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 :
" Cascade Manhunt is the fifth book of Rob Phillips’ Luke McCain series, and I believe it to be his best work. The book follows Washington State game warden Luke McCain as he works undercover to apprehend a group of hardcore poachers and then feverishly hunts down a fugitive wanted in several states. 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 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
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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 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
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.
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.
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.