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Lone Wolf
The package arrives first class. A manila envelope bulging with bubble wrap. With the top slit open, what lies within can just faintly be seen: A swath of human flesh sealed in plastic.
When a popular podcaster receives a disturbing package in the mail, FBI profiler Victor Loshak heads to Denver to investigate. The grisly contents of the bubble mailer are unlike anything he’s seen.
Somewhere out there is a victim without a face.
Feds swarm the scene. The US Postal Inspection Service tracks down the point of the package’s origin. Special Agent Loshak works up a psychological profile to assist the task force’s investigation.
Just when they’re making initial progress, they get word: A second package has arrived.
A letter opener shaped like a cutlass slits the top of the envelope. The flaps open wide like a mouth.
The scope of the case quickly balloons. Multiple packages at multiple locations. Each carries another gruesome payload, wrapped in plastic. Forensic details quickly confirm more than one victim.
Loshak can only ride along as the task force scrambles from scene to scene. Working. Documenting. Trying to catch up.
At last, some progress arrives. Multiple points of shipping origin emerge, all of them fairly local. The search for suspect and victims alike begins to tighten.
But the key to solving the case remains shrouded: Why would a person commit such atrocities?
Loshak will once again have to enter the mind of a killer, let the darkness in, understand the motives from the inside. As always, the cost will be high, and the danger will be higher.
When a popular podcaster receives a disturbing package in the mail, FBI profiler Victor Loshak heads to Denver to investigate. The grisly contents of the bubble mailer are unlike anything he’s seen.
Somewhere out there is a victim without a face.
Feds swarm the scene. The US Postal Inspection Service tracks down the point of the package’s origin. Special Agent Loshak works up a psychological profile to assist the task force’s investigation.
Just when they’re making initial progress, they get word: A second package has arrived.
A letter opener shaped like a cutlass slits the top of the envelope. The flaps open wide like a mouth.
The scope of the case quickly balloons. Multiple packages at multiple locations. Each carries another gruesome payload, wrapped in plastic. Forensic details quickly confirm more than one victim.
Loshak can only ride along as the task force scrambles from scene to scene. Working. Documenting. Trying to catch up.
At last, some progress arrives. Multiple points of shipping origin emerge, all of them fairly local. The search for suspect and victims alike begins to tighten.
But the key to solving the case remains shrouded: Why would a person commit such atrocities?
Loshak will once again have to enter the mind of a killer, let the darkness in, understand the motives from the inside. As always, the cost will be high, and the danger will be higher.
- GenresThriller
381 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 29, 2024
326 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
L.T. Vargus
52 books1,089 followersLex Vargus is the co-author of over 20 thriller and horror novels.
FIND LEX ON:
Amazon - Twitter - LTVargus.com
BOOKS BY LT VARGUS
The Violet Darger series
The Victor Loshak series
The Charlotte Winters series
FIND LEX ON:
Amazon - Twitter - LTVargus.com
BOOKS BY LT VARGUS
The Violet Darger series
The Victor Loshak series
The Charlotte Winters series
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 22, 2024
Andi Wayland has gotten home with her mail for her podcast, All Murder. That rotten smell from cleaning out her refrigerator that morning just won't seem to leave her apartment. She checks the trash thinking she might have forgotten to take the trash out. But it's gone. She sniffs her shirt thinking maybe she dropped something on herself, no just fabric softener. So she opens the window thinking it's just trapped in the apartment. Andi starts opening her mail. Sanford the cat is his pesky self begging for food. Finally she gets to the last piece a large padded package. Whatever is in this package has Andi stumped. She thinks it must be really delicate because it's wrapped in layers of bubble wrap. Finally Andi gets to the point where she can see that one side is kind of grey color. It was dripping a strange goo. She finished unwrapping the strange package to open a skinned human face.
Spinks and Loshak partner up again again to chase down a demented killer terrorizing Denver, CO in the new book Lone Wolf. You definitely don't want to miss the book coming out Feb. 28th.
I would like to thank L.T. Vargus, E.M. Smith, and Tim McBain for allowing me to read this amazing book for an honest review.
Spinks and Loshak partner up again again to chase down a demented killer terrorizing Denver, CO in the new book Lone Wolf. You definitely don't want to miss the book coming out Feb. 28th.
I would like to thank L.T. Vargus, E.M. Smith, and Tim McBain for allowing me to read this amazing book for an honest review.
March 21, 2024
Great to Have Loshak Back
I've really enjoyed the Victor Loshak Series about an FBI profiler helping police solve crimes involving serial killers. Special Agent Loshak and his sidekick, a journalist "consultant" named Spinks, are great characters. In Lone Wolf, the two are called to Denver when a true crime podcaster receives a human body part in the mail. It starts out thrilling, titillating, and mysterious, but then sort of meanders and loses its way. There are several loose ends that are never tied off, and the ending feels unsatisfying. Writers L.T. Vargus, Tim McBain and E.M. Smith are among my favorites, and reading about two of my favorite characters was great. This book wasn't their best.
I've really enjoyed the Victor Loshak Series about an FBI profiler helping police solve crimes involving serial killers. Special Agent Loshak and his sidekick, a journalist "consultant" named Spinks, are great characters. In Lone Wolf, the two are called to Denver when a true crime podcaster receives a human body part in the mail. It starts out thrilling, titillating, and mysterious, but then sort of meanders and loses its way. There are several loose ends that are never tied off, and the ending feels unsatisfying. Writers L.T. Vargus, Tim McBain and E.M. Smith are among my favorites, and reading about two of my favorite characters was great. This book wasn't their best.
March 1, 2024
Intense and well-done! Loved this one.
March 11, 2024
Hiding in Plain Sight
A true crime podcaster has many weird fans. You might say that their content caters to a certain fringe niche of society; but when the All Murder podcast receives a human face in a package of fan mail, a line in the sand must be drawn. Detective Victor Loshak and his media correspondent partner Jevon Spinks head to Colorado to assist the local authorities. No sooner than they get there Loshak works up a preliminary profile, only to find out that another package has been received. Another true crime podcaster is the recipient of a similarly gruesome package. With no other known connection between the recipients other than gender, the duo set out to identify and bring in the suspect before any more packages turn up. But the process is not easy. Even though the Denver area is well equipped with camera technology throughout the city the local authorities are only able to secure two grainy images to work from. And with the second package mailed from the Aurora area almost twenty miles away the possibility of an accomplice or a copycat cannot be ruled out. Loshak and Spinks hit the streets to try to locate the elusive psychopath, but with the locals wary to help the law enforcement officials on a good day the sight of an FBI agent sends up red flags all around. When a break finally comes, Loshak is hot on the trail, but with the killer seemingly always one step ahead will this case be his last?
Lone Wolf is the fifth in the series by author team Tim McBain, L.T. Vargus and EM Smith. This time the duo is called out to Colorado where a popular podcaster has received a gruesome present. When additional packages start to turn up it is clear that this is not an isolated case. But how is the killer gaining access to these people to carry out his crimes? With the demographics of the victims all over the board, the possibilities appear to be way too many. With some undercover sleuthing on Spinks' part the net narrows and the killer comes into focus. I loved the section of the book where Spinks goes “undercover” posing as a homeless man dubbed Ol’ J. Watching him transform was intriguing and seeing him maintain character as he navigated the world of the overlooked and forgotten was probably worth an entire story itself. I really hope that there is a repeat of Ol’ J in future books, or if not this persona maybe more undercover work from our resident media correspondent. As with all books in this series the crimes are gruesome and memorable but the narrative is structured in such a way that they can be read in any order.
For long time fans of the series and the characters, Lone Wolf is sure to have you binge reading to the final sentence. If you are new to this series or these authors, but are a fan of police procedurals with a bad guy that is nightmare inducing I recommend not only Lone Wolf but any of the books in the Victor Loshak series.
Full disclosure - I was provided an advanced reader’s copy of this book by the authors but have voluntarily provided a review. All opinions are my own.
A true crime podcaster has many weird fans. You might say that their content caters to a certain fringe niche of society; but when the All Murder podcast receives a human face in a package of fan mail, a line in the sand must be drawn. Detective Victor Loshak and his media correspondent partner Jevon Spinks head to Colorado to assist the local authorities. No sooner than they get there Loshak works up a preliminary profile, only to find out that another package has been received. Another true crime podcaster is the recipient of a similarly gruesome package. With no other known connection between the recipients other than gender, the duo set out to identify and bring in the suspect before any more packages turn up. But the process is not easy. Even though the Denver area is well equipped with camera technology throughout the city the local authorities are only able to secure two grainy images to work from. And with the second package mailed from the Aurora area almost twenty miles away the possibility of an accomplice or a copycat cannot be ruled out. Loshak and Spinks hit the streets to try to locate the elusive psychopath, but with the locals wary to help the law enforcement officials on a good day the sight of an FBI agent sends up red flags all around. When a break finally comes, Loshak is hot on the trail, but with the killer seemingly always one step ahead will this case be his last?
Lone Wolf is the fifth in the series by author team Tim McBain, L.T. Vargus and EM Smith. This time the duo is called out to Colorado where a popular podcaster has received a gruesome present. When additional packages start to turn up it is clear that this is not an isolated case. But how is the killer gaining access to these people to carry out his crimes? With the demographics of the victims all over the board, the possibilities appear to be way too many. With some undercover sleuthing on Spinks' part the net narrows and the killer comes into focus. I loved the section of the book where Spinks goes “undercover” posing as a homeless man dubbed Ol’ J. Watching him transform was intriguing and seeing him maintain character as he navigated the world of the overlooked and forgotten was probably worth an entire story itself. I really hope that there is a repeat of Ol’ J in future books, or if not this persona maybe more undercover work from our resident media correspondent. As with all books in this series the crimes are gruesome and memorable but the narrative is structured in such a way that they can be read in any order.
For long time fans of the series and the characters, Lone Wolf is sure to have you binge reading to the final sentence. If you are new to this series or these authors, but are a fan of police procedurals with a bad guy that is nightmare inducing I recommend not only Lone Wolf but any of the books in the Victor Loshak series.
Full disclosure - I was provided an advanced reader’s copy of this book by the authors but have voluntarily provided a review. All opinions are my own.
March 18, 2024
"Lone Wolf" delves into the sinister depths of the human psyche, weaving a gripping tale of cat-and-mouse between FBI profiler Victor Loshak and investigative journalist Jevon Spinks. As the latest installment in an electrifying series, this thriller pushes the boundaries of suspense and psychological intrigue.
The narrative unfolds with chilling precision as a string of gruesome murders terrorizes the city, leaving behind grotesque calling cards—a face sent through the mail to one podcaster, ears to another. The intricate plot twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Lochak and Spinks race against time to find the elusive killer before more lives are claimed.
What sets "Lone Wolf" apart is its richly developed characters, particularly Lochak and Spinks, whose complex dynamic adds layers of depth to the story. Lochak's analytical prowess and Spinks' relentless pursuit of the truth make for a formidable duo, their interactions crackling with humor and mutual respect.
Vargus, McBain, and Smith's meticulous attention to detail shines through in the expertly crafted prose, immersing readers in a gritty world where danger lurks around every corner. From pulse-pounding action sequences to heart-stopping revelations, "Lone Wolf" delivers a rollercoaster ride of suspense that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.
The narrative unfolds with chilling precision as a string of gruesome murders terrorizes the city, leaving behind grotesque calling cards—a face sent through the mail to one podcaster, ears to another. The intricate plot twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Lochak and Spinks race against time to find the elusive killer before more lives are claimed.
What sets "Lone Wolf" apart is its richly developed characters, particularly Lochak and Spinks, whose complex dynamic adds layers of depth to the story. Lochak's analytical prowess and Spinks' relentless pursuit of the truth make for a formidable duo, their interactions crackling with humor and mutual respect.
Vargus, McBain, and Smith's meticulous attention to detail shines through in the expertly crafted prose, immersing readers in a gritty world where danger lurks around every corner. From pulse-pounding action sequences to heart-stopping revelations, "Lone Wolf" delivers a rollercoaster ride of suspense that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.
March 4, 2024
Lone Wolf - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
A gruesome object sent to a tv crime podcaster in the mail, leads to FBI Special Agents Victor Loshak and Jevon Spinks being called to the scene. Before long the act's repeated with another female podcaster, who gives them a possible suspect's name.
A frantic chase turns into a bemused one, as the killer seems to vanish into thin air. Then Logan, Spinks and two officers corner the psychopath, before another twist sees a violent denouement and the end of the sadist's reign of terror...as someone pays with their life.
A not-to-be-missed psychological thriller, read Lone Wolf - if you dare - but please, don't have nightmares!
A gruesome object sent to a tv crime podcaster in the mail, leads to FBI Special Agents Victor Loshak and Jevon Spinks being called to the scene. Before long the act's repeated with another female podcaster, who gives them a possible suspect's name.
A frantic chase turns into a bemused one, as the killer seems to vanish into thin air. Then Logan, Spinks and two officers corner the psychopath, before another twist sees a violent denouement and the end of the sadist's reign of terror...as someone pays with their life.
A not-to-be-missed psychological thriller, read Lone Wolf - if you dare - but please, don't have nightmares!
March 2, 2024
Sorry... While the premise was intriguing, I had to fast-forward too many times to get away from the seemingly endless blathering about Becca's pregnancy, in which I have ZERO interest. Babies are NOT why I read murder mysteries, and it's a waste of my time and money to skip over large portions of a book. DNF. Stick to the murders, Vargas. I don't need (or want) to hear about the personal lives of the detectives/LEOs unless it adds to the mystery plot. Heavrn knows, there are plenty of authors who cater to the baby blurbs. Thought you were better than that.
March 13, 2024
Always a good read!!!!’
The Lone Wolf follows the other tremendous Victor Loshak books. The stories like this one are thrilling and exciting. Trying to figure them out is the fun of the read. Who did it why , when and where? This is a story of a man that let drugs leading to the death of his partner let it ruin his life. He found the dark side that most can keep hidden but nobody knows what action could bring it out . What grief could ratchet up the killer in themselves? What deeds could be so heinous? Just read and find out for yourself.
The Lone Wolf follows the other tremendous Victor Loshak books. The stories like this one are thrilling and exciting. Trying to figure them out is the fun of the read. Who did it why , when and where? This is a story of a man that let drugs leading to the death of his partner let it ruin his life. He found the dark side that most can keep hidden but nobody knows what action could bring it out . What grief could ratchet up the killer in themselves? What deeds could be so heinous? Just read and find out for yourself.
March 4, 2024
Fantastic story and series
I have really enjoyed reading all of this series, as well as the others written by these authors. This was an intense, complex, suspenseful, action packed thriller with many unexpected twists that will hook you from beginning to end. It's a definite must read.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding authors.
I have really enjoyed reading all of this series, as well as the others written by these authors. This was an intense, complex, suspenseful, action packed thriller with many unexpected twists that will hook you from beginning to end. It's a definite must read.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding authors.
March 14, 2024
I have thoroughly enjoyed every book in this series. This one, I thought, featured a unique killer. He appeared less formulaic and much more realistic compared to many serial killers depicted in books. This could probably be enjoyed as a stand-alone, but this series & the Violet Darger series it evolved are both so great I’d recommend enjoying them all in order.
March 17, 2024
Disappointing
I have been waiting for awhile for the next Loshak book to come out. I gave it 2 stars. It was disappointing. Almost like it was written by someone new. The running sciences and underground scenes lasted far too long! And the rest of the book just was not exciting at all. Maybe I just missed Vargus, don’t know but I skipped may repetitive pages.
I have been waiting for awhile for the next Loshak book to come out. I gave it 2 stars. It was disappointing. Almost like it was written by someone new. The running sciences and underground scenes lasted far too long! And the rest of the book just was not exciting at all. Maybe I just missed Vargus, don’t know but I skipped may repetitive pages.
March 14, 2024
Enjoyed reading Postal mystery
I liked Loshak coming to terms of aging and the changes it brings. I thought the tension built up well and kept you reading past when you wanted to put it down. Thanks
I liked Loshak coming to terms of aging and the changes it brings. I thought the tension built up well and kept you reading past when you wanted to put it down. Thanks
March 29, 2024
Disappointed
It was extremely hard to finish the book. Finally skipped chapters to get the end. There were so many unnecessary conversations and descriptives. This is the first time I’ve ever written a bad review (especially for a writer I enjoy).
It was extremely hard to finish the book. Finally skipped chapters to get the end. There were so many unnecessary conversations and descriptives. This is the first time I’ve ever written a bad review (especially for a writer I enjoy).
March 1, 2024
Always love the Loshak (and Darger) books. The only problem I have with them is that I finish them too quickly. Their always so good!
March 7, 2024
One hell of a creepy ride, more strange and deranged people in one place. It was a whole new story line for a murder mystery.
March 14, 2024
Truely spooky
The twisted path and layers of deceit keeps one guessing at how this will be solved, to what ending this will come.
The twisted path and layers of deceit keeps one guessing at how this will be solved, to what ending this will come.
March 20, 2024
Loshak and Spinks are a great team
Enjoyed this a lot especially with the great chase in the final chapters which were caught vividly. Wonderful read, so enjoy it.
Enjoyed this a lot especially with the great chase in the final chapters which were caught vividly. Wonderful read, so enjoy it.
April 6, 2024
Another great Loshak read
I really enjoyed this one. I'm halt that Spinks seems to be a standard fixture with Loshak. He's funny and insightful and a great partner.
I really enjoyed this one. I'm halt that Spinks seems to be a standard fixture with Loshak. He's funny and insightful and a great partner.
April 11, 2024
Great Book!
This was a very good book! I wanted to read it straight through. I enjoy the Loshak-Spinks pairing up. Hope to see more books like this!
This was a very good book! I wanted to read it straight through. I enjoy the Loshak-Spinks pairing up. Hope to see more books like this!
April 11, 2024
Another Great Lisha and Spinks Case
This is a well written Who Done It. The cast of characters are well thought out and the twists and turns keep you engaged until the very end.
This is a well written Who Done It. The cast of characters are well thought out and the twists and turns keep you engaged until the very end.
April 16, 2024
I enjoyed this book. It was interesting up to the end.
April 23, 2024
This book has it all: harrowing chase, grisly scenes, cunning investigators, and even a near shout out to my alma mater, the School of Mines! Excited for the next one!
April 23, 2024
So boring. I didn't even care if they caught the guy. Stopped at 63%.
May 25, 2024
good read
The book keeps you going. Hard to put down. Would recommend it to anyone that enjoys reading. Go get the book.
The book keeps you going. Hard to put down. Would recommend it to anyone that enjoys reading. Go get the book.
June 15, 2024
Great book !
Love Loshak...a terrific character. Wish there
were more of his stories. Can't wait until
there are ! Not soon enough.
Love Loshak...a terrific character. Wish there
were more of his stories. Can't wait until
there are ! Not soon enough.
July 23, 2024
Very interesting!
I really like the character Victor Loshak. I look forward to reading book number 6 in this series. I hope to read more with Spinks in them too.
I really like the character Victor Loshak. I look forward to reading book number 6 in this series. I hope to read more with Spinks in them too.
December 3, 2024
Different in a way that I really enjoyed. New elements that changed my thinking. This was the audible version.
April 8, 2025
Love this series!
November 12, 2024
Loshak is back in an action-packed new story!
When Lone Wolf came out in February of 2024, I read an Advance Reader Copy and believed it was one of the best stories if not the best of the Victor Loshak series. For the last three days I have listened to Curt Bonnem’s narration of this story and am now firmly convinced Lone Wolf is the best of the series. My original review is below.
As I started reading Lone Wolf, the fifth book in the Victor Loshak series, I had to look back to when I read the fourth book. Hard to believe it has been two years. From opening that first page and reuniting with Loshak and Spinks it felt like I was back spending time together with old friends – the kind of friends where distance and time between visits makes no difference.
I’ll be the first to admit I was expecting the story to be focused on a different subject, but in this case being wrong wasn’t an obstacle, Loshak and Spinks took me to the Denver area for their latest case. Along with following their progress or nonprogress I was able to clearly visualize the geography where each scene played out having spent quite a bit of time in the Denver area.
The action in this story is intense, and in some instances unrelenting, but it sets the overall tenor of the story and what a story this one is. Right off the bat when the podcaster opened the envelope with the face, I knew this was going to be one of those books that takes over your life until that final page. It seems like each of these Loshak stories pull back the curtain on previously undisclosed areas of Loshak and Spink’s private lives. Getting to know them better with each story provides a depth to the stories that makes me set everything aside once these books come into my life.
If you enjoy detective stories that are normally focused on serial killers you owe it to yourself to give the Loshak series a go, but if you do you really need to start with the beginning. Sure, while this book would make for an entertaining stand alone, getting to know Loshak and Spinks better by reading the earlier books would make it much better.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of Lone Wolf from the authors and chose to provide my honest review.
When Lone Wolf came out in February of 2024, I read an Advance Reader Copy and believed it was one of the best stories if not the best of the Victor Loshak series. For the last three days I have listened to Curt Bonnem’s narration of this story and am now firmly convinced Lone Wolf is the best of the series. My original review is below.
As I started reading Lone Wolf, the fifth book in the Victor Loshak series, I had to look back to when I read the fourth book. Hard to believe it has been two years. From opening that first page and reuniting with Loshak and Spinks it felt like I was back spending time together with old friends – the kind of friends where distance and time between visits makes no difference.
I’ll be the first to admit I was expecting the story to be focused on a different subject, but in this case being wrong wasn’t an obstacle, Loshak and Spinks took me to the Denver area for their latest case. Along with following their progress or nonprogress I was able to clearly visualize the geography where each scene played out having spent quite a bit of time in the Denver area.
The action in this story is intense, and in some instances unrelenting, but it sets the overall tenor of the story and what a story this one is. Right off the bat when the podcaster opened the envelope with the face, I knew this was going to be one of those books that takes over your life until that final page. It seems like each of these Loshak stories pull back the curtain on previously undisclosed areas of Loshak and Spink’s private lives. Getting to know them better with each story provides a depth to the stories that makes me set everything aside once these books come into my life.
If you enjoy detective stories that are normally focused on serial killers you owe it to yourself to give the Loshak series a go, but if you do you really need to start with the beginning. Sure, while this book would make for an entertaining stand alone, getting to know Loshak and Spinks better by reading the earlier books would make it much better.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of Lone Wolf from the authors and chose to provide my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews