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Neah Bay #2
Lone Jack Trail
Could ex-con Mason Burke be a killer? When an athlete's body is found in Deception Cove, Marine veteran Jess Winslow begins to wonder if her friend is capable of murder.
A body washes up on the shore near Deception Cove. It belongs to "Bad" Brock Boyd, a disgraced former professional athlete from Makah County who recently finished a prison sentence for dogfighting. Marine veteran Jess Winslow, now a trainee deputy in Deception Cove, is assigned to help investigate the suspicious death. But when it comes out that her friend, ex-convict Mason Burke, had a run-in with the victim on the day of his death, she's forced to question whether everything she thinks she knows about Burke is wrong.
As prime suspect in the case, Burke is forced to go on the run. Jess is torn between the man she could love and the facts of the case, which seem to point squarely at him.
A body washes up on the shore near Deception Cove. It belongs to "Bad" Brock Boyd, a disgraced former professional athlete from Makah County who recently finished a prison sentence for dogfighting. Marine veteran Jess Winslow, now a trainee deputy in Deception Cove, is assigned to help investigate the suspicious death. But when it comes out that her friend, ex-convict Mason Burke, had a run-in with the victim on the day of his death, she's forced to question whether everything she thinks she knows about Burke is wrong.
As prime suspect in the case, Burke is forced to go on the run. Jess is torn between the man she could love and the facts of the case, which seem to point squarely at him.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published August 11, 2020
89 people are currently reading
2669 people want to read
About the author
Owen Laukkanen
21 books550 followersOwen Laukkanen's debut thriller, THE PROFESSIONALS, was published by G.P. Putnam's Sons in spring 2012. Its sequel, CRIMINAL ENTERPRISE, will hit stores on March 21, 2013.
An alumnus of the University of British Columbia's Creative Writing BFA program, Laukkanen spent three years in the world of professional poker, traveling to high-stakes tournaments across the globe as a writer for www.PokerListings.com.
A commercial fisherman when he’s not writing, Laukkanen divides his time between Vancouver, British Columbia and Prince Edward Island, Canada.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
April 14, 2024
Lone Jack Trail is the second novel from Owen Laukkanen featuring Mason Burke, Jess Winslow, and Lucy, the pit bull mix that first brought Burke and Winslow together. It follows the excellent Deception Cove, which was published in 2019, and, as good as that book was, this one is even better.
Burke is an ex-con who did fifteen years in prison as an accessory to murder. Winslow, recently widowed, is a former Marine who returned home to Deception Cove with PTSD after serving in Afghanistan. A small town in Makah County on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, Deception Cove is on a downhill slide and most of the people who live there are barely hanging on. Some are living on the margins of the law while others have already crossed over the line in an effort to keep body and soul together.
While in prison, Burke participated in a program where convicts trained service dogs which then went to people who needed them. As part of the program, he trained Lucy who was then given to Jess Winslow as a comfort animal. Once out of prison, Burke went to Deception Cove to ensure that Lucy was being treated well. He and Winslow became involved in a mess that involved Lucy, and once those matters were resolved, Burke remained in Deception Cove, tentatively beginning a relationship with Winslow that might or might not have a future.
As this book opens, Winslow has become a Makah County deputy sheriff and Burke is living in a cheap motel, working for a contractor who is rebuilding Winslow’s house. Their relationship is progressing slowly and it’s still not clear if the two have a real future together. They do share a love for Lucy, though, and both are very protective of the dog.
This creates a problem when a former professional hockey player named “Bad” Brock Boyd returns home after serving a prison sentence for dogfighting. Boyd is a local hero—the most famous person ever to come out of Deception Cove—and he remains very popular, his conviction notwithstanding. Given that Lucy had been rescued from a dogfighting ring before coming to Mason Burke, Burke is naturally suspicious and resentful of Boyd. The two circle each other for a couple of days and after Burke sees Boyd harassing Lucy, the two men have a huge fight.
A couple of days after that, Boyd’s body washes up on the beach with a bullet hole in his forehead. Burke, already having served time for murder and having fought with Boyd, is the natural prime suspect. He’s still an outsider in Deception Cove; many people are suspicious of him anyway, and most people have no problem assuming that he’s guilty of killing Boyd.
Even though she cares for him, even Jess Winslow can’t be totally certain that Burke is innocent, and with all of the cards seemingly stacked against him, Burke goes on the run in the hope of proving his innocence. Winslow, of course, is badly compromised, torn between her job and her affection for Burke.
As usually happens in a thriller like this, one thing leads to another and the tension and the action ramp up significantly. It’s a great plot, and as in his previous books, Laukkanen creates believable and very sympathetic characters, both human and canine. In particular, he excels at creating a great setting, and from the opening pages, Deception Cove and the surrounding county feel absolutely real.
As evidenced by my reviews of Laukkanen’s earlier books, I’ve been very impressed with his work from the very beginning, and Lone Jack Trail is another terrific novel that will keep readers turning the pages well into the night. I’m already looking forward to his next book.
Burke is an ex-con who did fifteen years in prison as an accessory to murder. Winslow, recently widowed, is a former Marine who returned home to Deception Cove with PTSD after serving in Afghanistan. A small town in Makah County on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, Deception Cove is on a downhill slide and most of the people who live there are barely hanging on. Some are living on the margins of the law while others have already crossed over the line in an effort to keep body and soul together.
While in prison, Burke participated in a program where convicts trained service dogs which then went to people who needed them. As part of the program, he trained Lucy who was then given to Jess Winslow as a comfort animal. Once out of prison, Burke went to Deception Cove to ensure that Lucy was being treated well. He and Winslow became involved in a mess that involved Lucy, and once those matters were resolved, Burke remained in Deception Cove, tentatively beginning a relationship with Winslow that might or might not have a future.
As this book opens, Winslow has become a Makah County deputy sheriff and Burke is living in a cheap motel, working for a contractor who is rebuilding Winslow’s house. Their relationship is progressing slowly and it’s still not clear if the two have a real future together. They do share a love for Lucy, though, and both are very protective of the dog.
This creates a problem when a former professional hockey player named “Bad” Brock Boyd returns home after serving a prison sentence for dogfighting. Boyd is a local hero—the most famous person ever to come out of Deception Cove—and he remains very popular, his conviction notwithstanding. Given that Lucy had been rescued from a dogfighting ring before coming to Mason Burke, Burke is naturally suspicious and resentful of Boyd. The two circle each other for a couple of days and after Burke sees Boyd harassing Lucy, the two men have a huge fight.
A couple of days after that, Boyd’s body washes up on the beach with a bullet hole in his forehead. Burke, already having served time for murder and having fought with Boyd, is the natural prime suspect. He’s still an outsider in Deception Cove; many people are suspicious of him anyway, and most people have no problem assuming that he’s guilty of killing Boyd.
Even though she cares for him, even Jess Winslow can’t be totally certain that Burke is innocent, and with all of the cards seemingly stacked against him, Burke goes on the run in the hope of proving his innocence. Winslow, of course, is badly compromised, torn between her job and her affection for Burke.
As usually happens in a thriller like this, one thing leads to another and the tension and the action ramp up significantly. It’s a great plot, and as in his previous books, Laukkanen creates believable and very sympathetic characters, both human and canine. In particular, he excels at creating a great setting, and from the opening pages, Deception Cove and the surrounding county feel absolutely real.
As evidenced by my reviews of Laukkanen’s earlier books, I’ve been very impressed with his work from the very beginning, and Lone Jack Trail is another terrific novel that will keep readers turning the pages well into the night. I’m already looking forward to his next book.
August 20, 2020
4.5 stars.
This is a powerful, character-driven sequel to Deception Cove. It was powerful and suspenseful The story kept me riveted to the edge of my seat all day to learn the outcome, dreading the fate awaiting the main characters.
The Lone Jack Trail can be read as a standalone, but I urge prospective readers to read the previous Deception Cove. This book gives us a glimpse of the background and events leading up to the present. I engaged my emotions more as I felt it had more heart. This book continued the story and contained many thrills, with heightened danger and excitement.
The setting is a once quiet part of the western American coastline just south of Canada. The area is in economic decline. The first book made it appear that its criminal element had been wiped out, but now new brutal and lethal characters have appeared.
Mason Burke had spent years in prison. He bonded with a frightened, nervous dog, Lucy, that he was training. Lucy had been rescued from a dogfighting ring. Small for her breed, she was to be used as bait for the more vicious animals to practice killing. Training turned her into a calm and faithful dog and eventually, she became a service dog for Jess Winslow, an ex-marine suffering from PTSD. Mason missed Lucy, and he and Jess bonded over their mutual love for the dog and began a romantic relationship.
Mason and Jess were living together but now are apart while Mason is helping to renovate her house.
Jess is now training as a deputy sheriff. Due to his background as an ex-convict, Mason is regarded with scorn in the community and has few friends.
Jess becomes involved in her first murder case as a law officer. The body of 'Bad' Brock Boyd washes up on the Deception Cove shore. He had been shot. He was a local celebrity when young being very skillful in hockey, next gaining fame and wealth playing in the big leagues. He was imprisoned for running a dogfighting ring and has just been released. The day he was murdered, people witnessed a brutal street brawl between Mason and Brock. A woman calls the police reporting that she saw Mason shoot Brock and throw the gun in the water. This woman is soon found murdered.
Jess loves Mason but begins to suspect he may be guilty and their relationship is fractured. Mason believes he is being set up as the killer, and false evidence has been planted. He is determined to prove his innocence and is on the run from the law. He desperately hopes to reconcile with Jess and return to her and Lucy who have made his life worthwhile. Jess ends up in the wilderness in pursuit of some very bad men and she and Lucy are in considerable danger. She is on suspension from her position as a police officer and becomes injured. Lucy is lost to her. Mason comes out of hiding in hopes of rescuing Jess and Lucy. He has now discovered the motive for the twisted crime that is based on long-held hatred and revenge
This was a riveting story that was impossible for me to put aside. I look forward hopefully to a continuation of their story.
This is a powerful, character-driven sequel to Deception Cove. It was powerful and suspenseful The story kept me riveted to the edge of my seat all day to learn the outcome, dreading the fate awaiting the main characters.
The Lone Jack Trail can be read as a standalone, but I urge prospective readers to read the previous Deception Cove. This book gives us a glimpse of the background and events leading up to the present. I engaged my emotions more as I felt it had more heart. This book continued the story and contained many thrills, with heightened danger and excitement.
The setting is a once quiet part of the western American coastline just south of Canada. The area is in economic decline. The first book made it appear that its criminal element had been wiped out, but now new brutal and lethal characters have appeared.
Mason Burke had spent years in prison. He bonded with a frightened, nervous dog, Lucy, that he was training. Lucy had been rescued from a dogfighting ring. Small for her breed, she was to be used as bait for the more vicious animals to practice killing. Training turned her into a calm and faithful dog and eventually, she became a service dog for Jess Winslow, an ex-marine suffering from PTSD. Mason missed Lucy, and he and Jess bonded over their mutual love for the dog and began a romantic relationship.
Mason and Jess were living together but now are apart while Mason is helping to renovate her house.
Jess is now training as a deputy sheriff. Due to his background as an ex-convict, Mason is regarded with scorn in the community and has few friends.
Jess becomes involved in her first murder case as a law officer. The body of 'Bad' Brock Boyd washes up on the Deception Cove shore. He had been shot. He was a local celebrity when young being very skillful in hockey, next gaining fame and wealth playing in the big leagues. He was imprisoned for running a dogfighting ring and has just been released. The day he was murdered, people witnessed a brutal street brawl between Mason and Brock. A woman calls the police reporting that she saw Mason shoot Brock and throw the gun in the water. This woman is soon found murdered.
Jess loves Mason but begins to suspect he may be guilty and their relationship is fractured. Mason believes he is being set up as the killer, and false evidence has been planted. He is determined to prove his innocence and is on the run from the law. He desperately hopes to reconcile with Jess and return to her and Lucy who have made his life worthwhile. Jess ends up in the wilderness in pursuit of some very bad men and she and Lucy are in considerable danger. She is on suspension from her position as a police officer and becomes injured. Lucy is lost to her. Mason comes out of hiding in hopes of rescuing Jess and Lucy. He has now discovered the motive for the twisted crime that is based on long-held hatred and revenge
This was a riveting story that was impossible for me to put aside. I look forward hopefully to a continuation of their story.
December 13, 2020
Lone Jack Trail is an excellent sequel by Owen Laukkanen featuring ex-con Mason Burke, an ex-Marine Jess Winslow, and Lucy, their shared therapy rescue dog. In the first book, they took on the local corrupt police force, and Jess is now the local lawperson. Mason is helping to renovate Jess's house, which was wrecked along with a loner kid he has taken under wing. A local, wealthy hockey hero returns to town having been paroled from prison for a dog fighting conviction, and Mason's disdain is palpable and public (since Lucy was rescued from a dog fighting ring.) When "Bad" Boyd washes up dead on a local beach with a hole in his head, Mason becomes the prime subject, putting Jess in an tenable position. Then, a witness comes forward saying she heard them arguing and the murder weapon is found under the boat where Mason is living. Mason flees, and finds the witness with her throat slashed, bringing in the state police for a manhunt. Initially worried about her judgment, Jess knows Mason would not have killed a witness and sets off to find the culprit and motive, placing herself in grave danger again. 4.5 stars, recommended.
Note: Special thanks to Hatchett Book Group for providing a complimentary copy for me to read.
Note: Special thanks to Hatchett Book Group for providing a complimentary copy for me to read.
December 30, 2020
Lone Jack Trail is the sequel to Deception Cove which I read about a year and a half ago.
Deputy Jess Winslow is no stranger to death. She spent 3 tours with the Marines in Afghanistan. After a medical discharge, she needs her service dog Lucy to stop panic attacks.
Mason Burke served 15 years in prison for murder after he drove a getaway car. He trained Lucy and is now Jess's boyfriend.
Bad Brock Boyd is a former hockey player who served time for dogfighting. Mason didn't like him for this reason and neither do I. Mason says he didn't kill Boyd even though they had a physical fight that day. But someone shot Boyd and dumped him in the water. Naturally, the main suspect is Mason, the ex-con.
This book got better as it moved along. Dog Lucy continues to play a major role. I grew more impressed with the sheriff as the story progressed. The last 1/4 of the book was great. Full of action. I have liked all 4 of the books I've read by this author. I suggest readers start with book 1 to have more investment with the characters.
Deputy Jess Winslow is no stranger to death. She spent 3 tours with the Marines in Afghanistan. After a medical discharge, she needs her service dog Lucy to stop panic attacks.
Mason Burke served 15 years in prison for murder after he drove a getaway car. He trained Lucy and is now Jess's boyfriend.
Bad Brock Boyd is a former hockey player who served time for dogfighting. Mason didn't like him for this reason and neither do I. Mason says he didn't kill Boyd even though they had a physical fight that day. But someone shot Boyd and dumped him in the water. Naturally, the main suspect is Mason, the ex-con.
This book got better as it moved along. Dog Lucy continues to play a major role. I grew more impressed with the sheriff as the story progressed. The last 1/4 of the book was great. Full of action. I have liked all 4 of the books I've read by this author. I suggest readers start with book 1 to have more investment with the characters.
September 7, 2021
More excitement similar to the first book, with many of the same people. I think you should read the first book of the series (Deception Cove) before this if you can, although this could be read standalone I think. But if you liked the first book, you'll probably like this one.
November 9, 2020
I really love this series of books that Owen Laukkanen started with Deception Cove. With this second novel, you have Jess and Mason working together to solve a murder of a body that has washed up in Deception Cove. The body is of a local “celebrity” named Brock Boyd. He is such an evil guy, you wonder who would not want to kill this guy. Unfortunately, all evidence points toward Mason and Jess has to use her military background to make sure they capture the killer. Lucy, the rescued pitbull mix, is in the middle of the investigation making sure Jess stays centered and Mason stays safe.
The storyline pours out effortlessly, like all Laukkanen’s novels. This one definitely was tinged with a dark and gritty undertone. I do not want to give too much away, but you will see why you have no problem with Brock Boyd found dead. I, also, love the chemistry between Jess and Mason. I look forward to more Deception Cove novels.
The storyline pours out effortlessly, like all Laukkanen’s novels. This one definitely was tinged with a dark and gritty undertone. I do not want to give too much away, but you will see why you have no problem with Brock Boyd found dead. I, also, love the chemistry between Jess and Mason. I look forward to more Deception Cove novels.
September 12, 2020
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
Yes, that's the case generally. But, there are exceptions to that rule. If not, there wouldn't be a whole lot of books available in the Crime Fiction/Mystery/Thriller Genre.
WHAT'S LONE JACK TRAIL ABOUT?
Since, the events of Deception Cove, the County Sheriff has retired and a new one has come in and has cleaned house. As part of Sheriff Hart's efforts to right the ethical/legal ship, he's hired Jess as a Deputy. Mason Burke has stuck around, too, and is working for the construction crew building Jess's new house.
Things are looking up for both of them until another man is released from prison and comes to town. "Bad" Brock and Mason clash instantly and repeatedly, eventually coming to blows. So when Brock is found dead, Mason's a potential suspect. Evidence starts to pile up and Mason stops being a "potential" suspect and becomes the only suspect.
MASON: THE SUSPECT
Mason's struggling with what happened in Deception Cove, but is trying to move on. Given his past, he's definitely not one to complain about what's happened to him. He also understands how he became a suspect and doesn't hold it against Hart for suspecting him. He wishes Jess would help him more—but understands and doesn't blame her for doing her job.
He's seen enough, though, to know better than to trust the system. So he does as much of the legwork as he can to dig up evidence to exonerate himself. Sadly, circumstances and the guilty work harder to keep him from getting anywhere.
JESS: THE DEPUTY
At the beginning of the novel, Jess is struggling with commitment. She wants to go "all in" with Mason, but after what her husband did to her (and so many others), it's hard to trust. That's in addition to the trauma from her service that she's still dealing with (aided and comforted by Lucy).
Then when Brock's body is found, she knows she needs to tell her boss about the bad blood between Brock and Mason. She doesn't doubt in Mason's innocence (well, maybe a little), but she knows how ex-cons do in the system. So she does what she can to look for other suspects—and eventually has to go beyond her orders to investigate.
"BAD" BROCK BOYD: THE VICTIM
I'm not suggesting this man deserved to die. I'm definitely not suggesting that it was good that he was murdered.
But...
Wow, it is hard to muster any sympathy for this victim. The first thing we learn about him is that he was a horrible person—a celebrity athlete who went to jail for dog-fighting. And that right there, is the best, most likable things we learn about him. Again, not someone who deserved to be murdered, but it's hard not to want to look for excuses for his killer to get away with it. Really, you want the killer to be caught more for Mason's sake than for justice's.
LUCY: THE DOG
At the end of the day, these books don't exist without Lucy. She brought Mason and Jess together, she played major roles in the first book and is a significant force in this one.
What she does in this book isn't nearly as important as what she did in Deception Cove (which is not to say that she doesn't do anything important), but her shadow is over everything that happens with Mason and Jess—and even Boyd.
But best yet, she's a good girl, and more books need dogs like that.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT LONE JACK TRAIL?
It took me a little longer to get into this one than I expected or am used to from a book by Laukkanen. But wow, once I got hooked? That was it, I ignored pretty much everything else going on that day so I could finish.
I love the characters, the plot was compelling and the reveals were gripping. It was hard to see how Mason would stay a free man with the cards stacked against him—and there was plenty of tension and suspense aside from that. It's also great to watch the fragile relationship between Mason and Jess progress—with the highs and lows, setbacks, and challenges that make it feel real.
Laukkanen did it again. He just knows how to write a thriller that sticks with you.
---
“Deputy.” Hart held up his hand. Then he sighed. “Jess. You haven’t worked a case this big before; I understand that. You’ve got a lot to learn, and sometimes I forget, but—”
“Sheriff—”
“But you’re going to find,” Hart continued, talking over her interruption, “that cases like these, they’re not generally head-scratchers. Most of the murders you’ll see, they’ll wrap up just about the way you expect them to. People get angry, they do something stupid. They, by and large, lack the capacity to cover it up.”
Jess made to speak again, but Hart wasn’t having it. He held his hand up again, palm out toward her.
Yes, that's the case generally. But, there are exceptions to that rule. If not, there wouldn't be a whole lot of books available in the Crime Fiction/Mystery/Thriller Genre.
WHAT'S LONE JACK TRAIL ABOUT?
Since, the events of Deception Cove, the County Sheriff has retired and a new one has come in and has cleaned house. As part of Sheriff Hart's efforts to right the ethical/legal ship, he's hired Jess as a Deputy. Mason Burke has stuck around, too, and is working for the construction crew building Jess's new house.
Things are looking up for both of them until another man is released from prison and comes to town. "Bad" Brock and Mason clash instantly and repeatedly, eventually coming to blows. So when Brock is found dead, Mason's a potential suspect. Evidence starts to pile up and Mason stops being a "potential" suspect and becomes the only suspect.
MASON: THE SUSPECT
He’d wondered, again, if he might not be better off turning himself in, putting his faith in the law and avoiding the possibility of further violence. But Mason knew he couldn’t do it.
If he wanted his name cleared, he would have to do it himself. And he would have to do it in a way that ensured no more innocent people were hurt.
Mason's struggling with what happened in Deception Cove, but is trying to move on. Given his past, he's definitely not one to complain about what's happened to him. He also understands how he became a suspect and doesn't hold it against Hart for suspecting him. He wishes Jess would help him more—but understands and doesn't blame her for doing her job.
He's seen enough, though, to know better than to trust the system. So he does as much of the legwork as he can to dig up evidence to exonerate himself. Sadly, circumstances and the guilty work harder to keep him from getting anywhere.
JESS: THE DEPUTY
Mason Burke wasn’t a killer anymore. Jess simply couldn’t see how he’d do it...she believed he hadn’t killed Brock Boyd either, though in truth, on that count, she couldn’t be as sure.
He killed before, didn’t be? And didn’t you already prove you’re a piss-poor judge of a man’s character? Wasn’t your husband already the plain proof of that fact?
You need proof, she thought. Something concrete.
At the beginning of the novel, Jess is struggling with commitment. She wants to go "all in" with Mason, but after what her husband did to her (and so many others), it's hard to trust. That's in addition to the trauma from her service that she's still dealing with (aided and comforted by Lucy).
Then when Brock's body is found, she knows she needs to tell her boss about the bad blood between Brock and Mason. She doesn't doubt in Mason's innocence (well, maybe a little), but she knows how ex-cons do in the system. So she does what she can to look for other suspects—and eventually has to go beyond her orders to investigate.
"BAD" BROCK BOYD: THE VICTIM
I'm not suggesting this man deserved to die. I'm definitely not suggesting that it was good that he was murdered.
But...
Wow, it is hard to muster any sympathy for this victim. The first thing we learn about him is that he was a horrible person—a celebrity athlete who went to jail for dog-fighting. And that right there, is the best, most likable things we learn about him. Again, not someone who deserved to be murdered, but it's hard not to want to look for excuses for his killer to get away with it. Really, you want the killer to be caught more for Mason's sake than for justice's.
LUCY: THE DOG
At the end of the day, these books don't exist without Lucy. She brought Mason and Jess together, she played major roles in the first book and is a significant force in this one.
What she does in this book isn't nearly as important as what she did in Deception Cove (which is not to say that she doesn't do anything important), but her shadow is over everything that happens with Mason and Jess—and even Boyd.
But best yet, she's a good girl, and more books need dogs like that.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT LONE JACK TRAIL?
It took me a little longer to get into this one than I expected or am used to from a book by Laukkanen. But wow, once I got hooked? That was it, I ignored pretty much everything else going on that day so I could finish.
I love the characters, the plot was compelling and the reveals were gripping. It was hard to see how Mason would stay a free man with the cards stacked against him—and there was plenty of tension and suspense aside from that. It's also great to watch the fragile relationship between Mason and Jess progress—with the highs and lows, setbacks, and challenges that make it feel real.
Laukkanen did it again. He just knows how to write a thriller that sticks with you.
March 19, 2022
A crackerjack sequel to Deception Cove! A few months after ridding Deception Cove of its crooked cops, Jess Winslow is a deputy and her love, Mason Burke, is helping build her a new home and his reputation with the locals. When a hometown celebrity, hockey great Brock Boyd, washes onshore, a bit chomped on by crabs, Winslow and Burke are off to the races, chasing after another murder mystery. Except this time, Mason is Prime Suspect.
Laukkanen balances a crime novel's expected pulse points with thoughtful character studies. He allows his heroes flaws and vulnerabilities that endear them all the more to the reader. Lone Jack Trail reveals a lovely "paw de trois" (groan) between Winslow, Burke and their beloved Lucy as they continue to learn each other, to trust and to love.
The twists in this tale are fantastic and unexpected. A great read.
Laukkanen balances a crime novel's expected pulse points with thoughtful character studies. He allows his heroes flaws and vulnerabilities that endear them all the more to the reader. Lone Jack Trail reveals a lovely "paw de trois" (groan) between Winslow, Burke and their beloved Lucy as they continue to learn each other, to trust and to love.
The twists in this tale are fantastic and unexpected. A great read.
September 5, 2020
A man, a woman, a dog. Love the dog! This is a fairly pedestrian novel with a lots of action but some questionable decisions made by the characters. Good books have a logic to them. Bad books twist the characters into caricatures that force the action. I've liked Laukkanen's books, but now they seem a bit formulaic. The prose is average, though the action scenes are well-written. The dialogue between characters is not notable. The usual things happen. Nothing surprising.
December 4, 2020
Same Same but Different
Review of the Mulholland Books audiobook edition (2020) released simultaneously with the hardcover
I really enjoyed Owen Laukkanen's first Neah Bay/Burke & Winslow thriller Deception Cove (2019). Admittedly that was largely due to my being a sucker for great dog stories and pitbull mix Lucy, the rescue dog turned emotional support animal, was therefore a big part of that. Lucy played the role of bringing ex-con Mason Burke together with PTSD survivor ex-Marine Jess Winslow. Note also that Lone Jack Trail is often a spoiler for events in Deception Cove so it is best to read the latter as your first outing if you are interested.
Lone Jack Trail felt somewhat limited by its environment, in that how many far-reaching conspiracies can there be in a small coastal community within the space of a few months? Here we have good-guy redeemed convict Burke framed for a crime by unknown forces and of course Winslow (with Lucy still there, yeah!) setting out to prove his innocence despite the evidence stacked against him. It of course leads to another showdown. Still, I love these characters and I hope Laukkanen continues with them. A small town mystery would be ideal, it doesn't have to be a major conspiracy every time.
The narration by Courtney Patterson (female voices) and Kevin Stillwell (male voices) was excellent. The same narrators were also the performers in the Deception Cove audiobook.
Review of the Mulholland Books audiobook edition (2020) released simultaneously with the hardcover
I really enjoyed Owen Laukkanen's first Neah Bay/Burke & Winslow thriller Deception Cove (2019). Admittedly that was largely due to my being a sucker for great dog stories and pitbull mix Lucy, the rescue dog turned emotional support animal, was therefore a big part of that. Lucy played the role of bringing ex-con Mason Burke together with PTSD survivor ex-Marine Jess Winslow. Note also that Lone Jack Trail is often a spoiler for events in Deception Cove so it is best to read the latter as your first outing if you are interested.
Lone Jack Trail felt somewhat limited by its environment, in that how many far-reaching conspiracies can there be in a small coastal community within the space of a few months? Here we have good-guy redeemed convict Burke framed for a crime by unknown forces and of course Winslow (with Lucy still there, yeah!) setting out to prove his innocence despite the evidence stacked against him. It of course leads to another showdown. Still, I love these characters and I hope Laukkanen continues with them. A small town mystery would be ideal, it doesn't have to be a major conspiracy every time.
The narration by Courtney Patterson (female voices) and Kevin Stillwell (male voices) was excellent. The same narrators were also the performers in the Deception Cove audiobook.
August 14, 2020
As much as I like Laukkanen’s other series this one feels more natural to me. The problems Burke and Winslow face manifest organically from living in a bad part of the country and for Jess getting married to the wrong kind of man. And as much as I love Stevens & Windermere, sometimes the cases they catch are a little too cutesy and unique for uniqueness’ sake.
This series, though, feels like what could happen to anyone who was unlucky enough to be born near Deception Cove or Neah Bay. You too could get mixed up in murder-for-hire plots involving cruel boys and the even crueler men they grow up to be. You too could be forced to defend your band against multiple murder charges. You too could have a tense gunfight on the side of a godforsaken mountain. You too could die possibly.
But that brings up my chief worry going forward. I don’t know how this series continues without straining credibility. Bad men can’t keep showing up at Jess’s doorstep, even if she is the county deputy. Eventually the plots have to dry up or at least stop involving her. That’s why the next installment will be pivotal because it’ll tell me where this story goes from here or if book two is where it ends.
Which wouldn’t be so bad I think. I kind of like the idea of a limited two-book series. After all, Mason, Jess, and Lucy have earned some domestic bliss.
This series, though, feels like what could happen to anyone who was unlucky enough to be born near Deception Cove or Neah Bay. You too could get mixed up in murder-for-hire plots involving cruel boys and the even crueler men they grow up to be. You too could be forced to defend your band against multiple murder charges. You too could have a tense gunfight on the side of a godforsaken mountain. You too could die possibly.
But that brings up my chief worry going forward. I don’t know how this series continues without straining credibility. Bad men can’t keep showing up at Jess’s doorstep, even if she is the county deputy. Eventually the plots have to dry up or at least stop involving her. That’s why the next installment will be pivotal because it’ll tell me where this story goes from here or if book two is where it ends.
Which wouldn’t be so bad I think. I kind of like the idea of a limited two-book series. After all, Mason, Jess, and Lucy have earned some domestic bliss.
April 28, 2024
* rating based on the first half of this novel. The constant actions and decisions that, IMHO, were nonsensical made me go DNF
February 23, 2021
"But it made no difference. Logic rarely did, not in Makah County..." That line from page 188 of the book pretty much says it all.
This is not a good book. And that's disappointing because I really enjoyed Deception Cove. There is so much about this book that just is bad. (Beware, spoilers aplenty to follow.) I am confused by so many positive ratings. In addition to a good story, I expect logic. Both are lacking here. People, have higher expectations.
-The writing is pedestrian.
-Decisions that make little sense are made by everyone in this book.
-The sheriff, and Burke's girlfriend, both immediately assume he did it, because he got into a fist fight with the dead guy a couple of days before the murder.
-The sheriff doesn't even consider it suspect that a crack whore (sorry, she is) comes out of the blue and says she heard two men fighting. And, oh, by the way, I heard a splash right after I heard a gunshot.
-The sheriff doesn't find it at all suspect that, surprise, the gun is found in the water right under the boat Burke is staying on. What kind of an idiot is Burke? He moved the body to another location, but thought it would be a good idea to throw the gun in the water by his home?
-Burke's girlfriend, Jess, goes to Vancouver and, without much effort, is able to guilt the woman who paid the killers to give up and come back to Makah County. (And what's with the constant, and I do mean constant, references to the County? I've only ever lived in cities, so maybe it's a thing. I don't know.)
-Jess takes the dog with her while she's on duty. I can't imagine that's kosher no matter where you live.
-In the denouement, Burke (who is not a cop) is invited up the mountain because his girlfriend has gone rogue and is up there on her own during a shoot out with the bad guys? Really? Oh, and the dog gets to come as well.
-All of that is some next-level police work there.
-And the constant uncertainty about whether Jess and Burke are actually a couple or not. Also never ending. I mean, my god, have a little faith in each other.
-One character, Rengo, who is described, more of less, as being a tad unkempt (he lives in a shack), is able to convince a woman that he is a reporter. He may actually be my favorite character.
-Don't get me started on the coincidences necessary to move the story forward.
-And, finally, there is barely any real story here. I get that it has to be tough to continue to come up with mystery/crime stories that happen to the same two people in a really small town. But if you can't come up with a story with a bit more meat to it, maybe the one successful book should be a stand alone.
As I write, I'm wondering if this should be a one-star review. If it hadn't been a quick read, and if I hadn't kept expecting more, based on the first book I would have just saved myself the grief.
This is not a good book. And that's disappointing because I really enjoyed Deception Cove. There is so much about this book that just is bad. (Beware, spoilers aplenty to follow.) I am confused by so many positive ratings. In addition to a good story, I expect logic. Both are lacking here. People, have higher expectations.
-The writing is pedestrian.
-Decisions that make little sense are made by everyone in this book.
-The sheriff, and Burke's girlfriend, both immediately assume he did it, because he got into a fist fight with the dead guy a couple of days before the murder.
-The sheriff doesn't even consider it suspect that a crack whore (sorry, she is) comes out of the blue and says she heard two men fighting. And, oh, by the way, I heard a splash right after I heard a gunshot.
-The sheriff doesn't find it at all suspect that, surprise, the gun is found in the water right under the boat Burke is staying on. What kind of an idiot is Burke? He moved the body to another location, but thought it would be a good idea to throw the gun in the water by his home?
-Burke's girlfriend, Jess, goes to Vancouver and, without much effort, is able to guilt the woman who paid the killers to give up and come back to Makah County. (And what's with the constant, and I do mean constant, references to the County? I've only ever lived in cities, so maybe it's a thing. I don't know.)
-Jess takes the dog with her while she's on duty. I can't imagine that's kosher no matter where you live.
-In the denouement, Burke (who is not a cop) is invited up the mountain because his girlfriend has gone rogue and is up there on her own during a shoot out with the bad guys? Really? Oh, and the dog gets to come as well.
-All of that is some next-level police work there.
-And the constant uncertainty about whether Jess and Burke are actually a couple or not. Also never ending. I mean, my god, have a little faith in each other.
-One character, Rengo, who is described, more of less, as being a tad unkempt (he lives in a shack), is able to convince a woman that he is a reporter. He may actually be my favorite character.
-Don't get me started on the coincidences necessary to move the story forward.
-And, finally, there is barely any real story here. I get that it has to be tough to continue to come up with mystery/crime stories that happen to the same two people in a really small town. But if you can't come up with a story with a bit more meat to it, maybe the one successful book should be a stand alone.
As I write, I'm wondering if this should be a one-star review. If it hadn't been a quick read, and if I hadn't kept expecting more, based on the first book I would have just saved myself the grief.
September 13, 2020
I spotted an Owen Laukkanen novel on the New Fiction shelf at our local library and grabbed it, not realizing it's the sequel to an earlier effort. 'Lone Jack Trail' is a fine mystery on its own, but I wish I'd read 'Deception Cove' first, since it's referenced throughout. Nevertheless, it's fine as a standalone.
The main characters are all damaged goods in different ways. There's an ex-con, Mason, who'd been released after 15 years in prison on a murder charge, his girlfriend Jess, an ex-Marine suffering from PTSD who's trying to make it as a sheriff's deputy in a small town on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state, and Lucy, Mason's service dog who'd been abused in a dogfighting situation. They're living together, off and on, and slowly making it back to normal. However, another ex-con, Brock Boyd, shows back up in town after a 3 year imprisonment for dogfighting, and he happens to be a local athletic legend who'd played professional hockey. Mason takes an immediate disliking to Boyd due to his history of abusing animals, and they duke it out after a confrontation. All well and good, except that Boyd gets pulled out of the bay with a bullet hole in his head shortly thereafter, Mason's the obvious key suspect due to the recent fisticuffs and his own criminal background, and Jess is conflicted since she's helping to investigate her own boyfriend. Another murder occurs of a woman who'd reported a concocted story about a fight that occurred on Mason's boat that resulted in the original murder weapon of Boyd being found underneath it, which further piles evidence of guilt on Mason. The state police are called in to help the investigation, Jess is reassigned due to her ties to the suspect, and Mason ends up on the run. From there, the story gets very interesting as the layers of the interrelationships in the small town are peeled back.
Laukkanan's writing and dialogue are fine and are great matches to the fast pace of the action. The plot was very well done at a high level, though the decision making on the part of a few of the characters was suspect on occasion and the actual solution to the 'whodunnit' accelerated via a bit of a fluke (a dying word from a bad guy). Other than those relatively minor points, Lone Jack Trail is rock solid and now I must seek out Deception Cove!
The main characters are all damaged goods in different ways. There's an ex-con, Mason, who'd been released after 15 years in prison on a murder charge, his girlfriend Jess, an ex-Marine suffering from PTSD who's trying to make it as a sheriff's deputy in a small town on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state, and Lucy, Mason's service dog who'd been abused in a dogfighting situation. They're living together, off and on, and slowly making it back to normal. However, another ex-con, Brock Boyd, shows back up in town after a 3 year imprisonment for dogfighting, and he happens to be a local athletic legend who'd played professional hockey. Mason takes an immediate disliking to Boyd due to his history of abusing animals, and they duke it out after a confrontation. All well and good, except that Boyd gets pulled out of the bay with a bullet hole in his head shortly thereafter, Mason's the obvious key suspect due to the recent fisticuffs and his own criminal background, and Jess is conflicted since she's helping to investigate her own boyfriend. Another murder occurs of a woman who'd reported a concocted story about a fight that occurred on Mason's boat that resulted in the original murder weapon of Boyd being found underneath it, which further piles evidence of guilt on Mason. The state police are called in to help the investigation, Jess is reassigned due to her ties to the suspect, and Mason ends up on the run. From there, the story gets very interesting as the layers of the interrelationships in the small town are peeled back.
Laukkanan's writing and dialogue are fine and are great matches to the fast pace of the action. The plot was very well done at a high level, though the decision making on the part of a few of the characters was suspect on occasion and the actual solution to the 'whodunnit' accelerated via a bit of a fluke (a dying word from a bad guy). Other than those relatively minor points, Lone Jack Trail is rock solid and now I must seek out Deception Cove!
February 28, 2021
Owen is another author where the first book I read of his, I was hooked on his writing. His first series was sensational, and this second series (with Lone JackTrail being book two), has the beginnings of another very exciting series.
One of my favorite characters in this series is Lucy, and she is the therapy dog for Jess. Jess and Burke are the actual main characters, but when you put a dog in the equation the dog takes the center stage for me. Being a dog lover and having recently lost my beloved dog, Whitney, I know if you have and love a dog how important that connection is. Jess was in the Marines and after some tragic events she was honorably discharged and suffered PTSD and obtained a therapy dog to deal with her symptoms. Burke was in prison and trained Lucy into the amazing therapy dog. Once Burke is released from prison he wants to know how ‘his dog’ is, so he tracks down where she is. So this is how the story of Lucy, Jess, and Burke begin. Things don’t always go smoothly in Jess and Burke’s relationship and Lucy is there to try and ease the strain.
My suggestion, read Deception Cove and Lone Jack Trail and learn all that happens with this amazing trio.
Thanks Owen, for sharing your writing talents with all of us.
One of my favorite characters in this series is Lucy, and she is the therapy dog for Jess. Jess and Burke are the actual main characters, but when you put a dog in the equation the dog takes the center stage for me. Being a dog lover and having recently lost my beloved dog, Whitney, I know if you have and love a dog how important that connection is. Jess was in the Marines and after some tragic events she was honorably discharged and suffered PTSD and obtained a therapy dog to deal with her symptoms. Burke was in prison and trained Lucy into the amazing therapy dog. Once Burke is released from prison he wants to know how ‘his dog’ is, so he tracks down where she is. So this is how the story of Lucy, Jess, and Burke begin. Things don’t always go smoothly in Jess and Burke’s relationship and Lucy is there to try and ease the strain.
My suggestion, read Deception Cove and Lone Jack Trail and learn all that happens with this amazing trio.
Thanks Owen, for sharing your writing talents with all of us.
June 26, 2020
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to preview Lone Jack Trail by Owen Laukkanen. This is the second book in a series, but it does stand alone.
It takes up where his last book left off (Deception Cove) with the two main characters - Jess and Mason.
Jess is now a police officer in Deception Cove and she lives with Mason. They are making the best of their lives and getting over their recent problems in Deception Cove.
While investigating the body of a man who just washed up on the beach, Jess is presented with evidence that leads to the belief this is a homicide. Overwhelming information presents her to start looking at Mason as a suspect. Jess is torn - but Mason has a past; he's been in prison. Could Mason possibly have murdered this man and when he takes off, Jess starts to question everything she knows and believes.
Great book - character driven with plenty of suspense.
4 stars.
It takes up where his last book left off (Deception Cove) with the two main characters - Jess and Mason.
Jess is now a police officer in Deception Cove and she lives with Mason. They are making the best of their lives and getting over their recent problems in Deception Cove.
While investigating the body of a man who just washed up on the beach, Jess is presented with evidence that leads to the belief this is a homicide. Overwhelming information presents her to start looking at Mason as a suspect. Jess is torn - but Mason has a past; he's been in prison. Could Mason possibly have murdered this man and when he takes off, Jess starts to question everything she knows and believes.
Great book - character driven with plenty of suspense.
4 stars.
September 12, 2020
Owen Laukkanen's novels capture the wet, cool and lush nature of Washington's Olympic Peninsula. It’s an area where money is short, roads are largely unpaved, and people live by their wits. His newest novel, “Lone Jack Trail” picks up where “Deception Cove” ended, with a Marine vet, an ex-con, and a rescue dog named Lucy trying to move forward with life. Now, however, the ex-Marine is a Deputy Sheriff and the ex-con is a murder suspect. Laukkanen creates likeable characters and spins an engaging plot. Moreover, he compels the reader to smell the salty coastal air tinged by the musty odor of dense forests. A well-written thriller.
August 11, 2021
Loved the book, hated the fact that someone who borrowed it from the library felt obligated to edit it; I guess the person who did so feels everyone speaks in proper English.
When the love of Jess Winslow's life, ex-con Mason Burke has a run in with Bad Brock Boyd, a local superstar and also an ex-con, he never suspects that the man will end up murdered and the #1 suspect will be him.
Jess is a Marine veteran and a deputy in training for the Deception Cove Police Department. Now, she is torn between the job she loves and the man she loves. When an on-duty shooting forces her on leave, she becomes determined to solve the case
She needs to find the truth, to hopefully exonerate Mason, and for her own peace of mind; but will she survive the fallout of her choices?
When the love of Jess Winslow's life, ex-con Mason Burke has a run in with Bad Brock Boyd, a local superstar and also an ex-con, he never suspects that the man will end up murdered and the #1 suspect will be him.
Jess is a Marine veteran and a deputy in training for the Deception Cove Police Department. Now, she is torn between the job she loves and the man she loves. When an on-duty shooting forces her on leave, she becomes determined to solve the case
She needs to find the truth, to hopefully exonerate Mason, and for her own peace of mind; but will she survive the fallout of her choices?
October 31, 2021
Book 2 of the series finds our Marine with PTSD,Jess, a deputy and her excon boyfriend, Mason, living on a boat and helping to rebuild her house.
The body of a favorite son and bad boy former hockey player is found on the beach with a bullet hole in his forehead. Mason had an argument and fight outside a restaurant with the bad boy the day prior to the discovery of the body. He’s suspect numero uno. A witness comes forward and fingers Mason. Then the sheriff finds a gun under his boat. It’s an obvious frame job and as Mason is about to be cuffed he flees, jumping into the water and escaping.
The plot becomes sort of overly dramatic and dumb and unbelievable from here. There’s the tension of the policewoman and her lover being a wanted man which is fine. Will she choose the law or love? But then the meth heads intervene and start doing dumb things. But then that’s what meth heads do. Then there’s the hillbilly like vengeance over blood. The murderers were home free and clear but totally blow it.
The motive for the murder is a hazing incident related to sports. Even more implausible is how Jess is able to get the principal behind the murder to return to town and implicate herself. But the druggies won’t go down quietly and there’s a huge shootout along the Lone Jack Trail.
Just wondering where this series is poised to go as the couple is ready for nest building 101.
The body of a favorite son and bad boy former hockey player is found on the beach with a bullet hole in his forehead. Mason had an argument and fight outside a restaurant with the bad boy the day prior to the discovery of the body. He’s suspect numero uno. A witness comes forward and fingers Mason. Then the sheriff finds a gun under his boat. It’s an obvious frame job and as Mason is about to be cuffed he flees, jumping into the water and escaping.
The plot becomes sort of overly dramatic and dumb and unbelievable from here. There’s the tension of the policewoman and her lover being a wanted man which is fine. Will she choose the law or love? But then the meth heads intervene and start doing dumb things. But then that’s what meth heads do. Then there’s the hillbilly like vengeance over blood. The murderers were home free and clear but totally blow it.
The motive for the murder is a hazing incident related to sports. Even more implausible is how Jess is able to get the principal behind the murder to return to town and implicate herself. But the druggies won’t go down quietly and there’s a huge shootout along the Lone Jack Trail.
Just wondering where this series is poised to go as the couple is ready for nest building 101.
December 24, 2020
I did not read the first Deception Cove book, but was able to pick up on the characters, the mission, the violence, the history of what was at stake and the why of it. This type of book is not my favorite reading material, the kind that has you on edge in expectation of more violence and the unwillingness on my part to embrace people who think in terms of shoot first. It is compelling, action filled and well written. I have enjoyed several books by this author in the past as he brings nature to life as a breathing character.
Library Loan
Library Loan
December 14, 2020
An ex-con named Mason is framed for murder. The murder victim is the town’s favorite son, who recently returned from a prison term for staging dog fights. His popularity tips us off that this town isn’t exactly Mr. Rogers’s neighborhood. Mason’s girlfriend, Jess, is an ex-Marine and deputy sheriff in town. Jess wants to believe in Mason’s innocence but she’s overwrought with PTSD from her time in Afghanistan and doesn’t trust her emotions until the truth smacks her in the face. Mason and Jess both love Lucy, Jess’s emotional support pit bull, who shows up at opportune moments. Despite several way too convenient events , the action scenes at the climax held my interest.
October 21, 2023
Another fun Lucy, Mason and Jess mystery/adventure! It’s been cold and misting rain for weeks here, and this was the perfect book to read. It hits all the right beats, while throwing in some writerly phrases without getting away from itself. (There were a couple of sentences that I wish I had written down now…) I like how the dog is just a good dog, and helps without being too uncanny for a canine. I like how their sidekick Rango is the comic relief and not the dog, too. There was one coincidence in the story which had me roll my eyes a bit (how they just happen to be in the right place at the right time to find someone coming down the mountain), but I will forgive it. Overall, a tight mystery that’s perfect for dog lovers.
July 25, 2020
I really liked Deception Cove. So when I had a chance for a copy of this sequel, yay! I was delighted to win this book in a Goodread's Giveaway by the publishing company of Little, Brown and Company. Thanks to them, I was able to read this book for an honest opinion.
Long Jack Trail is even better than Deception Cove. I had the pleasure of reading, and enjoying, the continuing story of Lucy, Mason, Jess and the people of Deception Cove and its surrounds. I can't say much - spoilers - but ......... okay, I read it in basically one sitting because I wanted to find out what happens next. It's really good!
Thank you, Owen Laukkanen.
Long Jack Trail is even better than Deception Cove. I had the pleasure of reading, and enjoying, the continuing story of Lucy, Mason, Jess and the people of Deception Cove and its surrounds. I can't say much - spoilers - but ......... okay, I read it in basically one sitting because I wanted to find out what happens next. It's really good!
Thank you, Owen Laukkanen.
September 3, 2020
I have read Owen Laukkanen's Stevens & Windermere novels and his excellent Gale Force, but missed reading Deception Cove, the stage setter for Lone Jack Trail. This lack did nothing to detract from the story in Lone Jack Trail.
As he did in Gale Force, Owen Laukkanen allows his readers to be one with the story by creating vivid settings and the folks who live and work in them. In Lone Jack Trail he has set the action in the northern woods of Washington. "The rainforest and the ocean and the misty, brooding hills", "an area full of backwoods assholes" and "wilderness people who resented the law."
The main characters the reader will care for and about are Jess Winslow ( an ex-Marine who saw action in Afghanistan and currently a Sheriff's deputy) and her boyfriend and ex-con Mason Burke and their dog, Lucy. Together they deal with inner problems facing each other, with murder, and with the colorful characters of Deceptive Cove, WA.
Lone Jack Trail is a disturbing but warm-hearted story just as my favorite Laukkanen novel, Gale Force, was.
As he did in Gale Force, Owen Laukkanen allows his readers to be one with the story by creating vivid settings and the folks who live and work in them. In Lone Jack Trail he has set the action in the northern woods of Washington. "The rainforest and the ocean and the misty, brooding hills", "an area full of backwoods assholes" and "wilderness people who resented the law."
The main characters the reader will care for and about are Jess Winslow ( an ex-Marine who saw action in Afghanistan and currently a Sheriff's deputy) and her boyfriend and ex-con Mason Burke and their dog, Lucy. Together they deal with inner problems facing each other, with murder, and with the colorful characters of Deceptive Cove, WA.
Lone Jack Trail is a disturbing but warm-hearted story just as my favorite Laukkanen novel, Gale Force, was.
September 4, 2020
This was a real good thriller. The story is good . There is plenty of action. There are good interactions between the characters. A good read.
August 12, 2022
No ha estado mal. Ha sido una novela interesante aunque no me atrapó del todo.
August 22, 2021
I received this book from a librarian as part of an effort to circulate new books. It did prove to be a good read, with heartfelt characters (many trying to redeem their lives), interesting plot twists and solid writing. About the time I thought the story would take a predictable turn, something unexpected happened. If you like mysteries, this is an engaging one that is hard to put down.
November 26, 2020
This is the second book about Jess Winslow, Mason Burke, and Lucy the dog. You could read it without having read the first one, but why deprive yourself? I've been in the bag for Laukkanen's books for many years and this one doesn't do anything to ruin that. Like good character work and a plot that keeps you turning the pages? You'll be happy.
November 8, 2020
Mason Burke, Deception Cove, Washington, is an easy target. His history of serving 15 years for murder precedes him, unfortunately. When Brock Boyd is found dead, washed ashore at Shipwreck Point, Burke's an obvious choice as he was in an altercation with Brock a few days prior. Brock was no hero, though he was the county's shining star as a high flying hockey player, their claim to fame. The town forgave Brock for his meanness and cruelty, he was a big man with big appetites, a mean, rich bully with a large following. So of course they put Burke in the picture, he's just too easy. The vigilantes are out in full force as a woman's body is found, throat cut. And a witness, not one that in normal circumstances anyone would believe, swears she saw Burke in the vicinity. But Jess Winslow, local sheriff isn't so sure. Aside from the romantic side of her relationship with Burke, she just doesn't believe he would have done this and she's aware of the mood of the town. Burke and Winslow share a dog, he trained it and it belongs to her as companion animal to help with her PTSD from her past combat. The danger radiating from this town catches everyone in it's purview with Winslow caught as well.
The whole town is involved as Winslow and Burke fight to survive and find justice.
The whole town is involved as Winslow and Burke fight to survive and find justice.
August 16, 2020
Owen Laukkanen has found his magic cast: An ex-con with a conscience, a cop with PTSD in a corrupt house and a winning service dog who bonds them together. Deception Cove gave us a taste of the possibilities. The twists and turns of Lone Jack Trail take us to the next level. When a dead body washes up on the beach, our bad guy with a heart gets the frame and the fun begins. Owens rich characters and excellent plot are essential summer reading with a surprising conclusion that makes you want to know what Jess, Mason and Lucy will be up to next.
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