Bear Stalker

Gabriel Hawke #10

by Paty Jager

Greed, misdirection, and murder have Hawke rushing to track his sister in the Montana wilderness before she becomes the next victim. Bear Stalker is book 10 in the highly acclaimed Gabriel Hawke Game Warden mystery series.

Oregon State Trooper Gabriel Hawke’s sister, Marion, is on a corporate retreat in Montana when she becomes a murder suspect. Running for her life from the real killer, she contacts Hawke for help.

Hawke heads to Montana to find his sister and prove she isn’t a murderer. He hasn’t seen Marion in over twenty years but he knows she wouldn’t kill the man she was about to marry.

As they dig into possible embezzlement, two more murders, and find themselves trying to outsmart a wilderness-wise kidnapper, Hawke realizes his sister needs to return home and immerse herself in their heritage. Grief is a journey that must be traveled and knowing her fiancé had wanted Marion to dance again, Hawke believes their culture would help her heal.

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2023

About the author

Paty Jager is an award-winning author of 55+ novels, novellas, and short stories of murder mystery, western romance, and action adventure.
All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters. Paty and her husband raise alfalfa hay in rural eastern Oregon. Riding horses and battling rattlesnakes, she not only writes the western lifestyle, she lives it.

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hawke has heard from his little sister for 20 years. So when he receives a frantic call from her in the middle of the night he knows she’s in serious trouble. He doesn’t hesitate to go find her before the bad guys do. Will he make it in time?

I love reading the Hawke series. Hawke is a very caring person though he comes off as a little distant and wary. This however comes from his years on the reservation, in the military, and as a trooper for the state Fish and Wildlife department. Hawke will do what it takes to protect someone who is hurt or innocent even if it means he bends a few rules and keeps things from her boss. The mystery is great. There are plenty of twists, turns, and red herrings to keep you guessing who is behind everything. I recommend this to mystery fans and fans of police procedurals. Also anyone who enjoys reading mysteries with indigenous characters.

I listened to the audio version of this book. The narrator is wonderful at bringing Hawke to life. He is is great at pulling you in and allowing you to just lose yourself in is storytelling abilities.


All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been by anyone.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hawke has heard from his little sister for 20 years. So when he receives a frantic call from her in the middle of the night he knows she’s in serious trouble. He doesn’t hesitate to go find her before the bad guys do. Will he make it in time?

I love reading the Hawke series. Hawke is a very caring person though he comes off as a little distant and wary. This however comes from his years on the reservation, in the military, and as a trooper for the state Fish and Wildlife department. Hawke will do what it takes to protect someone who is hurt or innocent even if it means he bends a few rules and keeps things from her boss. The mystery is great. There are plenty of twists, turns, and red herrings to keep you guessing who is behind everything. I recommend this to mystery fans and fans of police procedurals. Also anyone who enjoys reading mysteries with indigenous characters.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been by anyone.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

You don't need to hunt or stalk a good book because you have found one here. This book has it all a mystery, tracking, kidnapping, murder, greed, embezzlement, family and so much more. I loved every minute. This is another well crafted mystery to keep you entertained and hooked until the very end. It was fun to learn more about Hawke's sister and his younger years but also to find out she is just as resourceful and clever as he his. I love the characters in this series, although as most of the action takes place in Montana a few of the regulars are missing. It's a good job dog isn't. The story is set at a fast pace and the information and clues keep coming, even when lost in the wilderness, as Hawke tries to keep his sister safe from a killer who thinks she knows more than she does and find out who killed her fiancee. There is plenty of twists to keep you guessing and changing your mind. Off to start the next book.
Oregon State Trooper Gabriel Hawke receives a phone call from his estranged sister and despite not having talked let alone seen her for twenty years he drops everything and runs to her aid. She is wanted by the police for killing her boyfriend and fleeing. Hawke knows she is innocent and the only reason she would flee was if she was the killing and the killer was after her. Can he find his sister first? She was on a work retreat and her boyfriend worked at the same law firm as an accountant, giving Hawke a place to start looking for the killer, her work colleagues but which one is ruthless enough to be a killer and why?
I like the narrator and with this being book 10 I have found that he hasn't put in a single bad performance. I hope he sticks with the series, as I hope there is a lot more adventures with Hawke and his friends to come.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest book in the Gabrial Hawke series about an Oregon Fish and Wildlife Trooper who gets involved in solving murders. He's moved into a house with Danii, and although she owns time at the hunting lodge she owns and runs, she's home when she's flying clients in and out for the lodge.

Hawke goes out of State to Montana to help his Sister, Marion. Despite not seeing her for 20 years he still feels like her protector, so when she contacts him after she witnesses her fiancee being murdered, and having to go on the run to save herself, he immediately goes to help her.

Whilst he has to track her to find her, he has to keep the State Police and the FBI off his and her back. Will his past track record help?

I really enjoy reading books in this series, they're easy to read and feature traditional Indian elements in them. The books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series. If you like this series, try the Shandra Higheagle series and the Spotted Pony Casino series by the same author.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great book in this series. This story struck too close to home for Hawke. Even though Hawke hadn’t seen or heard from his younger sister Marion in years, when he got her desperate call asking him to help her he was right on it. I can’t imagine what Marion went through watching someone kill her fiancee (who had just asked her to marry him). She went through so much physical and emotional agony trying to get away from the killer. I was glad she knew she how to get some clothes and call her brother. I know Hawke was relieved to find his sister. Luckily Hawke had a good friend in Montana, Bo, who he was able to go to for help. This story was so exciting and had many twists and turns. I kept trying to figure out who was good and who was bad. I was shocked at the end when everything came out. I loved the book and strongly encourage you to read it. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.

[Anne Rightler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Gabriel Hawke novel, yea!!! And author, Paty Jager, does not disappoint. In this tenth addition to the Gabriel Hawke series, Hawke gets a frantic call in the middle of the night from his sister who hasn't been in touch for years. She is in trouble...something Hawke knows well. Action, tension, a suspenseful murder mystery, and Dog--what more could a reader who loves police (Hawke is a state trooper) whodunits want? The realistic situations and characters enable readers to feel like they know the characters and are there in the scenes, moving along with the characters as they move through the twists and turns to the story. Readers who enjoy mystery and police procedural stories will not want to miss Bear Stalker. I listened to a complimentary copy of the audiobook and was not required to write a positive review. Larry Gorman does a great job narrating this latest book in the series which made for an enjoyable listening experience.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this latest Gabriel Hawke book, Hawke gets a frantic early morning phone call from his sister Marion. All Marion says before the call is disconnected is someone has been killed and they are after her. Since Hawke has not seen or talked to his sister in many years he first has to locate her. Hawke arrives at the last place Marion was seen only to learn that the police believe she killed her fiance. Hawke, his friend Bo, FBI Agent Quinn Pierce and even Hawke's girlfriend Dani all come together to protect Marion and find the real killer.

As with other Hawke books there are plenty of twists and turns. About the time I thought everything was solved, nope here comes another twist. I found this book so compelling that I read it straight through, not being able to sleep until I finished it. I highly recommend Bear Stalker. I received a copy and this is my honest review.

[Cmoore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabriel Hawke is back and this time he's gotta save his sister. She's accused of killing her lover and is missing. She's on the run for her life from the murderer that she saw. So Hawke's tasked with locating her in the wilds of Montana and keeping her safe from not only the bad guys but from local law enforcement too. Since the investor never found the actual murder site and deemed it to be just another lover spat and crime of passion. And only wants to wrap up the case. This is family, Hawke and Dog really have their hands, and paws (lol) full as they navigate the twisty trail of clues and along the way, two other bodies are discovered.
It's not set the Willowas, Hawke's stomping ground, but for me rugged Montana is just as good.
So yeah grab the book, better yet grab the audio because Larry Gorman narration great.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: I enjoyed this tenth book in the series a lot. This series has gotten better with each successive book. State Trooper Gabriel Hawke's sister, Marion, has been accused of murdering her boyfriend. Marion called Hawke because she witnessed the murder and now the murderer was after her. Hawke set out to search for her and also to prove her innocence. The story had many twists and turns. There were many suspects. I liked the intricate puzzle that was presented as Hawke figured out who the actual suspect was. The actions of Dog were truly admirable. Larry Gorman's narration was good. His performance kept my attention. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review which included my opinions.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by a fantastic author. I really enjoyed reading this book. The twist and turns kept me turning the page, I only stopped reading to sleep. To watch a man kill your fiancé and have to run for your life was scary to read. Marion makes a great sister for Hawke, a very strong woman and I can’t wait to see her in future books. I was totally shocked when the murderers are caught, I did not see that coming. I would recommend this book to all, it was a great read. I received an arc and the views and opinions are my own.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Paty Jager and I am definitely a fan. This book kept me on my toes I instantly fell in love with Gabriel Hawk, and even though this is the 10th book in the series it can be read as a standalone. I will be reading or listing to all the previous books in this series ASAP. The narration was wonderful. I really enjoyed the way the characters were brought to life and how the author built the world up around you so you felt like you were experiencing the feelings with the characters she did a phenomenal job.

[Rose Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally get to meet Hawke's sister, Marion. This was one of my favorite books in the series. It captured my attention from the beginning and kept it throughout the story. I was at the edge of my seat once Marion witnesses the murder. Paty Jager did such a good job with this book bringing in most of the characters from the other books as well. I love the way Hawke tracks. I love to follow the clues he finds to get answers to whatever he's investigating. I listened to the audio version of this book and once again, Larry Gorman, narrated the story and was fantastic. I love his voice and he's perfect as Hawke. He portrays all the characters, but to me, he is Hawke. Such a good book. Highly recommend.

[Holly Lenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bear Stalker is a mystery and adventure that has Native American tracker protecting his sister after she witnesses her fiancé’s murder. It’s a good story, but some of the plot points are a bit over the top, and it’s amazing he manages to keep his job in the end.

The narrator’s gruff voice works all right, but I find it a bit abrasive at times. He is the same person who narrates the rest of the series.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book led us on quite the chase. From getting Marion away safe and getting Hawke to her, to tracking down the real villain in a suspect list with far too many good possibilities; it felt like we were constantly on the move while Hawke did what he does best. When the mystery was finally solved, the answer was nothing that had been on my radar. I’m still a whole lot gobsmacked by the identity of the villain and their motivations.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.

[Tracey Tranter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another well-written and enjoyable story from Ms Jager.

The pace of the mystery moves is quite rapid, allowing for well-placed red herrings to add more suspense and suspects to the storyline.

The Native American aspect of the story adds interest to the story line

This is a great story. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I cannot wait to read her next story.

Highly recommend.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable Gabriel Hawke novel. This time, Gabriel leaves his normal territory to go and help his sister. This sees Gabriel working off the books to try and help her, while still keeping within the bounds of the law and letting his colleagues, who are dealing with the case, know what he has found. I also like the growth of the characters and the development of the relationship with Dani

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well-written, entertaining book. It was action packed, held my interest and I wanted to find out what was going to happen. This book can be read as a standalone story, though it is book 10 in the Gabriel Hawke novel series. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books in this series as well as other books by this author.

[KerryO · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. Great characters, wonderful descriptions of Oregon and surrounding areas, and plenty of action. I also really enjoy learning more about the native American culture. Anxiously awaiting the next book in this series!

[TAMMIE L HOTALING · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful series

Every woman dreams of a Gabriel Hawke of their own. He is a man of integrity, honor and loyalty. Plus he loves his dog. Read the entire series and you will find out n your own. Please hurry with the next book.

[Paula Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, darn, I picked this up at a Left Coast Crime conference. It is called a Gabriel Hawke novel and I found out it’s number 10. Shoot. I enjoyed it so much I have to go back and buy numbers one through nine. I guess that’s a pretty good recommendation.

[beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Serkes

Good series that doesn't have the usual plots or typical characters. Well worth reading. Looking forward to the next book.

[Phyllis Ann Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful!

I continue to enjoy this series. The characters are wonderful. I look forward to the next book. Please keep them coming!

[Ty Starks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an enjoyable series.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hawke gets a call from his sister after twenty years and she is being hunted. He and Dog go after her. He had taught his sister many survival skills to keep her save from their abusive father so she left many signs for him to follow.

This story line just increased my admiration of Hawke. He is definitely my BBF (book boyfriend). Lots of surprises in this suspenseful mystery.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hawke's sister has been away from her family for years while working as a corporate lawyer for a firm in Texas. While out on a corporate retreat in the mountains of Montana she first receives a ring from her fiance, then watches helplessly as a man finishes strangling him. She escapes the killer and finds a way to briefly phone her brother for help. And so it all begins. He gets help from his boss in Oregon, an FBI agent he has come to trust (sort of), a friend with a cabin in the area, and his own life partner who retired from the USAF as a pilot. And Dog. Riveting and unputdownable!

There is a great campaign in Canada by The First Nations women who have launched a class action against Ottawa alleging widespread systemic racism in various federal Indigenous agencies and departments. (9-14-2021), in the US there is the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women's (also the MMIPersons) movement, the DOJ for the Not Invisible Act, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign against human trafficking. I do not apologize for the rant.
Now I've read the audio narrated by Larry Gorman and it's even better this way.