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Cascade Renegades: A Luke McCain Novel
In Eastern Washington, a group of young ranchers form a secret alliance to hunt the gray wolves that are continually preying on their herds. Using a hidden site on the dark web, they coordinate illegal kills, leaving a trail of poached carcasses and baffled authorities.
Miles away, a wealthy environmentalist who helped reintroduce the wolves to the region decades earlier reads about the so-called wolf-killing “Renegades” in The Seattle Times. Furious, he hires hackers and fixers to unmask the people slaughtering “his” wolves. When names surface, he takes justice into his own hands—murdering one Renegade and setting his sights on the next.
But Washington State Fish and Wildlife officer Luke McCain is already on the trail. He identifies the next target—and races to warn him. As the killer closes in, a final confrontation plays out in the cold wilderness, where a wounded man faces the very predators he once vowed to protect. And where the law of nature is more brutal than any courtroom.
Miles away, a wealthy environmentalist who helped reintroduce the wolves to the region decades earlier reads about the so-called wolf-killing “Renegades” in The Seattle Times. Furious, he hires hackers and fixers to unmask the people slaughtering “his” wolves. When names surface, he takes justice into his own hands—murdering one Renegade and setting his sights on the next.
But Washington State Fish and Wildlife officer Luke McCain is already on the trail. He identifies the next target—and races to warn him. As the killer closes in, a final confrontation plays out in the cold wilderness, where a wounded man faces the very predators he once vowed to protect. And where the law of nature is more brutal than any courtroom.
248 pages, Paperback
Published December 5, 2025
46 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Rob Phillips
47 books14 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 19, 2025
This was the best Luke McCain book!! I read the entire thing in a day! The story is compelling and slowly builds to an exciting climax. This book was set in both Yakima and eastern Washington, which was cool to hear Phillips describe the landscapes that I know very well.
The author did an excellent job of developing complex characters shaped by their experiences. There are two groups of “bad guys” in this book- a group of ranchers poaching wolves, and a wealthy Seattleite who loves wolves and decides to murder the wolf poachers. Phillips does a great job of describing the lived experiences of these men and how it shaped their views. Even though both groups of bad guys are committing multiple crimes, you can understand their views and frustrations.
5/5. Best Luke McCain book so far. Please write more!!
The author did an excellent job of developing complex characters shaped by their experiences. There are two groups of “bad guys” in this book- a group of ranchers poaching wolves, and a wealthy Seattleite who loves wolves and decides to murder the wolf poachers. Phillips does a great job of describing the lived experiences of these men and how it shaped their views. Even though both groups of bad guys are committing multiple crimes, you can understand their views and frustrations.
5/5. Best Luke McCain book so far. Please write more!!
December 10, 2025
In full disclosure, I’m the author’s brother, but I do try to keep my reviews as objective as possible. That said, this latest entry in the series was every bit as suspenseful and satisfying as the eight that came before it. From the opening pages, the pacing and tension drew me right in. The story builds naturally, with just the right mix of mystery, danger, and outdoor grit that fans of this series have come to expect.
One of the best things about these books is how well they stand on their own. You can jump in at any point and still enjoy a complete, engaging story without feeling lost. Each title carries its own adventure while continuing to develop a strong sense of place and character. It’s the kind of series that rewards loyal readers but still welcomes new ones easily.
What really sets Phillips apart from many other thriller writers is his deep integration of real outdoor sports—hunting, fishing, and the wilderness itself become vital parts of the story rather than mere backdrops. His firsthand understanding of the outdoors gives the narrative an authenticity you don’t often find in this genre. Think of his books as a blend of C.J. Box and Outdoor Life magazine, combining suspenseful storytelling with true outdoor adventure.
Another thing I admire is how he manages multiple subplots without losing focus. Each thread adds tension or texture to the main story, and by the end, they come together cleanly and convincingly. The payoff feels earned, and the closing scenes deliver the kind of excitement that leaves you both satisfied and ready for the next installment.
Within 24 hours of receiving the book, I had it finished and reviewed—always a sign of how hard it was to put down. The combination of brisk pacing, realistic outdoor detail, and strong character work makes this another winner in the series. Biased or not, I can honestly say this is one that fans of outdoor thrillers shouldn’t miss.
One of the best things about these books is how well they stand on their own. You can jump in at any point and still enjoy a complete, engaging story without feeling lost. Each title carries its own adventure while continuing to develop a strong sense of place and character. It’s the kind of series that rewards loyal readers but still welcomes new ones easily.
What really sets Phillips apart from many other thriller writers is his deep integration of real outdoor sports—hunting, fishing, and the wilderness itself become vital parts of the story rather than mere backdrops. His firsthand understanding of the outdoors gives the narrative an authenticity you don’t often find in this genre. Think of his books as a blend of C.J. Box and Outdoor Life magazine, combining suspenseful storytelling with true outdoor adventure.
Another thing I admire is how he manages multiple subplots without losing focus. Each thread adds tension or texture to the main story, and by the end, they come together cleanly and convincingly. The payoff feels earned, and the closing scenes deliver the kind of excitement that leaves you both satisfied and ready for the next installment.
Within 24 hours of receiving the book, I had it finished and reviewed—always a sign of how hard it was to put down. The combination of brisk pacing, realistic outdoor detail, and strong character work makes this another winner in the series. Biased or not, I can honestly say this is one that fans of outdoor thrillers shouldn’t miss.
December 27, 2025
Read this series!!!
Loved this book. Kept me reading and interested. Again, Rob took me to a forested world I am very familiar with, having lived in the Yakima Valley all of my life and roamed the Cascades hiking and selling real estate. His writing takes me on adventures I never thought of. Thank you, Rob! Great book!!
Loved this book. Kept me reading and interested. Again, Rob took me to a forested world I am very familiar with, having lived in the Yakima Valley all of my life and roamed the Cascades hiking and selling real estate. His writing takes me on adventures I never thought of. Thank you, Rob! Great book!!
January 2, 2026
Another great book!
The only complaint that I have regarding Rob Phillips' "Luke McCain mysteries" is that I have to wait several months before the next book comes out. This was a fast paced read with a number of twists and turns. I am already looking forward to the next book in the series.
The only complaint that I have regarding Rob Phillips' "Luke McCain mysteries" is that I have to wait several months before the next book comes out. This was a fast paced read with a number of twists and turns. I am already looking forward to the next book in the series.
December 16, 2025
Another fine novel by Rob Phillips
I've read several novels by this author, and every one has been full of interesting characters and unique storylines. I recommend this book highly.
I've read several novels by this author, and every one has been full of interesting characters and unique storylines. I recommend this book highly.
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December 27, 2025Like and the big bad wolf
Great read, a lot of truth to importing wolves into the North west and the struggle the farmers and ranchers had with the wolves. Not to mention the devastation of wild game in those areas.
Great read, a lot of truth to importing wolves into the North west and the struggle the farmers and ranchers had with the wolves. Not to mention the devastation of wild game in those areas.
January 1, 2026
Wolves Forever
Never get tired of reading about the adventures of Lucas McCain. The story line was excellent and interesting. Keep the game warden tales coming.
Never get tired of reading about the adventures of Lucas McCain. The story line was excellent and interesting. Keep the game warden tales coming.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews