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Sam Rivers #2
Cougar Claw
In this outdoors mystery, special agent Sam Rivers investigates the unexplained—and very unlikely—cougar attack that killed a wealthy business owner.
The sighting of a cougar in the Minnesota River Valley, outside the Twin Cities, is incredibly rare. A deadly cougar attack on a human in this area is about as likely as getting struck by lightning—twice. Yet when wealthy business owner Jack McGregor is found dead, the physical evidence seems incontrovertible.
Sheriff Rusty Benson brings in Sam Rivers, a US Fish & Wildlife (USFW) special agent and a wildlife biologist, to examine the scene and sign off on his conclusions. But Sam’s experiences have given him a penchant for understanding predators, and he has more questions than answers.
Details begin to surface that challenge law enforcement’s open-and-shut case. To find justice, Sam must take matters into his own hands. He enlists the help of reporter Diane Talbott and his wolf-dog, Gray, who’s in training to become a working dog for the USFW. Gray’s nose leads the investigation in unexpected directions. The more rocks Sam turns over, the more motives for murdering McGregor seem to slither out.
With no help or support from local law enforcement, Sam and his team are all that stand between justice and those who might otherwise get away with murder. Sam’s knowledge of backcountry, cougars, and the criminal mind will be put to the test, as he tries to solve the case—and stay alive.
In Cougar Claw, natural history writer Cary J. Griffith brings back Sam Rivers, the predator’s predator, and pens a puzzling mystery filled with suspense and intrigue.
The sighting of a cougar in the Minnesota River Valley, outside the Twin Cities, is incredibly rare. A deadly cougar attack on a human in this area is about as likely as getting struck by lightning—twice. Yet when wealthy business owner Jack McGregor is found dead, the physical evidence seems incontrovertible.
Sheriff Rusty Benson brings in Sam Rivers, a US Fish & Wildlife (USFW) special agent and a wildlife biologist, to examine the scene and sign off on his conclusions. But Sam’s experiences have given him a penchant for understanding predators, and he has more questions than answers.
Details begin to surface that challenge law enforcement’s open-and-shut case. To find justice, Sam must take matters into his own hands. He enlists the help of reporter Diane Talbott and his wolf-dog, Gray, who’s in training to become a working dog for the USFW. Gray’s nose leads the investigation in unexpected directions. The more rocks Sam turns over, the more motives for murdering McGregor seem to slither out.
With no help or support from local law enforcement, Sam and his team are all that stand between justice and those who might otherwise get away with murder. Sam’s knowledge of backcountry, cougars, and the criminal mind will be put to the test, as he tries to solve the case—and stay alive.
In Cougar Claw, natural history writer Cary J. Griffith brings back Sam Rivers, the predator’s predator, and pens a puzzling mystery filled with suspense and intrigue.
382 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2022
21 people are currently reading
2058 people want to read
About the author
Cary J. Griffith
11 books143 followersAward-winning author Cary J. Griffith grew up among the woods, fields, and emerald waters of eastern Iowa. His childhood fostered a lifelong love of wild places.
He earned a B.A. in English from the University of Iowa and an M.A. in library science from the University of Minnesota.
Griffith’s books explore the natural world. In nonfiction, he covers the borderlands between civilization and wild places. In fiction, he focuses on the ways some people use flora and fauna to commit crimes, while others with more reverence and understanding of the natural world leverage their knowledge to bring criminals to justice.
He lives with his family in a suburb of Minnesota’s Twin Cities.
He earned a B.A. in English from the University of Iowa and an M.A. in library science from the University of Minnesota.
Griffith’s books explore the natural world. In nonfiction, he covers the borderlands between civilization and wild places. In fiction, he focuses on the ways some people use flora and fauna to commit crimes, while others with more reverence and understanding of the natural world leverage their knowledge to bring criminals to justice.
He lives with his family in a suburb of Minnesota’s Twin Cities.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 29, 2022
THIS WAS DEFINITELY A GOOD MYSTERY. IT KEEPS YOU GUESSING TO THE VERY END. I KEPT TRYING TO FIGURE IT OUT AND WAS WRONG EACH TIME I THOUGHT I FIGURED IT OUT. OUTSTANDING WRITING
February 11, 2022
This is one of those thrillers that opens with a full view of the crime—in this case, two men ambushing a Savage, Minnesota CEO and attacking him with real cougar claws and teeth. There was recently a sighting of one of the big cats in the area, so it’s easy for investigators to believe the businessman became a meal.
The local sheriff who’s running for re-election has no objection to chalking the death up to wildlife rather than crime stats….but then Sam Rivers shows up to complicate his life. Sam, special agent for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, doesn’t care for bureaucracy or the sheriff, and persists in finding out what’s behind this event that looks suspicious to his expert eye. Just what looks off to Sam will teach readers about things like the structure of all cats’ paws, which parts of a person a cougar would eat, what one of the creature’s teeth embedded in a person’s spine should look like, and other juicy tidbits.
In the human world that Sam deals with somewhat reluctantly, things are more complicated, as his investigation is a tangled web of an about-to-be-very-rich widow, her nosy neighbor, a journalist who’s also Sam’s love interest, and always that blustery sheriff. Sam Rivers is akin to Emily Littlejohn’s character Gemma Monroe—a likable, steadfast investigator whose work takes readers into the outdoors and the crimes it hides. He’s a character worth getting to know.—Henrietta Verma, First Clue
For more reviews of crime fiction, subscribe to our weekly newsletter, First Clue: https://www.getrevue.co/profile/First...
The local sheriff who’s running for re-election has no objection to chalking the death up to wildlife rather than crime stats….but then Sam Rivers shows up to complicate his life. Sam, special agent for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, doesn’t care for bureaucracy or the sheriff, and persists in finding out what’s behind this event that looks suspicious to his expert eye. Just what looks off to Sam will teach readers about things like the structure of all cats’ paws, which parts of a person a cougar would eat, what one of the creature’s teeth embedded in a person’s spine should look like, and other juicy tidbits.
In the human world that Sam deals with somewhat reluctantly, things are more complicated, as his investigation is a tangled web of an about-to-be-very-rich widow, her nosy neighbor, a journalist who’s also Sam’s love interest, and always that blustery sheriff. Sam Rivers is akin to Emily Littlejohn’s character Gemma Monroe—a likable, steadfast investigator whose work takes readers into the outdoors and the crimes it hides. He’s a character worth getting to know.—Henrietta Verma, First Clue
For more reviews of crime fiction, subscribe to our weekly newsletter, First Clue: https://www.getrevue.co/profile/First...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2022
A most worthy entry into the Sam Rivers mystery series, Cougar Claw has the USFW agent using his skills and knowledge of wild animal behavior to uncover a dastardly plot in a small town just outside of Minneapolis - pinning a murder rap on a wild cougar. Sam's likable personality, intelligence, perseverance, and dedication to justice are complemented by his allies - a young wolf/dog hybrid named Gray and his on-and-off again girlfriend Diane. Colorful characters like the outspoken and politically motivated sheriff and a none-too-bright tennis pro add interest. Highly recommended, especially for those who love mysteries with Minnesota settings and the natural world. Can't wait for the next Sam Rivers story!
June 21, 2022
I was lucky enough to win this book from here.
It is an amazing book.
My first peek into Sam Rivers' life.
He and his work are fascinating to read about, with just enough things about him to make him real, but not enough to detract from the story.
What a terrible thing to do, framing a young cougar for murder, and then shooting him.
But in the end, Sam Rivers proved the big cat's innocence, (and found the real killers).
I will be buying the first book in this series, and any others that come along.
I recommend this book for anyone who has lived, does live or plans to live, near or in the "wilderness". In whatever state, they may be in.
It is an amazing book.
My first peek into Sam Rivers' life.
He and his work are fascinating to read about, with just enough things about him to make him real, but not enough to detract from the story.
What a terrible thing to do, framing a young cougar for murder, and then shooting him.
But in the end, Sam Rivers proved the big cat's innocence, (and found the real killers).
I will be buying the first book in this series, and any others that come along.
I recommend this book for anyone who has lived, does live or plans to live, near or in the "wilderness". In whatever state, they may be in.
August 8, 2022
This is a very well written mystery about a cougar attack that killed a wealthy business owner in the Minnesota River Valley. Sam Rivers a US Fish and Wildlife agent is brought in to investigate. Reporter Diane Talbot and Sam's wolf dog are also on the case. We learn about the predatory habits of cougars. This is a fascinating and suspenseful book with many twists and turns. The readers will find this book to be an easy read that may keep some up all night guessing the outcome. This is definitely a page turner and a must read for armchair mystery lovers. Thank you for the opportunity of receiving this book. I have already passed it on.
December 14, 2024
I just finished reading this book. It is the 2nd book by this author’s series. I also read the first book- Wolf Kill. Sam Rivers (the main character) is an agent with the USFW (US Fish & Wildlife). He is a thorough investigator that often uses his own “less than conventional methods” to find out information as he investigates whatever case he is on. I enjoy his method of “not giving up”! His persistence and curiosity (both great qualities in my mind) lead him to conclusions and answers that others may have never found as they may have settled for an easy answer. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes seeing how mysteries and adventures can combine in a story.
July 2, 2022
I received an advanced reader's copy of "Cougar Claw", a standalone follow-up to "Wolf Kill", as a result of a Goodreads giveaway. From the first chapter I was hooked and now I want to read "Wolf Kill" too! Of course the fact that the mystery takes place in my home state of Minnesota didn't hurt anything. Sam Rivers is biologist and special agent to the US Fish and Wildlife. The murder of Jack McGregor happens in the first chapter and it is blamed on a cougar attack. Sam and his team work to discover and prove what really happened and there are numerous suspects.
August 8, 2022
“Cougar Claw” is an excellent outdoor mystery—a superb sequel in a series that has great potential.
Please see my full review at Gumshoe: http://www.gumshoereview.com/php/Revi...
and at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cougar-Claw-Ri...
Please see my full review at Gumshoe: http://www.gumshoereview.com/php/Revi...
and at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cougar-Claw-Ri...
October 17, 2022
Wonderful to see wildlife biologist Sam Rivers in action again, this time deep into the suburbs of Minneapolis, but still in the wild. Griffith has found a sweet spot in blending the natural world with the unnatural actions of human beings in their ability for greed and evil doing. And, beyond Sam’s growing bond with Gray, the wolf-dog hybrid introduced in Wolf Kill, there is romance in the air. All signals point to a third book in the series on my pre-order list soon!
May 7, 2024
When I visit the northern part of MN I always try to buy from regional writers at a favorite book store. The first one in this series was not available so I bought the 2nd and final one. It did not seem like you had to read the first one to get into the story at all. I did feel the mystery drug on a little and was not as interesting as I hoped it would be. I am hoping the next book will be a little better.
January 7, 2026
When millionaire Jack MGregor is killed by a cougar Sam Rivers from the USFW as an expert on cougars. As Sam states a cougar in Minnesota is rare and rarer to kill a human. Sam finds discrepancies in the cases while the sheriff only believes the cougar made the kill. Sam and his dog, Gray, investages with his friends.
I learned fats about cougars that were interesting to me while enjoying the book.
I learned fats about cougars that were interesting to me while enjoying the book.
April 26, 2023
Great mystery. Was it a cougar? This book kept me guessing! I thought I had it figured out only to be surprised at the end.
The author has a great writing style and kept my interest at a high level throughout the entire book. I loved learning about cougars too! Was it indeed a cougar that killed? Or was it not???!!! Dive into this book to find out!!
The author has a great writing style and kept my interest at a high level throughout the entire book. I loved learning about cougars too! Was it indeed a cougar that killed? Or was it not???!!! Dive into this book to find out!!
December 28, 2024
I read the first book and liked it (but Sam & Diane, really?) Same sounding names are always annoying, i.e., Jack, Jake, Jared, etc. The plot was contrived and not really a mystery. Why Sam walked on scene immediately suspicious was ridiculous. We get it “cougars in Minnesota are RARE”! Ok!
Not a bad read but wouldn’t blame you for missing it.
Not a bad read but wouldn’t blame you for missing it.
July 3, 2022
Clever plot, easy read. I was familiar with Twin Cities area, but learned a good deal about the large, wild area around Savage. I would guess there are many deer in that area, but not many cougars! I'll likely read other books by this author.
January 6, 2023
This was so disappointing after his first book, Wolf Kill. I was really looking forward to reading about Sam Rivers again, but this was tedious and confusing. Not only that, there isn't a resolution at the end. Last one I'll read in this series.
August 13, 2024
I've tried to write a book 3 times and haven't finished one so I'll never say an author shouldn't have bothered. I figured out exactly what was going on after a few chapters and didn't much like that characters after that. I won't read it again, and you might not want to bother, either.
September 26, 2022
well-designed plot, interesting characters. Loved the dog!
October 5, 2022
When I finally got into the book it's a great mystery. I love how there are aspects of wildlife in the book. It took me awhile to get into the book.
February 2, 2023
Thoroughly entertained. I liked Griffith's writing style too. It's looks long but I read it faster than expected. If you like mystery and nature, this is right up your alley.
April 23, 2023
another author writing about minnesota and places that are familiar. i also like that he writes about wildlife
July 5, 2023
Such an ingenuous plot. I'm really enjoying the Sam Rivers books.
August 7, 2023
Cougar Claw was a very good crime story. The bonuses were learning about cougars and reading a story set in Savage, MN.
September 9, 2023
I enjoyed the setting of the story and the plot twists, though it might have been a little predictable. It continues some story lines from the first book.
September 23, 2024
I read some of this when it was serialized in the paper. I am glad i found it in book form after all these years.
March 29, 2025
Can a thriller be a palate cleanser? If so, this was that. It was enjoyable, kept me engaged, and has a certified good boi named Gray whose wellbeing is deeply important to me.
September 27, 2025
Love the MN and wildlife aspects. The murder is complete early but the details of its solving are engaging. #2 in the series
January 5, 2026
Another really good mystery set in Minnesota and involving US Fish and Wildlife Service Agent Sam Rivers. Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews