Wolf Tracks

by Kirk Russell

Author Kirk Russell returns to the wilderness—this time with a love story and a dark crime.

As a long undercover assignment ends, Special Agent Mark McCabe of the US Fish and Wildlife Service learns that the bullet-riddled, bloodstained SUV belonging to his ex-girlfriend, biologist Jesse Hall, has been found in the Mount Shasta Wilderness. Jesse was studying the only known wolf pack in the area, and that pack was shot and killed the day she disappeared.

A wolf-hunting craze spread by a site on the dark web that offers high bounties adds more intrigue in the search to find Jesse. McCabe can’t accept that she’s likely dead. So, he consults with the FBI as a wilderness expert—but continues to investigate on his own, reaching out to poachers and hunting guides, a rifle-range owner, and the angry spouse and son of an eccentric mountain man who has gone missing.

Leads have dwindled and the search has stalled when a ransom demand arrives at the Sacramento FBI office. Mikayla Hebert, the FBI special agent in charge, joins the other local law enforcement to do a wider house-to-house search. . .but the answer lies in the wild.

Genres: Mystery

301 pages, Paperback

Published June 7, 2024

About the author

I aimed at writing long ago but that turned out to more romance than reality. Looking back, I was lucky to learn something about the world first. Never gave up on writing though. It just took longer. I've written five novels with an undercover California Fish and Game warden, John Marquez, three with a San Francisco homicide inspector, and now Signature Wounds and FBI special agent bomb tech, Paul Grale. Grale is living in the world we're in and dealing with the challenges of our times. I'm very hooked into him and working on a new story.

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the author's John Marquez series about a California game warden. This book introduces Mark McCabe, Fish and Wildlife, who did a tour or two in Afghanistan with SF. I hope it's not a standalone and the first in a series.

Set in the Mount Shasta area McCabe has just gotten off a two year undercover tour to find his ex-girlfriend, a wolf biologist either murdered or kidnapped at the scene of wolf killings. This story is all about his going on leave to find her while working with the FBI and local law enforcement. He encounters some interesting and memorable characters- some who need to take a dirt nap. He's firm and respectful but won't be bullied. He goes with his intuition but is thorough. We need more adventures with Mark McCabe.

[Lisa Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book grabbed my attention from the get-go. It starts strong and ends strong.

When Mark McCabe learns that his ex-girlfriend’s truck is found abandoned and riddled with bullets, he consults with the FBI to find out what happened to her. He isn’t privy to much information as he’s not an FBI agent, but he is determined to find Jesse and hopes to find her alive, even as most of his leads end up being a dead-end.

There is much drama and suspense in this thriller. The descriptions of the wilderness and wildlife make the story even better. Thank you, NetGalley and Strawberry Creek LLC for the advanced reader copy.

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Kirk Russell’s Wolf Tracks is a gripping wilderness crime novel that blends suspense, mystery, and a touch of romance (which I am less than thrilled with, but all mystery books seem to be "romance combos" these days).

The narrative begins with McCabe returning from a long undercover assignment, only to be thrust into a personal crisis when Jesse’s bullet-riddled SUV is discovered. Jesse had been studying the only known wolf pack in the area, which was brutally killed the day she vanished. 

Russell excels in crafting complex characters. McCabe is a compelling protagonist, driven by a mix of professional duty and personal anguish. His interactions with a diverse cast, including poachers, hunting guides, and FBI agents, add depth to the story. 

Wolf Tracks delves into themes of environmental conservation, the ethical dilemmas of wildlife management, and the personal cost of dedication to one’s work. Russell’s writing is vivid and evocative, painting a detailed picture of the wilderness that is both beautiful and menacing. 

IWolf Tracks  is a refreshing take on the crime genre. The wilderness setting adds a unique twist, and the plot is both engaging and thought-provoking. While the resolution is satisfying, some subplots could have been explored further. Nonetheless, Russell’s ability to weave a compelling narrative with well-developed characters makes this a must-read for fans of crime fiction and wilderness adventures.

Wolf Tracks is a testament to Kirk Russell’s storytelling prowess. It’s a ride through the wild, filled with suspense, emotion, and unexpected twists.

[KerryO · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from page one and could not turn the pages fast enough. I really enjoyed the character of Special Agent Mark McCabe and his skepticism of the “by the book” FBI agents he is asked to assist in pursuing leads for his missing ex-girlfriend. The suspense is believable and non-stop. If you enjoy the outdoors with plenty of action, this is a definite must read. I hope the author plans additional adventures for McCabe! I received an ARC from NetGalley, and the opinions expressed are my own.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

***Complimentary Copy

I enjoyed this book! I found myself desperate to get to the end and find out what happened to Jesse. I think it was maybe 30-50 pages too long. It felt like we were having the same conversations over and over again with the same characters (Lynn Flynn for example). There were also bits and pieces inserted that did not lend themselves to the overall plot - ie Hebert’s medical situation, McCabe’s brief call with his sister who was returning to California, that left me thinking huh? But overall a good read.

[Emily Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, highly recommend it. Kept me on the edge of my seat.

[Cassie Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! This book had my attention from the start. It was fast paced, but not rushed. I had no idea who done it until right up to the end.

[Tiffani Nowak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot! There were a lot of characters to keep up with and it became a little confusing but it all ties together in the end! I’ll definitely be reading more from this author!

[Sydney Markt · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m not sure how this is so highly rated. There is no character development. I was so bored. And then it just ended.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Wolf Tracks is a fast paced wilderness crime novel. Mark McCabe, our main character is a special agent from Fish and Wildlife Services and is fresh off two years undercover working in poaching rings. Upon his return home he gets a call from the FBI stating that his ex-girlfriend, biologist Jesse Hall's vehicle was discovered riddled with bullets and the wolf pack she was studying was found dead. She's missing and McCabe is stubborn in believing she's alive, he won't hear of anything else. He begins to work with the FBI as a wilderness consultant but he also searches all angles on his own time. He knows she's out there and he's dead set on finding her.

This was fast paced from the get go and did not slow down once. There are a lot of character names and people you get introduced to, and it made the book give off the feeling of a chop show episode. Where you'll see the characters in the next episode. It has great ambience when it's describing the mountains and rivers and the forest. Gives me the feeling of Longmire in that way.

I'd like to thank Kirk Russell, NetGalley and Strawberry Creek LLC for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Trigger warnings I gathered: kidnapping, drugs, gun violence, animal death, animal cruelty, rape, alzheimers, cancer