Backtrack

Arliss Cutter #8

by Marc Cameron

On the deceptively calm waters of Alaska’s Inside Passage, a generations-old vendetta catches up to Deputy U.S. Marshal Arliss Cutter in New York Times bestselling author and former U.S. Marshal Marc Cameron’s chilling new wilderness thriller for fans of Paul Doiron, CJ Box, Taylor Moore, and William Kent Krueger.

1977. D Wayne Cutter is a former U.S. Army Green Beret, part-time horseshoer, and a full-time Texas deputy sheriff with a second grandchild on the way when a quiet Sunday morning ends in murder and a manhunt. The theft of five million dollars in diamonds from an armored truck leaves two guards dead, one outlaw tracked down and taken out by Cutter, and another, Ricky Lee Pink—two-hundred-forty pounds of teenage rage—sentenced to life. The diamonds were never recovered. And Pinky never forgot that heist gone violently wrong.

2026. Following in the righteous footsteps of his late grandfather, Deputy U.S. Marshal Arliss Cutter gets word that Pinky has been granted release. Nursing a grudge for decades, Pinky vows to avenge the murder of his criminal mentor and find the whereabouts of the stolen gems that he believes is a buried Cutter family secret. Boarding an Alaskan cruise ship, and joined by two miscreant cellmates and his penpal girlfriend, Pinky aims for Anchorge—home to his ultimate target: everyone Arliss holds near and dear. Arliss must move fast because Pinky has the edge. And he has the mind to make the last living Cutter pay.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Action, Suspense, Audiobook

364 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 28, 2026

About the author

A native of Texas, Marc Cameron is a retired Chief Deputy US Marshal who spent nearly thirty years in law enforcement. His assignments have taken him from rural Alaska to Manhattan, from Canada to Mexico and points in between. A second degree black belt in jujitsu, he often teaches defensive tactics to other law enforcement agencies and civilian groups. Cameron lives in Alaska with his wife and BMW motorcycle.

Reviews

[Ryan Davison · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Texas, 1977, and a group of lethal men aim to knock off an armored car in a heist that would yield them a fortune in diamonds. It all goes pear-shaped, and a shootout as nightmarish as Mr. Pink's escape in Reservoir Dogs is followed by an intense white-knuckled car chase, culminating in Texas Deputy Sheriff D Wayne Cutter taking down one of the thieves with clever words and even better shooting. His heroic action saves a hostage, but enrages the surviving robbers to a new height of fury. In the chaos of burning rubber smoke and blood spray, the location of the diamonds becomes a mystery. The reader is left to mull over if it was an inside job, perhaps one of the first officers on the scene, or even Wayne Cutter himself who grabbed the stones? For all the uncertainty in Backtrack's opening, we know ferocious characters exist on both sides of the law.

Another timeline occurs in present day, as Deputy U.S. Marshall Arliss Cutter, grandson of D Wayne, receives a call from one of his four ex-wife’s (only half a Liz Taylor's). She’s on a cruise and feels the uncomfortable sensation of being followed. Cutter is in possession of warrants he needs to chase down near Anchorage, the boat’s port of call, so he decides to orbit nearby and observe. Apparently, one of the robbers from the 1970’s Texas timeline, a hulking massive psychopath, was just a kid then, but now in his 60's, the deranged con has dreamed of revenge for more than four decades upon anyone with the Cutter name. The family is an unaware target and in incredible danger.

If you're raising an eyebrow at a book with that opening. a shoot-em-up deserving of a five-star rating, you're within your rights. But, rest assured, from plotting, pacing, emotional range, characterization, quality of prose, tone, atmosphere, the crossing of two timelines, quite literally all elements in Backtrack, are executed with supreme artistry. I'd not encountered an Arliss Cutter novel before (there are eight previous), but it works wonderfully as a standalone. Wayne Cutter might be the kind of man that does not name his horses or lose sleep over killing other violent men, but the level of tenderness he demonstrates while helping the woman he dearly loves hold onto to dignity as she dies of cancer might crumbled you with emotion.

This is an action novel with amazing action sequences, yes indeed, but our author provides every character, even small ones, with authentic humanness and elegant vulnerability. Backtrack is the bar with which “action” novels released in 2026 should be measured. The finale is so good you'll likely read it twice.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for a review copy.

[Bam cooks the books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This 8th book in the series has a dual timeline which works quite well in the story. We 'backtrack' to Texas 1977, where D Wayne 'Grumpy' Cutter is at work for the Parker County Sheriff Department. He's on the case of a deadly diamond heist from an armored truck. And in present-day Alaska, US Marshall Arliss Cutter gets a call from his third ex-wife Joellen telling him that she is on a cruise ship to Alaska and has the feeling she is being followed. Arliss and his partner Lola make sure to be on hand when the ship docks in Ketchikan. What ties these two storylines together is quite interesting, the mystery is intriguing and there's of course some thrilling action. This could probably be read as a standalone, although it's such a great series that I'd recommend reading them all.

Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc via NetGalley.

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read all of Mr Cameron's books to date and have yet to be disappointed.

This book goes back and forth between Arliss Cutter in the present and Grumpy, his grandfather in 1977. The case followed in Grumpy's time crosses with Arliss's story. It's great to me to read some of Grumpy's time in his job as a deputy sheriff.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a reader with #8 in my rear view mirror-it is very nice to see the character Lola be given a personality and some good coverage with her partner-U.S. Marshall Arliss Cutter. An excellent plot with two timelines-one in 1977 and the other current-an awesome way for a new reader to catch up on SOME of “Grumpy” Rules and the backstory of each‼️ A great page turner. Enjoy

[francis kingzett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another very good addition to the Arliss Cutter series. Mr Cameron changed things up a bit with dual alternating time lines. Switching between the current time and the late 1970's. Providing a back story for his deceased grandfather who has been mentioned constantly throughout the series. Not a fan of non-linear plots but Mr Cameron does it very well.

New readers can read this book without reading previous books in the series but afterwards will want to start at the beginning with the first book. They are very entertaining and as a former law enforcement officer myself I can say that they accurately portray LE tactics and jargon. much better than the vast majority of books out there.

As far as the plot the description provided by the publishers is succinct, accurate and better than any amateur reviewers would be. Enjoy.

[Dave Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received my advance copy of Backtrack by Marc Cameron a month or so ago, so I decided to advance it on my Want to Read list. I am pleased that I did, as this was, in my opinion, the best of the Arliss Cutter series. It seems that Marc Cameron improves each novel as he progresses in the series. Backtrack is, in reality, a book within a book. I read the first six novels in the series, and in the earlier books Arliss frequently refers to his grandfather, Grumpy. Grumpy raised Arliss and his brother, Ethan, in Florida; and Grumpy was the source of many homespun sayings of wisdom. Before Grumpy worked as a marine patrolman in Florida, he was a deputy sheriff in Texas, and this period of his life is integral to this book. Arliss is a US marshal in Alaska, and the outer layer of this book involves him, his US marshall partner Lola, his new wife Mim and his adopted children. Most of the early going takes place in Texas and revolves around an attempted robbery of a shipment of diamonds in an armored car that resulted in the death of three security guards. This phase of the book is centered on Grumpy and is very riveting with a climactic conclusion, but then the novel shifts to Alaska, and some of the players in the diamond heist story become key players in another climactic conclusion. Like I said, two plots for the price of one. All the characters are well done, especially Arliss Cutter. Arliss is always by the book just like his grandfather. He is very stoic on the outside, but he hides his emotions. I love the witty banter between Arliss and Mim as well as the respectful relationship between Lola and Arliss. The Texas portion of the storyline is very well done, and it provides the author with an opportunity to write about the state where he grew up. During the Alaska stage of the book, the narrative takes the reader through Ketchikan and Skagway, and it includes seaplanes and cruise ships; two experiences fairly unique to Alaska. I look forward to more Arliss Cutter from Marc Cameron.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

The eighth installment in the Arliss Cutter series can be read as a standalone, but there is a lot of back story and reintroduction to characters. While this story is deftly handled true appreciation might be better served by being familiar with some of the previous books and they are all phenomenal. If you are a fan of the series, BACKTRACK is not to be missed.

A here and then story dealing with a crime committed in Texas in 1977 and its potential repercussions about to explode in Alaska in the present. The tension is palpable, like having a rabid tiger at your back, you feel something but are unaware of the danger about to pounce, and claw and destroy. Each timeline is expertly detailed and feels true to its time and place. The insertion of certain characters showcases the author’s ability to seamlessly mold the inherently complex plot.

Few people write this genre as well as Marc Cameron and I am always eagerly awaiting the next installment in this series. Thanks to Kensington Publishing Corp and NetGalley for a copy. All opinions expressed are mine.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #8 in the Arliss Cutter series, a very good addition to this excellent series. A dual time line - current time and 1977. I was so excited to get the new book in the series, that I didn’t notice when I was reading reading that it was dual time line. The first confusing thing to me was it was starting out in Texas, and I thought Arliss lives in Alaska.
Duh on me. The dual time line was written very well. 1977 was D Wayne Cutter, Arliss’s father, we don’t catch up with Arliss until current time. The stories do come together in a very interesting way. Arliss is still with his working partner, Lola, and I really enjoy her since of humor.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marc Cameron has weaved another excellent installment of the Arliss Cutter series, this time with a hefty chunk of the book flashing back almost fifty years to a case Grumpy (his grandpa) was involved with in north Texas, where I have lived for most of my life. Not only does Cameron showcase the amazing beauty of Alaska, he completely nails the attitude and speech of Texas.

This is a terrific series with strong, distinct characters who are flawed but immensely likable. Lola and Arliss have a purely platonic working relationship that is both hilarious and comfortable. It was a delight to see Grumpy as a younger man. Everyone needs a D Wayne Cutter in their lives. The side story of people with brands on the back of their necks is continued but not resolved so look out for book #9 next year.

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone, especially those who love crime novels.

Not family friendly due to light profanity and the violence typical for this genre.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC. This was a quick read and I enjoyed the fast-paced action and the story structure. However, I didn't understand Pink's motivation/fixation in the later part of the story -- for me, there wasn't enough of a foundation to sustain or support the later crimes. In addition, the use of metaphors in the first part of the book felt somewhat distracting and overwrought (as the action heated up, I didn't notice this as much).

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC through good reads giveaways. This author was new to me and it’s safe to say I am now a huge fan.

Jumping into a series that is already on book 8 can often leave a lot of gaps and confuse the reader but this author did it seamlessly! I was able to pick right up into the storyline and make sense and connections of previous storylines without confusion. So if you have not read previous books in the series, this can absolutely be a stand alone read.

There are a lot of characters to keep track of as you try to solve the mystery of where did the diamonds go?! As a reader, I was able to navigate the multiple timelines and character arcs with ease. I was engaged with how everyone ties into the story and how their role/storyline may be larger than first let on. I was constantly asking myself “what am I missing?” Which is exactly what I want from this genre!

The story kept a nice pacing. I wouldn’t say it was a fast page turner but it never dragged on or made me feel like it was work to get through. A perfect upcoming summer mystery with the flawless blend of intrigue and twists.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Marc Cameron, and Kensington Publishing for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Marc Cameron has long established himself as one of the most dependable and accomplished voices in modern crime fiction. Drawing on his extensive law-enforcement experience, he consistently crafts authentic, action-packed stories that place readers squarely in the middle of the investigation. In this latest Arliss Cutter novel, Cameron takes an ambitious approach, intertwining a present-day case with an investigation from 1977 involving Arliss’s grandfather, D. Wayne “Grumpy” Cutter. What begins as two seemingly independent stories gradually reveals a deeper connection, creating a compelling narrative that rewards readers with suspense, emotion, and plenty of surprises along the way.

In 1977, Wayne Cutter was serving as a Texas deputy sheriff and adjusting to the news that he is about to become a grandfather for the second time. Before he can celebrate, however, he is drawn into the aftermath of a violent armored-truck robbery in which millions of dollars’ worth of diamonds are stolen and two guards are murdered. The ensuing manhunt leads Cutter to the capture of teenager Ricky Lee Pink, a key figure in the crime. Nearly fifty years later, in 2026, U.S. Marshal Arliss Cutter is dealing with troubles of his own in Alaska when his ex-wife, Joellen, contacts him with concerns that she is being watched while aboard a cruise ship bound for the state. Reluctantly stepping in to help, Arliss soon discovers that Ricky Lee Pink has resurfaced, carrying old grudges, dangerous intentions, and unfinished business connected to the long-lost diamonds. What follows is a tense and explosive pursuit that links two generations of Cutters in unexpected ways.

Cameron excels at constructing layered procedural thrillers, and this novel showcases that talent at its finest. The dual timelines are handled with remarkable precision, each storyline building suspense independently while steadily moving toward a satisfying convergence. Clues are revealed at exactly the right moments, keeping readers engaged without ever exposing too much too soon. Every lead deepens the mystery, every revelation raises new questions, and the pacing remains exceptional throughout. Short, tightly focused chapters propel the story forward with urgency, making the novel difficult to put down.

Both Wayne and Arliss Cutter emerge as outstanding protagonists. Though separated by decades, they share many of the qualities that make the Cutter family so compelling: intelligence, resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Watching each man navigate the challenges of his era creates an engaging parallel that enriches both narratives. Cameron also surrounds them with a strong supporting cast whose personalities, authenticity, and contributions add depth to the story while continuing to expand the larger Cutter universe.

Cameron remains a master of misdirection, skillfully controlling the flow of information and keeping readers off balance throughout. Just when the investigation appears to be heading toward clarity, another twist emerges to challenge assumptions and raise the stakes. The use of two timelines further enhances this effect, ensuring that readers are constantly reassessing what they know and how the pieces fit together. The tension builds steadily toward a conclusion that is both surprising and immensely satisfying.

Rich in atmosphere, sharp in execution, and driven by two compelling investigations, this is a thriller that captures the reader’s attention from the opening pages and never lets go. It serves as both an excellent introduction to a younger Wayne Cutter and another strong chapter in Arliss Cutter’s ongoing story. Marc Cameron once again demonstrates why he remains one of the genre’s most reliable storytellers, delivering a gripping procedural filled with action, intrigue, and memorable characters. Fans of the series—and crime fiction readers in general—will find much to admire in this outstanding installment.

Kudos, Mr. Cameron, for a dual police procedural that packs a punch.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at: http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars ⭐️

I am a huge fan of Mr. Cameron and have enjoyed all of his prior series, including the first seven books of this particular series. This book, however, does something that I cannot remember ever happening before. We go back in time - not just for a memory or two - but REALLY back.

The year is 1977 and we actually were able to go back and experience some important events in the life of one D. Wayne Cutter, Parker County Sheriff's Investigator. For those new to this series, another name that you might know him by is "Grumpy". He was the famous grandfather of Arliss and Evan Cutter, who raised the boys on his own when their father passed away. We actually were able to quietly watch, just like a fly on the wall, the events that occurred when there was an armed robbery that went VERY wrong. The assailants were after the armored truck carrying $5 Million dollars in loose diamonds ($15 million dollars in today's market).

What I loved most about this "back in time" storyline was the fact that Grumpy's wife "Nana" was still alive, even though she was fighting a losing fight against a very aggressive cancer. There were several ties between the storyline in the "past", and then the events happening in the "now" or the "Present". The one that jumped out at me was the fact that Nana was knitting some booties for a baby and at the beginning of the "now" timeline, we are told about some booties that were knitted by their grandmother - even though the boys never knew her. And they were going to be perfect for Arliss and Mim's new baby - fifty years later.

So basically the storyline begins where some people are following a woman as she is on a cruise ship in Alaska. The woman - JoEllen Cutter - is Arliss' third ex-wife and she ends up calling him to let him know that she thinks someone is following her. She thought of him because they are in Alaska, but changes her mind when she thinks about it - deciding that she is probably blowing things out of proportion. And so it begins.

Arliss being Arliss, can not let things go, at least until he checks things out and deems that JoEllen is safe. He and his partner Lola Teariki fly down to Ketchikan on other Marshal business and then take the time to meet his ex-wife on the ship.

It just so happens that in 1977, the heist went wrong and not only were several people killed, but the diamonds also went missing. For almost 50 years, certain people have assumed that a certain someone took the diamonds and in their mind there is a score to settle.

As usual, Mr., Camerons books are filled with drama and action from the very beginning. Things like the tension level and the drama behind what the bad guys are willing to do to find the missing diamonds only grows as the book hurls faster and faster towards the final climax.

This book has the perfect balance of character development - both of the "bad guys" that we just met at the beginning of the book and the main characters that we have come to know and love the more we got to know them. Mr. Cameron has the excellent ability and talent of being able to peel away layers upon layers of characteristics that we thought we already understood - but now realize that we only thought we knew them.

The book is told in alternating timelines as the story from the past is slowly parsed out and we begin to understand the events, and the ramification of these events in the events also unfolding in the "present". I enjoyed every minute of this storyline and found myself eager to see what was going to occur the closer we got to the climax.

I listened to the audiobook version of this Audio ARC/ALC that was narrated by David Chandler. He seemed to give a wonderful performance, and the entire production was very well done.

Thank you to NetGalley and to RBmedia | Recorded Books for the opportunity to listen to and review this Audio ARC/ALC. This book will be out for publication on July 28, 2026.

[Benny The Bookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like clockwork, every summer for the last three years, I am treated to another novel in the Arliss Cutter series, and like every other summer, I devour the novel in a few days. There is nothing better during the hot days in July than immersing myself in another Alaskan tale of our favorite US Deputy Marshall. I am so happy that I was provided this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher Kensington in exchange for my honest review. I hope more readers will discover this series, so fans of the series can look forward to more Arliss Cutter adventures in the future.

In 1977 Texas, Dwayne, “Grumpy” Cutter, grandfather to Arliss Cutter, at this time is a Parker County Sheriff’s investigator. It is Sunday, and he is at a truck stop having breakfast with other lawmen thinking about his wife, who is fighting cancer, and who is getting ready for church when his Sunday morning is disrupted. An armored truck is being robbed down the road, an event that will threaten thirty years later the lives of Arliss Cutter, his family, and friends.

One of the robbers, who was fifteen-years old at the time of the heist, Ricky Lee Pink, is out for revenge. Ricky was big for his age at fifteen, but now many years later, he is a beast of a man, a man who likes to use box cutters to get what he wants. Also, there is missing fifteen million dollars worth of diamonds from the armored truck heist in 1977. Rick and his new crew think Arliss knows where these diamonds are. Ricky cannot wait to question him or anyone associated with him, including his ex-wife Ursula, who happens to be on an Alaskan cruise ship. Ursula reaches out to Arliss because she thinks someone is following her.

This novel, like other novels in the series, shows the series’ strength. The novel is a good blend of action and sentimental melodrama. The series’ strength is the blend of Hallmark-esque melodrama and action. For me, the portion of the novel set in 1977 with Dwayne Cutter exemplifies this. Here we have an older Texas lawman that is familiar with the violence around the job, who is involved with investigating an armored truck heist as the bodies start to pile up and is also dealing with at home a wife fighting cancer who may not have much longer to live. To be honest, I would have been happy if this was just a Grumpy Cutter novel. I hope we will get to see more Texas adventures of Grumpy Cutter in the future.

The novel, like others in the series, takes time to develop the antagonists to where we may be disgusted and revolted by their actions, but can clearly see their human motivations of how they developed into evil monsters, and will become ultimately tragic.

The portion of the novel in the present with Arliss Cutter and Ricky Lee Pink in Alaska was solid, but Grumpy, who does appear in flashbacks in other novels of the series, was a pleasant surprise full of emotional weight, while still being an excellent small-town Texas crime story.

Without having familiarity with Alaskan cruise ships, the action sequences at times were difficult to follow on the cruise ship. They were exciting, but there was minor frustration with trying to get a grasp of the setting where these scenes occurred on the ship.

Overall, another solid novel in the series. I hope others will discover this series. For myself, I will be waiting and hoping next summer I will be able to enjoy another novel set in Alaska, a beautiful state, that I hope someday I will get to visit. Who knows, maybe even on an Alaskan cruise line if I am lucky.

[PamG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action, a vendetta, and a manhunt are featured in Backtrack by Marc Cameron. This eighth book in the Arliss Cutter series has pulse-pounding scenes and ruthless criminals. This novel features dual timelines. One is set in 1977 in and near Parker County, Texas. It features D. Wayne Cutter, a Parker County sheriff’s investigator and Deputy Lawrence Johnson. An armored car is held up by three criminals and there are multiple fatalities and the diamonds being transported are missing. The second timeline is current times and is set in Anchorage, Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, Alaska. This timeline features Supervisory Deputy United States Marshal, the head of the Fugitive Task Force in Alaska, as well as his partner Deputy U.S. Marshal Lola Teariki. The two stories collide when Arliss’s ex-wife is on a cruise to Alaska and feels like she’s being followed.

Arliss and Lola are very different characters. Cutter is experienced, uncomfortable with compliments, a fantastic tracker, no-nonsense, and somewhat surly. However, he can also be overprotective and has a way of connecting with innocent victims. Cutter is also observant and a bit of a perfectionist as well as being a very visual person which helps him in locating and apprehending criminals. He has a compulsion to save the day and has a great memory. Lola works out a lot, is talkative, has a bubbly personality, and wants assignments that are new and interesting. She also wants to glean all possible knowledge from Cutter. She’s smart, capable, loyal, and confident. However, she also tends to run off on her own. Wayne has an unbendable code that he taught Arliss. He’s honest, loves his wife, and is a good teacher. They have flaws and virtues just like everyone else.

As always, Cameron does a great job of world-building and making the reader feel like they’ve been transported to the very different locations in this novel. This powerful page-turner kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The plot moves at a fast pace with an action-packed ending. Just when a reader thinks the situation can’t get any worse, it does. The plot is somewhat complex with scenes from different areas of the country that eventually link up and provide some twists along the way. The author’s experience with the U.S. Marshals Service gives this book and the series authenticity. The investigative procedures, tracking strategies, and action scenes were immersive.
Themes include murder, fugitive apprehension, secrets, family relationships, friendship, and vengeance. It was great to get the character backstory of Wayne Cutter who helped to shape a young Arliss. The novel sets up a thread for the next book in the series. At the back of the book is a recipe.

Overall, this tense, exciting, gripping, and high-octane book takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster. If you enjoy action thrillers that have both strong male and female characters, then this may be the series for you. I can’t wait to find out what is next for Arliss and Lola. Readers that enjoy action crime thrillers will likely enjoy Cameron’s writing. This is an outstanding series.

Kensington Publishing - Kensington and Marc Cameron provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for July 28, 2026.
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My 4.48 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.

[Vicki Cooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very eager to read my second Marc Cameron book after finishing Dead Line, the 7th book in the series. It was a thrilling adventure taking place in the harshness of Alaska with the setting more dangerous than the criminals. There were the descriptions of Artic clothing and the effects of the weather on equipment. The elements put both the good guys and the bad guys equally at risk, the weather as cutthroat as the assassins. The joint effort of Arliss and Lola to survive made for a relationship that I believed appealed to both male and female readers. The chase, the conditions, and the dangers were all exciting, fast=paced and suspenseful.
Backtrack, the 8th in the Arliss Cutter series, takes place in Texas as well as Alaska. The setting includes Anchorage, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway and if that sounds like an Alaskan cruise itinerary, that’s because the setting also involves a cruise ship.
Deputy U.S. Marshall Arliss Cutter and U.S. Marshall Lola Teariki are again in this story that goes back to the days of D. Wayne “Grumpy” Cutter, Texas Deputy Sheriff and Arliss’s grandfather. In 1977, Grumpy was involved in the search for armored truck criminals. A $5 million diamond armed robbery left two guards dead. Ricky Lee “Pinky” Pink, 15 years old at the time, was sent to prison for decades. The diamonds were never recovered.
In 2026, Pinky is released from prison and goes on a search for the lost diamonds while planning revenge against every last member of the Cutter family for his capture and the death of his mentor. He always believed that Grumpy stole the diamonds and that Arliss knows their buried location.
Arliss’s ex-wife, Joellen, on an Alaskan cruise on its way to Anchorage, believes she is being followed and despite not having spoken to Arliss since their divorce, contacts him. Arliss must get to her before Pinky does.
There is lots of backstory relating to the main characters such as Grumpy’s wife dying with lung cancer and side stories such as Arliss’s home life with his children and pregnant wife. Although the book works as a standalone, to understand how that relationship began it is necessary to go back to earlier books. The connection between the generations of Cutter and how each endured tough times is interesting.
There is suspense, action, twists and turns and the story is a page-turner. I simply did not enjoy it in comparison to Dead Line for although it takes place in Alaska, I did not feel like I was there as I did in the earlier books. It was much more of a Texas tale for me and read very much like a cowboy
story. The plot of the book stemmed from the past and in both regards it was just not what I was expecting or hoping for.
Backtrack is a worthwhile read and is very good in its own right. I look forward to more adventures with the morally strong and very professional Arliss and with Lola, who is his polar opposite in temperament but equally good at her job. It will also be wonderful to be introduced to the new baby.
I was able to listen to the audio version of Backtrack as well as having read the book and the narrator, David Chandler, is excellent.
I want to thank NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corporation for an advance copy of Backtrack. This is my honest review of Marc Cameron’s novel.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just turned the last page of "Backtrack," the eighth installment in Marc Cameron's Arliss Cutter series, and I’m already eager for the next adventure! As a long-time fan of Cameron's work, especially his contributions to the Tom Clancy Jack Ryan and his Jericho Quinn series, I had high expectations going in, and I was not disappointed.

Cameron's storytelling prowess shines brightly in "Backtrack," which brilliantly weaves dual timelines seamlessly together. The narrative darts between 1977, featuring D. Wayne "Grumpy" Cutter, and 2026, focusing on his grandson, Arliss Cutter. The way Cameron intertwines the past and present through the unresolved threads of a violent diamond heist is nothing short of masterful. It creates a tapestry rich with suspense, emotion, and a gripping sense of family legacy.

Set against the breathtaking yet gritty backdrop of Alaska's wilderness, the atmospheric descriptions transport you directly into the heart of the Alaskan landscape. Whether navigating the treacherous waters of the Inside Passage or chasing criminals through the rugged terrain, Cameron’s ability to immerse you in the environment is a testament to his real-life law enforcement and Alaskan experiences.

Character development is another strong suit in "Backtrack." Both Arliss and Wayne Cutter emerge as robust, multi-dimensional protagonists whose qualities of resilience and justice-mindedness are both compelling and authentic. Their journeys, laden with tension and personal stakes, will engage the reader deeply, providing insights not just into crime solving but into the Cutter legacy itself.

The thrill of the chase, intricately layered plot twists, and Cameron's knack for building palpable tension keep the pages turning. At times, I found myself both cheering for Arliss and holding my breath at the unpredictable turns. While the motivations of certain villains could have been clearer, this slight mystery adds to the suspense, making the novel difficult to put down.

As a gripping procedural thriller filled with action, intrigue, and vivid character portrayals, "Backtrack" solidifies Marc Cameron’s reputation amongst the greats in crime fiction writing. I wholeheartedly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys fast-paced thrillers, particularly fans of Michael Connelly, Brad Thor, and C.J. Box.

For newcomers or loyal followers of the series, diving into "Backtrack" is a rewarding journey that not only stands admirably on its own but enriches understanding of the ever-evolving Cutter universe.

I can't wait to see where Marc Cameron will take me next in the adventures of Arliss Cutter.

[Donne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series and always look forward to catching up with Arliss, Lola, Mim and the rest of the cast of characters that make up this series, especially now that Arliss is going to be a daddy. OMG!!! So exciting. This one was a weird one too! While I always enjoy the “Grumpy stories”, in this one, Marc Cameron transports us back to 1977 TX, where and when Grumpy (Arliss and Ethan’s grandfather) was a TX deputy and before he adopted and raised Arliss and Ethan by himself.

The book summary lays out the entire primary storyline of the 1997 murders and manhunt and the 2026 vendetta by Ricky Pink to track down and kill Arliss, the last living Cutter, and recover the diamonds that Ricky is sure that Grumpy stole. What the book summary doesn’t say is that Ricky is tracking down Arliss through his ex-wife #3, Joellen, who is still using her married name and is on an AK cruise ship. Both Arliss and Lola are tasked with protecting Joellen in hopes of capturing Ricky and his cohorts. This does not sit well with Lola, who is clearly team Mim and very protective of Arliss and makes it very clear to Joellen that she is onto her and her silly flirtations. LOVE LOLA!!!

The story flips back and forth between the two timeframes and we get to know Grumpy in a whole other way, seeing him when he was younger and a deputy in TX and before his wife, Lucy, died of cancer. I also loved the scenes of Arliss’s homelife with a very pregnant Mim and the kids and Arliss the dutiful hubby and expectant daddy. Omg! I can’t wait until the next installment when little Lucy is born. Anyway, the ending was a wild and crazy scene right out of an old western, only on the streets of Skagway, AK.

The continuing character development of the primary characters of Arliss, Lola, Mim was well done, as well as with a couple of other characters like Grumpy and Ricky Pink. The pacing was steady to fast, especially in the second half. The storyline was interesting, but once again, kind of weird in the dual timeframes. Cameron has never done that with previous installments and was a different, but a good decision in the end. The writing was classic Cameron and on par with the series. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.4 that I will be rounding down to a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

#NetGalley #KensingtonPublishing #Backtrack

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Backtrack is the eighth book in the Arlis Cutter crime mystery series by Mark Cameron, Arliss CUTTER is a US marshal and on his return trip from London he gets off the plane and calls his new wife Mim who used to be married to his brother Eathan before he tragically died she tells him that his ex-wife the third one Joellen is trying to get in touch with him and because he hasn’t spoke to her since their divorce he decides to give her a call. She tells him she thinks she’s being followed but maybe not. she is on a cruise to Alaska and knew he lived there so thought she would just let him know and oh by the way she met a man in line a police officer from Minnesota just FYI. Arliss being Arliss despite Joelle‘s misgivings decides to meet her ship when it docs. in the second POV it’s 1977 and Arliss’s grandpa Dwayne “grumpy“ cutter is a detective down in Texas. While having breakfast he learns a truck carrying $5 million worth of diamonds stopped in the middle of the highway and all the guards were killed. Carter and rookie detective LJ get to the road block where they find a car that refuses to turn off its engine and before it’s over Cutter will have taken one of their lives while the other ran free or at least for a while he did. This starts a chase that will last and extend all the way to modern day Alaska. One of the geniuses from the original robbery not only claims Arlis has the diamonds but that he’s going to get the diamonds and kill Arliss after he gets them this was a really good book I love this author’s books I love books like this by other authors my only issue is in books when there’s a heist or a bunch of money that goes missing for people to come back years later wanting to get the money back as if whoever had it still has it all intact that would be my only negative like always I loved the characters love the storyline and I’m definitely going to start the series from the first book because it seems a lot has happened and I want to know what that was. This is a book I definitely recommend one of your top-tier Crime mystery reads but then again you can never go wrong with a mark Cameron thriller. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,

[Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

Backtrack is the 8th book in Marc Cameron’s Arliss Cutter series. I’ve now read books 5-8 with Bad River being my favorite.

Much of Backtrack takes us out of Alaska, with a major part of the story being about Arliss’s grandfather, D. Wayne Cutter, a sheriff in Texas, working a 1977 case involving a robbery gone wrong which resulted in $5 million of missing diamonds and two murders. One of the robbers gets killed by Cutter while the other, a teenager named Ricky Lee Pink, avoids the death penalty due to his age. He’s got nothing but time on his hands to stew about the lost diamonds and the cop who killed his friend.

Back in the present day, Arliss learns that his ex-wife believes someone is following her onto a cruise ship bound for Alaska. He, along with his partner Lola, drops everything to go investigate what might be going on. Of course, the two stores come together in the second half of the book and did not disappoint.

While I have enjoyed all four of the books which I have read (and I’ve already purchased two of the earlier books to circle back to one day), I rate this one a little lower than the previous ones. For me, and I readily admit this is personal preference, too much of the story takes place in the past and too much outside of Alaska. My favorite parts of the book tended to involve Cutter’s relationships with Lola, as well as Min, his wife. I believe the stories of Cutter’s personal and work interactions, along with cases in the harsh environments of Alaska, are what draw me in again and again. I did enjoy learning more about his grandfather and his deputies, more so than I did Cutter with his ex-wife (to be fair they obviously got divorced for a reason).

The Arliss Cutter audiobook series is narrated by David Chandler. I’ve enjoyed his work on the series before and do again here. That said, while I normally listen at a 1.25 speed, I found that I enjoyed Backtrack more at 1.5.

Thanks to RBmedia and NetGalley for providing me the opportunity to listen to Backtrack. I did enjoy it and may read it again one day. The above opinions are my own.

[Dr Ariel Rainey · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's always good to get a Grumpy story, and this one focuses heavily on the first Cutter lawman. 45 years ago, D Wayne Cutter offended the worst kind of criminal: one with no heart and burning desire for revenge. During the commission of a robbery of $5 million in diamonds, Cutter has to shoot one of the criminals and chase down the other partners in the crime. Inexplicably, the diamonds at the heart of the crime are gone. The criminals are sure that a dirty cop pocketed the goods and begin to hunt the officers one by one. The cops are sure the criminals must have had a hiding spot because they don't have the diamonds either.

Where are the diamonds? This is the burning question just below the surface of the original crime; in the modern-day timeline, Ricky Lee Pink leaves jail after 40 years, hoping to enact revenge on D Wayne Cutter's only kin, Arliss, and find the diamonds he believes the Cutter family has hidden all these years. Only... Pink is a little out-of-date on Arliss' life and targets Joellen Cutter (wife #3).

The mystery was okay. Some things didn't pan out as fully as I'd hoped - the diamonds, for one. After SO MUCH build up, the actual answer was like... Seriously?? That's all we get for resolution??

Also, the context/setting for most of the book is Joellen's cruise ship, with various cruise ports. I totally get that in a series about Alaska, cruise tourism has to be mentioned in at least one novel. And, the part of me that cruised Alaska two summers ago, enjoyed a lot of the descriptions of the ports that I remember so clearly in my mind. I'll also add that Marc Cameron did a great job of not pandering to big cruise lines with product placement sponsorship. All the cruise stuff could've been any of the main lines. But at the same time, the concept of terrible criminals taking cruises to stalk Cutter's ex sort of seemed silly. There would surely be better ways to get her alone and do harm, if that's your intent.

But overall, I enjoyed another chapter of Arliss, with Lola by his side, and Mim at home waiting with his baby-to-come.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can evil live in the body of a 15-year-old teenager?

This new Arliss Cutter novel starts with a bang and continues at an accelerating pace. The action begins in Texas in 1977 with D Wayne Cutter (aka Grumpy, Arliss’s grandfather) speeding to an armoured car robbery that explodes into violence. After the bullets and dust settle, teenager Ricky Lee Pink, aka Pinky, is left to face justice. Pinky is a rage-filled pustule and has an utter disregard for human life. A brutal killer, brooding for 40 years in prison hasn’t improved his mood. He gets out determined to find the missing diamonds and get revenge on D Wayne’s family.

In present-day Alaska, Arliss Cutter is a Deputy U.S. Marshal tasked with hunting down fugitives. He recently married the love of his life, Mim, and they are awaiting the birth of their child. He is happier than he has ever been, but with an underlying worry that it isn’t real and won’t last. Arliss was raised by his stern but loving grandfather, Grumpy. Grumpy was an excellent lawman, first as a deputy with the Parker County Sheriff’s Department, and then with the Florida Marine Patrol. Much of Arliss’s rules of life and law come from his grandfather. Arliss is passing down these teachings to his twin nephews as Grumpy’s Man-Laws. I love the man rules and Arliss’s interactions with his wife, family, and friends. His partner, Lola Teariki, is also a favourite of mine. She is such a kick-ass go-getter!

Backtrack is a thrilling eighth book in the Arliss Cutter series. I was totally immersed in Grumpy’s backstory. The action both in the present day and the past is non-stop and gripping. Marc Cameron’s descriptions of the wilderness and the US Marshals Service ring with experience and authenticity. I highly recommend this book to readers who love law enforcement heroes pitted against Mother Nature and desperate criminals. If you like C.J. Box, Paul Doiron, William Kent Krueger or Dana Stabenow, you will find this an exciting read.

Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for access to an advanced reader copy.

[Alena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Backtrack was such a great thriller! I really enjoyed the way Marc Cameron used two timelines to connect Arliss Cutter's present-day story with his family's past. Instead of simply hearing stories about Arliss's grandfather, D. Wayne "Grumpy" Cutter, we actually get to go back to 1977 and see him in action as a Texas deputy sheriff.

The 1977 storyline immediately grabbed me. An armored truck carrying $5 million in diamonds is robbed, two guards are killed, the diamonds disappear, and teenage Ricky Lee "Pinky" Pink ends up spending decades in prison. But Pinky never forgets what happened—or his belief that the Cutter family knows exactly where those missing diamonds ended up.

Fast-forward to 2026, and Pinky is finally out. And apparently more than forty years in prison did absolutely NOTHING to help this man let go of a grudge. 😂 He's determined to find the diamonds and make the Cutter family pay, putting everyone Arliss cares about directly in his path. The fact that much of the present-day action unfolds around an Alaskan cruise and the Inside Passage made the setting even more interesting.

I especially loved learning more about Grumpy. That family connection made this feel more personal than a typical manhunt thriller. Seeing where Arliss came from and then watching the consequences of his grandfather's past collide with his present added another layer to the story.

The action was fast-paced, the villain was genuinely unsettling, and I loved trying to figure out what really happened to those diamonds. Marc Cameron's background as a retired Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal also brings an authenticity to the law-enforcement side of the story that I really appreciated.

This is book eight in the Arliss Cutter series, and it definitely made me want to spend more time with these characters. If you enjoy law-enforcement thrillers, dual timelines, family secrets, revenge stories, wilderness settings, and a really good old-fashioned manhunt, I definitely recommend this one.

[Jean Kolinofsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marc Cameron is an author who is always a must read for me. His Arliss Cutter stories are filled with the beauty and dangers of Alaska while also satisfying readers looking for action. He has mentioned Grumoy in the past, but now gives you an opportunity to get to know Arliss’ grandfather. Backtrack takes you from 1977 Texas, where D. Wayne Cutter is a deputy marshall investigating the theft of five million dollars in diamonds from an armored car along with the murder of the driver and guards. In his pursuit of the thieves, Cutter shoots and kills one of them. Ricky Lee Pink, his fourteen year old associate, swears revenge on Cutter and his family. After his capture, Pink spends forty-five years in prison. The diamonds were never found and Pink believes that Cutter took them when he shot his friend. Grumpy died while Pink was in prison. Still planning revenge, he now goes after Grumpy’s grandson. Arliss’ ex-wife will be arriving in Alaska by cruise ship. She believes that she is being followed by someone and Arliss arranges to meet her ship in Ketchikan while on business with his partner Lola. Pink is also arriving in Ketchikan with his girlfriend and her cousins. While Pink is out to find Arliss, the others believe this will lead them to the diamonds that were never recovered, connecting the two timelines.

Grumpy is facing his wife’s imminent death from cancer while also dealing with a rookie partner. A former Green Beret, he is determined to find the men responsible for the theft and murders. As he rides along with his new partner, he also imparts lessons learned from years of experience, trying to keep him safe. Cameron offers strong characters and a mystery that ties the past to a solution in the present. It is also clear to see the influence that Grumpy had on Arliss as he grew up, making Backtrack a must read entry in the Cutter series. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing this book.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

2026. ARLISS CUTTER novel Police procedural 4 .5 Full cast of characters in front pages. The prologue gives interesting details of Arliss. Weatherford is about one hour from Dallas in TX - if you are a crow flying straight at “160 mph” across Hwy 20 and Hwy 30 at D/FW airport. Weather sounds like 2026. (Watch for chapter dates.) Occasaional welcomed humor. Surprisingly touching at times.

1977: D WAYNE CUTTER, Full-Time Texas deputy sheriff hunts down the thieves of $5mil diamonds from armored truck; one outlaw killed by Cutter & one RICKY LEE PINK, 250 pounds of raging teen sentenced for life (60 years) who never forgot, was obsessed that D Wayne had them; diamonds never found.

2026/PRESENT: Dep. US Marshall ARLISS CUTTER, following in footsteps of grandfather, goes after now-released PINKY, aka, RICKY LEE PINK who thinks the treasure is a Cutter family secret and means to find it and end the line of Cutter with Arliss. He’s had 45 years in prison plotting revenge. This leads to a cruise ship to Alaska with Cutter family aboard. (Third of Cutter’s former wives.)

PROLOGUE: London, England. ARLISS 6’3, 240 lbs, looks mean and broody. UK Commander of Alaska, US Fugitive Task Force was in London for a court extradition, dressed in suit for 1st time since he married his widowed sister-in-law MIM four months ago with no fanfare. She’s his fifth wife. The third wife is calling to say she’s afraid that she’s being followed on her Alaska cruise.

Fast-paced and authentic. Several stories in one. Interesting characters. Unrpredictible plot.

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lived in Alaska for 30 years. Believe me when I say Marc Cameron's Arliss Cutter series is genuine. Cameron was a US Marshal; his details of the policies and processes the Marshals must follow are accurate. This adds an "extra, extra" to the books. Backtrack is book #8 in this excellent series.

The plotline of Backtrack follows a different direction from the previous books. Told in two timelines, readers learn how D Wayne Cutter, Grumpy to his grandsons, became their guardian and how he moved from Texas Ranger to Florida's maritime law enforcement. The first chapters tell the story of a 1977 armored car robbery in which Wayne was the first responder at the scene. Gunfire is exchanged as the robbers flee the scene, leaving several people dead or injured. When the investigators start processing the scene, they discover that the 5 million dollars in diamonds targeted in the robbery are missing. After searching every step of the robbery, the diamonds are not found, and the last living robber, Ricky Lee Pink, is sentenced to life in prison. Personal reasons, including the death of his wife, force Wayne to move to Florida and assume custody of his grandsons.

In 2026, Pink's life sentence is shortened, and he is released from prison. "Pinky" has always blamed Wayne Cutter for the death of his robbery partners and the disappearance of the diamonds. He decides Arliss will pay for the actions of his grandfather. The story from this point proves again why it's a bad idea to threaten Arliss' family or friends. Readers are treated to some truly beautiful scenes from Alaska as Arliss and Lola work their magic. The story is another 5 star read.....especially with a baby at the end.

[Carrie Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Riveting, Generational Thriller That Hits Close to Home

Marc Cameron's Backtrack is a masterclass in weaving together past and present to create an explosive, deeply personal thriller. This eighth installment in the Arliss Cutter series is not just another case for the Deputy U.S. Marshal; it's a gripping journey into his family's history that pays off in a big way for longtime fans.

The story brilliantly employs a dual timeline, a technique that Cameron executes with perfect precision. In 1977, we meet Arliss's grandfather, D. Wayne "Grumpy" Cutter—a Green Beret-turned-Texas deputy sheriff, as he handles a violent armored car heist that leaves behind a teenage killer, Ricky Lee Pink, and a fortune in missing diamonds. Fast-forward to 2026, and Pink is out of prison, his decades-old grudge focused on the last living Cutter. He's heading to Alaska with a crew of miscreants, targeting everyone Arliss holds dear.

What makes Backtrack stand out is the dual exploration of its protagonists. Seeing the legendary Grumpy Cutter in action, tracking down outlaws and imparting the wisdom that would shape his grandson, adds a powerful new dimension to the series. At the same time, present-day Arliss must use every lesson his grandfather taught him to protect his family from a threat that is chillingly close.

Cameron, a former U.S. Marshal himself, delivers the authentic action, realistic dialogue, and immersive Alaskan wilderness atmosphere he is known for. The tension is relentless as he expertly controls the flow of information, leading to a conclusion that is both surprising and deeply satisfying. Backtrack is an absolute must-read for fans of CJ Box, Paul Doiron, and anyone who loves a thriller where the stakes are as personal as they get.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

464 pages

5 stars


Mr. Cameron has surpassed all of my expectations and hopes in penning this book. I cannot praise this novel enough. It is suspenseful, exciting, reads quickly and the characters, although familiar, surpass themselves. It was an especial delight to get to know both D. Wayne “Grumpy” and his lovely wife Lucy. L.J. Johnson was an added bonus. A little shaky at first, he blossomed into a fine man and officer.

Deputy US Marshall Arliss and his partner Lola are still the solid professionals that I’ve come to know and love.

In this installment of the series, in addition to learning about D. Wayne and L.J., we are treated to an awful incident of an armored car robbery. The action is taut and harrowing. The perpetrators are awful people who rampage though the county causing death and mayhem.

Flashing forward, Arliss receives a message from one of his former wives that she is being followed. Arliss and Lola investigate and indeed JoEllen is in danger. The reader is treated the a tour of Alaska, and a huge cruise ship named Polar Star as it travels the coast line of Alaska. (Interestingly enough, my husband was stationed on the Polar Star Icebreaker when he was in the Coast Guard.)

The chase is exciting, interesting and features several colorful locations in coastal Alaska.

I loved this thrilling book. I will definitely read it again. Mr. Cameron’s books are top notch, both in entertainment and writing.

I want to thank NetGalley and Kensington Publishing - Kensington for forwarding this book to me. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a minute to catch the meaning behind the title, but once that little lightbulb flicked on, I had to give Marc Cameron credit for the clever play on words and setting the tone for the direction with this installment. The problem is that once you move past that initial spark, the book starts feeling… stretched. Not in a “slow burn tension” way, but in a “wait, why is this 100 pages longer than the others?” way, and can we get to the point already.

About halfway through, the seams start to show. It reads like Cameron had two separate story ideas with Grumpy’s backstory on one side and Arliss’s ex-wife on the other, and neither quite had the weight of a full novel. So, he stitched them together, hoping they’d harmonize. They don’t. Instead, you get a book that feels like it’s constantly shifting lanes, and you’re left wondering which plot you’re supposed to be emotionally invested in.

None of this is bad writing. Cameron still knows how to build a scene, and he still knows these characters. But the pieces don’t meld, and the pacing suffers for it. The heart of the series is usually Lola’s sharp, dry snark, and that doesn’t even show up until the last quarter. It’s like waiting for your favorite character to enter the room, only to realize they were sidelined for most of the story.

By the end, I found myself wanting this to be over and for the series to return to what it does best: Arliss and Lola working in rhythm, solving problems with grit and humor, without all the unnecessary detours. I am sure, somewhere along the way, Grumpy had a rule about that.

[coffeebooktress · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arliss Cutter is back, and this time he is on a case connected to his grandfather, Grumpy. In 1977, D. Wayne Cutter investigated an armored truck robbery of five million dollars in diamonds and the murder of the drivers. Now, US. His ex-wife calls Marshall Arliss Cutter because someone is following her. Reluctantly, Arliss investigates and gets caught up in an investigation that goes all the way back to 1977.

This is not my usual type of book. A few years ago, my father asked me to help him find some books to read. I love to find books for other people, and I am always willing to read with them. I came across this series and began reading it with my dad. Sometime around the third book, I became hooked on the series, and I have now read more books than my dad. This book has similar elements to the other books in the series, with Arliss doing his best to protect everyone around him. You can expect fights, survival in Alaska, tracking of criminals, and touching moments. It is best to read the books in order because Arliss’s personal life has a continuous storyline, but you could read this book and then go back. I especially loved the connection to his grandfather because I have fallen in love with Grumpy’s sayings. I loved the flashbacks, and now I feel like I understand Grumpy even better. Both cases were intriguing, but I loved the portions that focused on the past. If you love books about the US Marshals or police investigations, you need to start this series. I am excited to buy this one for my dad.