Secrets of Blackhand Creek

Jake Cashen #6

by Declan James

A vacation getaway at a remote cabin becomes the scene of a gruesome double murder. Detective Jake Cashen is called in to investigate the chilling deaths of a young couple in the heart of Blackhand Hills. What he uncovers threatens to turn a thriving rustic tourist haven into a breeding ground for fear and suspicion.

Genres: Mystery

346 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2024

About the author

Before putting pen to paper, Declan James’s career in law enforcement spanned twenty-six years. Declan’s work as a digital forensics detective has earned him the highest honors from the U.S. Secret Service and F.B.I. For the last sixteen years of his career, Declan served on a nationally recognized task force aimed at protecting children from online predators.  Prior to that, Declan spent six years undercover working Vice-Narcotics. 

An avid outdoorsman and conservationist, Declan enjoys hunting, fishing, grilling, smoking meats, and his quest for the perfect bottle of bourbon. He lives on a lake in Southern Michigan along with his wife and kids.

For more information visit https://declanjamesbooks.com

Reviews

[Ann]

4.0 stars. Another good read. Jake and Birdie (Erica) are a great team. The who done it wasn't a surprise to me this time, had my suspicions all along. The interesting part was how the whole crime came about. Jake/Birdie take the case full circle to finally get their killer. On the political front, will Sheriff Landry get to keep her job? The upcoming election's getting closer. The opposition (good ole boys) seem intent are stirring up a constant crap storm. Argh! Book 7 is months away, and for this anxious reader, that's just too long. Hoping Declan James could write a little faster, maybe? 🙂

[Helen Starbuck]

Good series

I like the Jake Cashen series. Relatable characters and good plots. My only criticism of this book is that no one in law enforcement would ever say, “You’re telling me our victims got unalived because they were running a prostitution ring?” (Asked by Jake’s boss, a cop). Use unalived on social media to avoid the censor bots, but not in a crime series. Please.

[Dee]

Two-haiku review:

Man, woman murdered
In expensive rental house
What were they into?

Effects of great loss
Can prey upon people's minds
Can make them crazy

[Shelley C]

Secrets of Blackhand Creek🙌

Another fantastic story where Jake Cashen and Erika aka Birdie are putting their investigative skills to the test, and they do a magnificent job👌Jake receives a call from dispatch on his day off to notify him a body had been found by some teenagers. Upon investigating, Erika discovers a second body and now they need to find out who and why they were killed😳

Absolutely loved this story..and occasionally want to help Jake hold his “uncle” down so he can slap him😠 Super excited for more Jake stories and to see what other predicaments he will find himself in next. I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest review❤️‍🩹

[Beth Davis]

Same as previous books, love Jake can't stand Birdie she absolutely gets on my nerves

[Ricki]

Det. Jake Cashen is called to the scene of a stomach turning double murder. The couple are killed in a high end vacation rental where there are a series of upscale cabins. Turns out at least one of the victims has a sketchy background while the other seems sympathetic. As the investigation progresses, neither is seen in a good light.

Meanwhile, Jake's enemy on the Town council (Uncle Ron) is always on their case to solve the murders before the tourist season is ruined. Jake's boss is also up for re-election and constantly being threatened by the media and the council about the possibilty of her losing the election. The undercurrent of Uncle Ron's hatred for Jake and his sister has been pervasive throughout the series but other than, Ron having hated Jake's father we don't get much background.

A solid detective story and a 3.5. The doer wasn't obvious but was apparant about two-thirds into the book.

[Darcy]

As the book opened, the crime seemed bad, but I have to say after I'm done with the book, I'm not so horrified and kinda have the same feelings as the killer, those people are better off dead. This is the first book in the series where I was able to guess the killer really early on, so it was fun to see that I was right.

Jake did a great job of figuring things out with Birdie helping him, even amid the salacious things they found out along the way.

I like how the bar is turning out for Gemma so far, find myself intrigued with words that Grandpa Max let slip while verbally sparring with uncle Rob. I have a feeling those will come into play at some point and will rock Jake and Gemma.

The ending was sweet, loved seeing Ryan getting dropped off at college and how Gemma and Jake were with him.

[Staci Troilo]

Things are never as they seem. It’s a trite platitude, but true—in both real life and crime fiction. This time, the saying might as well have been the book’s motto.

The victims aren’t who they initially appear to be. Potential suspects are a surprise. Around every corner is another revelation. The one thing that didn’t surprise me was the killer’s identity, and that didn’t bother me. I enjoyed watching the clues unfold.

We learned more about Jake, his family, Meg’s family, and Birdie in this book. Jake’s dating track record continues to crack me up. And a run-in with his uncle hint at more to the dark history they share… something I’ve wondered about since the first book. I hope it continues to develop and am eagerly reading the next installment to see. Four+ stars.

[Cheryl]

Jake Cashen is tasked with investigating the death of two people who rented a high-end cabin. The story is fresh and well-written. The main character is interesting as are the secondary characters. There is a great deal of history and each person is trying to figure things out. The police procedural aspect of the story is well done. The conclusion is satisfying. The secondary plot which has run through the series is getting very interesting. I would highly recommend this book. I think it is best to read the series in order.

[Reggie]

been patiently waiting for this one…

My patience was rewarded! Another awesome book in the Jake Cashen series! Jake is trying to solve a double murder, that involves a councilman…which ultimately leads to another showdown with his uncle. Meanwhile, the battle for sheriff is heating up…oh, and Gemma has opened her Irish pub. As always, lots happening but that’s what leads to the awesomeness of this series. Looking forward to the next book.

[Kelly Rosario]

Another fantastic entry in this crime thriller/mystery series. The regular characters continue to develop, and the mystery kept me turning the pages, as with the previous books. The story moves at a good pace. I would recommend reading the books in this series in order, although each has a separate mystery. Glad the author has more to come! This is one of my favorite series.

[Nancy]

4.58
605 ratings25 reviews
A vacation getaway at a remote cabin becomes the scene of a gruesome double murder. Detective Jake Cashen is called in to investigate the chilling deaths of a young couple in the heart of Blackhand Hills. What he uncovers threatens to turn a thriving rustic tourist haven into a breeding ground for fear and suspicion.

OK

[Lynne]

Another excellent Jake Cashen book!

Detective Jake Cashen has a double homicide to solve. Nobody shed any tears about the man but why his wife too?
As we go along, we find out that they ran a prostitution operation and so many lives were destroyed along the way. When the case is solved, we’re left wondering if the murders were justified.
Excellent story!

[Debra]

A must read series

I absolutely love this series of books. It has been along time since I have found a series of books that have been this gripping. I recommend these to anyone. From start to finish they hold your attention and keep you guessing on what is going to happen next. Declan James is truly a gifted author.

[Patricia Sherman]

Great book

Loved this series, this book was exciting and kept you guessing. Two bodies lots of suspects, dirty corrupt people. This book had all the good things of a good murder mystery.

[Kirk]

Suspenseful!

The Jake Cashen crime series are just too easy to get into! Well written, great characters, amazing stories! I make myself wait until I have my time clear, so I can sit down, relax, and dive into these books.
I highly recommend this series!

[MAUREEN PARKER]

great series

I can't wait for the next book to be released as I have really enjoyed reading this series. I like how the characters are well developed and the atmosphere of the story is engaging with well thought out scenarios. Easy reads with a bit of fun

[Connie Seidel]

Great series

I found this series by accident and have found the. To be a great read. The author seems to get better with each book.

We all love our series characters and their journeys. I’m hoping this can continue.

[Shirley Eckele]

a great read

Each book expands the characters and the stories. The cases that Jake solves are well thought out and very engaging. I enjoy each book. Thank you for such a great series.

[David Mahoney]

Jake seems to get better with each book or could it be the reader?

I thought this was a so-so series after the first book but the more I read the series grows on you till you can’t wait to read the next,

[john h irish]

Hope you don't have anything else planned.

1 day. That's what it took to read this story. Couldn't stop reading. Glad its a cold wet spring, because I'm not getting much else done. First chapter you'll be hooked.

[Walt Mccluskey]

Secrets of blackhand Creek

Bumbling shuffle through a difficult case to get to a logical conclusion consistent with all the clues along the way. The analysis and queries that lead to success were well written and believable. Good story!

[Vickie]

Insight into family

I enjoy reading this series because it is a balance of the characters profession and their personal family life. Small-town American gotta !I've it. Church, school, neighbors, and Friday night lights. What more could you ask for?

[John Osborn]

not usually

I’m more of an urban fantasy reader and anything with a dog. I throughly enjoy Jake Cashen. It’s real but not sex and violence. I watch the news for that.

[Patricia Douglas]

Secrets of Blackhand Creek

If you are looking for solid characters, interesting puzzles without the over the top gore you will love Jake Cashen stories. I do.

[sue]

Excellent

Love this series, love the characters. Fast paced, surprise ending. Another good one, Mr James. I'm anxious to read number six!

[Michelle Strommen]

Another great Jake Cashen book. The storyline was great! Very enjoyable!

[Jim E.]

Another good read. Jake has issues, but his heart is in the right place. Time to put gramps out to pasture though.

[Shirley]

Good series. Interesting from beginning to end.

[Patricia Mccammon]

Great series lots of excitement