What do you think?
Rate this book
Woods Cop #12
Out of Service
Just when longtime Michigan conservation officer Grady Service is certain that he’s seen it all, he learns once again that he hasn’t.
After so many decades protecting his state’s natural resources, here he still is, undercover yet again—not in a case he's developed, but dumped into a case by the Feds (with his governor’s approval). And as time passes, he can’t figure out if what he’s buried in is truly a religious nationalist militia group set on overturning the U.S. Constitution, or one man’s cash cow, a sort of half-ass redneck Ponzi aimed solely at fattening a single bank account.
The newest Woods Cop Mystery, #12 in the legendary series, is another soaring brainchild of Joseph Heywood, author of the Woods Cop and Lute Bapcat Mysteries, both of which explore a way of life lived by Michigan game wardens over many different decades, from the Bapcat mysteries of the early 1900s to Grady Service and compatriots in contemporary times.
After so many decades protecting his state’s natural resources, here he still is, undercover yet again—not in a case he's developed, but dumped into a case by the Feds (with his governor’s approval). And as time passes, he can’t figure out if what he’s buried in is truly a religious nationalist militia group set on overturning the U.S. Constitution, or one man’s cash cow, a sort of half-ass redneck Ponzi aimed solely at fattening a single bank account.
The newest Woods Cop Mystery, #12 in the legendary series, is another soaring brainchild of Joseph Heywood, author of the Woods Cop and Lute Bapcat Mysteries, both of which explore a way of life lived by Michigan game wardens over many different decades, from the Bapcat mysteries of the early 1900s to Grady Service and compatriots in contemporary times.
- GenresMystery
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2024
17 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Heywood
50 books189 followersSee also Joe T. Heywood
Joseph Heywood is the son of a career USAF officer. His dad was from Rhinecliff, New York on the Hudson River in Dutchess County, and his mother is from Mize, Mississippi in Sullivan County. His mother’s maiden name was Hegwood and she had only to change one letter to convert to her married name.
He is a 1961 graduate of Rudyard High School in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (Chippewa County). Played football, basketball, baseball, and ran track.
1965 graduate of Michigan State University (BA-Journalism). Joseph played on the Michigan State Lacrosse Club for three years, crease attack, tri-captain in 1965. He was in the last class of mandatory ROTC for land grant universities and predictably chose the Air Force.
In 1965, he married Sandra V. Heywood (1943-2002) of East Lansing. Five children, one dog. Widower.
1965-1970, USAF Instructor Navigator, KC-135 tanker, honorably discharged as captain. Vietnam veteran. Air Medal with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters.
Graduate studies, Western Michigan University, 1974-75, completed course work for MA in English Literature; no degree.
Joseph worked for The Upjohn Company [now Pfizer], 1970-2000, retiring as vice president for worldwide public relations.
He walks every day in all weather conditions, and have hunted and fished Michigan since 1958, mostly alone.
Joseph Heywood's Woods Cop mysteries are based on the lives of Upper Peninsula conservation officers, and for going on seven years has spent about one month a year on patrol with officers, in all kinds of weather, all times of day and under sundry conditions. He worked in all 15 Upper Peninsula Counties as well as in another 15-16 counties BTB (Below the Bridge).
In preparation for work with COs, he often hikes alone at night (flashlight for emergencies) using only ambient light. He has spent nights alone in jungles and on mountains. Has canoe-camped in Michigan, Missouri and Arkansas, over the years he has had one close encounter with a wolf (six feet away in tag alders on the Iron River), and with a cow elk and her calf (in Idaho). Too many close meetings with black bears to count, no injuries.
He loves to take photographs while walking, hiking and fishing, and use some of the pix for his paintings.
Joseph always carry a ruck with emergency equipment, compass, etc. even for short sorties on foot in the U.P. It’s too easy to get under cedars and old growth in an overcast and get hopelessly turned around. He does not use a GPS. "When it comes to lost in the woods there seem to be two categories of people: Them that have been and them that will be. Iron ore deposits can make compass navigation interesting…."
The Upper Peninsula is not just a setting and base for Joseph Heywood but serves as a character in many of his novels. "When I write, I try to take readers to places and events in the U.P. they might not have occasion to visit or experience on their own. For me, the U.P. is a natural jewel and I am always surprised by how little people from BTB know about it."
"The day we arrived in the U.P. to report to Kinross Air Force Base (later renamed Kincheloe, and since decommissioned) my mother cried as we drove up the several-mile two-lane to the front gate; looking at all the woods passing by, I had a feeling I was coming home."
Joseph Heywood is the son of a career USAF officer. His dad was from Rhinecliff, New York on the Hudson River in Dutchess County, and his mother is from Mize, Mississippi in Sullivan County. His mother’s maiden name was Hegwood and she had only to change one letter to convert to her married name.
He is a 1961 graduate of Rudyard High School in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (Chippewa County). Played football, basketball, baseball, and ran track.
1965 graduate of Michigan State University (BA-Journalism). Joseph played on the Michigan State Lacrosse Club for three years, crease attack, tri-captain in 1965. He was in the last class of mandatory ROTC for land grant universities and predictably chose the Air Force.
In 1965, he married Sandra V. Heywood (1943-2002) of East Lansing. Five children, one dog. Widower.
1965-1970, USAF Instructor Navigator, KC-135 tanker, honorably discharged as captain. Vietnam veteran. Air Medal with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters.
Graduate studies, Western Michigan University, 1974-75, completed course work for MA in English Literature; no degree.
Joseph worked for The Upjohn Company [now Pfizer], 1970-2000, retiring as vice president for worldwide public relations.
He walks every day in all weather conditions, and have hunted and fished Michigan since 1958, mostly alone.
Joseph Heywood's Woods Cop mysteries are based on the lives of Upper Peninsula conservation officers, and for going on seven years has spent about one month a year on patrol with officers, in all kinds of weather, all times of day and under sundry conditions. He worked in all 15 Upper Peninsula Counties as well as in another 15-16 counties BTB (Below the Bridge).
In preparation for work with COs, he often hikes alone at night (flashlight for emergencies) using only ambient light. He has spent nights alone in jungles and on mountains. Has canoe-camped in Michigan, Missouri and Arkansas, over the years he has had one close encounter with a wolf (six feet away in tag alders on the Iron River), and with a cow elk and her calf (in Idaho). Too many close meetings with black bears to count, no injuries.
He loves to take photographs while walking, hiking and fishing, and use some of the pix for his paintings.
Joseph always carry a ruck with emergency equipment, compass, etc. even for short sorties on foot in the U.P. It’s too easy to get under cedars and old growth in an overcast and get hopelessly turned around. He does not use a GPS. "When it comes to lost in the woods there seem to be two categories of people: Them that have been and them that will be. Iron ore deposits can make compass navigation interesting…."
The Upper Peninsula is not just a setting and base for Joseph Heywood but serves as a character in many of his novels. "When I write, I try to take readers to places and events in the U.P. they might not have occasion to visit or experience on their own. For me, the U.P. is a natural jewel and I am always surprised by how little people from BTB know about it."
"The day we arrived in the U.P. to report to Kinross Air Force Base (later renamed Kincheloe, and since decommissioned) my mother cried as we drove up the several-mile two-lane to the front gate; looking at all the woods passing by, I had a feeling I was coming home."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 17, 2024
If I could give a higher rating than 5 stars I would give Out of Service a 7.
Joe Heywood is consistently one of the best writers around. His books come out on Heywood's schedule, not fast and dirty so he can make a buck. His story lines and plot twists are well plotted out and his characters are consistent and complex. And his love of the Michigan Upper Peninsula is evident in the descriptions of the geography and natural glory of the place.
Because Heywood spends time riding along with the game wardens and conservation cops of the UP, he is familiar with the quirky people and their sometime peculiar ways. And he draws his stories from actual cases and situations he has encountered or heard tell about so the stories ring true if unusual.
This book turned out to be the last in his Woods Cop series with protagonist Grady Service in Service's role as an active duty woods cop. But in his epilog, Heywood hints at a new line of novels featuring Service and his memorable circle of friends as Grady adjusts to retirement in the UP of northern Michigan.
I have been in love with Heywood's books since the day I met him at a Michigan library conference twenty years ago. He has never disappointed me as so many other so-called best-selling authors have.
Heywood better keep writing great books as long as I'm able to read them. And I'll try to be patient while he crafts each one.
I can't say enough good things about any book Heywood has written.
Joe Heywood is consistently one of the best writers around. His books come out on Heywood's schedule, not fast and dirty so he can make a buck. His story lines and plot twists are well plotted out and his characters are consistent and complex. And his love of the Michigan Upper Peninsula is evident in the descriptions of the geography and natural glory of the place.
Because Heywood spends time riding along with the game wardens and conservation cops of the UP, he is familiar with the quirky people and their sometime peculiar ways. And he draws his stories from actual cases and situations he has encountered or heard tell about so the stories ring true if unusual.
This book turned out to be the last in his Woods Cop series with protagonist Grady Service in Service's role as an active duty woods cop. But in his epilog, Heywood hints at a new line of novels featuring Service and his memorable circle of friends as Grady adjusts to retirement in the UP of northern Michigan.
I have been in love with Heywood's books since the day I met him at a Michigan library conference twenty years ago. He has never disappointed me as so many other so-called best-selling authors have.
Heywood better keep writing great books as long as I'm able to read them. And I'll try to be patient while he crafts each one.
I can't say enough good things about any book Heywood has written.
July 25, 2024
Game warden and poacher infiltrate militia group, what could go wrong?
Super thrilled to see a new book in the Wood Cops series! This is the first Wood Cops book since 2018’s Bad Optics.
Grady Service is a Detective game warden in the UP, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. He has gone undercover for a task force investigating a religious militia group who have set up camp in the UP. It seems all the agencies are circling this group, including the FBI, ATF and US Fish and Wildlife.
Heywood’s UP has unique characters including a mysterious woodswoman named Worm. Grady has his former nemesis and current friend, Limpy Allerdyce to keep track of the militia. Two new game warden recruits, Jordy Bapcat and Patty Something, join the investigation. Service is juggling his home life and the undercover case. Meanwhile, Grady’s romantic partner and State Police detective deals with skeletons found in a cave.
Heywood keeps the action rolling throughout this complex case. His knowledge of the work and situations encountered by game wardens is evident. His characters are funny, some eccentric, but always interesting. I devoured this 12th book in the series and recommend the whole series. If you enjoy Paul Doiron, C.J. Box and William Kent Krueger you will have a blast reading Out of Service!
Thanks to Globe Pequot | Lyons Press and NetGalley for a digital review copy.
Super thrilled to see a new book in the Wood Cops series! This is the first Wood Cops book since 2018’s Bad Optics.
Grady Service is a Detective game warden in the UP, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. He has gone undercover for a task force investigating a religious militia group who have set up camp in the UP. It seems all the agencies are circling this group, including the FBI, ATF and US Fish and Wildlife.
Heywood’s UP has unique characters including a mysterious woodswoman named Worm. Grady has his former nemesis and current friend, Limpy Allerdyce to keep track of the militia. Two new game warden recruits, Jordy Bapcat and Patty Something, join the investigation. Service is juggling his home life and the undercover case. Meanwhile, Grady’s romantic partner and State Police detective deals with skeletons found in a cave.
Heywood keeps the action rolling throughout this complex case. His knowledge of the work and situations encountered by game wardens is evident. His characters are funny, some eccentric, but always interesting. I devoured this 12th book in the series and recommend the whole series. If you enjoy Paul Doiron, C.J. Box and William Kent Krueger you will have a blast reading Out of Service!
Thanks to Globe Pequot | Lyons Press and NetGalley for a digital review copy.
October 26, 2024
I’m originally from MIchigan and have been near the Keweenaw Peninsula where the action happens in this book. It’s rough country and, like the rest of the UP, a potential source for valuable metals like copper, iron and, possibly silver. That’s partially the basis for this story. The protagonist in this story, Grady Service, is a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officer, undercover with a paramilitary organization where the issue of illegally selling eagle feathers is the root of the assignment. It’s kind of a crazy story with odd characters trying to figure out why a paramilitary organization is involved with eagle feathers. I like characters—even the odd ones—and was enamored with the territory.
July 27, 2025
Not my favorite Woods Cop mystery, and whether that's because it's the last with Service as a game warden, or a cast of characters almost too eccentric for the UP - which is saying a lot. I missed Service during the Woods Cop hiatus, but feel like this book is just a set up for Something or Bapcat to continue the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2025
The title says it all, plus hints along the way. Unfortunately there are many things left unanswered.
April 13, 2025
Like all of Heywood's prior books, this one pulled me right in.
I was a bit frightened at the end when it looked like he was ending the series, but the afterword mentioned that Grady Service will most likely be heading for retirement.
What a relief!
Loved this book.
I was a bit frightened at the end when it looked like he was ending the series, but the afterword mentioned that Grady Service will most likely be heading for retirement.
What a relief!
Loved this book.
August 20, 2025
As the title of this book suggests, this series is nearing its conclusion. I found this book to be somewhat melancholy. Not sad because the series is ending, but the story and the characters were just not that great.
This is not a spoiler... Grady is undercover again. The case is convoluted and slow, and I found the ending unsatisfactory. It didn't tie up a whole bunch of questions posed during the investigation of the case.
Add to that a new character named Worm. Worm has a language of her own that is very difficult to understand. With Allerdyce already making a mess of language, having another character do the same, but in a different way, is tiresome. The Worm character might have been a good one if she had been introduced a few books ago, since Grady seems to want to groom her, but she was introduced too late.
I almost gave up on this book a couple of times, but I always liked the Grady character, and I persevered just to see how his character fares. Sadly, it was still an unsatisfactory read.
Joseph Heywood wrote in a note at the end of the book that there will be one more book in the series. I assume it will be how Grady does not take well to retirement.
This is not a spoiler... Grady is undercover again. The case is convoluted and slow, and I found the ending unsatisfactory. It didn't tie up a whole bunch of questions posed during the investigation of the case.
Add to that a new character named Worm. Worm has a language of her own that is very difficult to understand. With Allerdyce already making a mess of language, having another character do the same, but in a different way, is tiresome. The Worm character might have been a good one if she had been introduced a few books ago, since Grady seems to want to groom her, but she was introduced too late.
I almost gave up on this book a couple of times, but I always liked the Grady character, and I persevered just to see how his character fares. Sadly, it was still an unsatisfactory read.
Joseph Heywood wrote in a note at the end of the book that there will be one more book in the series. I assume it will be how Grady does not take well to retirement.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews