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Gabriel Hawke #2

Mouse Trail Ends

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Dead bodies in the wilderness.
A child gone missing.

Book 2 in the Gabriel Hawke series.
Fish and Wildlife State Trooper Gabriel Hawke's job is to find a missing family in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. After finding the parents murdered, can he find a little girl on the run?
Hawke is an expert tracker, but he isn’t the only one looking for the child.
Even leaving the mountain, the girl isn’t safe. The murderers are looking for something. Something they believe the child possesses.

218 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 20, 2019

348 people are currently reading
44 people want to read

About the author

Paty Jager

112 books394 followers
Paty Jager is an award-winning author of 55+ novels, novellas, and short stories of murder mystery, western romance, and action adventure.
All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters. Paty and her husband raise alfalfa hay in rural eastern Oregon. Riding horses and battling rattlesnakes, she not only writes the western lifestyle, she lives it.

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5 stars
230 (53%)
4 stars
152 (35%)
3 stars
37 (8%)
2 stars
5 (1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
June 8, 2022
Once this story started rolling, it never let up. And it takes more than one unexpected turn before the end. I was immediately hooked by precocious Kitree and everything she faced down to keep herself safe. It was also fascinating to watch some of the defensive walls around Hawke crumble a little. I’m not sure how the author always manages to top the book before, but I’m already looking forward to seeing what it will take for the next one.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
862 reviews
February 20, 2019
Gabriel Hawke is a Fish and Wildlife Officer (State Trooper) who has been assigned to locate a missing family of three. He finds the two adults shot to death but now he has to track the couple's young daughter.

Kitree is hiding from the man who shot her parents while trying to wind her way to the troopers station as her Mother told her to do just before she died. She realizes she is being followed so does everything she can to lose whomever is following. Hawke is an expert tracker but he is fooled several times by Kitree. Hawke catches up with her and convinced her he will keep her safe. Little does he know that there are several people out to find her!

I adore Gabriel Hawke! He is his own man and is content to spend most of his working hours with his horse, mule and dog checking on the wildlife, hunters and fishermen on the areas where he is assigned. He has closed his heart off and kept it sealed until Kitree starts to worm her way in. An interesting and entertaining story.
Profile Image for Kim.
1,163 reviews16 followers
February 23, 2020
Fish and Wildlife State Trooper Gabriel Hawke's job is to find a missing family in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. He finds the parents murdered, and the little girl missing. Hawke is an expert tracker, but he isn’t the only one looking for the child. Even leaving the mountain, the girl isn’t safe. The murderers are looking for something. Something they believe the child possesses. Can Hawke find the murderers and keep the child safe?

This is book 2 in the series but can definitely be enjoyed as a stand-alone mystery. I enjoyed the first book, but this book was even better. All the characters in the book are well-developed and full of personality. I enjoyed getting to know Hawke's backstory in this book. Also, I loved how Kitree pulled out a part of Hawke’s personality that he has tried to keep buried. The mystery kept me on the edge of my seat. I could not wait to see who was behind the murder of Kitree’s parents. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

I listened to the audio version of this book. The narrator Larry Gorman was a great addition to an already great book. He did a wonderful job bringing the characters and story to life. His accents and vocals give the characters their own personalities.

I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced by anyone.
2,361 reviews
February 27, 2020
I really liked Mouse Trail Ends, and Larry Gorman's narration was even better than on the previous book (Murder of Ravens). Gabriel Hawke is back in the saddle again, ridin' the backwoods along with Dog and the pack mule named Horse. When he gets a radio call from the ranger station about missing campers, he's got enough supplies to head straight out and start the search. With little trouble he finds what's left of the bodies... But, the stakes suddenly get higher when he realizes that the camper's young daughter is missing! He has to find the girl fast, before the elements, or her parents' killer finishes the job!
Profile Image for Lesley.
398 reviews6 followers
June 18, 2022
Rating - 4
Time - contemporary
Location - Wallowa County, Oregon
Genre - mystery, police procedural

The author of this series uses the actual geographic locations, but changes the names of the towns. She rode with the Oregon State Police - Fish and Wildlife division to learn their job. She also spoke with a pathologist, the county coroner, and a helicopter expert.

I really like the main character, Hawke who is a Nez Perce native. He is 53 years old, but in really good shape due to his life style. Hawke is an officer in the Fish and Wildlife division of the state police. He is a man of few words and much prefers the company of his animals and wildlife than most people. His horse, mule and dog are invaluable to him in his work in the mountains
of Oregon. They are important characters in these books.
This book, #2 in the series, begins with the discovery of a man and his wife who were camping with their daughter up in the mountain. The 14 year old daughter Kitree, is nowhere to be found. This is where Hawke's superior skills as a tracker comes to the fore. He was taught these techniques by his grandfather when he was a young boy.
Hawke does find Kitree, who is now the target of the person who killed her parents. Over a period of several weeks they become close while Hawke protects Kitree and continues to investigate the case.
POV alternates between Hawke and Kitree which I enjoyed.
The author obviously knows this area very well. Her portrayal of the people who live in the small towns and mountains is spot on. I will certainly continue to read this series. Plus I want to discover if Hawke can overcome his aversion to marriage and family. He is quite attracted to Dani, a women in her late 40's who runs a lodge in the area,























































Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books31 followers
January 20, 2024
Oh boy!! Talk about a captivating story, I was hooked right from the start. I normally don't like stories were parents get killed leaving behind young children, I get to emotional but I made it through the story with no tears. Why? Because the story never let's up and I didn't have time to cry. Right from the start I was wishing for a happy ending for the young and tenuous child, that stole my heart right from the start. I really enjoyed the story, the way she outsmarted a seasoned tracker like our hero Hawke, which had me smirking. If I was lost in the woods she is the one I would want to be lost with. A good portion of the book takes place in the wilderness, as the pair tries to make it to safety but it doesn't end there once back in civilization they have to work out why her family was targeted in the first place and why somebody is still after her, leading to a good mystery. I am so glad I discovered this series and I am off to start the next book.

When a family goes missing in the Eagle Cap Wilderness Fish and Wildlife State Trooper Gabriel Hawke is the one called in to find out why they never made it home. He finds more than he was bargaining for. The mother and father are quickly discovered shot dead and no sign of the daughter. Using his tracking skills Hawke follows the trail the young girls leaves but she doesn't stick to any of the trails and in fact is going deeper into the forest. Like she is running from something or someone? Could her parents killer have his sights on her too? It's up to Hawke to find her first and workout why she and her parents were targets.
I like the narrator. He did some good voices for both the adults and the child. As well as male and female.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntary left this review.
Profile Image for Jobiska (Cindy).
474 reviews9 followers
Read
May 10, 2023
The reason I'm not giving a # rating is for the editing issues. In the main, I have no problem with the book--exciting story line, great characters, interesting back stories, etc. Glad to learn why the mule is named Horse--see, even the mule has a back story! hee!

Since the first book, the issues with repeated words within two sentences has resolved greatly. But there is still some nonspecific phrasing that made me have to go back to see who "she" was referring to (Dani or Kitree?) and that sort of thing. The worst was when Hawke reads a forensic report that says there was epithelial DNA on the victim's privates, then later he talks to another law enforcement agent who says there was none, then when it comes up again they say it's there. Get a couple more readers! I wouldn't be so frustrated with editing issues if I didn't really enjoy the book--I'd just stop reading!

There's also a ton of "peering into [his/her] eyes," which gives me a totally different image than what I believe was intended. "Gazed into her eyes." "Searched his gaze." "held his gaze for a moment." Change it up!

I got the first three books free, used, and am racing through them to give them to my sister-in-law when I see her, because I think she'll like the setting especially. But I want to be clear that I am enjoying the series enough that I do plan to buy the later sequels. I just hope they get tighter and clearer because if I pay for a book, I want it clear!
Profile Image for Dalice Peterson.
53 reviews
February 21, 2019
Ok, Clear Your Schedule…

You’re going to want to read this one in one sitting. Gabriel Hawke is back. This book moves at a racing pace. It begins with murder in the mountains. Kitree a young girl finds her father dead, and her mother dying in their camp. With more backbone than you’d expect from a child, she heeds her mother’s dying words and escapes to the forest to save herself, vowing to bring the murderers to justice. (And dang if she doesn’t keep that vow.) Hawke is the Trooper who is given the report of a missing family begins to search. He finds the dead parents and begins to track Kitree. Even though Hawke is a master tracker, she manages to evade him for a time. Kitree doesn’t know who to trust and Hawke has to use all his skills to locate the very resourceful girl. I absolutely loved Kitree; what a terrific character! The mystery of who killed the parents, and why they’re still after Kitree is wonderfully developed and tricky; well plotted and believable. Even the minor characters are fully developed and wonderful. I really enjoy how this series is progressing and I hope for many more Hawke books. I rec’d an early copy and loved every word.
Profile Image for Anne Rightler.
1,972 reviews35 followers
March 6, 2020
Mouse Trail Ends by Paty Jager, is the second book in her Gabriel Hawke series. Having read several books in this author's Shandra Higheagle Mystery series, I was looking forward to reading this one and was not disappointed. As a fish and wildlife state trooper, Hawke, of Native American heritage, has been tasked to find a missing family and there ensues a good murder mystery. With few clues and plenty of twists to the plot the author keeps the reader's interest high. A smart young girl left an orphan, FBI troopers (or are they?) and lots of friends to help and the story just clicks along! I can't wait to read the next in this series. The narrator, Larry Gorman, does a good job giving voice to the characters as he reads the story, which made for an enjoyable listening experience. I listened to a complimentary copy of the audiobook and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Becky Claxon.
2,211 reviews18 followers
February 20, 2019
I loved this exciting, mystery that has Hawke on the trail of a killer again. I couldn’t put the book down until I read the whole thing! Kitree is an amazing child, and sounds so much more mature for her age. I loved the friendship between her and Hawke. She helped Hawke seem softer. Of course I hated that she had to find her parents dead and then run for her life in the woods by herself. I was so glad that Hawke was the person to finally find her and gain her trust. Whoever killed Kitree’s parents were now trying to kill her. Unfortunately she wasn’t safe from the FBI and who knew else. Hawke was the only person she trusted. I was glad to see Hawke cared enough about Kiltree to make sure she was safe. This is an exciting, nail biter story that I loved. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
10 reviews
February 21, 2019
Mouse Trail Ends is the second book in the Gabriel Hawke series. The Oregon Fish and Wildlife State Trooper discovers the bodies of a man and women and must find their missing daughter, Kitree. The story starts with Hawke tracking the little girl while she evades him thinking he is the killer. Hawke works to find out why the parents were killed, who killed them and why the FBI wants Kitree to be turned over to them. All the while he is trying to protect Kitree from everyone! Everything comes together in a nail biting ending!

We learn more about Hawke's background in this book. We also see a softer side to him as he relates to this little girl. This book is a page turner! I couldn't put it down until I was finished. I am looking forward to the next Gabriel Hawke book. I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,423 reviews12 followers
February 23, 2019
This was a very late night/early morning read, I had to read it in 1 sitting as I just couldn't put it down!

Kitree has gone camping with her Mum and Dad, she's off collecting wild flowers before they hike out to go home when she hears 2 shots, she finds her Dad dead and her Mum dying.

She leaves camp to find a Ranger Station and Hawke is called in to find her, and protect her until the killer is found.

Lots of twists and turns in the story, some characters from the previous book appear like Dani, the owner of the hunting lodge; and of course Jack, Horse and Dog too.

A brilliant book which deserves to be read, I cannot wait until the next book is released. .. a must must read!
Profile Image for Glenda.
281 reviews25 followers
March 27, 2019
WOW‼️ Love, love, loved this book‼️ Kitree grabbed my heart from page one! My heart was broken for a young girl who is out enjoying nature with her parents when her life changes forever at the sound of a gunshot. Enter Gabriel Hawk, Fish and Game officer sent to find a missing family on the mountain. Kitree proves is one smart girl but Hawke finally catches her and she realizes he is there to help her. The bond that developes between the two as they elude the killers and try to catch them is one of care and respect. I cannot wait to read the next story in the series! I was given a complimentary copy of this book and choose to write a review.
145 reviews
August 29, 2019
Good Read

The second book in the Hawke series was a very powerful read. A young girl is alone in the wilderness, her parents murdered while she was away from their camp site. Hawke is assigned as the search and rescue warden. The child is very
mature, and has shown herself to be very intuitive in her flight for help. The book details Hawke's initial search, and the subsequent attempts on her life. Along the way, characters from the first book are a part of the story and mystery of the attempts to kill the child. Read the first two books in the series. I think you will be glad you did.
Profile Image for Elissa.
Author 39 books109 followers
July 11, 2021
Strong, Silent Hero

A worthy spinoff from the Shandra Higheagle stories, this is the second book in the Gabriel Hawk series, a character who was introduced in one of the more recent Shandra titles. You have all of the ingredients for a first class thriller here, including a child-at-risk murder in the mountains, crooked government types, and a swoon-worthy hero. There are even elements of potential romance sneaking about and the whole story is standalone, within the greater arc of the two series. Another very satisfying adventure! Five stars.
2,037 reviews8 followers
February 19, 2024
Audiobook: I enjoyed book 2 of the "Gabriel Hawke" series even more than the first book. Trooper Hawke needed to track a young girl whose parents were murdered. I liked the relationship between Hawke and the young girl. I admired her spunky and independent spirit. There were some touching moments that added to the impact of the story. I'm looking forward to the next story in the series. Larry Gorman's narration was agreeable, and his performance enhanced the story's entertainment. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
450 reviews5 followers
August 25, 2024
I listened to the audio version of this book and I really enjoyed it. This is book two of the Gabriel Hawke series and I enjoyed it more than the first book. I'm glad they kept the same narrator as the first book because he has become Hawke's voice and I enjoy listening to him. Kitree's parents were killed right from the beginning and sets in motion the connection Hawke develops with the girl. The story is well developed and you fall in love with Kitree from the beginning. Highly recommend this book.
1,788 reviews15 followers
February 20, 2019
This is a great story. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Paty Jager never disappoint. Ms Jager again gives you a well written murder mystery full of suspense and intrigue that keeps you hooked from the beginning to the very end.

I had a lot of trouble putting it down.

I cannot wait to read her next story.

It is very rare for me to give a book five stars but this one deserves it.

Highly recommend.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
1,782 reviews6 followers
February 24, 2019
This was a well-written, entertaining book. Gabriel Hawke, an expert tracker, is a Fish and Wildlife State Trooper. He sets out to find a missing family, then, when he finds the parents have been murdered, he needs to get their child to safety. This book can be read as a standalone story, though it is #2 in the Gabriel Hawke series. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.
Profile Image for J.J. Rusz.
Author 4 books30 followers
January 23, 2020
I’m not a stickler for procedural details, but find some law enforcement tactics in Paty Jager’s “Mouse Trail Ends” odd. The basic story is simple: State Trooper Gabriel Hawke must protect a child who witnesses a brutal crime. But how the trooper and his allies go about that task is not always convincing. The tale still works, however, because Jager maintains strong emotional connections between her characters. And Hawke is appealing even when he makes mistakes.
Profile Image for Holly Lenz.
928 reviews2 followers
March 4, 2020
Mouse Trail Ends is an interesting murder mystery taking place in the rural Northwest with a Native American Ranger and a smart little girl. The story has a complicated and involving plot that will keep readers on their toes.

The narrator of the audio book has some strange patterns in his voice, but overall he does a good job with the story and the character voices.

I received a complimentary copy of this audio book. This is my honest and voluntary review.
7,766 reviews50 followers
October 5, 2020
Hawke finally found someone who was almost as skilled in the wilderness, and could even keep him from finding her, Kitree. Last minute to look for somemore wildflowers especially maybe some bluebells before they left camp. Returning to the horror of parents being murdered, and now after her. Her mother’s final words kept her alive. It was mix of who was the good guys and who was the bad, and what did they want, enough to have killed for. A cute story, showing hiw much Hawke enjoyed this outing, while trying to keep Kitree safe, and she was only ten year’s old.
Profile Image for Gayle Parish.
59 reviews13 followers
January 10, 2026
This book is much better edited and written than the first one. The storyline kept my interest, and I was invested in the characters as young Kitree lead Hawke on his toes trailing her. Her fears are palpable as she tries to avoid being caught, despite the fact that Hawke is there to help her, she doesn't know this. I would recommend this book.
8 reviews
March 13, 2019
Terrorism in the Heartland.

We don't expect terrorism to invade our small towns, recreational areas and other soft targets. Nor do we] expect the radical Muslims to change the values of our people.
7 reviews
March 18, 2019
Suspense

The book had a lot of twist. So worried about the you were always surprised with the next step. Hawke is a person after the facts no matter where it leads. Wonderful series I can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Karen McCormick.
180 reviews
April 11, 2019
Excellent series

This was a complicated storyline, well written with great character development. New characters gave the series new depth & great potential. Great description & very enjoyable. Looking forward to new book.
485 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2019
Book 2 Hawke

Book 2 was as exciting as book 1. I don't understand the negative review. This is not true crime, it's fiction, a thriller and a murder mystery of sorts. I like it. I would've like more of the Native American culture included in the story.
9 reviews
January 16, 2020
Good Read

I have read the first two books in this series and enjoyed both. The style is similar the Steve Hamilton and William Kent Krueger, both of which have a key character with American indian heritage and law enforcement backgrounds.
Don J
77 reviews2 followers
March 27, 2023
Short but sweet

Enjoyed the style of writing. The author used great description of the events and of course the nature.
The mystery was fun and I like the characters. This is the second book in the series I have read.
169 reviews
September 30, 2024
I enjoyed the first book but this one is even better. I love the main character and the way the author pulls you into the story. The narrator did a great job. I will definitely continue with this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

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