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Cascade Kidnapping: A Luke McCain Novel
Once again, Washington State Fish & Wildlife police officer Luke McCain and his partner – a yellow Lab named Jack – are having a busy summer. Dealing with salmon poachers, elk-killing outlaws, and other wildlife issues have Luke looking forward to an early season wilderness hunt with a long-time friend. Luke's week in the mountains goes from pleasure to business in an instant when he is called upon to help find two teenage boys – one the son of a multi-millionaire Starbucks VIP – who have been abducted at gunpoint during a wilderness survival school expedition. Their captors, and the foreigners calling the shots behind the scenes, are desperate for their ransom money and willing to do almost anything to get it. Trekking through backcountry teeming with dangerous wildlife, Luke must help rescue the missing boys before the kidnapping scheme becomes deadly.
Praise for CASCADE "Luke McCain is back in action! The iconic Washington game warden and his canine partner, Jack, are tearing around Washington’s central Cascade Mountains in search of an escaped – and maybe dangerous -- Bengal tiger! A fast-paced story, third in a series, that will challenge you to figure out how, and even if, Luke and Jack can pull the loose ends together and nail this case shut. I didn’t want to put the book down." --Bob Mottram, author and outdoor writer "Lions and tigers in a conifer-canopied mountain forest, trouble lurking around every corner, an intuitive fish and game cop, and a fast-paced plot that twists from one suspenseful surprise to the next. Cascade Predator is a well-blended stew of Northwest icons, a reflection of Rob’s intimate knowledge of wildlife, outdoor realism, and page-turning curveballs that is just flat tough to put down. This latest edition to the Luke McCain series confirms Rob Phillips's standing as a skilled mystery writer. Already I want to read another." --Terry W. Sheely, northwest author and writer Praise for the Luke McCain Mystery "This is crime fiction at its finest – the perfect blend of a compelling mystery, a fabulous setting, the best dog ever, and a very likeable hero you won’t forget."
--Christine Carbo, award-winning author of the Glacier Mystery Series "Cascade Vengeance takes readers on a thrill ride through the dual worlds of drug dealing and big-game hunting deep in Washington’s Cascade mountains. Rob Phillips uses his extensive knowledge of the region to tell the fast-moving tale of game warden Luke McCain and his yellow Lab Jack, as they face down poachers, murderous drug cartel members, and feral dogs on the way to the story’s harrowing and heartbreaking conclusion."
--Scott Graham, National Outdoor Book Award-winning author of Mesa Verde Victim
"Weaving experiences that will be familiar to any hunter or angler into a murder mystery plot, The Cascade Killer is a criminal thriller with a unique outdoor twist that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat the whole time. Phillips is clearly an experienced outdoorsman himself and the story he tells is authentic, realistic, and enjoyable. If you’re looking for an enjoyable read out in deer camp or for just sitting next to your fireplace, then The Cascade Killer is a definite winner." --John McAdams, author of The Big Game Hunting Blog & host of The Big Game Hunting Podcast
Praise for CASCADE "Luke McCain is back in action! The iconic Washington game warden and his canine partner, Jack, are tearing around Washington’s central Cascade Mountains in search of an escaped – and maybe dangerous -- Bengal tiger! A fast-paced story, third in a series, that will challenge you to figure out how, and even if, Luke and Jack can pull the loose ends together and nail this case shut. I didn’t want to put the book down." --Bob Mottram, author and outdoor writer "Lions and tigers in a conifer-canopied mountain forest, trouble lurking around every corner, an intuitive fish and game cop, and a fast-paced plot that twists from one suspenseful surprise to the next. Cascade Predator is a well-blended stew of Northwest icons, a reflection of Rob’s intimate knowledge of wildlife, outdoor realism, and page-turning curveballs that is just flat tough to put down. This latest edition to the Luke McCain series confirms Rob Phillips's standing as a skilled mystery writer. Already I want to read another." --Terry W. Sheely, northwest author and writer Praise for the Luke McCain Mystery "This is crime fiction at its finest – the perfect blend of a compelling mystery, a fabulous setting, the best dog ever, and a very likeable hero you won’t forget."
--Christine Carbo, award-winning author of the Glacier Mystery Series "Cascade Vengeance takes readers on a thrill ride through the dual worlds of drug dealing and big-game hunting deep in Washington’s Cascade mountains. Rob Phillips uses his extensive knowledge of the region to tell the fast-moving tale of game warden Luke McCain and his yellow Lab Jack, as they face down poachers, murderous drug cartel members, and feral dogs on the way to the story’s harrowing and heartbreaking conclusion."
--Scott Graham, National Outdoor Book Award-winning author of Mesa Verde Victim
"Weaving experiences that will be familiar to any hunter or angler into a murder mystery plot, The Cascade Killer is a criminal thriller with a unique outdoor twist that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat the whole time. Phillips is clearly an experienced outdoorsman himself and the story he tells is authentic, realistic, and enjoyable. If you’re looking for an enjoyable read out in deer camp or for just sitting next to your fireplace, then The Cascade Killer is a definite winner." --John McAdams, author of The Big Game Hunting Blog & host of The Big Game Hunting Podcast
- GenresMystery
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 5, 2022
193 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 2, 2022
I was hoping for more with this book. The first half had two plots that didn't weave together. I wish the author would not have thrown in the part of the elk poachers. The last half of the book was excellent with a focus on the story line. I find it enjoyable to read about the many places I've traveled in the area.
December 30, 2022
I picked this one up because I had read the first three and they’re local for me which is fun. That’s the positive.
This was definitely the worst of the 4.
For starters, the author never heard a stereotype he didn’t enjoy and find a way to work into his book. The Indian kidnappers got tired of scamming old people over the telephone so they talked to their relatives in the states, who own a convenience store… wow what an original idea.
Meaningless asides exist for no other reason than to take some sort of shot at someone: blondes, Subaru drivers, too many to list.
The protagonist is also described as a thirty something fit game warden, though his brain is more the age of the author, rolling his eyes at characters who don’t understand references from celebrities/movie and tv shows of the 50’s… he definitely thinks and talks like a boomer, it would make more sense if he was in his 60’s.
Finally, more generally speaking, the book is very disconnected, it’s more like two short stories slapped together to make enough content for a 300 page book; the storyline of the elk poachers is wrapped up and solved about the halfway point and none of it carry’s over into the kidnapping plot line.
1 star
This was definitely the worst of the 4.
For starters, the author never heard a stereotype he didn’t enjoy and find a way to work into his book. The Indian kidnappers got tired of scamming old people over the telephone so they talked to their relatives in the states, who own a convenience store… wow what an original idea.
Meaningless asides exist for no other reason than to take some sort of shot at someone: blondes, Subaru drivers, too many to list.
The protagonist is also described as a thirty something fit game warden, though his brain is more the age of the author, rolling his eyes at characters who don’t understand references from celebrities/movie and tv shows of the 50’s… he definitely thinks and talks like a boomer, it would make more sense if he was in his 60’s.
Finally, more generally speaking, the book is very disconnected, it’s more like two short stories slapped together to make enough content for a 300 page book; the storyline of the elk poachers is wrapped up and solved about the halfway point and none of it carry’s over into the kidnapping plot line.
1 star
August 7, 2022
Once again, Rob Phillips has crafted a thriller that reads like you are there in the hills surrounded by the Cascade mountains in Washington state. As I have done before, I must disclaim that I am the author's brother and of course, I have to give him a good review!
For those of you who have not yet entered the world of Luke McCain, his wife, his dog, his neighbors and his fellow law enforcement officers, this is as good a place as any to jump in and enjoy the outdoors with some very knowledgable locals and some not-so-nice characters who feel out of their comfort zones.
The story action really ramps up in the last third of this book. When you reach this point in the story, you'll be even more motivated to press on to the end of the work. The author has a career of writing non-fiction dealing with fishing and hunting, and his factual knowledge shows in every one of his fictional tales. However, you don't need to be a sportsperson to enjoy this story of good versus evil.
No inside information here as to the future of Luke McCain, but let's all hope that he takes us on more adventures of his home turf in and around the central part of Washington state.
For those of you who have not yet entered the world of Luke McCain, his wife, his dog, his neighbors and his fellow law enforcement officers, this is as good a place as any to jump in and enjoy the outdoors with some very knowledgable locals and some not-so-nice characters who feel out of their comfort zones.
The story action really ramps up in the last third of this book. When you reach this point in the story, you'll be even more motivated to press on to the end of the work. The author has a career of writing non-fiction dealing with fishing and hunting, and his factual knowledge shows in every one of his fictional tales. However, you don't need to be a sportsperson to enjoy this story of good versus evil.
No inside information here as to the future of Luke McCain, but let's all hope that he takes us on more adventures of his home turf in and around the central part of Washington state.
December 6, 2024
In the book Cascade Kidnapping by Rob Philips, Luke McCain, a game warden for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, was looking forward to a relaxing wilderness hunt with his lifelong friend and his yellow lab dog, Jack. However, his plan took a turn when he's called to help with the kidnapping of two young teenage boys that took place when they were on a wilderness survival school trip for a week. One of the boys, Skyler Sloan, is the son of a multimillionaire Starbucks executive, which suspected the reason for the kidnapping.
As Luke investigates the kidnapping situation, he learns that the captors, led by Bakshi, Patel, and Singh, travelled from India to Vancouver and drove up to Washington to secure ransom money. These criminals planned a well-coordinated scheme and were willing to do anything to achieve their goal. Though technically they didn't do the kidnapping, they hired two men, Frederick and Rogers, to track Skyler Sloan down up in the Cascade Mountains. So, in order to save these kids, Luke, along with Jack, must navigate through the Cscade Mountains, tracking down clues such as foot prints, and try to not get the situation to the point where the kidnappers successfully took Skyler Sloan.
The search through the Cascade Mountains took Luke through dangerous terrain, and he eventually uncovers more information about the kidnappers' motives for their kidnapping. Luke uses his skills as a game warden to track the criminals and protect the kids, including Skip Harvey, the leader of the school. Skyler Sloan took the pistol, which Skip put in the bookbag, and shot at Frederick in the leg, not wanting him to die. Eventually Frederick would die as Bakshi and him got conflicted with the police, and Frederick, being himself, decided to pull out his weapon, but the officer was quicker than him and shot right at him.
The novel, although having two sorts of plots, one being about the poaching and the kidnapping, was not hard to follow along. Phillips writing style helped keep it engaging with the help of the story building up suspense, and his use of vivid descriptions up in the Washington Mountains helped make the story even more immersive. While reading the novel, I always found myself engaged and thinking about what was going to happen next. I was able to tell what was going on with Luke and his ivestigation, the Indians, including Frederick and Rogers, during the kidnapping scene.
The immersiveness and what led up to the suspense helped me remember what was happening throughout the story, and I was excited to read the next chapter. I would definitely recommend this book to people who like an unsettling but very detailed book. Phillips did an excellent job with his experience in the wilderness as well as his contributors, such as Gene Biereis, retired Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife officer Jeff Witkowski, and Merle Shuyler, to make the situation even more realistic.
As Luke investigates the kidnapping situation, he learns that the captors, led by Bakshi, Patel, and Singh, travelled from India to Vancouver and drove up to Washington to secure ransom money. These criminals planned a well-coordinated scheme and were willing to do anything to achieve their goal. Though technically they didn't do the kidnapping, they hired two men, Frederick and Rogers, to track Skyler Sloan down up in the Cascade Mountains. So, in order to save these kids, Luke, along with Jack, must navigate through the Cscade Mountains, tracking down clues such as foot prints, and try to not get the situation to the point where the kidnappers successfully took Skyler Sloan.
The search through the Cascade Mountains took Luke through dangerous terrain, and he eventually uncovers more information about the kidnappers' motives for their kidnapping. Luke uses his skills as a game warden to track the criminals and protect the kids, including Skip Harvey, the leader of the school. Skyler Sloan took the pistol, which Skip put in the bookbag, and shot at Frederick in the leg, not wanting him to die. Eventually Frederick would die as Bakshi and him got conflicted with the police, and Frederick, being himself, decided to pull out his weapon, but the officer was quicker than him and shot right at him.
The novel, although having two sorts of plots, one being about the poaching and the kidnapping, was not hard to follow along. Phillips writing style helped keep it engaging with the help of the story building up suspense, and his use of vivid descriptions up in the Washington Mountains helped make the story even more immersive. While reading the novel, I always found myself engaged and thinking about what was going to happen next. I was able to tell what was going on with Luke and his ivestigation, the Indians, including Frederick and Rogers, during the kidnapping scene.
The immersiveness and what led up to the suspense helped me remember what was happening throughout the story, and I was excited to read the next chapter. I would definitely recommend this book to people who like an unsettling but very detailed book. Phillips did an excellent job with his experience in the wilderness as well as his contributors, such as Gene Biereis, retired Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife officer Jeff Witkowski, and Merle Shuyler, to make the situation even more realistic.
September 10, 2024
I struggled with rating this one! I liked book one, LOVED 2 and 3, but this one sort of fell flat for me. Probably because we didn’t get to see many of the normal secondary characters in this one. I actually loved the poaching plot more than the kidnapping plot. (Not a spoiler the title has kidnapping in it!)
I still rated it a three because I still love the main man and woman, of course Jack has my heart and the author knows his characters. I have a soft spot for the reporter Erickson and love how Luke works with him. With all that being said I am onto book 5! A huge milestone for me as I normally loose interest after a third book in a series but I’m still loving this series!
I still rated it a three because I still love the main man and woman, of course Jack has my heart and the author knows his characters. I have a soft spot for the reporter Erickson and love how Luke works with him. With all that being said I am onto book 5! A huge milestone for me as I normally loose interest after a third book in a series but I’m still loving this series!
October 5, 2022
I picked this up while in Spokane because I enjoy a good mystery and want to support independent authors and publishers. I just felt it was ok - for one thing there were 2 distinct and separate, aside from the McCain working on both, cases. I wish he had either made them related somehow or just focused on one plot. I also felt the writing wasn't very sophisticated. All that being said, I liked the general premise of the book and it was a quick read. I bought one of the other McCain books at the same time and I will give it a try too.
June 21, 2025
I enjoyed this book (kind of). As others pointed out, it is really two short stories awkwardly stuck together. The elk poaching storyline was spot on. The kidnapping storyline was improbable, a common irritation I have with lots of pulp fiction. These books shrink timelines down to the impossible. Events just don't happen as fast as they are often portrayed. The whole sequence from jumping on a plane from India, to Canada, to the US, and finding crooks to help you just doesn't work for me. Will I read more of Rob Phillip's books? Probably.
May 9, 2025
What I mentioned in the review of the last book has come to pass. A mystery series that should be local tries for Grisham. I don't like Grisham. Not everything has to be international espionage or other overblown plots.
In this one, some cybercrime guys in India decide it makes sense to go to the PNW and kidnap a kid. Completely idiotic. Time to take a break from the series, don't know if I'll be back.
In this one, some cybercrime guys in India decide it makes sense to go to the PNW and kidnap a kid. Completely idiotic. Time to take a break from the series, don't know if I'll be back.
August 13, 2025
The best laid plans go awry when up against Murphy's Law.
I liked the plot. Like other volumes of this series, three or four subplots going on at the same time. Scary that scammers from overseas can come to this country and have hatched a plot to kidnap one of our citizens for ransom. Even scarier is their hacking actities. Anyway, good read. I liked it a lot. Jack Durrett
I liked the plot. Like other volumes of this series, three or four subplots going on at the same time. Scary that scammers from overseas can come to this country and have hatched a plot to kidnap one of our citizens for ransom. Even scarier is their hacking actities. Anyway, good read. I liked it a lot. Jack Durrett
October 10, 2022
Solid story
Good to come back to a familiar series with the characters you enjoy. Luke and Jack especially, this time there a couple things going on. There is a kidnapping being plotted, a gator or maybe two in the lake and poachers galore. Good action and pacing with likeable characters and a good resolution.
Good to come back to a familiar series with the characters you enjoy. Luke and Jack especially, this time there a couple things going on. There is a kidnapping being plotted, a gator or maybe two in the lake and poachers galore. Good action and pacing with likeable characters and a good resolution.
January 9, 2024
Enthralling stories
Enjoying this series. Learning much about the mountains and nature in the state of Washington and the Cascades. A dog lover, I also enjoy the stories because of the lab, Jack. Recommend the series to anyone who enjoys reading adventure stories and learning new things.
Enjoying this series. Learning much about the mountains and nature in the state of Washington and the Cascades. A dog lover, I also enjoy the stories because of the lab, Jack. Recommend the series to anyone who enjoys reading adventure stories and learning new things.
July 20, 2022
Take a Hike
Almost quit, seemed ho hum at first. Turned into a really neat story. It is a four star for an adult but it could be a five star for a young adult. Lots of side stories to add to the entertainment value. Lots of outdoor knowledge for teenagers.
Almost quit, seemed ho hum at first. Turned into a really neat story. It is a four star for an adult but it could be a five star for a young adult. Lots of side stories to add to the entertainment value. Lots of outdoor knowledge for teenagers.
August 8, 2022
Attention getting with tons of excitement!
Being from Central Washington, I love reading the Luke McCain novels. Rob Phillips knows how to pull the reader in and keep their attention.
Being from Central Washington, I love reading the Luke McCain novels. Rob Phillips knows how to pull the reader in and keep their attention.
August 13, 2022
Awesome series!
Very well written and very enjoyable! Strongly recommend reading the entire series in order. Definitely worth the time! These books I would definitely encourage my grandkids to read. Maybe another sequel??
Very well written and very enjoyable! Strongly recommend reading the entire series in order. Definitely worth the time! These books I would definitely encourage my grandkids to read. Maybe another sequel??
October 10, 2022
Quick and exciting read
With an international flair, Rob Phillips keeps you turning the pages in his latest Luke McCain novel New and unique way to disable a bad guy awaits the reader.
With an international flair, Rob Phillips keeps you turning the pages in his latest Luke McCain novel New and unique way to disable a bad guy awaits the reader.
March 28, 2024
Fun Read!
Great plot lines and under themes. Entertaining without being overly complex or convoluted. Very few typos or syntax issues. Living in the NW I especially appreciate the 2A vibe! Keep ‘em coming Mr Philips
Great plot lines and under themes. Entertaining without being overly complex or convoluted. Very few typos or syntax issues. Living in the NW I especially appreciate the 2A vibe! Keep ‘em coming Mr Philips
December 15, 2024
Another excellent book by Rob Phillips...
This is the third book I've read by the author. They have all been great reading with believable characters and interesting, engaging story line.
This is the third book I've read by the author. They have all been great reading with believable characters and interesting, engaging story line.
July 17, 2022
Good read.
October 13, 2022
This is a really good and enjoyable series, in spite of the incongruity of the kidnappers. However, Luke is such as great character and the supporting cast is excellent.
December 11, 2022
Love this series
This was the fourth book, and I hope there will be more of Luke McCain. I love the outdoors, and the game warden going after the poachers.
This was the fourth book, and I hope there will be more of Luke McCain. I love the outdoors, and the game warden going after the poachers.
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April 22, 2024Action pack
I thought this book started out pretty slow, but once the action started it kept you interested and became a very good read .
I thought this book started out pretty slow, but once the action started it kept you interested and became a very good read .
August 2, 2024
Wilderness Survival OJT.
Bizarre story line, very interesting and believable fiction. I do hope Rob Phillips continues this series. Outstanding so far keep up the great work.
Bizarre story line, very interesting and believable fiction. I do hope Rob Phillips continues this series. Outstanding so far keep up the great work.
September 28, 2024
Title tells it all
The writing was very simplistic. The plot was good, but I never did figure out if it was a comedy or not. I was not impressed.
The writing was very simplistic. The plot was good, but I never did figure out if it was a comedy or not. I was not impressed.
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December 23, 2024Its definitely a book that once you pick up you won't want to put down!
November 25, 2025
Absolutely love this book series. The main character is likable and intelligent.
July 13, 2022
As a resident of the Nile Valley, it is a special treat to read a local author's work. To read of his visits to locations that are familiar and storylines that are very real. Each time I finish one of his novels, I watch closely for his next release. They are worth waiting for.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews