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Glow Trap
What happens when a spy, a retired thief, and a person in the witness relocation program end up in the same coastal Maine town?
Nothing… until a man using an alias washes up on shore and threatens to tear the idyllic nature of Port Essex apart at the seams. Baker & Wolfe are pulled in when Peter Angel claims that his brother was deathly afraid of the water and would not have voluntarily been out on a boat, leading to his accidental drowning.
Who was the dead man really?
When Baylee is driven off a cliff at the same exact spot that Clay’s father, mother, and grandmother died in a horrific car accident, the past becomes entwined with the present in a twisted web of lies. And then Niles Harrington, a name from the past, is set free.
Is it possible that the dead man, Clay’s parents’ accident, and Niles Harrington are all connected?
Clay Wolfe, Baylee Baker, the gang, and Port Essex become embroiled in their hottest and deadliest mystery yet. Will the spies, informants, and thieves be exposed in time before the killers can finish the job that they have begun?
Nothing… until a man using an alias washes up on shore and threatens to tear the idyllic nature of Port Essex apart at the seams. Baker & Wolfe are pulled in when Peter Angel claims that his brother was deathly afraid of the water and would not have voluntarily been out on a boat, leading to his accidental drowning.
Who was the dead man really?
When Baylee is driven off a cliff at the same exact spot that Clay’s father, mother, and grandmother died in a horrific car accident, the past becomes entwined with the present in a twisted web of lies. And then Niles Harrington, a name from the past, is set free.
Is it possible that the dead man, Clay’s parents’ accident, and Niles Harrington are all connected?
Clay Wolfe, Baylee Baker, the gang, and Port Essex become embroiled in their hottest and deadliest mystery yet. Will the spies, informants, and thieves be exposed in time before the killers can finish the job that they have begun?
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 13, 2025
About the author
Matt Cost
17 books89 followersMatt Cost also publishes under Matthew Langdon Cost.
MATT COST writes the Mainely Mystery and the Clay Wolfe/Port Essex Mystery Series. He’s also written several books of historical fiction. This is his first jaunt in combining his two loves of histories and mysteries into a historical PI mystery. Cost was a history major at Trinity College. He owned a mystery bookstore, a video store, and a gym, before serving a ten-year sentence as a junior high school teacher. In 2014 he was released and began writing. And that’s what he does. He writes histories and mysteries. Cost now lives in Brunswick, Maine, with his wife, Harper. There are four grown children: Brittany, Pearson, Miranda, and Ryan. A chocolate Lab and a basset hound round out the mix. He now spends his days at the computer, writing.
MATT COST writes the Mainely Mystery and the Clay Wolfe/Port Essex Mystery Series. He’s also written several books of historical fiction. This is his first jaunt in combining his two loves of histories and mysteries into a historical PI mystery. Cost was a history major at Trinity College. He owned a mystery bookstore, a video store, and a gym, before serving a ten-year sentence as a junior high school teacher. In 2014 he was released and began writing. And that’s what he does. He writes histories and mysteries. Cost now lives in Brunswick, Maine, with his wife, Harper. There are four grown children: Brittany, Pearson, Miranda, and Ryan. A chocolate Lab and a basset hound round out the mix. He now spends his days at the computer, writing.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 31, 2025
This was a thrilling and gripping story. So much gaslighting,betrayals, and coverups all for mother Russia. The spy element is deep, and you never know who's the real spy, and who's next. I feared the asset would slip away. The coverups and setting Baylee up were startling and gripping. This was a full on drama, suspense, action thriller that will keep you spellbound. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
August 16, 2025
4.5stars-GLOW TRAP is the sixth and final instalment in Matt Cost’s contemporary, adult CLAY WOLFE / PORT ESSEX MYSTERY suspense series focusing on thirty-seven year old, former homicide detective turned private investigator Clay Wolfe, his girlfriend and partner Baylee Baker, and his intrepid team of undercover operatives and amateur sleuths. GLOW TRAP can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from numerous omniscient third person perspectives GLOW TRAP follows several intersecting pathways when PI Clay Wolfe is asked to locate a missing landscaper whose side-gig as a drug dealer may have cost him his life; and a contracted investigation into the supposed drowning of a man whose fear of the water is no match for murderous intent. From Russian spies and double agents, to CIA operatives, questionable law enforcement and retired criminals, Clay Wolfe finds himself a target when the past comes full circle, reminding Clay that everything and everyone is not whom they appear to be.
The world building is detailed and complex as Clay Wolfe encounters a ghost from the past, a ghost he never knew existed in the here and now. Believing the good guy always wins, Clay, Baylee and the gang discover crime often pays but with the help of your friends, payment can be swift and steep. Trust is constrained as deceit and pretense threaten any semblance of peace for the people of Port Essex.
GLOW TRAP is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, murder and obsession, power and control, friendships and love. The premise is fascinating, compelling and thought-provoking ; the characters are numerous, familiar, dogged and tenacious.
copy supplied for review
Told from numerous omniscient third person perspectives GLOW TRAP follows several intersecting pathways when PI Clay Wolfe is asked to locate a missing landscaper whose side-gig as a drug dealer may have cost him his life; and a contracted investigation into the supposed drowning of a man whose fear of the water is no match for murderous intent. From Russian spies and double agents, to CIA operatives, questionable law enforcement and retired criminals, Clay Wolfe finds himself a target when the past comes full circle, reminding Clay that everything and everyone is not whom they appear to be.
The world building is detailed and complex as Clay Wolfe encounters a ghost from the past, a ghost he never knew existed in the here and now. Believing the good guy always wins, Clay, Baylee and the gang discover crime often pays but with the help of your friends, payment can be swift and steep. Trust is constrained as deceit and pretense threaten any semblance of peace for the people of Port Essex.
GLOW TRAP is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, murder and obsession, power and control, friendships and love. The premise is fascinating, compelling and thought-provoking ; the characters are numerous, familiar, dogged and tenacious.
copy supplied for review
August 2, 2025
ARC Review
Glow Trap by Matt Cost is the thrilling final installment in the Clay Wolfe Port Essex Mystery series.
Clay Wolfe, along with his girlfriend and associate Baylee Baker, and their close-knit group of friends, find themselves entangled in a dangerous investigation. When a man is discovered dead on the shore, Wolfe and Baker are hired to uncover the truth. But the deeper they dig, the more perilous things become. Secrets surface, past events resurface, and soon, they’re in over their heads. Will Clay and his team catch the killer before it’s too late?
This final book is packed with suspense, danger, and even a gripping shootout. The writing is sharp, with strong world-building and a fast-paced plot full of twists. The story weaves together multiple subplots and a rich cast of side characters—each contributing something unique. I especially loved the sense of family and unwavering support among the group.
Just when I thought I had everything figured out, a major twist took me by surprise. There were several tense moments that had me genuinely worried for the characters. My favorite part? The reveal of the murderer—satisfying and unexpected.
If you enjoy a good mystery filled with action, twists, and a strong ensemble cast, this series finale won’t disappoint.
Glow Trap by Matt Cost is the thrilling final installment in the Clay Wolfe Port Essex Mystery series.
Clay Wolfe, along with his girlfriend and associate Baylee Baker, and their close-knit group of friends, find themselves entangled in a dangerous investigation. When a man is discovered dead on the shore, Wolfe and Baker are hired to uncover the truth. But the deeper they dig, the more perilous things become. Secrets surface, past events resurface, and soon, they’re in over their heads. Will Clay and his team catch the killer before it’s too late?
This final book is packed with suspense, danger, and even a gripping shootout. The writing is sharp, with strong world-building and a fast-paced plot full of twists. The story weaves together multiple subplots and a rich cast of side characters—each contributing something unique. I especially loved the sense of family and unwavering support among the group.
Just when I thought I had everything figured out, a major twist took me by surprise. There were several tense moments that had me genuinely worried for the characters. My favorite part? The reveal of the murderer—satisfying and unexpected.
If you enjoy a good mystery filled with action, twists, and a strong ensemble cast, this series finale won’t disappoint.
September 5, 2025
I received an ARC through "Booksirens" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The story begins with a body discovered in a cove. The next day Clay and Baylee are visited by a director who wants to make a documentary about both of them. Clay reluctantly agreed and they were to begin filming the next day. After the director leaves, another person arrives and wants them to find her son Billy who is missing. This case was taken pro bono. Clays also gets a case which is to discover who killed the person who was found in the cove. This client is the brother of Peter Angel, the person found, as well as someone who was friends with Clay's father.
With the two cases being run in tandem, things begen to happen and ultimately both Clay and Baylee in danger. Discover how Clay eventually found Billy and how the second case was later connected to the first. Learn who was behind in the background and why Peter was killed and Billy went missing. Discover the Danger that Balyee had to overcome and how everything worked out in the end.
This is a great story and the ending is well worth it. Don't miss out, grab this book you won't be sorry!
The story begins with a body discovered in a cove. The next day Clay and Baylee are visited by a director who wants to make a documentary about both of them. Clay reluctantly agreed and they were to begin filming the next day. After the director leaves, another person arrives and wants them to find her son Billy who is missing. This case was taken pro bono. Clays also gets a case which is to discover who killed the person who was found in the cove. This client is the brother of Peter Angel, the person found, as well as someone who was friends with Clay's father.
With the two cases being run in tandem, things begen to happen and ultimately both Clay and Baylee in danger. Discover how Clay eventually found Billy and how the second case was later connected to the first. Learn who was behind in the background and why Peter was killed and Billy went missing. Discover the Danger that Balyee had to overcome and how everything worked out in the end.
This is a great story and the ending is well worth it. Don't miss out, grab this book you won't be sorry!
September 6, 2025
I am an ARC reader for Book Sirens and this is my honest opinion. I loved this book! I've read all of the previous books in the series and enjoyed them all. Although each book can be read as stand alone, I feel that in this book there are so many references to the past and past cases that impact the characters and the story that it would be helpful, make the story more enjoyable to have read previous books. Clay Wolfe and by extension, Baylee, his partner in work and life are in the crosshairs of two ruthless people who want to kill Clay after making him suffer. The author tells the reader all about one assassin but cleverly points toward someone else for the other. Port Essex, Maine sees more infamous, undercover characters than ever before but as usual Clay and Baylee's band of friends step.up to help. Matt Cost writes interesting, exciting stories about characters he makes easily and naturally believable. Clay and Baylee's adorable pets and the Maine winter weather also have parts to play! This book ended on what seemed like a final scene - but I really hope there will be more.
September 14, 2025
This opens with vivid, gripping imagery, then doesn’t let you go until the very last page. I loved the layers to this story - you have the criminal or (ex) criminal/spy side of things, then the crew that if you’ve read other books in the series, you’ll be quite familiar with. (No worries if you haven’t this works fine as a standalone). I love the idea of all the odd cases in Port Essex capturing the eye of a documentary filmmaker, it adds another layer to the story, and some interesting new characters. This is quickly followed up by two cases, but as is often the case in Port Essex, things are more tangled than they first appear. No spoilers though, you’ll have to read if you want to know how they’re related, and how everything shakes out. Highly recommend if you enjoy PI mystery/thrillers set in small towns!
September 15, 2025
I hope this is not really the last Clay Wolfe/Port Essex book, as this series has been a true pleasure to read. I will miss Clay, Bylee, and the rest of the gang.
Like all the books in this series, it is well written. It can be read as a standalone.
The book is full of suspense, thrills, mystery, and danger. There are spies, a deadly Russian, probable double agents, CIA involvement, and disreputable police. There are twists, and it is challenging to figure out who the bad guys are. But the ending makes the challenge worthwhile.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Like all the books in this series, it is well written. It can be read as a standalone.
The book is full of suspense, thrills, mystery, and danger. There are spies, a deadly Russian, probable double agents, CIA involvement, and disreputable police. There are twists, and it is challenging to figure out who the bad guys are. But the ending makes the challenge worthwhile.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 8, 2025
Glow Trap is the 6th and Final Book in the exciting Clay Wolfe Port Essex Mystery series by Matt Cost.
Clay Wolfe and his girlfriend Baylee and their friends have a lot going on.
A man is found dead on the beach and Wolfe and Bayless are hired to investigate.
There are secrets that are brought up and this was such an exciting mystery.
Such a fantastic twisty novel with incredible characters.
I really enjoyed the extensive sub plots and secondary characters that are anything but.
This was such a great conclusion to an amazing mystery series!
Highly recommend!
Clay Wolfe and his girlfriend Baylee and their friends have a lot going on.
A man is found dead on the beach and Wolfe and Bayless are hired to investigate.
There are secrets that are brought up and this was such an exciting mystery.
Such a fantastic twisty novel with incredible characters.
I really enjoyed the extensive sub plots and secondary characters that are anything but.
This was such a great conclusion to an amazing mystery series!
Highly recommend!
September 1, 2025
Well, if you're going to end a series, got out with a bang. And this is an explosion. Saying good-bye to these characters is not easy - but good-bye it must be. I know you will feel the same. Great writing Matt and a Big Thank You.
Highly Recommended.
Highly Recommended.
September 15, 2025
Glow trap is fast paced, thrilling, and keeps the page turning the whole way thru. I did not pick the ending at all and I have also read most of this series, but this one was the best.
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.
April 4, 2026
I read this book out of order because I was at a function with Matt Cost and he gave me the book! I'm not going to set down a spoiler, but my most fervent wish came true! Kudo's Matt! Now I have to get the books I missed...
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews