Casey Duncan, 30, is a detective in the town of Rockton, a hidden place in the Yukon that takes in people on the run. Twelve years earlier she killed her former boyfriend - not that she went to meet him intending to kill him, and not that he didn’t deserve it, but it happened, and it haunts her. It also made her “eligible” for life in this town, especially because the sheriff there, Eric Dalton, needed a detective. Rockton only has around 200 residents, but they are people, as Casey understands, who have “either done bad shit or have got serious baggage.”

Since the series began, Casey and Eric have entered into a close personal relationship, as well as being partners on the job. This makes them vulnerable in a way, since when danger comes, they are more apt to protect one another than to do what needs to be done.

Moreover, they are now training a young Newfoundland dog, Storm, to be a tracker, and they both feel protective about her as well.

In this “episode,” a plane arrives in Rockton (a rare event), with the pilot delivering a prisoner to them. A note explains that the Town Council in charge of Rockton has agreed to let this prisoner, Oliver Brady, 27, stay in Rockton for six months, for a large fee attractive to the Council.

The Council also tells them this arrangement is being paid for by Brady’s stepfather, Gregory Wallace, who has done this to protect Brady’s mother. Brady’s alleged crime? He’s a “thrill killer,” the note says. He tortures and kills because he enjoys it.

Brady maintains he is being set up by his stepfather, who wants Oliver’s inheritance due to him in a year when he turns 28. Unfortunately, in Rockton, there is no way for Casey and Eric to check the veracity of his story - they have no access to phones, internet, mail, or any way at all to contact anyone but the Council. They can’t even get in or out of Rockton without the Council’s approval. But they also don’t have adequate facilities to serve as a prison for Brady. In a short time, he escapes. Before long, their Council contact Phil shows up with Gregory Wallace, who wants to make sure they are able to recapture Brady.

When Casey, Eric, and the “militia” from the town go out to look for Brady, they run into lethal obstacles. Not only do they find bodies along the way, but a sniper is following them and periodically attacks. They have no idea what is going on: is Brady guilty or is his stepfather lying? Who from Rockton is aiding Brady? And who is the sniper trying to kill them all?

Evaluation: Armstrong had me guessing until the denouement, which followed a tense run-up with everyone in danger, including the dog. The ending made clear that while this particular incident wrapped up, the story isn’t over yet. It’s not my favorite series by Armstrong, but she is one of my favorite authors, and I enjoy all of her work.

<b>WrensReads Review:</b>

This was a great addition to the series.

So you know the big, rich people who make up all the rules and pull people on strings like a puppeteer? Well they decided that they are now going to make Rockton a place where they can hide wanted fugitives! Their first choice is someone who literally just kills <b>for the fun of it</b> and they want Rockton to keep him for like six months until his precious island is ready for him to live on!

<img src="http://wrensreads.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/59fe672a6ccb9521615484.gif" alt="" width="350" height="192" class="" />

<i>Like series, wtf were they thinking?</i> The people who go to Rockton are hiding from people like that and are dealing with a lot of PTSD. They need to get their heads out of their wallets and into reality where people literally will get killed.

Because guess what? Of course, after a series of unfortunate events, he gets loose and people start killing people and he’s all like <i>but wait, I’m innocent it was the guy who sent me here</i> and then everyone else is like <b>wait, who is he and why is he locked up with a gag on</b> and people die and blah blah blah blah...

It’s all really, <b>really</b> unfortunate because they have already dealt with two killers; and now to be literally gift-wrapped a third and to not know if he is completely innocent like he says or guilty like the letter that came with him said... I just feel for these people.

The writing is, of course, exquisite because it’s Kelley Armstrong and anything she touches turns to gold. Literally I will read anything she writes. Even if it is strictly romance (which <b>HI I</B><I> usually</i><b> HATE STRICTLY ROMANCE BOOKS</B>, I will be reading it. I am slowly but surely jumping through her collections.

Now, I will say this is the weaker installment of the three so far. But it does leave you on a cliffhanger and now I am made that I have to wait until 2019 to read the fourth book.

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Rockton may be a refuge for those running from their past but it lacks the manpower and facilities to control dangerous criminals. When the council delivers Oliver Brady, a man accused of unspeakable acts, Casey and Eric are forced to adapt in order to maintain the safety of the town. When events begin to spiral out of control, Casey and Eric must piece together the mystery and determine if Brady is the hunter or hunted.

I have to say I love everything I read by Kelley Armstrong and this novel was no exception. I could not put this down until I figured out who all was involved. This page turner will have you pointing fingers at everyone in the town. This is the third novel in the Casey Duncan series and I can't wait for more books in this series.

I LOVED this! This is my favorite series from author Kelley Armstrong. Every book is just as good as the last one. Rockton has so many secrets that you can't anticipate how anything will go. Following along with Casey and Dalton as they rationalize and investigate is exhilarating. This book is amazing!

I like this series by Kelley Armstrong a lot, however, this entry, while it had an intriguing premise, the majority of the story was more about hunting and being hunted in the woods than solving a crime which to is the meat of this series. There is one basic puzzle to solve -- was the man brought to their keeping a serial killer or was he an innocent man being framed by his wicked stepfather? That question gets resolved but their is an ambiguous ending that leads to the next book but is somewhat unsatisfying. The setting and the setup for the series is amazing as always. I'm glad I read it, I will read the next, it just wasn't my favorite so far.

Let me get this right out in front, Sheriff Eric Dalton and Detective Casey Duncan are two of my favorite romantic characters in almost fifty years of reading. Plus, Kelly Armstrong is known for some famously romantic characters in her several paranormal series.
Unlike all of her other series, the Casey Duncan series is a hardcore police procedural, but set in a most unusual location. Armstrong is famous for her supernatural world building, but I think this series far surpasses those worlds.
Rockton is supposed to be a little off-the-grid town of last resort, set within the boundaries of a huge boreal forest in the Yukon. People are granted sanctuary-for a price- for reasons such as avoiding a wrongful criminal conviction or an abusive partner.
But the investors in Rockton have gotten greedy. First they started sneaking in white collar criminals who pay hefty fees. Then the mysterious investors/council tried sneaking really unsavory people into Rockton unbeknownst to Eric and Casey.
Entering into Rockton means the residents are isolated from just about every modern convenience, surrounded by a forest uncaring about their continuing existence. The even more primitive communities of settlers who left Rockton years ago and hostiles who revert back to a barely recognizable life form are extremely threatening complications to the citizens of Rockton. That’s why rule number one in Rockton is don’t go into the forest alone.
So the above should catch readers up on what Rockton is all about if they haven't read the previous two books. So it is fine to read this one as a standalone, but I highly suggest going back and reading the other two for the pure d. pleasure.
One afternoon while training Casey’s puppy, Eric, Casey, and Deputy Will Anders hear the buzz of a small plane. This is an almost impossible occurrence since Rockton is protected from discovery by high tech and sophisticated physical means.
The small plane lands and delivers a bound and gagged man. A thrill killer, a serial killer, named Oliver Brady is sent by his extremely rich step-father to Rockton as a way for Oliver to avoid prison. Turning Rockton into a prison would be a huge new source of income for the investors, but a major danger for the residents of Rockton as it is not equipped to function as a high security jail. People who find Rockton come for their safety. Not to be serial killer fodder.
It won't come as a shock that Oliver proclaims his innocence, saying his step-father is setting him up. Nor will it be a shock that with the help of an accomplice, Oliver escapes into the forest.
Eric and Casey have to go after Brady because a serial killer could pose a severe danger to those living in the forest and the wild apex predators can't be depended upon to take him out.
The atmospheric forest with it predators, settlers and hostiles does its best to kill Eric and Casey, and puppy Storm during their search for Oliver; with the 80 pounds of Newfoundland puppy seeming to be the major target of the forest.
As much as I love this series I did have a few complaints. The forest starred more than Rockton, and I missed Rockton. Other than Oliver, there were not any new Rockton residents introduced for more than a quick appearance. Many favorite long time residents only made cameo appearances, albeit in shocking ways for some.
Armstrong has always been a master of dialogue, either sharp or amusing. Taking bets on what will kill Oliver if he makes a run for it upon his arrival in Rockton:
“Fine, rabbits”
“But the rabbits haven’t killed anyone yet.”
“Yet.”
The story is action-packed edge of the seat reading. At one point Casey is shocked to find out it is only 3p.m. So is the reader.
I mentioned at the beginning that Eric and Casey were favored romantic characters. They would die for one another but instead do their very best to live for one another. How hot is that?
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I thoroughly enjoy this series! I love the complex characters and world building that the author creates.
Can’t wait for the next one in the series.

Another amazing novel about Rockton, a small town made of people hiding from the law. Casey and Eric have difficult decisions to make when the town is sent a new member. The difference is he arrives gagged and handcuffed. The community is being paid 1 million to hold him for 6 months. In a town of secrets, does anyone speak the truth?

There is a lot of action as the book moves on. The plot speeds forward to unravel the twisted tale. The readers lean more about characters in town and Casey is amazing.

This is book 3 in the series. If you have not read any yet, start now so you can read this one when it is published.

I absolutely love this new series by Kelley Armstrong. The idea of an isolated town, full of reformed (or not) criminals in the middle of nowhere is fascinating. I really appreciate how she juxtaposes the claustrophobic town with the beauty of nature. And then turns nature around again as a force to be reckoned with. Had me guessing until the end.

I love this series and have no doubt that Rockton exist in the Yukon. Dalton, Casey and the rest of Rockton's citizen deal with a serial killer..What fun.

This Fallen Prey is the third book in the Casey Duncan series set in the wilds of Canada. Although I wasn't much taken with the first book City of the Lost, I liked A Darkness Absolute (second in the series) much better. The series has continued to grow on me. This Fallen Prey delivers another intense and action-filled experience. (I'm not sure why some times the protagonist is sometimes referred to as Casey Duncan and at others as Casey Butler.)

Rockton, small, secluded, and secret, lies deep in the Yukon, but officially, it doesn't exist at all. To gain admittance to the tiny town of Rockton, requires an application. Those who are accepted must be willing to live off-the-grid. No cell phones. No mail. No internet. Few conveniences.

To take advantage of this refuge, citizens must abandon everything about their old lives and become acquainted with a much more difficult and primitive life style that comes with different kinds of dangers.

As if things in Rockton are not challenging and perilous enough, the council, without forewarning, drop a dangerous serial killer in the town. Bound and gagged and accompanied by a letter with a detail of his crimes, Oliver Brady must be accommodated for six months. Brady's arrival upsets the town and its dynamics, both those who know of his crimes and those who don't.

Is Oliver Brady guilty of the crimes listed in the letter? Trouble begins immediately and quickly gets worse.

Fast paced and full of action, this one will keep you turning the pages.

Read in Oct.; blog review scheduled for Jan. 17, 2018.

NetGalley/St. Martin's Press

Suspense. Feb. 6, 2018. Print length: 368 pages.

Full review to be published online in late January, 2018.

I had somehow missed that THIS FALLEN PREY was the third book in Kelley Armstrong’s “Casey Duncan” new mystery/thriller series; but I had little problem catching on to the background of the books. However, now I will go back and read the first two books. I have always enjoyed Armstrong’s Urban Fiction efforts, and was eager to find if the writing style transferred well to another genre. I’m pleased to say that Armstrong’s talent is still quite evident in a different type of book than I am used to reading by her.

Rockton is designed to be a sanctuary for those who need to stay hidden for whatever reason or are somewhat less than law abiding citizens; but now the council wants to make it a prison. Unfortunately, they forgot to impart this vital information to the sheriff and his lead detective. Eric and Casey have to figure out how to keep a serial killer prisoner for six months without riling the town; and without releasing him to do more harm. People in Rockton are dying, perhaps to an accomplice of the killer; and the council is silent and unhelpful.

THIS FALLEN PREY is a frenetically paced thriller that answers some secrets, and reveals new ones. Eric and Casey can count on no one but themselves. Kelley Armstrong’s “Casey Duncan” series is a strong RS/thriller series; and I’m happy to have discovered it, albeit a bit late.

Once again I am immediately drawn into Casey Duncan's life in the hidden depths of a Canadian wilderness, in a hidden sanctuary / refuge / prison? Action is quick and there are many twists and turns in Kelley Armstrong's third book of the the Casey Duncan series. 4.5* out of 5*

This series just keeps getting better. Rockton is supposed to be a safe haven but now the council wants to make it a prison. Oops they forgot to tell the sheriff. Eric and Casey have to figure out how to keep a serial killer prisoner for six months without riling the town and without releasing him to do more harm. This story is a frenetically paced thriller that answers some secrets and reveals new ones. Eric and Casey can count on no one but themselves. I stayed up way past my bedtime reading this and don’t regret a second of lost sleep. I look forward to the next installment.

Casey Armstrong returns in another mystery about Rockton, the town that doesn’t exist. Of course, it really does exist, it’s just way off the grid, a place where people who want to be free of their past can start anew. Of course, a place like this still needs law enforcement, maybe even more than other places and that’s where Casey comes in. As a detective, she works any and all cases that pop up and this time, she’s dealing with a really bad dude that the town council has let move into Rockton. The bad guy, Oliver Brady, claims he’s innocent, someone has framed him. Still, trouble seems to follow the guy and when bad stuff starts going down, Casey knows she’s going to need to dig into who Brady really is and what he is accused of doing. This is a gritty police procedural series with a unique setting and a kick ass heroine

LOVE LOVE LOVE this series! I love that we are inside the mind of Casey Daniels as she works through the mysteries. I love that no one is safe in this series, with the assumed exception of Casey. I love that all the characters in Rockton all have secrets that are slowly revealed. It's incredibly hard to put down the book and do anything else. AND it's incredibly hard to wait for the next installment. I really hope this series goes on for a long time now that Cainsville is complete!