What do you think?
Rate this book
Rockton/Casey Duncan #3
This Fallen Prey
When Casey Duncan first arrived at Rockton, the off-the-grid, isolated community built as a haven for people running from their pasts, she had no idea what to expect. There are no cell phones, no internet, no mail, and no way of getting in or out without the town council's approval. She certainly didn't expect to become the town homicide detective. But, the very last thing she expected was for the council to drop a dangerous criminal into their midst without a plan to keep him imprisoned. And she never thought that she'd have to be responsible for him.
The longer Oliver Brady stays in town, the more people seem to die around him. When evidence begins piling up that someone inside Rockton is working as his accomplice, Casey races to figure out who exactly Brady is and what crimes he's truly responsible for committing.
The longer Oliver Brady stays in town, the more people seem to die around him. When evidence begins piling up that someone inside Rockton is working as his accomplice, Casey races to figure out who exactly Brady is and what crimes he's truly responsible for committing.
Audible Audio
First published February 6, 2018
853 people are currently reading
7659 people want to read
About the author
Kelley Armstrong
302 books33.5k followersKelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers' dismay. All efforts to make her produce "normal" stories failed.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,152 reviews
June 28, 2025
The Rockton / Casey Duncan series continues with another pulse-pounding storyline.
This Fallen Prey
by Kelley Armstrong is the third book in the series. Rockton is a hidden town somewhere in the Yukon wilderness of Canada. The residents have many secrets and they’ve come to the town to disappear and be safe. This is a sanctuary town for those running from their pasts. However, this isolated community is not prepared for the council to deliver a dangerous criminal into their midst without any warning and without a plan to keep him imprisoned and to keep others safe.
Of course, the prisoner, Oliver Brady, claims he’s being set up by his stepfather, Gregory Wallace. Things don’t go well and then evidence points to someone inside Rockton might be working as Oliver’s accomplice. Detective Casey Duncan, Sheriff Eric Dalton, and Deputy Will Anders have a tough job figuring out who exactly Oliver is and what crimes he’s really committed, if any.
Casey, Will, and Eric are well-developed characters. They must protect the townspeople while appeasing the council that runs Rockton from afar. Casey has a relentless drive to serve and protect the townspeople and find the wrongdoer. She’s found a purpose and a true home in Rockton. Additionally, she’s relatable and easy to root for and like. Eric is an excellent tracker and intelligent. He can also be overprotective and cranky at times. While he is Rockton’s protector and advocate, he can be a little idealistic and is often incapable of keeping his opinions to himself. Readers get more insight into their relationship as they continue to learn more about each other. Will is funny, kind, sweet, and directionally challenged. He’s also competent and personable.
Suspense, action, and a police investigation are combined with complex characters, multiple mysteries, plenty of action, and excellent world-building in this well-written and entertaining novel. Filled with murder, interpersonal relations, a romance, lies, deception, trust, and more, the author weaves a tale with plenty of twists, turns, and surprises. It also explores ethical dilemmas. The narrative provides plenty of opportunities for things to go wrong. A strong sense of place caused me to feel transported to northern Canada. The author is a superb storyteller who kept me on the edge of my seat. The complex and multilayered plot has all but one loose end wrapped up. I’m sure that one cliff-hanging thread will be resolved in book four.
I first heard of this series when book seven was released. I read it as well as the books that have been released in the Haven’s Rock spin-off series. I’m now reading the first six books in this series. It was great to get Casey’s full backstory in book one.
Overall, this was suspenseful, entertaining, well-written, and action packed with excellent characterization that kept me engaged throughout. As always, it took this reader on a compelling journey with excellent imagery and tied the subplots together well. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
------------------------------------------
My 4.59 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.
Of course, the prisoner, Oliver Brady, claims he’s being set up by his stepfather, Gregory Wallace. Things don’t go well and then evidence points to someone inside Rockton might be working as Oliver’s accomplice. Detective Casey Duncan, Sheriff Eric Dalton, and Deputy Will Anders have a tough job figuring out who exactly Oliver is and what crimes he’s really committed, if any.
Casey, Will, and Eric are well-developed characters. They must protect the townspeople while appeasing the council that runs Rockton from afar. Casey has a relentless drive to serve and protect the townspeople and find the wrongdoer. She’s found a purpose and a true home in Rockton. Additionally, she’s relatable and easy to root for and like. Eric is an excellent tracker and intelligent. He can also be overprotective and cranky at times. While he is Rockton’s protector and advocate, he can be a little idealistic and is often incapable of keeping his opinions to himself. Readers get more insight into their relationship as they continue to learn more about each other. Will is funny, kind, sweet, and directionally challenged. He’s also competent and personable.
Suspense, action, and a police investigation are combined with complex characters, multiple mysteries, plenty of action, and excellent world-building in this well-written and entertaining novel. Filled with murder, interpersonal relations, a romance, lies, deception, trust, and more, the author weaves a tale with plenty of twists, turns, and surprises. It also explores ethical dilemmas. The narrative provides plenty of opportunities for things to go wrong. A strong sense of place caused me to feel transported to northern Canada. The author is a superb storyteller who kept me on the edge of my seat. The complex and multilayered plot has all but one loose end wrapped up. I’m sure that one cliff-hanging thread will be resolved in book four.
I first heard of this series when book seven was released. I read it as well as the books that have been released in the Haven’s Rock spin-off series. I’m now reading the first six books in this series. It was great to get Casey’s full backstory in book one.
Overall, this was suspenseful, entertaining, well-written, and action packed with excellent characterization that kept me engaged throughout. As always, it took this reader on a compelling journey with excellent imagery and tied the subplots together well. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
------------------------------------------
My 4.59 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.
March 14, 2018
3*
This is book 3 in the Casey Duncan series from Kelley Armstrong. While good by itself, I would still suggest starting at the beginning with City of the Lost to get the complete picture and absorb the most from this series.
Rockton, a small community off the grid in Northern Canada. Where clients can go (for the right price) to disappear for a brief time. People come here for all sorts of reasons – some more innocent than others! When Oliver Brady is dropped off as the newest addition of Rockton, the orders are to keep him under lock and key for six months. Hmmm…that doesn’t sound good! Is he truly guilty of the crimes they are accusing him of? Or is there an ulterior motive to his confinement.
Well, now that we have come this far in the series I was hoping for something different. The premise for the series is great, though the progression of the storyline is lacking a bit. I’m hopeful that with book four (in the works?) it will spur this series in a new direction!
A traveling sister read with Brenda, Susanne , Marialyce and Nikki🤗
Thank you to NetGalley St Martin’s Press and Kelley Armstrong for an ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
This is book 3 in the Casey Duncan series from Kelley Armstrong. While good by itself, I would still suggest starting at the beginning with City of the Lost to get the complete picture and absorb the most from this series.
Rockton, a small community off the grid in Northern Canada. Where clients can go (for the right price) to disappear for a brief time. People come here for all sorts of reasons – some more innocent than others! When Oliver Brady is dropped off as the newest addition of Rockton, the orders are to keep him under lock and key for six months. Hmmm…that doesn’t sound good! Is he truly guilty of the crimes they are accusing him of? Or is there an ulterior motive to his confinement.
Well, now that we have come this far in the series I was hoping for something different. The premise for the series is great, though the progression of the storyline is lacking a bit. I’m hopeful that with book four (in the works?) it will spur this series in a new direction!
A traveling sister read with Brenda, Susanne , Marialyce and Nikki🤗
Thank you to NetGalley St Martin’s Press and Kelley Armstrong for an ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2018
This is the third book in the Casey Duncan series and I thought it was the best. It takes place in Rockton, the secret town for people who need to hide. Casey is the town's detective and her boyfriend Eric, is the town sheriff.
The pace is quick from the start as the city council has negotiated for a dangerous and conniving criminal named Oliver Brady. They were offered $1 million to keep him safe and imprisoned for 6 months. Casey and Eric are caught off guard as a helicopter has delivered him and taken off before they could refuse delivery. Rockton isn't really equipped to house a criminal like Oliver.
Oliver starts scheming and may have someone to close for comfort aiding him. What crimes was he accused of will Casey and Eric be able to keep him in jail for 6 months?
I enjoyed this action filled story which had several heart pounding moments. The setting and the woods people make it very creepy and unpredictable.
Thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for my copy to review.
September 25, 2021
That was the most intensely twisty Rockton novel yet!
March 17, 2022
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads
Last year, when we discovered that amongst the residents of Rockton lived a serial rapist who would abduct a woman, fake her death (by dressing and strategically positioning the mauled and thus hard to identify corpse of another woman of roughly the same dimensions in the clothes the abductee was last seen in), hold her captive for months (more than a YEAR in one case), raping and torturing her until she died (for real this time) before choosing a new victim and beginning his twisted cycle all over again, I thought Armstrong had peaked.
Not that the series itself had peaked, but that future installments would need to seek out alternative avenues to continue the Bigger and Badder trend a series is wont to pursue. The creep factor had topped out.
Armstrong: SILLY HUMAN, I AM KELLEY ARMSTRONG. I DO NOT PEAK. *laughs maniacally* *twirls mustache*
Me:
You: What is creepier than diabolical serial rapist guy!?
Me: Thrill-seeking equal opportunity serial killer guy.
Which is exactly what Rockton gets when an unscheduled plane lands and discards:
You: Okay, I know we learned the “council” could be a bit sketch on the residents’ backstories in A DARKNESS ABSOLUTE, but a serial killer? Really??
Me: YEP. But he’s not actually meant to be a “resident” this time—more of a temporary prisoner—and at least they’re told up front that this dude is a serial killer . . .
. . . Or is he?
*laughs maniacally* *twirls mustache*
But regardless of whether or not Oliver Brady is what he’s accused of being, his presence wrecks havoc on the town created for those who need to disappear. Numerous well-liked citizens are placed on the chopping block, leaving you with decimated fingernails as you frantically read to learn their fate.
It is b/c of this personally experienced terror that I’m going to—for the first time ever—offer you an unnecessary spoiler. In the spirit of doesthedogdie.com :
BUT. Despite Armstrong clearly not having peaked, I had a couple of minor issues that kept this installment from the 4.5 - 5.0 star ratings of its predecessors.
1. The council threatening to oust Dalton if he doesn’t walk the line is getting effing tiresome.
There’s only so many times you can use a specific threat before it starts to lose its effectiveness, and I reached that point in the last book.
Shut up, Phil. You’re not sending him anywhere. And if you do, he’ll make a new and improved Rockton elsewhere and be happier for it.
2. There are suddenly a LOT of various “others” in the alleged Yukon wilderness.
More than I could countenance. Especially considering the convenience of some of their identities.
3. Despite the soundness of her reasoning . . .
4. All those bombs dropped in the final pages.
All of that being said, THIS FALLEN PREY is still a stellar read in a series of exceptional reads. Armstrong cleanly laid the groundwork for multiple future developments, including some of Casey’s ongoing suspicions concerning the evolution of a “hostile.”
Dalton was his delightful self:
Casey continues to wrestle with her darker nature:
YAS.
In THIS FALLEN PREY, Armstrong keeps you guessing right up to the end about the true nature of Rockton’s newest (sort of) inhabitant, and when you finally get the full story, I can almost guarantee it won’t be what you expected. I don’t know what the future holds for this settlement and its occupants, but once again, I’ll be impatiently waiting to find out. Still very much recommended.
Last year, when we discovered that amongst the residents of Rockton lived a serial rapist who would abduct a woman, fake her death (by dressing and strategically positioning the mauled and thus hard to identify corpse of another woman of roughly the same dimensions in the clothes the abductee was last seen in), hold her captive for months (more than a YEAR in one case), raping and torturing her until she died (for real this time) before choosing a new victim and beginning his twisted cycle all over again, I thought Armstrong had peaked.
Not that the series itself had peaked, but that future installments would need to seek out alternative avenues to continue the Bigger and Badder trend a series is wont to pursue. The creep factor had topped out.
Armstrong: SILLY HUMAN, I AM KELLEY ARMSTRONG. I DO NOT PEAK. *laughs maniacally* *twirls mustache*
Me:
You: What is creepier than diabolical serial rapist guy!?
Me: Thrill-seeking equal opportunity serial killer guy.
Which is exactly what Rockton gets when an unscheduled plane lands and discards:
” . . . a thrill killer,” I say. “He murders because he enjoys it. Tortures and kills. Five victims in Georgia. Two men. Two women. And one fourteen-year-old boy . . . Oliver Brady is a killer motivated by nothing more than sadism . . . An unrelentingly opportunistic psychopath.”
You: Okay, I know we learned the “council” could be a bit sketch on the residents’ backstories in A DARKNESS ABSOLUTE, but a serial killer? Really??
Me: YEP. But he’s not actually meant to be a “resident” this time—more of a temporary prisoner—and at least they’re told up front that this dude is a serial killer . . .
. . . Or is he?
*laughs maniacally* *twirls mustache*
But regardless of whether or not Oliver Brady is what he’s accused of being, his presence wrecks havoc on the town created for those who need to disappear. Numerous well-liked citizens are placed on the chopping block, leaving you with decimated fingernails as you frantically read to learn their fate.
It is b/c of this personally experienced terror that I’m going to—for the first time ever—offer you an unnecessary spoiler. In the spirit of doesthedogdie.com :
BUT. Despite Armstrong clearly not having peaked, I had a couple of minor issues that kept this installment from the 4.5 - 5.0 star ratings of its predecessors.
1. The council threatening to oust Dalton if he doesn’t walk the line is getting effing tiresome.
There’s only so many times you can use a specific threat before it starts to lose its effectiveness, and I reached that point in the last book.
Shut up, Phil. You’re not sending him anywhere. And if you do, he’ll make a new and improved Rockton elsewhere and be happier for it.
2. There are suddenly a LOT of various “others” in the alleged Yukon wilderness.
More than I could countenance. Especially considering the convenience of some of their identities.
3. Despite the soundness of her reasoning . . .
4. All those bombs dropped in the final pages.
All of that being said, THIS FALLEN PREY is still a stellar read in a series of exceptional reads. Armstrong cleanly laid the groundwork for multiple future developments, including some of Casey’s ongoing suspicions concerning the evolution of a “hostile.”
Dalton was his delightful self:
Shortly after we installed the bell someone rang it in the middle of the night. Drunk, obviously. Rang it and ran . . . leaving boot prints in the snow, which I matched to a perpetrator, whom Dalton then sentenced to go to each and every person in town and say, “I’m the fucking idiot who rang the fucking bell at two in the fucking morning. I’m sorry.”
No one has touched the bell since.
Casey continues to wrestle with her darker nature:
I want justification for my rage. I do want to see Brady gutshot for this. Gutshot and left in the forest. And that scares me. It’s the sort of thing Mathias would do, and I tiptoe around the truth of what Mathias is, alternately repelled and . . . Not attracted. Definitely not. But there’s part of me that thinks of what he does and nods in satisfaction.
YAS.
In THIS FALLEN PREY, Armstrong keeps you guessing right up to the end about the true nature of Rockton’s newest (sort of) inhabitant, and when you finally get the full story, I can almost guarantee it won’t be what you expected. I don’t know what the future holds for this settlement and its occupants, but once again, I’ll be impatiently waiting to find out. Still very much recommended.
March 11, 2018
3 Stars.
You remember Casey Duncan right? She’s the Detective who decided to live off the grid in Rockton, the town in the Canadian mountains where people go to hide from something and live new lives. Where there is no electricity, no internet and no cellphones. Sounds kind of perfect right? Except for Casey and her Sheriff boyfriend Eric Dalton, Rockton is far from perfect. Crime happens, even in the most perfect of places.
This time, the council has decided that Rockton is the perfect place to “hide” a serial killer. Yeah, you heard that right. The council and the town, are being paid a lot of money to take in Oliver Brady. The council is sure that no one will get hurt and that Casey, Eric and Will can keep him secure. What a laugh riot. Of course they can’t! Things slowly go from bad to bat sh&t for Casey and Dalton and Oliver escapes leaving people dead in his wake. Now its up to Casey and Dalton to find him before all hell breaks loose. This time they encounter Hostiles and people from the First Settlement and their chances of survival well, they get even worse.
“This Fallen Prey” is the 3rd book in the Casey Duncan series by Kelley Armstrong and though I found the storyline to be stalling a little this time around, I truly enjoyed the idea of a town like Rockton (minus all of the crime of course!).
This was a traveling sister read. Glad we read this together!.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Kelley Armstrong for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley and Goodreads on 3.11.18.
You remember Casey Duncan right? She’s the Detective who decided to live off the grid in Rockton, the town in the Canadian mountains where people go to hide from something and live new lives. Where there is no electricity, no internet and no cellphones. Sounds kind of perfect right? Except for Casey and her Sheriff boyfriend Eric Dalton, Rockton is far from perfect. Crime happens, even in the most perfect of places.
This time, the council has decided that Rockton is the perfect place to “hide” a serial killer. Yeah, you heard that right. The council and the town, are being paid a lot of money to take in Oliver Brady. The council is sure that no one will get hurt and that Casey, Eric and Will can keep him secure. What a laugh riot. Of course they can’t! Things slowly go from bad to bat sh&t for Casey and Dalton and Oliver escapes leaving people dead in his wake. Now its up to Casey and Dalton to find him before all hell breaks loose. This time they encounter Hostiles and people from the First Settlement and their chances of survival well, they get even worse.
“This Fallen Prey” is the 3rd book in the Casey Duncan series by Kelley Armstrong and though I found the storyline to be stalling a little this time around, I truly enjoyed the idea of a town like Rockton (minus all of the crime of course!).
This was a traveling sister read. Glad we read this together!.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Kelley Armstrong for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley and Goodreads on 3.11.18.
March 20, 2022
Let me get this right out in front, Sheriff Eric Dalton and Detective Casey Duncan are two of my favorite romantic characters in almost fifty years of reading. Plus, Kelly Armstrong is known for some famously romantic characters in her several paranormal series.
Unlike all of her other series, the Casey Duncan series is a hardcore police procedural, but set in a most unusual location. Armstrong is famous for her supernatural world building, but I think this series far surpasses those worlds.
Rockton is supposed to be a little off-the-grid town of last resort, set within the boundaries of a huge boreal forest in the Yukon. People are granted sanctuary-for a price- for reasons ranging from avoiding a wrongful criminal conviction to escaping an abusive partner and everything in between.
But the investors in Rockton have gotten greedy. First they started sneaking in white collar criminals who pay hefty fees. Then the mysterious investors/council tried sneaking really unsavory people into Rockton unbeknownst to Eric and Casey.
Entering into Rockton means the residents are isolated from just about every modern convenience, surrounded by a forest uncaring about their continuing existence. The even more primitive communities of settlers who left Rockton years ago and hostiles who revert back to a barely recognizable life form are extremely threatening complications to the citizens of Rockton. That’s why rule number one in Rockton is don’t go into the forest alone.
So the above should catch readers up on what Rockton is all about if they haven't read the previous two books. So it is fine to read This Fallen Prey as a standalone, but I highly suggest going back and reading the other two for the pure d. pleasure.
One afternoon while training Casey’s puppy, Eric, Casey, and Deputy Will Anders hear the buzz of a small plane. This is an almost impossible occurrence since Rockton is protected from discovery by high tech and sophisticated physical means.
The small plane lands and delivers a bound and gagged man. A thrill killer, a serial killer, named Oliver Brady is sent by his extremely rich step-father to Rockton as a way for Oliver to avoid prison. Turning Rockton into a prison would be a huge new source of income for the investors, but a major danger for the residents of Rockton as it is not equipped to function as a high security jail. People who find Rockton come for their safety. Not to be serial killer fodder.
It won't come as a shock that Oliver proclaims his innocence, saying his step-father is setting him up. Nor will it be a shock that with the help of an accomplice, Oliver escapes into the forest.
Eric and Casey have to go after Brady because a serial killer could pose a severe danger to those living in the forest and the wild apex predators can't be depended upon to take him out.
The atmospheric forest with it predators, settlers and hostiles does its best to kill Eric and Casey, and puppy Storm during their search for Oliver; with the 80 pounds of Newfoundland puppy seeming to be the major target of the forest.
As much as I love this series I did have a few complaints. The forest starred more than Rockton, and I missed Rockton. Other than Oliver, there were not any new Rockton residents introduced for more than a quick appearance. Many favorite long time residents only made cameo appearances, albeit in shocking ways for some.
Armstrong has always been a master of dialogue, either sharp or amusing. Taking bets on what will kill Oliver if he makes a run for it upon his arrival in Rockton:
“Fine, rabbits”
“But the rabbits haven’t killed anyone yet.”
“Yet.”
The story is action-packed edge of the seat reading. At one point Casey is shocked to find out it is only 3p.m. So is the reader.
I mentioned at the beginning that Eric and Casey were favored romantic characters. They would die for one another but instead do their very best to live for one another. How hot is that?
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Unlike all of her other series, the Casey Duncan series is a hardcore police procedural, but set in a most unusual location. Armstrong is famous for her supernatural world building, but I think this series far surpasses those worlds.
Rockton is supposed to be a little off-the-grid town of last resort, set within the boundaries of a huge boreal forest in the Yukon. People are granted sanctuary-for a price- for reasons ranging from avoiding a wrongful criminal conviction to escaping an abusive partner and everything in between.
But the investors in Rockton have gotten greedy. First they started sneaking in white collar criminals who pay hefty fees. Then the mysterious investors/council tried sneaking really unsavory people into Rockton unbeknownst to Eric and Casey.
Entering into Rockton means the residents are isolated from just about every modern convenience, surrounded by a forest uncaring about their continuing existence. The even more primitive communities of settlers who left Rockton years ago and hostiles who revert back to a barely recognizable life form are extremely threatening complications to the citizens of Rockton. That’s why rule number one in Rockton is don’t go into the forest alone.
So the above should catch readers up on what Rockton is all about if they haven't read the previous two books. So it is fine to read This Fallen Prey as a standalone, but I highly suggest going back and reading the other two for the pure d. pleasure.
One afternoon while training Casey’s puppy, Eric, Casey, and Deputy Will Anders hear the buzz of a small plane. This is an almost impossible occurrence since Rockton is protected from discovery by high tech and sophisticated physical means.
The small plane lands and delivers a bound and gagged man. A thrill killer, a serial killer, named Oliver Brady is sent by his extremely rich step-father to Rockton as a way for Oliver to avoid prison. Turning Rockton into a prison would be a huge new source of income for the investors, but a major danger for the residents of Rockton as it is not equipped to function as a high security jail. People who find Rockton come for their safety. Not to be serial killer fodder.
It won't come as a shock that Oliver proclaims his innocence, saying his step-father is setting him up. Nor will it be a shock that with the help of an accomplice, Oliver escapes into the forest.
Eric and Casey have to go after Brady because a serial killer could pose a severe danger to those living in the forest and the wild apex predators can't be depended upon to take him out.
The atmospheric forest with it predators, settlers and hostiles does its best to kill Eric and Casey, and puppy Storm during their search for Oliver; with the 80 pounds of Newfoundland puppy seeming to be the major target of the forest.
As much as I love this series I did have a few complaints. The forest starred more than Rockton, and I missed Rockton. Other than Oliver, there were not any new Rockton residents introduced for more than a quick appearance. Many favorite long time residents only made cameo appearances, albeit in shocking ways for some.
Armstrong has always been a master of dialogue, either sharp or amusing. Taking bets on what will kill Oliver if he makes a run for it upon his arrival in Rockton:
“Fine, rabbits”
“But the rabbits haven’t killed anyone yet.”
“Yet.”
The story is action-packed edge of the seat reading. At one point Casey is shocked to find out it is only 3p.m. So is the reader.
I mentioned at the beginning that Eric and Casey were favored romantic characters. They would die for one another but instead do their very best to live for one another. How hot is that?
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
February 18, 2018
I love the premise of this series - a town in the middle of nowhere that is for supposed victims to hide-out and live peacefully. Our heroine, Casey, entered this world a couple of books ago and works as a cop in this town. Unfortunately, she soon learned that not everyone there is a victim or witness, some of them are the perpetrators of crime and are hiding from the law. And, see, that seems like a flaw in this town's structure to me. Call me crazy, but it seems like an obvious mistake.
To make things worse, the people in charge decide to send our town a serial killer. They are supposed to house him for six months. No problem, right? Oh, and he's a sadistic, manipulative serial killer who looks like an innocent college kid and is telling everyone that he was set-up and is innocent. He's rich, so he can try to bribe people with money. He's good-looking, so he can try to manipulate women with flirtation.
The fish should have been right. It's a fun idea.
What it lacked in was execution.
Okay, so in our last book, Casey gets a puppy. The dog is 8 months old now and Casey has been training her. So far, that's fine. Cute dog in a story - cool. But, no. Not cool. The damn dog becomes such a focal point in the book that it's ridiculous. There is one scene where the dog runs off and Casey is chasing it. That scene lasts for like a hundred thousand pages. Just relentless page after page of the dog running and her thinking about all of the mistakes she might have made in training it, and worrying about what might happen to it. I started considering gouging my eyes out to stop reading about something so fucking boring and stupid.
And, yes, I know there have been many successful books in the past about the special bond between dog and owner, but that is NOT what this book is supposed to be about!
What I wanted: More serial killer. Less dog.
Just like Becca, the author didn't know when it was enough already.
I have to think that if I, a dog lover, got sick to death of the dog stuff in this book, how much worse would it be for cat people? I think they might just set themselves on fire to get away from this book.
WORST BOOK EVER.
Still, I like the town and idea of the book, so I enjoyed the non-dog portion of the story.
Is it worth it? Only if you really liked the first two.
To make things worse, the people in charge decide to send our town a serial killer. They are supposed to house him for six months. No problem, right? Oh, and he's a sadistic, manipulative serial killer who looks like an innocent college kid and is telling everyone that he was set-up and is innocent. He's rich, so he can try to bribe people with money. He's good-looking, so he can try to manipulate women with flirtation.
The fish should have been right. It's a fun idea.
What it lacked in was execution.
Okay, so in our last book, Casey gets a puppy. The dog is 8 months old now and Casey has been training her. So far, that's fine. Cute dog in a story - cool. But, no. Not cool. The damn dog becomes such a focal point in the book that it's ridiculous. There is one scene where the dog runs off and Casey is chasing it. That scene lasts for like a hundred thousand pages. Just relentless page after page of the dog running and her thinking about all of the mistakes she might have made in training it, and worrying about what might happen to it. I started considering gouging my eyes out to stop reading about something so fucking boring and stupid.
And, yes, I know there have been many successful books in the past about the special bond between dog and owner, but that is NOT what this book is supposed to be about!
What I wanted: More serial killer. Less dog.
Just like Becca, the author didn't know when it was enough already.
I have to think that if I, a dog lover, got sick to death of the dog stuff in this book, how much worse would it be for cat people? I think they might just set themselves on fire to get away from this book.
WORST BOOK EVER.
Still, I like the town and idea of the book, so I enjoyed the non-dog portion of the story.
Is it worth it? Only if you really liked the first two.
December 5, 2017
Rockton is a secluded town. There’s one sheriff, one deputy, one homicide detective, and one jail cell. A council decides who gets access to this unique town devoid of internet or electricity and there’s one person in Rockton who has direct access to the council. Communication to people outside of the town is extremely limited and the residents prefer it that way.
So who are some of the residents?Some are criminals with fat bank accounts who fund Rockton’s police department and overall economy. The latest to arrive in Rockton is a suspected serial killer whose stepfather has paid a million dollars upfront for a six-month stay. Neither Sheriff Dalton nor Detective Butler is happy about the council’s decision to allow this new person into their sheltered circle and it’s not long before their suspicions of impending disaster become a reality.
◈ This book was not for me.
I tried! Ultimately, it was the writing style that I disliked most. I loved the premise and the opening pages really intrigued me, but the narrator became increasingly boring (after the twenty percent mark) and I got tired of her mentioning that she and Dalton were lovers. She just kept mentioning it over and over and over and over again...
Essentially, there were a bunch of uninteresting side characters, flat main characters, and a great attempt to harness that small-town atmosphere, but I had trouble buying any of it. The cliffhanger ending only made me feel more frustrated with this story.
*NetGalley ARC kindly provided by St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.
So who are some of the residents?
◈ This book was not for me.
I tried! Ultimately, it was the writing style that I disliked most. I loved the premise and the opening pages really intrigued me, but the narrator became increasingly boring (after the twenty percent mark) and I got tired of her mentioning that she and Dalton were lovers. She just kept mentioning it over and over and over and over again...
Essentially, there were a bunch of uninteresting side characters, flat main characters, and a great attempt to harness that small-town atmosphere, but I had trouble buying any of it. The cliffhanger ending only made me feel more frustrated with this story.
*NetGalley ARC kindly provided by St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2018
3.5 Once again we return to Rockton, that off the grid community where people are given a second chance. On the run from their parts this community is supposed to offer safety, but it sometimes doesn't seem that way. In this offering, Casey and Eric are not offered the choice, when a man is unceremoniously dropped in their midst. The council rules, and a great deal of money is on offer, an offer they have no intention of refusing. This man, and his past crimes will place this small community in danger.
I am fascinated by these novels,the idea of such a place hidden in the Yukons, the different people that come here, and the many reasons they come. Enjoy the back stories of these characters and their varied personalities. The new life Casey and Eric are trying to forge together, along with their new tracking pup in training, Storm.
I didn't rate this one as highly as the previous two in series, though I did enjoy the reading. Felt there was almost two much going on by books end, hard to keep track of who was doing what to who and why. Too much danger from too many different elements. I did though, like the very end when a person who definitely needed a comeuppance, got one. Looking forward to seeing where that goes. So a good read, but a little too cluttered for this reader.
ARC from Netgalley.
I am fascinated by these novels,the idea of such a place hidden in the Yukons, the different people that come here, and the many reasons they come. Enjoy the back stories of these characters and their varied personalities. The new life Casey and Eric are trying to forge together, along with their new tracking pup in training, Storm.
I didn't rate this one as highly as the previous two in series, though I did enjoy the reading. Felt there was almost two much going on by books end, hard to keep track of who was doing what to who and why. Too much danger from too many different elements. I did though, like the very end when a person who definitely needed a comeuppance, got one. Looking forward to seeing where that goes. So a good read, but a little too cluttered for this reader.
ARC from Netgalley.
April 29, 2018
The premise of a secluded rustic small village in the middle of a vast northern forest seems improbable. By rustic, I mean no internet, no computers, no wifi, no phones, no electricity, and small wood cabins with wood heat. Once you accept the premise, though, you’ll be able to accept everything that happens in Rockton.
The council who established this village accepts a million dollar payment to keep a serial killer for six months. This with no warning to Dalton, the sheriff, Casey, his deputy, or any other resident. They are all surprised to see an airplane landing on their strip. And, of course, this supposed killer claims he’s innocent and he does escape.
The book is filled with action and traipsing about in the forest, where no one is ever allowed to go, but go they must. Casey’s 8-month-old Newfoundland puppy, Storm, is very involved in the search. We visit the First Settlement, and we also get to see some hostiles. And we finally meet Phil!
The romance between Dalton and Casey is still going strong, but it’s not overly mushy or graphic. There are, however, quite a few deaths. Because of changes in status of some of the residents, things will be quite different in the next visit to Rockton.
Kelley Armstrong has an easygoing writing style that just flows. She includes lots of snappy dialog and humor and sarcasm. This was a very enjoyable read, as is the series, and I’m looking forward to the fourth book.
The council who established this village accepts a million dollar payment to keep a serial killer for six months. This with no warning to Dalton, the sheriff, Casey, his deputy, or any other resident. They are all surprised to see an airplane landing on their strip. And, of course, this supposed killer claims he’s innocent and he does escape.
The book is filled with action and traipsing about in the forest, where no one is ever allowed to go, but go they must. Casey’s 8-month-old Newfoundland puppy, Storm, is very involved in the search. We visit the First Settlement, and we also get to see some hostiles. And we finally meet Phil!
The romance between Dalton and Casey is still going strong, but it’s not overly mushy or graphic. There are, however, quite a few deaths. Because of changes in status of some of the residents, things will be quite different in the next visit to Rockton.
Kelley Armstrong has an easygoing writing style that just flows. She includes lots of snappy dialog and humor and sarcasm. This was a very enjoyable read, as is the series, and I’m looking forward to the fourth book.
February 20, 2023
This Fallen Prey by Kelley Armstrong
Rockton / Casey Duncan series #3. Thriller. Best read in series order but can be read as a stand-alone.
The Counsel is the ultimate authority over the town of a Rockton and all its inhabitants. They send a supposed killer to be held prisoner to Rockton but the facilities don’t actually exist to accommodate a manipulative madman or self-proposed innocent man trying to escape. Complications, an accessory and escape lead Casey and Dalton (and Storm) on a wild chase in pursuit through the sparsely inhabited and deadly territory of Alaska.
Convoluted storyline of who is telling the truth or lying as the danger in the woods escalates.
Thrilling and intense. Don’t expect everyone to get back to Rockton alive.
Rockton / Casey Duncan series #3. Thriller. Best read in series order but can be read as a stand-alone.
The Counsel is the ultimate authority over the town of a Rockton and all its inhabitants. They send a supposed killer to be held prisoner to Rockton but the facilities don’t actually exist to accommodate a manipulative madman or self-proposed innocent man trying to escape. Complications, an accessory and escape lead Casey and Dalton (and Storm) on a wild chase in pursuit through the sparsely inhabited and deadly territory of Alaska.
Convoluted storyline of who is telling the truth or lying as the danger in the woods escalates.
Thrilling and intense. Don’t expect everyone to get back to Rockton alive.
February 12, 2018
With the secluded, secret town of Rockton as a setting (population around 200), one might think that it would start to get difficult for the author to come up with new ideas to sustain this mystery/suspense series. But when the population is ever-changing (most residents can only stay two years) and the great Yukon forest is itself populated with Settlers and Hostiles AND the town is financially supported by a Council that carries out its own agenda, well, there’s no shortage of opportunities for misadventure.
When the Council drops a sadistic serial killer into Rockton’s lap with no forewarning – all motivated by a very high payoff – and with instructions to hold him for six months, Sheriff Eric Dalton and Detective Casey Butler find themselves scrambling to ensure the safety of Rockton’s residents. It doesn’t help matters when the killer’s pleas of innocence only highlight the mistrust and suspicion both Eric and Casey have for the Council. It doesn’t take long though for things to go wrong and for tragedy to strike… but are things what they seem to be? This is the question that dogs both Eric and Casey as they set about trying to bring safety and order back to Rockton.
Kelly Armstrong has delivered another solid entry into this series. I won’t give away any spoilers so I’ll only say that I kept jumping back and forth about what the truth was and even up to almost the very end I wasn’t sure enough about what was happening to make a definitive call. The ending brought closure in some aspects but, frustratingly, not in others. One thing seems certain, and that’s that both Rockton and the Council appear poised for some changes. These changes will necessarily affect Eric and Casey and I’m very anxious to see how things move forward from here.
I can’t help but think these books would make a great tv series, with the Canadian Yukon territory as a gorgeous backdrop. *fingers crossed*
When the Council drops a sadistic serial killer into Rockton’s lap with no forewarning – all motivated by a very high payoff – and with instructions to hold him for six months, Sheriff Eric Dalton and Detective Casey Butler find themselves scrambling to ensure the safety of Rockton’s residents. It doesn’t help matters when the killer’s pleas of innocence only highlight the mistrust and suspicion both Eric and Casey have for the Council. It doesn’t take long though for things to go wrong and for tragedy to strike… but are things what they seem to be? This is the question that dogs both Eric and Casey as they set about trying to bring safety and order back to Rockton.
Kelly Armstrong has delivered another solid entry into this series. I won’t give away any spoilers so I’ll only say that I kept jumping back and forth about what the truth was and even up to almost the very end I wasn’t sure enough about what was happening to make a definitive call. The ending brought closure in some aspects but, frustratingly, not in others. One thing seems certain, and that’s that both Rockton and the Council appear poised for some changes. These changes will necessarily affect Eric and Casey and I’m very anxious to see how things move forward from here.
I can’t help but think these books would make a great tv series, with the Canadian Yukon territory as a gorgeous backdrop. *fingers crossed*
October 6, 2018
Rockton Series Recipe
-1 murderer (add to taste).
-2 unlikely romance candidates; if you don't have unlikely candidates, reader-sees-it-coming candidates will do.
-Ample helping of crusty townfolk.
-Sprinkle in tequilla shots and roaring fires in front of bear skin rugs.
-Carefully remove electricity, wifi, and modern amenities.
-Add in many dog chases through the woods that miraculously lead exactly where you need them to. Add a generous helping of deus ex machina.
Proceed to write at least four books with these ingredients.
I love when a book setting has such a degree of unique traits, it acts as a character. But if that's the only dynamic and atypical feature of the story, milking the series for at least four books might not be ideal. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book. The idea of an off-the-grid, top secret town that harbors victims and those looking to start their lives over is intriguing. Kelley Armstrong is a solid writer. But the cookie cutter model that thrived the first book fizzled in the second and fell flat the third. The series became increasingly monotone once we'd grown used to it and the character backstories were revealed.
And this is just a personal pet peeve, but the town's infatuation with Casey, the main character wears on the reader by book three. Everyone around Casey has princess goggles on; she's funny, tiny, attractive, smart, athletic, just one of the guys who all the guys want, the wild woodsmen will talk freely with her when they won't talk to anyone else...the list kind of drags on.
Was this series worth reading up to this point? Yes. But as I finished the last two pages and realized there would be yet another installment, I felt annoyed that the series hadn't just concluded already. At which point I decided it's not worth my time to read the next one.
This kind of feels like one of those escape rooms you start out having lots of fun with, but realize your end goal is to just leave. So you need to eventually wrap this sucker up.
I'd rate this an R for violence, sexual references, swearing, and references to rape.
-1 murderer (add to taste).
-2 unlikely romance candidates; if you don't have unlikely candidates, reader-sees-it-coming candidates will do.
-Ample helping of crusty townfolk.
-Sprinkle in tequilla shots and roaring fires in front of bear skin rugs.
-Carefully remove electricity, wifi, and modern amenities.
-Add in many dog chases through the woods that miraculously lead exactly where you need them to. Add a generous helping of deus ex machina.
Proceed to write at least four books with these ingredients.
I love when a book setting has such a degree of unique traits, it acts as a character. But if that's the only dynamic and atypical feature of the story, milking the series for at least four books might not be ideal. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book. The idea of an off-the-grid, top secret town that harbors victims and those looking to start their lives over is intriguing. Kelley Armstrong is a solid writer. But the cookie cutter model that thrived the first book fizzled in the second and fell flat the third. The series became increasingly monotone once we'd grown used to it and the character backstories were revealed.
And this is just a personal pet peeve, but the town's infatuation with Casey, the main character wears on the reader by book three. Everyone around Casey has princess goggles on; she's funny, tiny, attractive, smart, athletic, just one of the guys who all the guys want, the wild woodsmen will talk freely with her when they won't talk to anyone else...the list kind of drags on.
Was this series worth reading up to this point? Yes. But as I finished the last two pages and realized there would be yet another installment, I felt annoyed that the series hadn't just concluded already. At which point I decided it's not worth my time to read the next one.
This kind of feels like one of those escape rooms you start out having lots of fun with, but realize your end goal is to just leave. So you need to eventually wrap this sucker up.
I'd rate this an R for violence, sexual references, swearing, and references to rape.
September 17, 2020
This was a great addition to the series.
So you know the big, rich people who make up all the rules and pull people on strings like a puppeteer? Well they decided that they are now going to make Rockton a place where they can hide wanted fugitives! Their first choice is someone who literally just kills for the fun of it and they want Rockton to keep him for like six months until his precious island is ready for him to live on!
Like series, wtf were they thinking? The people who go to Rockton are hiding from people like that and are dealing with a lot of PTSD. They need to get their heads out of their wallets and into reality where people literally will get killed.
Because guess what? Of course, after a series of unfortunate events, he gets loose and people start killing people and he’s all like but wait, I’m innocent it was the guy who sent me here and then everyone else is like wait, who is he and why is he locked up with a gag on and people die and blah blah blah blah...
It’s all really, really unfortunate because they have already dealt with two killers; and now to be literally gift-wrapped a third and to not know if he is completely innocent like he says or guilty like the letter that came with him said... I just feel for these people.
The writing is, of course, exquisite because it’s Kelley Armstrong and anything she touches turns to gold. Literally I will read anything she writes. Even if it is strictly romance (which HI I usually HATE STRICTLY ROMANCE BOOKS, I will be reading it. I am slowly but surely jumping through her collections.
Now, I will say this is the weaker installment of the three so far. But it does leave you on a cliffhanger and now I am made that I have to wait until 2019 to read the fourth book.
---
Okay but the cliff hanger... was it necessary? RTC.
- - -
I want to say "I didn't sign up for animals to be killed in this book" but really, I requested this book as an ARC so I would be lying... but... I'm also crying so at least I rhyme.
---
Kelley Armstrong never wastes my time. She just dives right into the grime of things and that’s one of the things I love about her. This is going to be so good. A sadistic serial killer sentenced to Rockton for 6 months? What could possibly go wrong?
LITERALLY ANYTHING. JUST LET YOUR MIND WONDER AND YES THAT COULD AND PROBABLY WILL HAPPEN.
I wouldn’t be mad about a genre-flip and her werewolves from her other series Women of the Otherworld are behind the future killings that are going to happen because it’s an Armstrong book.
I’m done. This is the longest update ever. And I’m only 10% in.
So you know the big, rich people who make up all the rules and pull people on strings like a puppeteer? Well they decided that they are now going to make Rockton a place where they can hide wanted fugitives! Their first choice is someone who literally just kills for the fun of it and they want Rockton to keep him for like six months until his precious island is ready for him to live on!
Like series, wtf were they thinking? The people who go to Rockton are hiding from people like that and are dealing with a lot of PTSD. They need to get their heads out of their wallets and into reality where people literally will get killed.
Because guess what? Of course, after a series of unfortunate events, he gets loose and people start killing people and he’s all like but wait, I’m innocent it was the guy who sent me here and then everyone else is like wait, who is he and why is he locked up with a gag on and people die and blah blah blah blah...
It’s all really, really unfortunate because they have already dealt with two killers; and now to be literally gift-wrapped a third and to not know if he is completely innocent like he says or guilty like the letter that came with him said... I just feel for these people.
The writing is, of course, exquisite because it’s Kelley Armstrong and anything she touches turns to gold. Literally I will read anything she writes. Even if it is strictly romance (which HI I usually HATE STRICTLY ROMANCE BOOKS, I will be reading it. I am slowly but surely jumping through her collections.
Now, I will say this is the weaker installment of the three so far. But it does leave you on a cliffhanger and now I am made that I have to wait until 2019 to read the fourth book.
---
Okay but the cliff hanger... was it necessary? RTC.
- - -
I want to say "I didn't sign up for animals to be killed in this book" but really, I requested this book as an ARC so I would be lying... but... I'm also crying so at least I rhyme.
---
Kelley Armstrong never wastes my time. She just dives right into the grime of things and that’s one of the things I love about her. This is going to be so good. A sadistic serial killer sentenced to Rockton for 6 months? What could possibly go wrong?
LITERALLY ANYTHING. JUST LET YOUR MIND WONDER AND YES THAT COULD AND PROBABLY WILL HAPPEN.
I wouldn’t be mad about a genre-flip and her werewolves from her other series Women of the Otherworld are behind the future killings that are going to happen because it’s an Armstrong book.
I’m done. This is the longest update ever. And I’m only 10% in.
February 5, 2018
The Casey Duncan series is set in Rockton, a town off the grid, a refuge town for those trying to escape something in life like a stalker, abusive mate, or punishment from a crime. Supposedly residents are pre-screened for violent behavior, however Eric and Casey, Rockton’s Sheriff and Detective, are finding out that many of the residents are not as their paperwork has presented them. We’ve found out the hard way that there are very dangerous people in Rockton, but Casey and Eric are determined to keep the residents of this little town safe. Both Casey and Eric love their life, limited and imperfect as it is, they’ve found a place to belong, safe and fulfilled with each other.
In this newest installment, all is threatened when the council decides to admit a man, Oliver Brady, who’s accused of horrendous crimes. His stepfather paid a hefty price to have him secured there, but Casey and Eric are given no advance notice of his arrival and are completely unprepared to deal with such a prisoner, and there’s immediate chaos. Half the town feel sorry for Oliver and the other half are ready to exact justice. Of course, according to Oliver, he’s innocent, wrongly accused and being framed. Who to believe?
Man, this installment had so many twists and turns! Just when I thought things would settle down, a new fresh threat would pop up, so I was on the edge of my seat the entire book! I love Casey’s quick, logical thinking. She had an intelligent, deductive mind working every angle, but that didn’t keep her out of harm’s way, even so. Still, she’s a force to be reckoned with, both mentally and physically! I just love a woman with moves, able to kick some ass! LOVE Eric as well! He’s smart, courageous, and protective; they made an impressive team! It’s a delight to see their relationship continue to grow and solidify. They’re just it for each other.
There’s a few twists with some of the regular cast of characters that had me gasping in surprise! Danger, thrills, and action at every turn. On top of that these characters are so very interesting with many layers! I’m totally invested in Eric and Casey’s story, of course, but the secondary characters are captivating as well. I’m hoping we see more with Nicole and Eric’s brother, Jacob. Jen and Diana are just two pieces of work; love to hate them! Mathias, Val, Tyrone, Petra, and Isabel each have their own piece of the story as well.
The story was just sooooo good! Can I just say I love this series?! If you haven’t given it a try yet, you are missing out! Even though every installment is its own mystery, and wraps up by the end, I do recommend reading in order.
A copy was kindly provided by Minotaur Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This review is also posted at The Readers Den.
In this newest installment, all is threatened when the council decides to admit a man, Oliver Brady, who’s accused of horrendous crimes. His stepfather paid a hefty price to have him secured there, but Casey and Eric are given no advance notice of his arrival and are completely unprepared to deal with such a prisoner, and there’s immediate chaos. Half the town feel sorry for Oliver and the other half are ready to exact justice. Of course, according to Oliver, he’s innocent, wrongly accused and being framed. Who to believe?
Man, this installment had so many twists and turns! Just when I thought things would settle down, a new fresh threat would pop up, so I was on the edge of my seat the entire book! I love Casey’s quick, logical thinking. She had an intelligent, deductive mind working every angle, but that didn’t keep her out of harm’s way, even so. Still, she’s a force to be reckoned with, both mentally and physically! I just love a woman with moves, able to kick some ass! LOVE Eric as well! He’s smart, courageous, and protective; they made an impressive team! It’s a delight to see their relationship continue to grow and solidify. They’re just it for each other.
There’s a few twists with some of the regular cast of characters that had me gasping in surprise! Danger, thrills, and action at every turn. On top of that these characters are so very interesting with many layers! I’m totally invested in Eric and Casey’s story, of course, but the secondary characters are captivating as well. I’m hoping we see more with Nicole and Eric’s brother, Jacob. Jen and Diana are just two pieces of work; love to hate them! Mathias, Val, Tyrone, Petra, and Isabel each have their own piece of the story as well.
The story was just sooooo good! Can I just say I love this series?! If you haven’t given it a try yet, you are missing out! Even though every installment is its own mystery, and wraps up by the end, I do recommend reading in order.
A copy was kindly provided by Minotaur Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This review is also posted at The Readers Den.
March 11, 2018
This is the third of the Rockton series by Kelly Armstrong. It again "stars" the characters of Detective Casey and Sheriff Eric Dalton and their ability to keep the residents of the off the grid town of Rockton safe.
However, a plane lands in this desolate Yukon and a prisoner is taken off. He is no ordinary prisoner but one who is a serial killer and Casey and Eric are tasked to keep him contained in a town that has only one jail cell, no electricity and no internet. Needless to say things do not go well and as this team springs into action there is murder and mayhem that follows.
This book and its predecessors have followed an interesting theme, that of placing those who need to escape detection, away from the civilized world. Living off the grid provides a place where people can find an escape for the right price from their former lives, many of which have been unsavory to say the least. In This Fallen Prey we see the most unsavory of them all. However, there is a level of doubt as some of the primary characters from the previous novels interact with Brady Oliver, their now supposed resident serial killer.
This book as well as the other two have lots of action and suspense as we follow the clues to the book's conclusion. It is a fun read and offers an escape as we travel to the wilds of Rockton and once again meet the strange and sometimes evil people who live there. Thank goodness the dog, Storm, survives all the mayhem!
However, a plane lands in this desolate Yukon and a prisoner is taken off. He is no ordinary prisoner but one who is a serial killer and Casey and Eric are tasked to keep him contained in a town that has only one jail cell, no electricity and no internet. Needless to say things do not go well and as this team springs into action there is murder and mayhem that follows.
This book and its predecessors have followed an interesting theme, that of placing those who need to escape detection, away from the civilized world. Living off the grid provides a place where people can find an escape for the right price from their former lives, many of which have been unsavory to say the least. In This Fallen Prey we see the most unsavory of them all. However, there is a level of doubt as some of the primary characters from the previous novels interact with Brady Oliver, their now supposed resident serial killer.
This book as well as the other two have lots of action and suspense as we follow the clues to the book's conclusion. It is a fun read and offers an escape as we travel to the wilds of Rockton and once again meet the strange and sometimes evil people who live there. Thank goodness the dog, Storm, survives all the mayhem!
May 4, 2025
This Fallen Prey is the third book in the Rockton series by Kelley Armstrong, and again, I was hooked from start to finish.
I would recommend reading these in order to keep up with the events and fully understand the characters and their backstories.
In this book, Casey and Eric are left stunned when an unexpected plane arrives in Rockton carrying Oliver Brady, who arrives tied and gagged, pleading his innocence. The pair are obviously furious as it turns out Oliver is a huge danger to everyone, and the town doesn't have the facilities to hold him long term. With no choice but to take him, the put him in their small police holding cell tied and gagged and residents begin dividing in their opinions; some think its inhumane to keep him licked up that way, others are out for his blood upon learning who and what he is.
As Casey and Eric try to find a way around keeping Oliver there, struggle to uphold the peace and the law of the town and another murder and mystery unfolds, another unexpected guest flies into the town releasing even more chaos and even more revelations burst open.
I love this series, and the whole setting and cast of characters pulls at me with each story in the series so far.
I would recommend reading these in order to keep up with the events and fully understand the characters and their backstories.
In this book, Casey and Eric are left stunned when an unexpected plane arrives in Rockton carrying Oliver Brady, who arrives tied and gagged, pleading his innocence. The pair are obviously furious as it turns out Oliver is a huge danger to everyone, and the town doesn't have the facilities to hold him long term. With no choice but to take him, the put him in their small police holding cell tied and gagged and residents begin dividing in their opinions; some think its inhumane to keep him licked up that way, others are out for his blood upon learning who and what he is.
As Casey and Eric try to find a way around keeping Oliver there, struggle to uphold the peace and the law of the town and another murder and mystery unfolds, another unexpected guest flies into the town releasing even more chaos and even more revelations burst open.
I love this series, and the whole setting and cast of characters pulls at me with each story in the series so far.
February 23, 2023
I have a serious, serious love for this series. Combine the feeling of finding home at last with the frozen and absolute isolation that Casey Duncan finds in the north, and I never really stood a chance.
The third book slips a little from that - I'd say the majority of the book wasn't spent in the town or with it's people at all, but instead on the hunt for someone who is - but might not be - but wait no probably is - unless he's innocent after all - a seriously twisted serial killer, sent to Rockton by a rich stepfather who paid off the council. And I actually understated the back and forth on his innocence there :)
Still - Casey is Casey, and Dalton is Dalton, and the two of them (plus their new dog Storm) make one of my favourite couples in fiction. And while I might want to see more of the rest of the town, there's at least another two books to look forward to - and some of what was left unresolved here promises some great things further down the track.
The third book slips a little from that - I'd say the majority of the book wasn't spent in the town or with it's people at all, but instead on the hunt for someone who is - but might not be - but wait no probably is - unless he's innocent after all - a seriously twisted serial killer, sent to Rockton by a rich stepfather who paid off the council. And I actually understated the back and forth on his innocence there :)
Still - Casey is Casey, and Dalton is Dalton, and the two of them (plus their new dog Storm) make one of my favourite couples in fiction. And while I might want to see more of the rest of the town, there's at least another two books to look forward to - and some of what was left unresolved here promises some great things further down the track.
January 22, 2018
I've loved this series from the very first book, from the rawness of it right down to the crazy residents that reside in Rockton and after reading book three, I can say without a doubt, that this series is just getting even more awesome as it goes.
From a fast paced mystery to the slow burn of romance to the unusual setting and the even more unusual characters that make up Rockton, this series stand out and not only shines, but blinds.
I loved this latest installment even more than the others, and with five star ratings for the other two books, that is saying something.
Casey, Eric, Will, they are all just more that ever before. More fleshed out, more lovable, more crazy and even more outstanding. Mathias, Petra, Diana, Jacob, Val...heck all of the characters are just ones that are unforgettable and with that hint of never quite knowing who you can trust, this series is hard to put down and even harder to stop thinking about once you've picked it up. I simultaneously want to devour the books and make them last forever.
So very much happens in this. More backgrounds are revealed and exposed, more trust is broken, more friendships are made, and more than ever it is getting harder and harder to know the good guys from the bad guys.
And while the big mystery was solved at the end, even smaller ones are just beginning and are unraveling and that makes this installment even more exciting and even harder to wait for the next. Armstrong is one author that will continue to be on my auto-buy list and one I can continuously count on not to disappoint.
*ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
From a fast paced mystery to the slow burn of romance to the unusual setting and the even more unusual characters that make up Rockton, this series stand out and not only shines, but blinds.
I loved this latest installment even more than the others, and with five star ratings for the other two books, that is saying something.
Casey, Eric, Will, they are all just more that ever before. More fleshed out, more lovable, more crazy and even more outstanding. Mathias, Petra, Diana, Jacob, Val...heck all of the characters are just ones that are unforgettable and with that hint of never quite knowing who you can trust, this series is hard to put down and even harder to stop thinking about once you've picked it up. I simultaneously want to devour the books and make them last forever.
So very much happens in this. More backgrounds are revealed and exposed, more trust is broken, more friendships are made, and more than ever it is getting harder and harder to know the good guys from the bad guys.
And while the big mystery was solved at the end, even smaller ones are just beginning and are unraveling and that makes this installment even more exciting and even harder to wait for the next. Armstrong is one author that will continue to be on my auto-buy list and one I can continuously count on not to disappoint.
*ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
March 14, 2018
2.75 stars rounded up.
This Fallen Prey is book #3 in Armstrong’s Rockton series. Once again, we find ourselves following Detective Casey Duncan and Sheriff Eric Dalton through the rugged wilderness in hot pursuit of a very dangerous criminal.
Unfortunately, book three did not grab my attention or “wow” me. Armstrong’s overall concept is great, and I liked her original idea from the very beginning of the series. However, given that Rockton is a small, off-the-grid town with a very limited population, there is only so much that can be done with the storyline. I felt that I was reading a lot of the same stuff over again from books one and two.
I have read other books/series by Armstrong, and I think she is a very good writer. I think the overall concept of this particular series is very unique and intriguing, but I wonder if it would have been more effective if it had been presented in a stand alone book as opposed to a series?
**This was a Traveling Sisters read, and I enjoyed exploring this series with everyone.
This Fallen Prey is book #3 in Armstrong’s Rockton series. Once again, we find ourselves following Detective Casey Duncan and Sheriff Eric Dalton through the rugged wilderness in hot pursuit of a very dangerous criminal.
Unfortunately, book three did not grab my attention or “wow” me. Armstrong’s overall concept is great, and I liked her original idea from the very beginning of the series. However, given that Rockton is a small, off-the-grid town with a very limited population, there is only so much that can be done with the storyline. I felt that I was reading a lot of the same stuff over again from books one and two.
I have read other books/series by Armstrong, and I think she is a very good writer. I think the overall concept of this particular series is very unique and intriguing, but I wonder if it would have been more effective if it had been presented in a stand alone book as opposed to a series?
**This was a Traveling Sisters read, and I enjoyed exploring this series with everyone.
October 31, 2022
This was probably my least favorite in the series thus far, which was really disappointing since I love serial killers. It was a bit too convoluted and felt like the last quarter of the book couldn't decide what it wanted to be and just wanted to wrap up all of the many many threads of this story.
I still enjoyed the ride, though, although it was less fun without Anders being in the picture much. I did like some of the future implications that could come into play the most and that we got to see a bit more of a look at those living outside of Rockton.
I still love Eric and Casey and will read on this series, though.
3.5/5 rounded up to 4 stars
My Take on the Rockton Series
#1 City of the Lost 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
#2 A Darkness Absolute 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
#3 This Fallen Prey 🌟🌟🌟🌟
#4 Watcher in the Woods 🌟🌟🌟🌟
#5 Alone in the Wild 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
#6 A Stranger in Town 🌟🌟🌟🌟
#7 The Deepest of Secrets 🌟🌟🌟
I still enjoyed the ride, though, although it was less fun without Anders being in the picture much. I did like some of the future implications that could come into play the most and that we got to see a bit more of a look at those living outside of Rockton.
I still love Eric and Casey and will read on this series, though.
3.5/5 rounded up to 4 stars
My Take on the Rockton Series
#1 City of the Lost 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
#2 A Darkness Absolute 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
#3 This Fallen Prey 🌟🌟🌟🌟
#4 Watcher in the Woods 🌟🌟🌟🌟
#5 Alone in the Wild 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
#6 A Stranger in Town 🌟🌟🌟🌟
#7 The Deepest of Secrets 🌟🌟🌟
February 24, 2018
“The word you want,” Dalton drawls, “is ‘untenable.’” (Page 67).
That about sums up my feelings for this book thus far. I reserve judgment until I’ve finished it, of course, but it’s been a disappointment so far.
Now that I've finished this book, I can clearly see why I picked it up this series in the first place. At first, I was intrigued by City of the Lost, even though it wasn't quite the story about the Cities of Refuge that I was expecting. The premise was still unique and the h wasn't some shy wallflower who was tongue-tied around a handsome man, so I was willing to roll with it. The second book explored the relationship of the MCs a bit, while continuing with the plot twists that I've come to expect from this series, and that was alright, too. Unfortunately, this third book highlighted all of the things that I've managed to ignore up to this point. All of the things that I'm not really a fan of. Dark things like serial murderers, psychopathic personalities, mob mentality (think Lord of the Flies but on steroids), and rape. I think I covered it all, but might have missed one or two things.)
Darkness aside, I couldn't stand how untenable the entire world of this book is. The situation is insane, there are villains hiding around every corner, and the MCs are essentially being forced to deal with whatever situation the council deems necessary. You get the feeling that the world in which Rockton exists is on the verge of exploding, and it's not necessarily a nice feeling. This book was action-packed, but there might have been too much of it. The MCs are constantly giving chase, being chased, talking to someone named Chase (just kidding, I made that up), getting shot, stabbed, or punched by baddies, or freaking out over their dog. I'm serious. There was so much thinking of, worrying about, and analyzing that dog it wasn't even funny.
Now that's not to say that there wasn't anything that I enjoyed about this book. There were definitely some funny bits, down time when the characters were doing mundane tasks around town. The romance aspect of this book was also pretty deep, but written with a light hand, which I appreciated. There was only one intimate scene and it was pretty tame, and I appreciated that, too. The plot twist was also interesting and not one that I saw coming. I thought that I had figured everything out, but Ms. Armstrong surprised me good.
Overall, unfortunately, I had a hard time getting into this one. I've read books that have contained almost if not all of the objectionable elements that I mentioned above that had me on the edge of my seat, biting my fingernails, (fill in whatever cliche idiom you want that describes anxiety here), but this one failed to do that. If you enjoyed the previous two books, you might still love this one. I certainly thought I would, but it was just ok for me.
ETA: If you are easily offended by random Asian facts (that most likely aren't correct) thrown into the story for the sake of some diversity, avoid this book. The h has a quite advanced conversation with the leader of the First Settlement (or something like that) in Mandarin, a language that she admittedly hasn't really spoken in years. The last time she spoke it was probably with the guy in the last book. Needless to say, if your Mandarin is rusty, you can't have an advanced conversation using it and be remotely able to communicate what you want because it's a tonal language. It's not like English where you can sort of muddle through with words that sound like what you want to say. For example the word "big" sounds almost like the word "hit "and also sounds a little like the word "answer". The only difference is tone. So that part of the story, albeit very small, was completely silly and might offend some.
That about sums up my feelings for this book thus far. I reserve judgment until I’ve finished it, of course, but it’s been a disappointment so far.
Now that I've finished this book, I can clearly see why I picked it up this series in the first place. At first, I was intrigued by City of the Lost, even though it wasn't quite the story about the Cities of Refuge that I was expecting. The premise was still unique and the h wasn't some shy wallflower who was tongue-tied around a handsome man, so I was willing to roll with it. The second book explored the relationship of the MCs a bit, while continuing with the plot twists that I've come to expect from this series, and that was alright, too. Unfortunately, this third book highlighted all of the things that I've managed to ignore up to this point. All of the things that I'm not really a fan of. Dark things like serial murderers, psychopathic personalities, mob mentality (think Lord of the Flies but on steroids), and rape. I think I covered it all, but might have missed one or two things.)
Darkness aside, I couldn't stand how untenable the entire world of this book is. The situation is insane, there are villains hiding around every corner, and the MCs are essentially being forced to deal with whatever situation the council deems necessary. You get the feeling that the world in which Rockton exists is on the verge of exploding, and it's not necessarily a nice feeling. This book was action-packed, but there might have been too much of it. The MCs are constantly giving chase, being chased, talking to someone named Chase (just kidding, I made that up), getting shot, stabbed, or punched by baddies, or freaking out over their dog. I'm serious. There was so much thinking of, worrying about, and analyzing that dog it wasn't even funny.
Now that's not to say that there wasn't anything that I enjoyed about this book. There were definitely some funny bits, down time when the characters were doing mundane tasks around town. The romance aspect of this book was also pretty deep, but written with a light hand, which I appreciated. There was only one intimate scene and it was pretty tame, and I appreciated that, too. The plot twist was also interesting and not one that I saw coming. I thought that I had figured everything out, but Ms. Armstrong surprised me good.
Overall, unfortunately, I had a hard time getting into this one. I've read books that have contained almost if not all of the objectionable elements that I mentioned above that had me on the edge of my seat, biting my fingernails, (fill in whatever cliche idiom you want that describes anxiety here), but this one failed to do that. If you enjoyed the previous two books, you might still love this one. I certainly thought I would, but it was just ok for me.
ETA: If you are easily offended by random Asian facts (that most likely aren't correct) thrown into the story for the sake of some diversity, avoid this book. The h has a quite advanced conversation with the leader of the First Settlement (or something like that) in Mandarin, a language that she admittedly hasn't really spoken in years. The last time she spoke it was probably with the guy in the last book. Needless to say, if your Mandarin is rusty, you can't have an advanced conversation using it and be remotely able to communicate what you want because it's a tonal language. It's not like English where you can sort of muddle through with words that sound like what you want to say. For example the word "big" sounds almost like the word "hit "and also sounds a little like the word "answer". The only difference is tone. So that part of the story, albeit very small, was completely silly and might offend some.
February 12, 2018
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
This was such a good book! I really enjoyed the first two book in this series and was very eager to get started with this newest installment. I went into this book expecting really good things and I was not disappointed. This story was almost impossible to set aside and I ended up reading most of the book in a single day. This was a really thought provoking story filled with a whole lot of excitement. I had a lot of fun reading this book.
This is the third book in the Rockton series which works best if read in order. This story starts off with a bang right from the start. Casey, Eric, and the rest of the town are given a task that I would have never seen coming. They must keep a suspected serial killer in their town for the next 6 months. They don't even get any time to prepare for this event since he is dropped into their town with little more than a note as warning. Casey, Eric, and Will have to figure out how to safely contain the prisoner which proves to be a very difficult task.
I think that I like the characters from Rockton just a little bit more with each book. Everyone in the town is flawed or they wouldn't be there. We see things from Casey's point of view and I really enjoy seeing how she puzzles through certain situations. Eric takes on so many responsibilities and he takes them all very seriously. It is nice to see how much Casey and Eric respect and care about each other both personally and professionally. Storm, their puppy, also played a huge role in this book which I loved. Storm is a great dog and we really learn a lot about other characters in the book from the way that some of them chose to interact with her.
I loved the way the story was told. The mystery was very well done. There was just enough doubt given from time to time that I found myself in a constant state of wonder. There were times that I wondered what Casey was piecing together while other revelations hit me totally by surprise. I thought that it was great that a lot of this book takes place in the Wilderness outside of Rockton. It was interesting to see things play out with other groups in the region. I thought that the pacing was very well done with some really action packed moments offset by others that added a piece to the overall puzzle.
I would highly recommend this series to others. I think that this book was incredibly exciting with a mystery that kept me guessing right up until the very end. The characters and the whole concept of the town of Rockton are all very well done. This book did leave a few threads that I am sure we will see picked up in the next installment. I can't wait to read more of this wonderful series!
I received an advance reader edition of this book from St. Martin's Press - Minotaur Books via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
This was such a good book! The characters are great and the story was exciting from the very start. This was a book that kept me guessing until the very end and more than a few surprises popped up along the way. This was one heck of a page turner.
This was such a good book! I really enjoyed the first two book in this series and was very eager to get started with this newest installment. I went into this book expecting really good things and I was not disappointed. This story was almost impossible to set aside and I ended up reading most of the book in a single day. This was a really thought provoking story filled with a whole lot of excitement. I had a lot of fun reading this book.
This is the third book in the Rockton series which works best if read in order. This story starts off with a bang right from the start. Casey, Eric, and the rest of the town are given a task that I would have never seen coming. They must keep a suspected serial killer in their town for the next 6 months. They don't even get any time to prepare for this event since he is dropped into their town with little more than a note as warning. Casey, Eric, and Will have to figure out how to safely contain the prisoner which proves to be a very difficult task.
I think that I like the characters from Rockton just a little bit more with each book. Everyone in the town is flawed or they wouldn't be there. We see things from Casey's point of view and I really enjoy seeing how she puzzles through certain situations. Eric takes on so many responsibilities and he takes them all very seriously. It is nice to see how much Casey and Eric respect and care about each other both personally and professionally. Storm, their puppy, also played a huge role in this book which I loved. Storm is a great dog and we really learn a lot about other characters in the book from the way that some of them chose to interact with her.
I loved the way the story was told. The mystery was very well done. There was just enough doubt given from time to time that I found myself in a constant state of wonder. There were times that I wondered what Casey was piecing together while other revelations hit me totally by surprise. I thought that it was great that a lot of this book takes place in the Wilderness outside of Rockton. It was interesting to see things play out with other groups in the region. I thought that the pacing was very well done with some really action packed moments offset by others that added a piece to the overall puzzle.
I would highly recommend this series to others. I think that this book was incredibly exciting with a mystery that kept me guessing right up until the very end. The characters and the whole concept of the town of Rockton are all very well done. This book did leave a few threads that I am sure we will see picked up in the next installment. I can't wait to read more of this wonderful series!
I received an advance reader edition of this book from St. Martin's Press - Minotaur Books via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
This was such a good book! The characters are great and the story was exciting from the very start. This was a book that kept me guessing until the very end and more than a few surprises popped up along the way. This was one heck of a page turner.
April 14, 2018
This Fallen Prey is the third in the Casey Duncan series revolving around the remote town of Rockton. I highly encourage you to read the first two books in the series before beginning this one as it is not a stand alone novel, by any means.
Kelley Armstrong is a masterful storyteller and with her background in psychology is able to weave together characters that are fully fleshed out including all of the good and bad, rights and wrongs and ambiguities. In This Fallen Prey, Armstrong sets up a plot that allows the reader to fully examine those ambiguities of the characters within the town itself and reflect them back onto the real world's black and white ideas of right and wrong.
There is a lot of activity in this series segment and, at times, it almost feels as though there is too much - too much plot, too many characters, too much psycho-babble and far too much dog! Despite that, it still is a very engaging book and one that I could not put down.
If you have read the first two books in the series then you definitely will not want to miss this one. It delves deeper into the Rockton character's past than the previous two and gives a better picture of those who live outside of Rockton's walls than we've had previously. If you have not read Armstrong's books before - start at the beginning of the series. It's a suspenseful, thrilling set that is different from most in the genre.
Kelley Armstrong is a masterful storyteller and with her background in psychology is able to weave together characters that are fully fleshed out including all of the good and bad, rights and wrongs and ambiguities. In This Fallen Prey, Armstrong sets up a plot that allows the reader to fully examine those ambiguities of the characters within the town itself and reflect them back onto the real world's black and white ideas of right and wrong.
There is a lot of activity in this series segment and, at times, it almost feels as though there is too much - too much plot, too many characters, too much psycho-babble and far too much dog! Despite that, it still is a very engaging book and one that I could not put down.
If you have read the first two books in the series then you definitely will not want to miss this one. It delves deeper into the Rockton character's past than the previous two and gives a better picture of those who live outside of Rockton's walls than we've had previously. If you have not read Armstrong's books before - start at the beginning of the series. It's a suspenseful, thrilling set that is different from most in the genre.
February 5, 2018
This Fallen Prey is a poor follow-on to City of the Lost and A Darkness Absolute due to abundance of stupidity in the characters actions. I don't remember Casey Duncan being this done or the woods being this populated.
The premise is good - what happens if a serial killer is incarcerated in Rockton. But this intriguing premise is ruined by dumb character actions. The book ultimately devolves into a slasher flick with people being killed all over the place. I found The Fallen Prey to be a chore to read.
The premise is good - what happens if a serial killer is incarcerated in Rockton. But this intriguing premise is ruined by dumb character actions. The book ultimately devolves into a slasher flick with people being killed all over the place. I found The Fallen Prey to be a chore to read.
February 6, 2018
4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2018/02/05/...
After a slight dip, things in Rockton are back in full swing with this latest installment of the Casey Duncan mysteries. Summer has come to the Yukon and Casey is looking forward to taking advantage of the longer days, patrolling the woods around town with her boyfriend Sheriff Eric Dalton and training their boisterous Newfoundland puppy to help with police work. But then the peace is shattered when the powers that be inform Rockton that they will need to make accommodations for a new resident—which isn’t an unusual request by itself, but it soon becomes clear there’s nothing ordinary about this visitor.
For one thing, Oliver Brady is a serial killer. While Rockton may house its fair share of criminals who are trying to keep a low profile, none of them are anywhere near so dangerous. Established as a haven for those hoping to escape their pasts, the town also lacks any facilities or resources to keep anyone in long term imprisonment. But that is exactly what Rockton’s handlers are demanding, expecting the town to keep Oliver locked up and out of the public eye for six whole months. And because he’s the stepson of a rich businessman who is paying handsomely to make this all happen, Eric and Casey have no choice but to do as they’re told.
Still, no amount of warning could have prepared them for the trouble Oliver will bring to Rockton. From the moment he is dumped on their doorstep, bound and gagged, the young man has insisted on his innocence, claiming that he was set up. While Casey is almost certain it is all an act, Oliver does succeed in riling up the townsfolk who are disconcerted by his rough treatment, and before long, there is evidence to suggest he may have recruited a sympathizer or an accomplice. As a former homicide detective dedicated to seeking out the truth, Casey wants to believe in innocent until proven guilty, but neither can she deny that Rockton has become a much more dangerous place ever since the arrival of Oliver.
This series is three books in now, and just when I thought things might be slowing down, Kelley Armstrong is ratcheting up the action and suspense again in this unpredictable sequel filled with murder, subterfuge, and plenty of suspects. No doubt about it, this novel was a vast improvement over the previous one, which disappointed me after the strong start that was City of the Lost. First and foremost, the story of A Darkness Absolute was marred by its predictability; obviously, there was much less fun to be had when I was able to guess the perpetrator by the halfway point. The main characters were also forced into situations where they failed too many times, making me feel frustrated with their incompetence.
In contrast, This Fallen Prey was a roller coaster of red herrings and unexpected twists. As a character and a plot device, Oliver has got to be every mystery reader’s dream come true, simply because there is absolutely no guessing his endgame. He’s a desperate man and a master manipulator, taking advantage of Casey and Dalton’s honorable intentions and desire to do the right thing. Oliver’s sudden arrival in Rockton turns their job into a nightmare, and between all the security issues and chaos of trying to keep everyone from poking around asking too many questions, it’s amazing they were able to keep the town from tearing itself apart. I also liked that we got to see more of the surrounding areas of Rockton, with the warmer weather giving our characters more time to spend outdoors rather than stay cooped up within the confines of the town. Isolated and in the middle of nowhere, you’d think there wouldn’t be that many suspects to consider, but the author pulls out all the stops in this one, reminding readers that there are plenty of unknown factors out there lurking in the woods, including hostiles, settlers, and even the local wildlife. For the first time in this series, we also end on a significant cliffhanger where not every loose end gets resolved. Although the big questions get answered, things are still far from over.
Still, the highlight for me was being able to return to Rockton and catch up with the characters. Casey and Eric make a great team, and I’m liking how each book sees them growing closer. That said, the romantic drama has been downplayed with each sequel, which incidentally is what I prefer—after all, Casey Duncan is a mystery-thriller series, and Armstrong appears to have found the perfect balance between focusing on the suspense and action while continuing to develop character relationships without distract from the story. I can’t wait to read the next one.
Audiobook Comments: Considering how much I love Therese Plummer, I just have to say a few words about her performance. She’s one of the finest narrators I’ve had the pleasure of listening to, reading the story with perfect timing and dramatization. A good narrator is the key to a good listen, especially when it comes to the thriller-suspense genre, and once again Plummer knocks it out of the park.
After a slight dip, things in Rockton are back in full swing with this latest installment of the Casey Duncan mysteries. Summer has come to the Yukon and Casey is looking forward to taking advantage of the longer days, patrolling the woods around town with her boyfriend Sheriff Eric Dalton and training their boisterous Newfoundland puppy to help with police work. But then the peace is shattered when the powers that be inform Rockton that they will need to make accommodations for a new resident—which isn’t an unusual request by itself, but it soon becomes clear there’s nothing ordinary about this visitor.
For one thing, Oliver Brady is a serial killer. While Rockton may house its fair share of criminals who are trying to keep a low profile, none of them are anywhere near so dangerous. Established as a haven for those hoping to escape their pasts, the town also lacks any facilities or resources to keep anyone in long term imprisonment. But that is exactly what Rockton’s handlers are demanding, expecting the town to keep Oliver locked up and out of the public eye for six whole months. And because he’s the stepson of a rich businessman who is paying handsomely to make this all happen, Eric and Casey have no choice but to do as they’re told.
Still, no amount of warning could have prepared them for the trouble Oliver will bring to Rockton. From the moment he is dumped on their doorstep, bound and gagged, the young man has insisted on his innocence, claiming that he was set up. While Casey is almost certain it is all an act, Oliver does succeed in riling up the townsfolk who are disconcerted by his rough treatment, and before long, there is evidence to suggest he may have recruited a sympathizer or an accomplice. As a former homicide detective dedicated to seeking out the truth, Casey wants to believe in innocent until proven guilty, but neither can she deny that Rockton has become a much more dangerous place ever since the arrival of Oliver.
This series is three books in now, and just when I thought things might be slowing down, Kelley Armstrong is ratcheting up the action and suspense again in this unpredictable sequel filled with murder, subterfuge, and plenty of suspects. No doubt about it, this novel was a vast improvement over the previous one, which disappointed me after the strong start that was City of the Lost. First and foremost, the story of A Darkness Absolute was marred by its predictability; obviously, there was much less fun to be had when I was able to guess the perpetrator by the halfway point. The main characters were also forced into situations where they failed too many times, making me feel frustrated with their incompetence.
In contrast, This Fallen Prey was a roller coaster of red herrings and unexpected twists. As a character and a plot device, Oliver has got to be every mystery reader’s dream come true, simply because there is absolutely no guessing his endgame. He’s a desperate man and a master manipulator, taking advantage of Casey and Dalton’s honorable intentions and desire to do the right thing. Oliver’s sudden arrival in Rockton turns their job into a nightmare, and between all the security issues and chaos of trying to keep everyone from poking around asking too many questions, it’s amazing they were able to keep the town from tearing itself apart. I also liked that we got to see more of the surrounding areas of Rockton, with the warmer weather giving our characters more time to spend outdoors rather than stay cooped up within the confines of the town. Isolated and in the middle of nowhere, you’d think there wouldn’t be that many suspects to consider, but the author pulls out all the stops in this one, reminding readers that there are plenty of unknown factors out there lurking in the woods, including hostiles, settlers, and even the local wildlife. For the first time in this series, we also end on a significant cliffhanger where not every loose end gets resolved. Although the big questions get answered, things are still far from over.
Still, the highlight for me was being able to return to Rockton and catch up with the characters. Casey and Eric make a great team, and I’m liking how each book sees them growing closer. That said, the romantic drama has been downplayed with each sequel, which incidentally is what I prefer—after all, Casey Duncan is a mystery-thriller series, and Armstrong appears to have found the perfect balance between focusing on the suspense and action while continuing to develop character relationships without distract from the story. I can’t wait to read the next one.
Audiobook Comments: Considering how much I love Therese Plummer, I just have to say a few words about her performance. She’s one of the finest narrators I’ve had the pleasure of listening to, reading the story with perfect timing and dramatization. A good narrator is the key to a good listen, especially when it comes to the thriller-suspense genre, and once again Plummer knocks it out of the park.
March 3, 2018
A shallow grave. Unmarked. As a homicide detective, I should be finding these, not creating them. But this is Rockton.
All the twists! All the turns. Did I mention there are twists and turns?
"You're not even going to ask why we're walking a bound and gagged man through the forest, are you?"
"Figured he pissed Eric off."
Phew. This was a roller coaster of uncertainty and conflict and confusion and chaos. In the best fucking way. I'm so loving how this series is going, loving the evolution of these characters, and how the stakes are getting.. not bigger, per se, but way more complicated.
"Kill or be killed. It's the way of the jungle."
"We're not in the jungle. This is the boreal forest."
"Stop reading, okay? Just stop."
There's really nothing that be said that isn't spoilery for previous books but if you like strong, imperfect, heroines with a bit of darkness and a lot of intelligence, who are also capable, you'll love Casey. If you like the profanity dropping alpha male who is respectful, kind, but also a little damaged and broody, you'll love Dalton. If you like dogs, you'll particularly love this installment. And there's a host of other great characters, some not so likeable, and some that are total pains in everyone's asses.
Each plot has been dark, eerie, violent, and so so good, without being over the top or graphic. There's also excellent discourse on humanity, society, and a good mix of humour, too, all against the wild, untamed, unpredictable, backdrop of the Yukon.
Can't wait for more!
All the twists! All the turns. Did I mention there are twists and turns?
"You're not even going to ask why we're walking a bound and gagged man through the forest, are you?"
"Figured he pissed Eric off."
Phew. This was a roller coaster of uncertainty and conflict and confusion and chaos. In the best fucking way. I'm so loving how this series is going, loving the evolution of these characters, and how the stakes are getting.. not bigger, per se, but way more complicated.
"Kill or be killed. It's the way of the jungle."
"We're not in the jungle. This is the boreal forest."
"Stop reading, okay? Just stop."
There's really nothing that be said that isn't spoilery for previous books but if you like strong, imperfect, heroines with a bit of darkness and a lot of intelligence, who are also capable, you'll love Casey. If you like the profanity dropping alpha male who is respectful, kind, but also a little damaged and broody, you'll love Dalton. If you like dogs, you'll particularly love this installment. And there's a host of other great characters, some not so likeable, and some that are total pains in everyone's asses.
Each plot has been dark, eerie, violent, and so so good, without being over the top or graphic. There's also excellent discourse on humanity, society, and a good mix of humour, too, all against the wild, untamed, unpredictable, backdrop of the Yukon.
Can't wait for more!
February 28, 2018
I always start these books thinking "is this the one where I finally get fed up with Casey?". Well, no, it isn't!
I really have a love/hate relationship with the MC. She has personality traits I just can't stand. But, the again, if you're going to be a citizen of Rockton, it's probably a requirement you have interpersonal issues... in other words, you'll be a pain in the butt!
This one is even more driving than the first two. The suspense gets ratcheted up. I spent the entire last half of the book screaming to myself: "Not the dog! Not the dog!" (I actually have a t-shirt that says "I don't care who dies in the movie as long as the dog lives".)
The last quarter of the book was full of twists and turns, so much so, I was never really sure who was guilty of what. It was a great ride.
I really have a love/hate relationship with the MC. She has personality traits I just can't stand. But, the again, if you're going to be a citizen of Rockton, it's probably a requirement you have interpersonal issues... in other words, you'll be a pain in the butt!
This one is even more driving than the first two. The suspense gets ratcheted up. I spent the entire last half of the book screaming to myself: "Not the dog! Not the dog!" (I actually have a t-shirt that says "I don't care who dies in the movie as long as the dog lives".)
The last quarter of the book was full of twists and turns, so much so, I was never really sure who was guilty of what. It was a great ride.
October 27, 2018
I'm lucky enough to have, WATCHERS IN THE WOODS, the latest book in the Rockton series. However, I wanted to read THE FALLEN PRAY, the previous book released before I started it since it's the only one I hadn't read. So, I went for the audio version and it was a thrilling ride. I'm a big audiobook fan and Therese Plummer the narrator did an excellent job.
The Rockton series is fabulous, and THE FALLEN PRAY is one of the strongest books in the series. Casey Duncan and her law enforce colleagues get caught between a rock and a hard place when dangerous criminal Oliver Brady is dropped in Rockton and they are now responsible to keep him safe. Which is hard since the general population in Rockton, the off-the-grid community is, of course, curious to know who he is and what he has done...
I really liked this book and I'm now really eager to read the next book in the series. I recommend this series if you want a slightly different kind of thriller series. Rockton is a town with a lot of secrets and dangerous people. And, Casey's skill as a homicide detective is much needed...
The Rockton series is fabulous, and THE FALLEN PRAY is one of the strongest books in the series. Casey Duncan and her law enforce colleagues get caught between a rock and a hard place when dangerous criminal Oliver Brady is dropped in Rockton and they are now responsible to keep him safe. Which is hard since the general population in Rockton, the off-the-grid community is, of course, curious to know who he is and what he has done...
I really liked this book and I'm now really eager to read the next book in the series. I recommend this series if you want a slightly different kind of thriller series. Rockton is a town with a lot of secrets and dangerous people. And, Casey's skill as a homicide detective is much needed...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,152 reviews