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David Wolf #10
Dark Mountain
Sometimes the past comes back to bite ...
When a dead body is discovered stuffed inside a car trunk in the forest outside Rocky Points, Colorado, Chief Detective David Wolf finds himself involved in a case that will rock the local community. But as details emerge, the tension rises higher when it’s clear the driver’s last client was Tom Rachette, Wolf’s loyal detective. Worse yet, Detective Rachette is no longer answering his phone.
At the same time Wolf gets a cryptic email that jars loose war memories he'd rather forget. And it soon becomes clear he must face his past head-on if he wants to save his friend from certain death.
Meanwhile, Heather Patterson, Wolf’s former detective who has since moved on from her days in the Sluice-Byron County SD, receives a cryptic message herself. She's left the department to forget brutal events that now have her cracking at the seams. But ready or not, she has no choice but to step back into the fire. Because the messages contain a lot of blood and demand two things: Find David Wolf and come now. Or he dies.
This harrowing tenth installment of the David Wolf mystery-thriller series will keep you guessing until the very end. Join the adventure and watch Wolf and his friends as they're pushed to their physical, mental, and emotional limits untangling clues from the past and present so they might live to see another day.
When a dead body is discovered stuffed inside a car trunk in the forest outside Rocky Points, Colorado, Chief Detective David Wolf finds himself involved in a case that will rock the local community. But as details emerge, the tension rises higher when it’s clear the driver’s last client was Tom Rachette, Wolf’s loyal detective. Worse yet, Detective Rachette is no longer answering his phone.
At the same time Wolf gets a cryptic email that jars loose war memories he'd rather forget. And it soon becomes clear he must face his past head-on if he wants to save his friend from certain death.
Meanwhile, Heather Patterson, Wolf’s former detective who has since moved on from her days in the Sluice-Byron County SD, receives a cryptic message herself. She's left the department to forget brutal events that now have her cracking at the seams. But ready or not, she has no choice but to step back into the fire. Because the messages contain a lot of blood and demand two things: Find David Wolf and come now. Or he dies.
This harrowing tenth installment of the David Wolf mystery-thriller series will keep you guessing until the very end. Join the adventure and watch Wolf and his friends as they're pushed to their physical, mental, and emotional limits untangling clues from the past and present so they might live to see another day.
286 pages, Paperback
First published March 10, 2017
5182 people are currently reading
537 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Carson
44 books677 followersJeff 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews
March 17, 2017
Great book.
Jeff Carson just doesn't write about his characters hair and eye colors, how tall or short, skinny or fat they are, he makes them humans with feelings. Have been reading this series from the beginning and David Wolf became like a friend, you care about him.
SPC Paul Womack didn't get the promotion, anger drove him to kill innocent civilians, when they were Rangers. Womack served 15 years for this war crime, revenge is still boiling inside him, goes after Paul and his brother, and after people Paul cares about. Fast moving story, might keep you up past your bedtime. But you'll have a smile in your face at the end.
Jeff Carson just doesn't write about his characters hair and eye colors, how tall or short, skinny or fat they are, he makes them humans with feelings. Have been reading this series from the beginning and David Wolf became like a friend, you care about him.
SPC Paul Womack didn't get the promotion, anger drove him to kill innocent civilians, when they were Rangers. Womack served 15 years for this war crime, revenge is still boiling inside him, goes after Paul and his brother, and after people Paul cares about. Fast moving story, might keep you up past your bedtime. But you'll have a smile in your face at the end.
December 22, 2022
The tenth book in the series has us visiting Rocky Points and the people who live there who are all old friends by now. We are once again given the chance to follow the clues along with Wolf and the others to try to solve the case. This story was full of twists and turns that every good mystery needs. As the investigation proceeded, I did manage to get certain parts worked out, but I was wrong about many other parts. There were still a few surprises in store before the big reveal. I really liked the end, and I am looking forward to reading the next in the series to see how it continues as one book seems to build nicely on the one before it. It's a really good series that really should be read in order.... but does well as a standalone. You are always kept in suspense, while trying to figure out how in the world Wolf is going to get out of his newest predicament.
November 26, 2025
Dark Mountain is a thrilling ride from start to finish. Set in a remote, eerie mountain, the story brims with suspense, secrets, and unexpected twists that keep you guessing. The characters are layered and full of tension, their fears and hidden motives adding depth to every scene. Carson masterfully blends mystery and psychological drama, making this a page-turner that lingers in your mind long after you close the book. Perfect for anyone who loves thrillers with dark, twisty, and unforgettable storytelling.
January 15, 2021
Will come back to this series!
October 31, 2022
David Wolf, Tom Rachette, and Heather Patterson all find themselves deeply involved in a kidnapping and torture of some past local rivals. When Tom is on his way home one late evening and stops to be a kind citizen, he and his driver are ambushed and his taken. The Rocky Points team finds a dead body in an abandoned car and clues start to reveal who is behind this whole adventure.
With the use of some past ties to David Wolf, the kidnappers begin to send cryptic messages and clues to guide David away from the investigation and into his own trap, up on top of the Dark Mountain.
The local kidnappers have had a long hate relationship with David Wolf and they are going to do everything they can to get their revenge.
With the use of some past ties to David Wolf, the kidnappers begin to send cryptic messages and clues to guide David away from the investigation and into his own trap, up on top of the Dark Mountain.
The local kidnappers have had a long hate relationship with David Wolf and they are going to do everything they can to get their revenge.
September 13, 2017
Another good read
Plenty of suspense, edge of your seat drama, and of course, the fantastic characters that we have come to expect. Mr. Carson did a fantastic job! Note I'm off to start the next book.
Plenty of suspense, edge of your seat drama, and of course, the fantastic characters that we have come to expect. Mr. Carson did a fantastic job! Note I'm off to start the next book.
January 19, 2021
Probably one of his best
January 5, 2023
Two-haiku review:
Deputy kidnapped
Bad guys want Wolf, Patterson
Meet on Dark Mountain
Enjoyed this one lots
Cared about these characters
Hard to put it down
Deputy kidnapped
Bad guys want Wolf, Patterson
Meet on Dark Mountain
Enjoyed this one lots
Cared about these characters
Hard to put it down
September 12, 2021
More action to save one of their team member… I have really become invested in the characters, they have become my friends…..
January 18, 2018
Jeff Carson has done it again!!!!! You end up caring sooo much about his characters, they become family, especially if you have read all of his David Wolf series. I couldn't figure out this one, until nearly the end---what started the whole incident, who was the culprit, why?????
Even after I finished the book, I wanted more information, more explanation, I really wanted to understand what had taken place and what was next. Please write quickly, I am watching the "Following" list like a fiend!! I encourage everyone to find and read this series, you won't be disappointed.
Even after I finished the book, I wanted more information, more explanation, I really wanted to understand what had taken place and what was next. Please write quickly, I am watching the "Following" list like a fiend!! I encourage everyone to find and read this series, you won't be disappointed.
March 12, 2017
I had pre-ordered this book and read it straight through on the day it was released. Three cheers to Jeff Carson for No. 10 - just as good as any other in the David Wolf series.
May 22, 2017
5++*stars
THIS IS SUCH A HOWLING GREAT STAND ALONE SERIES I LOVE THEM ALL. I WOULD NOT WANT TO LIVE IN ROCKY POINTE, NOPE, TOO MUCH GORY STUFF GOES ON. POOR WOLF WHEN IS HE GOING TO FINE A REL LOVE, JUST CAN’T CATCH A BREAK. WOLF HAS SUCH A HARD TIME JUST TRYIN’ TO DO THE RIGHT THING, HIS BODY AND MIND TAKES A BEATING. I WORRY SO MUCH ABOUT WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN TO HIM AND SOME OF MY FAVS. I GET SO CAUGHT UP I MUST PUT MY KINDLE DOWN FOR A MINUTE TO CALM MYSELF DOWN. THAT PATTERSON IS ONE HELL OF A STRONG WARRIOR WOMAN, I LOVE HER. WHEW-WEE WHATA’ RUSH. ;D
THIS IS SUCH A HOWLING GREAT STAND ALONE SERIES I LOVE THEM ALL. I WOULD NOT WANT TO LIVE IN ROCKY POINTE, NOPE, TOO MUCH GORY STUFF GOES ON. POOR WOLF WHEN IS HE GOING TO FINE A REL LOVE, JUST CAN’T CATCH A BREAK. WOLF HAS SUCH A HARD TIME JUST TRYIN’ TO DO THE RIGHT THING, HIS BODY AND MIND TAKES A BEATING. I WORRY SO MUCH ABOUT WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN TO HIM AND SOME OF MY FAVS. I GET SO CAUGHT UP I MUST PUT MY KINDLE DOWN FOR A MINUTE TO CALM MYSELF DOWN. THAT PATTERSON IS ONE HELL OF A STRONG WARRIOR WOMAN, I LOVE HER. WHEW-WEE WHATA’ RUSH. ;D
September 6, 2017
David Wolf series 1-10
I read all ten books in this series, one right after another. I was so involved with the characters in the books, that I averaged one book per day. Absolutely wonderful! I loved spending time with the characters in these books. I loved every twist and turn, and I loved that Wolf was unassuming, confident in his ability as an officer, yet not afraid to show emotions. Thank you for you amazing writing ability Jeff Carson. What a joy to send time with your characters.
I read all ten books in this series, one right after another. I was so involved with the characters in the books, that I averaged one book per day. Absolutely wonderful! I loved spending time with the characters in these books. I loved every twist and turn, and I loved that Wolf was unassuming, confident in his ability as an officer, yet not afraid to show emotions. Thank you for you amazing writing ability Jeff Carson. What a joy to send time with your characters.
May 15, 2025
Love the series, this one a little less that the other ls and took me too long to complete.
October 30, 2019
DARK MOUNTAIN turned out to be VERY EXCITING, and a different read!!! Always the unique and unexpected, and amped up action that puts me on the edge of my seat, leaving me breathless at times. So far I have NEVER figured out an ending to any book that Author Jeff Carson deems to write, and that is so wonderful for this reader, and makes for a great read for me. But DARK MOUNTAIN from the Mystery Thriller Series, captured my reader mind, AND my heart. Author Jeff Carson has set the standard high with his Mystery Thriller Series, and yet somehow he keeps besting himself with each new book. “How is that possible?”, I asked myself. Finally figured out the reason that is possible is because Author Jeff Carson is one great ACCOMPLISHED writer/AUTHOR, and has an ENDLESS FOUNTAIN of stories in that creative, fertile, and VERY imaginative MIND of his, then he adeptly puts pen to paper, and is able to convey that to the reader with the magic use of his words. NEVER ceases to amaze me that each book is unique, characters as usual always written so well, as are the plots, and so are the twists and turns, and everything else that he creates in his books. One has to just grab DARK MOUNTAIN to experience it for ones self. I HIGHLY recommend doing that, and finding out for yourself just how great Author Jeff Carson’s books are, and Dark Mountain displays that by his writing hand so beautifully. Author Jeff Carson has defiitely honed his craft!! ENJOY!!!!
October 8, 2022
Dark Mountain by Jeff Carson 9/29/2022 Kindle
Chief Detective David Wolfe is called to investigate when an abandoned car contain a body of the Uber driver in the trunk. Matters get sticky when the victim’s last customer turns out to be Tom Rachette, Wolfe’s detective. When Rachette drops out of sight and contact, he definitely becomes a person of interest.
This is my first reading of this series so when Heather Patterson joins the hunt, I’m not familiar with her history. She is certainly a no-nonsense character and quite engaging.
A cryptic message from the past pulls the detective’s memory back to times he’d like to forget. We are given a substantial amount of Wolfe’s past exploits in the military which ties into the current day story. I did find the character Ethan most interesting. Some of the paths taken by bad guys were far more complicated than need be, but I’m always critical when logic is set aside.
While I found the ending scenes a little over the top, the plot held my interest. I’m sure there is a strong following for this series and I probably should have not waited until the tenth to begin. I’m not sure if I’ll try more, but have no reason not to recommend it to others.
Chief Detective David Wolfe is called to investigate when an abandoned car contain a body of the Uber driver in the trunk. Matters get sticky when the victim’s last customer turns out to be Tom Rachette, Wolfe’s detective. When Rachette drops out of sight and contact, he definitely becomes a person of interest.
This is my first reading of this series so when Heather Patterson joins the hunt, I’m not familiar with her history. She is certainly a no-nonsense character and quite engaging.
A cryptic message from the past pulls the detective’s memory back to times he’d like to forget. We are given a substantial amount of Wolfe’s past exploits in the military which ties into the current day story. I did find the character Ethan most interesting. Some of the paths taken by bad guys were far more complicated than need be, but I’m always critical when logic is set aside.
While I found the ending scenes a little over the top, the plot held my interest. I’m sure there is a strong following for this series and I probably should have not waited until the tenth to begin. I’m not sure if I’ll try more, but have no reason not to recommend it to others.
February 9, 2023
Still Loving This Series
Book ten, and I'm still all in for David Wolf and the adventures of his department. This is one of those wonderful series that just seems to improve with each new episode. The characters have hit the point where they feel almost like friends now. As for David Wolf himself, I just can't help but root for him. Especially when it comes to his love life, which has had big issues for the first nine books. I love the idea that things may be working out a bit better for him now.
This story, once again, showed how adept the author is at weaving an intricate plot. It doesn't feel like "Tab A" is going to go into "Slot B" for most of this novel. In other words, it feels like there are two separate plots happening concurrently that don't have any connection to each other. But then the author works his magic, and we discover the threads that tie them all together.
Very well done, once again. I'm happy to continue with this series and recommend it to fans of crime fiction, action, thriller, or suspense novels.
Book ten, and I'm still all in for David Wolf and the adventures of his department. This is one of those wonderful series that just seems to improve with each new episode. The characters have hit the point where they feel almost like friends now. As for David Wolf himself, I just can't help but root for him. Especially when it comes to his love life, which has had big issues for the first nine books. I love the idea that things may be working out a bit better for him now.
This story, once again, showed how adept the author is at weaving an intricate plot. It doesn't feel like "Tab A" is going to go into "Slot B" for most of this novel. In other words, it feels like there are two separate plots happening concurrently that don't have any connection to each other. But then the author works his magic, and we discover the threads that tie them all together.
Very well done, once again. I'm happy to continue with this series and recommend it to fans of crime fiction, action, thriller, or suspense novels.
April 21, 2023
So Far, The Best One Yet!
Some of the Wolf Series started slow and then picked up speed and excitement as the story progressed and some stories had an up-and-down movement to their plot but each story had its different hook to keep you hanging on. The last three stories have been almost hyperactive there had so much movement and excitement. This Dark Mountain story has the whole show going on. A back story from Wolf's past combat experiences. Three different love stories happening. A carry-over element from a previous story involving one of the main supporting characters (Patterson). A major tie-in from a couple of stories back. But all believable though mysterious and suspensefully thrown together. This is the making of a great action TV or big-screen action flick! I had to re-read a couple of parts to keep up but that's just me. So reality, action, emotions, mystery, and suspense, all well-written, and artfully put together like an exciting puzzle. Great reading! Good story!
Some of the Wolf Series started slow and then picked up speed and excitement as the story progressed and some stories had an up-and-down movement to their plot but each story had its different hook to keep you hanging on. The last three stories have been almost hyperactive there had so much movement and excitement. This Dark Mountain story has the whole show going on. A back story from Wolf's past combat experiences. Three different love stories happening. A carry-over element from a previous story involving one of the main supporting characters (Patterson). A major tie-in from a couple of stories back. But all believable though mysterious and suspensefully thrown together. This is the making of a great action TV or big-screen action flick! I had to re-read a couple of parts to keep up but that's just me. So reality, action, emotions, mystery, and suspense, all well-written, and artfully put together like an exciting puzzle. Great reading! Good story!
July 13, 2020
I have been to Colorado many times so this series caught my eye during the enforced home stay during the pandemic. I found the books in my local library. This is the first book I have read, but the 10th in the series, but that was not a problem. The crime was clearly described, the characters were well-described,and the main character was interesting and sympathetic. I would rate it higher if it did not so clearly pander to young men and their fantasies of violence. The law enforcement officers don’t just carry guns, every make and model is described in detail. When Wolf goes to borrow some fire power from a friend who has an arsenal of lethal weapons, they are all described in great detail. The same overkill goes for motor vehicles. The make, model, horsepower and accessories of every truck is described right down to the year and color. I wonder if the author is receiving payments for product placement from weapons companies and American auto manufacturers.
February 7, 2018
I had read all the books in this series, although I have enjoyed reading this series I have a few complaints. Detective Wolf gets his butt kicked in each book and his deputy’s get injured in each book. The most injuries occurred to Det Richette who’s pinky gets cut off in this book. Can’t this Author layoff beating up his characters? Come on no law inforcement personal gets beat up as much as his Character and lives. Also not feeling the condition between Wolf and Lauren it’s a poor chose for Wolf as he has already mentioned in this book His exwife is the only women he every loved. Don’t see this ending well.
May 20, 2019
Well, if you’ve read a number of the David Wolf series you know who Deputy Rachette is, one of Wolf’s best deputies. In this story Rachette is kidnapped and what he went through was just horrible AND, once again, Wolf got the hell beat out of him and did not save the day. It seems like he gets the hell beat out of him in every book. And in the last book he even got his pinky-finger shot off.
No romance and the F-bomb was used 14 times.
As to the narration: Still the same as it’s been for all 10 books. Sean Patrick Hopkins still needs a little help with his women’s voices, and he needs to learn to read with some emotions. He has a great reading voice, though.
March 5, 2019
As good as ever
I have currently finished Dark Mountain, the 10th book in the David Wolf series. I found this series about 2 weeks ago and quickly became hooked. I read a ridiculous amount of books and this has become one of my all time favorites. I am borderline depressed to realize there are only 2 books left and my journey with Wolf and friends will soon be at an end. If anyone reads this and can recommend a series that comes close to this, please post it let me know. Thank you. And thank you Mr Carson.
I have currently finished Dark Mountain, the 10th book in the David Wolf series. I found this series about 2 weeks ago and quickly became hooked. I read a ridiculous amount of books and this has become one of my all time favorites. I am borderline depressed to realize there are only 2 books left and my journey with Wolf and friends will soon be at an end. If anyone reads this and can recommend a series that comes close to this, please post it let me know. Thank you. And thank you Mr Carson.
April 14, 2019
A JC. Mystery Adventure Thriller (DAN - 10)/Murder/A Lost Detective/Remembering the Past
JC. has. penned the tenth novel in the David Wolf series, which begins with a body found in the trunk of a car in the forest. There is an immediate problem. A detective who was the murdered person contact was last seen with him. DW. Is circling the wagons before the news media and the politicians interfere in what he knows is going to be difficult, especially after receiving an E-Mail from the War Department. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
JC. has. penned the tenth novel in the David Wolf series, which begins with a body found in the trunk of a car in the forest. There is an immediate problem. A detective who was the murdered person contact was last seen with him. DW. Is circling the wagons before the news media and the politicians interfere in what he knows is going to be difficult, especially after receiving an E-Mail from the War Department. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
June 6, 2019
Another winner by Jeff Carson
After finishing the10th book in the David Wolf series, Dark Mountain, I'm giving it high praise. I've grown to look forward to this series, I won't give a book report, you get that buy reading the books. If you're a fan of Craig Johnson, C.J.Box, you're going to enjoy Jeff Carson. He has realistic characters, no Rambo types, they sometimes come out on the crap end of the stick, they're relatable,and enjoyable. I'd advise starting with book one, but it's not necessary. Pick one up and see for yourself. Good read.
After finishing the10th book in the David Wolf series, Dark Mountain, I'm giving it high praise. I've grown to look forward to this series, I won't give a book report, you get that buy reading the books. If you're a fan of Craig Johnson, C.J.Box, you're going to enjoy Jeff Carson. He has realistic characters, no Rambo types, they sometimes come out on the crap end of the stick, they're relatable,and enjoyable. I'd advise starting with book one, but it's not necessary. Pick one up and see for yourself. Good read.
January 12, 2020
Tense , exciting, satisfying
This is the latest book in the series I have read. Jeff Carson never disappoints. His characters are well developed and you learn more with every book you read about Wolf , his friends and his enemies. The action is rugged because the stories take place in the mountains and the antagonists are without a conscience. There is love and family also but no long sexual scenes. If you don't like your heroes injured don't read this. Otherwise I find every book a great revelation into the psyche of the characters and a heck of an adventure. Great writing.
This is the latest book in the series I have read. Jeff Carson never disappoints. His characters are well developed and you learn more with every book you read about Wolf , his friends and his enemies. The action is rugged because the stories take place in the mountains and the antagonists are without a conscience. There is love and family also but no long sexual scenes. If you don't like your heroes injured don't read this. Otherwise I find every book a great revelation into the psyche of the characters and a heck of an adventure. Great writing.
February 6, 2020
AS always Carson delivers one of the most adventurous and enjoyable reads. Wolf finds out his deputy, Ratchette is missing after getting a video of someone he once new being shot. What he needs to find out who shot him, himself or someone else. At the same time his former detective Heather Patterson, receives an ominous video showing her former partner, the same deputy who is missing. There are as always twists and turns as they cannot tell anyone or he will die. So they embark on trying to solve this mystery.
December 14, 2020
David Wolf series books 1 through 10
I have really enjoyed reading the first ten books in the series, but this is the first review. It is a nice dose of reality from the recent sci-fi fantasy books I have been reading, though who knew how much really bad stuff happened in outback Colorado? I like the many well drawn characters in the series so far and the bad guys are nasty, but for various reasons. These books are very evocative of the seasons and locations in CO, and I recommend them to all crime/mystery readers.
I have really enjoyed reading the first ten books in the series, but this is the first review. It is a nice dose of reality from the recent sci-fi fantasy books I have been reading, though who knew how much really bad stuff happened in outback Colorado? I like the many well drawn characters in the series so far and the bad guys are nasty, but for various reasons. These books are very evocative of the seasons and locations in CO, and I recommend them to all crime/mystery readers.
September 10, 2022
This is what I’ve been looking for in this series, more on Wolf’s time in the military. This one had a compelling mystery and shook up the formula a tad. Knocked it down a bit because I feel like most everyone, including Wolf is turning into a one-dimensional character (especially Lauren). I’m also pro-MacLean now, he’s turned into a redeeming character in my eyes. Patterson’s inner turmoil doesn’t really make sense to me either. I’d also like to see more from supporting characters outside of the sheriffs office. Like Jack, Margaret, and Wolf’s buddy.
March 16, 2023
Top drawer, just like the previous 9
I have no formal education, but I get buy better than most. I always hated book reports in high school. That being said, Jeff Carson has created a family, we all feel like we actually know the characters in his books. We feel their emotions, sorrow, anxiety, desires etc. The stories themselves are captivating, but with the personal lives intermingled within them, they are just so much more.
Thank you, Jeff Carson for the hours of reading enjoyment. If I have ever left a review before, I have no memory of it.
I have no formal education, but I get buy better than most. I always hated book reports in high school. That being said, Jeff Carson has created a family, we all feel like we actually know the characters in his books. We feel their emotions, sorrow, anxiety, desires etc. The stories themselves are captivating, but with the personal lives intermingled within them, they are just so much more.
Thank you, Jeff Carson for the hours of reading enjoyment. If I have ever left a review before, I have no memory of it.
October 7, 2017
Wanted to like it
I like the characters. I like the writing. I liked the premise. But the pages and pages of crawling around in the woods bored me. And I'm not fond of war stories, so that could have been cut in half. I skimmed half the book. And what is up with a book this long and no solid descriptions of the main characters. And I'm not feeling the heat between Wolf and Lauren. Definitely not as good as the previous book.
I like the characters. I like the writing. I liked the premise. But the pages and pages of crawling around in the woods bored me. And I'm not fond of war stories, so that could have been cut in half. I skimmed half the book. And what is up with a book this long and no solid descriptions of the main characters. And I'm not feeling the heat between Wolf and Lauren. Definitely not as good as the previous book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews