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Clay Wolfe/Port Essex Mystery #2
Mind Trap
From award winning author Matt Cost comes a thriller that Bruce Robert Coffin says is"a twisted and chilling tale of control and manipulation. The ultimate 'what if' on steroids.
What is the End Game?
It was as close to ecstasy as the woman had ever been in her life. It was enlightenment. She was no longer Martha Abbott. She was a warrior of Marduk engaged in a war of purity.
"You say your daughter is missing?" Clay Wolfe asked .
The man in front of him was slightly disheveled. Red eyes. Fear creased his features.
What is going to happen on Leap Day?
"We have allowed sin to fill our homes, and it is our divine labor to cleanse that filth from our streets." Marduk's voice boomed through the cavernous temple.
Something evil is lurking in the streets of Port Essex. A missing girl. Violent attacks. It is up to Private Investigator Clay Wolfe, his partner Baylee Baker, and a colorful assortment of friends to get to the bottom of these odious occurrences before it is too late. Mind Trap is a thrilling ride set in a small Maine town with rich characters and shocking plot twists that will keep the reader rapt within the pages.
What is the End Game?
It was as close to ecstasy as the woman had ever been in her life. It was enlightenment. She was no longer Martha Abbott. She was a warrior of Marduk engaged in a war of purity.
"You say your daughter is missing?" Clay Wolfe asked .
The man in front of him was slightly disheveled. Red eyes. Fear creased his features.
What is going to happen on Leap Day?
"We have allowed sin to fill our homes, and it is our divine labor to cleanse that filth from our streets." Marduk's voice boomed through the cavernous temple.
Something evil is lurking in the streets of Port Essex. A missing girl. Violent attacks. It is up to Private Investigator Clay Wolfe, his partner Baylee Baker, and a colorful assortment of friends to get to the bottom of these odious occurrences before it is too late. Mind Trap is a thrilling ride set in a small Maine town with rich characters and shocking plot twists that will keep the reader rapt within the pages.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2021
1 person is currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Matt Cost
17 books87 followersMatt Cost also publishes under Matthew Langdon Cost.
MATT COST writes the Mainely Mystery and the Clay Wolfe/Port Essex Mystery Series. He’s also written several books of historical fiction. This is his first jaunt in combining his two loves of histories and mysteries into a historical PI mystery. Cost was a history major at Trinity College. He owned a mystery bookstore, a video store, and a gym, before serving a ten-year sentence as a junior high school teacher. In 2014 he was released and began writing. And that’s what he does. He writes histories and mysteries. Cost now lives in Brunswick, Maine, with his wife, Harper. There are four grown children: Brittany, Pearson, Miranda, and Ryan. A chocolate Lab and a basset hound round out the mix. He now spends his days at the computer, writing.
MATT COST writes the Mainely Mystery and the Clay Wolfe/Port Essex Mystery Series. He’s also written several books of historical fiction. This is his first jaunt in combining his two loves of histories and mysteries into a historical PI mystery. Cost was a history major at Trinity College. He owned a mystery bookstore, a video store, and a gym, before serving a ten-year sentence as a junior high school teacher. In 2014 he was released and began writing. And that’s what he does. He writes histories and mysteries. Cost now lives in Brunswick, Maine, with his wife, Harper. There are four grown children: Brittany, Pearson, Miranda, and Ryan. A chocolate Lab and a basset hound round out the mix. He now spends his days at the computer, writing.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 6, 2021
I always look forward to reading a novel by Matt Cost, and this one is quite spectacular!
Martha Abbott has found a way out of her dull life; she has seen the light and found others of a like mind. Clay Wolfe’s latest case involves looking for this woman and her daughter who appear to have disappeared into thin air. Strange things are happening in the quiet town of Port Essex; there is danger on the streets and several people are being attacked. Is there any link between events?
Well, this is one book where you need to keep your wits about you! Fast moving and with such a lot happening, I read constantly from beginning to end, desperate to find out who was behind what was going on. With several twists and turns and a surprise or two along the way, I was really kept on my toes. There is a frightening, chilly element to this one which heightened my senses to the point I very nearly jumped out of my skin when one of the dogs came into the room! I love the characters in these novels; Clay and his friends are very much a mixed bunch, each one interesting and so different! The relationships are intricate and beguiling and I have high hopes for developments in future novels in this series. I’d love to say I worked it all out but, alas, there was no chance of that – far too much to concentrate on and, as always, very cleverly plotted and beautifully written. A stunning mystery with a breathtaking conclusion, and a novel I heartily recommend. All five sparkling stars, each one fully deserved!
Martha Abbott has found a way out of her dull life; she has seen the light and found others of a like mind. Clay Wolfe’s latest case involves looking for this woman and her daughter who appear to have disappeared into thin air. Strange things are happening in the quiet town of Port Essex; there is danger on the streets and several people are being attacked. Is there any link between events?
Well, this is one book where you need to keep your wits about you! Fast moving and with such a lot happening, I read constantly from beginning to end, desperate to find out who was behind what was going on. With several twists and turns and a surprise or two along the way, I was really kept on my toes. There is a frightening, chilly element to this one which heightened my senses to the point I very nearly jumped out of my skin when one of the dogs came into the room! I love the characters in these novels; Clay and his friends are very much a mixed bunch, each one interesting and so different! The relationships are intricate and beguiling and I have high hopes for developments in future novels in this series. I’d love to say I worked it all out but, alas, there was no chance of that – far too much to concentrate on and, as always, very cleverly plotted and beautifully written. A stunning mystery with a breathtaking conclusion, and a novel I heartily recommend. All five sparkling stars, each one fully deserved!
October 7, 2021
The gang is back - the second in the series featuring Clay Wolfe, Professional Investigator (because that happens to be what they call it in Maine); his partner, the beautiful and extremely capable Baylee; retired octogenarian and solicitor Gene, who also happens to be Clay’s Grandpops; and a posse of hard-drinking, colorful, and willingly-endangered friends and collaborators.
The case this time centers on the most evil of institutions - a Neo Nazi white supremacist group so tightly wound with nonsensical quasi-religious dogma, blind devotion and enforced mind-control that it can only be described as a cult.
As Clay and his team search for a missing woman and her daughter, bodies begin to pile up and the insidious horror of the truly close-minded - now organized, manic, and heavily armed - suddenly looms against the backdrop of the once peaceful coastal town of Port Essex.
As in his previous work, the author manages to interweave chilling and escalating plot details, unexpected twists, violent deaths and near-deaths, constant suspense and taut action scenes with the wonderful camaraderie and further development of the characters comprising the Wolfe team (Wolfe pack?).
Thoroughly recommended for anyone who enjoys great detective fiction, I devoured this book in one sitting, and am looking forward to the next installment.
A great big thank you to the author for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
The case this time centers on the most evil of institutions - a Neo Nazi white supremacist group so tightly wound with nonsensical quasi-religious dogma, blind devotion and enforced mind-control that it can only be described as a cult.
As Clay and his team search for a missing woman and her daughter, bodies begin to pile up and the insidious horror of the truly close-minded - now organized, manic, and heavily armed - suddenly looms against the backdrop of the once peaceful coastal town of Port Essex.
As in his previous work, the author manages to interweave chilling and escalating plot details, unexpected twists, violent deaths and near-deaths, constant suspense and taut action scenes with the wonderful camaraderie and further development of the characters comprising the Wolfe team (Wolfe pack?).
Thoroughly recommended for anyone who enjoys great detective fiction, I devoured this book in one sitting, and am looking forward to the next installment.
A great big thank you to the author for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
October 4, 2021
MIND TRAP is the second instalment in Matt Cost’s contemporary, adult CLAY WOLFE/PORT ESSEX mystery, crime, suspense, thriller series focusing on former Boston homicide detective turned private investigator Clay Wolfe.
Told from several third person perspectives MIND TRAP follows PI Clay Wolfe as he is hired by a former resident of Port Essex Doug Abbott to locate his missing fifteen year old daughter Jenna, and by association his soon to be ex wife Martha but as Clay and his business partner Baylee Baker begin to follow the clues our hero discovers there is more to the story than anyone could have ever imagined. Several racial, homophobic, and misogynistic motivated attacks against the people of Port Essex reveal a hidden darkness that is about to spiral out of control, a darkness directly connected to Clay’s latest investigation, and the town of Port Essex.
The secondary and supporting characters include the return of Clay’s grandfather, former attorney Gene Wolfe; Clay’s assistant Baylee Baker; former Navy SEAL Weston ‘Westy’ Beck.; journalist Marie Cloutier and her fiancée Denise, Clay’s new receptionist Crystal Landry, real estate agent David Charles, bank VP Al Gorman, and bartender Darcy. The requisite evil has many faces.
MIND TRAP is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, vengeance and extremist ideology. The fast paced premise is twisty and intriguing; the characters are energetic, colorful and determined.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from several third person perspectives MIND TRAP follows PI Clay Wolfe as he is hired by a former resident of Port Essex Doug Abbott to locate his missing fifteen year old daughter Jenna, and by association his soon to be ex wife Martha but as Clay and his business partner Baylee Baker begin to follow the clues our hero discovers there is more to the story than anyone could have ever imagined. Several racial, homophobic, and misogynistic motivated attacks against the people of Port Essex reveal a hidden darkness that is about to spiral out of control, a darkness directly connected to Clay’s latest investigation, and the town of Port Essex.
The secondary and supporting characters include the return of Clay’s grandfather, former attorney Gene Wolfe; Clay’s assistant Baylee Baker; former Navy SEAL Weston ‘Westy’ Beck.; journalist Marie Cloutier and her fiancée Denise, Clay’s new receptionist Crystal Landry, real estate agent David Charles, bank VP Al Gorman, and bartender Darcy. The requisite evil has many faces.
MIND TRAP is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, vengeance and extremist ideology. The fast paced premise is twisty and intriguing; the characters are energetic, colorful and determined.
www.thereadingcafe.com
October 6, 2021
This is book two in the Clay Wolfe/ Port Essex Mystery and I would recommend reading book one first as you get a sense of all the characters and you get to know the main character Clay Wolfe a little more. Clay is a private detective and with help from his assistant Baylee they pick up different cases all the time, in this story we follow them as they try to discover why a girl has gone missing and why there are violent attacks happening? are the two connected? we get to meet some very interesting characters along the way. Can Clay and Baylee find the missing girl before it is too late or will they get caught up in something even bigger than they could have ever imagined. I loved how engaging and compelling and also gritty this read was, I really didn't want to put it down, and I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
October 8, 2021
What really stands out in this book is the first page. To say that it pulls the reader in would be one of the biggest understatements of the year.
Read full review in the 2021 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2021 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
November 19, 2021
Mind Trap is the second installment in veteran author Matt Cost’s ClayWolfe/Port Essex Mystery series (though each can be read as a standalone). You might also know Cost’s other works, the Goff Langdon Mainely Mystery series. The author clearly has found a niche in the light mystery/thriller genre, and after reading two of his books I can say the writing reflects that fact. (I reviewed the first book in the series, Wolfe Trap, earlier this year).
This book is extremely character-driven. Starting with Clay Wolfe, the MC, who owns a private investigation company and has a bit of a hero complex; his partner in crime, Baylee, who has deep personal issues of her own and is now part-owner of the company; Crystal, their foul-mouthed assistant with a “fuck the world” attitude; Marie, Clay’s close friend and local journalist; and Clay’s best friend and ex-special forces soldier, Westy. Cost clearly put a lot of deliberate work into giving each character a very distinct personality and history. A crew like this feels very standard for this type of story: the wannabe hero running at the danger when everyone else is running away, the person who is hiding from their past, the assistant who does not give a shit, the reporter always digging for information, and the ex-military officer who has all the guns and is hankering for a fight. The characters were all interesting and brought a different view to the story, which is something I really enjoyed about the book.
The plot is pretty typical mystery/thriller. A man hires Clay to investigate his missing daughter, and, of course, nothing is as it seems. There are lots of moving parts, and a cult culture is discovered. There are a few twists (nothing over the top), but I do have to say certain parts of the narrative did keep me guessing most of the book.
I definitely enjoyed Cost’s writing style, which I found to be both similar and different to the first book. With Wolfe Trap I got big noir vibes: back-alley encounters, smokey bar meetings, after hours action. Mind Trap, however, feels much more cozy, East Coast mystery. I would not go so far to say that it is a straight up cozy mystery, but the charms of the sub-genre really come through. Also, I always have to compliment an author when I can tell they know how to write. Cost sets the scene really well in the first few chapters of the book – describing the setting, detailing the characters, lining up plot lines – with the ease of a professional. It never feels like an info dump, but it gives the reader all the information needed to continue in the story and is intriguing enough to draw their interest.
Mind Trap a nice book to read. It is a thriller mystery that is full of genre tropes. I do not say that with a negative connotation, because I have learned that with these types of books I find a lot of comfort in that. There is something satisfactory in knowing exactly what I am getting into in reading a book, especially after reading so much epic fantasy during the course of my reading year. Mind Trap is what they are not: a light, fun, interesting read. If you are looking for a book like that to supplement your colossal TBR, a break from the grandiose, I definitely recommend checking out Mind Trap.
This book is extremely character-driven. Starting with Clay Wolfe, the MC, who owns a private investigation company and has a bit of a hero complex; his partner in crime, Baylee, who has deep personal issues of her own and is now part-owner of the company; Crystal, their foul-mouthed assistant with a “fuck the world” attitude; Marie, Clay’s close friend and local journalist; and Clay’s best friend and ex-special forces soldier, Westy. Cost clearly put a lot of deliberate work into giving each character a very distinct personality and history. A crew like this feels very standard for this type of story: the wannabe hero running at the danger when everyone else is running away, the person who is hiding from their past, the assistant who does not give a shit, the reporter always digging for information, and the ex-military officer who has all the guns and is hankering for a fight. The characters were all interesting and brought a different view to the story, which is something I really enjoyed about the book.
The plot is pretty typical mystery/thriller. A man hires Clay to investigate his missing daughter, and, of course, nothing is as it seems. There are lots of moving parts, and a cult culture is discovered. There are a few twists (nothing over the top), but I do have to say certain parts of the narrative did keep me guessing most of the book.
I definitely enjoyed Cost’s writing style, which I found to be both similar and different to the first book. With Wolfe Trap I got big noir vibes: back-alley encounters, smokey bar meetings, after hours action. Mind Trap, however, feels much more cozy, East Coast mystery. I would not go so far to say that it is a straight up cozy mystery, but the charms of the sub-genre really come through. Also, I always have to compliment an author when I can tell they know how to write. Cost sets the scene really well in the first few chapters of the book – describing the setting, detailing the characters, lining up plot lines – with the ease of a professional. It never feels like an info dump, but it gives the reader all the information needed to continue in the story and is intriguing enough to draw their interest.
Mind Trap a nice book to read. It is a thriller mystery that is full of genre tropes. I do not say that with a negative connotation, because I have learned that with these types of books I find a lot of comfort in that. There is something satisfactory in knowing exactly what I am getting into in reading a book, especially after reading so much epic fantasy during the course of my reading year. Mind Trap is what they are not: a light, fun, interesting read. If you are looking for a book like that to supplement your colossal TBR, a break from the grandiose, I definitely recommend checking out Mind Trap.
September 26, 2021
Read his full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
Could a splinter group poison an entire community? Twelve disciples are involved in an attempt to control civilization. Their leader is a man considered the “Chosen One” who was a pre-Messiah nearly two centuries before Christ. He had four women who were helping him and were designated as whores of the group.
Marduk is the self-proclaimed savior whose group will enter into the end times and he will shepherd them into heaven. He has engaged seventy-two disciples to assist in this evolution. His followers follow him blindly in whatever goal he sets.
Mr. Abbott is a wife beater who engages Clay Wolfe, a private detective, to find his teenage daughter. The beating and mistreatment of his wife is well documented. His daughter is in hiding to avoid her father.
Marduk is grooming Mrs. Abbott to become one of his high priestesses. The transformation of Mrs. Abbott is dramatic. The end game is to make a very profound statement regarding the perceived degradation of society and the goal is to make a very powerful political statement.
Matt Cost writes a very convincing tale of debauched demi-gods. It is distressing that this event has actually occurred in our past. It’s a sad commentary, well written, engaging and realistic. 4.5 stars - CE Williams
Could a splinter group poison an entire community? Twelve disciples are involved in an attempt to control civilization. Their leader is a man considered the “Chosen One” who was a pre-Messiah nearly two centuries before Christ. He had four women who were helping him and were designated as whores of the group.
Marduk is the self-proclaimed savior whose group will enter into the end times and he will shepherd them into heaven. He has engaged seventy-two disciples to assist in this evolution. His followers follow him blindly in whatever goal he sets.
Mr. Abbott is a wife beater who engages Clay Wolfe, a private detective, to find his teenage daughter. The beating and mistreatment of his wife is well documented. His daughter is in hiding to avoid her father.
Marduk is grooming Mrs. Abbott to become one of his high priestesses. The transformation of Mrs. Abbott is dramatic. The end game is to make a very profound statement regarding the perceived degradation of society and the goal is to make a very powerful political statement.
Matt Cost writes a very convincing tale of debauched demi-gods. It is distressing that this event has actually occurred in our past. It’s a sad commentary, well written, engaging and realistic. 4.5 stars - CE Williams
October 20, 2021
Something evil is lurking in the streets of Port Essex, Maine. A missing girl. Violent attacks. It is up to Clay Wolfe, his partner Baylee and a colourful assortment of friends to get to the bottom of these odious occurrences before it is too late.
Clay Wolfe is back! The second instalment in the Clay Wolfe/Port Essex series, this one does not disappoint! I loved Cost’s first book (which I would recommend reading in order to fully benefit from Cost’s expert characterisation). The beginning of the book is raw - it grabs you by the shoulders and wrenches you in. Good luck putting it down after that! This is a cleverly written book with a twisty, gritty plot, and energetic and downright determined characters which leap off the page.
Cost’s writing is punchy, fierce, and unapologetic - there’s a chill to this one as well which was great. The pace rattles through with plenty of suspense and mystery to keep you on your toes - I didn’t guess this one!!!
If you like your detective fiction gritty and detailed, and your characters flawed but loveable, then what are you waiting for! Thoroughly recommended!
I received a digital copy from the author in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. Thoughts are entirely my own.
Clay Wolfe is back! The second instalment in the Clay Wolfe/Port Essex series, this one does not disappoint! I loved Cost’s first book (which I would recommend reading in order to fully benefit from Cost’s expert characterisation). The beginning of the book is raw - it grabs you by the shoulders and wrenches you in. Good luck putting it down after that! This is a cleverly written book with a twisty, gritty plot, and energetic and downright determined characters which leap off the page.
Cost’s writing is punchy, fierce, and unapologetic - there’s a chill to this one as well which was great. The pace rattles through with plenty of suspense and mystery to keep you on your toes - I didn’t guess this one!!!
If you like your detective fiction gritty and detailed, and your characters flawed but loveable, then what are you waiting for! Thoroughly recommended!
I received a digital copy from the author in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. Thoughts are entirely my own.
April 19, 2024
This is the second Port Essex, Maine novel. It works as a standalone but I recommend reading the first book, Wolfe Trap, to better know the very interesting cast of characters.
P.I. Clay Wolfe and Baylee Baker, who is now a partner in the detective agency, are faced with saving the town from a cult that is attacking any nonwhite heterosexuals who don't share their beliefs.
This book is more thrilling than the first book. The danger is greater as it appears the whole town is at risk.
There are also more plot twists including some very surprising ones toward the end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
P.I. Clay Wolfe and Baylee Baker, who is now a partner in the detective agency, are faced with saving the town from a cult that is attacking any nonwhite heterosexuals who don't share their beliefs.
This book is more thrilling than the first book. The danger is greater as it appears the whole town is at risk.
There are also more plot twists including some very surprising ones toward the end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 27, 2021
Clay Wolfe is back for another exciting, thrilling story. Cost delivered once again, with enough twists to keep me on the edge of my seat until the end. It was wonderful following Clay, Baylee, and Gene on another exciting case. The villains in this book are definitely ones you love to hate - centered around a group that loves to spread hate, drawing people in. There's never a dull moment, and I loved how I felt like I was watching an action thriller movie unfolding before me the moment I dived into this book. Highly recommend if you're looking for a thrilling mystery, but I absolutely recommend reading book one first, so you can get to know the gang better!
October 8, 2021
Such an enjoyable read. I felt it took a little while to really get going but it was worth the wait. The twists and turns kept you guessing all the way through. The characters were good, having been well established in the first book (Wolfe Trap) they were developed more as were all their relationships.
Great read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Great read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 13, 2022
A totally engrossing tale with enough seemingly factual content to make it believable. Lots of surprises, twists and turns to keep the reader riveted .. and yes, guessing. An exciting read.
March 9, 2022
Definitely my favorite so far. Quite an unnerving series of events in Port Essex!
July 10, 2023
Another action packed Clay Wolfe Series
Matt Cost writes a thrilling mysterious tale with Mind Trap. This book is part of the A Clay Wolfe / Port Essex Mystery Book series, and this is volume two. Clay and his partner, Baylee, are private detectives. Wolfe moved to this new town, Port Essex, to start a new life, and get out of the big city of Boston. However, his new home town is anything but quiet. A new case has hit their desks, and they are racing against time to find a missing girl. The town was small, but it was one that everyone seemed to know about the goings on, but then, there were the secrets behind closed doors. The kind of secrets that gave to innuendo, and gossiping. This was not just another case for Clay, and it was a trigger for Baylee, but they were determined to get to the bottom of all the things that were happening, and one of them was knowing who Martha Abbott and her daughter Jenna were. Absolutely chilling, with twists around every corner. An emotional rollercoaster. Both thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end. This read is more than just words on a page. A very unpredictable story, my favorite kind! Mind Trap is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
Matt Cost writes a thrilling mysterious tale with Mind Trap. This book is part of the A Clay Wolfe / Port Essex Mystery Book series, and this is volume two. Clay and his partner, Baylee, are private detectives. Wolfe moved to this new town, Port Essex, to start a new life, and get out of the big city of Boston. However, his new home town is anything but quiet. A new case has hit their desks, and they are racing against time to find a missing girl. The town was small, but it was one that everyone seemed to know about the goings on, but then, there were the secrets behind closed doors. The kind of secrets that gave to innuendo, and gossiping. This was not just another case for Clay, and it was a trigger for Baylee, but they were determined to get to the bottom of all the things that were happening, and one of them was knowing who Martha Abbott and her daughter Jenna were. Absolutely chilling, with twists around every corner. An emotional rollercoaster. Both thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end. This read is more than just words on a page. A very unpredictable story, my favorite kind! Mind Trap is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
June 20, 2024
I received a book through "Booksirens" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story begins with Clay getting a new client Doug. Doug wants Clay to locate his soon to be ex-wife Martha who he believes is missing. He states that his primary concern is in regard to his daughter Jenna. Clay reluctantly takes the case. Soon Baylee, Clay's partner, is driving to Millinocket to see Martha's sister while Clay went to Martha's neighborhood to canvas the neighbors, then had lunch with the local newspaper editor, followed by a visit to the realtor who sold Martha's house and finally to a bar to visit with Murphy who knew what was going on around town.
That evening, they were several groups of individuals that were attacked by an unknown group of people. Two were injured, while one managed to escape, Zahi. The next day, Zahi, hired Clay to find out who his attackers were. Soon both cases took on a serious tune. There were more attacks and Clay was a recipient of an assult. Doug also wound up dead as well. Clay then started hunting the people responsible.
Read along and discover the steps that Clay and Baylee took to discover who was behind the assaults and to stop future events from happening. The end will answer all questions you may have.
This is a definite read and I can't wait to read what's next in Port Essex.
This story begins with Clay getting a new client Doug. Doug wants Clay to locate his soon to be ex-wife Martha who he believes is missing. He states that his primary concern is in regard to his daughter Jenna. Clay reluctantly takes the case. Soon Baylee, Clay's partner, is driving to Millinocket to see Martha's sister while Clay went to Martha's neighborhood to canvas the neighbors, then had lunch with the local newspaper editor, followed by a visit to the realtor who sold Martha's house and finally to a bar to visit with Murphy who knew what was going on around town.
That evening, they were several groups of individuals that were attacked by an unknown group of people. Two were injured, while one managed to escape, Zahi. The next day, Zahi, hired Clay to find out who his attackers were. Soon both cases took on a serious tune. There were more attacks and Clay was a recipient of an assult. Doug also wound up dead as well. Clay then started hunting the people responsible.
Read along and discover the steps that Clay and Baylee took to discover who was behind the assaults and to stop future events from happening. The end will answer all questions you may have.
This is a definite read and I can't wait to read what's next in Port Essex.
February 11, 2024
I am an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion. This is book 2 in this series and I enjoyed it more,if anything, than book 1. Set in Port Essex, a small fishing town on the Maine coast, A strange group attack people who are "different" - a Mexican immigrant, a "Me too" woman who reported her boss for sexual harassment, a young black Muslim school teacher, and the editor of the local newspaper,
P I Clay Wolfe's friend, who is gay. It's apparent that there's a cult in Port Essex, and it's up to Clay, his partner Baylee and their friends to find out who is telling the truth, who to trust, and how to stop the brainwashed cult members hurting anyone else. The story got so tense as it went on, I didn't want to put it down. The characters are interesting and varied. The tension between Clay and Baylee must come to a head eventually but for now, they are both too damaged by events in their past. There is some bad language that some might find offensive, but it fits with some of the characters. I am already looking forward to reading book 3.
P I Clay Wolfe's friend, who is gay. It's apparent that there's a cult in Port Essex, and it's up to Clay, his partner Baylee and their friends to find out who is telling the truth, who to trust, and how to stop the brainwashed cult members hurting anyone else. The story got so tense as it went on, I didn't want to put it down. The characters are interesting and varied. The tension between Clay and Baylee must come to a head eventually but for now, they are both too damaged by events in their past. There is some bad language that some might find offensive, but it fits with some of the characters. I am already looking forward to reading book 3.
October 5, 2025
This is the second in a series but I don’t necessarily think you need to read them in order - it works as a standalone.
Clay Wolfe is the main character but there is a growing band of supporting characters. They all add something and work well together.
He has two cases which turns out to be the same case. There is a fair amount of detection and a lot of action. It has a strong storyline for the mystery. The personal lives of the characters are also starting to take shape.
It’s a good solid PI mystery and I will continue to read the series.
Clay Wolfe is the main character but there is a growing band of supporting characters. They all add something and work well together.
He has two cases which turns out to be the same case. There is a fair amount of detection and a lot of action. It has a strong storyline for the mystery. The personal lives of the characters are also starting to take shape.
It’s a good solid PI mystery and I will continue to read the series.
December 12, 2021
Clay and company are having a hard time with their new case. They need to find a man's missing daughter. (And, by extension, her mother.) There are also vigilantes going after minorities which they are targeting for ethnicity, religion, and sexual preference. It will take all kinds of help (some from unexpected sources) to find the girl and save Port Essex. This is very well written and timely.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 31, 2024
Maid Trap is the second Clay Wolfe/Port Essex mystery by Matt Cost. It follows former Boston cop Clay and his assistant/partner Baylee Baker on snther case in the town of Port Essex, Maine. This one involves the Abbott family amd involves plenty of major topics that take place in in the book. It puts it in realism. Ir was great. The major characters form the first book return like Clay's grandpa Gene. It was entertaining with a complex mystery plot.
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