Grizzly Narrows

Sam Rivers #6

by Cary J. Griffith

296 pages, Paperback

Published June 9, 2026

About the author

Award-winning author Cary J. Griffith grew up among the woods, fields, and emerald waters of eastern Iowa. His childhood fostered a lifelong love of wild places.

He earned a B.A. in English from the University of Iowa and an M.A. in library science from the University of Minnesota.

Griffith’s books explore the natural world. In nonfiction, he covers the borderlands between civilization and wild places. In fiction, he focuses on the ways some people use flora and fauna to commit crimes, while others with more reverence and understanding of the natural world leverage their knowledge to bring criminals to justice.

He lives with his family in a suburb of Minnesota’s Twin Cities.

Reviews

[Dale Chisolm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up Grizzly Narrows because I enjoy wilderness thrillers, and this book delivered exactly the kind of atmosphere I was hoping for. Cary Griffith creates a vivid sense of place, immersing readers in a rugged landscape where nature can be both beautiful and unforgiving. The setting feels authentic and plays a significant role in shaping the story's tension.

What impressed me most was the balance between mystery and adventure. The plot steadily builds suspense while allowing readers to connect with the characters and their challenges. The wilderness descriptions never felt excessive; instead, they enhanced the feeling that danger could emerge from any direction. Readers who enjoy outdoor fiction, survival stories, and mysteries should find plenty to appreciate here.

[Kathy Piehl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think Griffith may have run out of ideas for cases Sam Rivers can solve. This time the case is all about him as villains from previous books seek revenge on him plus his family. He's unaware of this plot as the book begins, but the danger grows more evident as an escaped convict determined to kill him tracks him down. Then it becomes all about how Sam and other law enforcement agents can outwit the bad guys. Of course, Sam's wolf dog helps capture the killers, and Sam demonstrates some pretty impressive escape and fighting techniques himself. Lots of chase scenes and close calls. Wasn't sure I would finish the book because I know what the conclusion would be if the series was going to continue.

[Jeffrey Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart beats a little faster whenever a new Sam Rivers mystery drops. Readers are guaranteed to learn something fascinating about midwestern flora or fauna, but, in Grizzly Narrows, Griffith's lesson plan is packed inside a bullet train swerving wildly off the tracks as Agent Rivers attempts to wrestle control from violent felons, malevolent poachers, and attacking grizzly bears. Then there's the mystery woman - a modern-day femme fatale - pulling strings in the shadows in a twisted game of vengeance. And the string she most wants pulled is the one wrapped tightly around Sam Rivers' neck.

Who knew learning could be this much fun?

[Anthony Wadsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel reminded me why wilderness thrillers can be so effective. Cary Griffith uses the natural environment not only as a backdrop but as a source of constant uncertainty. Every decision feels important because the setting itself presents risks and complications.

The story unfolds at a satisfying pace, steadily building suspense while allowing readers to become familiar with the characters and their circumstances. I found myself fully immersed in the world of the novel. The combination of mystery, adventure, and realistic outdoor detail makes this a strong choice for readers who enjoy stories set far from civilization.

[Shirley Haynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grizzly Narrows offers a compelling blend of suspense and wilderness adventure. The story moves at a comfortable pace, giving readers time to absorb the environment while still maintaining a sense of urgency. Cary Griffith's knowledge of the outdoors adds realism to every scene.

I especially appreciated the way the setting influenced the story. The wilderness isn't simply a backdrop; it's a constant presence that shapes the decisions and challenges facing the characters. Overall, this was an enjoyable and engaging read.

[Joan Unger · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the strengths of Grizzly Narrows is its atmosphere. From the opening chapters, I felt immersed in a world where nature is both awe-inspiring and unpredictable. Cary Griffith paints vivid pictures without slowing down the story, which is not always easy to accomplish.

The mystery elements kept me interested throughout, and I found myself eager to discover how everything would unfold. This is the type of book that will likely appeal to readers who enjoy suspense driven as much by environment as by plot.

[Maxine Werner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book combines several elements I enjoy: mystery, adventure, and a strong sense of place. The wilderness setting creates a unique backdrop that adds tension and unpredictability to the story. Cary Griffith's descriptions are detailed enough to feel immersive without becoming distracting.

The pacing worked well for me, and the story consistently held my attention. While the action is important, the author also takes time to develop the setting and characters, making the overall experience more rewarding.

[Mitchell Holahan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grizzly Narrows has a lot going for it, particularly its setting. The author's knowledge of the natural world shines through, and the wilderness scenes are among the book's strongest aspects. The atmosphere is convincing and often engaging.

While I enjoyed the overall story, some sections moved more slowly than I expected. Even so, the strong sense of place and the mystery elements kept me interested enough to continue reading. Readers who appreciate detailed outdoor settings may enjoy this one.

[Keith McKnight · Rating 4 out of 5]

What stood out most to me about Grizzly Narrows was the sense of realism. Cary Griffith's familiarity with the outdoors comes through clearly, making the setting feel credible and immersive. The descriptions helped me visualize the landscape and understand the challenges facing the characters.

The story itself offers a good balance of mystery and adventure. While the setting is one of the book's greatest strengths, the plot provides enough suspense to keep readers engaged all the way through. Overall, a worthwhile read for fans of wilderness fiction.

[Thomas Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cary Griffith does an excellent job of creating suspense through both plot and environment. The wilderness feels alive throughout the novel, presenting challenges that are every bit as significant as the human conflicts.

I appreciated how the story gradually revealed its mysteries while maintaining a steady level of tension. By the final chapters, I was fully invested in the outcome. Fans of outdoor thrillers will likely find this an enjoyable read.

[Iris Bolton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the way Grizzly Narrows blended suspense with vivid outdoor imagery. The wilderness setting creates an atmosphere that is both beautiful and unsettling, keeping readers aware that danger can appear unexpectedly.

The mystery kept me turning pages, and I appreciated the author's attention to detail. This was a solid, entertaining read that should appeal to fans of outdoor fiction.

[Peter Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Cary!!! A prison escape in Canada and a Grizzly head on a street sign finishing in Northern Minnesota. Couldn't put it down!

[David Teschler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for people who love the outdoors, mysteries, & a good story line.
I highly recommend this.

[Mee Lü]

There is something uniquely compelling about stories that place characters in remote, unpredictable environments, and Grizzly Narrows takes full advantage of that appeal. The setting adds depth to every challenge and raises the stakes throughout the narrative.

The suspense is effective, the writing is engaging, and the overall experience feels authentic. I would gladly recommend this book to readers looking for a wilderness-based mystery with plenty of atmosphere.