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Murder in the Monashee Mountains: A Travis Daniels Investigation
After barely escaping the haunted streets of Arkham and Miskatonic University, Travis Daniels is on the run with his ward, Leslie Owens. Seeking refuge in the remote woods of Monashee Mountain, their lives take another dark turn when they witness a brutal, savage murder. Now, they're thrust into a web of deceit, danger, and old grudges as they are drawn into a conflict between warring factions in the small town of Tonasket.
Travis must navigate the escalating tension between the town’s residents, the Native American tribes, and the ancient, shadowy creatures that dwell in the wilderness. The clock is ticking as dangerous rivalries between Sasquatch and werewolves threaten to erupt, and the local logging operations are sabotaged by forces more sinister than anyone can imagine.
As Travis works to uncover the truth behind the murder, he must decide who he can trust before it's too late. With danger closing in, only one thing is the truth will come at a cost.
Proudly represented by Crystal Lake Publishing—Where Stories Come Alive!
Travis must navigate the escalating tension between the town’s residents, the Native American tribes, and the ancient, shadowy creatures that dwell in the wilderness. The clock is ticking as dangerous rivalries between Sasquatch and werewolves threaten to erupt, and the local logging operations are sabotaged by forces more sinister than anyone can imagine.
As Travis works to uncover the truth behind the murder, he must decide who he can trust before it's too late. With danger closing in, only one thing is the truth will come at a cost.
Proudly represented by Crystal Lake Publishing—Where Stories Come Alive!
- GenresHorror
176 pages, Paperback
First published July 8, 2025
4 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 7, 2025
Overall, this was a great continuation of the original story with a lot to like. The main part of the story here, involving the lifestyle the two lead while on the run, trying to remain inconspicuous while also attempting to incorporate a solid enough mystery about the goings-on in the small town, creates a wholly enjoyable starting point. That we get to see the after-effects of the previous incident, involving their frazzled reactions to being on the run and how they take to being in the middle of everything in the small town, which gets crazier the more they stay there, is all quite intriguing. Seeing how this shifts the story going forward, with not just their behavior change from the nervous, jittery type trying to hide from others to go through the early stages of the new battle that brings together the two, and the multi-pronged war taking place in the community. Serves this well by moving through the action and storytelling incredibly well
The aspects of the war take centerstage in the story, which involves an Indian tribe trying to keep the descendants of their tribe who are capable of turning into werewolves from causing an uproar in a town at war with the tribe for their opposition to a logging company in the area. That background information effectively incorporates a solid series of investigations examining the history of the various forces within the community that influence real-world events, highlighting the distrust and abuse of the local tribes. There’s enough to enjoy here with this setup featuring the different bits of historical connections to most of the other aspects that are brought up to help enhance the atmosphere and action of the novel with the main drawback being a somewhat downgraded importance for Leslie throughout here that renders her almost pointless for most of the story. Forced to hide from others so as not to attract attention from those chasing after her, means she has to spend the majority of the novel under the protection spell she performs and staying out of the limelight, but beyond this, there’s little to suggest any other issues here.
4.5/5
The aspects of the war take centerstage in the story, which involves an Indian tribe trying to keep the descendants of their tribe who are capable of turning into werewolves from causing an uproar in a town at war with the tribe for their opposition to a logging company in the area. That background information effectively incorporates a solid series of investigations examining the history of the various forces within the community that influence real-world events, highlighting the distrust and abuse of the local tribes. There’s enough to enjoy here with this setup featuring the different bits of historical connections to most of the other aspects that are brought up to help enhance the atmosphere and action of the novel with the main drawback being a somewhat downgraded importance for Leslie throughout here that renders her almost pointless for most of the story. Forced to hide from others so as not to attract attention from those chasing after her, means she has to spend the majority of the novel under the protection spell she performs and staying out of the limelight, but beyond this, there’s little to suggest any other issues here.
4.5/5
August 7, 2025
I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first in the Travis Daniels series, but it was still a good time :D
August 5, 2025
I just finished Murder in Murder in the Monashee Mountain by JP Behrens. This is the second book in the Travis Daniels Investigation Series. The first book (Missing in Miskatonic) was my first venture into the fantasy world. I enjoyed the story and wondered what will happen next. The second book came out and I found it to be my favorite so far. The bantering between Travis and Leslie made me appreciate their strong bond to help and protect each other. This novella was more character driven and I enjoy seeing how characters act and react to the tragedies that surround them. Even though these two people are running for their lives, they also see the need to help the community they came upon. And of course even though Travis resolved this investigation, another immediately loomed. Can't wait for the next novella and learn more about these two people. I also appreciated the factual presentations of the Okanogan Language, Syilx of the indigenous tribes in Northern USA and Canada. Incorporating part of the language gave this story a real sense of authenticity.
July 15, 2025
Ok
This wasn't as engaging as the first one. I just couldn't stay interested in the storyline. That being said, I hope there is another Travis Daniels case, I'm still enjoying his character
This wasn't as engaging as the first one. I just couldn't stay interested in the storyline. That being said, I hope there is another Travis Daniels case, I'm still enjoying his character
August 7, 2025
This wasn't as much of a page turner for me as the first Travis Daniels book, but I had fun with it. It has a great opener but then I think the excitement does get a bit lost in details about companies and things for a while, but it picks back up!
July 14, 2025
FINALLY RELEASING!!
I loved the first novel and this one was even better! I loved the heart that you could feel from Travis and his love for Leslie that keeps growing! The new characters we meet are very well rounded and the tone is very enjoyable!
JP outdid himself as always! Can’t wait for the third book!!!
I loved the first novel and this one was even better! I loved the heart that you could feel from Travis and his love for Leslie that keeps growing! The new characters we meet are very well rounded and the tone is very enjoyable!
JP outdid himself as always! Can’t wait for the third book!!!
July 14, 2025
A perfect blend of old school pulp style detective story a la Raymond Chandler, and monsters (Sasquatch and Werewolves) set in the Pacific Northwest where white men's greed for money and jobs in the logging industry clash with the Native Americans' reverence for the land. This novella is fast paced enough to read in one day and proves again why JP Behrens is one of my favorite authors, because it's one of one of his best stories yet
July 16, 2025
A fun, fast-paced followup to Missing in Miskatonic. Hoping for more Travis Daniels stories in the future.
July 9, 2025
MURDER IN MONASHEE MOUNTAINS is the second instalment in JP Behrens’ historical adult TRAVIS DANIELS INVESTIGATIONS dark, supernatural thriller focusing on PI Travis Daniels. MURDER IN THE MONASHEE MOUNTAINS can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion. MURDER IN THE MONASHEE MOUNTAINS, set in 1929, picks up approximately one year after the events of book one MISSING IN MISKATONIC. If you have not read book one, there may be spoilers in my review
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including racism, discrimination and stereotyping, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers
Told from first person (Travis) and omniscient third person (Leslie) MURDER IN THE MONASHEE MOUNTAINS finds PI Travis Daniels, and his companion Leslie Ward on the run, desperate to stay ahead of the people they left behind in Arkham Massachusetts, Travis and Leslie, once again, find themselves front and centre in another supernatural mystery but this time involving the possibility of were-wolves, sasquatch, magic and Indigenous lore, as they are the only witnesses to a possible murder involving the creatures of mythology and fiction. A logging company is ravaging the lands once held by the Indigenous peoples, and someone or something is taking steps to stop the destruction of the Earth before it is too late.
The world building follows Travis and Leslie as they are pulled into an investigation involving superstition, discrimination, magic and murder. Reflecting the ongoing tragedy of indigenous lands appropriation , MURDER IN THE MONASHEE MOUNTAINS focuses on capitalism, a fight for survival, freedom and rights.
MURDER IN THE MONASHEE MOUNTAINS is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, magic and violence, discrimination and bigotry. The premise is dark, dramatic and intense; the characters are desperate, determined and dynamic
copy supplied for review
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including racism, discrimination and stereotyping, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers
Told from first person (Travis) and omniscient third person (Leslie) MURDER IN THE MONASHEE MOUNTAINS finds PI Travis Daniels, and his companion Leslie Ward on the run, desperate to stay ahead of the people they left behind in Arkham Massachusetts, Travis and Leslie, once again, find themselves front and centre in another supernatural mystery but this time involving the possibility of were-wolves, sasquatch, magic and Indigenous lore, as they are the only witnesses to a possible murder involving the creatures of mythology and fiction. A logging company is ravaging the lands once held by the Indigenous peoples, and someone or something is taking steps to stop the destruction of the Earth before it is too late.
The world building follows Travis and Leslie as they are pulled into an investigation involving superstition, discrimination, magic and murder. Reflecting the ongoing tragedy of indigenous lands appropriation , MURDER IN THE MONASHEE MOUNTAINS focuses on capitalism, a fight for survival, freedom and rights.
MURDER IN THE MONASHEE MOUNTAINS is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, magic and violence, discrimination and bigotry. The premise is dark, dramatic and intense; the characters are desperate, determined and dynamic
copy supplied for review
November 30, 2025
Power is never given away freely.
In my review of Missing of Miskatonic earlier this year I wished for a stronger storyline and am happy to report that this second instalment in the series was well rounded in this area. As someone who loves reading about Sasquatch, I immersed myself in all of the details about this famous and mysterious cryptid that the narrator provided. It’s difficult to dig into the details of what Bigfoot is like in this universe except to say that it fits in well with other mythologies about them while also providing new layers of information about what their culture, language, and beliefs were like.
It would have been helpful to have more character development, especially for the characters who were introduced for the first time here. This is such a plot-focused series that I wouldn’t expect pages of introspection or anything, but a few more sentences here and there would go a long way in helping me to get to know everyone better. Here’s hoping that future books that follow Travis’ adventures, if any are in the works, will dive more deeply into this.
The strong pacing kept my interest levels high as I read. I especially enjoyed the action scenes that included both physical and verbal conflicts as they were well written and kept the storyline moving forward at a steady pace. It was easy to imagine what was happening in these scenes due to how clearly they were written and how much effort was put into describing what all of the main characters were doing in those tense but generally brief moments. This isn’t always an easy thing to accomplish, so I must tip my cap to the author for not only pulling it off but also making it look effortless.
This series should be read in order for character and plot development reasons.
Murder in the Monashee Mountains kept me guessing until the end.
In my review of Missing of Miskatonic earlier this year I wished for a stronger storyline and am happy to report that this second instalment in the series was well rounded in this area. As someone who loves reading about Sasquatch, I immersed myself in all of the details about this famous and mysterious cryptid that the narrator provided. It’s difficult to dig into the details of what Bigfoot is like in this universe except to say that it fits in well with other mythologies about them while also providing new layers of information about what their culture, language, and beliefs were like.
It would have been helpful to have more character development, especially for the characters who were introduced for the first time here. This is such a plot-focused series that I wouldn’t expect pages of introspection or anything, but a few more sentences here and there would go a long way in helping me to get to know everyone better. Here’s hoping that future books that follow Travis’ adventures, if any are in the works, will dive more deeply into this.
The strong pacing kept my interest levels high as I read. I especially enjoyed the action scenes that included both physical and verbal conflicts as they were well written and kept the storyline moving forward at a steady pace. It was easy to imagine what was happening in these scenes due to how clearly they were written and how much effort was put into describing what all of the main characters were doing in those tense but generally brief moments. This isn’t always an easy thing to accomplish, so I must tip my cap to the author for not only pulling it off but also making it look effortless.
This series should be read in order for character and plot development reasons.
Murder in the Monashee Mountains kept me guessing until the end.
July 21, 2025
3.5*
Missing In Miskatonic was one of my more pleasant book surprises of 2024, a really fun 1920s-set novella about a private detective in a very Lovecraftian world, so I was eagerly anticipating the next installment of the Travis Daniels series. While Murder In The Monashee Mountains for me didn't quite live up to the very high bar set by the first book, it's still a lot of pulp-y fun, and a very enjoyable read.
It's hard to discuss the plot specifics without giving Miskatonic spoilers, but the story follows Travis on the run following the events of the previous book, with a companion in tow. Hoping to lay low and stay off certain people's radar, he instead finds himself dragged into an ongoing situation in a small mountain town. His investigative skills lead him into company conflicts, tensions between local Native Americans and the town's white inhabitants, and cryptids & monsters.
I found myself enjoying the story more and more, particularly as the detective elements came more to the forefront. The noir, Raymond Chandler-esque vibes merge so well with the unexplainable elements, and while the cosmic horror is toned down, it's replaced with ideas more befitting of the isolated forests of the Monashee mountains. Behrens appears to have gone to great lengths to be sensitive in his depictions of the Native locals, including well-researched use of their language.
A quick read at 150 pages or so, I found myself flying through this, and I'll now eagerly await the next installment of the Travis Daniel saga. I can't wait to see what new elements Behrens will bring into this format.
Missing In Miskatonic was one of my more pleasant book surprises of 2024, a really fun 1920s-set novella about a private detective in a very Lovecraftian world, so I was eagerly anticipating the next installment of the Travis Daniels series. While Murder In The Monashee Mountains for me didn't quite live up to the very high bar set by the first book, it's still a lot of pulp-y fun, and a very enjoyable read.
It's hard to discuss the plot specifics without giving Miskatonic spoilers, but the story follows Travis on the run following the events of the previous book, with a companion in tow. Hoping to lay low and stay off certain people's radar, he instead finds himself dragged into an ongoing situation in a small mountain town. His investigative skills lead him into company conflicts, tensions between local Native Americans and the town's white inhabitants, and cryptids & monsters.
I found myself enjoying the story more and more, particularly as the detective elements came more to the forefront. The noir, Raymond Chandler-esque vibes merge so well with the unexplainable elements, and while the cosmic horror is toned down, it's replaced with ideas more befitting of the isolated forests of the Monashee mountains. Behrens appears to have gone to great lengths to be sensitive in his depictions of the Native locals, including well-researched use of their language.
A quick read at 150 pages or so, I found myself flying through this, and I'll now eagerly await the next installment of the Travis Daniel saga. I can't wait to see what new elements Behrens will bring into this format.
July 14, 2025
I read the first book in the series and really liked it for its combination of historical fiction and supernatural elements in a detective novel. This second volume is more of the same and I liked those aspects as well. The main characters are on the other side of the country in rural Eastern Washington in this book which is a different part of the US from the first book. This is because they had to flee and not stick in one place for long to avoid being found which, if you have read the first book, you’ll understand. The supernatural issues that need to be dealt with in this story are much different than the first. This is good, in that it avoids getting in a rut and the reader is kept guessing where the story is going to go. However, I found that the occasional use of non-English words that, based on the acknowledgements at the end, are apparently from a language once used by natives in this part of Washington, tripped me up. While possible to determine what they meant, going through those steps threw me out of the story. Others might react to this aspect in a better way than I did, but I found it to be an irritant in an otherwise good read.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
June 30, 2025
Warring town dwellers, Native Americans and really creepy denizens of the deep, create the perfect landscape for this unforgettable thrill-ride. JP Behrens takes the reader on the adventure of a lifetime.
July 16, 2025
These are always a fun and quick read. If you like noir and the lore of hp lovecraft they’re very worth the time.
December 27, 2025
This was a great follow up to the first Travis Daniels book. I loved the fact it felt so within the world that was created and yet it could work as a stand alone. I was also a fan of having the supernatural elements in this one as to not play on the same tropes from the first. It made for the characters and story to be able to grow more within this book.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews