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Luke McCain #1
The Cascade Killer
As a Fish and Wildlife police officer, Luke McCain and his partner — a yellow Lab named Jack — spend their days patrolling the rivers, lakes and forests of the wild and scenic Cascade Mountains in Eastern Washington. After hunters discover human remains inside a bear's stomach, McCain is thrust into the investigation.
As more dead women are found in McCain's region, authorities suspect a serial killer is prowling the mountains he knows best. McCain will need his knowledge as an outdoorsman, and his instincts as an investigator, to track the psychopathic predator before he kills again.
As more dead women are found in McCain's region, authorities suspect a serial killer is prowling the mountains he knows best. McCain will need his knowledge as an outdoorsman, and his instincts as an investigator, to track the psychopathic predator before he kills again.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
June 1, 2021
*Full disclosure: I am the author's brother, and I like Labrador dogs, so I'm going to be unabashedly biased.
If you enjoy the suspense and thrills of stories where you can almost smell the smoke from a campfire, and you wait for the action to take place at the right times, this book is for you. Many of the author's readers (including myself) grew up in the areas mentioned in this series. While the author earned his chops from decades of outdoor writing in newspapers and magazines, he supplies just enough to keep the avid hunter/fisherman or woman interested - but not too much so that it gets in the way.
For a first book out of the gate, Phillips does a fine job introducing readers to his main character, Luke McCain and his dog, along with other key characters. Unless you don't have a heartbeat, you'll find yourself pulling for our protagonist as he helps to protect and defend the legal sportsmanship that has such breadth in the state of Washington.
If you enjoy the suspense and thrills of stories where you can almost smell the smoke from a campfire, and you wait for the action to take place at the right times, this book is for you. Many of the author's readers (including myself) grew up in the areas mentioned in this series. While the author earned his chops from decades of outdoor writing in newspapers and magazines, he supplies just enough to keep the avid hunter/fisherman or woman interested - but not too much so that it gets in the way.
For a first book out of the gate, Phillips does a fine job introducing readers to his main character, Luke McCain and his dog, along with other key characters. Unless you don't have a heartbeat, you'll find yourself pulling for our protagonist as he helps to protect and defend the legal sportsmanship that has such breadth in the state of Washington.
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April 28, 2024The main draw of this book was all the references to familiar places across the Yakima valley. The writing is very amateur and obvious but it was mostly entertaining except for the weird objectifying/misogyny that screamed Boomer Humor
June 25, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It helped living in Yakima two years and being familiar with the area. I’m looking forward to reading the next book!
October 26, 2024
Tell me this book was written by a stereotypical man without telling me this book was written by a stereotypical man. Yawn. Dnf but managed to get almost halfway through.
October 10, 2021
This book has several things I really do not like in mystery novels: Too much and too little information. Agatha Christie (the master) managed to give you everything you needed to know to solve the crime - but in such a way that doing so was, for all intents and purposes, impossible. This author leads you down a specific path toward the murderer - but then all of a sudden two more suspects pop up (and you don't know who they are - it's like the author went "Oh, that's too obvious, let's add in a little something to spice it up."
The dog is a great character - but incredibly intelligent. Maybe it comes from having read books that introduced canine characters in realistic ways, but this one kind of assumes that the dog just knows how to do things (like track). (I still like the dog.)
Then we have another thing that bothers me (though it is very common). First we meet the male protagonist and get a little character development. Once we know him, we meet a female - and immediately you know these two are going to end up in a relationship. It's trite, and not realistic.
*** Spoiler ***
Then - and this is almost as obvious as them getting into a relationship in the first place - she ends up being kidnapped by the villain. As though one couldn't see that coming.
The dog is a great character - but incredibly intelligent. Maybe it comes from having read books that introduced canine characters in realistic ways, but this one kind of assumes that the dog just knows how to do things (like track). (I still like the dog.)
Then we have another thing that bothers me (though it is very common). First we meet the male protagonist and get a little character development. Once we know him, we meet a female - and immediately you know these two are going to end up in a relationship. It's trite, and not realistic.
*** Spoiler ***
Then - and this is almost as obvious as them getting into a relationship in the first place - she ends up being kidnapped by the villain. As though one couldn't see that coming.
January 22, 2021
2.5 I was super excited about a new game warden series. It wasn't near as good as CJ Box, but I think it has potential. We'll see how book #2 turns out. It was also nice to see a character who doesn't drink.
April 12, 2021
I enjoyed reading this mystery set in the local area. Knowing the places, roads, rivers and scenery made the story more compelling.
November 21, 2020
The best thing about this book for me was all the places mentioned. I could find my way to most of the lakes—even though I am not so woodsy. I could sit down at the cafe in Naches, and I have eaten many times at Trout Lodge. It’s a serviceable story. Getting started on the mystery by finding body parts in a bear forms a unique beginning to a story that takes place mostly in the forests and hills of Central Washington state. I liked the main character, Luke McCain, his dog, Jack, is my favorite breed and Phillips writes him very doggy, which I appreciated. I was disappointed that the main female character needed rescuing. (That’s a woman’s reaction.) She starts as a very competent woman, so having her end up tied to a chair and gagged like one of the ladies in old television westerns? Author, try harder.
That said, Phillips could be Washington’s C.J. Box or even Craig Johnson. He just needs to fill out his characters a little more, and wax just a teensy bit more lyrical about our unique hills, desert and mountains. I have confidence that he can—this is just the first book in what I hope is a successful series.
That said, Phillips could be Washington’s C.J. Box or even Craig Johnson. He just needs to fill out his characters a little more, and wax just a teensy bit more lyrical about our unique hills, desert and mountains. I have confidence that he can—this is just the first book in what I hope is a successful series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2021
Rob Phillips does an amazing job captivating the outdoor world with his dialog throughout the book! I am an avid hunter/outdoorsman and love the use of modern technology and techniques that are actually used in today's era of hunting.
The lovable Luke McCain and his canine companion will keep you hooked till the very last line. Combining vivid details, a sense of belonging, mild plot twists, and dry humor (the kind that will make you chuckle when you think about that part again), This was the perfect book for myself who loves an outdoor murder mystery book.
The lovable Luke McCain and his canine companion will keep you hooked till the very last line. Combining vivid details, a sense of belonging, mild plot twists, and dry humor (the kind that will make you chuckle when you think about that part again), This was the perfect book for myself who loves an outdoor murder mystery book.
January 23, 2021
CASCADE KILLER, GREAT MYSTERY! Had me guessing to the end!
I enjoyed reading this book because I love the relationship between the officer and his dog Jack. The identity of the killer caught me by surprise! I was sure I knew who the killer was, at the same time, I didn’t want it to be him because I liked the guy. Great story, interesting characters and that surprising twist towards the end. I can’t wait to read the next book!!
I enjoyed reading this book because I love the relationship between the officer and his dog Jack. The identity of the killer caught me by surprise! I was sure I knew who the killer was, at the same time, I didn’t want it to be him because I liked the guy. Great story, interesting characters and that surprising twist towards the end. I can’t wait to read the next book!!
November 1, 2020
This is a page-turner! Full of familiar PNW places with a well-developed and likeable hero, I enjoyed every bit of it. Stayed up very late to finish it. Just the right amount scary and suspenseful. Give it to your dad or grandpa for Christmas. I hope we haven’t heard the last from Rob Phillips or Lucas McCain.
January 11, 2021
Good read
The book is a good thriller.I love the character Luke McCain and his dog Jack. As a wild life agent he and Jack use their tracking skills to help catch the killer. It's easily entertaining and easy reading.
The book is a good thriller.I love the character Luke McCain and his dog Jack. As a wild life agent he and Jack use their tracking skills to help catch the killer. It's easily entertaining and easy reading.
April 12, 2022
Even though I couldn’t figure out that Hans was going to betray Anna in Frozen, I figured out who the killer was right off the bat. Not super complex vocabulary or engaging plot, and I didn’t even get the romantic storyline I was baited. But cute dog character!
November 2, 2020
Loved it! Being from the area it was a good read. Great characters!!!! Very detailed but easy to follow. Can't wait for the next book.
November 13, 2020
Fast read - page turner. I really enjoyed this mystery set in Washington state.
December 2, 2020
Great book Rob - can't wait for the next one
January 20, 2021
Great little book that takes place in Washington State.
December 29, 2020
Overall a good book with fun characters. It was fun to read about local places and was impressed that The Sea Galley made an appearance!!
Looking forward to reading more about Luke and Jack!
Looking forward to reading more about Luke and Jack!
March 3, 2021
Truly a good read
This was an excellent story for readers who like switches every few chapters. Don't read the end, it will ruin all the fun!
This was an excellent story for readers who like switches every few chapters. Don't read the end, it will ruin all the fun!
April 12, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded up
The Cascade Killer is an easy-to-read, straightforward mystery. Perfect for a rainy weekend at home, or perhaps cozied up in the trailer while camping, or if you just want a lighter diversion after reading something deep and serious. The author’s style is simple and to-the point: there’s a little mystery, a little adventure, and the hint of a little romance. It’s undemanding, but he tells a compelling story without gratuitous violence, profanity or sex. And I really appreciate that. I don’t know about the rest of the series - though I find it hard to believe Phillips will deviate from his established style - but I honestly think this would make a fantastic Hallmark Mystery.
That said, Luke McCain is an extremely likeable main character. He’s an all-American, awe-shucks kind of guy. He loves nature, animals and helping people. He’s handsome, gainfully employed, owns a home, drives a truck and loves to fish… And he’s good with kids. The guy’s a catch, what’s not to like? As a Washington State Fish and Wildlife officer, he spends his days patrolling Yakima and the eastern slope of the Cascades with his loveable sidekick, Jack, the yellow lab. And while Jack is described as his partner, this turns out to be untrue – and here is my gripe:
Jack is really Luke’s personal pet / hunting dog. We learn he has no formal canine training, yet he accompanies Luke almost everywhere on the job and he is considered an expert scent tracker. Again, no formal training, he just knows what to do. Hmm…
Now, I love Labradors and I’m very familiar with the breed. I have personal experience with them as guide dogs for the blind, in bird hunting, and as a family pet (RIP Gertie). They are also widely used in search and rescue, and in drug and explosives detection. They’re amazing creatures. Intelligent, gentle, loyal – and dopey. Without formal training, the only thing they’ll instinctively find are dirty socks and dropped snacks. There. I said it.
Despite this tangent and harping, I still enjoyed this book immensely. I’m willing to overlook a multitude of writing sins if the story is engaging enough, and The Cascade Killer meets that standard.
Looking forward to continuing this series with the next installment, Cascade Vengeance.
The Cascade Killer is an easy-to-read, straightforward mystery. Perfect for a rainy weekend at home, or perhaps cozied up in the trailer while camping, or if you just want a lighter diversion after reading something deep and serious. The author’s style is simple and to-the point: there’s a little mystery, a little adventure, and the hint of a little romance. It’s undemanding, but he tells a compelling story without gratuitous violence, profanity or sex. And I really appreciate that. I don’t know about the rest of the series - though I find it hard to believe Phillips will deviate from his established style - but I honestly think this would make a fantastic Hallmark Mystery.
That said, Luke McCain is an extremely likeable main character. He’s an all-American, awe-shucks kind of guy. He loves nature, animals and helping people. He’s handsome, gainfully employed, owns a home, drives a truck and loves to fish… And he’s good with kids. The guy’s a catch, what’s not to like? As a Washington State Fish and Wildlife officer, he spends his days patrolling Yakima and the eastern slope of the Cascades with his loveable sidekick, Jack, the yellow lab. And while Jack is described as his partner, this turns out to be untrue – and here is my gripe:
Jack is really Luke’s personal pet / hunting dog. We learn he has no formal canine training, yet he accompanies Luke almost everywhere on the job and he is considered an expert scent tracker. Again, no formal training, he just knows what to do. Hmm…
Now, I love Labradors and I’m very familiar with the breed. I have personal experience with them as guide dogs for the blind, in bird hunting, and as a family pet (RIP Gertie). They are also widely used in search and rescue, and in drug and explosives detection. They’re amazing creatures. Intelligent, gentle, loyal – and dopey. Without formal training, the only thing they’ll instinctively find are dirty socks and dropped snacks. There. I said it.
Despite this tangent and harping, I still enjoyed this book immensely. I’m willing to overlook a multitude of writing sins if the story is engaging enough, and The Cascade Killer meets that standard.
Looking forward to continuing this series with the next installment, Cascade Vengeance.
February 23, 2025
It was a quick and easy read. Figured out the killer pretty quickly. It seemed very cliched and frankly some of the comments felt... Boomery, especially the dig about the #MeToo movement. The writing was very contrived and inorganic. I was also highly disappointed that the highly concerning issue of missing and murdered indigenous women was not delved into further. Some of the victims being identified as indigenous was used solely as a descriptive tool and did not address the immense issue at all. It was a tremendous opportunity missed. I was worried for a bit that the dog would be hurt in some way, (spoiler) but thankfully he is not. I didn't hate it, but I am definitely rethinking my plan to read the entire series. I may give one more book a try, but we'll see. I really wanted to love this one, but just couldn't.
September 13, 2021
Great outdoors serial killer mystery.
Written in the style of CJ Box another great game warden outdoor mystery novel. This one definitely gives you a feel for the the towns and cities the game warden works. You can almost feel the cool breezes and see the mountains as described. The interaction between the characters is smooth flowing and the way he plays the first character to be the serial killer throws everyone off. Well written. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
Written in the style of CJ Box another great game warden outdoor mystery novel. This one definitely gives you a feel for the the towns and cities the game warden works. You can almost feel the cool breezes and see the mountains as described. The interaction between the characters is smooth flowing and the way he plays the first character to be the serial killer throws everyone off. Well written. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
January 19, 2022
I mostly read this book (and the two others in the trilogy) because it is set in the area where I live. It was neat reading of places where our family has jeeped, or local restaurants that we frequent. This is a pretty quick read, and the story was suspenseful. What I didn't like was the amount of language used in the book. I don't feel like it added anything, and because of it I wouldn't recommend this book, especially for my teenagers who wanted to read it.
September 14, 2021
MOST OF THE STORYLINE WAS LIKE READING TRIVIA FACTS. I DID FIGURE OUT WHO THE KILLER WAS, EVEN THOUGH THEY DIDN’T STAND OUT. IT WAS AN ENJOYABLE MYSTERY. ONLY THING, THE RIFLEMAN (on tv of the same name) WASN’T THE SHERIFF, HE WAS A HOMESTEADER, RANCHER AND MICA WAS THE SHERIFF, I THINK THE AUTHOR SHOULD HAVE FACT CHECKED THAT. I WAS AN AVID FAN OF THAT SHOW BACK-N-THE-DAY. ;D
September 13, 2021
Couldn't Put it Down!
This book grabbed my interest from the first page and never let go! The characters are realistic and likable, the dialogue is natural, the situation is compelling, the procedures are authentic, and the possible villains are believable. I could not stop turning the pages til I found out whodunit!
This book grabbed my interest from the first page and never let go! The characters are realistic and likable, the dialogue is natural, the situation is compelling, the procedures are authentic, and the possible villains are believable. I could not stop turning the pages til I found out whodunit!
October 30, 2024
3.5 rounded up. I enjoyed this as a popcorn thriller. Nothing flashy or groundbreaking but bingeable with a fun story. I knew the killer very early on and figured the end was inevitable (the FBI agent). We love Jack though! I'm excited to continue the series!!
September 13, 2021
Good book. Good story line. Good characters.
Story is of a serial killer who kills women with long dark hair then discards their bodies in the cascades. Fish & Wildlife officer Luke McCain and his dog, Jack, and FBI agent Sara Sinclair are key in finding the killer.
Story is of a serial killer who kills women with long dark hair then discards their bodies in the cascades. Fish & Wildlife officer Luke McCain and his dog, Jack, and FBI agent Sara Sinclair are key in finding the killer.
April 15, 2022
3.5 stars. Good story and pace. Crime mystery. Easy read.
September 13, 2021
Very good book.
September 12, 2021
One of the Most Enjoyable Novels Ever!
Likeable characters, good action scenes in realistic environments And only a hint of romanticism made this a very enjoyable page-turner!
Likeable characters, good action scenes in realistic environments And only a hint of romanticism made this a very enjoyable page-turner!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews