Death Cap

by R.L. Ryker

Two victims—one strangled, the other poisoned. Their deaths occur just hours apart.

When a pair of survivalists are murdered on a reality television show, police chief Brandon Mattson and his team go off the grid to track down the elusive assassin. Revenge, infidelity, and a $700,000 prize make for plenty of suspects—but the killer is always one step ahead of them.

Meanwhile, Brandon’s future remains uncertain as he’s forced to tackle some tough decisions about his expanding family—and whether he’ll pack his bags and head back to Seattle—for good.

As Brandon and detective Isabel Jackson battle the elements, predatory wildlife, and unwelcome help from the Sheriff, they begin to close in on the murderer. But when Brandon learns the true identity of one of the suspects, it brings the investigation too close to home.

357 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 2, 2022

Reviews

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book which is no surprise to me since I've been immersed in the series. The character development has continued to add depth to the various personalities. This book takes the focus off Brandon's relationship with his daughter and his father and focuses on his relationship with his ex-wife. The storyline is creative and the mystery kept me guessing until the very end. I would highly recommend this book which I think is the best one yet in this excellent series!

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

[Lynda Custer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death Cap explores the decisions that Chief Brandon Mattson and Detective Isabel Jackson that may greatly alter their lives while they seek to solve the murder of two contestants on a Soul Survivor show.

Sheriff Hart, a frequent antagonist and boss of Mattson has requested Brandon to oversee murder investigation that is outside Brandon’s jurisdiction of Forks, Washington. Hart does little to support the Chief but inserts his own detective otherwise referred to as a mole.

R.L.Ryker once again provides the reader with the intensity involved when confronting witnesses/suspects while juggling his personal life. I enjoy the details involved in the murder investigation that are exceptionally presented. There are twists and turns, a multitude of suspects and surprises as the investigation is brought to a conclusion.

The characters are well developed. Whether it is Sue, a member of the Hoh Tribe and the department’s administrator or Tori, Brandon’s ex wife now pregnant. Ryker continues to show that his characters are multifaceted.

Death Cap is a fascinating book. It was difficult to put down. Another great Chief Mattson Mystery!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author although it's the fourth in the series. Chief Mattson is tasked to investigate when 2 contestants in a reality TV survival show are found murdered. It looks like they were poisoned with some mushrooms, hence the title of this story. It soon becomes clear that someone is looking to kill off the contestants one by one.

I really enjoyed this. I flew through it in a day. Although I don't like or watch reality TV shows, the premise of this background was fascinating. I liked the character of Mattson, his ongoing family issues dealing with his teenage daughter and his pregnant girlfriend. At the same time, he is battling interference from Sheriff Hart and his insistence on having 1 of his detectives play a part in the investigation.

There are plenty of twists and turns in this which kept me engaged. I hope there's plenty more in this series and I will definitely be reading more from this author.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death Cap is Book 4 in A Chief Mattson Mystery by R L Ryker. Death Cap is an enjoyable cozy. Brandon and Tori are expecting a baby and trying to decide if they are going to remarry or where they will live. Then, a double murder occurs and Brandon is forced to be the lead in the investigation. I felt that Death Cap was well written and I enjoy having characters as a core in a series that also adds new characters. I felt the murders were interesting, poison and strangulation at a reality game show. This is a fast paced story that can be read as a stand alone, but, I was always like to read a series in order. I sure hope R L Tyler writes a Book 5, I really like the series. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Jane Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book by this author I have read and they just get better and better.
The characters are so well written that you think you know them and can relate.
This one is set during a programme called Sole Survivor where contestants are living off their wits and skills while out in the wilds. All is ok until two of the contestants are found murdered.
The book is thrilling with lots of twists and turns, I would definitely recommend it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A suspenseful read that had me guessing who the murderer was. Can honestly say didn't figure out who one of the perpetrators was til very close to the end and the other til he was revealed, which makes a good book in my opinion. Although this book is part of a series can definitely be read as a standalone. Characters you will love while others you will think, how can they be in law enforcement. The story flowed well, well written. Bittersweet ending. Recommend. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Anne Jenkins]

I have the previous books based on Forks and Brandon the Chief of Police and thoroughly enjoyed them, this was no exception. The story is based around a reality tv show for survivalists. As always there are barriers against the investigation but nothing that stops our favourite Chief of Police getting to the bottom of the crimes committed. A gripping story which I’m hoping will lead to more in this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Liz Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this story keeps you on the edge of your seat all the way through. From the very first you don't know who is going to die next or who the killer is. Everyone is a suspect. And everyone is guilty of something. I couldn't figure out who the killer was until the end. Wow I really enjoyed this story so much I stayed up all night reading it. I look forward to more from this author.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[LINDA MCCAULEY · Rating 4 out of 5]

one of the best in the series…..

Chief Mattson is conflicted! He’s going to be a new father, his daughter is being wishy washy about applying to colleges and the sheriff is a jerk! The chief has been assigned to a murder case out of his jurisdiction and is saddled with an incompetent officer sent by the sheriff ! Add to all this an attack by a cougar and the chief is ready to move back to Seattle! Will he?

[Inger Cierniak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my micillium

It gets a little long in going from camp to camp. Hang in there because it gets complicated quick. Very plausible motive and fix to the complex mystery. Almost a five star.

[Carolyn Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad endings and new beginnings.

This book was full of adventure and suspense. I was sad to see Jackson leave, but was glad that Mattson would not be moving away. I can't wait until the next book.