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Haven's Rock #4
First Sign of Danger
Not yet published
Expected 17 Feb 26New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong continues the atmospheric Haven's Rock series as Casey Duncan investigates a threat to their off-the-grid Yukon town.
Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton, are entering a new chapter of life as parents to their six-month-old baby. Their family is hidden away in the sanctuary town of Haven's Rock where they can live safe and private lives. But when they encounter hikers too close to the borders of Haven's Rock, they realize they're in danger of being exposed.
When they find one of the hikers dead the next day, they realize that their paranoia was justified, but they're no closer to finding out who these people were and what they were doing in the vicinity of Haven's Rock. Only by tracing the hikers' movements, as well as examining the recent behavior of their closest neighbors, the workers of a secretive mining camp, will they be able to figure out where the threat is coming from and shut it down. Otherwise, the lives of everyone in Haven's Rock--and their safe, secure new existence--are at risk.
Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton, are entering a new chapter of life as parents to their six-month-old baby. Their family is hidden away in the sanctuary town of Haven's Rock where they can live safe and private lives. But when they encounter hikers too close to the borders of Haven's Rock, they realize they're in danger of being exposed.
When they find one of the hikers dead the next day, they realize that their paranoia was justified, but they're no closer to finding out who these people were and what they were doing in the vicinity of Haven's Rock. Only by tracing the hikers' movements, as well as examining the recent behavior of their closest neighbors, the workers of a secretive mining camp, will they be able to figure out where the threat is coming from and shut it down. Otherwise, the lives of everyone in Haven's Rock--and their safe, secure new existence--are at risk.
352 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication February 17, 2026
8542 people want to read
About the author
Kelley Armstrong
302 books33.5k followersKelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers' dismay. All efforts to make her produce "normal" stories failed.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
December 7, 2025
Gripping, tense, chilling, thrilling and pulse pounding!!!!!! Kelley Armstrong had delivered yet another riveting and addictive book in her Haven's Rock series!!!!!!First Sign of Danger grabbed my attention from the very first page and never let go! This is the fourth book in this wonderful series and while it could be read as a stand-alone, I highly encourage readers to begin with the first book in the series to get backstories, history, and to learn more about the off the grid community of Haven's Rock in the Canadian Yukon.
Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton, have a six-month-old baby now and are still adjusting to life as new parents while doing their best to keep their community safe. While out in the woods, they come across hikers close to the border of their private community. It raises some red flags and the next day when one of the hikers is found dead, they know something is terribly wrong and work diligently to get to the bottom of who killed the one hiker and what they were really doing in the Yukon so far from civilization.
Whew! Kelley Armstrong put me and her characters through the ringer. Safety and secrecy are highly important to the residents of Haven's Rock. They have joined this secretive community to get away from things and to live a simpler life. This is a tight knit community, and I have enjoyed getting to know many of the characters through reading the first three books in this series. I have enjoyed the character development and the ways the characters have become more like a found family to each other than just residents in the same community.
Casey and Eric have their hands full in this book and then some. They have more than one mystery to solve while doing their best to keep themselves, their baby, and the residents safe. I enjoyed the tension, the chilling moments, the pulse pounding moments, and the moments spent investigating the case. I love how they work as a team and bounce ideas off each other as to who may be a suspect and why. I enjoy the dynamics of the town and the desire of the residents to live a quieter life.
This book is not only full of amazing characters, but also of secrets, deceptions, and some scary encounters. I loved the setting and could feel the chill in the air as the snow fell. This book is brimming with atmosphere, intriguing characters, a well thought out plot, wonderful writing, intense scenes, and a great mystery.
I look forward to the next book in the series. The author made mention of the next book in the series, and I was left with my mouth hanging open.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton, have a six-month-old baby now and are still adjusting to life as new parents while doing their best to keep their community safe. While out in the woods, they come across hikers close to the border of their private community. It raises some red flags and the next day when one of the hikers is found dead, they know something is terribly wrong and work diligently to get to the bottom of who killed the one hiker and what they were really doing in the Yukon so far from civilization.
Whew! Kelley Armstrong put me and her characters through the ringer. Safety and secrecy are highly important to the residents of Haven's Rock. They have joined this secretive community to get away from things and to live a simpler life. This is a tight knit community, and I have enjoyed getting to know many of the characters through reading the first three books in this series. I have enjoyed the character development and the ways the characters have become more like a found family to each other than just residents in the same community.
Casey and Eric have their hands full in this book and then some. They have more than one mystery to solve while doing their best to keep themselves, their baby, and the residents safe. I enjoyed the tension, the chilling moments, the pulse pounding moments, and the moments spent investigating the case. I love how they work as a team and bounce ideas off each other as to who may be a suspect and why. I enjoy the dynamics of the town and the desire of the residents to live a quieter life.
This book is not only full of amazing characters, but also of secrets, deceptions, and some scary encounters. I loved the setting and could feel the chill in the air as the snow fell. This book is brimming with atmosphere, intriguing characters, a well thought out plot, wonderful writing, intense scenes, and a great mystery.
I look forward to the next book in the series. The author made mention of the next book in the series, and I was left with my mouth hanging open.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
December 8, 2025
First Signs of Danger is the gripping fourth installment in the Haven Rock series.
The story picks up six months after Rory’s birth.
Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton, are adjusting to life as new parents to the adorable six-month-old, Rory. For the first time, they seem to enjoy a rare moment of peace in their secluded town, Haven's Rock. While hiking with Casey, Eric, and their loyal dog Storm, they come across hikers Gretchen and Blake, who have ventured too close to Haven's Rock. Naturally, they want to keep intruders at bay—mainly to protect against the dangers lurking near the mining camp. A suspicious story about her husband’s injury sparks Casey and Eric’s detective instincts. Their suspicions deepen when they discover one of the hikers dead the very next day.
Who is responsible for the man’s death? Is it the wife who lured her husband into the wilderness for a perfect murder hidden as an accident? Or is something darker at play? What draws both hikers to the area so late in the hiking season? Could all of these clues be tied to the mysterious mining camp? Casey and her team race against time to uncover the threat before Haven's Rock and its residents are in grave danger. In a bold move, Casey and Eric put the town on lockdown to ensure everyone’s safety, even as they investigate the strange death.
This dark, twisty tale is a fast-paced, compelling read—perfect for fans of "whodunit" mysteries. I devoured it over a weekend, eager for each new twist.
"First Signs of Danger" kept me guessing with every swipe of my Kindle. Just when I thought I’d solved the case, Kelley Armstrong’s masterful misdirection proved me wrong again and again. Every clue posed new questions, and the puzzle pieces kept me hooked. Kelley Armstrong crafts well-loved, relatable characters who make the story impossible to put down. I was saddened and completely taken off guard to learn that Casey and Eric’s adventures will come to an end in the final book, coming in February 2027.
If you're craving your next great mystery or thriller, I highly recommend this series. However, I suggest not starting with this one, as it references events from the first book, "Murder at Haven’s Rock," the second book, "A Boy Who Cried Bear," and the broader Rockton series—spoiling some surprises. You don’t need to begin with Rockton, but I do recommend it if you enjoy deep character development and ongoing story arcs.
I want to thank St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing the ARC. In exchange for an honest review. All opinons are my own. A special thanks to Kate White from the marketing team at St. Martin’s Press for sending the widgets for First Signs of Danger and An Ordinary Sort of Evil from Kelley Armstrong.
The story picks up six months after Rory’s birth.
Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton, are adjusting to life as new parents to the adorable six-month-old, Rory. For the first time, they seem to enjoy a rare moment of peace in their secluded town, Haven's Rock. While hiking with Casey, Eric, and their loyal dog Storm, they come across hikers Gretchen and Blake, who have ventured too close to Haven's Rock. Naturally, they want to keep intruders at bay—mainly to protect against the dangers lurking near the mining camp. A suspicious story about her husband’s injury sparks Casey and Eric’s detective instincts. Their suspicions deepen when they discover one of the hikers dead the very next day.
Who is responsible for the man’s death? Is it the wife who lured her husband into the wilderness for a perfect murder hidden as an accident? Or is something darker at play? What draws both hikers to the area so late in the hiking season? Could all of these clues be tied to the mysterious mining camp? Casey and her team race against time to uncover the threat before Haven's Rock and its residents are in grave danger. In a bold move, Casey and Eric put the town on lockdown to ensure everyone’s safety, even as they investigate the strange death.
This dark, twisty tale is a fast-paced, compelling read—perfect for fans of "whodunit" mysteries. I devoured it over a weekend, eager for each new twist.
"First Signs of Danger" kept me guessing with every swipe of my Kindle. Just when I thought I’d solved the case, Kelley Armstrong’s masterful misdirection proved me wrong again and again. Every clue posed new questions, and the puzzle pieces kept me hooked. Kelley Armstrong crafts well-loved, relatable characters who make the story impossible to put down. I was saddened and completely taken off guard to learn that Casey and Eric’s adventures will come to an end in the final book, coming in February 2027.
If you're craving your next great mystery or thriller, I highly recommend this series. However, I suggest not starting with this one, as it references events from the first book, "Murder at Haven’s Rock," the second book, "A Boy Who Cried Bear," and the broader Rockton series—spoiling some surprises. You don’t need to begin with Rockton, but I do recommend it if you enjoy deep character development and ongoing story arcs.
I want to thank St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing the ARC. In exchange for an honest review. All opinons are my own. A special thanks to Kate White from the marketing team at St. Martin’s Press for sending the widgets for First Signs of Danger and An Ordinary Sort of Evil from Kelley Armstrong.
October 29, 2025
Casey and Eric are back and are finally getting into the routine of being first-time parents while keeping the citizens of Haven's Rock safe. It appears that things have settled down in their little safe haven until they discover two hikers near the town. Casey and Eric are immediately suspicious of the two hikers, wondering if they are spies for their previous settlement or connected to the mining town that is determined to hide their secrets. When one of the hikers is found dead, Haven's Rock is put on high alert, and it's up to Eric and Casey to find out what happened before the danger arrives in their small town.
I am obsessed with the series and all of Kelly Armstrong’s books. I jumped into the Haven’s Rock books without reading any of the previous books from the Rockton series, but I immediately fell in love with the characters and the mysteries around Haven’s Rock. It was fun to see Casey and Eric's characters grow as they try to balance being parents of a six-month-old who is constantly teething while investigating a homicide of a hiker. During their investigation, secrets are revealed that had me on the edge of my seat, and it seems that the events from the previous book are all starting to come together for a fantastic conclusion. I am excited to see how Casey and Eric’s adventures will come to an end in the final book, coming in February 2027.
First Sign of Danger is out February 17th, 2026.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to review First Sign of Danger. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I am obsessed with the series and all of Kelly Armstrong’s books. I jumped into the Haven’s Rock books without reading any of the previous books from the Rockton series, but I immediately fell in love with the characters and the mysteries around Haven’s Rock. It was fun to see Casey and Eric's characters grow as they try to balance being parents of a six-month-old who is constantly teething while investigating a homicide of a hiker. During their investigation, secrets are revealed that had me on the edge of my seat, and it seems that the events from the previous book are all starting to come together for a fantastic conclusion. I am excited to see how Casey and Eric’s adventures will come to an end in the final book, coming in February 2027.
First Sign of Danger is out February 17th, 2026.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to review First Sign of Danger. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 18, 2025
4.25 Stars ⭐️
Detective Casey Duncan and Sheriff Eric Dalton’s new baby Rory is now 6 months old and things have been fairly quiet for the last few months until they run into a couple of "lost hikers" while out of their compound on a hike. For those of you who have been following this series, you know that there is never just a "lost hiker" in that part of the Yukon, so immediate red flags go up for everyone. This one event ends up snowballing into a massive quandary as Eric and Casey try to figure out if they are being paranoid, or if there really is something to worry about. When they find a dead body the next day....well, that only makes things more confusing.
What I enjoyed about this book was that in addition to the storyline with the hikers, we also got to finally address the issue of the "mining camp" that has set up shop near Haven's Rock and we finally got some answers about what exactly was going on there.
Even though this is the 4th book in this series, it is actually a continuation and spin off of the original Rockton Series, so we have actually been following Eric and Casey for a very long time. I love the fact that there is such a wonderful established setting here with fantastic secondary characters that are a joy to pop back in on. It always feels so comfortable to drop back into this world to see what everyone is up to. It is like a comfy sweater that makes you feel so good when you put it on.
As always, life is not easy running a compound for people who are hiding from the world and running it with a 6 month old baby adds a layer that neither of them had planned on but they are making it work. It is great to see the found family and support that they have developed - people that have been through the fire with each other and who are now there to enjoy this new addition -and fighting over who gets to baby sit.
It wouldn't be a Haven's Rock book if there weren't a couple of dead bodies that April has to autopsy, and a crime or two that Casey, Dalton and Anders have to figure out. So yep, just another day in the Yukon wilderness.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on February 17, 2026.
Detective Casey Duncan and Sheriff Eric Dalton’s new baby Rory is now 6 months old and things have been fairly quiet for the last few months until they run into a couple of "lost hikers" while out of their compound on a hike. For those of you who have been following this series, you know that there is never just a "lost hiker" in that part of the Yukon, so immediate red flags go up for everyone. This one event ends up snowballing into a massive quandary as Eric and Casey try to figure out if they are being paranoid, or if there really is something to worry about. When they find a dead body the next day....well, that only makes things more confusing.
What I enjoyed about this book was that in addition to the storyline with the hikers, we also got to finally address the issue of the "mining camp" that has set up shop near Haven's Rock and we finally got some answers about what exactly was going on there.
Even though this is the 4th book in this series, it is actually a continuation and spin off of the original Rockton Series, so we have actually been following Eric and Casey for a very long time. I love the fact that there is such a wonderful established setting here with fantastic secondary characters that are a joy to pop back in on. It always feels so comfortable to drop back into this world to see what everyone is up to. It is like a comfy sweater that makes you feel so good when you put it on.
As always, life is not easy running a compound for people who are hiding from the world and running it with a 6 month old baby adds a layer that neither of them had planned on but they are making it work. It is great to see the found family and support that they have developed - people that have been through the fire with each other and who are now there to enjoy this new addition -and fighting over who gets to baby sit.
It wouldn't be a Haven's Rock book if there weren't a couple of dead bodies that April has to autopsy, and a crime or two that Casey, Dalton and Anders have to figure out. So yep, just another day in the Yukon wilderness.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on February 17, 2026.
December 9, 2025
Review to come upon release.
Sad to see the note at the end saying the final Haven’s Rock book will be Feb 2027. Another of my favorites ending :(
Sad to see the note at the end saying the final Haven’s Rock book will be Feb 2027. Another of my favorites ending :(
October 18, 2025
Book Review
First Sign of Danger by Kelley Armstrong
Genre: Detective type mystery with a twist
Publisher: Minotaur books
Publishing Feb 17 2026
Havens Rock series (spinoff of Rockton series)
Thoughts
I would absolutely love to live in Havens Rock. I could be their librarian. I would babysit for Casey and Dalton, have beers with Isabel, flirt with Anders- I can picture it clear as day. It would be an awesome adventure.
I always slip so easily into this world Armstrong has created. It has become a good friend that I love to visit and I will be crushed when it finally comes to an end.
What drew me in and has kept me a fan throughout?
Off grid living. Strong female characters. Men who arent afraid to be vulnerable. Small town vibes. Found family. Protectors.
And deeply disturbing twists and turns that are soo plausible they make you wonder… what if?
Thanks to @netgalley @stmartinspress and @minotaurbooks for my digital ARC in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own.
First Sign of Danger by Kelley Armstrong
Genre: Detective type mystery with a twist
Publisher: Minotaur books
Publishing Feb 17 2026
Havens Rock series (spinoff of Rockton series)
Thoughts
I would absolutely love to live in Havens Rock. I could be their librarian. I would babysit for Casey and Dalton, have beers with Isabel, flirt with Anders- I can picture it clear as day. It would be an awesome adventure.
I always slip so easily into this world Armstrong has created. It has become a good friend that I love to visit and I will be crushed when it finally comes to an end.
What drew me in and has kept me a fan throughout?
Off grid living. Strong female characters. Men who arent afraid to be vulnerable. Small town vibes. Found family. Protectors.
And deeply disturbing twists and turns that are soo plausible they make you wonder… what if?
Thanks to @netgalley @stmartinspress and @minotaurbooks for my digital ARC in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own.
November 2, 2025
Since it has been a little while since I have read this series I was very glad to jump back into Casey's world. There is a little blurb at the front to get everyone caught up on important information which I found extremely helpful as a reader. Once again I quickly fell in love with the characters and now to see Casey and Dalton as parents it really shows a different side of them which I love seeing. They now struggle with parenthood on top of their already challenging job of policing a brand new city filled with people who have something to hide. Their lives seem to have calmed down a bit as they try to embrace parenthood and now take on emergencies such as a crying baby or a diaper blowout, that doesn't mean however that they have lost touch with why they started havens rock in the first place. When a walk through the forest leads Casey and Dalton to a lost hiker with an "injured partner" their warning bells start going off. The more they interact with the hikers the more their stories don't seem to fit. And when one of those hikers mysteriously ends up dead not long after and not by natural causes, Casey and Dalton must jump back into their old habits if they want to keep not only their town safe but also their little family. I really enjoyed all of the mystery that went along with this story however it will always be the characters in this series that completes it for me. They are so well written and so full of tension and flaws that as a reader I always want the best for them. This was a fast paced book and I loved every minute of it. I was great to get back to this world and to see their protective instincts increase ten folds now that they are parents was wonderful. There were so many twists in this book that I couldn't get enough of. If you thought that Kelley Armstrong was just a fantasy writer than this series will prove you wrong. Mrs Armstrong can take on any genre she dreams of and every time she does it with grace, and excellence. She is a gift to the literary world. Fantastic job and I can't wait to see this one hit the best seller list. This is a world and series that I never want to see come to an end but I will devoure every piece that comes out of it. This is a book that will keep you glued to the pages with a plot and execution above anything I could have ever expected. I loved this book and can't wait for everyone else to enjoy it as well.
November 6, 2025
Book 4 in the Rockton series spin-off, Havens Rock, continues the story of Casey and Eric in the rugged, isolated wilderness of the Yukon. Kelley Armstrong successfully maintained the series’ signature style, weaving in her well-paced, concise writing that kept me engaged the entire time. The familiar blend of suspense and character-driven storytelling remains strong, as Armstrong delves deeper into Casey, Eric, and even the town relationships while navigating fresh challenges in an unforgiving environment.
I enjoyed continuing this journey, especially as the plot unfolds with another compelling murder mystery set against the stark, atmospheric backdrop of the Yukon. Casey and Eric are confronted once again with a case involving a mysterious death under suspicious circumstances. As they investigate, they uncover a web of deceit, hidden motives, and secrets in their little community. Complex character backgrounds and questionable intentions add layers of intrigue to the narrative.
I did find myself wondering how well Casey manages Storm’s frequent hair matts, considering that Newfoundlands are prone to matting quickly, especially in snowy, wet environments. Hair concerns do seem a little out of character for Casey. This minor quibble aside, it’s a testament to Armstrong’s immersive world-building that such questions stand out.
Despite this little wonder I had, my enthusiasm for the series remains strong. I’m eagerly anticipating the next installment and I’m curious to see how the story develops and concludes. Armstrong’s ability to maintain tension, introduce fresh mysteries, and deepen character arcs ensures that each book feels like a rewarding continuation of Casey and Eric’s adventure.
I enjoyed continuing this journey, especially as the plot unfolds with another compelling murder mystery set against the stark, atmospheric backdrop of the Yukon. Casey and Eric are confronted once again with a case involving a mysterious death under suspicious circumstances. As they investigate, they uncover a web of deceit, hidden motives, and secrets in their little community. Complex character backgrounds and questionable intentions add layers of intrigue to the narrative.
I did find myself wondering how well Casey manages Storm’s frequent hair matts, considering that Newfoundlands are prone to matting quickly, especially in snowy, wet environments. Hair concerns do seem a little out of character for Casey. This minor quibble aside, it’s a testament to Armstrong’s immersive world-building that such questions stand out.
Despite this little wonder I had, my enthusiasm for the series remains strong. I’m eagerly anticipating the next installment and I’m curious to see how the story develops and concludes. Armstrong’s ability to maintain tension, introduce fresh mysteries, and deepen character arcs ensures that each book feels like a rewarding continuation of Casey and Eric’s adventure.
November 10, 2025
Another book from my happy place! I'm not going to lie...there's something compelling about Haven's Rock. I'd live there.
For those new to the series, the author gives a bit of an explanatory introduction. As such, this does work as a standalone. However, I'd actually suggest starting from book 1 (or the connected series before this one). It's good and will give you more context.
As for this latest in the book, it's terrific - suspenseful, engaging and I was all in on our latest mystery. It actually clears up some interesting aspects about the 'neighbors' in the woods. I adore Casey and Dalton and loved getting to know some of our other residents as well.
Fair warning - this is apparently the next to last book in the series. While I get that (there's only so much the author can do with this), I'll be sorry to see it end.
A wonderfully suspenseful comfort read!
Looking forward to the next and (sob) final book!
* ARC via Publisher
For those new to the series, the author gives a bit of an explanatory introduction. As such, this does work as a standalone. However, I'd actually suggest starting from book 1 (or the connected series before this one). It's good and will give you more context.
As for this latest in the book, it's terrific - suspenseful, engaging and I was all in on our latest mystery. It actually clears up some interesting aspects about the 'neighbors' in the woods. I adore Casey and Dalton and loved getting to know some of our other residents as well.
Fair warning - this is apparently the next to last book in the series. While I get that (there's only so much the author can do with this), I'll be sorry to see it end.
A wonderfully suspenseful comfort read!
Looking forward to the next and (sob) final book!
* ARC via Publisher
November 16, 2025
First Sign of Danger is a mystery novel by Kelley Armstrong, and the fourth book in her Haven's Rock series. This wonderful series follows former Police Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton, in their remote, off-the-grid town in the Yukon.
The couple is navigating life with their six-month-old (adorable) baby when two hikers near their hidden sanctuary threaten the community's safety. This encounter leads to a murder investigation, forcing the couple to protect their town and family from an external threat.
What. A. Book. I love the all the characters, including the dog, Storm, of course! Without spoiling the plot, there is a LOT of mystery, family, friendship, and suspense in First Sign of Danger! (Also some medical, and a bit of romance.) This book took me to places I never expected to go.
For those who dislike swearing (especially the F word) there's lots and LOTS of swearing in this book. And there I was, thinking Eric was finally using his words, haha!!
So, that's all I'm going to write. I was happy to have gone into First Sign of Danger blindly, and I want my friends to be able to do the same! (Other than to mention
Thank you, #MinotaurBooks, for providing this book for review and consideration via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. First Sign of Danger has an expected publication date of February 17, 2026.
#Mystery #Crime #Thriller #KelleyArmstrong #Series
The couple is navigating life with their six-month-old (adorable) baby when two hikers near their hidden sanctuary threaten the community's safety. This encounter leads to a murder investigation, forcing the couple to protect their town and family from an external threat.
What. A. Book. I love the all the characters, including the dog, Storm, of course! Without spoiling the plot, there is a LOT of mystery, family, friendship, and suspense in First Sign of Danger! (Also some medical, and a bit of romance.) This book took me to places I never expected to go.
For those who dislike swearing (especially the F word) there's lots and LOTS of swearing in this book. And there I was, thinking Eric was finally using his words, haha!!
So, that's all I'm going to write. I was happy to have gone into First Sign of Danger blindly, and I want my friends to be able to do the same! (Other than to mention
Thank you, #MinotaurBooks, for providing this book for review and consideration via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. First Sign of Danger has an expected publication date of February 17, 2026.
#Mystery #Crime #Thriller #KelleyArmstrong #Series
October 25, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
I've read the Rockton series in its entirety and am now up to date on Haven's Rock as well. I really enjoy Armstrong's world building within this series. My only complaint is how we get so stuck in the head of the main character, Casey. A lot of the book, especially the middle portion is spent with Casey debating things over and over in her mind, which gets tiring for the reader. I would love to see the fifth and final installment in this series take place from another character's point of view (perhaps Dalton or April?).
At the end of the day, I've never kept up with a series/series spin off this long before (eleven books in total so far!) so it's safe to say Armstrong has something special here. I would recommend this book to readers of her previous work and anyone looking for a blustery mystery.
I've read the Rockton series in its entirety and am now up to date on Haven's Rock as well. I really enjoy Armstrong's world building within this series. My only complaint is how we get so stuck in the head of the main character, Casey. A lot of the book, especially the middle portion is spent with Casey debating things over and over in her mind, which gets tiring for the reader. I would love to see the fifth and final installment in this series take place from another character's point of view (perhaps Dalton or April?).
At the end of the day, I've never kept up with a series/series spin off this long before (eleven books in total so far!) so it's safe to say Armstrong has something special here. I would recommend this book to readers of her previous work and anyone looking for a blustery mystery.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley for the advance reader copy of First Sign of Danger by Kelley Armstrong in exchange for an honest review. This is such a great series and of course, it's written by my favorite author. I was unsure in the last book when Casey was pregnant and how much it impacted her job as a cofounder of Haven's Rock, but Armstrong managed to make it work and I feel like it brought a whole new depth of character to Casey, Eric, and even April. Now matter what Armstrong introduces to the series, it makes it even better. And even though it would have been easier to just focus on the baby, Rory, or the town developing, or the murder mystery, Armstrong writes about all of this and more and it was such a great read! I highly recommend this book and everything else Kelley Armstrong writes.
November 19, 2025
This is the 4th book in the Haven’s Rock series, and Detective Casey Duncan and her husband Sheriff Eric Dalton find hikers too close to their hidden town, and alarm bells go off. Those fears intensify when they find one of the hikers dead the next day. This book (and series) is more than just a police procedural. It’s a look at life in the Yukon wilderness with all the perils that entails, as well as an interesting perspective on people who live off the grid, mostly for reasons the reader is unaware, living in a remote encampment, governed only by themselves. This has been such an enjoyable series to read (as was the Rockton series before it), and if you haven’t read any of the previous books, you should join in on the fun. I’ll be extremely sorry to see this series end. Five stars for this latest entry. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 23, 2025
Kelley Armstrong delivers another gripping installment in the Haven’s Rock series with "The First Sign of Danger." As a longtime fan since the Rockton days, these characters feel like old friends and Armstrong continues to deepen their stories in ways that feel authentic. Toward the end of the Rockton series, I felt the narrative was starting to stall, but the Haven’s Rock books have been consistently engaging and satisfying.
The locked-room-style suspense (there are a limited number of characters in a remote Yukon settlement!) is well balanced, keeping the tension high. Fans of atmospheric thrillers will find this a compelling read, and if you’ve followed the series from the beginning, this latest book is not to be missed.
Armstrong notes in the afterword that there will only be one more book for Haven't Rock after this, which is bittersweet but understandable.
This was an arc review for NetGalley.
The locked-room-style suspense (there are a limited number of characters in a remote Yukon settlement!) is well balanced, keeping the tension high. Fans of atmospheric thrillers will find this a compelling read, and if you’ve followed the series from the beginning, this latest book is not to be missed.
Armstrong notes in the afterword that there will only be one more book for Haven't Rock after this, which is bittersweet but understandable.
This was an arc review for NetGalley.
November 22, 2025
Thank you so much St. Martin's Press, NetGalley and of course the Queen Kelley Armstrong for my earc!
Kelley Armstrong comes in strong once again! She really is one of my all time favourite Canadian authors; and this book is a great example as why!
Haven's Rock never is a dull!
The MCs Casey and Eric you can't help but enjoy immensely! Being on the journey watching there cases unravel is addictive!
If you're looking for a solid mystery/thriller look no further!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Kelley Armstrong comes in strong once again! She really is one of my all time favourite Canadian authors; and this book is a great example as why!
Haven's Rock never is a dull!
The MCs Casey and Eric you can't help but enjoy immensely! Being on the journey watching there cases unravel is addictive!
If you're looking for a solid mystery/thriller look no further!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
November 24, 2025
I loved it! This is my favorite author and I love this series so much. I never want it to end. Casey and Erik working through a case is fascinating. Every detail is analyzed and carefully thought through and not always discarded. The bear scene was so intense I had difficulty catching my breath. This author is amazing, I enjoy all her works. ARC netgalley.com
November 26, 2025
Generally, I only read books that are paranormal, but I’ve read this author’s paranormal series, and enjoyed it, so I’ve been reading this one. This latest has Casey and Eric coming across strangers hiking near their settlement, which leads to a whole lot of trouble and murder. I really did enjoy this one, but I found the murder mystery to be a tad convoluted with a mixture of “villains” and motives. No matter, this is still a captivating, good time. Fans of this series will be pleased. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
October 24, 2025
I really enjoyed this one. It seemed like they were wrapping everything up in a nice bow. I can't believe the next book is the last one. I'm not ready to leave Casey and Eric behind yet!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2025
4.75 Stars
Review to come!
Review to come!
Read
December 9, 2025Casey Duncan and her husband Eric Dalton have left behind the town of Rockton in order to found a new community of Havens Rock. Problem is Rockton––and the shadowy group of power brokers behind it––refuse to leave them behind.
In this installment of the spin-off series from the Rockton novels, Casey, Eric, and their new baby are living a mostly happy life in their off the grid town in the Yukon. Their good friends are with them, as are some new friends, and the community experiment seems to be working.
But as Casey and Eric know all too well, danger of a different sort is always be right around the corner. Especially as the only real law comes from Casey, Eric, and Will Anders.
When a seemingly lost set of hikers triggers a battle against a mysterious group of miners nearby, Casey and Eric will need to find the cracks in their home community and find ways to protect their friends and family. Threats which come not just from the outside, but the inside as well.
_____
Thoughts:
I started reading this series with Book 1 of the Rockton novels and have devoured this unique story set up. In many ways, Rockton and Haven’s Rock feels a bit post-apocalyptic, where people need to work on survival without the modern technology that makes everything from food to home lighting so simple. But there isn’t that ever present spectre here of enemies that don’t exist. In these books, all the threats come from real humans and real issues like crime, greed, climate, and the enviroment.
When Armstrong writes a book, it’s clear she really does her research. Part of the appeal of this series is hyper-specific setting. Like her fellow Canadian contemporary, Louise Penny, Armstrong ties a sense of place and culture inextricably into these novels and saves them from becoming basic crime procedurals that could be set anywhere and nowhere. The mysteries cannot be lifted and shifted to anywhere else on earth, which makes them exciting to read and unique. Even if you figure out the puzzle earlier in the story, the way the answer unravels is important enough to propel us forward.
I would recommend these series for anyone who also enjoys Romantic Suspense, as the pairing of Casey and Eric happens at the start and continues throughout. Their love story works as a throughline here: One of acceptance, stablity, and trust. In the main books, we only have Casey’s point of view, except for the novella in between the Rockton series and Haven’s Rock, which is in Eric’s POV. This is also the place where the couple marries, and it’s a really beautiful moment to see how much Casey is loved and respected by the man who will be her life partner. Having that brief novella makes Eric’s role in Haven’s Rock even better, as we know a bit more about the man who started off enigmatic and mysterious.
I see that the next book in the Haven’s Rock series will be the last and I look forward to finding out how Armstrong wraps up a truly excellent series. Fans of Rebecca Zanetti’s Laurel Snow series would find a nice comp read here as well.
———
Genre/Subgenre: mystery, thriller, suspense, light romantic suspense
Standalone/Series: series, #4 in Haven’s Rock, in continuation from the Rockton series, would be difficult to read as a standalone and get the full feel, but may be possible to chaos read
Themes/Tropes: survivalists, starting over, flawed and complex characters, love triumphs, community building, redemption and forgiveness, the climate and enviroment and an antagonist, beating the odds, power imbalances, set in Canada, the Yukon, outdoorsy in the extreme
Steam/Spice Level: it’s the same pairing, so in earlier books their open spicy scenes are in more detail. But now they are settled into causal but emotional intimacy that serves the story well
Setting: fictional town in the Yukon Territory in Canada. Somewhere a plane ride away from Whitehorse, YT
BIPOC Characters: yes, main character Casey is Asian, secondary major character Will Anders is Black, and Kendra is Indigenous, along with other characters
LGBTQ+ Characters: yes, secondary characters and side characters
Neurodivergent Characters: yes, secondary characters are coded as ND and April, the FMC’s sister, is autistic
Religion: no real religious discussions, except occasional discussions of cults or spiritual belief systems outside organized religion
POV: first person, present tense, single heroine POV
Cops/LEO: yes, Casey and Eric are both considered to be LEO
Does the Dog Die? Stormy, the New Foundland tracking dog, has some dicey situations this time but she is alive and well by the end.
__________
Thank you to St Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books for the Advanced Reader Copy. Expected publication date Feb 17, 2026
In this installment of the spin-off series from the Rockton novels, Casey, Eric, and their new baby are living a mostly happy life in their off the grid town in the Yukon. Their good friends are with them, as are some new friends, and the community experiment seems to be working.
But as Casey and Eric know all too well, danger of a different sort is always be right around the corner. Especially as the only real law comes from Casey, Eric, and Will Anders.
When a seemingly lost set of hikers triggers a battle against a mysterious group of miners nearby, Casey and Eric will need to find the cracks in their home community and find ways to protect their friends and family. Threats which come not just from the outside, but the inside as well.
_____
Thoughts:
I started reading this series with Book 1 of the Rockton novels and have devoured this unique story set up. In many ways, Rockton and Haven’s Rock feels a bit post-apocalyptic, where people need to work on survival without the modern technology that makes everything from food to home lighting so simple. But there isn’t that ever present spectre here of enemies that don’t exist. In these books, all the threats come from real humans and real issues like crime, greed, climate, and the enviroment.
When Armstrong writes a book, it’s clear she really does her research. Part of the appeal of this series is hyper-specific setting. Like her fellow Canadian contemporary, Louise Penny, Armstrong ties a sense of place and culture inextricably into these novels and saves them from becoming basic crime procedurals that could be set anywhere and nowhere. The mysteries cannot be lifted and shifted to anywhere else on earth, which makes them exciting to read and unique. Even if you figure out the puzzle earlier in the story, the way the answer unravels is important enough to propel us forward.
I would recommend these series for anyone who also enjoys Romantic Suspense, as the pairing of Casey and Eric happens at the start and continues throughout. Their love story works as a throughline here: One of acceptance, stablity, and trust. In the main books, we only have Casey’s point of view, except for the novella in between the Rockton series and Haven’s Rock, which is in Eric’s POV. This is also the place where the couple marries, and it’s a really beautiful moment to see how much Casey is loved and respected by the man who will be her life partner. Having that brief novella makes Eric’s role in Haven’s Rock even better, as we know a bit more about the man who started off enigmatic and mysterious.
I see that the next book in the Haven’s Rock series will be the last and I look forward to finding out how Armstrong wraps up a truly excellent series. Fans of Rebecca Zanetti’s Laurel Snow series would find a nice comp read here as well.
———
Genre/Subgenre: mystery, thriller, suspense, light romantic suspense
Standalone/Series: series, #4 in Haven’s Rock, in continuation from the Rockton series, would be difficult to read as a standalone and get the full feel, but may be possible to chaos read
Themes/Tropes: survivalists, starting over, flawed and complex characters, love triumphs, community building, redemption and forgiveness, the climate and enviroment and an antagonist, beating the odds, power imbalances, set in Canada, the Yukon, outdoorsy in the extreme
Steam/Spice Level: it’s the same pairing, so in earlier books their open spicy scenes are in more detail. But now they are settled into causal but emotional intimacy that serves the story well
Setting: fictional town in the Yukon Territory in Canada. Somewhere a plane ride away from Whitehorse, YT
BIPOC Characters: yes, main character Casey is Asian, secondary major character Will Anders is Black, and Kendra is Indigenous, along with other characters
LGBTQ+ Characters: yes, secondary characters and side characters
Neurodivergent Characters: yes, secondary characters are coded as ND and April, the FMC’s sister, is autistic
Religion: no real religious discussions, except occasional discussions of cults or spiritual belief systems outside organized religion
POV: first person, present tense, single heroine POV
Cops/LEO: yes, Casey and Eric are both considered to be LEO
Does the Dog Die? Stormy, the New Foundland tracking dog, has some dicey situations this time but she is alive and well by the end.
__________
Thank you to St Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books for the Advanced Reader Copy. Expected publication date Feb 17, 2026
November 11, 2025
A heartfelt thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for an eARC of this title. All opinions are my own.
It’s so lovely to be back in the Yukon with Casey and Eric; I’ve missed them.
Haven’s Rock is a safe place for those looking (or needing) to disappear quickly and securely. Off the grid and completely privately funded, Haven’s Rock values its privacy and that of its residents. They stick to their own area, they keep quiet and to themselves, and yet, they can’t seem to stop finding dead bodies in the forest.
The nice thing about Haven’s Rock (and Rockton) as a series, is that you can jump in at about any point and not feel completely out of your element. Kelley Armstrong does a great job in keeping each book nicely self-contained, with just enough information rehashing to get new readers acclimated without making returning readers feel like half the book is a recap. So, if you haven’t read any of the others before this one, it’s not super necessary (although you definitely should!). As it says on the tin, the Haven’s Rock books are essentially a generic police procedural, at least, to an extent. I find them far better than your average police investigation.
The environment is truly the gem that sets these apart from your typical thriller. Instead of being metropolitan or set in the suburbs, Casey and Eric are working out in the remote Yukon. Nature and all the things that come with it are incredibly important to the story unfolding, as is the remoteness of their location. There’s not a higher authority that they have to adhere to, and yet Casey still handles all of her cases respectfully and thoroughly.
Speaking of Casey, she and the rest of the ensemble cast are a breath of fresh air in comparison to their counterparts in other media. Casey is incredibly in touch with her emotions and feels like such a real person, if not maybe a little too perfect. She’s willing to admit when she’s wrong and doesn’t have the stereotypical prickly demeanor. She’s able to be afraid, think critically, but also acknowledge when she's out of her depth. The characters work together seamlessly, especially her and Eric. They are able to recognize one another’s strengths and rarely feel the need to posture with one another. I feel this is especially important in a character like Eric who could have easily been written to constantly try to shield or steamroll Casey instead of acknowledging what she can handle. May a love like theirs find me someday. Seriously.
But we should talk about First Sign of Danger specifically. It’s a typical Haven’s Rock adventure. While spending the day together, Casey and Eric run into husband and wife hikers in the woods, only to find the husband’s body, strangled and hidden, only days later. Once again, a body has turned up in their small slice of the Yukon, and it might not be the only one out there. Casey must figure out why the hikers were in the Yukon just on the cusp of winter while trying to track down the missing wife, the prime suspect, to ensure the safety and security of Haven’s Rock.
Finally, finally, this book really hones in on unmasking the mysterious mining camp that Haven’s Rock shares a border with. Other than that deep dive, this book doesn’t have anything particularly groundbreaking. It’s a nice romp through the forest, chasing down a million leads while juggling the responsibility of securing Haven’s Rock and a new baby.
All-in-all, I’m was just glad to be back in Haven’s Rock, and while I’m glad it looks like everyone may (finally) be getting their happy ending if the next book is the last, I’m going to be oh, so sorry to see everyone go.
It’s so lovely to be back in the Yukon with Casey and Eric; I’ve missed them.
Haven’s Rock is a safe place for those looking (or needing) to disappear quickly and securely. Off the grid and completely privately funded, Haven’s Rock values its privacy and that of its residents. They stick to their own area, they keep quiet and to themselves, and yet, they can’t seem to stop finding dead bodies in the forest.
The nice thing about Haven’s Rock (and Rockton) as a series, is that you can jump in at about any point and not feel completely out of your element. Kelley Armstrong does a great job in keeping each book nicely self-contained, with just enough information rehashing to get new readers acclimated without making returning readers feel like half the book is a recap. So, if you haven’t read any of the others before this one, it’s not super necessary (although you definitely should!). As it says on the tin, the Haven’s Rock books are essentially a generic police procedural, at least, to an extent. I find them far better than your average police investigation.
The environment is truly the gem that sets these apart from your typical thriller. Instead of being metropolitan or set in the suburbs, Casey and Eric are working out in the remote Yukon. Nature and all the things that come with it are incredibly important to the story unfolding, as is the remoteness of their location. There’s not a higher authority that they have to adhere to, and yet Casey still handles all of her cases respectfully and thoroughly.
Speaking of Casey, she and the rest of the ensemble cast are a breath of fresh air in comparison to their counterparts in other media. Casey is incredibly in touch with her emotions and feels like such a real person, if not maybe a little too perfect. She’s willing to admit when she’s wrong and doesn’t have the stereotypical prickly demeanor. She’s able to be afraid, think critically, but also acknowledge when she's out of her depth. The characters work together seamlessly, especially her and Eric. They are able to recognize one another’s strengths and rarely feel the need to posture with one another. I feel this is especially important in a character like Eric who could have easily been written to constantly try to shield or steamroll Casey instead of acknowledging what she can handle. May a love like theirs find me someday. Seriously.
But we should talk about First Sign of Danger specifically. It’s a typical Haven’s Rock adventure. While spending the day together, Casey and Eric run into husband and wife hikers in the woods, only to find the husband’s body, strangled and hidden, only days later. Once again, a body has turned up in their small slice of the Yukon, and it might not be the only one out there. Casey must figure out why the hikers were in the Yukon just on the cusp of winter while trying to track down the missing wife, the prime suspect, to ensure the safety and security of Haven’s Rock.
Finally, finally, this book really hones in on unmasking the mysterious mining camp that Haven’s Rock shares a border with. Other than that deep dive, this book doesn’t have anything particularly groundbreaking. It’s a nice romp through the forest, chasing down a million leads while juggling the responsibility of securing Haven’s Rock and a new baby.
All-in-all, I’m was just glad to be back in Haven’s Rock, and while I’m glad it looks like everyone may (finally) be getting their happy ending if the next book is the last, I’m going to be oh, so sorry to see everyone go.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Kelley Armstrong, St. Martin's Press, and Minotaur Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
After discovering the previous series connected to Haven’s Rock, I could not get enough of Kelley Armstrong’s writing. I followed the stories through to the development of this new series and have been just as enthralled with the writing. Haven’s Rock is a hidden and private community tucked into the Yukon Territory in Canada’s North. It has limited access, but all the problems of any community, including infighting and criminal activity. Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton uphold the law, but are also juggling things at a new point in their lives. They are new parents to a six-month-old, which has struggled in and of itself. When Casey and Eric discover hikers on the border with this hidden Haven’s Rock, they worry their isolation might be compromised. After the body of one hiker is found the next day, obviously murdered, chills up the spine become reality. A new group is in the region, which is sure to create problems. Not only is a murderer out there, but Haven’s Rock is about to be compromised to the point that it is almost futile. The truth about these outsiders is problematic and could make things very awkward. Answers are essential, but time is also of the essence. Kelley Armstrong delivers a great addition to this addictive series.
I love a good thriller series and Kelley Armstrong has never failed to impress. Northern Canada as a setting adds to the story and keeps the reader feeling the uniqueness this collection brings. The narrative offers many storylines for the reader to follow. This was another good story that pulls on elements from the past three novels, while adding a little something new for the reader to ponder. The momentum is fueled by great setting and event depictions, with things hiding in the shadows at every turn of the page.
Great characters flavour the story to keep the reader curious. This also creates depth and a foundation of curiosity around and provides added depth to Haven’s Rock residents. Casey and Eric are great additions to the series and their development has not gone unnoticed. Armstrong has done well to make them both relatable and well worth the reader's time. I read a few series where the community is filled with various individuals who emerge, depending on the story at hand, all of which work just as I would like.
Plot points not only expound on the various characters in town, but also offer surprises to keep the story clipping along. This series is one that Kelley Armstrong has worked hard to sharpen, building off its precursor, and the results are astounding. Things emerge that series fans will likely enjoy, while they also understand how this could be troubling to locals. I cannot wait to see what Kelley Armstrong has to offer with Haven’s Rock and whether Detective Casey Duncan will soon convince Sheriff Eric Dalton to polish up their badges to mosey on elsewhere for new adventures.
Kudos, Madam Armstrong, for a great addition to the series that never loses its way!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
After discovering the previous series connected to Haven’s Rock, I could not get enough of Kelley Armstrong’s writing. I followed the stories through to the development of this new series and have been just as enthralled with the writing. Haven’s Rock is a hidden and private community tucked into the Yukon Territory in Canada’s North. It has limited access, but all the problems of any community, including infighting and criminal activity. Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton uphold the law, but are also juggling things at a new point in their lives. They are new parents to a six-month-old, which has struggled in and of itself. When Casey and Eric discover hikers on the border with this hidden Haven’s Rock, they worry their isolation might be compromised. After the body of one hiker is found the next day, obviously murdered, chills up the spine become reality. A new group is in the region, which is sure to create problems. Not only is a murderer out there, but Haven’s Rock is about to be compromised to the point that it is almost futile. The truth about these outsiders is problematic and could make things very awkward. Answers are essential, but time is also of the essence. Kelley Armstrong delivers a great addition to this addictive series.
I love a good thriller series and Kelley Armstrong has never failed to impress. Northern Canada as a setting adds to the story and keeps the reader feeling the uniqueness this collection brings. The narrative offers many storylines for the reader to follow. This was another good story that pulls on elements from the past three novels, while adding a little something new for the reader to ponder. The momentum is fueled by great setting and event depictions, with things hiding in the shadows at every turn of the page.
Great characters flavour the story to keep the reader curious. This also creates depth and a foundation of curiosity around and provides added depth to Haven’s Rock residents. Casey and Eric are great additions to the series and their development has not gone unnoticed. Armstrong has done well to make them both relatable and well worth the reader's time. I read a few series where the community is filled with various individuals who emerge, depending on the story at hand, all of which work just as I would like.
Plot points not only expound on the various characters in town, but also offer surprises to keep the story clipping along. This series is one that Kelley Armstrong has worked hard to sharpen, building off its precursor, and the results are astounding. Things emerge that series fans will likely enjoy, while they also understand how this could be troubling to locals. I cannot wait to see what Kelley Armstrong has to offer with Haven’s Rock and whether Detective Casey Duncan will soon convince Sheriff Eric Dalton to polish up their badges to mosey on elsewhere for new adventures.
Kudos, Madam Armstrong, for a great addition to the series that never loses its way!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
October 16, 2025
A thrilling continuation to the Haven's Rock series...
Casey Duncan is back on the case, and this time she is investigating something that could threaten the existence of their new off-the-grid Yukon town.
Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton are entering a new life as parents to their adorable six-month old baby, Rory. For once, it seems as though the couple can settle down to a normal life, sheltered away in their new hidden town...in the sanctuary of Haven's Rock...
Until two hikers show up one day when they are out hiking...straying too close to Haven's Rock...with a seemingly suspicious tale of being injured...it sets off a sense of being in danger for Casey and the rest of the townsfolk... and that suspicion is only intensified when they find one of those hikers the next day... dead.
Who killed the man? Was it a wife who had grown tired of her husband? Or was it something else? What brought both of them to this area of the Yukon? Or perhaps was it the all-too-secretive mining camp... Casey and her team must put their heads to use to figure out the threat... before the existence of Haven's Rock and the lives of all the townsfolk are put at risk.
Dark, twisty, and mysterious... this is a short but at the same time perfect read... I absolutely devoured it over a steaming hot mocha. A perfect mix of "whodunit?" and something a little bit darker...
First Sign of Danger had me second-guessing with every page that I turned, with every twist & turn... and with every time that I thought I had the culprit... I was proven wrong. It left me wanting more... wanting to know more, and at the same time, falling in love with the little slice of paradise that Haven's Rock seems to be...And when we found out who did it? I audibly gasped.
If you are looking for your next mystery/ thriller, I most definitely recommend you add this to your to-read pile.
Thank you to Minotaur Books, St. Martin's Press, and Netgalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and the rest of my reviews can be found at: https://littlereapling.wixsite.com/fa...
I want to also extend some special thanks to Kat White at St. Martin's Press for the invite to read this novel from the desk of Ms. Kelley Armstrong. Thank you for presenting me with the opportunity to fall in love with these kinds of novels even more, and I look forward to the next thrilling masterpiece that I can put my detective hat on for once more. Until next time...
Casey Duncan is back on the case, and this time she is investigating something that could threaten the existence of their new off-the-grid Yukon town.
Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton are entering a new life as parents to their adorable six-month old baby, Rory. For once, it seems as though the couple can settle down to a normal life, sheltered away in their new hidden town...in the sanctuary of Haven's Rock...
Until two hikers show up one day when they are out hiking...straying too close to Haven's Rock...with a seemingly suspicious tale of being injured...it sets off a sense of being in danger for Casey and the rest of the townsfolk... and that suspicion is only intensified when they find one of those hikers the next day... dead.
Who killed the man? Was it a wife who had grown tired of her husband? Or was it something else? What brought both of them to this area of the Yukon? Or perhaps was it the all-too-secretive mining camp... Casey and her team must put their heads to use to figure out the threat... before the existence of Haven's Rock and the lives of all the townsfolk are put at risk.
Dark, twisty, and mysterious... this is a short but at the same time perfect read... I absolutely devoured it over a steaming hot mocha. A perfect mix of "whodunit?" and something a little bit darker...
First Sign of Danger had me second-guessing with every page that I turned, with every twist & turn... and with every time that I thought I had the culprit... I was proven wrong. It left me wanting more... wanting to know more, and at the same time, falling in love with the little slice of paradise that Haven's Rock seems to be...And when we found out who did it? I audibly gasped.
If you are looking for your next mystery/ thriller, I most definitely recommend you add this to your to-read pile.
Thank you to Minotaur Books, St. Martin's Press, and Netgalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and the rest of my reviews can be found at: https://littlereapling.wixsite.com/fa...
I want to also extend some special thanks to Kat White at St. Martin's Press for the invite to read this novel from the desk of Ms. Kelley Armstrong. Thank you for presenting me with the opportunity to fall in love with these kinds of novels even more, and I look forward to the next thrilling masterpiece that I can put my detective hat on for once more. Until next time...
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If you're going to be a bear, be a grizzly. Grizzly bears are the stewards of the land, keeping watch and weeding out trespassers.
And that's just the case in the latest Kelley Armstrong's book, First Sign of Danger. Trespassers of the two-footed kind are getting a little too close to Haven's Rock in the Yukon. Haven's Rock is a secluded settlement for those getting away from the clenches of society. Its inhabitants have been sworn to secrecy. Jobs and responsibilities are taken seriously and breaches are never allowed. But the outside world tries to lean in once in a while.
Detective Casey Duncan and her partner, Sheriff Eric Dalton, are in charge. Haven's Rock is supported by an unseen benefactor who is the eyes and the ears to the outside world. Casey and Dalton have a six month old baby girl, Rory. The citizens of Haven's Rock share in the baby's care. Life runs smoothly until the shadows of strangers take hold.
That's exactly what happens to open our mystery in the making. Casey, Dalton, and Rory are outside the limits of Haven's Rock when they come upon a young couple. Gretchen and Blake claim to be on a hike in the middle of nowhere, but Blake's ankle has been injured in a fall. Casey attends to the sprained ankle even though the couple's story sounds a bit shifty. Later, Blake's body is found. No sign of Gretchen. Looks like murder and Gretchen is the prime subject.
And remember that ol' grizzly bear? He'll make a heart pumpin' appearance in this one. That chapter alone is enough for the reader to consume an entire bag of chips.
First Sign of Danger is the fourth book in this series, but it can be read as a standalone. I'd encourage you to pick up some of the earlier books to get a better sense of Haven's Rock and its characters. Kelley Armstrong is a solid force when it comes to writing some very gripping mysteries. She has an amazing sense of characterizations and creative storylines. She has carved out Casey and Dalton as two painfully human individuals with a sense of true allegiance to those who dwell within the confines of this settlement. Armstrong's strength is in injecting the uneven element of human nature into this experimental petri dish of existence. Bravo, Kelley Armstrong, just bravo.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Minotaur Books and to the talented Kelley Armstrong for the opportunity.
And that's just the case in the latest Kelley Armstrong's book, First Sign of Danger. Trespassers of the two-footed kind are getting a little too close to Haven's Rock in the Yukon. Haven's Rock is a secluded settlement for those getting away from the clenches of society. Its inhabitants have been sworn to secrecy. Jobs and responsibilities are taken seriously and breaches are never allowed. But the outside world tries to lean in once in a while.
Detective Casey Duncan and her partner, Sheriff Eric Dalton, are in charge. Haven's Rock is supported by an unseen benefactor who is the eyes and the ears to the outside world. Casey and Dalton have a six month old baby girl, Rory. The citizens of Haven's Rock share in the baby's care. Life runs smoothly until the shadows of strangers take hold.
That's exactly what happens to open our mystery in the making. Casey, Dalton, and Rory are outside the limits of Haven's Rock when they come upon a young couple. Gretchen and Blake claim to be on a hike in the middle of nowhere, but Blake's ankle has been injured in a fall. Casey attends to the sprained ankle even though the couple's story sounds a bit shifty. Later, Blake's body is found. No sign of Gretchen. Looks like murder and Gretchen is the prime subject.
And remember that ol' grizzly bear? He'll make a heart pumpin' appearance in this one. That chapter alone is enough for the reader to consume an entire bag of chips.
First Sign of Danger is the fourth book in this series, but it can be read as a standalone. I'd encourage you to pick up some of the earlier books to get a better sense of Haven's Rock and its characters. Kelley Armstrong is a solid force when it comes to writing some very gripping mysteries. She has an amazing sense of characterizations and creative storylines. She has carved out Casey and Dalton as two painfully human individuals with a sense of true allegiance to those who dwell within the confines of this settlement. Armstrong's strength is in injecting the uneven element of human nature into this experimental petri dish of existence. Bravo, Kelley Armstrong, just bravo.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Minotaur Books and to the talented Kelley Armstrong for the opportunity.
October 26, 2025
First Sign of Danger is the next installment in the Haven’s rock series and book 4 does not let you down! It has all of our favorite characters as well as a brand new 6 month addition… Rory our adorable emergency baby wow 6 months old already how time flies when running a town. Things have been Cecil and running rather smoothly for Haven’s Rock which most likely means sone mishaps are headed their way and wis do they. What first seems like an injured random homer at a straggly late ting of year turns into a full blown murder investigation with very few answers and a missing wife who may or may not be the killer they are searching for. Then we have the ever unfriendly and overly secretive mining operation that is too close for comfort just a rocks toss away and there are questions a plenty. At first the more Casey and Duncan uncover the less we seem to actually know and to make matters worse one body becomes two so pressure mounts to solve this mystery and Haven’s Rock after the first murder has gone into complete lockdown. What first is deemed its first real test of his efficient lock down will be very soon escalates into a very real and necessary precaution. After the second murder and the appearance of the missing wife things really ramp up and the clues start rolling in. What a doozy the twists and turns are neck breaking and the revelations staggering. But as the mystery deaths are solved can Casey and Duncan use this information negotiate terms that will keep Haven’s rock safe long term. Time will tell but for now things are a win and everyone can go home to a cute teething baby. I love this series and I am so happy to see Casey and Duncan’s expanding family. I can’t wait for Haven’s rock 5 which might be the last book in the series but a girl cn hope that changes and a few more books will roll out later. I can dream with my fingers and toes crossed. As I’m sure you can tell I very much definitely recommend this series and do not recommend reading it as a stand alone you would miss too much backstory which is relevant from book to book.
October 28, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
In this latest instalment of the Haven’s Rock series, Armstrong brings us back to the remote Yukon sanctuary town with familiar names—detective Casey Duncan and sheriff/husband Eric Dalton—now navigating new danger, new parenthood, and new secrets. From the opening pages, the stark wilderness and the off-grid atmosphere of Haven’s Rock loom large, shaping the mood and the stakes in evocative ways.
What works particularly well:
The setting is textured and compelling: isolation, wilderness, and secrecy breed tension. The dynamic between Casey and Eric, professional partners and new parents, is believable and grounded. Armstrong weaves suspense, community secrets, and the creeping threat of exposure (when hikers breach the sanctuary town’s borders) into a plot that keeps you turning pages.
What held it back from full 5 stars:
For readers who haven’t followed the series, there’s a slight sense of “catching up”—some backstory threads feel assumed rather than fully recapped. A few of the plot beats feel familiar to the series’ pattern (outsider threat, hidden truth, town paranoia), so predictability creeps in for seasoned mystery-thriller fans. While Casey is well drawn, some secondary characters could use more depth—occasionally they serve mostly as drivers of the plot rather than vivid individuals.
Overall:
If you enjoy smart, well-paced mysteries grounded in strong setting and character, this is a very solid addition to the series. The wilderness chill and the “sanctuary town under threat” premise give it a fresh wrinkle. While it may not break completely new ground, Armstrong executes the genre hallmarks with polish and heart. I’d give it 4 out of 5 stars, and recommend it especially for fans of suspense in remote settings and survival-leaning detective work.
#netgalley
In this latest instalment of the Haven’s Rock series, Armstrong brings us back to the remote Yukon sanctuary town with familiar names—detective Casey Duncan and sheriff/husband Eric Dalton—now navigating new danger, new parenthood, and new secrets. From the opening pages, the stark wilderness and the off-grid atmosphere of Haven’s Rock loom large, shaping the mood and the stakes in evocative ways.
What works particularly well:
The setting is textured and compelling: isolation, wilderness, and secrecy breed tension. The dynamic between Casey and Eric, professional partners and new parents, is believable and grounded. Armstrong weaves suspense, community secrets, and the creeping threat of exposure (when hikers breach the sanctuary town’s borders) into a plot that keeps you turning pages.
What held it back from full 5 stars:
For readers who haven’t followed the series, there’s a slight sense of “catching up”—some backstory threads feel assumed rather than fully recapped. A few of the plot beats feel familiar to the series’ pattern (outsider threat, hidden truth, town paranoia), so predictability creeps in for seasoned mystery-thriller fans. While Casey is well drawn, some secondary characters could use more depth—occasionally they serve mostly as drivers of the plot rather than vivid individuals.
Overall:
If you enjoy smart, well-paced mysteries grounded in strong setting and character, this is a very solid addition to the series. The wilderness chill and the “sanctuary town under threat” premise give it a fresh wrinkle. While it may not break completely new ground, Armstrong executes the genre hallmarks with polish and heart. I’d give it 4 out of 5 stars, and recommend it especially for fans of suspense in remote settings and survival-leaning detective work.
#netgalley
December 21, 2025
Casey and Eric are back in First Sign of Danger, with an exciting little addition! Baby Rory adds a whole new dimension to their sheriff and detective work as they run Haven’s Rock. Bring your child to work day is almost an every day occurrence. On one family hike, they run into a hiking couple, which is already suspicious enough this late in the season. Their story could be true, but there could be a sinister alternative as well.
When they find one of the hikers murdered the next day, they are almost certain they’re not who they say they are. Are they somehow related to the mysterious mining camp nearby? Casey’s stunningly thorough detective work quickly moves the story forward to an exciting conclusion.
What I liked:
Basically everything! The whole Haven’s Rock series has been so enjoyable to read and First Sign of Danger continues to elevate the story. And now there’s a baby! Casey and Eric as parents is just as adorable as you can imagine.
I love how this particular plot played perfectly into the ongoing saga of making Haven’s Rock truly a haven. They’re clearly on the way to accomplishing their goal, but there are still loose ends. Instead of more questions, there are tons of answers. The ending was very satisfying and a great setup for the final book.
The Yukon wilderness! Grizzlies, wolves, dark forests, amazing scenery… I very much enjoy experiencing the Yukon in the comfort of my own home.
Casey’s detective work in this setting is always unconventional but makes the story so much more fascinating! Of the now four books in the Haven’s Rock series, First Sign of Danger is definitely my favorite. The writing was crisp and the plot lines came together so well.
HIGHLY recommend this book (and series!) to anyone who loves a good mystery with a healthy dose of found family in a rugged setting.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing this advanced copy of First Sign of Danger for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
When they find one of the hikers murdered the next day, they are almost certain they’re not who they say they are. Are they somehow related to the mysterious mining camp nearby? Casey’s stunningly thorough detective work quickly moves the story forward to an exciting conclusion.
What I liked:
Basically everything! The whole Haven’s Rock series has been so enjoyable to read and First Sign of Danger continues to elevate the story. And now there’s a baby! Casey and Eric as parents is just as adorable as you can imagine.
I love how this particular plot played perfectly into the ongoing saga of making Haven’s Rock truly a haven. They’re clearly on the way to accomplishing their goal, but there are still loose ends. Instead of more questions, there are tons of answers. The ending was very satisfying and a great setup for the final book.
The Yukon wilderness! Grizzlies, wolves, dark forests, amazing scenery… I very much enjoy experiencing the Yukon in the comfort of my own home.
Casey’s detective work in this setting is always unconventional but makes the story so much more fascinating! Of the now four books in the Haven’s Rock series, First Sign of Danger is definitely my favorite. The writing was crisp and the plot lines came together so well.
HIGHLY recommend this book (and series!) to anyone who loves a good mystery with a healthy dose of found family in a rugged setting.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing this advanced copy of First Sign of Danger for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
October 27, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Kelley Armstrong for the opportunity to read and review the penultimate "Haven's Rock" thriller.
We pick up six months after the birth of Casey Butler and Eric Dalton's baby, Rory and the events in "Cold As Hell", the previous book. Casey and Dalton, and the baby - along with faithful dog, Storm - are out patrolling when they come upon a pair of hikers who seem to have strayed too close to the settlement; naturally, they want to discourage anyone from coming closer, as well as keeping them away from the potential danger of the mining camp, not far off. The couple seem to take heed of the warning, and the trio head back to town.
The next day, just wanting to check that the hikers - Blake and Gretchen, married couple - have indeed moved on, they make a discovery that will inform most of the following story: a dead body; worse still, the body - that of Blake - has been dragged off by a bear! The 'rescue' of Blake's savaged corpse is harrowing to say the least.
Again on patrol in subsequent days, revisiting the scene of Blake's murder....... another body! Could it be related to the death of Blake? Is the dead man one of the miners? A guard? And who is stalking both Lilith (the artist who lives off the grid with her wolf, Nero) and Gretchen, the new widow who is still out in the woods.
To complicate matters, there has been a break in in town, but nothing seems to be missing. Of course, Casey and Dalton don't have enough on their plates, but they have to secure their community, even if that means lockdown. (And of course, there has to be a breach of breakdown protocol that will lead to more intrigue.)
Recommended to those of us who have been following the series since the "Rockton" myteries, and even those who have not (although there might be some confusion if you're not familiar with what has preceded). I cannot wait for the conclusion next year.
We pick up six months after the birth of Casey Butler and Eric Dalton's baby, Rory and the events in "Cold As Hell", the previous book. Casey and Dalton, and the baby - along with faithful dog, Storm - are out patrolling when they come upon a pair of hikers who seem to have strayed too close to the settlement; naturally, they want to discourage anyone from coming closer, as well as keeping them away from the potential danger of the mining camp, not far off. The couple seem to take heed of the warning, and the trio head back to town.
The next day, just wanting to check that the hikers - Blake and Gretchen, married couple - have indeed moved on, they make a discovery that will inform most of the following story: a dead body; worse still, the body - that of Blake - has been dragged off by a bear! The 'rescue' of Blake's savaged corpse is harrowing to say the least.
Again on patrol in subsequent days, revisiting the scene of Blake's murder....... another body! Could it be related to the death of Blake? Is the dead man one of the miners? A guard? And who is stalking both Lilith (the artist who lives off the grid with her wolf, Nero) and Gretchen, the new widow who is still out in the woods.
To complicate matters, there has been a break in in town, but nothing seems to be missing. Of course, Casey and Dalton don't have enough on their plates, but they have to secure their community, even if that means lockdown. (And of course, there has to be a breach of breakdown protocol that will lead to more intrigue.)
Recommended to those of us who have been following the series since the "Rockton" myteries, and even those who have not (although there might be some confusion if you're not familiar with what has preceded). I cannot wait for the conclusion next year.
November 22, 2025
First of all, this is book 4 of Haven's Rock, which is a spinoff of the Rockton series. Which also means that I'm not really sure what I can say without spoiling everything. But I can tell you that Haven's Rock is a private "town" in the middle of the Yukon wilderness (northern Canada) & that there are many mysteries to be solved in & around it.
Secondly, remember the mining camp? We finally find out what is really going on!
Lastly, the next book is the final book! 😭😭😭
I really enjoy this series & look forward to a new book every year. Without exception, First Sign of Danger was very good. I ate it up. I didn't see certain things coming. I love that! I'm not great at solving mysteries, but I always have fun trying!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I'm tempted to reread the series, starting with The City of the Lost. Or reread Nadia Stafford, another mystery series Kelley has written about an ex-cop turned contract killer for the mafia.
Have you read anything by Kelley Armstrong yet? No?! You should!!
Oh, you only read romance? She's written Finding Mr. Write & Writing Mr. Wrong.
You read horror? She's written The Haunting of Paynes Hollow & 2 others.
You read suspense? She's written The Life She Had, Every Step She Takes & 2 others.
You only read fantasy? She's written 13 main books plus many novellas for her Otherworld series (my favourite!).
You prefer time travel? She's written 5 books so far for her A Rip Through Time series that takes place in Scotland. If you want ghosts & gothic romance with your time travel, she's also written 4 books in her A Stitch in Time series.
Oh, none of those cause you read YA? She's written 14 of those! Middle grade? 7!
Seriously, Kelley Armstrong is for everyone. ♡
Thank you to NetGalley & St. Martin's Press for an advanced reader's copy. I am so grateful. My review is honest & solely my opinion. I was not paid in exchange for a review.
Secondly, remember the mining camp? We finally find out what is really going on!
Lastly, the next book is the final book! 😭😭😭
I really enjoy this series & look forward to a new book every year. Without exception, First Sign of Danger was very good. I ate it up. I didn't see certain things coming. I love that! I'm not great at solving mysteries, but I always have fun trying!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I'm tempted to reread the series, starting with The City of the Lost. Or reread Nadia Stafford, another mystery series Kelley has written about an ex-cop turned contract killer for the mafia.
Have you read anything by Kelley Armstrong yet? No?! You should!!
Oh, you only read romance? She's written Finding Mr. Write & Writing Mr. Wrong.
You read horror? She's written The Haunting of Paynes Hollow & 2 others.
You read suspense? She's written The Life She Had, Every Step She Takes & 2 others.
You only read fantasy? She's written 13 main books plus many novellas for her Otherworld series (my favourite!).
You prefer time travel? She's written 5 books so far for her A Rip Through Time series that takes place in Scotland. If you want ghosts & gothic romance with your time travel, she's also written 4 books in her A Stitch in Time series.
Oh, none of those cause you read YA? She's written 14 of those! Middle grade? 7!
Seriously, Kelley Armstrong is for everyone. ♡
Thank you to NetGalley & St. Martin's Press for an advanced reader's copy. I am so grateful. My review is honest & solely my opinion. I was not paid in exchange for a review.
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