Trapped in the Cascades: A Luke McCain Novel

by Rob Phillips

When trappers begin encountering illegal bear traps near their traplines, it seems that someone may be purposefully attempting to trap trappers—but why? As one trapper attempts to remove himself from a potentially lethal snare, two major snowstorms start pummeling the Central Cascades.

Stranded hunters and a fugitive killer looking for a place to ride out a blizzard have Luke McCain and his yellow Lab, Jack, working overtime to help get everyone safely out of the mountains. It can only be described as the most challenging 72 hours he has ever spent on the job as a Washington State Fish and Wildlife enforcement officer.


Praise for Trapped in the

"Fast-paced and engaging, Trapped in the Cascades converges three separate storylines, each ripe with malicious intent and life-threatening repercussions. These are woven into a nail-biting finale with Luke McCain and his faithful companion, Jack, fighting off dangerous weather conditions and the ticking timer towards death if they are unsuccessful. A five-star read!" --J.C. Fuller, author of The Rockfish Island Mysteries

"I kept turning pages in Trapped in the Cascades long after I should have been doing other things, but as I followed Luke and Jack through biting winds and snow, smelling pine crushed underfoot and hearing the pop of pine sap from the fire, I couldn’t put the book down. Phillips is a great storyteller who can weave clever mysteries and plot twists that particularly appeal to people who love the outdoors but will please anyone who likes a good thriller." --Dalyn Weller, author of the Apple Valley Ranchers series and other titles


Praise for the Luke McCain

"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

213 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2024

Reviews

[Doug Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Disclaimer: The author is my brother and I unabashedly spread the good cheer of his work.)

Imagine hiking through the snow and *snap*, one of your legs is suddenly, and painfully, snared in a very large bear trap. I can think of only a few things that would be more painful, including reading bad fiction. Fortunately for everyone, Trapped in the Cascades: A Luke McCain Novel is very readable, and continues with the action-packed chapters that make up the great Luke McCain series. Yes, Luke McCain is also the name of the character from the Rifleman, and the author has fun with that fact in most of his works.

To avoid spoilers, I will restrict this review to the overview level. As with all entries in the McCain lineup, the books are only mildly sequential, so you can easily pick up any one of the titles and read it as a standalone. Of course, you should read them all, and that's not from my brother twisting my arm.

Enjoy a fun few days in the Cascade mountains with Luke McCain and his faithful dog Jack.

[Shawna S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is always a good read. Like is a fish and wildlife officer enforcing in the mountains. Jake his dog is his fail ful assistant winning the hearts of the rescued. Lots of action in this one, with a big several day snowstorm blowing in Luke sets out. Originally looking for his neighbor Austin, who has not been heard from in a couple of days and then to an almost comical several people up to no good ending up in the same deserted cabin.

[Ronald F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rob Phillips did an outstanding job with the Luke McCain series. Every one of the 7 books were super interesting and enjoyable. Each book seemed to get better than the last. After reading Trapped in the Cascades for about 4 hours, I got up to go to the bathroom and looked out the window and was surprised that it was not snowing. An excellent series.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read three of the seven books in this series about Luke McCain, of the Washington State Fish and Wildlife department, and his ever-faithful sidekick dog, Jack, and they never disappoint. I live in Central Washington, and that adds to the fun of these, always picturing places we both have been. This one takes place during a big blizzard, with a lot going on in the mountains.

[Margaret Ridings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cool reading

Enjoyed reacquainting myself with Luke and Jack. Especially good to read this Cascades story while I’m forced to stay inside since it’s 100 degrees outside. Such a cool story of a dedicated officer and his loyal pal. Looking forward to reading the next adventure.

[Patricia Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trapped in the Cascades

Enjoyable fast read. Really puts you smack dab in the middle of a Cascades snowstorm - and the rescue efforts of Fish and Wildlife police officers.

Glad to reacquaint with Luke McCain!

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luke McCain and Jack deliver again! Great storyline and characters. Luke and Jack work through a blizzard to find a trapper, criminals and his neighbor, Austin. I really enjoy these books. Writing is done with clean language and settings that I love reading about. Can't wait for the next book.

[Barnhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trapped, Another Great Story.

After reading number seven Luke McCain has become a real favorite. I am looking forward to more great adventures with Luke, Jack and company. Thanks to Rob Phillips.

[Steve Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

cold, dangerous with the good guys against the bad!

Great book! Story line was easy to follow! Author did a very good job with setting the scene in the mountains with a snowy blizzard, a bear trap and what happens next. Had a hard time putting the book down!!

[beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Winner

Each book in this series has been better than the last one. I always look forward to the next one.

[Linda Pena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Luke McCain book

I read this in two days. Like the others, I couldn't put it down. I hope the author has already started another of this series.🙏

[Em In Va · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real good series

I really enjoyed this series about a game warden and his dog in the Cascades Mountains. Hope there will be more books.

[Scott Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

One of the best in the Luke McCain series to date. Had great character development, was able to get a signed copy of this one and meet the author, keep on writing sir!

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series - have read them all! Good character development and really interesting plot lines and action - love these!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this book series. The main character is likable and intelligent.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great story

Rob Phillips continues once again to be a great storyteller with twists and turns. His characters seem alive and keep us engaged in the unfolding story.