asking questions. Who started the fire? Was the young woman involved? Does this have something to do with an old gold mine? Is the recent sighting of an illegal bear hunter just coincidence? Sam wants the answers--but someone else wants her out of the way before she finds them...
August 10, 2013
This is the second book in this Sam Westin series, and I have enjoyed both. The Nevada Barr type story, with a strong female character who is an outdoors-woman, and who works in different National Parks, is very appealing. While I agree somewhat with the reviewer who found Sam rather immature for an almost 40 year old--still struggling to put down any roots either job wise or relationship wise--I also like the independence and fierceness that the author has developed in this character. The mystery is well plotted. I look forward to the next in the series.
December 30, 2014
Enjoying the series!
May 16, 2023
Sam Westin is a relatable heroine: 37 years old, independent, strong (but feeling her age) and committed to wildlife and the environment. Working a number of jobs, wildlife photographer and writer, temporary employee of the National Park Service and occasional fire spotter, Sam lives as much as possible close to nature and the animals whose habitat she is determined to protect. Her convictions make her an uncomfortable employee at times, as well as a difficult partner for her equally committed boyfriend, Chase, of the FBI. Having released a nuisance bear into newly dedicated national preserve land, Sam is making sure it transitions smoothly in its new environment. While helping a smallish fire, she finds the body of a volunteer, who is clinging to life. What happened to her, why does it appear she was attacked and left to die in the fire, and what is going on with the constant attempts by hunters to reclaim the recently dedicated preserve land, now off limits to hunters. Who is right: the people who want to preserve land for natural life and stop economic development and hunting, or the hunters who want to use the land for sport and recreation as it is supported by tax funds. Strong feelings result in violence and Sam is in the middle of it. Love the description of the vanishing wilderness, the differing viewpoints and the question about what should be kept away from spoilage for future generations.
February 4, 2017
Bear Bait, A Summer Westin Mystery, takes place in the Olympic National Forest. Summer, a freelance writer/nature biologist, encounters everything from poaching, bombs, illegal mining and teens gone awry, but no wrong-doing passes without our heroine's concern. She's a strong, believable character with intellect, compassion and a bit of a self righteous temperament. Don't we love it? She possesses an almost unhealthy commitment to endangered species and effectively entangles herself into every explosive situation she encounters, thus creating suspense at every turn.
I enjoy Beason's integration of characters from all walks of life. Persons of varied sexual orientation, heritage and status come alive with equal finesse. Varied political and environmental perspectives find a place in most characters. The inclusion of issues working for the National Park Service versus the United States Forest Service appeared authentic, although I hope over-emphasized.
The addition of teens provides an unexpectedly nice balance. Not many characters come through with great depth, but in general they represent a wide spectrum of perspectives from the naive, rebellious, self righteous and those deserving of redemption.
For more go to ReddBecker.com
I enjoy Beason's integration of characters from all walks of life. Persons of varied sexual orientation, heritage and status come alive with equal finesse. Varied political and environmental perspectives find a place in most characters. The inclusion of issues working for the National Park Service versus the United States Forest Service appeared authentic, although I hope over-emphasized.
The addition of teens provides an unexpectedly nice balance. Not many characters come through with great depth, but in general they represent a wide spectrum of perspectives from the naive, rebellious, self righteous and those deserving of redemption.
For more go to ReddBecker.com
May 20, 2021
Bear Bait was the sequel to Endangered by Pamela Beason. I personally favored the initial installment in the Sam Westin series, but Bear Bait was also an exciting read. Environmentalist and writer, Sam Westin, accepts a six week assignment as a temporary park ranger in an area being transferred from national forest to Olympic National Park. Her assigned responsibility is to study the wildlife and environment of the proposed land to be transferred; however, as you can imagine, life for Sam Westin is not that simple. The author once again does an excellent job of describing the natural environment. In addition, the character development of Sam and Chase captured my imagination. Chase is an FBI agent, and his relationship with Sam intensifies in this continuation of the series. Secondary characters such as Lili Choi and her father Joe are also well done, and of course this would not be a thriller without the bad guys such as Garrett Ford and Jack Winner. The father of Allie Craig, Ernest, certainly pulls on the reader's heartstrings. What becomes of Raider, the nuisance bear that is released into Sam's study area? You will have to read the book to find out.
January 24, 2022
I continue being impressed with Beason. She weaves into a great mystery many of the topics that those of us who proudly call ourselves tree huggers care most about. (If you are not an environmentalist, don't pass in this; the tree hugging does NOT get in the way of the exciting story, but it may help you understand our passion.) Sam and her newly relocated bear are the target of poachers, or are they something worse? Neither Sam nor the bear will escape unscathed, but at least neither of them end up murdered and mutilated. And Lili, thirteen but who thinks she is an adult, seems to be under the influence, perhaps being groomed, by her science teacher. Neither her parents nor Sam can get the truth from her. Lots of tension; lots of romance (no graphic sex), and never enough clues for Sam to prove her theories--until it is almost too late.
November 13, 2017
Sam Westin is working on a twelve-week project for the National Park Service as a wildlife biologist. While on firewatch duty one night, she hears an explosion. Above a nearby lake, fire lights the sky. She calls it in and is the first on the scene to do battle. When the blaze is finally extinguished, a body is discovered in the embers. It's a young woman who was working on the park's trail crew for the summer--and she's barely clinging to life.
Sensing something sinister, Sam starts asking questions. Who started the fire? Was the young woman involved? Does this have something to do with an old gold mine? Is the recent sighting of an illegal bear hunter just coincidence? Sam wants the answers--but someone else wants her out of the way before she finds them...
Sensing something sinister, Sam starts asking questions. Who started the fire? Was the young woman involved? Does this have something to do with an old gold mine? Is the recent sighting of an illegal bear hunter just coincidence? Sam wants the answers--but someone else wants her out of the way before she finds them...
December 23, 2025
I did not enjoy this nearly as much as the first iteration. The author was trying to do too much here in my opinion. The plot felt convoluted and this led to the entire thing feeling confusing and clunky. I do find the main character interesting but on top of the confusing plot the author felt the need to turn this mystery thriller series into a romance type novel? Alluding to a love interest is one thing but full on description of a few things really took away from the atmosphere of the book, which I thought was a National Parks setting mystery. It was a strange turn of events for a series I had high hopes for. I’m not sure I feel much interest in continuing with it, if the direction this book went is the direction of the rest of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2017
Meh. This was a fairly boring mystery. It was a bit convoluted and just not very exciting. Although I enjoyed the main character working for the Park Service and for bringing to light some very important points about the U.S. and the environment (and conservation!), this book just didn't do anything for me. I definitely am not interested in reading more by this author (which says something since I'm normally willing to give another book a go if I found the first half decent...). I'll give it two stars simply for the environmental background, but plot and characters? Meh.
October 18, 2020
Loved the Pacific Northwest park setting for this latest in the series
Reminiscent of Nevada Barr’s Anna Pigeon Ranger series which I love but different enough to stand on its own and be very interesting. Freelance environmentalist / photographer / writer Summer Westin is a fun character to get to know. And I love the mysterious FBI love interest Chase Perez! Wonderful and exciting drama!!!!!
Reminiscent of Nevada Barr’s Anna Pigeon Ranger series which I love but different enough to stand on its own and be very interesting. Freelance environmentalist / photographer / writer Summer Westin is a fun character to get to know. And I love the mysterious FBI love interest Chase Perez! Wonderful and exciting drama!!!!!
June 21, 2025
I always wonder while reading all these outdoor adventure stories. I would think that tramping thru the ‘untamed’ wilderness, especially lush forested settings, how DO our intrepid heroes emerge sweaty, tired, usually bruised and sometimes battered . . . How? oh how are they NEVER COVERED in ticks and chiggers??? I KNOW ticks are in the west, are chiggers just a southern plague or what? Kansas HAS to have them!!!
Inquiring minds wanna know 😂
Another twisty thriller and it kept me guessing!
Inquiring minds wanna know 😂
Another twisty thriller and it kept me guessing!
July 25, 2017
Sam Westin is in Olympic National Park putting a bear in the park after rehabbing from. Campground marauder. Hate groups are trying to hunt and kill on the govt land. Will the bear survive? Chase comes to visit Sam at the park. Sam is asked to give a speech at an environmentalist conference. A 13 year old daughter of a park ranger hangs with Sam at the request of her father.
September 6, 2017
Interesting nature tidbits & facts about park management. Likable characters & a decent, believable plot. Good reading for teens & adults who enjoy stories set in the outdoors with no gratuitous, grafic violence.
The love scenes are suggestive but, also, not grafic. The relationships between people are realistic. Over all an enjoyable quick read.
The love scenes are suggestive but, also, not grafic. The relationships between people are realistic. Over all an enjoyable quick read.
November 1, 2019
Pamela Beason writes a great story and puts it in a highly reasonable setting within nature. I guess my only reason for only giving the book 4 stars is that it sort of gives the critters a not-so-good rap. But maybe that's just because I'm a biologist and perhaps a bit of a romantic with respect to wildlife.
December 27, 2017
Another super read !
Hooked on Pamela Beason since my first of her books ! Only Witness and the Only Clue sold me on this author ! I couldn't wait to start reading another of her books now finished the second in this set I can't wait to start #3 .
Hooked on Pamela Beason since my first of her books ! Only Witness and the Only Clue sold me on this author ! I couldn't wait to start reading another of her books now finished the second in this set I can't wait to start #3 .
July 7, 2020
Enjoyable, but could have left out the juvenile rhetoric as it was boring & unneeded.
Recommended for teen readers & up. Looking forward to the sequel. Need to find out the mysterious death under the water & where Chase will show up next.
Recommended for teen readers & up. Looking forward to the sequel. Need to find out the mysterious death under the water & where Chase will show up next.
November 5, 2022
Sam Westin's adventures continues, with Sam being the eventual bait to capture some anti-government vigilantes. Her new relationship has her thinking differently toward her future. Now on to book #3.
October 5, 2023
i liked this, but I didn't think it was as good as the first one. And this is not the author's fault, but I don't like having to read online, that was the only option for me with this series. The typeset is too small and no way to enlarge it.
September 8, 2024
A great mystery with a lot of action and characters that are realistic. The plot contains twists and turns that keep things interesting and the descriptions of the settings allow the reader to see the scenes and the action.
May 17, 2025
Easy read. Sam Westin is a biologist working as a temp for the National Park Service. She ends up being a target by an anti government “patriot” group. She tracks their illegal smuggling operation of trophy animals and a plot to kill many federal workers.
November 11, 2017
This would have been better with more on the National Parks, the setting. Very little mystery, way too heavy on the romance and not enough bear.
March 4, 2018
Carolyn Dove
Summer is a great character! This is a page Turner ! I love how she interacts with the animals ! Love all the action and adventure!
Summer is a great character! This is a page Turner ! I love how she interacts with the animals ! Love all the action and adventure!
May 8, 2018
A very good read!
July 20, 2018
A new favorite series! A freelance writer and biologist seems to always be in controversy. Her love for animals sometimes puts her in jeopardy.
July 31, 2018
OK as a mindless entertaining type of read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews