HAVOC: Trouble on the Trail

Tyler Zahn #5

by Cam Torrens

“Tyler Zahn is the Indiana Jones of the Rockies, racing an evil enemy to secure an ancient treasure while protecting his daughter from harm.” –Gary Gerlacher, bestselling author of the AJ Docker Medical Thrillers

Everything about the mission changes the moment Dispatch radios “shot in the head…”

Veteran Air Force pilot Tyler Zahn’s new reserve deputy sheriff role keeps him from joining his daughter, Daria, on a thru-hike of the Colorado Trail. He sends his FBI agent girlfriend with Daria instead. But when an Army helicopter crashes under suspicious circumstances only miles from where the two women trek, Zahn struggles over what comes first—duty, family, or his heart.

The fifth installment of the Tyler Zahn books, HAVOC, lives up to its title—with a downed aircraft, mysterious gunmen, hidden treasure, and Zahn’s loved ones in peril, all littering the Colorado Rockies like an avalanche’s detritus. Cam Torrens’ character-driven, award-winning mystery suspense series reminds readers that character matters, persistence wins, and we are all imperfect—even our heroes.

Each book in the Tyler Zahn series can be read as a stand-alone. Pick up your copy of HAVOC today.

Genres: Thriller

279 pages, Paperback

Published December 18, 2025

About the author

Over a 30-year Air Force career, author Cam Torrens delivered combat supplies and personnel across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He piloted the first mobility aircraft into Iraq during the Iraq War, served as the United States Air Attaché at the US Embassy in Beijing, China, and spent four years as the Professor of Aerospace Studies at Virginia Tech.
A father of six, Cam and his spouse live in Buena Vista, Colorado, where he serves as the Vice President of the Central Colorado Writers, and volunteers with the Chaffee County Search & Rescue team.
Cam has published four books in the Tyler Zahn series about an Air Force vet saving lost hikers and tracking down bad guys in the Colorado Rockies. The fifth book in the series, HAVOC, will come out in December 2025.
Be sure to follow Cam on BookBub as well at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cam-t...

Reviews

[Connie Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This installment in the Tyler Zahn series might be my favorite. I was most impressed by the way the multiple story lines tied together as the story progressed. There's action, mystery, suspense, family drama, and personal challenges tucked away in the Colorado mountains. This is a series you don't want to miss!

[Wayne Turmel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Tyler Zahn thriller

The latest installment in the series is the best yet. A helicopter crash leads to a thrilling manhunt in the Co.orado Rockies. Torrent becomes a better, more confident storyte..er with each book. Eager.y awaiting the next one.

[MaxieJane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moonlight, Mystery, and Military Muscle—A One-Sitting Thrill From Start to Finish

I couldn’t help but take a quick at peek the new Cam Torrens book—but I ended up reading non-stop from beginning to end! HAVOC breaks open new territory in the Tyler Zahn series, even as we experience search and rescue strain that thrill us. Our favorite semi-amateur sleuth once again vies for his daughter’s safety, and this time that concern includes his FBI love interest. Readers will love the non-stop, action-packed, high-altitude suspense.

The complex characters challenge themselves and readers to join them through hiking and solving the mystery of what is causing such HAVOC in the Rockies. From a few peaceful moments that remind us how much we love the Rocky Mountain setting, the plot peels off into high-action and drama from the Middle East to the middle of the mountains.

What elevates this novel to a five-star read is the braided tale weaving an Army helicopter crew’s past actions into Zahn’s present-day world. The well-earned twists and turns come together in a surprising and vividly rendered moonlit chase where readers can practically feel the chilly night air and the trail scree underfoot.

Better than ever, Torrens generates readers’ fear, tension, and most of all, our hope as we follow old and new favorite characters through serious trials. Be prepared to be kept up all night! This book is highly recommended!

[Diane Nagatomo · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Havoc: Trouble on the Trail” the fifth novel in the Search and Rescue series by Cam Torrens. Set in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, this story opens when a military helicopter goes down and Tyler Zahn (Z-man) is called to investigate. But this is no mere accident—one of the crew members had been shot. To complicate things, Zahn’s girlfriend, Emma, and his daughter Daria are on the trail, not knowing the killer is still out there. Zahn quickly learns things are not as they seem and the stakes are much larger than he could ever anticipate.

I am a huge fan of Torren’s books, but I have to say this is my favorite one so far and reading the book was a bit like unpeeling an onion, layer by layer, which each chapter offering a new surprise. It’s not necessary to read the previous book to enjoy this one, but I highly recommend doing so to have a full picture of the characters.

I’m grateful for having received an ARC of this novel and my opinions are my own.

[Joseph Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe I’ve read every book by Cam Torrens, and I have yet to be disappointed. His latest, HAVOC, is an absolutely riveting thriller that kept me guessing. He dances between past and present day expertly. He creates vivid descriptions packed with action and settings that are to die for. Torrens crafts thrillers like no other, using his search and rescue background and his flying experience to make the story come alive. His main character, Tyler Zahn, is unique, highly skilled, and genuine. I’m a sucker for flawed characters that tug on the heart. HAVOC by Cam Torrens receives a well-deserved 5 Star Rating. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I believe it is his best work to date. Joseph Lewis, Author of Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) and Fan Mail.

[Jerry Walch · Rating 5 out of 5]

HAVOC: Trouble on the Trail is an action-packed, adrenaline-fueled thriller that will keep you glued to the edges of your seat, burning through the pages until the very last page is consumed. HAVOC: Trouble on the Trail introduced me to a talented new writer, well, at least new to this reader. he’s not a new writer because he has five other books in print. He’s new to me because I had never heard of him before downloading this awesome read. This was the first time I met Torrens, but it earned him a spot near the top of my list of favorite thriller authors. Torrens gets it all right because he’s one of the rare breed of authors who not only talks the talk of his characters but has walked the walk as well. I knew that even before reading his bio, because, in my younger days, I had been there and done that myself. He has also set his story in several places where I have actually lived, so much of what he wrote was a trip down memory lane for me.

HAVOC: Trouble on the Trail is one of those rare fictional thrillers where the temporary suspension of disbelief never became an issue for this reader. His characters come across as real people. Like people I once served with. The action is so realistic that it might have come from the pages of a history book.

If you only read one new author this year, make that author Cam Torrens.

[Marlis Broadhead]

Two Timelines, Twice the Impact!

Torrens has done it again—with a new twist. HAVOC has all the excitement and mesmerizing characters his novels are known for—including Zane’s grown daughter, who can match him for determination and grit as she tackles the challenging Colorado Trail. But in this race against time in his investigation of a deadly military helicopter crash in the mountains, an intertwined mystery emerges—one that had its beginnings six years earlier with possible international ramifications that raise the stakes sky high and make the search for answers even more deadly. With his daughter's hike taking her directly into the crosshairs, Z-Man, in his role as deputy sheriff, struggles to maintain a critical balance between his emotions and his ability to outmaneuver men who will go to any lengths to escape with the rarest of treasures—including murder.

—Marlis Manley Broadhead, Trophy Girl (William Faulkner award winner), Is that Your Mother Calling? Advice that Echoes Down Through the Ages

[Cheryl Tabor · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an exciting read, Book Siren thank you as well as Cam Torrens. Torrent writes with action in his blood. This read kept me captivated as the story and the Character building just got more dramatic and teeth biting suspense. This story starts in the Middle East with both their Military and ours. Some things were taken and taken again. Colorado became a great place to hide things, and part Military and part bad guys are searching for the stolen things. Some to return it to whom it belongs, others for their own gain. There's alot at play, lots of lost lives in both Countries at the time of the theft, and in it's attempt at recovery. I highly recommend this if you like part military thriller and down home boots on the ground!

[Laurel McHargue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyler Zahn's adventures get better and better with each new release in this highly engaging series. Torrens has created characters we know and grow to love. The "Z-Man" always seems to find himself in credibly troublesome circumstances. Accidents, murders, heists, wildfires, kidnapping, you name it, our hero is knee deep in challenges. Stringing the thread of a missing person throughout the series, Torrens keeps readers eager to discover the truth. Filled with subtle humor, suspense, and spot-on dialogue, HAVOC won't let you sleep until you get to the last page.

[Pheadra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say upfront that this would translate really well to film, in particular, because of the setting in the Rocky mountains and non-stop action.
Deputy Sherrif Tyler is your last boy scout type character, a bit of Inspector Gadget, James Bond, and Indiana Jones rolled into one.
A helicopter crash not far from where Tyler's daughter and girlfriend are hiking sets the scene. A thrilling page-turner. 5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mimi Wahlfeldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you've read all of Zahn's previous adventures or not, HAVOC stands alone. In the latest book in this series, author Cam Torrens offers another fast-paced, action-packed ride.

Creatively written with two timelines joining in the middle of the book, HAVOC pulled me in from the start. I wondered, "How will all of these different characters and plots come together?" But it does! Torrens's knowledge of search and rescue, the Colorado mountains, and military maneuvers adds a depth of detail that makes each chapter feel painfully realistic. We're right in the middle of the action.

For readers who enjoy complex plots mixed with a "who's the bad guy" twist, HAVOC should be your next read.

[Barbara Luker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cam Torrens’ new book Havoc does not disappoint. It’s a thriller, but more than that, it’s a great snapshot of family relationships and interpersonal loyalties with characters so real, they could live next-door. Filled with twists and turns, this thriller keeps readers guessing until the last page and will leave everyone wanting to know what comes next in the series. ~ Author Barbara A. Luker

[Brooke French · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cam Torrens's Havoc grabs on from the first page and refuses to let go. The pacing is propulsive. The stakes are high, and the twists are diabolical. This is hands-down the best Tyler Zahn adventure yet. Clear your calendar before you crack this one open. You won't be going anywhere until it's done.

[Jennifer Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of Tyler Zahn will not be disappointed by this latest episode. Adventure? Yes! Colorado climbing? Yes! Family? Yes! Deceit? Yes! Ancient artifacts? Read to find out!

[Lori K Johnson Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The suspense of the story takes hold from the start. Torrens uses great story building and withholds key details until just the right time to share the mystery. Well-written and a compelling read. Another suspense in Zahn's life. Can't wait to see what comes next.

[Mary R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put it down…just like all the Tyler Zahn adventures in the series! Torrens weaves a story that he unravels masterfully with each turn of the page. Tyler Zahn is complex, principled, and driven, and someone you want as a friend. As an Air Force veteran, Zahn exemplifies the USAF core vales: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do, but reminds us all that even though we are all flawed, we can still hold ourselves to a higher standard and do what’s right. We need more people like Tyler Zahn in our world. Thank goodness Cam Torrens continues to bring him to us. As always, I look forward to his next adventure as soon as finish each book.

[Michelle W K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buckle up for a thrill ride—HAVOC: Trouble on the Trail, the 5th novel in the Tyler Zahn series is impossible to put down!

Working a search and rescue operation after the crash of an army helicopter, Zahn is drawn into a dangerous mystery surrounding the dead flight crew. The stakes intensify as Zahn fears murderers are in close proximity to the crash site—an area where his daughter, Daria, and his girlfriend, Emma are thru-hiking the Colorado Trail. As Zahn races to find Daria and Emma, heart-pounding twists and surprises make it tricky to distinguish the good guys from bad guys who will stop at nothing to recover a cache of priceless Assyrian artifacts. Torren’s stunningly beautiful descriptions of the Colorado Rockies made me feel like I was right there with Zahn, scrambling up steep switchbacks and gazing into the endless depths of the night sky, while the story kept me riveted till the very last page.

[Jacquie Herz · Rating 5 out of 5]

HAVOC: Trouble on the Trail
by Cam Torrens

Torrens’ writing is superb. As much as I was riveted to the thriller aspect of his story, the details of the helicopters, what’s involved in saving people or finding criminals, as well as the incredible descriptions of the Colorado trails and the difficulties and dangers in walking them, I really enjoyed reading about his main characters, Tyler Zahn, Doubles, Ethan, Emma and Daria. They came alive for me; their bravery, and their coming to grips with having to make those difficult and, potentially, life-threatening decisions. But what I found the most intriguing in Torrens’ writing is how he shows the caring and love his main characters have for one another.

[Timothy Sojka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Torrens put the Cliffs in Cliffhangers
A helicopter crash, stolen relics, the Colorado Rockies, a love story, a father-daughter tale, and betrayal unfold in the author's fastest paced novel to date. As a cliffhanger connoisseur, I promise, Havoc delivers. Fans of C.J. Box's Back of Beyond will relish time spent with Torrens' protagonist, Tyler Zahn.
Timothy Gene Sojka, award winning author of Payback Jack, Politikill, 39, and Claws

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite Tyler Zahn so far - time lines and story lines expertly crafted, keeping me guessing and waiting for the next reveal. Exciting - descriptions so clear I felt I was there. Highly recommend!

[Jill Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

No stranger to the Colorado mountains, Tyler Zahn and author Cam Torren return in this fifth installment of the series. Questioning who to trust at every turn, this mission seems compromised from the very beginning, but how will Zahn escape and will Emma and Daria make it off the trail alive?

A Helo down and black smoke rising, Z-man is called to put on his reserve sheriff hat for this one. Not reporting to Search and Rescue (SAR) for the first time since we’ve met him, “Havoc” kicks off in the thrilling way that’s quickly become synonymous with Torrens’ style.

Quickly shifting this downed helicopter from simply a wind induced crash to something far more nefarious, “Havoc” rapidly goes from a SAR mission to a Sherriff’s call, with the realization of gun shots to the head on the crew of a downed Black Hawk helicopter. Navigating the HAVOC 23 Army Black Hawk crew, we meet them years earlier before shifting back to the present-day crash site, instantly captivating readers. How did these characters wind up here? And who is still missing?

“Havoc” is an international treasure hunt through the Colorado Rockies. Ramping up the stakes in this fifth book is Zahn’s own daughter out through hiking the Colorado Trail (CT) as mysterious bad guys simultaneously search the same trail for the missing crew member, with guns at the ready. Another fast-paced adventure ride, “Havoc” spans the deserts of Iraq to the 14ers of Colorado as we navigate the through hike escapades of the CT.

No one writes a gritty mountain tale quite like Torrens and there’s no one better to read it than Tim Morgan! Rotating between Zahn, Daria and the Helo crew, I love that Daria has quickly become a larger piece of Zahn’s life and a crucial voice throughout this read. Recognizing there always seems to be trouble when Zahn’s involved, Torrens’ novels never lack excitement, trail knowledge, and a thrilling adventure.

[Beth Von Voigt · Rating 5 out of 5]

avoc: Trouble on the Trail

Tyler is a former Air Force pilot who now works as a reserve sheriff’s deputy and member of the SAR team in Colorado. When his daughter decides to hike the Colorado Trail, Tyler cannot go due to recently starting his job and instead had his girlfriend, Emma, go who is a FBI agent. While they’re out hiking, Tyler is dispatched to a helicopter crash. He quickly realizes the crash is not an open and shut case and foul play was definitely at hand. He must work to find out details and balance his need to do his job and protect his daughter.

This was a very well written and detailed book. I felt like the first half was a little slow with all of the jumping around between flashbacks and trying to keep track of who was who. But the second half definitely more than made up for that. The action picked up and so did the suspense. The constant jumping around made sense. There were some great twists thrown in as well that I didn’t see coming. It is part of a series, but I believe it could be read without reading prior books with ease. There ending paved the way for the next book nicely without leaving a cliff hanger. This is definitely a great read for those who love military stories or suspense books! *I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Brian Kaufman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a superior read in the thriller genre? Look no further than HAVOC by Cam Torrens.

Fallout from a body recovery mission in Iraq (seven years prior) culminates in the crash of a Black Hawk helicopter in the Colorado mountains. Tyler Zahn of SAR (search and rescue) has been alerted. Hikers find three dead crew members—one of them shot. Zahn's daughter and girlfriend are in those same mountains, hiking, while parties unknown wander the area carrying weapons. What's behind the crash, and who is involved?

HAVOC features relentless action, authentic situations, uncertain alliances and an illicit treasure—everything a thriller reader could possibly ask for.

Author Cam Torrens crafts thrillers that are a cut above, and for a good reason. His protagonist, though skilled, is not superman. He's a thinker. As Zahn notes, "My brain wins. So far, it’s kept me alive." The choices he faces are harrowing but believable. You won't find an idiot plot moment anywhere.

Clean, fast-paced prose drives the triphammer plot. The mountain setting is beautifully drawn. But what will stick with you are the compelling characters, worthy of any literary fiction.

I finished this book at two in the morning. I had to be up at five-thirty. You've been warned.

[Jesse Roder · Rating 5 out of 5]

HAVOC: Trouble on the Trail doesn’t waste time easing you in. It starts with impact. From the opening report of a helicopter crash to Tyler Zahn climbing toward the wreck with another cop, not knowing what they’re about to find after reports of someone being shot, the tension is there right from the jump. Cam Torrens writes action scenes that are tight, clear, and relentless. When things escalate, they build into a full-on crescendo of gunfire, chaos, and helicopter blades ripping through the air.
What really stood out were the twists you don’t see coming. The story keeps shifting under your feet, and just when you think you’ve got a handle on where it’s going, it turns again. The way Torrens follows different characters throughout the story works extremely well. Each thread adds pressure instead of slowing things down, and by the end, everything comes together in a way that feels earned.

This was my first book in the Tyler Zahn series, even though it’s the fifth in the lineup, and it didn’t hurt the experience at all. The story stands on its own and never felt confusing or incomplete. If anything, it did the opposite. By the time I finished, I was already wanting to go back and read the earlier books in the series.

[Kay Smith-Blum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four books in, Torren’s fifth novel in the Tyler Zahn series, HAVOC, rings with authenticity as a bear cub lopes across the road just before St. Elmo, a town in which a two-way radio is needed to communicate with the outside world. Our favorite hero, Tyler Zahn is on a new mission, his most intricately woven and fast-paced adventure yet. Torrens takes us down the twisty trail amidst the grandeur of Colorado with Zahn in a new role – not just a SAR’s volunteer – but a deputy sheriff with a lot more responsibility. Within only a few pages, Zahn encounters a helicopter crash and one victim with a hole in his head – but whodunnit? And how will this impact Zahn’s daughter, Daria, who is hiking with Zahn’s current love interest and serves as further incentive to track down the bad guys. How will Zahn make sure the daughter he holds most precious is safe from the unknown threats roaming the mountain trails and nearby communities? You’ll just have to read this riveting tale to find out. But clear your decks to make sure you have the time you need – because you won’t be able to put it down. And if you haven’t read the backlist, that’ll take another few days. Well done, Mr. Torrens!

[Paulette Mahurin · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the hiking trails in Colorado where Zahn’s girlfriend, Emma, and his daughter Doria are hiking erupts a helicopter crashing into the mountains. This is no ordinary crash for when Zahn and the rescue crew arrive they find one of the pilots is shot in the head. The same downed crew were together on a mission back in Iraq: Havoc. The tie between the earlier mission and current crash is written with seamless action weaving throughout the plot as the reasons for both in the story unfold and mysteries unravel. The one survivor fits all the pieces together as the intensity of action increased. Detail to scenes show great understanding by the author who invests his own experience into the fast-paced storyline. I especially loved the character combinations and cross associations that right up to the surprising ending left one questioning thread—one that Torrens has woven into all his storylines, one that keeps me wanting more but this is no cliff hanger; no, it’s a brilliantly portrayed stand-alone action drama. I’ve read several of this author’s books, this one so far my favorite. I’m really looking forward for the next installment. Highly recommended.

[Julia Shraybman · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page, HAVOC had me hooked. Cam Torrens has crafted a thriller that is equal parts high-stakes action and heart-pounding suspense. Tyler Zahn finds himself caught between search-and-rescue duty, law enforcement responsibility, and the safety of those he loves, and the tension never lets up.

The wilderness setting of the Colorado Rockies is vividly described—you feel the wind whipping through the passes, the isolation of the trails, and the sheer danger of every decision. The action sequences are cinematic, but what makes the book really shine is the human element: the bonds of family, trust, and resilience under pressure. Beyond the action, this is a story about trust, family bonds, and how far you’ll go to protect the people you love.

This is one of those rare books where you tell yourself “just one more chapter” and before you know it, it’s 2 a.m. Whether it’s helicopters, hidden threats, or survival against the odds, the twists kept me turning pages late into the night. Highly recommend!

[Terry Masters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fasten your seat belt, this is one heck of a read.
Fast paced and full of action, the characters and scenery are well thought out and described such that the reader travels at a hectic pace right alongside the characters. The one down side was the continual use of ‘trail names’ and not given names, but maybe that is just how it is for that part of the world.
When an American helicopter crew is sent to retrieve bodies from a crash site within in a war torn area, it is not just the bodies which are retrieved. Little do the crew know that the actions of one of their number will set in motion a series of murders, kidnappings and corruption in the law enforcement authorities.
This was book 5, but I found it was easy to follow, reading as a stand-alone.
Thoroughly enjoyed the book from cover to cover and am on the lookout for other books by this author..
DISCLAIMER: I received this book at no cost in return for an honest and unbiased review, and what I have written above is wholly my own opinion and recommendation.

[Travis Tougaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a military helicopter goes down along the Colorado Trail, newly minted Reserve Deputy Tyler Zahn is among the first responders. Zahn quickly realizes this is no ordinary rescue operation—the secrets and lies run deep and pose unpredictable dangers. What’s more, Zahn’s daughter and girlfriend are hiking the trail, giving him a personal stake in finding out who is behind the crash and what their next move will be.

In HAVOC, Cam Torrens brings us another Tyler Zahn adventure in the way only he can: crisp writing, well-crafted characters, an intriguing plot, and first-hand knowledge of the details of life in the mountains and search and rescue operations. HAVOC starts with a bang and carries on with a relentless pace as tension grows and the stakes get higher. Zahn has become one of my favorite characters and Torrens is one of my go-to writers for multi-layered adventure thrillers. Do not miss this book!

[Pamela Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

When two timelines and three stories converge in the high peaks of the Colorado Rockies, it’s pretty certain the narrative will be “un-put-down-able.” In this latest installment of the Tyler Zahn saga, Torrens delivers action, suspense, and emotions that parallel the switchbacks, rocky climbs, and dizzying descents of the Colorado Trail where the core of the story happens. And the surprises you won’t see coming will keep you turning pages long after real life tries to drag you away.

Even though I hadn’t yet read the previous Zahn adventures, I was drawn into this narrative straightaway, and Torrens deftly provides just enough backstory to ensure the reader doesn’t feel like they’re missing anything. Not only that, I’m pretty sure this isn’t the last we’ll hear from Tyler Zahn – but no spoilers here.

An exploration of greed and morality wrapped in a study of familial reconciliation inside a tale filled with suspense -- what a ride!