Dead Catch

Sam Rivers #4

by Cary J. Griffith

A murdered conservation officer and a multi-million-dollar poaching business—how are they connected to Sam Rivers’ childhood friend?


Holden Riggins is an expert outdoorsman and a known poacher. He’s made a small fortune by exploiting nature’s bounty. So it’s no surprise when two conservation officers (COs) from the Department of Natural Resources come upon Holden’s fishing boat, anchored beside an illegal walleye net.


What is a surprise, though, is Holden’s nearly frozen to death on the bottom of his boat. That’s not the COs’ most shocking discovery. Twisted and tangled within the twines of another nearby net is the dead body of their missing colleague.


After the COs save Holden from the icy grip of hypothermia, the suspected murderer refuses to answer questions. The only person he’ll speak with is Sam Rivers, a man he last saw when they were 12 years old. Since then, Holden has become a known scofflaw and ex-con, using wilderness and everything in it for his ill-gotten gains. Sam has become a special agent for the US Fish & Wildlife Service, hunting, capturing, and incarcerating criminals—like his childhood friend.


Throughout the state’s finest walleye lakes, the population of Minnesota’s most prized game fish has been unaccountably dropping. Holden’s net might explain why. Has he resurrected his illegal netting ring, cashing in on the state’s $25-million walleye industry? Did he commit murder to evade the law? One thing is Sam will follow the facts wherever they lead—but is he the one reeling in suspects, or is he just the bait?


Natural history writer Cary J. Griffith brings back Sam Rivers for his fourth outdoors-themed mystery—a suspenseful novel filled with fast-paced action.

Genres: Mystery

373 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 11, 2024

About the author

Award-winning author Cary J. Griffith grew up among the woods, fields, and emerald waters of eastern Iowa. His childhood fostered a lifelong love of wild places.

He earned a B.A. in English from the University of Iowa and an M.A. in library science from the University of Minnesota.

Griffith’s books explore the natural world. In nonfiction, he covers the borderlands between civilization and wild places. In fiction, he focuses on the ways some people use flora and fauna to commit crimes, while others with more reverence and understanding of the natural world leverage their knowledge to bring criminals to justice.

He lives with his family in a suburb of Minnesota’s Twin Cities.

Reviews

[Kathleen Donnelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed the entire Sam Rivers Mystery Series so I was excited to read the fourth book, DEAD CATCH. Author Cary Griffith writes a riveting and page-turning mystery that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat. DEAD CATCH continues the story of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Special Agent Sam Rivers and his faithful four-legged sidekick, the wolf-hybrid Gray. When Sam receives an unusual phone call that his childhood friend was arrested for murdering a Minnesota conservation officer, he and Gray head to the Lake Vermillion area to investigate. As the investigation continues, Sam discovers that ruthless poachers want to keep the truth hidden at any cost, but he questions his friend’s innocence. His friend had a prior conviction and served time for poaching walleye. But has he gone from poaching to murder? DEAD CATCH is full of plot twists and turns, but the characters and setting are phenomenal as Griffith takes the reader into the world of fish poaching, giving those we love second chances and rekindling friendships. I look forward to the next book by this talented author. I was given an ARC in exchange for a far review.

[Kathy Piehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed the mystery aspects of the novel. Not so sure about the digressions into Sam's personal life, which didn't make a whole lot of difference, except one crucial turn of events in the plot. The rekindling of relationship with a boyhood friend was more interesting, especially since that man was the prime suspect in a murder case. Some of the writing could flow more smoothly, and the descriptions of the area got overly long. Then again, I haven't spend much time in that area of the state so maybe the details about the lakes, streams, and surrounding countryside would hold the attention of frequent visitors or residents. I'll certainly continue with the series. If I could give half-star ratings, I'd give this a 4.5

[Michelle Heyboer · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW - Cary J. Griffith blew me away with Dead Catch!! I couldn't devour this book fast enough as it was as if I was right there with Sam investigating a murder within the walleye poaching industry. Underneath the murder mystery is also a love story, a story about childhood friendships and past/present trauma. This wonderfully written mystery is a must read for all nature loving mystery fans!!!

Will there be a book 5???? (Fingers crossed!!!)

[Fay Wallin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A man is discovered in his fishing boat along Lake Vermillion in Minnesta. Found nearly frozen to death, this event starts a story of illegal walleye poaching that encompasses a wide area and many people. US Fish & Wildlife Agent Sam Rivers is called to solve the poaching and the death of a man found twisted in the fishing nets attached to the boat where the nearly frozen man is found... REALLY good read, very exciting and lots of twists!

[Doug · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Sam Rivers mystery series. This one is again set in northern MN and Lake Vermillion is one of the major characters. Interesting characters, a good plot, a sweet romance, well-resolved mystery, and even a great recipe make this a fine read. (I am just waiting for someone to make a Netflix series from these books!)

[Amy Hepp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead Catch is #4 in the Sam Rivers mystery series and is set against the backdrop of breathtaking Lake Vermilion in northern Minnesota. Sam Rivers and his trusty companion, Gray, are called to look into the murder of a local conservation officer. When he learns his boyhood friend has been charged with the crime, he gets to work.
Griffith has a knack for weaving together character and setting details that enrich his stories in a way that is uniquely satisfying. I can’t wait for #5.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this one. It was genuinely hard to put down. stayed up much later than I should’ve reading it, finished it off in the morning. Engaging character, and an involved plot that keeps the story moving.

[James Gonsioroski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced thriller set in lovely Minnesota, great characters, clever and very enjoyable.

[Martha Boward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these Sam Rivers books!! I'm disappointed that our library hasn't picked him up. I'll keep buying them

[Sambridhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid 🫡🥳👀

[Jennifer VanSickle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the dialogue pulled me out of the story, bit overall a good read.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great continuation of the Sam Rivers series. It's hard to put down this book set in Lake Vermillion, MN.