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“Anyone who is a fan of Kiss the Girls will immerse themselves in Death Grip deep into the night.” –Gary Gerlacher, bestselling author of the AJ Docker series
What starts as a test of athletic skills turns into a race against death, where an unknown evil lurks around every turn.
Brad and his best friend, Shelly, travel to Montana to compete in an adventure race. Midway through the competition, Shelly disappears, and a volunteer is found murdered. With the help of his detective partners, Vince, Hadley, and Eddie, Brad launches a search for his missing friend. As they delve deeper into the wilderness, they discover a startling truth—Shelly is not the only missing woman. With time running out, the detectives must overcome a lack of evidence, a reluctant sheriff, and the perils of the untamed landscape to rescue Shelly and apprehend the kidnapper before his deadly spree claims another victim.
Death Grip is the new, must-read installment in the Marcotte/Collins Investigative Thrillers series. Filled with suspense, treachery, and memorable characters, Travis Tougaw’s latest is a white-knuckled thrill ride. Don’t miss the team’s most dangerous adventure yet!
What starts as a test of athletic skills turns into a race against death, where an unknown evil lurks around every turn.
Brad and his best friend, Shelly, travel to Montana to compete in an adventure race. Midway through the competition, Shelly disappears, and a volunteer is found murdered. With the help of his detective partners, Vince, Hadley, and Eddie, Brad launches a search for his missing friend. As they delve deeper into the wilderness, they discover a startling truth—Shelly is not the only missing woman. With time running out, the detectives must overcome a lack of evidence, a reluctant sheriff, and the perils of the untamed landscape to rescue Shelly and apprehend the kidnapper before his deadly spree claims another victim.
Death Grip is the new, must-read installment in the Marcotte/Collins Investigative Thrillers series. Filled with suspense, treachery, and memorable characters, Travis Tougaw’s latest is a white-knuckled thrill ride. Don’t miss the team’s most dangerous adventure yet!
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 11, 2025
11 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Travis Tougaw
5 books40 followers“A master of the thriller genre”—readersfavorite.com
Travis Tougaw grew up in a military family. As a perpetual “new kid,” he quickly learned the value of sharing stories to connect with others. Having settled down after his own stint in the Air Force, Travis stopped relocating, but he’s never stopped telling stories. He’s always on the lookout for characters and storylines that will grab readers’ attention and keep them turning pages. Travis lives in Colorado with his wife and children and an enormous dog. When he’s not writing, he enjoys reading, outdoor activities, playing musical instruments, and trivia competitions.
Travis Tougaw grew up in a military family. As a perpetual “new kid,” he quickly learned the value of sharing stories to connect with others. Having settled down after his own stint in the Air Force, Travis stopped relocating, but he’s never stopped telling stories. He’s always on the lookout for characters and storylines that will grab readers’ attention and keep them turning pages. Travis lives in Colorado with his wife and children and an enormous dog. When he’s not writing, he enjoys reading, outdoor activities, playing musical instruments, and trivia competitions.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 22, 2025
A pulse-pounding thriller masterfully blending the intensity of adventure racing with a chilling hunt for a serial killer. The dynamic between associate detective Brad Cummings and his unlikely allies—his friend's abusive boyfriend, a detached sheriff, and Brad’s trusted agency colleagues—creates a gripping web of tension and mistrust as they race against time. Set against the rugged beauty of Montana, Tougaw’s story keeps readers on edge with its relentless pace, gnarly twists, and a protagonist who refuses to back down, even when the stakes become terrifyingly personal.
June 13, 2025
I can't believe I always manage to skip a book ( it slips my mind to keep track of ) and bam suddenly book 4 while I was still with book 2.
I've added it now to my list because I love the characters so much. The story was amazing and it kept you guessing until the end. The setting was nice it was such a fast paced story.
The story is more Brad/Eddie focused especially in the beginning but they assemble to solve these cases and this is where is gets strong!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I've added it now to my list because I love the characters so much. The story was amazing and it kept you guessing until the end. The setting was nice it was such a fast paced story.
The story is more Brad/Eddie focused especially in the beginning but they assemble to solve these cases and this is where is gets strong!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 14, 2025
A creepy antagonist stalks a blue-eyed blond woman, captures and kills her. The story starts with this jolting bang and moved forward to Montana where the protagonist Brad is staying at his friend’s cabin, Eddie, a partner in the PI firm he works at where he’ll ready for a race he’s entering with his friend Shelley. The set up moves back to a fighting scene between Brad and Aaron who remain in conflict in more than the ring throughout most of the story as the past and present merge into a disaster at the race when Shelley is taken by the antagonist. To assist with finding her the partners of Eddie’s PI firm come to Montana and what ensues is hair-raising scene after scene where those who get in the way are murdered and the sheriff’s team fumbles about suspecting the wrong person and dragging their heels until convinced they need to step on the gas to find Shelley before she’s the next victim. But with the frustrating loss of time the antagonist commits heinous acts that make the reader want to jump into the pages and add to the team in search of him – to do justice. What I especially liked were the character relationships and how they intertwined and built throughout. The Brad-Aaron-Shelley triangle is deftly written, as is the comradery of the PI partners and the conflicts between them and the police. The antagonist is brilliantly written in a gut-wrenching manner, causing this reader to clench fists hoping he is found out as women go missing and … no spoilers here. Suffice it to say this one builds and builds making it hard to stop reading, hoping things will turn out for Shelley and other victims. Do they? Right to the ending I didn’t know the answer but when I was finished and read the author’s bio and shut the very last page I knew regardless of the ending of this one, I’d keep at it with this author whose story lingers in my mind. It’ll be days before I stop thinking of this one. The mark of excellent storytelling. Highly recommend.
September 12, 2025
Interesting book fast paced and many twists and turns. Starts out with Brad and Shelly competing in a race and in a very short period of time Shelly is apparently kidnapped, and Brad is beside himself because he couldn’t find her. The local police force is let's say less than helpful as they are “spread too thin” but also don’t believe anyone else can possibly have an idea or help.
Brad and Aaron (Shelly’s boyfriend) are an uneasy pair to look for Shelly. Brad has been a part of her life for a long time and Aaron is her boyfriend who followed her out to this race. Brad and Aaron have had few MMA fights in the past and do not really like each other but will work together to find her. Brad reaches out to friends (PI’s) to help with the search since the local police dept is thinking she left of her own free will.
Ultimately the Pi’s discover and continue to turn over evidence to the sheriff (Old Yeller) and he starts to take it a little more seriously especially when other bodies are found. But he still wants complete control and Brad and his team continue to work to find her.
Shelly is found and the plot thickens with more information about the kidnapper. You will have to read it to find out what happens next. Hate to give away anything by saying too much. It’s a good book and a quick read Now I need to get the first 3 and read them.
Brad and Aaron (Shelly’s boyfriend) are an uneasy pair to look for Shelly. Brad has been a part of her life for a long time and Aaron is her boyfriend who followed her out to this race. Brad and Aaron have had few MMA fights in the past and do not really like each other but will work together to find her. Brad reaches out to friends (PI’s) to help with the search since the local police dept is thinking she left of her own free will.
Ultimately the Pi’s discover and continue to turn over evidence to the sheriff (Old Yeller) and he starts to take it a little more seriously especially when other bodies are found. But he still wants complete control and Brad and his team continue to work to find her.
Shelly is found and the plot thickens with more information about the kidnapper. You will have to read it to find out what happens next. Hate to give away anything by saying too much. It’s a good book and a quick read Now I need to get the first 3 and read them.
May 22, 2025
Death Grip is the fourth in Tougaw’s Marcotte and Collins Investigative Thriller series but can be read—and thoroughly enjoyed—as a standalone. It’s a case of a busman’s honeymoon. When Brad, associate of the Fleck, Collins, and Marcotte detective agency, travels to Montana to participate in an all-day competition including rappelling, cycling, kayaking and rock climbing with an old, similarly fit friend named Shelly, he soon discovers it’s not the adventure holiday he'd anticipated. Shelly vanishes shortly into the race, and it’s Brad’s detective skills rather than his athletic abilities he must exercise to solve the mystery of her sudden disappearance. It soon becomes apparent a serial killer is on the loose, targeting women of Shelly’s appearance. The sprint course known as the Broadwood Blitz becomes a race against time for Brad and his fellow detectives as they contend with a paucity of clues, an indifferent local police force, extreme weather conditions and challenging terrain in their desperate struggle to find and save Shelly.
It's the proverbial page turner. Once you’ve embarked on this adventure with Brad, you’ll find it hard to put the book down until you’ve discovered the identity of the murderer and Shelly’s fate.
It's the proverbial page turner. Once you’ve embarked on this adventure with Brad, you’ll find it hard to put the book down until you’ve discovered the identity of the murderer and Shelly’s fate.
May 25, 2025
Travis Tougaw’s latest thriller, Deadly Grip, features a serial killer who challenges protagonist Brad Cummings by kidnapping his best friend. Brad and Shelly Cantwell live in two different cities, so they’re meeting in Montana to participate in an adventure race—climbing, biking, rappelling and kayaking. These races are something they’ve enjoyed together before—but this one has horrible results. Waiting for Shelly as she scrambles down a mountain is the killer. He (unnamed at this point) snatches her, quickly ties her up, and takes her away. When Brad catches up, Shelly is gone. Complicating an already high-stress situation is the presence of Shelly’s boyfriend Aaron. He and Brad reluctantly team up with a variety of law enforcement officials to find the unlucky woman. As serial killers do, the criminal slaps and kicks Shelly around as she mulls an escape. Brad and company follow a series of clues, some quite clever, to try to bring Shelly back. Tougaw is a gifted writer and does a fine job setting the scene. He is particularly good at getting into the twisted mind of the killer. If you enjoy thrillers, especially those with vivid bad guys, Deadly Grip will provide a few hours of absorbing reading.
September 5, 2025
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review.
Death Grip grabs you and slowly pulls you into a puzzling maze. Brad Cummings and Shelly Cantwell are in the middle of an adventure race deep in the Montana wilderness when she suddenly disappears. The only thing Brad finds waiting for him at their meeting spot is a dead body. When the sheriff shows up, he seems totally focused on the dead man and believes that Shelly killed him and ran away. But Brad knows she’s innocent and has probably been kidnapped. But by whom? And why?
The story bounces from past to present, filling in the details of a troubled past between Brad and Shelly’s boyfriend, Aaron. Aaron has accompanied Shelly to the event but is not participating in it. Brad doesn’t like him, much less trust him, but he ends up letting Aaron join up with his team of investigators as they search for Shelly.
With few clues to go on, Brad and his team use all their skills to figure out who is responsible for Shelly’s disappearance, why he took Shelley, and where they can find him.
Unlike many murder mysteries I’ve read, I found this story both intriguing and believable. The Montana wilderness becomes the perfect location for a wild, reckless search for the truth and redemption.
Death Grip grabs you and slowly pulls you into a puzzling maze. Brad Cummings and Shelly Cantwell are in the middle of an adventure race deep in the Montana wilderness when she suddenly disappears. The only thing Brad finds waiting for him at their meeting spot is a dead body. When the sheriff shows up, he seems totally focused on the dead man and believes that Shelly killed him and ran away. But Brad knows she’s innocent and has probably been kidnapped. But by whom? And why?
The story bounces from past to present, filling in the details of a troubled past between Brad and Shelly’s boyfriend, Aaron. Aaron has accompanied Shelly to the event but is not participating in it. Brad doesn’t like him, much less trust him, but he ends up letting Aaron join up with his team of investigators as they search for Shelly.
With few clues to go on, Brad and his team use all their skills to figure out who is responsible for Shelly’s disappearance, why he took Shelley, and where they can find him.
Unlike many murder mysteries I’ve read, I found this story both intriguing and believable. The Montana wilderness becomes the perfect location for a wild, reckless search for the truth and redemption.
May 22, 2025
I was grateful to receive an advance copy of Death Grip. It is a fast-paced thriller that follows a young man who stalks and captures women, imprisoning them in abandoned homes until his psychological grip over them is absolute.
Then he kills them. The tension escalates when the Brad, a former fighter, becomes personally involved after his adventure race partner, Shelley, is abducted during the race. Was she a target or is it random? What follows is a high-stakes hunt through the wilderness, where he and his detective allies prove far more capable than the ineffectual local sheriff. The novel blends elements of survival, psychological warfare, and action, keeping readers on edge.
Tougaw excels in creating an atmosphere of dread, and the urgency of Shelly’s race against time. The fight sequences are visceral. While the brutality of the antagonist’s methods makes for some disturbing moments, the novel’s strong central characters balance the darkness. A perfect read for fans of gritty crime thrillers and survival-driven action.
Then he kills them. The tension escalates when the Brad, a former fighter, becomes personally involved after his adventure race partner, Shelley, is abducted during the race. Was she a target or is it random? What follows is a high-stakes hunt through the wilderness, where he and his detective allies prove far more capable than the ineffectual local sheriff. The novel blends elements of survival, psychological warfare, and action, keeping readers on edge.
Tougaw excels in creating an atmosphere of dread, and the urgency of Shelly’s race against time. The fight sequences are visceral. While the brutality of the antagonist’s methods makes for some disturbing moments, the novel’s strong central characters balance the darkness. A perfect read for fans of gritty crime thrillers and survival-driven action.
May 27, 2025
Tougaw is back and as good as (or better) than ever. In Death Grip, Tougaw shifts the focus to the newest member of the detective agency, Brad Cummings.
Over a weekend of what's supposed to be reconnecting with an old friend for an outdoor race, Brad finds himself desperately searching for his friend who goes missing during the event. His coworkers join in his search as they comb through every available clue and clash with local law enforcement as they race to find Brad's friend.
The race against time isn't the only confounding factor; one of Brad's old rivals complicates the picture, and he must learn how to put aside old grudges in the interest of tracking down a loved one.
Can Brad remain impartial, or will his emotions cloud his thinking as they comb the area for his friend? How will the detectives navigate a law enforcement team they've never interacted with? Who else may be in danger?
Death Grip will keep your heart racing and fingers turning pages as you navigate every twist and turn along with Brad and Co.
Over a weekend of what's supposed to be reconnecting with an old friend for an outdoor race, Brad finds himself desperately searching for his friend who goes missing during the event. His coworkers join in his search as they comb through every available clue and clash with local law enforcement as they race to find Brad's friend.
The race against time isn't the only confounding factor; one of Brad's old rivals complicates the picture, and he must learn how to put aside old grudges in the interest of tracking down a loved one.
Can Brad remain impartial, or will his emotions cloud his thinking as they comb the area for his friend? How will the detectives navigate a law enforcement team they've never interacted with? Who else may be in danger?
Death Grip will keep your heart racing and fingers turning pages as you navigate every twist and turn along with Brad and Co.
September 12, 2025
This book is an exciting race to the end-in more ways than one! Even better, one does not need to read the prior books in the series to appreciate this one. Brad is the lone associate at the Fleck, Collin’s and Marcotte Detective Agency. Eddie Fleck has retired and is living out his retirement in Burgess County, Montana. Brad is staying with Eddie because he’ll be participating in the Broadwood Blitz adventure race. Brad’s racing partner is his friend Shelly Cantwell. She’s traveled to the race with her boyfriend, so the pair meet up at the race registration. However, there’s also a serial killer on the loose and he kidnaps Shelly at an opportune spot during the race. Will Brad be able to find Shelly? He needs to get into the mindset of the killer, if he has any hope of finding her. The characters are realistically written and the book is full of action and excitement. I highly recommend this book!
I received an ARC and this is my personal opinion.
I received an ARC and this is my personal opinion.
August 18, 2025
I thought Last Call was the best in this series by Travis Tougaw, but Death Grip made me rethink that. I loved having Brad take a more central role in the investigation, and the conflict between him and Aaron added a palpable tension to the story. I also enjoyed the character of Shelly. She was resourceful and determined. But I think my favorite aspect of Mr. Tougaw's writing is that he proves you don't have to use all the expletives in the world to create a realistic, compelling detective story. There are no expletives here and, believe me, the story still measures up without them. There is fear, tension, danger, anger, and all the rest. And it works, even without the bad language. I highly recommend this book and this series. I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens, and this review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.
May 22, 2025
I love it when I discover a writer who checks all the boxes. Sharp writing, great characters, lots of action, Death Grip has it all. And to top it off, it’s the fourth in a series. More for me to read and love!
This suspenseful novel takes the reader on a race against time when a young woman is abducted from an adventure race in Montana, and Brad, her race partner, enlists his friends from a private detective agency to help find her. Their search quickly spirals into a hunt for a serial killer intent on adding one more victim to his list. With engaging and well-developed characters and plenty of nail-biting action, Death Grip kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. Can’t wait to read more of this series!
This suspenseful novel takes the reader on a race against time when a young woman is abducted from an adventure race in Montana, and Brad, her race partner, enlists his friends from a private detective agency to help find her. Their search quickly spirals into a hunt for a serial killer intent on adding one more victim to his list. With engaging and well-developed characters and plenty of nail-biting action, Death Grip kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. Can’t wait to read more of this series!
October 24, 2025
I thought “Captives” was my favorite book in Tougaw’s Marcotte & Collins series until I read “Death Grip.” This fourth installment kept me engaged and pulling for the good guys every time I flipped a page. The detective team’s investigation skills were top-notch, and I loved how they outsmarted the local authorities—-not in a demeaning way, but just because they were dedicated and well, smart. I think the book can stand alone, but I enjoyed having the solid background of the key players’ previous relationships and experiences. I encourage newcomers to jump into this series anywhere, but if you like backstory, start with “Foxholes” and work your way up to my favorite, “Death Grip.” Fast-paced investigative crime-solving, twisty plots, and relatable characters. What more can a reader want?
May 22, 2025
Death Grip by Travis Tougaw is an gripping tale of cat-and-mouse battle between the protagonist Brad and a serial killer whose next victim may be Brad’s close friend. It not only puts the reader inside the mind of a serial killer, it also offers realistic and absorbing insights into the world of criminal pursuit and detective tactics. The author captivates absorbing descriptions of self-defense tactics, mixed martial arts (MMA) combat, and outdoor adventure contests as the story build to a climax in true thriller tradition.
-Scott Eveloff MD, author of Do Not Resuscitate and The Golem’s Holocaust
-Scott Eveloff MD, author of Do Not Resuscitate and The Golem’s Holocaust
May 22, 2025
Death Grip is the latest and best book in the Marcotte and Collins Investigative Thriller series. A woman is missing, but the police are focusing all their energies on a murder that occurred at the same time. Vince and Hadley drive up to Montana to help Brad find his missing friend, and uncover evidence of a serial killer on the loose.
Tougaw captures the majesty of the Montana wilderness as his characters work to solve the mystery. The pace of action is relentless and builds to a satisfying conclusion that will leave the reader looking forward to the next book. Anyone who is a fan of Kiss the Girls will immerse themselves in Death Grip deep into the night.
Tougaw captures the majesty of the Montana wilderness as his characters work to solve the mystery. The pace of action is relentless and builds to a satisfying conclusion that will leave the reader looking forward to the next book. Anyone who is a fan of Kiss the Girls will immerse themselves in Death Grip deep into the night.
July 4, 2025
Death Grip, Book 4 in Travis Tougaw’s Marcotte and Collins Investigative Thriller series, takes you to Montana for an edge-of-your-seat ride packed with small-town detective work and relentless wilderness survival. Brad Cummings is the hero you’ll root for as he rallies his friends and pushes past physical and emotional obstacles to save someone important to him from a demented serial killer. If you enjoy gritty suspense and heart-pounding action, you’ll be hooked from page one. (Spoiler alert: I held my breath through the entire first chapter!) Highly recommended for anyone craving a smartly plotted page-turner!
September 6, 2025
Brad and Shelly are leading an adventure race. Shelly rings the bell, and rappels down to the race volunteer. The problem is, he's not a volunteer.
Brad rappels down after Shelly, but there's no one there. What he does find is a dead volunteer.
This is the start to a race against time to find Shelly with Brad, Hadley, Vince, and Eddie working together to find her.
The book is fast paced, with plenty of plot twists, excitement, terror, and a serial killer at the center of it.
The book is exciting and was hard to put down. I enjoyed reading the book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Brad rappels down after Shelly, but there's no one there. What he does find is a dead volunteer.
This is the start to a race against time to find Shelly with Brad, Hadley, Vince, and Eddie working together to find her.
The book is fast paced, with plenty of plot twists, excitement, terror, and a serial killer at the center of it.
The book is exciting and was hard to put down. I enjoyed reading the book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 22, 2025
Tougaw's latest thriller has action that leaves you on the edge of your seat from the first page to the last. Brad and his friend Shelly meet up in Montana for a race, and she is abducted from the course. When the police don't take him seriously, he calls for reinforcements from his co-workers, the investigators of Marcotte and Collins, and retired detective Eddie Fleck. They race against time and the law to save her from a serial killer before he can finish the job.
September 6, 2025
Great Introduction of a new PI Series
If you like books about Serial Killers, Small town, overworked Sheriff’s and Private detective’s that just won’t give up this book is for you. Follow the twists and turns this book takes as a seemingly random disappearance, possibly caused by domestic dispute turns into a full blown Serial murder investigation. If you like the TV Show Criminal Minds, check this book out. Highly recommend.
If you like books about Serial Killers, Small town, overworked Sheriff’s and Private detective’s that just won’t give up this book is for you. Follow the twists and turns this book takes as a seemingly random disappearance, possibly caused by domestic dispute turns into a full blown Serial murder investigation. If you like the TV Show Criminal Minds, check this book out. Highly recommend.
June 8, 2025
Travis Tougaw's fourth novel, Death Grip, takes his readers on a desperate journey for survival in the Montana wilderness as a serial killer abducts and terrorizes young women while police, investigators, and rivals for the most recent victim's affections first compete, then combine, in a daring attempt to rescue her from a gruesome fate. An absolutely gripping thriller!
June 25, 2025
This story was interesting as it featured a serial killer of beautiful young women, however, except for a few characters, the rest of the characters (who the series is named for) fell flat. While reading, it seemed to me as if the author had written the final book in the series and just wanted it over. I received an ARC from Book Sirens and the opinions expressed are my own.
July 22, 2025
Great plot line. Tons of action. A number of triggers. I would want Brad looking for me if I got in that sort of trouble. The bad guy is pretty disturbing. Reminds me of reading some of the Patricia Cornwell stories.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 30, 2025
A group of investigators race to find a missing woman. Will they rescue her in time. Edge of your seat thriller.
October 4, 2025
What a first chapter! From the very beginning, I was hooked on DEATH GRIP and all it’s action-packed, page-turning fabulousness. I devoured this book, flipping digital pages so fast that my eReader may have overheated. I was so involved in the story that I barely took any notes; this says a lot about the writing. (And it’s also a nod to the outstanding editing. Bliss.) I didn’t want to get taken out of this story for even a minute.
Even though DEATH GRIP is the fourth and final (?) installment in Travis Tougaw’s Marcotte and Collins Investigative Thrillers series, and it's the first book I've read in it, there is never a hiccup jumping in here. The characters’ relationships are established, but instead of being confusing, it makes the reader want to go back to their roots in prior installments.
Interestingly, I’ve recently read two other new releases with a Montana setting, like in DEATH GRIP, and I’m wondering if it’s a trend. Whether it is or isn’t, I can see why authors would set a book there. I’ve never been, but Tougaw’s rich descriptions make the landscape’s beauty and perils pop from the pages. He’s also adept at writing realistic characters to love and loathe while also cleverly steering readers’ suspicions so that we’re on the fence about a character or two. Early on, my spider senses were tingling at the introduction of one person, and I wasn’t wrong in guessing that one was the baddie. But how the story unfolded, and the twisted mind and deeds of the perpetrator, had my spine tingling, too.
With the sharp writing, terrifically twisty plot, and excellent characterization found within the pages of DEATH GRIP, readers need to prepare for an intense and wild ride that will likely lead them to binge reading the full series. *Says one of those readers.* Highly recommend.
Full review and more special features coming 10/6/25 to Hall Ways Blog.
Even though DEATH GRIP is the fourth and final (?) installment in Travis Tougaw’s Marcotte and Collins Investigative Thrillers series, and it's the first book I've read in it, there is never a hiccup jumping in here. The characters’ relationships are established, but instead of being confusing, it makes the reader want to go back to their roots in prior installments.
Interestingly, I’ve recently read two other new releases with a Montana setting, like in DEATH GRIP, and I’m wondering if it’s a trend. Whether it is or isn’t, I can see why authors would set a book there. I’ve never been, but Tougaw’s rich descriptions make the landscape’s beauty and perils pop from the pages. He’s also adept at writing realistic characters to love and loathe while also cleverly steering readers’ suspicions so that we’re on the fence about a character or two. Early on, my spider senses were tingling at the introduction of one person, and I wasn’t wrong in guessing that one was the baddie. But how the story unfolded, and the twisted mind and deeds of the perpetrator, had my spine tingling, too.
With the sharp writing, terrifically twisty plot, and excellent characterization found within the pages of DEATH GRIP, readers need to prepare for an intense and wild ride that will likely lead them to binge reading the full series. *Says one of those readers.* Highly recommend.
Full review and more special features coming 10/6/25 to Hall Ways Blog.
December 30, 2025
DEATH GRIP - I found this book to be better than I expected, and it did not matter that I had not read any of the previous books. Good characters and interesting story lines along with a good pace and no extra fillers made for a quick, intriguing read. Source: BookSirens. 4*
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews