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Clay Wolfe/Port Essex Mystery #4
Cosmic Trap
The man-about forty, forearms like small oak trees, with a thick beard-told the bartender at the Pelican Perch, "It came right up out of the ocean, hovered just above the water for about ten seconds, and then was gone."
When Clay Wolfe and Baylee Baker are hired to be the local liaisons for a government task force investigating the recent UAP sightings, things get complicated at lightspeed.
They're also hired to find the missing Alice Smith, whose disappearance increasingly appears to have something to do with the UAPs-the source of which might just be a governmental defense contractor named Seagull Aviation.
But the more they investigate, the more questions pop up. Who is the assassin gunning for Wolfe and Baker? Who is the mysterious man code-named Arrow? When each witness who has seen one of the UAPs is reported missing, the stakes become sky-high.
When Clay Wolfe and Baylee Baker are hired to be the local liaisons for a government task force investigating the recent UAP sightings, things get complicated at lightspeed.
They're also hired to find the missing Alice Smith, whose disappearance increasingly appears to have something to do with the UAPs-the source of which might just be a governmental defense contractor named Seagull Aviation.
But the more they investigate, the more questions pop up. Who is the assassin gunning for Wolfe and Baker? Who is the mysterious man code-named Arrow? When each witness who has seen one of the UAPs is reported missing, the stakes become sky-high.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2022
7 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 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 13, 2022
Rating: 3.5/5.0
“Cosmic Trap” is an engaging mystery with a very creative plotline.
Read full review in the 2022 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
“Cosmic Trap” is an engaging mystery with a very creative plotline.
Read full review in the 2022 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
October 30, 2022
*** four and a half shiny stars
Q: What do you get when you combine the camaraderie of the gang in the Oceans Eleven series, the plotting and intrigue of a newish James Bond movie, the hard-boiled romance of an old time Humphrey Bogart flick, and the epic-action-adventure-mayhem of a Marvel comic-book?
A: this latest installment in the always-excellent Clay Wolfe detective series is sure to keep the reader entertained and engaged as the latest crime-wave to hit the sunny summer paradise of Port Essex Maine finds its way to the doorstep of the always unflappably-dapper (red-brocade waistcoat and all) Master PI.
A definitely more seasoned private investigator since he hung out his shingle three books ago, Clay is older, arguably wiser, still deeply in love with his now-partner Baylee (a relationship as of yet, for various reasons conspiring against them, sadly unconsummated), and yet just as susceptible to finding himself on the jagged-tail end of trouble, violence, and even the law.
With a knack for both solving crimes and discovering them, in this edition, Clay and his local team (we can definitely call them a gang) of friends and colleagues have their hands full when local sightings of a strange, shimmering airborne object raise alarm bells, seeming to indicate a hard-to-fathom alien invasion, or, perhaps even more alarmingly, a new and awe-inspiring foreign secret invention.
As Clay maneuvers his way through the romantic engagement of an old-college friendship; a commission from an unlikely US Military alien task force; a missing wife; a sadistic assassin; a horrifying chemical weapon; and the sparkling blue eyes of a monster-madman; there is no rest in sight as the plot escalates with chilling precision to a finale that is every bit as grand (in keeping with previous series crash-bang endings), as it may be unexpectedly emotional.
Without giving the plot away (no spoilers here), suffice it to say that changes are afoot in this series, which (happily for this reader), along with this group of now-old friends, shows no sign of slowing in big-hearted appeal.
A great big thank you to the author for an ARC of this wonderful book. All thoughts presented are my own.
Q: What do you get when you combine the camaraderie of the gang in the Oceans Eleven series, the plotting and intrigue of a newish James Bond movie, the hard-boiled romance of an old time Humphrey Bogart flick, and the epic-action-adventure-mayhem of a Marvel comic-book?
A: this latest installment in the always-excellent Clay Wolfe detective series is sure to keep the reader entertained and engaged as the latest crime-wave to hit the sunny summer paradise of Port Essex Maine finds its way to the doorstep of the always unflappably-dapper (red-brocade waistcoat and all) Master PI.
A definitely more seasoned private investigator since he hung out his shingle three books ago, Clay is older, arguably wiser, still deeply in love with his now-partner Baylee (a relationship as of yet, for various reasons conspiring against them, sadly unconsummated), and yet just as susceptible to finding himself on the jagged-tail end of trouble, violence, and even the law.
With a knack for both solving crimes and discovering them, in this edition, Clay and his local team (we can definitely call them a gang) of friends and colleagues have their hands full when local sightings of a strange, shimmering airborne object raise alarm bells, seeming to indicate a hard-to-fathom alien invasion, or, perhaps even more alarmingly, a new and awe-inspiring foreign secret invention.
As Clay maneuvers his way through the romantic engagement of an old-college friendship; a commission from an unlikely US Military alien task force; a missing wife; a sadistic assassin; a horrifying chemical weapon; and the sparkling blue eyes of a monster-madman; there is no rest in sight as the plot escalates with chilling precision to a finale that is every bit as grand (in keeping with previous series crash-bang endings), as it may be unexpectedly emotional.
Without giving the plot away (no spoilers here), suffice it to say that changes are afoot in this series, which (happily for this reader), along with this group of now-old friends, shows no sign of slowing in big-hearted appeal.
A great big thank you to the author for an ARC of this wonderful book. All thoughts presented are my own.
December 13, 2022
4.25stars-COSMIC TRAP is the fourth instalment in Matt Cost’s contemporary, adult CLAY WOLFE / PORT ESSEX murder/mystery suspense series focusing on thirty-six year old, former homicide detective turned private investigator Clay Wolfe. COSMIC TRAP can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from third person perspective COSMIC TRAP follows in the wake of the mysterious and unexplained sightings on the waters near Port Essex, Maine. Witnesses have talked, and the government has sent in a crew to uncover the truth but when Clay Wolfe is hired to follow a wife suspected of having an affair, the woman’s grizzly death may be a clue to what is happening and how. As Clay and his plucky crew of amateur detectives, family and a former US Navy SEAL follow the clues, hired assassins embark on a killing spree, hitting Clay where it hurts the most.
COSMIC TRAP is a story of what if and how? Of world domination, power and control; of science fiction and fact; of betrayal and obsession. Clay Wolfe is a man, ruled by his sexual drive, and with it, comes the possibility of losing everything and more. The people of Port Essex stumble upon a powerful group determined to dominate and rule, a group that is now the focus of everything concerned. The premise is intriguing, heart breaking and captivating; the characters are determined yet imperfect.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from third person perspective COSMIC TRAP follows in the wake of the mysterious and unexplained sightings on the waters near Port Essex, Maine. Witnesses have talked, and the government has sent in a crew to uncover the truth but when Clay Wolfe is hired to follow a wife suspected of having an affair, the woman’s grizzly death may be a clue to what is happening and how. As Clay and his plucky crew of amateur detectives, family and a former US Navy SEAL follow the clues, hired assassins embark on a killing spree, hitting Clay where it hurts the most.
COSMIC TRAP is a story of what if and how? Of world domination, power and control; of science fiction and fact; of betrayal and obsession. Clay Wolfe is a man, ruled by his sexual drive, and with it, comes the possibility of losing everything and more. The people of Port Essex stumble upon a powerful group determined to dominate and rule, a group that is now the focus of everything concerned. The premise is intriguing, heart breaking and captivating; the characters are determined yet imperfect.
www.thereadingcafe.com
December 21, 2022
This is the fourth book in this series and I would highly recommend reading the other books before this one, just because you will understand the characters more but also because they are just such good reads. I didn't want to put this one down and read it in half a day. I got sucked into this book from the first page, in this book we see Clay Wolf and Baylee Baker are tasked with being liaisons to the government but nothing is as simple as it seems but when is it ever with Clay. There is lots of questions that need answering but will Clay and Baylee be able to solve the mystery. I love how the tension builds up in the story and it is such a gripping and engaging story. You will never guess the ending which was absolutely mind blowing.
December 19, 2022
The gang is at it again - helping Wolfe investigate another truly puzzling mystery. This time there are mysterious, Unidentified Aerial Phenomena and a government agency involved. Cost does an excellent job of building tension, and navigating the many obstacles that populate the plot. I admit the characters are a big part of why I enjoy reading this series, and they didn't disappoint. I was really intrigued by the mystery, and couldn't stop reading once I started because I just had to know what the conclusion would be. There's friendship, romance, death, and mystery all wrapped up into this thrilling tome.
January 28, 2023
Clay and friends are up against a mysterious and deadly organization in this compelling page turner when a flying saucer shows up, and people begin disappearing. As always filled with great characters and nonstop action. Love this, and looking forward to the next adventure.
September 23, 2022
Read his full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
Weird things are happening off the coast of Maine. Bert Snow is heading out to place some lobster traps when a strange electrical phenomenon caused him to collapse. He told his buddies it was a box-like apparatus that seemed transparent and seemed to shimmer and then disappear. However, Bert was known to enjoy a cocktail or two so the entire event was dismissed.
But then additional sightings without any clear description of the object cause concern among the people of this harbor town. The local private detective, Clay, and his sidekick Baylee are called to investigate. State and federal bureaus become involved which muddies the waters even further. What is this mysterious object?
Local inhabitants involved in the search wind up missing or dead. Every attempt to solve the mystery is thwarted by the state, federal police, and F.B.I. And soon, Clay and Baylee also appear to have become a target as well.
The author has again wrapped his novel in a shroud of mystery. The closer the investigation, the greater the danger.
As the sightings and disappearances escalate, the mystery deepens and there is a very interesting twist in this novel. The author develops a frightening theory, ramps the tension, and provides a satisfying, engaging, and entertaining novel. This can be read as a standalone. 4.5 stars – CE Williams
Many thanks to the publisher and author for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.
Weird things are happening off the coast of Maine. Bert Snow is heading out to place some lobster traps when a strange electrical phenomenon caused him to collapse. He told his buddies it was a box-like apparatus that seemed transparent and seemed to shimmer and then disappear. However, Bert was known to enjoy a cocktail or two so the entire event was dismissed.
But then additional sightings without any clear description of the object cause concern among the people of this harbor town. The local private detective, Clay, and his sidekick Baylee are called to investigate. State and federal bureaus become involved which muddies the waters even further. What is this mysterious object?
Local inhabitants involved in the search wind up missing or dead. Every attempt to solve the mystery is thwarted by the state, federal police, and F.B.I. And soon, Clay and Baylee also appear to have become a target as well.
The author has again wrapped his novel in a shroud of mystery. The closer the investigation, the greater the danger.
As the sightings and disappearances escalate, the mystery deepens and there is a very interesting twist in this novel. The author develops a frightening theory, ramps the tension, and provides a satisfying, engaging, and entertaining novel. This can be read as a standalone. 4.5 stars – CE Williams
Many thanks to the publisher and author for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.
December 22, 2022
Another in the Clay Wolfe/Port Essex Mystery series, although it can easily be read as a standalone.
Clay & his eclectic team are hired to investigate a wife suspected of having an affair.
They are also tasked to discover what mysterious airborne objects are being sighted in the sky. Alien invasion? A new weapon?
I’m not going to say anymore about the plot, it’s impossible without spoilers but take it from me, this is a pacy & thrilling ride. Think Marvel Avengers in feel, but not superheroes, with a touch of Bond thrown in the mix. You might even learn some science along the way.
Ready for the next one now
Clay & his eclectic team are hired to investigate a wife suspected of having an affair.
They are also tasked to discover what mysterious airborne objects are being sighted in the sky. Alien invasion? A new weapon?
I’m not going to say anymore about the plot, it’s impossible without spoilers but take it from me, this is a pacy & thrilling ride. Think Marvel Avengers in feel, but not superheroes, with a touch of Bond thrown in the mix. You might even learn some science along the way.
Ready for the next one now
November 27, 2023
Matt Cost writes a thrilling mysterious tale with Cosmic Trap.
Cosmic Trap is part of the Clay Wolfe / Port Essex Mystery Book series, and this is volume four. Clay is a private investigator, that moved to the small town of Port Essex years ago, from Boston. He used to be a homicide detective, and his cases here in Maine, seem to be more than he expected from a small town. And with this story, who expects Unexplained Aerial Phenomena (UAP) to be flown over Maine. Clay and Baylee, his partner, now have a task initiated by the government, to be part of this task force, regarding UAP. With this new type of case for them, and its involvement with government agencies, the danger level for the duo has increased. It's my favorite of the four stories, though I enjoyed reading each one. Full of twists and hidden assassins, and witnesses disappearing. Unexplained Aerial Phenomena (UAP). This book captures the reader's attention at chapter 1. Sometimes you have to put the book down, just to take a breath. This read is more than just words on a page. A very unpredictable story, my favorite kind! Breathtaking and compelling! Cosmic 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.
Cosmic Trap is part of the Clay Wolfe / Port Essex Mystery Book series, and this is volume four. Clay is a private investigator, that moved to the small town of Port Essex years ago, from Boston. He used to be a homicide detective, and his cases here in Maine, seem to be more than he expected from a small town. And with this story, who expects Unexplained Aerial Phenomena (UAP) to be flown over Maine. Clay and Baylee, his partner, now have a task initiated by the government, to be part of this task force, regarding UAP. With this new type of case for them, and its involvement with government agencies, the danger level for the duo has increased. It's my favorite of the four stories, though I enjoyed reading each one. Full of twists and hidden assassins, and witnesses disappearing. Unexplained Aerial Phenomena (UAP). This book captures the reader's attention at chapter 1. Sometimes you have to put the book down, just to take a breath. This read is more than just words on a page. A very unpredictable story, my favorite kind! Breathtaking and compelling! Cosmic 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.
May 16, 2024
4.5 rounded up. It amazes me how Matt Cost thinks of these outrageous and incredible plots and then makes them seem wholly believable.
Somewhat predictable at times so I didn't give a straight 5 stars but there was so much in the story related to the main characters that it is worth more than 4 stars. Can't say more without spoilers.
Somewhat predictable at times so I didn't give a straight 5 stars but there was so much in the story related to the main characters that it is worth more than 4 stars. Can't say more without spoilers.
December 21, 2022
“Clay smiled. Tour guide for three beautiful women and UFO hunters in one week. Perhaps he’d missed his calling.”
Ever since I came across the first CLAY WOLFE/PORT ESSEX MYSTERY (WOLFE TRAP) I have enjoyed reading about Clay and his crew investigating crazy happenings and getting into their own shenanigans. It has been incredibly entertaining, and the fun only continues in COSMIC TRAP.
The biggest tent pole of these books are the characters. Clay, Baylee, Crystal, Westy, et al, are steady figures in the stories that, honesty, never really change. And I absolutely love that, because, while the main narrative is different with each book, I know exactly what I am in for with how the characters are going to act and react. And, of course, Clay and Baylee continue their VERY slow burn for each other while also pursuing other… interests.
I have mentioned before how I love that there is always a science-y aspect to their investigations, and COSMIC TRAP continues the traditions. This storyline is about UFO sightings and their relation to missing persons around Port Essex. Things get wonky, for sure. It’s clear Cost does research for the books, too, because the science gets pretty detailed. It is so much fun to follow.
COSMIC TRAP is smart, sexy, and suspenseful. Recommended to anyone looking for an interested mystery read
Ever since I came across the first CLAY WOLFE/PORT ESSEX MYSTERY (WOLFE TRAP) I have enjoyed reading about Clay and his crew investigating crazy happenings and getting into their own shenanigans. It has been incredibly entertaining, and the fun only continues in COSMIC TRAP.
The biggest tent pole of these books are the characters. Clay, Baylee, Crystal, Westy, et al, are steady figures in the stories that, honesty, never really change. And I absolutely love that, because, while the main narrative is different with each book, I know exactly what I am in for with how the characters are going to act and react. And, of course, Clay and Baylee continue their VERY slow burn for each other while also pursuing other… interests.
I have mentioned before how I love that there is always a science-y aspect to their investigations, and COSMIC TRAP continues the traditions. This storyline is about UFO sightings and their relation to missing persons around Port Essex. Things get wonky, for sure. It’s clear Cost does research for the books, too, because the science gets pretty detailed. It is so much fun to follow.
COSMIC TRAP is smart, sexy, and suspenseful. Recommended to anyone looking for an interested mystery read
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews