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Jake Cashen #2
Kill Season
There's a killer on the loose deep in the backwoods of Blackhand Hills. When someone close to Detective Jake Cashen falls prey, the line between justice and vengeance becomes razor thin.
A skilled hunter is found dead in the first few moments of Opening Day for deer season. Everyone assumes it was an accident. When Jake learns the victim is his best friend, Ben Wayne, he must push past his crushing grief and process the scene. Two things become horrifyingly clear. Ben was shot through the head with a high-powered rifle, and this was no accident. It was an execution.
As the town grieves, Jake discovers there have been a series of similar killings throughout southern Ohio. The victims were the strongest of men. Hunters. Outdoorsmen. Athletes. Each of them picked off by an unseen killer who lies in wait.
When Jake moves to reopen the other cases, he’s blocked at every turn. No one wants to believe there’s a serial killer on the loose or take the blame for missing the signs. Jake’s on his own as he races to unravel the clues and face down a ruthless murderer.
It’s hunting season in Blackhand Hills. And the ultimate predator is poised to strike again.
Kill Season is the pulse-pounding second book in the Detective Jake Cashen thriller series. A former police detective, author Declan James brings you authentic crime fiction that will keep you on the edge of your seat with twists you'll never see coming. Perfect for fans of Connelly, Box, Dugoni and Baldacci.
A skilled hunter is found dead in the first few moments of Opening Day for deer season. Everyone assumes it was an accident. When Jake learns the victim is his best friend, Ben Wayne, he must push past his crushing grief and process the scene. Two things become horrifyingly clear. Ben was shot through the head with a high-powered rifle, and this was no accident. It was an execution.
As the town grieves, Jake discovers there have been a series of similar killings throughout southern Ohio. The victims were the strongest of men. Hunters. Outdoorsmen. Athletes. Each of them picked off by an unseen killer who lies in wait.
When Jake moves to reopen the other cases, he’s blocked at every turn. No one wants to believe there’s a serial killer on the loose or take the blame for missing the signs. Jake’s on his own as he races to unravel the clues and face down a ruthless murderer.
It’s hunting season in Blackhand Hills. And the ultimate predator is poised to strike again.
Kill Season is the pulse-pounding second book in the Detective Jake Cashen thriller series. A former police detective, author Declan James brings you authentic crime fiction that will keep you on the edge of your seat with twists you'll never see coming. Perfect for fans of Connelly, Box, Dugoni and Baldacci.
- GenresMysteryFictionProcedural
370 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 2022
1800 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Declan James
15 books84 followersBefore putting pen to paper, Declan James’s career in law enforcement spanned twenty-six years. Declan’s work as a digital forensics detective has earned him the highest honors from the U.S. Secret Service and F.B.I. For the last sixteen years of his career, Declan served on a nationally recognized task force aimed at protecting children from online predators. Prior to that, Declan spent six years undercover working Vice-Narcotics.
An avid outdoorsman and conservationist, Declan enjoys hunting, fishing, grilling, smoking meats, and his quest for the perfect bottle of bourbon. He lives on a lake in Southern Michigan along with his wife and kids.
For more information visit https://declanjamesbooks.com
An avid outdoorsman and conservationist, Declan enjoys hunting, fishing, grilling, smoking meats, and his quest for the perfect bottle of bourbon. He lives on a lake in Southern Michigan along with his wife and kids.
For more information visit https://declanjamesbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
September 16, 2024
With the first book in this series, it was easy for the reader to capture the "bad guy". In the end an out of nowhere witness turned up that explained it all. That was a bit strange.... but okay, it didn't ruin the story. This one was more difficult to figure out. The reasoning was a bit random and the "who-done-it" also kind of came out of the preverbal "blue". That was okay but, unexpected.
The story kept me guessing right up to the end. Some needed facts were held back and not revealed until the end. That fit in with "real life" cases and gave the story an almost non-fiction feel. This is the second book in the Jake Cashen series that I've read (yeah! I read them in order...as hard as that may be to imagine), and I have to say that this, thus far, has been a well written descent crime series and certainly worth a crime or mystery enthusiast's the time to pursue.
The story kept me guessing right up to the end. Some needed facts were held back and not revealed until the end. That fit in with "real life" cases and gave the story an almost non-fiction feel. This is the second book in the Jake Cashen series that I've read (yeah! I read them in order...as hard as that may be to imagine), and I have to say that this, thus far, has been a well written descent crime series and certainly worth a crime or mystery enthusiast's the time to pursue.
September 10, 2022
Kill Season🎯
Kill Season is the second book in the Jake Cashen series and is REALLY REALLY GOOD👍 At the end of the first book, you get an introduction to this one and let’s just say it left me speechless and shocked which is much how I imagine Jake felt when he heard the news. This is an emotional and raw case for Jake but he does a good job of compartmentalising and trying to get to the bottom of it😢
Amazingly written and I really feel as though I’m getting to know these characters as well. I’m loving the introduction of a new character and feeling out the dynamics of what’s going to happen next😁
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest review🤩
Kill Season is the second book in the Jake Cashen series and is REALLY REALLY GOOD👍 At the end of the first book, you get an introduction to this one and let’s just say it left me speechless and shocked which is much how I imagine Jake felt when he heard the news. This is an emotional and raw case for Jake but he does a good job of compartmentalising and trying to get to the bottom of it😢
Amazingly written and I really feel as though I’m getting to know these characters as well. I’m loving the introduction of a new character and feeling out the dynamics of what’s going to happen next😁
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest review🤩
January 27, 2023
Just as good as the first book
Description: This was about deputy detective Jake being called out to a m*rder and when he arrives he sees the victim is Ben. Ben was his childhood best friend and like a brother. Ben's son, Travis was the one who found his father with a gsw to the head. Jake takes the emotion out of the investigation and hunts down the ki**er.
Review: I liked the first book and I really liked this second one too. Most of the books are mostly the investigation. It's more realistic than most procedural Books or Hollywood movies. Investigations aren't all g*n blazing and high action. It's what makes these books so unique and so different. We as readers follow Jake as he investigates everyone he seems necessary. He has ONE big action moment which is toward the end and then the dust settles. As you read the books, you'll see each character has a small part to play even if it's a cameo appearance. The writing style is simple and mostly clean, you have a few curse words but not much. It's not all drama but it's definitely mystery. All mystery. In this particular book we got a glimpse of the villian. The bad guy has a bigger Part to play in this one which made this book a bit better than the first.
Conclusion: It's like I said in the first book, this was good. Well written. Developed characters. A good Mystery. It doesn't have suspence or a huge thrill but it's a good who dun it type book. I liked it. I look forward to more books from this author
Description: This was about deputy detective Jake being called out to a m*rder and when he arrives he sees the victim is Ben. Ben was his childhood best friend and like a brother. Ben's son, Travis was the one who found his father with a gsw to the head. Jake takes the emotion out of the investigation and hunts down the ki**er.
Review: I liked the first book and I really liked this second one too. Most of the books are mostly the investigation. It's more realistic than most procedural Books or Hollywood movies. Investigations aren't all g*n blazing and high action. It's what makes these books so unique and so different. We as readers follow Jake as he investigates everyone he seems necessary. He has ONE big action moment which is toward the end and then the dust settles. As you read the books, you'll see each character has a small part to play even if it's a cameo appearance. The writing style is simple and mostly clean, you have a few curse words but not much. It's not all drama but it's definitely mystery. All mystery. In this particular book we got a glimpse of the villian. The bad guy has a bigger Part to play in this one which made this book a bit better than the first.
Conclusion: It's like I said in the first book, this was good. Well written. Developed characters. A good Mystery. It doesn't have suspence or a huge thrill but it's a good who dun it type book. I liked it. I look forward to more books from this author
July 8, 2023
I like James’ stories. They are real page turners, but this one did not have the surprise that the first one had. And though this is minor, I really need flow, this dialog in Chapter 7 confused me.
“Crazy Louie?” Jake repeated. He hadn’t heard that name in years. “He’s still alive? Geez. I thought he was like a hundred when we were kids.”
“He sues the county every year over something,” Jake said.
So, he hadn’t heard Jaffe’s name in years, but knew he sued the county every year??
“Crazy Louie?” Jake repeated. He hadn’t heard that name in years. “He’s still alive? Geez. I thought he was like a hundred when we were kids.”
“He sues the county every year over something,” Jake said.
So, he hadn’t heard Jaffe’s name in years, but knew he sued the county every year??
May 9, 2023
Another hit by Declan James! I was not sure where this was going to go and I feel bad for thinking someone was guilty was definitely was NOT LOL! Unless there's more to come? .... onto book 3!
April 21, 2024
Another great detective/crime book. The first 2 in this series already have 5 ⭐️’s for me and I hear tell the 3rd book is even better!
April 28, 2025
Give it a read.
Not bad. I just keep reading and reading, all day and night,one day and done. Jack is a good detective he gets in to his work. The writing is outstanding. Ones again a damn fine read. Pick it and give it a go you can't go wrong.
Not bad. I just keep reading and reading, all day and night,one day and done. Jack is a good detective he gets in to his work. The writing is outstanding. Ones again a damn fine read. Pick it and give it a go you can't go wrong.
October 17, 2022
Good read
December 24, 2023
This story was not as tight or as surprising as the first. Some of the dialog was unclear. If only all murders were cleared up so fast!
April 21, 2024
I don’t like reading the villain’s POV.
August 8, 2024
As I mentioned in my review of the first of the Jake Cashen series, I'm so impressed with Alexander Cendese's reading, that it is enough that I'm sticking with the series via audiobook. James wisely refrains from building too much upon the first book, so there are no spoilers, but there are light references--nice for those reading the series, but vague enough to entice readers to hit up Murder in the Hollows if they haven't already.
Wrestling does not take a front seat here, thankfully, but hunting does, so those who do not approve of hunting in any form are likely to want to pass on this one. There's a lot of testosterone that gets thrown around in this series, but my favorite character is actually Sheriff Landry, who is a great character and she is beautifully voiced by Cendese. In this particular book I found myself losing patience for hearing the killer's thoughts, but at the end it does help make us more convinced of the killer's mental state. I was less than thrilled with Jake's treatment of "Birdie" (Erica), the younger sister of his friend Ben--he was patronizing at best--so the insinuation at the end of the book does not make me look forward to seeing her character in the next book.
As a mystery it works well---James sets up the typical red herrings and didn't rest on the gambit he used in the first book. With Cendese's reading, the book is more of a 3.5 for me, and I'm looking forward to Bones of Echo Lake.
Wrestling does not take a front seat here, thankfully, but hunting does, so those who do not approve of hunting in any form are likely to want to pass on this one. There's a lot of testosterone that gets thrown around in this series, but my favorite character is actually Sheriff Landry, who is a great character and she is beautifully voiced by Cendese. In this particular book I found myself losing patience for hearing the killer's thoughts, but at the end it does help make us more convinced of the killer's mental state. I was less than thrilled with Jake's treatment of "Birdie" (Erica), the younger sister of his friend Ben--he was patronizing at best--so the insinuation at the end of the book does not make me look forward to seeing her character in the next book.
As a mystery it works well---James sets up the typical red herrings and didn't rest on the gambit he used in the first book. With Cendese's reading, the book is more of a 3.5 for me, and I'm looking forward to Bones of Echo Lake.
Read
August 21, 2024There's a killer on the loose deep in the backwoods of Blackhand Hills. When someone close to Detective Jake Cashen falls prey, the line between justice and vengeance becomes razor thin.
A skilled hunter is found dead in the first few moments of Opening Day for deer season. Everyone assumes it was an accident. When Jake learns the victim is his best friend, Ben Wayne, he must push past his crushing grief and process the scene. Two things become horrifyingly clear. Ben was shot through the head with a high-powered rifle, and this was no accident. It was an execution.
As the town grieves, Jake discovers there have been a series of similar killings throughout southern Ohio. The victims were the strongest of men. Hunters. Outdoorsmen. Athletes. Each of them picked off by an unseen killer who lies in wait.
When Jake moves to reopen the other cases, he’s blocked at every turn. No one wants to believe there’s a serial killer on the loose or take the blame for missing the signs. Jake’s on his own as he races to unravel the clues and face down a ruthless murderer.
It’s hunting season in Blackhand Hills. And the ultimate predator is poised to strike again.
Kill Season is the pulse-pounding second book in the Detective Jake Cashen thriller series. A former police detective, author Declan James brings you authentic crime fiction that will keep you on the edge of your seat with twists you'll never see coming. Perfect for fans of Connelly, Box, Dugoni and Baldacci.
Good.
A skilled hunter is found dead in the first few moments of Opening Day for deer season. Everyone assumes it was an accident. When Jake learns the victim is his best friend, Ben Wayne, he must push past his crushing grief and process the scene. Two things become horrifyingly clear. Ben was shot through the head with a high-powered rifle, and this was no accident. It was an execution.
As the town grieves, Jake discovers there have been a series of similar killings throughout southern Ohio. The victims were the strongest of men. Hunters. Outdoorsmen. Athletes. Each of them picked off by an unseen killer who lies in wait.
When Jake moves to reopen the other cases, he’s blocked at every turn. No one wants to believe there’s a serial killer on the loose or take the blame for missing the signs. Jake’s on his own as he races to unravel the clues and face down a ruthless murderer.
It’s hunting season in Blackhand Hills. And the ultimate predator is poised to strike again.
Kill Season is the pulse-pounding second book in the Detective Jake Cashen thriller series. A former police detective, author Declan James brings you authentic crime fiction that will keep you on the edge of your seat with twists you'll never see coming. Perfect for fans of Connelly, Box, Dugoni and Baldacci.
Good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2025
I read book two because I enjoyed book one. I liked this one even more and can’t wait for the third. Series appeal to me because I can get to know the characters, and though this book starts with the loss of someone I adored in book one, it offers the chance for learning more about the main players in book two. I really appreciate that, especially in this genre, where plot is often the sole focus and characters can be nothing more than placeholders for tired stereotypes.
In Kill Season, what looks like a possible hunting accident turns out to be a murder. Worse, what looks to be an isolated tragic victim turns out to be a roster of serial killer targets.
Jake’s methodical investigation turns over one rock after another to expose corruption in high places. I sense it won’t be long before his personal demons need to be dealt with, but in this book his biggest concern is getting justice for a friend and his family. It’s his flirtation with vengeance that really keeps a reader glued to the page. There may be a flirtation of the romantic kind on the horizon too, but not while he has this crime to solve.
Jake Cashen isn’t an antihero, but he’s definitely a hero with sometimes dark thoughts and urges. That’s what makes him and his stories so compelling. A solid four stars.
In Kill Season, what looks like a possible hunting accident turns out to be a murder. Worse, what looks to be an isolated tragic victim turns out to be a roster of serial killer targets.
Jake’s methodical investigation turns over one rock after another to expose corruption in high places. I sense it won’t be long before his personal demons need to be dealt with, but in this book his biggest concern is getting justice for a friend and his family. It’s his flirtation with vengeance that really keeps a reader glued to the page. There may be a flirtation of the romantic kind on the horizon too, but not while he has this crime to solve.
Jake Cashen isn’t an antihero, but he’s definitely a hero with sometimes dark thoughts and urges. That’s what makes him and his stories so compelling. A solid four stars.
December 13, 2022
Someone is in the woods with a sniper rifle killing hunters and fishermen. When Jake's best friend Ben is a victim, they got the wrong guy involved. He will stop at nothing to find who is doing this.
As he gets deeper in the investigation, Jake is convinced it's a serial killer who has been doing this for a while. Some earlier deaths were classified as accidental (during hunting season) but the detective in another jurisdiction just closed the case without seeing that the ammunition was from a specialized sniper rifle.
Jake's boss wants to call in the FBI but Jake knows he can get the answers he's looking for with a bit of cooperation and favors from friends. Anything to steer clear of his former FBI,
It's a complicated tale but Jake does find his killer in the end.
As he gets deeper in the investigation, Jake is convinced it's a serial killer who has been doing this for a while. Some earlier deaths were classified as accidental (during hunting season) but the detective in another jurisdiction just closed the case without seeing that the ammunition was from a specialized sniper rifle.
Jake's boss wants to call in the FBI but Jake knows he can get the answers he's looking for with a bit of cooperation and favors from friends. Anything to steer clear of his former FBI,
It's a complicated tale but Jake does find his killer in the end.
June 4, 2023
My Thoughts:
This series is starting to look like every case is personally tied to Jake, our hero. Which is good! Makes the story very interesting, indeed! However, I am starting to worry that the author would run out of personal connections to Jake and our series would end. And I don't want this series to end sooner than it ought... or start going stale... That would be a bummer, indeed!
Same with book 1, wonderful story telling quality. Solid world building. And characters I can identify with! And now I am a fan of this author and this series, even though I am not a crime fiction fan! (WTF!*#^~)
Second Alexander Cendese audiobook listen and his voice is now solidly Jake.
Quantitative Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4.5
Character development = 4.5
Story itself = 4.5
Writing Style = 4.5
Ending = 4
World building = 4.5
Cover art = 4.5
Pace = (7 hrs and 14 mins listening time)
Plot = 4.5
Narration = 5
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5
This series is starting to look like every case is personally tied to Jake, our hero. Which is good! Makes the story very interesting, indeed! However, I am starting to worry that the author would run out of personal connections to Jake and our series would end. And I don't want this series to end sooner than it ought... or start going stale... That would be a bummer, indeed!
Same with book 1, wonderful story telling quality. Solid world building. And characters I can identify with! And now I am a fan of this author and this series, even though I am not a crime fiction fan! (WTF!*#^~)
Second Alexander Cendese audiobook listen and his voice is now solidly Jake.
Quantitative Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4.5
Character development = 4.5
Story itself = 4.5
Writing Style = 4.5
Ending = 4
World building = 4.5
Cover art = 4.5
Pace = (7 hrs and 14 mins listening time)
Plot = 4.5
Narration = 5
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5
January 2, 2023
Ohio Deer Hunters Are Being Hunted
This is the second book in a series that should be read in order to fully appreciate the background of the characters. This episode deals with some mysterious deaths of deer hunters in Ohio. The book moves at a fast pace as the reader finds clues along with our main character. It is a straightforward police mystery complete with clues that go nowhere. I enjoyed the first book so much that I bought this second book. I am going to pre-order the third book right now!
This is the second book in a series that should be read in order to fully appreciate the background of the characters. This episode deals with some mysterious deaths of deer hunters in Ohio. The book moves at a fast pace as the reader finds clues along with our main character. It is a straightforward police mystery complete with clues that go nowhere. I enjoyed the first book so much that I bought this second book. I am going to pre-order the third book right now!
October 29, 2024
I didn’t love this one as much as the first Jake Cashen book but it was still good. I was hooked at the beginning of the book and was dying to finish it but then got a bit bored in the middle. I felt like there was maybe just TOO MUCH and I know its a police procedural and that it’s trying to be a realistic case but I got a little lost, but then it redeemed itself at the end and brought me back with a great wrap up.
I really like Jake Cashen, feel connected to him and wanting to root for him to be a good guy!
I really like Jake Cashen, feel connected to him and wanting to root for him to be a good guy!
April 24, 2023
Another great series
100,000,000,000 another great series, love the entertaining story lines, the relationships of the charters and their lives in a small town. As a retired LEO I enjoyed the detailed story line, the intrigue the the background story of family, FBI, and his relations with his connections to the town he was tragically survived. The suspense is non stop page turner after page, spend the weekend knocking out two of the four books so far can wait to start #3.
100,000,000,000 another great series, love the entertaining story lines, the relationships of the charters and their lives in a small town. As a retired LEO I enjoyed the detailed story line, the intrigue the the background story of family, FBI, and his relations with his connections to the town he was tragically survived. The suspense is non stop page turner after page, spend the weekend knocking out two of the four books so far can wait to start #3.
November 29, 2023
The second book in this series is even better than the first. Jake is a more fully formed character and we see how he was affected by the events in the first book. The murder in this book is more personal. Jake's best friend is murdered on the opening day of deer season. Jake will stop at nothing to find the killer. I really enjoyed this mystery. I love the characters and want to spend more time with them. I would highly recommend this series.
October 14, 2022
A well written perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start. This had plenty of action to keep you turning pages to solve the murders. Tragic handled well and having to deal with false rumors to steer the authorities in different directions. I can't wait to read the next Jake Cashen thriller.
January 16, 2024
Declan James is a new to me author, but I believe I've found a new author to follow. This is the second of his Jake Cashen series and I already know I'll read them all. The reader is captivated from the first page. His character development is fascinating and the story told in such a way one is fully invested. Great read!
January 4, 2025
Great Thriller
This book kept this reader up late turning pages. The twists and turns the main character took through this fictional story that had some real emotions and reactions was gripping.
Recommend this book and the previous in series highly. This reader is looking forward to next in series by Declan James.
This book kept this reader up late turning pages. The twists and turns the main character took through this fictional story that had some real emotions and reactions was gripping.
Recommend this book and the previous in series highly. This reader is looking forward to next in series by Declan James.
February 5, 2025
warm feels for murder
Texas don’t experience snow, average people don’t experience murder. It’s a strangely satisfying combo.
With the way characters are being broadened out I’m sure we will be devastated when someone “close” to us gets… murder mystery and all. Not too fast, not too slow, no agonizing chapter at the end to sell it.
Read this! Declan is rocking it.
Texas don’t experience snow, average people don’t experience murder. It’s a strangely satisfying combo.
With the way characters are being broadened out I’m sure we will be devastated when someone “close” to us gets… murder mystery and all. Not too fast, not too slow, no agonizing chapter at the end to sell it.
Read this! Declan is rocking it.
September 24, 2022
Such a great read. You never see the ending coming and I had to read it in one sitting. Jake is my new favorite detective and I can’t wait to see this series continue. Read the entire series. You will not be disappointed.
November 6, 2022
I was wondering when a
Romantic interest would show up. One can't have a hero stay unattached, right?
This story line was good. I had decided who the killer was a couple of chapters back, but I was wrong.
Jake is a bit of a cowboy, and the Sheriff has her hands full.
Romantic interest would show up. One can't have a hero stay unattached, right?
This story line was good. I had decided who the killer was a couple of chapters back, but I was wrong.
Jake is a bit of a cowboy, and the Sheriff has her hands full.
January 16, 2023
Must read
This story keep me on the edge of my seat. Every time I thought I had it figured out a twist I hadn't seen coming changed everything. I can't wait to read the next book. I sure hope Declan James plans on keeping Det. Jake Cashen solving crimes for a long time..
This story keep me on the edge of my seat. Every time I thought I had it figured out a twist I hadn't seen coming changed everything. I can't wait to read the next book. I sure hope Declan James plans on keeping Det. Jake Cashen solving crimes for a long time..
November 1, 2023
Second book in the series and a wild tale.
A serial killer, but striking in various locations. COmplex, but a good story and good detective work.
We learn more about Jake and that was interesting.
A good story
A serial killer, but striking in various locations. COmplex, but a good story and good detective work.
We learn more about Jake and that was interesting.
A good story
June 14, 2024
4.5 stars. I can tell this is going to be one of those addictive series for me. Once I started I didn't want to stop. Suspenseful, and very fast paced. Kept me guessing right up to the end. Adding books 3 though 5 to my read list.
September 1, 2024
another outstanding story!
Detective Jake Cashen is settling into life back in his hometown, as an assistant wrestling coach hs and helping his sister w her kids and his grandpa. Then a killer starts targeting hunters…and this case is personal! Another outstanding story!
Detective Jake Cashen is settling into life back in his hometown, as an assistant wrestling coach hs and helping his sister w her kids and his grandpa. Then a killer starts targeting hunters…and this case is personal! Another outstanding story!
March 29, 2025
Excellent book!
This is the second book in the Jake Cashen and it’s a good one. Jake’s longtime friend is murdered by an unknown assailant. As Jake begins to investigate, it seems that this crime is the work of a serial killer. Will Jake put the pieces together?
This is the second book in the Jake Cashen and it’s a good one. Jake’s longtime friend is murdered by an unknown assailant. As Jake begins to investigate, it seems that this crime is the work of a serial killer. Will Jake put the pieces together?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews