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Patrick Flint #4
Scapegoat
Patrick Flint meets The River Wild
When his son is critically injured on a river trip, Patrick Flint finds himself in a race against time and a gang of outlaws who are determined the Flints won't make it out of Wyoming's Gros Ventre Wilderness alive.
Patrick Flint is looking forward to a week of fishing, hiking, canoeing, panning for gold, and camping on the Tukudika River with his family. It’s a chance to redeem himself after the disastrous hunting trip he dragged them on the year before, as well as to observe big horn sheep in the wild, experience the land the Mountain Shoshone called their home, and show his parents, brother Pete, and sister-in-law Vera the wonders of the Bridger-Teton National Forest. However, when a dead body floats up before they’ve even pushed off, it’s clear the trip is not off to an auspicious start.
Things quickly go from bad to worse. Pete and Vera surprise them with their seven young children, and Susanne is unable to convince Patrick to cancel or even scale back the wilderness adventure. Accident-prone patriarch Joe Flint is vocally unhappy with every element of the expedition. Sixteen-year-old Trish takes a wrong turn when walking her five-year-old cousin Bunny back to camp, and the two become hopelessly lost in the wilderness. Then thirteen-year old Perry Flint topples from a waterfall and sustains a severe head injury.
When Pete takes a short cut back to civilization to get help, he runs into outlaws who’d rather kill him than risk the location of their gold discovery being revealed. After Perry wakes from unconsciousness, Patrick is able to rescue Pete from the outlaws and get the family back to the river. But Joe must stay behind to search for his granddaughters, leaving the group short several experienced paddlers, with dangerous rapids ahead.
With the attacking outlaws gaining on them, the remaining party of twelve braves whitewater, wildlife, their fears about the missing girls, a deteriorating family dynamic, and the ever-present threat of Wyoming’s mercurial weather in a race against time, as Perry’s condition rapidly deteriorates before their eyes.
When his son is critically injured on a river trip, Patrick Flint finds himself in a race against time and a gang of outlaws who are determined the Flints won't make it out of Wyoming's Gros Ventre Wilderness alive.
Patrick Flint is looking forward to a week of fishing, hiking, canoeing, panning for gold, and camping on the Tukudika River with his family. It’s a chance to redeem himself after the disastrous hunting trip he dragged them on the year before, as well as to observe big horn sheep in the wild, experience the land the Mountain Shoshone called their home, and show his parents, brother Pete, and sister-in-law Vera the wonders of the Bridger-Teton National Forest. However, when a dead body floats up before they’ve even pushed off, it’s clear the trip is not off to an auspicious start.
Things quickly go from bad to worse. Pete and Vera surprise them with their seven young children, and Susanne is unable to convince Patrick to cancel or even scale back the wilderness adventure. Accident-prone patriarch Joe Flint is vocally unhappy with every element of the expedition. Sixteen-year-old Trish takes a wrong turn when walking her five-year-old cousin Bunny back to camp, and the two become hopelessly lost in the wilderness. Then thirteen-year old Perry Flint topples from a waterfall and sustains a severe head injury.
When Pete takes a short cut back to civilization to get help, he runs into outlaws who’d rather kill him than risk the location of their gold discovery being revealed. After Perry wakes from unconsciousness, Patrick is able to rescue Pete from the outlaws and get the family back to the river. But Joe must stay behind to search for his granddaughters, leaving the group short several experienced paddlers, with dangerous rapids ahead.
With the attacking outlaws gaining on them, the remaining party of twelve braves whitewater, wildlife, their fears about the missing girls, a deteriorating family dynamic, and the ever-present threat of Wyoming’s mercurial weather in a race against time, as Perry’s condition rapidly deteriorates before their eyes.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 6, 2020
815 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Pamela Fagan Hutchins
100 books880 followersI'm a USA Today bestselling mystery/suspense/thriller author and a big horse and sled dog enthusiast.
My hunky husband and I ride our beloved draft cross horses way up in the frozen north of Snowheresville, WY, where we run a rustic, off-the-grid lodge on the face of the Bighorn Mountains. When I'm not writing or riding, I'm passionate about wilderness sports, always with a couple of rescue dogs, bear spray, a mountain lion knife, and my Judge. NO ANIMALS HAVE BEEN HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS LIFE ADVENTURE (but don't sneak up on me).
I've made some lists and won some awards, yada yada. Amazon Charts Top 25 bestseller. USA Today Bestseller. The Silver Falchion for Best Adult Mystery WINNER (Fighting for Anna), the WINNERS for USA Best Books Fiction: Cross Genre (Hell to Pay, Heaven to Betsy), and others. With books "in print" of over 3,000,000, readers seem to enjoy the books—I think they have exceptionally good taste. {insert goofy grin here} Lots of them follow my show Wine Women & Writing, too, where I fangirl my favorite authors and interview them for your listening and viewing pleasure. Subscribe free at http://bit.ly/PamelaWWWR <--case sensitive.
You can read my series in any order or as standalones, but they're a lot of fun if you do them like this:
* Detective Delaney Pace (coming soon!): Her Silent Bones, Her HIdden Grave, Her Last Cry, Her Forgotten Shadow, Her Burning Lies, and Her Cold Heart.
* Patrick Flint Wyoming-based series (PG):
Switchback, Snake Oil, Sawbones, Scapegoat, Snaggle Tooth, Stag Party, Sitting Duck, and Skin & Bones. #9 coming in 2026.
* The Jenn Herrington Wyoming Mysteries (PG-13):
BIG HORN, WALKER PRAIRIE, and RED GRADE coming in 2026.
* What Doesn't Kill You Super Series:
1.Caribben-based Katie Connell (PG-13): Saving Grace, Leaving Annalise, Finding Harmony, and Seeking Felicity
2. Texas-based Emily Bernal (PG-13): Heaven to Betsy Earth to Emily, Hell to Pay
3. Texas-based Michele Lopez Hanson (PG-13): Going for Kona, Fighting for Anna, Searching for Dime Box
4. Wyoming-based Maggie Killian (R, language): Live Wire, Sick Puppy, Dead Pile (plus shorts Buckle Bunny and Shock Jock)
5. Caribbean-based Ava Butler (R, sexual situations): Bombshell, Stunner, Knockout
I also have a children's book series featuring Poppy, the world's best grandfather, and Petey, his blind Boston terrier.
Free starter library https://pamelafaganhutchins.com/maili...
If after all that you still want to learn more about my books, my podcast, or me, then God Bless Ya.
There are many ways: My website and its blog. The aforementioned newsletter. Email me: Pamela at PamelaFaganHutchins dot come. And you can follow me around the web:
Website: https://pamelafaganhutchins.com
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/pamel...
Pamela's Posse for Readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pamel...
Facebook http://facebook.com/pamela.fagan.hutc...
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/pamelafa...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamela_faga...
Twitter http://twitter.com/PamelotH
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/pamelafaganh...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/pamelafaganhu...
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pamela_fagan...
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pamelafaganhu...
And, finally, to learn more about my fellow SkipJack Publishing authors, visit: http://skipjackpublishing.com/.
My hunky husband and I ride our beloved draft cross horses way up in the frozen north of Snowheresville, WY, where we run a rustic, off-the-grid lodge on the face of the Bighorn Mountains. When I'm not writing or riding, I'm passionate about wilderness sports, always with a couple of rescue dogs, bear spray, a mountain lion knife, and my Judge. NO ANIMALS HAVE BEEN HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS LIFE ADVENTURE (but don't sneak up on me).
I've made some lists and won some awards, yada yada. Amazon Charts Top 25 bestseller. USA Today Bestseller. The Silver Falchion for Best Adult Mystery WINNER (Fighting for Anna), the WINNERS for USA Best Books Fiction: Cross Genre (Hell to Pay, Heaven to Betsy), and others. With books "in print" of over 3,000,000, readers seem to enjoy the books—I think they have exceptionally good taste. {insert goofy grin here} Lots of them follow my show Wine Women & Writing, too, where I fangirl my favorite authors and interview them for your listening and viewing pleasure. Subscribe free at http://bit.ly/PamelaWWWR <--case sensitive.
You can read my series in any order or as standalones, but they're a lot of fun if you do them like this:
* Detective Delaney Pace (coming soon!): Her Silent Bones, Her HIdden Grave, Her Last Cry, Her Forgotten Shadow, Her Burning Lies, and Her Cold Heart.
* Patrick Flint Wyoming-based series (PG):
Switchback, Snake Oil, Sawbones, Scapegoat, Snaggle Tooth, Stag Party, Sitting Duck, and Skin & Bones. #9 coming in 2026.
* The Jenn Herrington Wyoming Mysteries (PG-13):
BIG HORN, WALKER PRAIRIE, and RED GRADE coming in 2026.
* What Doesn't Kill You Super Series:
1.Caribben-based Katie Connell (PG-13): Saving Grace, Leaving Annalise, Finding Harmony, and Seeking Felicity
2. Texas-based Emily Bernal (PG-13): Heaven to Betsy Earth to Emily, Hell to Pay
3. Texas-based Michele Lopez Hanson (PG-13): Going for Kona, Fighting for Anna, Searching for Dime Box
4. Wyoming-based Maggie Killian (R, language): Live Wire, Sick Puppy, Dead Pile (plus shorts Buckle Bunny and Shock Jock)
5. Caribbean-based Ava Butler (R, sexual situations): Bombshell, Stunner, Knockout
I also have a children's book series featuring Poppy, the world's best grandfather, and Petey, his blind Boston terrier.
Free starter library https://pamelafaganhutchins.com/maili...
If after all that you still want to learn more about my books, my podcast, or me, then God Bless Ya.
There are many ways: My website and its blog. The aforementioned newsletter. Email me: Pamela at PamelaFaganHutchins dot come. And you can follow me around the web:
Website: https://pamelafaganhutchins.com
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/pamel...
Pamela's Posse for Readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pamel...
Facebook http://facebook.com/pamela.fagan.hutc...
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/pamelafa...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamela_faga...
Twitter http://twitter.com/PamelotH
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/pamelafaganh...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/pamelafaganhu...
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pamela_fagan...
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pamelafaganhu...
And, finally, to learn more about my fellow SkipJack Publishing authors, visit: http://skipjackpublishing.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
August 27, 2020
Vacation. Family. Wilderness. What could possible go wrong? Knowing the Flint family, if it wasn’t for bad luck, they would have no luck at all…and I am ready for the adventure.
I have been hanging out with the Flint family for some time now and I can vouch for the fact there is never a dull moment and I do foresee a dead body in their immediate future.
I love the fact that they are a tight family, even through all the trials and tribulations that seem to come their way. They may bicker and hurt feelings may come into play, but beware those who try to come between them or do them harm.
Patrick is still madly in love with his wife. He is amazed at how much his son has grown, losing his boyishness and seeing who he will be as a young man. Trish, his daughter is developing into a young woman, who he will have to keep his eye on, maybe even fight the boys off. They will all be put to the test…along with a little unexpected help.
We always have peripheral friends and family who have an important part to play, and I am sorry to see that Wes will not be with us on this trip.
Patrick loves nature and Indian culture. He’s studies about the area before he ever arrives. He is a doctor and does his best to be prepared for anything that may come their way. He will do whatever is necessary to protect his family.
The Flint families vacation may start out with the best intentions on Patrick’s part, spending time together, enjoying nature and the activities that abound, a chance to explore and try new things…but life throws pitfalls right and left from the very beginning, which makes for a lot of laughter, danger, and uninvited guests who wish them harm. They may dodge one bullet, only to go around the next bend in the river and find another.
Pamela Fagan Hutchins brings to life their surroundings through her descriptions, making me hear the river, feel the breeze, smell the scents around us, bringing to mind the times I have spent in the wilderness myself.
Pamela Fagan Hutchins draws from her personal life and their adventures to write her western mysteries. Her writing involves real life people and it’s a good thing her family and friends are on board, because it gives a sense of realism to her writing. Life is not all fun and games and the normal fits and starts of family come through.
I highly recommend the Flint series and checking out her website to see her inspiration.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of Scapegoat by Pamela Fagan Hutchins.
See more at fundinmental
I have been hanging out with the Flint family for some time now and I can vouch for the fact there is never a dull moment and I do foresee a dead body in their immediate future.
I love the fact that they are a tight family, even through all the trials and tribulations that seem to come their way. They may bicker and hurt feelings may come into play, but beware those who try to come between them or do them harm.
Patrick is still madly in love with his wife. He is amazed at how much his son has grown, losing his boyishness and seeing who he will be as a young man. Trish, his daughter is developing into a young woman, who he will have to keep his eye on, maybe even fight the boys off. They will all be put to the test…along with a little unexpected help.
We always have peripheral friends and family who have an important part to play, and I am sorry to see that Wes will not be with us on this trip.
Patrick loves nature and Indian culture. He’s studies about the area before he ever arrives. He is a doctor and does his best to be prepared for anything that may come their way. He will do whatever is necessary to protect his family.
The Flint families vacation may start out with the best intentions on Patrick’s part, spending time together, enjoying nature and the activities that abound, a chance to explore and try new things…but life throws pitfalls right and left from the very beginning, which makes for a lot of laughter, danger, and uninvited guests who wish them harm. They may dodge one bullet, only to go around the next bend in the river and find another.
Pamela Fagan Hutchins brings to life their surroundings through her descriptions, making me hear the river, feel the breeze, smell the scents around us, bringing to mind the times I have spent in the wilderness myself.
Pamela Fagan Hutchins draws from her personal life and their adventures to write her western mysteries. Her writing involves real life people and it’s a good thing her family and friends are on board, because it gives a sense of realism to her writing. Life is not all fun and games and the normal fits and starts of family come through.
I highly recommend the Flint series and checking out her website to see her inspiration.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of Scapegoat by Pamela Fagan Hutchins.
See more at fundinmental
August 17, 2020
Dr. Flint is looking forward to the vacation he planned with his family. Typically for him, things don’t go as planned. But it will definitely be memorable. Lots of action, humor, and great characters. Highly recommended.
August 14, 2020
If you're looking for an exciting, character-driven, vividly detailed story, you will love Scapegoat. I was so engrossed I couldn't put it down and finished the book in 24 hours! While I recommend reading these books in the correct order, it's not absolutely necessary for readers to understand and follow along because Ms. Fagan Hutchins does a fantastic job of explaining past storylines. For those who've read the previous books in this Patrick Flint series, you won't be disappointed. I must say, if I were related to or a friend of Dr. Flint's I'd be mighty leery about accompanying him anywhere because he (and his family) seems to be trouble magnets.
Scapegoat had me pretty much on the edge of my seat throughout the book. Patrick, Susanne, Trish and Perry meet up with his parents Joe & Lana, brother Pete, sister-in-law Vera and their 7 children who are visiting from their homes in Texas (yep, you read that right, seven kiddies). Patrick's planned a weekend get-a-way, canoeing along the river, camping, fishing, gold panning and hiking in Jackson, Wyoming on the Tukudika river. Before they even leave Wyoming Whitewater where they're renting canoes, paddles and life jackets one of the younger kids develops an odd, itch rash and some of the children encountered a moose which frightened them. And then just as they were finishing the rental transaction a man came in and said they found a dead body on the river! WHEW and they hadn't even started their “vacation”. Finally they were able to began their journey but the canoe on top of Patrick's Suburban fell off and hit his dad's station wagon which was close behind on the windy mountain road. That didn't make his pepetually grouchy father any happier! Finally they reached a ranger station and were welcomed to the Bridger-Teton National Forest. After hiking on a remote trail they finally reached their camping area near Trout Creek. The first day was spent fishing , eating hot dogs, canned chili and s'mores and so on. While Susanne and Lana stayed back to prepare dinner the rest of them went to pan for gold. But their trip was about to take a nasty turn. Bunny, the youngest of Pete & Vera's kids was whining she couldn't hike anymore. Her mother wanted to keep panning for gold so Trish was asked to take her back to their campsite. Unfortunately she made a wrong turn and became lost in the vast wooded area. While that was happening Perry tried to scale a waterfall, slipped, hit his head and was unconscious. That's only the beginning of the perils they were about to face.
I have a strong dislike for spoiler alerts so I won't tell you what's in store. Read this amazing story and find out for yourself.
Scapegoat had me pretty much on the edge of my seat throughout the book. Patrick, Susanne, Trish and Perry meet up with his parents Joe & Lana, brother Pete, sister-in-law Vera and their 7 children who are visiting from their homes in Texas (yep, you read that right, seven kiddies). Patrick's planned a weekend get-a-way, canoeing along the river, camping, fishing, gold panning and hiking in Jackson, Wyoming on the Tukudika river. Before they even leave Wyoming Whitewater where they're renting canoes, paddles and life jackets one of the younger kids develops an odd, itch rash and some of the children encountered a moose which frightened them. And then just as they were finishing the rental transaction a man came in and said they found a dead body on the river! WHEW and they hadn't even started their “vacation”. Finally they were able to began their journey but the canoe on top of Patrick's Suburban fell off and hit his dad's station wagon which was close behind on the windy mountain road. That didn't make his pepetually grouchy father any happier! Finally they reached a ranger station and were welcomed to the Bridger-Teton National Forest. After hiking on a remote trail they finally reached their camping area near Trout Creek. The first day was spent fishing , eating hot dogs, canned chili and s'mores and so on. While Susanne and Lana stayed back to prepare dinner the rest of them went to pan for gold. But their trip was about to take a nasty turn. Bunny, the youngest of Pete & Vera's kids was whining she couldn't hike anymore. Her mother wanted to keep panning for gold so Trish was asked to take her back to their campsite. Unfortunately she made a wrong turn and became lost in the vast wooded area. While that was happening Perry tried to scale a waterfall, slipped, hit his head and was unconscious. That's only the beginning of the perils they were about to face.
I have a strong dislike for spoiler alerts so I won't tell you what's in store. Read this amazing story and find out for yourself.
February 25, 2021
Really stupid characters! Don’t Waste your time or money.
I liked the Dr. in the first three, but Patrick really made bad choices from the get-go in this story. I am from Texas & embarrassed that this group is from Texas & so dumb! I thought Pete & his family wanted to see Yellowstone. Why didn‘t the group just camp in Yellowstone and sightsee. Oh yeah no story...
I liked the Dr. in the first three, but Patrick really made bad choices from the get-go in this story. I am from Texas & embarrassed that this group is from Texas & so dumb! I thought Pete & his family wanted to see Yellowstone. Why didn‘t the group just camp in Yellowstone and sightsee. Oh yeah no story...
February 17, 2021
OMG I couldn’t put this down!
The action and suspense are never ending. Dr. Patrick Flint and his tribe of Flints survive armed robbers, kidnappers, near fatal injury and freezing cold white water rapids all in the name of a camping vacation! I knew I didn’t like camping for a reason. Oh did I mention murderers and a grizzly bear too? Highly recommended.
The action and suspense are never ending. Dr. Patrick Flint and his tribe of Flints survive armed robbers, kidnappers, near fatal injury and freezing cold white water rapids all in the name of a camping vacation! I knew I didn’t like camping for a reason. Oh did I mention murderers and a grizzly bear too? Highly recommended.
October 19, 2020
Dr Patrick Flint has planned an exciting Wyoming family vacation with his wife, 2 teenagers, his father, and his brother, Pete. As he is finalizing the rental of his canoes, camping and fishing gear, his brother shows up - with his wife and 7 young children in tow! Any reasonable person would head to the first camping site and stay put, but Patrick decides to go ahead with all their plans. Not even a dead body with a head wound deters them.
In spite of advice from the adventure company owner, Patrick decides to spend the first night at a remote camp site. The next day they take all seven kids to another location to fish and pan for gold. When the smallest child becomes exhausted and whiney after a very long hike, they tell 16 year old Trish to take her tiny cousin back to the camp where Patrick's wife and mother have remained for the day. Really! The inevitable happens and they get lost while murderers are roaming the forest.
The family circus becomes too much for Patrick, who heads off on his own to get his head together. When he returns (after spraining his ankle) he discovers that his son, Perry, has slipped off some rocks by a waterfall and remains unconscious for 15 minutes. Pete (Patrick's brother and parent of the 7 Dwarfs) goes for help, and he too is wandering alone in the forest until he is captured by bad guys.
Oh, yes, and to further fragment their unruly group, when Patrick thinks that his son is doing better and no longer needs medical assistance, he altruistically decides to go after his brother to cancel the emergency call so as not to waste resources in case others need help. So the doctor abandons his injured son and several children to set off into the forest on his own!
Meanwhile, back at the campsite, Patrick's mother injures her arm. When Patrick finally makes his way back with the injured Perry after saving his brother's life, they realize that Trish and the little one have not returned. Off goes Grandpa Joe to look for them.
Bad guys, spirit Indian, white water, a few murders, and a waterfall all make for an exciting read if you can get past Patrick's inflexibility and sheer stupidity. He feels wrongfully blamed for all the bad things that have happened and with good reason - it really is all your fault, Patrick!
Fortunately, I can get past the stupidity and still enjoy an enthralling adventure story in the incomparable beauty of the Wyoming mountains.
In spite of advice from the adventure company owner, Patrick decides to spend the first night at a remote camp site. The next day they take all seven kids to another location to fish and pan for gold. When the smallest child becomes exhausted and whiney after a very long hike, they tell 16 year old Trish to take her tiny cousin back to the camp where Patrick's wife and mother have remained for the day. Really! The inevitable happens and they get lost while murderers are roaming the forest.
The family circus becomes too much for Patrick, who heads off on his own to get his head together. When he returns (after spraining his ankle) he discovers that his son, Perry, has slipped off some rocks by a waterfall and remains unconscious for 15 minutes. Pete (Patrick's brother and parent of the 7 Dwarfs) goes for help, and he too is wandering alone in the forest until he is captured by bad guys.
Oh, yes, and to further fragment their unruly group, when Patrick thinks that his son is doing better and no longer needs medical assistance, he altruistically decides to go after his brother to cancel the emergency call so as not to waste resources in case others need help. So the doctor abandons his injured son and several children to set off into the forest on his own!
Meanwhile, back at the campsite, Patrick's mother injures her arm. When Patrick finally makes his way back with the injured Perry after saving his brother's life, they realize that Trish and the little one have not returned. Off goes Grandpa Joe to look for them.
Bad guys, spirit Indian, white water, a few murders, and a waterfall all make for an exciting read if you can get past Patrick's inflexibility and sheer stupidity. He feels wrongfully blamed for all the bad things that have happened and with good reason - it really is all your fault, Patrick!
Fortunately, I can get past the stupidity and still enjoy an enthralling adventure story in the incomparable beauty of the Wyoming mountains.
December 22, 2024
Boy, you don't want to go anywhere with the Flint Family! Scapegoat, #4 of the Patrick Flint series and part of The Patrick Flint Series: Books 4-6, takes place for the most part in the wilderness areas of Bridger-Teaton National Forest and Park in Wyoming in the late 1970s. Before Cell phones. Before debit cards. Patrick planned a thorough trip in the wilderness for his family's visit. We have six adults; Patrick's Dad Joe and Mother Lana, brother Paul and his new wife Vera, Patrick and his wife Susanne, and their two children, almost 16-year-old Trish and 13-year-old Perry. It would be challenging but very much doable with these experienced campers. He wants his people to know and love the Wyoming Wilderness, as he has come to do. But unexpectedly and unannounced, Paul and Vera brought their blended brood of seven children, aged 4 - 12, adding a whole new aspect to that challenge. To Susanne's dismay, Patrick, as usual, won't change their plans once they are set into motion.
We add in illegal antiquities robbers and an illicit gold mine and lots of weapons they aren't afraid to use, able to keep in touch and spread out with walkie-talkies to aid in communication giving them a massive advantage over the now-separated Flint groups, and they don't want the company of this chattering, slowly moving extended family getting in their way.
Then Perry falls climbing a waterfall and is badly injured with an obvious concussion and the group gets separated not once but two or more times, and Trish with 4-year-old Bunny gets abducted by one of the bad guys looking for a hostage, so all bets are off. Patrick is frantic to get Perry out of the wilderness to the hospital in Jackson, the girls are missing, Perry is throwing up and turning blue, Joe goes out looking for Trish and Bunny and the balance of the crew heads back down the river through several sections of white water and one waterfall situation leaving one of their 7 canoes for Joe and the girls to use. Patrick can only hope Joe will know they have headed back to the cars so he can get Perry to the Jackson hospital. Beautiful descriptive passages as the family travels through Wyoming's many national and state parks.
We are talking a tale not to be set aside for dinnertime. My family could starve before this series is finished, This is an excellent series, and I am very glad I don't have Flint family luck. I admire their pluck, however. I think you will, as well.
REVIEWED on December 19, 2024, at Goodreads, Barnes&Noble, BookBub, and Kobo. Also reviewed on the Patrick Flint series, books 4-6 at Goodreads and AmazonSmile. Not counted as read on the combined edition of the books.
We add in illegal antiquities robbers and an illicit gold mine and lots of weapons they aren't afraid to use, able to keep in touch and spread out with walkie-talkies to aid in communication giving them a massive advantage over the now-separated Flint groups, and they don't want the company of this chattering, slowly moving extended family getting in their way.
Then Perry falls climbing a waterfall and is badly injured with an obvious concussion and the group gets separated not once but two or more times, and Trish with 4-year-old Bunny gets abducted by one of the bad guys looking for a hostage, so all bets are off. Patrick is frantic to get Perry out of the wilderness to the hospital in Jackson, the girls are missing, Perry is throwing up and turning blue, Joe goes out looking for Trish and Bunny and the balance of the crew heads back down the river through several sections of white water and one waterfall situation leaving one of their 7 canoes for Joe and the girls to use. Patrick can only hope Joe will know they have headed back to the cars so he can get Perry to the Jackson hospital. Beautiful descriptive passages as the family travels through Wyoming's many national and state parks.
We are talking a tale not to be set aside for dinnertime. My family could starve before this series is finished, This is an excellent series, and I am very glad I don't have Flint family luck. I admire their pluck, however. I think you will, as well.
REVIEWED on December 19, 2024, at Goodreads, Barnes&Noble, BookBub, and Kobo. Also reviewed on the Patrick Flint series, books 4-6 at Goodreads and AmazonSmile. Not counted as read on the combined edition of the books.
August 16, 2020
I have really enjoyed this series so far, the adventures of Doctor Patrick Flint have been really interesting and genuinely exciting, peopled by a great cast of characters, some familiar faces from the previous books and some new members of the family making an appearance.
This story is all about a family trip to the Wyoming Bridger-Teton National Forest wilderness where Patrick can get closer to the Shoshone tribe that he idolises so much. His immediate family is joined by his parents and his brother Pete and his (large) family.
There is no doubt that the story is very exciting and action packed, and as the family gets separated there are several sub-stories running in parallel which keep the tension very high. The descriptions of the locations and the perils faced are excellent.
The issue that I had with this book was that I found Patrick's actions both as a doctor but more importantly as a father were completely irresponsible and put virtually every member of the group in danger at one time or another. Towards the end of the book he complains that he feels that he is being made a scapegoat for everything that has gone wrong, but the reality is that it is his fault. His stubbornness and inflexibility mean that the responsibility is completely his. I just find it difficult to believe that someone who is as intelligent and analytical as a doctor needs to be, would act in this way.
This is still a very good book, and makes a great read which means that it is difficult to put down.
I received an advance copy of the book, but have voluntarily written this honest review.
This story is all about a family trip to the Wyoming Bridger-Teton National Forest wilderness where Patrick can get closer to the Shoshone tribe that he idolises so much. His immediate family is joined by his parents and his brother Pete and his (large) family.
There is no doubt that the story is very exciting and action packed, and as the family gets separated there are several sub-stories running in parallel which keep the tension very high. The descriptions of the locations and the perils faced are excellent.
The issue that I had with this book was that I found Patrick's actions both as a doctor but more importantly as a father were completely irresponsible and put virtually every member of the group in danger at one time or another. Towards the end of the book he complains that he feels that he is being made a scapegoat for everything that has gone wrong, but the reality is that it is his fault. His stubbornness and inflexibility mean that the responsibility is completely his. I just find it difficult to believe that someone who is as intelligent and analytical as a doctor needs to be, would act in this way.
This is still a very good book, and makes a great read which means that it is difficult to put down.
I received an advance copy of the book, but have voluntarily written this honest review.
August 18, 2020
Scapegoat - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Pamela Fagan Hutchins certainly knows how to make sure a story grips you by the metaphorical throat and doesn't let up on the tension for a single minute, throughout her superb new novel Scapegoat, Book 5 in the wonderful Patrick Flint series.
Intended to be an enjoyable Flint family get-together for a wilderness and camping expedition, (for MC Dr Patrick Flint, wife Suzanne, their two teen children, Trish and Perry, Patrick's musician brother Pete, his sister-in-law Vera, patriarch of the family, Joe and the Flint brothers' stepmother, Lana), things quickly go awry, when Pete and Vera unexpectedly bring along all seven of their children, causing financial, safety and logistical issues, before the troop even sets out.
The historic heritage of the area in turn causes unforseen events and offers inexplicable assistance to the Flints, at their times of greatest need.
An adventure not to be missed, for afficionados of Clive Cussler, Dan Brown and Mark Reps.
Get your copy of Scapegoat, by Queen of the Suspense-Thriller, Pamela Fagan Hutchins, as soon as possible - it's sure to be another best-seller!
Pamela Fagan Hutchins certainly knows how to make sure a story grips you by the metaphorical throat and doesn't let up on the tension for a single minute, throughout her superb new novel Scapegoat, Book 5 in the wonderful Patrick Flint series.
Intended to be an enjoyable Flint family get-together for a wilderness and camping expedition, (for MC Dr Patrick Flint, wife Suzanne, their two teen children, Trish and Perry, Patrick's musician brother Pete, his sister-in-law Vera, patriarch of the family, Joe and the Flint brothers' stepmother, Lana), things quickly go awry, when Pete and Vera unexpectedly bring along all seven of their children, causing financial, safety and logistical issues, before the troop even sets out.
The historic heritage of the area in turn causes unforseen events and offers inexplicable assistance to the Flints, at their times of greatest need.
An adventure not to be missed, for afficionados of Clive Cussler, Dan Brown and Mark Reps.
Get your copy of Scapegoat, by Queen of the Suspense-Thriller, Pamela Fagan Hutchins, as soon as possible - it's sure to be another best-seller!
April 14, 2021
The author, Pamela Fagan Hutchins, has once again transported us into an adventure-driven tale. In the wilds of Wyoming, our new characters Patrick Flint and his family are trying to settle into a new lifestyle from their former home in busy Texas. Crimes and scandals seem to find the Flints, and the reader is launched into a dangerous wild ride into the mountains.
I have long been a reader of Ms. Hutchins, enjoying her 'What doesn't kill you' series, comprised of many books with linking characters. She often takes parts of her own life and reinvents them into new characters and experiences.
A family on edge seems to be the usual theme or someone working to reinvent themselves in a new life in these books. The writing is witty, edgy, sexy, and heartfelt. At the core of each of these books are folks trying to live by their values but pressed upon by a crazy world and oddball characters that upset the fruit cart every time, bringing mysteries, death, and mayhem! I love these books, and I am glad to have a new series of characters and adventures to read about and enjoy again!
Thanks, Pam, for the great read.
I have long been a reader of Ms. Hutchins, enjoying her 'What doesn't kill you' series, comprised of many books with linking characters. She often takes parts of her own life and reinvents them into new characters and experiences.
A family on edge seems to be the usual theme or someone working to reinvent themselves in a new life in these books. The writing is witty, edgy, sexy, and heartfelt. At the core of each of these books are folks trying to live by their values but pressed upon by a crazy world and oddball characters that upset the fruit cart every time, bringing mysteries, death, and mayhem! I love these books, and I am glad to have a new series of characters and adventures to read about and enjoy again!
Thanks, Pam, for the great read.
August 17, 2020
When the family descends on your carefully planned canoe and fishing trip, run. There were Patrick Flint, his wife Suzanne, daughter Trish, son Perry, Dad Joe, Mom Lana, brother Pete,
sister in law Vera, and their seven dwarves: Annie, Stan, Danny, Brian, Bunny, Bert, Barry.
The list of characters goes on, and the adventures begin. What begins as a few days of camping
and fishing soon becomes a harrowing experience on the Tukudika River. Don't put this book
down for a second as you just might miss something important. The story compelling, the family
driven, and everyone stretched to their limit and beyond. Expect the unexpected and you are
quickly a part of this story.
Do not read just before bedtime, as you will find it hard to put down. Morning comes far sooner
than you anticipated, and today's chores will be tomorrow's. From critters to characters, scrapes and bruises to concussion, who will survive this adventure.
As an ARC reader, I freely leave my recommendation and the wish that you will enjoy this read as much as I did.
sister in law Vera, and their seven dwarves: Annie, Stan, Danny, Brian, Bunny, Bert, Barry.
The list of characters goes on, and the adventures begin. What begins as a few days of camping
and fishing soon becomes a harrowing experience on the Tukudika River. Don't put this book
down for a second as you just might miss something important. The story compelling, the family
driven, and everyone stretched to their limit and beyond. Expect the unexpected and you are
quickly a part of this story.
Do not read just before bedtime, as you will find it hard to put down. Morning comes far sooner
than you anticipated, and today's chores will be tomorrow's. From critters to characters, scrapes and bruises to concussion, who will survive this adventure.
As an ARC reader, I freely leave my recommendation and the wish that you will enjoy this read as much as I did.
August 28, 2020
First off: Never a spoiler in my reviews! Second: This book kept me up way past my bedtime because I just didn't want to stop reading! I love all of the Patrick Flint novels and believe you will too. One of the most wonderful qualities as they can be read as standalones because the stories and characters are so well developed that you don't miss a beat regardless of where you pick up. But, you'll want to read the others because this series is nothing less than addictive. All of the books, including this one, provide the attention-grabbing twists and turns you expect in a dynamic plot, you also become immersed in the vivid descriptions of the areas and can imagine that you are there. This story involves more family members and a camping trip with some interesting and challenging situations that will have you on the edge of your seat. You won't be disappointed at all, and will totally fall in love with this book/series. Get it now! I received an advanced copy of this book and the opinions expressed here are my own.
November 7, 2022
A series of bad decisions, stubbornness, and ego places Patrick & his extended family in danger many times. Everyone’s second guessing & doubting each other didn’t help the situation. The family is separated into a few sections.
This could have been avoided had Patrick yielded and chosen a more family friendly activity. Patrick was not flexible when he realized it wasn’t going to be only adults and his teens on this trip.
I felt there was plenty of blame to go around. The family finally had to pull it together in order to survive. Fractured into several groups, I was astonished but knew it could be done. The characters rose above their fears in order to keep everyone safe. It was touch and go throughout the book.
The family self-incriminations at the end were touching and the words of wisdom passed between the characters made up for many of the eye rolls that I inflicted upon myself as the story unfolded.
This could have been avoided had Patrick yielded and chosen a more family friendly activity. Patrick was not flexible when he realized it wasn’t going to be only adults and his teens on this trip.
I felt there was plenty of blame to go around. The family finally had to pull it together in order to survive. Fractured into several groups, I was astonished but knew it could be done. The characters rose above their fears in order to keep everyone safe. It was touch and go throughout the book.
The family self-incriminations at the end were touching and the words of wisdom passed between the characters made up for many of the eye rolls that I inflicted upon myself as the story unfolded.
August 14, 2020
[I read the paperback version, but can only find the Kindle edition on Goodreads]
Another winner by Pamela Fagan Hutchins! The Patrick Flint family story continues, and they just can't seem to catch a break. Another family trip goes bad. They run afoul of treasure seekers, a family member is injured, it's just another family vacation for the Flints. Lots of twists and turns, you're not sure who's a good guy and who's a bad guy. The scenery descriptions are fantastic and you feel like you're there. I have really enjoyed seeing how the characters grow throughout the series (although you don't have to read the series to follow the book). I couldn't put it down, and can't wait for the next adventure!
Another winner by Pamela Fagan Hutchins! The Patrick Flint family story continues, and they just can't seem to catch a break. Another family trip goes bad. They run afoul of treasure seekers, a family member is injured, it's just another family vacation for the Flints. Lots of twists and turns, you're not sure who's a good guy and who's a bad guy. The scenery descriptions are fantastic and you feel like you're there. I have really enjoyed seeing how the characters grow throughout the series (although you don't have to read the series to follow the book). I couldn't put it down, and can't wait for the next adventure!
August 17, 2020
This author gets me. I have experienced many of the areas and activities she describes, and she really knows how to convey a realistic message. This book is similar to but totally unlike the other DR Patrick Flint novels. Patrick's hard headedness and the surprise addition of his brothers seven children brings everyone into the canoe trip from Hell. The characters are very realistic from the oldest to the youngest. The writing is clear and direct making for easy reading and understanding. The plot in this book brings the reader to the point of terror. The families are all put into extreme danger from the wilderness, the elements and crazed bad guys. I started this book thinking here we go again and ended it in a cold sweat. Once again I have to give this book my highest recommendation.
May 16, 2022
Exciting Twists and Turns While Racing for Their Lives Down a Wilderness River
Pamela Fagan Hutchins’ book Scapegoat: A Patrick Flint Novel couldn’t be more exciting! The multiple Flint families, from young children to Patrick’s parents takes wilderness vacation encountering all manner of desperate and life threatening challenges! The river alone could have done them all in with raging rapids and waterfalls, not to mention crazed killers and grizzly bears. Best to read the series from the beginning to appreciate the characters making up Patrick’s extended family. Great story.
Pamela Fagan Hutchins’ book Scapegoat: A Patrick Flint Novel couldn’t be more exciting! The multiple Flint families, from young children to Patrick’s parents takes wilderness vacation encountering all manner of desperate and life threatening challenges! The river alone could have done them all in with raging rapids and waterfalls, not to mention crazed killers and grizzly bears. Best to read the series from the beginning to appreciate the characters making up Patrick’s extended family. Great story.
July 26, 2020
Another wild adventure for the Flint clan. Full of suspense which will keep you turning the page. How could a family vacation meant to be a fun adventure go so horribly wrong? Who gets hurt and fights for their life? Who gets kidnapped? Can the Flints keep one step ahead of the prospectors? Who comes to their rescue when it is most needed? Recommend to those you enjoy a book packed with heart pounding suspense and the love of family. Received an arc and this is my voluntary honest review.
September 4, 2020
Talk about action-packed! That’s an understatement!
Patrick Flint’s family is truly an adventurous one. Another camping trip with an exciting conclusion.
Patrick Flint’s family vacation grew tremendously when his brother showed up with his seven kids for the trip. The plan was for six adults and two teenagers to go hiking, panning for gold, fishing, and whitewater rafting for a mere three days. They did not know it was going to include murder, kidnapping, and severe accidents.
It was hard to put this one down!
Patrick Flint’s family is truly an adventurous one. Another camping trip with an exciting conclusion.
Patrick Flint’s family vacation grew tremendously when his brother showed up with his seven kids for the trip. The plan was for six adults and two teenagers to go hiking, panning for gold, fishing, and whitewater rafting for a mere three days. They did not know it was going to include murder, kidnapping, and severe accidents.
It was hard to put this one down!
September 21, 2020
Mountain goats
Now that's a family!! I looked forward to another Uncle Dr Patrick adventure and this book delivered. Every page left me holding my breath while receiving a word picture of the beauty of the Wyoming mountains. I felt like I'd canoed the rapids without the terror I'd really feel in waters I couldn't control. Still working on that! In June of 1977 I had a two month old son, our firstborn , so returning to that period in time is fun for me. For great storytelling, characters and settings...and for yourself...start this series .
Now that's a family!! I looked forward to another Uncle Dr Patrick adventure and this book delivered. Every page left me holding my breath while receiving a word picture of the beauty of the Wyoming mountains. I felt like I'd canoed the rapids without the terror I'd really feel in waters I couldn't control. Still working on that! In June of 1977 I had a two month old son, our firstborn , so returning to that period in time is fun for me. For great storytelling, characters and settings...and for yourself...start this series .
August 25, 2021
When Patrick decided he’s going to takes his family canoe camping you just want to shout “don’t”! Especially when his parents, his brother and his wife and seven kids join them. You know if Patrick is there there will be trouble, more like ten things going wrong at once and usually life or death. And things do go wrong- from Perry’s concussion to grizzlies, to Trish getting lost, to rapids, to murderous prospectors etc.But in the end they are all family (author did a great job making those kids annoying).
May 13, 2025
Families and Fatalities
This story of a family trip has the Flint gang in hot water, actually rather frigid, quite rapid-ly. Scapegoat is about Patrick's parents and brother Pete along with his family, coming to Wyoming for a quiet vacation. This one is anything but quiet though.
Between bad guys, grizzled and help from a mysterious Indian,this one will have you on the edge of your seat.
I tore through this book as if the devil himself were chasing me.
Thank you Pamela Fagan Hutchins for another great adventure.
This story of a family trip has the Flint gang in hot water, actually rather frigid, quite rapid-ly. Scapegoat is about Patrick's parents and brother Pete along with his family, coming to Wyoming for a quiet vacation. This one is anything but quiet though.
Between bad guys, grizzled and help from a mysterious Indian,this one will have you on the edge of your seat.
I tore through this book as if the devil himself were chasing me.
Thank you Pamela Fagan Hutchins for another great adventure.
August 14, 2020
You always get a great read from Pamela Fagan Hutchins. This book is no exception.
If I were a family member of Patrick Flint's family, though, I think I'd develop agoraphobia. Every time they go somewhere, calamities befall them...one after another. Yet, they keep coming back for more. I've written before, this isn't my usual reading genre, yet I keep coming back for more, too.
Excellent reading pleasure!
If I were a family member of Patrick Flint's family, though, I think I'd develop agoraphobia. Every time they go somewhere, calamities befall them...one after another. Yet, they keep coming back for more. I've written before, this isn't my usual reading genre, yet I keep coming back for more, too.
Excellent reading pleasure!
August 15, 2020
Another brilliant book in the Patrick Flint series. Patrick takes his extended family into the Wyoming mountains to go white water rafting and camping. It wouldn’t be a Flint vacation without injury, murder and mayhem. Add in seven young children and a surly father in law and the jokes just keep adding up. Throughout it all Patrick protects his family, vanquishes the bad guys and comes out the hero.
August 17, 2020
I enjoyed reading the most recent Patrick Flint book, Scapegoat! The family, swelled by 11 more in this adventure, encountered numerous obstacles on their attempted vacation. I couldn't stop reading because it felt like one step forward and two steps back. Even with the power of prayer and a mysterious spirit on their side, I still felt like I was experiencing everything they did along the way! I highly recommend you invest time and money in this series of books.
August 19, 2020
Patrick wants to take his family on a camping trip. Other family members show up also. This novel is a thriller to keep your interest. Patrick's son falls and hits the back of his head. They run across a group that thinks they found gold. This group wants to kill everyone that may know about their find.
Some of the family get kidnapped, while others are on the run. The tires on their cars are slashed so they cannot get away for help. Another page turner that you will not want to put down.
Some of the family get kidnapped, while others are on the run. The tires on their cars are slashed so they cannot get away for help. Another page turner that you will not want to put down.
March 7, 2022
Another read that I couldnt put down!
I love this book as the ones before it in this series. Scapegoat kept me turning page after page . I had to find out what happened to each Flint family member as they fight to stay alive and get out of the mountains. Perry gets hurt and they need to get him to the hospital. The hard part is keeping away from the bad guys. You have to read the next is the Patrick Flint series.
I love this book as the ones before it in this series. Scapegoat kept me turning page after page . I had to find out what happened to each Flint family member as they fight to stay alive and get out of the mountains. Perry gets hurt and they need to get him to the hospital. The hard part is keeping away from the bad guys. You have to read the next is the Patrick Flint series.
April 5, 2024
Scapegoat (Patrick Flint Novels, #4), my fourth read from author Pamela Fagan Hutchins. Well-written & enjoyable, a cute, clean entertaining mystery/thriller. I was given a Sootify copy of this book, read by tha author & am voluntarily reviewing it. The underlying Christian themes add to the books enjoyment. I look forward to reading more in this series & from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
November 23, 2025
another winner
It’s a thrill a minute with the Flint family. They can’t hardly leave the house without some kind of catastrophe. Doesn’t matter if they are wrangling whitewater, or unexpected dwarfs. With the telling of their plights you can see the world as they do, feel the fridge water, the big horn goats, and the majesty that is Wyoming. I highly recommend this series, and I’m off to the next episode, come along and enjoy the show.
It’s a thrill a minute with the Flint family. They can’t hardly leave the house without some kind of catastrophe. Doesn’t matter if they are wrangling whitewater, or unexpected dwarfs. With the telling of their plights you can see the world as they do, feel the fridge water, the big horn goats, and the majesty that is Wyoming. I highly recommend this series, and I’m off to the next episode, come along and enjoy the show.
July 28, 2020
You will love Scapegoat. I couldn’t put it down and read it in one day. The Flint family is at it again with a short camping trip that goes very awry with so many twists and turns! The characters are so alive and interesting and you meet more of the Flint family in this book.
Pamela Hutchins has a fantastic talent and all of her series are excellent reads!
Pamela Hutchins has a fantastic talent and all of her series are excellent reads!
July 29, 2020
Another wonderfully exciting adventure with Patrick Flint.
Twists and turns throughout the book will keep you turning pages.
Going on vacation with the Flint family is guaranteed to be anything but relaxing.
You couldn't pay me to go on holiday with this family, but reading about them is always an adventure haha.
What a great story!
Twists and turns throughout the book will keep you turning pages.
Going on vacation with the Flint family is guaranteed to be anything but relaxing.
You couldn't pay me to go on holiday with this family, but reading about them is always an adventure haha.
What a great story!
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