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Wolverine Instincts
"In the heart of the wilderness, the hunter becomes the hunted."
Gunshots shatter the quiet of Oregon’s Eagle Cap Wilderness, drawing Oregon State Trooper Gabriel Hawke into action. Following the sound, he stumbles upon a shredded cage, the sharp musk of a wolverine, and a dead hiker. Tracking footprints through the rugged terrain, Hawke uncovers a second victim. It’s clear—he’s hunting a killer who’s hunting humans.
With Dog by his side, Hawke’s search leads to two brothers, one gravely injured. Enlisting the help of pilot Dani Singer, he gets the injured man to safety before returning to the wilderness. Teaming up with a reclusive, disabled veteran who knows the Eagle Cap as well as he does, Hawke pieces together the killer’s twisted game. They suspect a poacher—one as ruthless and elusive as the wolverine he’s still chasing.
In a deadly wilderness where survival is the only rule, Hawke must outsmart a predator who knows no bounds.
Gunshots shatter the quiet of Oregon’s Eagle Cap Wilderness, drawing Oregon State Trooper Gabriel Hawke into action. Following the sound, he stumbles upon a shredded cage, the sharp musk of a wolverine, and a dead hiker. Tracking footprints through the rugged terrain, Hawke uncovers a second victim. It’s clear—he’s hunting a killer who’s hunting humans.
With Dog by his side, Hawke’s search leads to two brothers, one gravely injured. Enlisting the help of pilot Dani Singer, he gets the injured man to safety before returning to the wilderness. Teaming up with a reclusive, disabled veteran who knows the Eagle Cap as well as he does, Hawke pieces together the killer’s twisted game. They suspect a poacher—one as ruthless and elusive as the wolverine he’s still chasing.
In a deadly wilderness where survival is the only rule, Hawke must outsmart a predator who knows no bounds.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2025
51 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Paty Jager
111 books393 followersPaty Jager is an award-winning author of 55+ novels, novellas, and short stories of murder mystery, western romance, and action adventure.
All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters. Paty and her husband raise alfalfa hay in rural eastern Oregon. Riding horses and battling rattlesnakes, she not only writes the western lifestyle, she lives it.
All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters. Paty and her husband raise alfalfa hay in rural eastern Oregon. Riding horses and battling rattlesnakes, she not only writes the western lifestyle, she lives it.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 7, 2025
The mystery is well-written, moves at a fast-pace, and grabbed me from the beginning. Hawke is a great protagonist. I love that he uses his heritage in his job as a fish and wildlife ranger. Hawke is aging and can’t bounce back like he used to and knows when and who to accept help. This book is packed with action and twists. This book is so well-written that you can picture it happening.
The narrator is fabulous at making me loose myself in the story. I can completely envision Hawke and believe it’s him telling what is happen in this story.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
The narrator is fabulous at making me loose myself in the story. I can completely envision Hawke and believe it’s him telling what is happen in this story.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
February 8, 2025
Crazed Murderer on the Loose . . .
An obviously mentally disturbed individual had trapped what he called a “skunk bear”, an animal on the endangered list. But he believed this capture would make him invincible. He had heard a biologist mention the animal so he broke into the Fish and Wildlife building to find the documents showing where tracks had been discovered. He built his trap and captured the animal. But when someone called out to him about it not being hunting season and his illegal capture of the animal, he raised his rifle and shot him without hesitation! He heard another man shout and again raised the rifle and fired into the thicket. But all he found when he checked the area was blood and multiple footprints, so he started tracking his newest victims to finish them off!
Oregon State Trooper Gabriel Hawke was on his third day of patrol in the Eagle Caps Wilderness. He heard rifle shots and assumed it was a poacher. He found a crushed cage but smelled the scent of an angry wolverine. But why the two shots he heard? When he turned, he saw a backpack in the brush and realized it was on a man face-down on the ground! Unfortunately, the man was dead. He took photos then checked the body and only found one wound. He covered the body with a tarp and followed the killer’s trail, finding blood and footprints in the bushes this time, but no body. Seth Finlay had dragged his older brother Alex through the woods to get away from the crazy hiker who shot Alex in the leg. Hearing someone behind them, Seth hid his brother and tried to lead the killer away, crawling on his hands and knees to confuse whoever it was. When he stood up, he used a stick to brush away any footprints as he moved more quickly now and circled back toward his brother. Luckily Hawke was the one to find them and took them to his partner Dani Singer, who owned Charlie’s Hunting Lodge. Now the hunt was on for the dangerous murdering poacher who didn’t seem to care who or what he killed! Would Hawke capture the killer? Or would he somehow get away?
Yes, this story line will keep the reader fully involved in the action. The writing is excellent, flowing at a perfect pace and giving the reader a vivid picture of the environment the characters are moving in. The dialog was realistic and the interaction of the characters was handled well. I really enjoyed the story and it kept me guessing all the way through. Well done!
An obviously mentally disturbed individual had trapped what he called a “skunk bear”, an animal on the endangered list. But he believed this capture would make him invincible. He had heard a biologist mention the animal so he broke into the Fish and Wildlife building to find the documents showing where tracks had been discovered. He built his trap and captured the animal. But when someone called out to him about it not being hunting season and his illegal capture of the animal, he raised his rifle and shot him without hesitation! He heard another man shout and again raised the rifle and fired into the thicket. But all he found when he checked the area was blood and multiple footprints, so he started tracking his newest victims to finish them off!
Oregon State Trooper Gabriel Hawke was on his third day of patrol in the Eagle Caps Wilderness. He heard rifle shots and assumed it was a poacher. He found a crushed cage but smelled the scent of an angry wolverine. But why the two shots he heard? When he turned, he saw a backpack in the brush and realized it was on a man face-down on the ground! Unfortunately, the man was dead. He took photos then checked the body and only found one wound. He covered the body with a tarp and followed the killer’s trail, finding blood and footprints in the bushes this time, but no body. Seth Finlay had dragged his older brother Alex through the woods to get away from the crazy hiker who shot Alex in the leg. Hearing someone behind them, Seth hid his brother and tried to lead the killer away, crawling on his hands and knees to confuse whoever it was. When he stood up, he used a stick to brush away any footprints as he moved more quickly now and circled back toward his brother. Luckily Hawke was the one to find them and took them to his partner Dani Singer, who owned Charlie’s Hunting Lodge. Now the hunt was on for the dangerous murdering poacher who didn’t seem to care who or what he killed! Would Hawke capture the killer? Or would he somehow get away?
Yes, this story line will keep the reader fully involved in the action. The writing is excellent, flowing at a perfect pace and giving the reader a vivid picture of the environment the characters are moving in. The dialog was realistic and the interaction of the characters was handled well. I really enjoyed the story and it kept me guessing all the way through. Well done!
February 10, 2025
An absolutely brilliant book by Paty Jager in the Gabriel Hawke series. Hawke is a State Trooper who patrols the mountains in his area, checking hunting permits and keeping law and order. Unfortunately, this also means catching criminals who kill animals and humans. Hawke's ancestry is Nez Pierce, and he is very protective of the land he patrols as it was originally Nex Pierce land.
In this book, a crazed poacher who is after trapping a wild animal kills a hiker and wounds another, Hawke has to catch him before he finds the wounded man. We also catch up with Dani , Sage, Tuck, Kittree, and Tyson at the hunting lodge, Dani is Hawke's partner.
I couldn't put this book down and read it over a day, I was captivated from the first chapter. If you like a good mystery that takes you on a journey, then this is the series for you.
I really liked the new character, Bryce, in this book. A disabled veteran who finds solace in the mountains but who starts to open up.
Each book is a standalone story, but the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.
In this book, a crazed poacher who is after trapping a wild animal kills a hiker and wounds another, Hawke has to catch him before he finds the wounded man. We also catch up with Dani , Sage, Tuck, Kittree, and Tyson at the hunting lodge, Dani is Hawke's partner.
I couldn't put this book down and read it over a day, I was captivated from the first chapter. If you like a good mystery that takes you on a journey, then this is the series for you.
I really liked the new character, Bryce, in this book. A disabled veteran who finds solace in the mountains but who starts to open up.
Each book is a standalone story, but the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.
March 22, 2025
The wolverine is a polar mammal Size: 65 – 110cm (26 – 42 in) and Weight: 20 – 71 pounds (10 – 32 kg) with a vile temperament and are unique among animals of their size in their ability to tough out some of the harshest conditions and bring down animals over three times their mass.
This is similar to the murderous person who attempted to snare this VERY endangered species and shot one man to death and another less mortally. But nothing and no one has the sheer stubborn determination of Oregon State Trooper/Fish and Wildlife service Gabriel Hawke.
Although this is book 13, the author provides plenty of info and makes this one capable of being a comfortable stand alone. The descriptions of the wilderness and insights into the well developed characters (including Hawke's animal assistants) are every bit as engaging and researched as the intricate plot. Love this series and highly value Larry Gorman's narrations.
@patymjager #GabrielHawkeBk13 #procedural #oregonwilderness #endangeredspecies #murderinvestigation #thriller #suspense #actionadventure #horses #friends *****review #militaryveterans
This is similar to the murderous person who attempted to snare this VERY endangered species and shot one man to death and another less mortally. But nothing and no one has the sheer stubborn determination of Oregon State Trooper/Fish and Wildlife service Gabriel Hawke.
Although this is book 13, the author provides plenty of info and makes this one capable of being a comfortable stand alone. The descriptions of the wilderness and insights into the well developed characters (including Hawke's animal assistants) are every bit as engaging and researched as the intricate plot. Love this series and highly value Larry Gorman's narrations.
@patymjager #GabrielHawkeBk13 #procedural #oregonwilderness #endangeredspecies #murderinvestigation #thriller #suspense #actionadventure #horses #friends *****review #militaryveterans
January 24, 2025
I love these Gabriel Hawke novels. I couldn’t put the book down once I started reading it. Some maniac decided he was going to catch a wolverine which was instinct besides being vicious. A poor innocent hiker yells at the maniac to leave the wolverine alone and gets shot. Two brothers hiking sees what happened and the maniac shot at the two brothers and one gets shot in the leg. Hawke is up in the mountains and gets caught up in what was happening. Luckily Dani, Hawke’s partner, has a lodge near by that Hawke gets to boys to for help. There were so many things happening trying to find the poacher. It is always so interesting following all the clues Ms. Jager gives, plus the various people who get involved. I was on the edge of my seat at times fearful of what may happen next. I strongly encourage you to read the book.
March 28, 2025
Wolverine Instincts is another engaging book in Paty Jager's Gabriel Hawke series. Having read most of the books in this series, I knew I would enjoy this one, and I was not disappointed. There is lots of action, the usual, and some new characters, with Hawke on a manhunt for a wolverine trapper. The solving of the murder mystery kept my interest. Readers who enjoy fast-paced adventures will not want to miss Wolverine Instincts. I listened to a complimentary copy of the audiobook. Larry Gorman did a great job narrating the story, which made for an enjoyable listening experience. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions are my own.
March 23, 2025
I love Gabriel Hawke, Dog, Horse his mule, and be back in one of my old stomping grounds, The Willows. A place where I've camped, hunted and talked to the wildlife troopers. And this time Gabriel Hawke is after a poacher who turned murderer. And you know by now, that is if you're a fan of this series, once Gabriel is on the trail, gets the scent, he follows it to the end! No matter the cost to himself... but this time Gabriel Hawke realizes that he doesn’t hafta hunt alone!
So yeah go grab the audiobook because Paty Jager and Larry Gorman have a story to tell you!
So yeah go grab the audiobook because Paty Jager and Larry Gorman have a story to tell you!
February 18, 2025
An absolutely brilliant book by Paty Jager
Love this series! Read every book. Each book is so well written.
I always watch and wait for the next book to come out.
The way the Native American heritage and rituals are woven into each storyline and characters as another element to the adventure.
Each book is a standalone story, but the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.
Waiting for Hawke’s next adventure!
Love this series! Read every book. Each book is so well written.
I always watch and wait for the next book to come out.
The way the Native American heritage and rituals are woven into each storyline and characters as another element to the adventure.
Each book is a standalone story, but the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.
Waiting for Hawke’s next adventure!
January 28, 2025
Anther intriguing Gabriel Hawke novel. I really enjoy these books, as the author is descriptive about the region and the wildlife of the area. Gabriel Hawke is a trooper who is focused on protecting the wildlife, but this sometimes leads him to solve murders and other crimes. This one had a few extra twists in which I was not expecting, but which added to the story.
February 11, 2025
Hawke fan
Love this series! Read every book. Always watch and wait for the next book to come out. So well written. Love how the Native American heritage and rituals weave in and out of these characters and the storyline. If you are looking for a great series, Gabriel Hawke is your man!
Love this series! Read every book. Always watch and wait for the next book to come out. So well written. Love how the Native American heritage and rituals weave in and out of these characters and the storyline. If you are looking for a great series, Gabriel Hawke is your man!
February 23, 2025
Hawke wins again
MS Jager nailed it again. I was hooked by her first book in this series. Her research on Wolverines was excellent, as was her understanding of police procedure. I love the way she is building the relationship between Hawke and Dani. I look forward to his next adventure.
MS Jager nailed it again. I was hooked by her first book in this series. Her research on Wolverines was excellent, as was her understanding of police procedure. I love the way she is building the relationship between Hawke and Dani. I look forward to his next adventure.
February 4, 2025
I love this series as I always learn something new about the natural world. Wolverines are such an incredible species of which so little is known. Hoping that a future book will feature more of Hawke and Dani interacting on one of his treks in the mountains.
February 13, 2025
This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was fast-paced, action packed and kept me reading. I appreciated that Gabriel Hawke recognized that he can't do it all by himself all the time. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.
April 20, 2025
Great book
I just love these books about Hawke and his friends and animals. Every book is very exciting and detailed. The geographic location is perfect for this series. Can't wait for the next book about Hawke, dog, dot,horse, and jack.
I just love these books about Hawke and his friends and animals. Every book is very exciting and detailed. The geographic location is perfect for this series. Can't wait for the next book about Hawke, dog, dot,horse, and jack.
July 6, 2025
I received this book free at Left Coast Crime 2025. It's way deep into an existing series, but I didn't have trouble getting into the characters and story. An enjoyable wilderness adventure, I now want to go back to the first book in the series.
January 27, 2025
I thought this was an interesting plot, with good characters.
It caught my attention as I I read the beginning and as it built to the ending.
I've enjoyed this series and recommend this book.
It caught my attention as I I read the beginning and as it built to the ending.
I've enjoyed this series and recommend this book.
February 10, 2025
Hawke
I have read everyone in this series. They are an easy, clean read. Hawke is in the mountains when he hears two shots. He feels his age in this one.
I have read everyone in this series. They are an easy, clean read. Hawke is in the mountains when he hears two shots. He feels his age in this one.
February 12, 2025
Always good
These books are always an adventure. They keep your interest all the way through. Please start at the beginning. You won't be disappointed.
These books are always an adventure. They keep your interest all the way through. Please start at the beginning. You won't be disappointed.
February 20, 2025
GREAT book
The Hawke series are great books lot’s of action and information about animals in the wild. How hunters kill them and it’s not legal
The Hawke series are great books lot’s of action and information about animals in the wild. How hunters kill them and it’s not legal
March 11, 2025
The Gabriel Hawke series are very hard to put down. After finishing Wolverine Instincts; all I can say is I’m ready for the next one!!!!
August 13, 2025
I always enjoy this series.
October 2, 2025
Great Gabriel Hawke Mystery
I have read many of Paty Jagers mysteries. This one was undoubtedly the best! J can't wait for her next Gabriel Hawke mystery
I have read many of Paty Jagers mysteries. This one was undoubtedly the best! J can't wait for her next Gabriel Hawke mystery
February 2, 2025
I could not put this book down, started it at bedtime and read till early morning. A great read with everyone involved in solving this murder and catching the murderer. A poacher is killing anyone who tries to stop him from catching a Wolverine. Hawke is learning that he is not as young as he used to be. Ivy may also have a new love interest! I would recommend this book and series. I really enjoyed reading this book. I received an arc and the views and opinions are my own.
February 12, 2025
I have read all 12 Gabriel Hawke books and I LOVED them! So I regret to have to say this but #13 was a great disappointment!! I couldn’t help but wonder if AI wrote this book because it was nothing like the first 12 books! The storyline was boring as were the characters (even Hawke whom I’ve had a crush on since book 1). And the writing style was totally different than any of the other books. It was almost juvenile. All I could think as I read was “did a different author write this book?”
March 8, 2025
When two brothers hiking in the woods witness a shooting they have to flee for their lives. Ranger Gabriel Hawke discovers the body and then the boys.
What follows is a manhunt for a potentially deranged killer who has a need to own a wolverine.
Great characters and an interesting plot that has a few surprises in store
What follows is a manhunt for a potentially deranged killer who has a need to own a wolverine.
Great characters and an interesting plot that has a few surprises in store
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews