Snow Ghost: A Patrick Flint Novel

by Pamela Fagan Hutchins

When a high-altitude expedition turns deadly, the real danger is waiting at home.

While Dr. Patrick Flint climbs the world’s most lethal peaks, his Wyoming family is under threat — and he’s too far away to save them.
Survival on the mountain is only the beginning.

A pulse-pounding wilderness mystery packed with danger, heart, and relentless suspense.


Dr. Patrick Flint is chasing the ultimate test of summiting the tallest mountain on each continent. Thin air. Sheer ice. One wrong step from death. It’s the kind of risk he understands — and accepts.

What he can’t control is the danger building back home in Wyoming.

As threats close in on his family, Patrick is trapped in one of the most unforgiving environments on earth — cut off, exposed, and racing against time. Every decision on the mountain could mean life or death. Every delay could cost the people he loves everything.

To save them, he’ll have to survive the climb first.

SNOW GHOST is Book 9 in the gripping Patrick Flint Mysteries — a high-stakes series blending wilderness adventure, family loyalty, and edge-of-your-seat suspense. Perfect for fans of C.J. Box and Craig Johnson.

From USA Today bestselling author Pamela Fagan Hutchins, who brings authentic Wyoming landscape and off-grid realism to every page.


✅ Series PraiseReaders love the Patrick Flint

★★★★★ “Best books I’ve read in a long time!”
★★★★★ “Edge-of-your-seat nail biter.”
★★★★★ “Unexpected twists!”
★★★★★ “Absolutely unputdownable.”
★★★★★ “Well-drawn characters and great scenery.”
★★★★★ “Intense and gripping.”
★★★★★ “Read it in one fell swoop — could not put it down.”

Grab SNOW GHOST now for a rugged, high-altitude thriller where survival isn’t guaranteed — and the greatest risk may be coming home too late.

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2026

About the author

I'm a USA Today bestselling mystery/suspense/thriller author and a big horse and sled dog enthusiast.

My hunky husband and I ride our beloved draft cross horses way up in the frozen north of Snowheresville, WY, where we run a rustic, off-the-grid lodge on the face of the Bighorn Mountains. When I'm not writing or riding, I'm passionate about wilderness sports, always with a couple of rescue dogs, bear spray, a mountain lion knife, and my Judge. NO ANIMALS HAVE BEEN HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS LIFE ADVENTURE (but don't sneak up on me).

I've made some lists and won some awards, yada yada. Amazon Charts Top 25 bestseller. USA Today Bestseller. The Silver Falchion for Best Adult Mystery WINNER (Fighting for Anna), the WINNERS for USA Best Books Fiction: Cross Genre (Hell to Pay, Heaven to Betsy), and others. With books "in print" of over 3,000,000, readers seem to enjoy the books—I think they have exceptionally good taste. {insert goofy grin here} Lots of them follow my show Wine Women & Writing, too, where I fangirl my favorite authors and interview them for your listening and viewing pleasure. Subscribe free at http://bit.ly/PamelaWWWR <--case sensitive.

You can read my series in any order or as standalones, but they're a lot of fun if you do them like this:

* Detective Delaney Pace (coming soon!): Her Silent Bones, Her HIdden Grave, Her Last Cry, Her Forgotten Shadow, Her Burning Lies, and Her Cold Heart.

* Patrick Flint Wyoming-based series (PG):
Switchback, Snake Oil, Sawbones, Scapegoat, Snaggle Tooth, Stag Party, Sitting Duck, and Skin & Bones. #9 coming in 2026.

* The Jenn Herrington Wyoming Mysteries (PG-13):
BIG HORN, WALKER PRAIRIE, and RED GRADE coming in 2026.

* What Doesn't Kill You Super Series:
1.Caribben-based Katie Connell (PG-13): Saving Grace, Leaving Annalise, Finding Harmony, and Seeking Felicity
2. Texas-based Emily Bernal (PG-13): Heaven to Betsy Earth to Emily, Hell to Pay
3. Texas-based Michele Lopez Hanson (PG-13): Going for Kona, Fighting for Anna, Searching for Dime Box
4. Wyoming-based Maggie Killian (R, language): Live Wire, Sick Puppy, Dead Pile (plus shorts Buckle Bunny and Shock Jock)
5. Caribbean-based Ava Butler (R, sexual situations): Bombshell, Stunner, Knockout

I also have a children's book series featuring Poppy, the world's best grandfather, and Petey, his blind Boston terrier.
Free starter library https://pamelafaganhutchins.com/maili...

If after all that you still want to learn more about my books, my podcast, or me, then God Bless Ya.

There are many ways: My website and its blog. The aforementioned newsletter. Email me: Pamela at PamelaFaganHutchins dot come. And you can follow me around the web:

Website: https://pamelafaganhutchins.com
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/pamel...
Pamela's Posse for Readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pamel...
Facebook http://facebook.com/pamela.fagan.hutc...
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/pamelafa...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamela_faga...
Twitter http://twitter.com/PamelotH
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/pamelafaganh...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/pamelafaganhu...
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pamela_fagan...
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pamelafaganhu...

And, finally, to learn more about my fellow SkipJack Publishing authors, visit: http://skipjackpublishing.com/.

Reviews

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pamela Fagan Hutchins never fails to capture a reader’s attention, and Snow Ghost is a shining example of her storytelling talent. As part of the long-running Patrick Flint series, it also transports readers to a time that evokes a warm sense of nostalgia. The setting feels authentic, drawing you into an era where adventure, family, and mystery intertwine seamlessly.

The characters are wonderfully realistic and utterly charming. Patrick and the rest of the cast work their way into your heart almost immediately, making you invested in their fates. The story is masterfully told from several perspectives, which adds layers of intrigue and steadily unfolds the plot in a gripping, dynamic way.

The drama builds with perfect pacing, pulling you deeper into the tension until the thrilling capture of the bad guy. Hutchins balances suspense and heart beautifully, keeping you on the edge of your seat while also making you care deeply for the characters.

Whether you are a longtime fan of Patrick Flint or a first-time reader, Snow Ghost is an enthralling, five-star experience. Pamela Fagan Hutchins proves yet again why she is a prolific author whose work is impossible to put down.

[MGB · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Flints are your average, normal family - NOT! They try to be normal with the kids in high school, Dad's the local doctor, Mom's doing work at the college. The associated drama with cheerleading and football is enough to occupy any family.

But Patrick sees himself on top of Mt. Rainer, so obviously he's out of town, and that is a brutal story that ties in with the happenings in Buffalo, WY. That means the worst possible thing that could happen will. But this is a family who pulls together, who loves and supports each other. The author gives us the inside look at each person as the drame unfolds. The impact on the protagonists will hit you hard. What if you were faced with those decisions? There are hard hitting decisions that all family members will have to face.

Together they will, "We'll do what we have to."

[Susan Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want an "edge of your seat" story, you've found it. Patrick Flint is on another physical challenge. He loves the out of doors and is in great shape. He's ready to challenge Mt. Rainier. Never mind that it's August, it's winter on the summit. The author has included great details of winter hiking in dangerous and heart thumping conditions.

Meanwhile, his family is home in Wyoming. His wife and kids are ready to start new school years and his grumpy father is living with them.

But unbeknownst to all of them, challenges await every one of them. And bad luck, karma, whatever, keeps slamming into this family and their friends. I flew through this book in no time.

Thanks to the author, who provided me with an early version of the e-book.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snow Ghost - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

Dr Patrick Flint leaves wife Suzanne, (a mature student and research assistant), his student daughter Trish and rising football star son Perry at home, (with his widowed father Joe) while he and his pals go mountain climbing.
All the family have concurrent storylines that are told in intertwined, named chapters full of action, danger, adventure and overcoming the odds.
Pamela Fagan Hutchins' novel Snow Ghost will keep you on the edge of your seat for sure, and it certainly gripped me firmly by the imagination throughout.
Go grab a copy of Snow Ghost today...and lock all your windows and doors, while you read into the night!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carolyn Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters in this book are well written and I can say that I have been following the Flint family from book one and never disappointed.

Your attention is caught from the beginning and in this story Patrick is on a climbing trip with his two buddies in another state while danger lurks at home.

Suzanne, Trish, Perry and their friends all are facing challenges and danger….needing Patrick to be home while he is struggling with challenges on a different front.

Highly recommend reading not only this book, but the series if you have not done so.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pam Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. Set in 1978, the story alternates between the points of view of Dr. Patrick Flint, his wife Susanne, and his children Perry and Trisha. While on a dangerous mountain climbing expedition Patrick faces danger. Unknown to him danger is threatening his wife and children. A not guilty verdict is reached in a murder trial and a criminal is set free. The descriptions from the author, makes the reader a pet of the action. Plus the end of the chapters have you continuing to read to find out what happens next. Wh is behind the threats to Trisha and Perry? Hw can Susanne cope home alone?

Thank you for the ARC. This review is my honest opinion.

[Renee Calderaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like all the other books in this series, I could not put this book down and had no problem finishing it. I have to say that I love the Flint family and reading about their adventures. When I read books that Pamela writes, it feels like I know them and all the characters feel like friends. This book was very suspenseful and kept me interested until the end. I loved the cliffhanger ending and can't wait for the next book about the Flints. Great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed, full of suspense. Some parts are quite sad with what the Flints encounter in this story. It also shows their inner strength to overcome whatever they face. Someone is out to harm them, even kill them. Several suspects but will they figure out who is the attacker before it is too late. So gripping, you won't want to put it down. recommend. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee Dee Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snow Ghost is a pick up, sit down and read all the way through book! It has so much action and so many twists with all the Flint family, that you just can't wait to see what's going to happen next. Order this book. You won't be disappointed. It has relatable, well developed characters. It's G rated (no cuss words, which is rare these days). It's action packed and has a great ending. I'm just sorry this thrill ride is over.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patrick is climbing another mountain with a couple friends. The rest of his family is home. Bella is acquitted of murder and is she now out to get everyone that testify against her? Susanne is worried for her children and Patrick is far away! I received a free book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew!

Nonstop action from beginning to end kept me reading until I finished the book. Almost every character faced some sort of crisis, and some faced multiple challenges! I’m exhausted! I sure hope this is not the last of this series!

[Patty Guerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another page turner experience with Dr. Patrick Flint and his family. It is August, 1978 and Patrick wants to climb all of the Seven Summits. He is beginning by climbing Mt. Rainier, along with his friends Henry and Wes. Susanne, Trish and Perry are all at home, along with grumpy Grandpa Joe and their dog Ferdie. Trouble never seems to be very far from this family. As the book progresses, the past catches up with the present, leaving us to wonder what is around the next corner as the plot moves along. Fast paced, a real heart pounding story, that won’t leave you feeling disappointed, with many surprises in store for you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome and enthralling!
I held my breath with every close encounter with the edge of the mountain!
I love reading about things I’ve never done nor will ever do! I prefer driving through the mountains as opposed to scaling them!
There is so much excitement in this book, I felt super bad for the main characters because a lot was thrown at them in a short amount of time, both on and off the mountain!
Ferdinand is such a hero! I wish he’d completely stopped the culprit.
Hutchins keeps delivering with her stories!
Thanks to the author for the advance copy.

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite of the Patrick Flint stories. I started reading and did not want to put it down.