Jasper Wild

Dyed in the Green #3

by George Mercer

2018 Independent Publisher Book Awards - Gold Medal
Cover Design - Fiction

After helping scuttle plans to slaughter Wood Buffalo National Park’s entire bison population, Ben Matthews and Kate Jones end up in Jasper. Distracted by rumours of a new mine on the park’s boundary, Ben and Kate help uncover a plot to build a backcountry lodge in Jasper’s wilderness, leaving no stone unturned to stop an international mining giant from carving off a piece of the park for himself.

Jasper Wild is the third story in the Dyed In The Green series about the challenges facing our country’s special places, and the people working tirelessly to protect these national treasures.

Genres: Canada

328 pages, Paperback

Published June 15, 2017

About the author

Award-winning author of Dyed In The Green, the first fiction series about Canada’s iconic national parks, George Mercer worked for more than three decades as a national park warden in Canada, including both east and west coasts, the North and the Rocky Mountains. Fat Cats, Book 4 in the series was a Gold Medal winner in the 2019 Independent Publisher Book Awards while the series won a Silver Medal for overall fiction series. Wood Buffalo, the second book in the series, and Jasper Wild, book 3 in the series, were Gold Medal winners at the 2018 Independent Publisher Book Awards. Harking is George's first book outside of the Dyed In The Green series and his first work of Young Adult fiction. It was long-listed for the 2020 Shelf Unbound Indie Book Awards and won a Gold Medal in the 2022 Independent Publisher Book Awards.

Reviews

[Derek · Rating 4 out of 5]

With each book in the DYED series you can see Mercer's writing style improve as he becomes more confident. With this book he even started getting into a larger story with a bigger stage than his 2 previous, which is great to see. He is really building up a stable of characters beyond the original main character, Ben, which is always great to see. Can't wait to see where the story goes from here.

[Steve Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received this book courtesy of Goodreads giveaways.

Jasper Wild is the third book in a planned series of 6 books for The Dyed in Green series . It is the first book of the series that I have read.

The novel works well as a stand alone although there are several references to events that occurred in the first two novels in the series.

The novel centers around a secret plot to develop a wilderness lodge within the confines of Jasper National Park which could negatively impact both the natural beauty of the park as well as threatening the aleady shrinking wildlife habitat. Such development is opposed by veteran Parks staff and advocate groups (Jasper Wild) who are committed to ensuring that the park remains true to its mandate to preserve its beauty and protect its wildlife. Political masters may however have different plans.

What I liked most about this book was its realistic examination of the workings of a federal government department including differing agendas and various political objectives which often appear to be contrary to primary mandate of the department.

I also enjoyed parts of the book dealing with day to day issues which park staff have to deal with.

The story line maintained my interest throughout although I felt the characters could have been more thoroughly developed.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and will certainly look for others in the series

[Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the Dyed In The Green series, follows park wardens Ben Matthews and Kate Jones to Jasper national park. In the first two books the national parks themselves were central characters in the story, but in Jasper Wild while Jasper National Park is a strong presence in the novel, there is more emphasis on plot and character and a little less on the park itself. This makes sense given that a lot more Canadians will have at least briefly visited Jasper park, than either of the previous two settings, and in the end no amount of narrative can do justice to Canada's mountain parks. Instead, front and centre a thoughtful and revealing depiction of the behind the scenes politics and manipulation that fuels the constant pressure to commercialize and ruin our national park system.

With this book, George Mercer really start to develop a polished and distinct style as an author, and takes his place as Canada's answer to best selling American outdoorsmen mystery authors like Paul Doiron, C.J. Box, and Nevada Barr. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series, Fat Cats.

[Tashfin Awal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways and have chosen to give my honest opinion about it.
I'm disappointed... that I haven't read the other books before I read this one, because I have been missing out! Although it's not necessary at all to read the other books, since I understood and enjoyed the book just fine, I wish I could have discovered this series sooner! The writing is very well done, and I enjoyed that the book was as down to earth as it was interesting. I loved getting to know the characters, and it was so entertaining following them on their struggles. Would definitely recommend!

[C. Jane Romaniuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book by former park warden George Mercer and is set in Jasper National Park. Found it interesting having worked at the Lodge there many years ago and also having had my brother work for Parks Canada. Well written and certainly keeps your interest. Looking forward to reading another book by Mercer!

[Susan Findling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Third book in the Dyed in the green series by George Mercer. I like this series because it showcases Canadian National Parks, with this book, obviously taking place in Jasper National Park. All of Mercer's book follow the same plot line -- something threatening the park (poaching, proposed bison slaughter, development) -- but I still like them, wanting to read how the wardens can "save the day" for the good of the park. It's sad to think that these are all still very real threats to the National Park system.

[Raska · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel feels alive in every sense of the word. Jasper Wild isn’t just a story it’s an experience that immerses you in the heartbeat of the wilderness. Every scene, from the quiet of a forest morning to the danger of looming threats, is written with an intensity that makes you feel present. I found the characters especially authentic; their struggles, doubts, and determination resonated deeply. What stood out most to me was how Mercer captures the emotional connection between people and the land. It reminded me that protecting wild spaces isn’t only about science or policy it’s about love, identity, and respect. By the end, I wasn’t just reading a novel, I was inspired to care more and act differently.

[Tameka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a powerful, fast, paced read! From the very first chapters, Jasper Wild grabbed my attention and didn’t let go. The suspense builds gradually, mixing elements of mystery, conflict, and personal stakes, all while tying into the bigger theme of conservation. I loved that it wasn’t just about action; it had heart and purpose, too. The characters were easy to connect with, and their dedication to protecting nature felt both inspiring and urgent. What I appreciated most was that the story entertained me while also making me reflect on real issues facing our national parks and wilderness areas today. That balance between thrill and meaning is rare in a novel. If you want a read that excites and educates, this one is worth it.

[Ricca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how Jasper Wild balanced action with reflection. On one hand, the book delivers gripping moments of suspense that kept me eager to see what would happen next. On the other hand, it takes time to slow down and let you feel the weight of what’s being lost when we don’t value our wilderness. That combination gave the novel a rare depth; you’re not just entertained, you’re also moved to think. The characters’ choices felt very human, with flaws and strengths that made me care about their outcomes. It’s not just a story about nature, but about people who dedicate their lives to it, and the sacrifices they face. For readers who want excitement and meaning, this book delivers both beautifully.

[Luciagreco · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a nature lover, I was hooked from page one of Jasper Wild. George Mercer doesn’t just describe the wilderness he brings it alive. The mountains, rivers, and forests of Jasper National Park are painted so vividly that I could almost smell the pines and hear the water rushing. But what really struck me was how real the conflict felt: the constant tension between those trying to protect wild spaces and those who see them as resources to exploit. It made me think about how fragile these landscapes are, even when we assume they’re permanent. The characters’ struggles mirrored these larger battles, and I found myself deeply invested in their journey. This isn’t just a book it’s a wake-up call.

[Cidex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasper Wild truly surprised me. I picked it up expecting a straightforward eco-thriller, but I found so much more. The story is layered with questions about values, responsibility, and what it means to fight for something bigger than yourself. While the suspense kept me turning the pages, the quieter moments stayed with me just as much. I loved how Mercer gave voice to the struggles of those who work tirelessly to protect our natural world, even when the odds seem stacked against them. The novel reminded me that the wild isn’t just scenery, it’s a living, breathing part of who we are, and losing it would mean losing part of ourselves. It’s a book that lingers long after finishing.

[Sheila Soprovich · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 is a better indication of the book. This is book 3 of the "Dyed in the Green" series about Canada's National Parks and the challenges associated with balancing human use against the needs of flora and fauna. Given that the author is a former warden, the scenes feel realistic although I wonder if there really hired guns to eliminate people when they get in a greedy businessman's desire for something from or within the park - Jasper in this case. Maybe I am naive. But I do know that Jasper and many others of the National Parks suffer from overdevelopment and use of the park's resources and that there are impacts on the flora and fauna. Not sure I'd read another one from the series.

[C · Rating 3 out of 5]

A detailed look into the issues facing national parks of Canada and the dedicated park wardens that look after them for everyone's enjoyment.

Writing is simple; ties up quickly at the end.

[Kirstin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story- bought this on a trip to Jasper and Banff. It was a great way to extend the trip. The story is a good one.

[Ron Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

After departing Wood Buffalo Ben & Kate are re-assigned to Jasper where the adventures continue.

[Sigrid Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great great book in the Dyed in the Green series. I loved this one particularly because I spent 27 years in Jasper. So much truth behind the fiction.