The Silversmith

David Wolf #2

by Jeff Carson

Deputy Sergeant David Wolf has been waiting sixteen years for today's opportunity to follow in the footsteps of his late father and become Sheriff of the Sluice County SD, headquartered in the small ski resort town of Rocky Points, Colorado. What he's offered, however, isn't quite what he's expecting. And for Wolf, refusing turns out to be harder, and much deadlier, than he could have anticipated. When a rich and powerful enemy corrupts the SCSD from within, Wolf becomes hunted by his own department, along with a special forces killing machine whose psychotic lust for blood is never denied.

In this action-packed, suspense filled adventure -- the second installment in the David Wolf series -- Wolf must draw on all his skills in the high Rocky Mountain forest and solve a disturbing mystery involving an item from his Native American ancestry if he wants to live to see another day.

Other Books in the David Wolf Mystery Series Foreign Deceit (David Wolf #1) The Silversmith (David Wolf #2) Alive and Killing (David Wolf #3) Deadly Conditions (David Wolf #4) Cold Lake (David Wolf #5) Smoked Out (David Wolf #6) To the Bone (David Wolf #7) Dire (David Wolf #8) Signature (David Wolf #9) You can sign up for Jeff Carson's new release newsletter at JeffCarson.co (no "m") and receive a FREE copy of Gut Decision (A David Wolf Story) as a gift.

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

218 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2013

About the author

Jeff Carson is from the Front Range of Colorado where he lives with his wife and two sons. His David Wolf series of books takes place in the fictional ski town of Rocky Points, Colorado.

Reviews

[Michael Slavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story in a terrific setting.

The David Wolf Series by Jeff Carson is so easy to read and extremely interesting. Silversmith, book two of the series, seamlessly picks up where Foreign Deceit stops. Sgt. Wolf of the Sheriff’s Dept. in a small Rocky Mountain County runs into problems that almost gets him killed as well uncovering long kept secret that may have killed his father when he was sheriff.

Jeff Carson has created characters and a community that I can’t wait to get to the next book and see what is happening.

Strongly recommend.

[Erth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew! This felt like a 90 minute action movie that might have been better had it been made to be 120 minutes. It was very fast-paced and testosterone-filled. Things happened, then more things happened, and then it wrapped up and ended. A great read perfect for a rainy afternoon.

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A deputy sheriff, son of a former sheriff, gets in trouble with the corrupt department and finds himself in over his head.

It's okay, but I forgot most it right after I finished.

[Nancy Steinle gummel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silversmith by Jeff Carson is an interesting read. John Wolf is a sergeant in the police force. He wants to be the sheriff. He's a small part native American on his fathers side. His father was a policeman killed in the line of duty. His murderer was ne'er solved. John was in special forces in the service. Well John was expecting to hear his name called for sheriff. Jake Connell arranged foe Derek Connell egos son to win. Jake told him he had another job lined up for John. Derek tries to discourage John a d his friend Raycliff. Jake offers John the job of running hismining corporation.John pljtely declines.Jake moved to plan B. He has his exseal gun for hire stab Mark in the back. Places blame on Blackwill. John says he didn't do it. Check for toxd screen which comes back with strong roamers in it. Read this book to see how John wraps up this mystery.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite being a relatively short book, it packed a punch. David was in it up to his eyeballs again and I really wasn’t sure how he was going to survive the nasty people coming after him. It was entertaining as hell and had me on the edge of my seat feeling all kinds of tension. Excellent story. I am looking forward to continuing this series.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This second book picks up right where the first one left off. Wolf's career is a little bit in limbo and he gets pulled into a conspiracy/murder mystery dating back years. I found the story to be good but the writing not so much. Sometimes it was very good, other times it left a lot to be desired. I found it bizarre the contrast at times. I did find it engrossing and will continue with the series.

[Ben Denison · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 2nd Jeff Carson book and I really like his story telling and the backdrop of outdoors / Colorado / mountains … I like the characters and the plots. All in all , I’ve found a new author for my TBR rotation.

[David Freas · Rating 3 out of 5]

A second novel in a series often isn’t as good as the first – the dreaded sophomore slump. That’s not the case here.

The Silversmith is a better story than Foreign Deceit. It’s tighter, more crackling with tension, a better tale overall. Dave Wolf, Carson’s main character, faces trouble right from the start, when a local power player stacks the deck to get his own son appointed police chief over Dave. Things only get worse from there and Dave ends up putting it all on the line to save his freedom and his life.

There was only one thing in the book that bothered me. Carson has no problem describing how gunshots kill people, but when Dave was in a fight to the death with the power player’s hired goon, he just sort of glossed over how Dave killed him, it. That was a major turning point in the story and, while I had my suspicions of what happened, I would have liked to have known for sure.

This Kindle book had far less typo and other errors than many I’ve read. Note to all authors publishing e-books: good proofreading does wonders for your manuscript.

I have the next book in the series, Alive and Kicking, in my ‘to read’ pile and will be starting it soon. And I see there is a fourth book in the series.

Keep them coming, Mr. Carson.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book. Couldn't put it down. Would definitely recommend the David Wolf Series to anyone. Can't wait to get started on Alive and Killing. Great characters, great setting, great action. Keep up the good work Jeff!!!

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good guy Western law man with a loyal young sidekick, a troubled ex-wife, and a kid. A crooked rich family with a lot of influence in town. This sounds like the formula for a few popular television shows but I’m finding these books are better.

As I said with the first book, some things were unbelievable & over the top. But, again, I’m OK with that because these books are easy to read and darn entertaining. I’m already well into book 3 of this series and it’s looking to be even better than the first two.

[Brian Enoch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic story!

This series really pulled me in! Another incredible segment in the David Wolf story and I can't wait to read what else happens!

[John Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another awesome fast paced David Wolf Adventure. Kicked off so quick and never stopped. Can’t wait for more!

[David Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast exciting read! I really like Wolf’s character, he’s a good dude. This is a fun series.

[Twobchelm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of action and a page turner!

[ElaineY · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW OF AUDIOBOOK; DECEMBER 11, 2017
Narrator": Sean Patrick Hopkins


I liked this though it could have been better. It felt like a Sandra Brown book but without the romance. Set in the ski resort town of Rocky Points, Colorado, the series follows the life and career of David Wolf, ex Army Ranger. Unlike the first book which ended in a cliffhanger, TS ends with Wolf's career back on track and his financial future very promising. When this book starts, things aren't going well - Derek Connell, who tried to kill him in the first book, is sheriff, a job everyone, including the Wolf family, expected David to have. During the course of events that follow, Wolf finds himself on very shaky ground financially, especially when the home his family has been living in is no longer made available. Between worrying about his home and his work conditions under Derek Connell, people start getting killed.

There's this oddity, though - the author brings in this character, Henry Young, who is some hotshot ex-SEAL and much is mentioned about how lethal he is. When Wolf and Young finally confront each other in a fight-to-the-death, this scene was such an anticlimax. I got all excited expecting a tense, raw, bloody battle between Army Ranger and SEAL but it was over before I even knew what happened. Seeing as this was about the only exciting spot in the book, it was a big letdown that the author merely glossed over it. Since I read mostly action/espionage books these days, I can see the difference between Carson's handling of a fight scene from one written by Ben Coes, Vince Flynn, Brad Thor, etc.

...as I said at the start - this reads more like a Sandra Brown romantic suspense without the romance (maybe even without the suspense ) Still, it was interesting enough for me to want to continue (I did buy all 10 audiobooks so I'd better continue!) and those who like small town settings will, no doubt, enjoy this series.

Sean Patrick Hopkins' narration and voice was pleasurable to listen to. I far prefer him to Luke Danieels or Peter Berkrot.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second David Wolf I've read and it reinforces my theories as to why authors offer books for free. Probably from far in the past, I downloaded #1, #2 and #4 for free; #3 I'm reading as part of the 4-book bundle from Amazon Prime lending library. Basically, it reinforces why I don't think Kindle Unlimited is worth paying for and why most my reading is done using the local library's extensive e-book selection.

The books so far are engaging and quick reads, good enough to keep reading, but not quite really good. If I had only downloaded the first book and had no free access to the rest of them, I wouldn't have kept reading. I would've figured no great loss, and moved on. And since none of these books are available at the e-library, #4 will likely be the last one I read.

[Kat (Books are Comfort Food) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book ... series getting better

This sort has a lot of twists are turns, most you can see coming, but others not. The beginning felt like it was on testosterone overload but settled into a cat and mouse chase that I enjoyed. I still think the writer needs to ease up on some of the cliches in the book. However, the main character is developing as each book unfolds. Unlike one if the other reviewers that stated Wolfe wanted revenge, I completely disagree. The character wanted to find the truth and the why of the series of murders. A good book and I recommend.

[Black Butterfly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I GOT MAD AFTER THE FIRST 2 PAGES BECAUSE THEY WERE DOING WRONG TO WOLF, IT WAS JUST EVIL. I THOUGHT THIS SHIT BETTER BE STRAGHTENED OUT BY THE END OF THIS BOOK. GRRRR! WOLF SUFFERS SO MUCH TRAGETY IN HIS LIFE, MENTAL & PSYSICAL IN EACH BOOK, SOMETIMES IT REALLY OVERWHELMS ME. THIS IS WELL WRITTEN, BUT I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH I KEEP ON READING. SMILE!;D

[Freddireads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wolf works...

... am glad I decided to give the series a second look. This one is much more readable and exciting than the first. ...and the first wasn't all that bad. The plotline was solid, the action was specifically related (read: no sidetracking with unrelated sub-plots) to the story at hand....believable characters, believable denouement. Good book.

[Peggy Puetz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great mystery

I really like these books from Jeff Carson. He is a excellent writer and I feel like I am there with David Wolf. David Wolf is a honest man and he is trying to prove himself that he did not kill someone.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast moving and entertaining

[Savsandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sheriffs department serving the ski resort town of Rocky Points Colorado is lucky to have a dedicated guy like David Wolf on the force. For sixteen years he's been focused on filling the top spot as sheriff and now it's opening up. But his quick trip to retrieve his brother's body from Italy coincided with the town council meeting naming a new sheriff, who happens to be his muscle-bound, pea-brained nemesis and whose father virtually owns the town. As a consolation prize Wolf is offered a job as head of security for said town's owner at an exhorbitant salary. But he promptly turns it down and his refusal sets in motion a series of events that soon has him on the run, fighting to clear his name on multiple murder charges.

"The Silversmith" is Jeff Carson's second book in the David Wolf series and it picks up where "Foreign Deceit" left off and is equally engrossing, delving a bit deeper into our protagonist's psyche without getting sloppy. He's an interesting character; a stand-up guy who is part boy scout, not afraid to stick his neck out to right a perceived wrong and yet all too willing to break the rules if he thinks it's called for. As a former Navy SEAL, Wolf is the one you want to have your back when the going gets tough. He's a smart guy with good analytical skills and even better instincts but to author Carson's credit, he messes up just enough to keep things believable.

However my credibility radar started pinging like mad on the hired villain. He's more than a bit over the top; nearly seven feet tall with feet that dwarf Wolf's size thirteens, a maniacal laugh and not a single solitary redeeming quality. Evil personified. (Big eye roll here.) Even considering his amoral acts, my mind kept envisioning a silent movie villain with beady eyes, twirling a waxed handlebar moustache. He's just too much of a cliche.

I enjoy Carson's writing style; action oriented with good character development and credible plots. As much as I'm enjoying David Wolf's exploits I have to comment on author Carson's misuse of the term "smattered". I realize some will think me nitpicky but he needs to check his dictionary on the infinitive "to smatter" as in:

"Footprints smattered the dirt everywhere, inside the tape and out."

"To smatter" is to babble or speak unintelligibly. I think scattered or spattered would be more correct. The term was similarly misused in "Foreign Deceit" but I gave it a pass as a single instance. Obviously I was wrong. I hope not to encounter more of the same in Book Three. Four stars.

[Robert Enzenauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the secnd book of the David Wolf series, and the second book by Jeff Carson that I have read. This author although not "new" to readers, is new to me, recommended by an old collge classmate and retired businessman-turned author Mike Slavin. I am so excited to find an author that I like who write about my adopted home of Colorado - especially since my previous favorite author who writes with a Colorado locale - Stephen White - retired from the fiction-writing business My only complaint of course has been voiced by other readers - too short compared to Book #1. This book is an excellent sequel to FOREIGN DECEIT, book #1 of the David Wolf series. Book #1 largely took place in Italy, yet David Worlf returns to home in Rocky Points, Colorado. Carson's protagonit is a very believable and very likeable hero - a very brave yet flawed action guy with a military pedigree. The end of this book pulled together lots of plot from Books 1 and 2, leaving a whole future ahead for a new Shriff Wolf. The book moves very fast with several twists and turns. Once started, it is very hard to put this book down. Characters are interesting, and well-delveoped Agree with other readers who compare David Wolf to Jack Reacher, Mitch Rapp, and someone like David Rivers. Believable. Likeable. I have literally bought ALL of the 12 remaining books of the David Wolfe series, because I want to discover this character "in order." For me, I like a book in my hand, and don't do Kindle. Congrats,o Jeff Carson. Very glad to have come across you as an author. Thanks Mike Slavin.

[Singh with Pen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Riveting Tale of Mystery and Intrigue

Jeff Carson's "The Silversmith" is a captivating blend of suspense, mystery, and intricate storytelling that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Set against the backdrop of the rugged Colorado mountains, Carson weaves a masterful narrative that immerses readers into the world of Sheriff David Wolf once again.

Carson's skillful character development brings Sheriff Wolf to life, showcasing his resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to justice. The supporting cast is equally well-crafted, each adding depth and complexity to the story.

The pacing is relentless, with twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. Carson's vivid descriptions evoke a sense of place that transports readers to the heart of the Rocky Mountains, where danger lurks around every corner.

"The Silversmith" is a must-read for fans of gripping crime fiction. Jeff Carson has once again delivered a stellar addition to the David Wolf series, solidifying his place as one of the genre's most talented authors. I eagerly anticipate the next installment in this thrilling saga.

[Ky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well that was fun

You ever pick up a book for just a chapter and suddenly it’s 3 AM, your heart’s pounding, and you’ve devoured the whole thing? That was The Silversmith for me—a full-throttle dopamine thrill ride that refuses to let go.

Dave Carson writes like a man possessed. The pacing is relentless, the tension razor-sharp, and the atmosphere thick enough to choke on. His words aren’t just storytelling; they’re a jolt of adrenaline straight to the system. The characters feel real, their fears crawling off the page, and the Silversmith himself? Pure nightmare fuel.

Carson doesn’t waste time—he drags you in, keeps you flipping pages at a breakneck pace, and leaves you breathless. There’s a magic in books like this, the kind that hijacks your brain and won’t let you sleep even after you’ve turned the last page.

If you think you’ll read a few chapters and set it down, think again. The Silversmith doesn’t politely ask for your attention—it seizes it, devours it, and leaves you grinning like a lunatic when it’s over. If you crave fiction that’s sharp, relentless, and impossible to put down, this one’s for you.

[Dave Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Foreign Deceit, book one in the David Wolf series, I dove into book two, The Siversmith. This novel was very intense, and I finished it quickly. David Wolf is back from Italy, where he helped bring justice to his brother's death, and he discovers that his muscle bound and meathead rival Derick Connell has been promoted to the open sheriff's role. The head of the town council, who is also the chief executive of the mining company headquartered in town and the wealthiest and most powerful individual in the county, offers David a security job at his firm at a high salary to appease Wolf, since his son was named the sheriff. Wolf turns it down, since his goal has always been to follow his father's footsteps to the sheriff position. This kicks off a series of events that bring Wolf to a nadir of misfortune. The Wolf character is developed nicely, and his friend and sidekick Tom Rachette comes into focus with a strong supporting role. A romantic relationship remains an outlier, but I suppose that would simply get in the way of solving complex crimes. I will certainly progress to book three in this series.

[Dennis Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

SILVERSMITH by JEFF CARSON is a fast-paced quick read with plenty of excitement from beginning to end, just the right formula for a successful thriller. With that said, I feel it was too short. Jeff leaves out some important details (but what's important to me may not be to others).

1) At the end of the book when Sarah tells David the terrible thing she did...that was very confusing, it was not clear to me. What did she do?
2) How did Young break into Sarah's place, or perhaps the house belongs to her parents?
3) The final fight scene between Young the mighty and Wolf, it was glossed over, not enough details. How did Wolf kill him exactly?

From a writer's or an editor's POV, there were many instances where the wrong word (or words) was used: He bounced the parts in his hand. Bounced...? Oddly enough, there is NO copyright page. How is that even possible? The covers were nicely done. The back blurb was easy to read. The ample spacing between lines made the story very easy on the eye.

Overall, it is a very good story. I would read others in the series.

[Eric Wadsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent David Wolf book. This was such a great, suspenseful read. I felt like I honestly could not put the book down because every page kept it full of adventure.

David returns from Italy and is immediately faced with the Sheriff decision from the council. What he doesn't realize, is how much politics and power is being forced amongst everyone from someone he truly trusts, Gary Connell. Gary has been there for David for the past sixteen years since his father passed, but did he ever question if there was more motive than what he was told? He continues to push through all of the issues around the new department and Connell's son becoming sheriff, while he works to continuously dodge the new hired hitman that Gary has brought in. Through a thrilling hunt in the mountains, Dave uncovers the truth for much more than he bargained for. He quickly realizes who his enemies are and how they became his enemies.

Excellent read and can't wait for next one

[Eleanor Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeff Carson actually caught me, I first read Book 5 in the series which left you with a cliff hanger so I had to read book 6 for closure. I then went back to Book one as my OCD cannot deal with things out of order. All I have to say is I have not been disappointed and David Wolf is a wonderful hero I want to bump his wife off as I find her vapid and needy not the person I would like to see him with (Read 5 & 6) the story is strong and hooks you in from the beginning. Cannot wait to read 3 & 4 and then carry on from book 7. To tell the truth I did not read, I listened to the audible version as when I work I need to multi task so instead of listening to music I listen to audible. Sean Patrick Hopkins is excellent. His version of the different characters is exactly as I would have imagined them. Highly recommended.

[Heather Doughty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whew! This felt like a 90 minute action movie that might have been better had it been made to be 120 minutes. It was very fast-paced and testosterone-filled. Things happened, then more things happened, and then it wrapped up and ended.

I enjoyed book 1 and thought I might not read book 2. Then I read book 2 anyway. I like the main character because he's smart and thoughtful. But I didn't like him in this book because he came off as vengeful. This book was a heavy hand in action and could have used a firmer hand in details. Because there are a lot of books in this series, I'm guessing I'm fairly alone in wishing for a slower-paced version of David Wolf.

Good news is that this is a quick read for an airplane ride or a beach day.