Cascade Vengeance

Luke McCain #2

by Rob Phillips

After helping solve the Cascade Killer case, Washington State Fish & Wildlife officer Luke McCain thinks life will return to normal: hunting with his Labrador named Jack, policing Eastern Washington's wilderness, and spending time with his girlfriend, FBI agent Sara Sinclair. But when dead bodies are discovered in illegal marijuana fields hidden in the Cascade Mountains, McCain and Jack are thrust into a new investigation.


​With the help of Agent Sinclair, county law enforcement, concerned citizens, and, of course, Jack, McCain works to discover who is killing workers within the region's drug trade. As illegal marijuana fields continue to appear, and bodies pile up, McCain and the others must run down every lead in the hopes of catching their shooter before the killer exacts more vengeance.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 19, 2021

Reviews

[Doug Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Full disclosure: I am the author's brother. If you've read books written by friends or relatives, then you undoubtedly could recognize, as did I, many of the locations and settings for the books.

Cascade Vengeance continues the Luke McCain Mysteries series to a timely and interesting second story that weaves in both sides of the law. Having read both of the author's books (as of the writing of this review) back-to-back, I appreciated the continuity of characters and tone. While it's not necessary to enjoy this title, I recommend that the reader first pick up Book 1 in the series - The Cascade Killer.

These books can be digested in one or two satisfying, not burdensome visits to your favorite reading chair. Get comfortable and enjoy, as I did, spending some time with a game warden who encounters some of the most interesting people. Dig in to the book and before you know it, a few hours will have passed in what seems like a few minutes with Luke McCain and Jack.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a get series. Loved noting all the places including Whistling Jack’s! Looking forward to reading more.

[beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reading

Second book in this series and 2nd one I've read. Both are very good. Doesn't have the technical details of a Dustin Stevens K-9 book or an Alex Kava Search and Rescue but still well done. Variety of activities going on in the story. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.

[Louis Fragale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Rob Phillips’ books. The Luke McCain story line is enjoyable and a fast past read. I love the main characters especially Jack! He’s the best boy. I always enjoy the side quest of fish and game.

Also with him being local writer I picture all the roads he’s traveling and makes me want to take another trip to Yakima!

I would recommend to anyone.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my favorite of the three books in this series. It had the least amount of foul language. I enjoyed getting to know the characters more throughout the series.

[Bryce Napier · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. Nothing special but a fun bingeable book/series. Will definitely be continuing when I need something exciting without too much thinking

[Mary MacKintosh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this books because of its author’s very real love of the area he writes ab out. This is his second novel in a series written around the exploits of a Washington state game warden. This story centers on illegal marijuana grows in the forests in Yakima and Kittitas counties. The death of a solitary hunter (is it usual for hunters of deer/elk to go into the woods alone?) sends Luke McCain up on Manashtash Ridge, where he finds a field of marijuana that should not be there, the body of the hunter, and two other bodies—those of men who were tending the crop. The numbers of bodies grow as Luke, his FBI girlfriend and various other law enforcement for try to figure out what is causing all the killings. Luke travels around areas familiar to me, and that is what makes the book particularly delightful—that, and author Phillips prose about our deserts, forests, and little towns.

[Jack Veitengruber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to the first book in the series, The Cascade Killer. Rob Phillips takes the detail and personality from the beginning of the series and divulges a world that is known to any outdoor enthusiasts. If you love reading about hunting, for game or for murder, you will enjoy this book as the pages seem to get shorter the more involved you get into this outdoor crime scene. Fingers crossed for a 3rd book!

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good plot he has the day off to climb the mountain and maybe spot a legal deer to shot. Finding illegal pot being growing, was proven deadly for him.
Jake was able to find the body in the grove. Nice flowing plot to enjoy

[Ward]

Loved this book just as much as Rob’s first. Looking forward to #3!

[Rosie Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

recommended

Really enjoyed the twist and turns in the plot. I liked knowing some of the areas and locations. Waiting anxiously for the next book.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun! I love to read a story that travels around all my favorite hiking places in Central Washington!

[Sydnee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Mandi Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Cascade Vengeance” is Rob Phillips’ second book in his Luke McCain series. These murder mysteries are very addictive as they are just the perfect length to binge in one day. What I like about Phillips’ writing is that while his plots revolve around hunting and fishing, even those of us who don’t participate in those sports can share his passion for these activities. As a Washington State Fish and Wildlife officer, protagonist McCain demonstrates a respect for animals and the outdoors that most city folk just don’t understand. Whether on his routine job of checking hunting and fishing licenses, or his side hustle of tracking dead bodies with his trusty yellow Lab, McCain’s adventures give the reader vivid glimpses of the spectacular beauty of the eastern Cascade Mountains. The area around Yakima may be “roads less traveled” in Washington State, however Phillips’ writing will soon have you longing for a visit there.

[Debbie Sonneman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do love a good series, mysteries, who-done-its.
This novel, "Vengeance", takes us once again into the Cascade Mountains where Fish and Game Wildlife Warden Luke McCain has been asked to look into the murders of a couple of pot field workers.
The novel has a number of twists and turns where we are introduced to a number of interesting characters - some real and some would be hunters who help Luke track down the murderer(s).
I learned some interesting, ancillary facts about the work of game wardens and how it's not always about checking hunting licenses. For instance, I learned a l ittle history about the creation of the interstate highway system. Tiny little details like that can serve to make a book more interesting.
I do want to read the next book in the series and I wish Luke McCain and his new bride, Sara much happiness in their married life 😉.

[Nita Lyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Nile is my home!

I was born and raised up on the Nile. Every road, restaurant, trail, I felt I was right there with officer McCain tracking with and watching for anything, anyone wanting to hurt him or Jack. I read the first book in paper back and the 2nd and 3rd on my Kindle after I was surprised to learn you had written 2 more. I do hope you write more Rob about our beautiful area. Fantastic reading, even with all the killings. I'm not one to read about that but you couldn't make me put my Kindle down!!
My neighbor is now reading #1. She'll love it and want to read #2 & #3!!
Thank you Mr. Phillips for making reading GREAT AGAIN 👍👍👍
If there were 10 stars you'd certainly get them from me! Happy trails 🐕

[Jill Dodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of Action and lots of Local Detail

Rob’s books paint such a vivid picture of central Washington and the east side of the Cascades. Since I grew up in Yakima it definitely appeals to my sense of nostalgia and his stories feel like I am right there. He is so knowledgeable about the outdoors that I always learn a lot of interesting details. His characters are complex and likeable and his plots are unique enough not to fall into a lot of the cliches that other mysteries fall victim to. I’ll keep reading the next books. Well done.

[Krystal Christenberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

So my first ever five star review! This book was a breath of fresh air, and that ending did NOT see coming. I loved Luke and Jack’s partnership. It beautifully captures the love of a man and his dog. The main female lead is written so well. She is intelligent, kind and doesn’t need to prove herself. She also doesn’t have a chip on her shoulder. Lastly, she doesn’t go off on her own to run down leads. She actually calls for backup! What??

Truly a great story and finally an author that gives our main characters common sense.

[Elyse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started in the middle of the trilogy, quite by accident. This can work as stand-alone.

Moderately paced in its narrative timing; a little low-key in its tension-building, but that was actually good for the stressful time I was reading it as an escape.

Not as strong in game-warden-focused storytelling as CJ Box, but still an enjoyable read.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

If it was possible, I’d rate this a 3.5. It’s a good read, but it’s slower and less gripping than Cascade Killer.

The story is about Fish & Wildlife officer, Luke McCain, his dog Jack, his FBI girlfriend Sara, and multiple killings of marijuana growers and other drug-related miscreants.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hunting Vengeance

I like the storyline and the characters though I would like a bit more about them. The second book in the series is better than the first and I am looking forward to more

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read

Luke McCain and Jack are on the trail of a shooter killing in the mountains. Several people connected to growing marijuana and dealing drugs are being killed off one by one. Who is responsible? Keeps your hands interest !

[Jeff Berti · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a retired game warden, I enjoy reading the Luke McCain series. Although I can’t relate to working in the Northwest United States, I can relate to the examples of tradecraft and other scenarios used in the series.

[Linda Pena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

I really enjoyed this book and am going to start the next one. Good clean story. Some suspenseful moments throughout. Enjoy these kind of books that are outside the city, and in the wilderness. Looking forward to this series.😊

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will keep you on your toes. It has a wonderful storyline and keeps it going with the same main character. It is definitely worth the read. Once you pick it up, you won't want to stop reading until it's finished, and then you'll wish it wasn't over.

[Groucho42 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Main mystery is somebody killing workers at illegal pot grows. A couple of more, but then there's also the usual business of Luke's job. Not bad, but the mass murder and "evil drugs" bit is a bit overdone.

[James Stalnaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cascade Vengeance

Again, I am not a fan of hunting but I am a fan of Rob Philips. His books bring out the proper way to hunt, within the law. I do enjoy his mysteries and am surprised at his endings-as one should be.

[Daphne Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read for gals and guys a like.

Great read. Even better than the first. Looking forward to the next. Held my attention and enjoyed the local detail.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read.

[Vicki Medlin]

I’m reading the third book in the series, now.