It pains me to say this, but the second book in the new Haven’s Rock series may be my next-to-last. Most of the time, it felt like I was reading a “Rockton” *second hits* story. The only substantive change was that a child played a prominent role.

The “situation” with Casey came out of the blue and is not a welcome change. I fear this will derail their efforts in Haven’s Rock.

I still love the Rockton series and was excited about the continuation with the Haven’s Rock series, but I am underwhelmed thus far. This book seemed like a filler, and I hope to see a course correction in the 3rd installment.

Sorry, I cannot recommend this book at this time.

I fell in love with Detective Casey Duncan and Sheriff Eric Dalton and the many town characters in the Rockton series and what I loved most about that intriguing little hidden town has followed over to their new refuge of Haven's Rock. In the first book everyone was settling in and getting the town set up, but in this second book, the action starts right away and just seems to ramp up. And just when you think Casey has it figured out, there's yet another plot twist. This could be read as a standalone and a good introduction to an action packed great series, but in my opinion you'd get even more enjoyment by starting in Rockton first.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for the advance copy of this book. The opinions in this review are my own and given voluntarily.

This was fantastic! I am a huge fan of Kelley Armstrong’s writing and the characters featured in the Rockton/Haven’s Rock series hold a special place in my heart. I know this is listed as the second book in the Haven’s Rock series, but that series is just a continuation of the Rockton series, so I would recommend starting there and reading the books in order if possible. You could probably get away with jumping right into this book but the whole series is great so you don’t want to miss it.

I was quickly pulled into this newest mystery and couldn’t wait to see how Eric and Casey would get to the bottom of things. A boy disappears from the hidden town of Haven’s Rock after claiming to have seen a bear in the woods. I love that this series always seems to keep me guessing and this book was no exception. It turned out that bears were not the scariest things in the wilderness surrounding the small town that Eric and Casey. There are some developments in this story for Eric and Casey that should play an important role in future installments that I am pretty excited about.

I usually read this series with my eyes but this time I listened to the audiobook and thought Therese Plummer did an excellent job with this story. This narrator has been one of my favorites for a very long time and this performance was up to her usual high standards. I felt like I was right there with Casey and Eric trying to find this boy in the woods. The voices that she used for the characters really brought the story to life and I thought that she added just the right amount of emotion to her reading. I am certain that her performance added to my overall enjoyment of this story.

I would highly recommend this series to others. I have found this series to be very smartly written with characters that feel like friends. Kelley Armstrong has earned a spot on my favorites shelf and I cannot wait to read more of her work.

I received a review copy of this book from Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio.

A great fan of the original series, I am glad Kelley Armstrong continued with this spinoff.
A slightly different flavor of the newly established town but the most important reason for been allowed in this town is still the same. People whose lives are endangered and need to hide. Even now, with detective Casey Duncan and sheriff Eric Dalton having more control over the systems we still see some of the same problems been encountered. For some it is hard to go by the rules. Been used to better living quarters and now been stuck having to do manual labor is not easily accepted.
For the first time we also have two children in the picture. Max is a 10-year-old and his older brother with an overly protected mother which is understandable after the trauma they went through. Max insists on the bear that was following them has human eyes. Of course, everybody feels he is making it up so not much attention is given till Max disappears. That also when mistrust and finger pointing start towards other residents.
As with her other books in these two series we see lot of twists, colorful characters, power struggle, passion, living without most of the modern convenience we are all used to, and much more.
This book can be read as a standalone but highly recommend that you at least read the earlier book to get a better understanding of the dynamics of the characters.

February 3, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley, who provided me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The spinoff of the Rockton series continues in this second installment, which is solidly written, delivers the storyline at a good pace, and presents readers with dynamic characters from previous books in the Rockton series as well as intriguing new characters. Admittedly I was a little reluctant once I discovered one of my least favorite tropes of all time, but I am glad I kept going. As with all subjects that are tricky to maneuver, Armstrong handles the details of this matter with aplomb and consideration from multiple angles.

There is probably a lot more analyzation I could do of the characters, the writing, and the plot, but the main thing that I cannot state enough is that I will be here to read anything that Armstrong publishes. I have a theory already about the next book, but even if there isn't even a hint of what I suspect might be there, I know I won't be disappointed.

uch a fantastic atmosphere for a police/detective mystery. I love the wilderness and mountainous setting coupled with the remoteness of the town, I just LOVED it! The characters are wonderful too, both the main characters Casey and Eric a couple of secondary casts have good backstories. If you enjoy a well-written, terrific pacing, and suspense, be sure to give this one a shot.

Interesting second book in the Haven's Rock series (it's not necessary to read the first book, but I recommend it). I enjoyed the descriptions of the town, the mysteries, and the twists and turns kept me flipping pages to read what happened next. It was fun interacting with some of the townspeople, and catching up with Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton. The ending wrapped most things up, but there were little tendrils left for the next book in the series.
Definitely Recommend

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.

Haven’s Rock is a new settlement in the Yukon. There are certain rules everyone needs to abide by. So, when ten year old Max goes missing, strange occurrences start happening and lots of people become suspect.

I have read the first in this series, Murder at Haven’s Rock. I don’t believe it is necessary to read this one first. But it does provide some background that is not in this second book.

As with the first book, I loved the setting of Alaska and, of course, I love Casey and her husband, Duncan. These two have a lot on their plate with this new settlement in the Yukon.

This story has a lot of twists and turns and definitely keeps the reader on their toes!

Need a good thriller with a great setting…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest opinion

4.5stars—THE BOY WHO CRIED BEAR is the second instalment in Kelley Armstrong’s contemporary adult HAVEN’S ROCK mystery, thriller series set in the fictional town of Haven’s Rock, Yukon a spin off from the author’s ROCKTON series focusing on Detective Casey Duncan and her husband Sheriff Eric Dalton.

SOME BACKGROUND: Rockton Yukon did not exist on any map, and the residents all had a questionable past, fake names and false histories. Most were once considered to be white collar crimes but with increasing regularity, hardened criminals have somehow paid their way into Rockton, seeking sanctuary against future prosecution, a safe place for two years before seeking asylum somewhere else. A serial killer destroyed the people and ultimately the town of Rockton Yukon, and with the help of some of their former friends and a big influx of cash, Detective Casey Duncan and her husband Sheriff Eric Dalton, begin the task of building a new town, known as Haven’s Rock, a town that will expose our couple to more murders and questionable inhabitants.

Told from first person perspective (Casey Duncan) and several omniscient third person perspectives including Max, THE BOY WHO CRIED BEAR follows in the wake of the possible abduction of a ten year old boy. Out for a walk in the Yukon wilderness, ten year old Max claims he saw a man-bear, a possible wild man but no one believes his story. Desperate to prove everyone wrong, Max goes into the forest alone, and doesn’t return, leading the people of Haven’s Rock to believe one of their own may have taken the ten year old boy. A search ensues under the direction of Detective Casey Duncan and her husband Sheriff Eric Dalton but a missing boy is the least of their worries. A dead man from a neighboring mining camp is just the beginning, and now there is a possibility of a killer on the loose.

THE BOY WHO CRIED BEAR is a slow building story of mystery and suspense. Like most of the townsfolk, we no very little about the individuals who have sought refuge in Haven’s Rock, but the possibility of a another killer in their midst means someone else may have lied about the who, how and why. The members of an all-male mining camp are suspect but when lines are drawn, Casey and Eric begin to suspect a much bigger issue at play.

Kelley Armstrong pulls the reader into a story of power and control, madness and obsession, family and friendships. The premise is dramatic and intense. There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, determined, and desperate characters, not all of whom will survive.



THE READING CAFE: https://www.thereadingcafe.com/the-boy-who-cried-bear-havens-rock-2by-kelley-armstrong-review/


GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5736175316


AMAZON COM: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R3RQZZT279IBCG?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_srp


BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1417584160


B&N (Sandy_thereadingcafe) 4.5stars—THE BOY WHO CRIED BEAR is the second instalment in Kelley Armstrong’s contemporary adult HAVEN’S ROCK mystery, thriller series set in the fictional town of Haven’s Rock, Yukon a spin off from the author’s ROCKTON series focusing on Detective Casey Duncan and her husband Sheriff Eric Dalton.

SOME BACKGROUND: Rockton Yukon did not exist on any map, and the residents all had a questionable past, fake names and false histories. Most were once considered to be white collar crimes but with increasing regularity, hardened criminals have somehow paid their way into Rockton, seeking sanctuary against future prosecution, a safe place for two years before seeking asylum somewhere else. A serial killer destroyed the people and ultimately the town of Rockton Yukon, and with the help of some of their former friends and a big influx of cash, Detective Casey Duncan and her husband Sheriff Eric Dalton, begin the task of building a new town, known as Haven’s Rock, a town that will expose our couple to more murders and questionable inhabitants.

Told from first person perspective (Casey Duncan) and several omniscient third person perspectives including Max, THE BOY WHO CRIED BEAR follows in the wake of the possible abduction of a ten year old boy. Out for a walk in the Yukon wilderness, ten year old Max claims he saw a man-bear, a possible wild man but no one believes his story. Desperate to prove everyone wrong, Max goes into the forest alone, and doesn’t return, leading the people of Haven’s Rock to believe one of their own may have taken the ten year old boy. A search ensues under the direction of Detective Casey Duncan and her husband Sheriff Eric Dalton but a missing boy is the least of their worries. A dead man from a neighboring mining camp is just the beginning, and now there is a possibility of a killer on the loose.

THE BOY WHO CRIED BEAR is a slow building story of mystery and suspense. Like most of the townsfolk, we no very little about the individuals who have sought refuge in Haven’s Rock, but the possibility of a another killer in their midst means someone else may have lied about the who, how and why. The members of an all-male mining camp are suspect but when lines are drawn, Casey and Eric begin to suspect a much bigger issue at play.

Kelley Armstrong pulls the reader into a story of power and control, madness and obsession, family and friendships. The premise is dramatic and intense. There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, determined, and desperate characters, not all of whom will survive.



THE READING CAFE: https://www.thereadingcafe.com/the-boy-who-cried-bear-havens-rock-2by-kelley-armstrong-review/


GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5736175316


AMAZON COM: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R3RQZZT279IBCG?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_srp


BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1417584160


B&N (Sandy_thereadingcafe) posted

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This is book two in this series. I would say it’s as good as the first one. It has two mysteries to solve.
It’s a fast paced book which I did think dragged at times. Definitely recommend this author’s books
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Great suspense with an enjoyable cast of characters and well flowing plot.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

I haven’t read the other books in the series but was able to glean enough Information from what was provided to sufficiently create the backstory.
It’s a unique community deep in the Yukon and it’s unlike any other community I’ve read about in fiction.
Casey and Dalton are the law enforcement team and they diligently track and probe for missing Max.
I was intrigued by the bear man angle and couldn’t wait to find out who was behind it.
The ending is good and left me wondering what happens in the next book.

In book 2, our characters are trying to get more settled, even though their timeline has been sped up significantly for their first new residents, which for the first time includes children. When the youngest, ten year old Max, first sees a "bear-man" and then disappears, Casey is thrust into a situation even more nightmarish than usual, with her own frailties on display.

Each story allows for more growth in Casey and Eric's relationship, as well as allowing to get deeper into the difficulties in a community such as theirs. Her determination and deductive powers are important in solving the mystery, but her heart and concern for the people in her care take the community policing to a special level. I cannot wait to continue following their story.

Reading the books in this series (and the series it follows) is like watching a serial television show. You are just getting a bit of the life of the people of Haven Rock. The story builds the characters from before, brings in new characters, and some situations are solved. Others will continue on through another book or many books. Truly understanding the danger of living in the middle of a wild forest is hard to really relate to. I live in a forest and I know to be careful. I can still not fully appreciate the danger.

The story this time centers on children and families. That's new because those were never allowed in Rockton. Unfortunately, we lost some of my favorite characters in the move. I'm still warming to our new folks. That's the thing, though. Most of these new people do not appreciate the conditions they agreed to live by and often they aren't held to the standard. Maybe it would be boring if they were.

Still, can't wait to read the next installment. There are some newbies I'd like to get to know a little better.

Kelley Armstrong's captivating storytelling had me hooked when I discovered her thrilling Rockton series on Audible, and I have since completed the entire series, and am now moving on to this exciting spin-off, Haven's Rock. While this latest novel can be read as a stand-alone, one will truly appreciate the depth of the characters and their backgrounds by starting with the Rockton series. Fans of Armstrong will not be disappointed with this new addition to the series.

In this sequel, we are introduced to new characters and a compelling new challenge for main characters Casey and Eric. IE: The addition of children in Haven's Rock. This addition adds a new level of urgency and suspense as one child goes missing, leading to a gripping search that kept me on the edge of my seat.

The secluded Yukon setting adds to the suspense of the novel, and Armstrong's expert storytelling weaves a tale full of twists and turns that kept me captivated throughout. The development of the characters, particularly Casey and Eric, and the return of familiar faces from the original series add depth to the story and keep readers engaged.

While the main mysteries in this sequel are resolved, Armstrong leaves tantalizing threads for the next installment, promising more thrilling adventures to come. I can't wait to read more from this series!

Overall, Kelley Armstrong once again delivers an outstanding read with Haven's Rock. Her skillful storytelling and engaging characters make this novel a must-read for fans of the series.

THE BOY WHO CRIED BEAR is yet another strong offering from Kelley Armstrong. The community and potential for tension continues to rise at newly settled Haven's Rock. I'm excited to see where the storyline with the neighboring "mining operation" goes in the longer term.
It's always so fun to revisit these characters, and I finished this book in one very satisfying sitting.

The Boy Who Cried Bear is the second book in Kelley Armstrong's thrilling series Haven's Rock, which is a spinoff of her hit series Rockon. I started Rockton in the middle of the series, yet I immediately fell in love with the characters and location. I was devastated when Rockton came to an end, but was thrilled to discover that Casey, Eric and Storm would continue anew in a new sanctuary location of their own. If you haven't read any of the prior books, the mystery stands alone here, so you won't be lost. But I can promise that you'll want to go back and see all your missed. Luckily I was able to start Haven's Rock from the very beginning.

Deep in the Yukon wilderness, Haven's Rock is a refuge for people who need to disappear. Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton, set up their new town their way when it was time for them to leave Rockton. It already feels like home to them. They know how to navigate the woods and deal with the various wildlife and dangers present, but many of the citizens do not. That's why no one is supposed to wander off into the woods on their own. Max, a ten-year-old boy, is the youngest resident of the town. He's being taught how to track animals by Eric, so when he believes a bear is following a hiking party, everyone is alarmed. Weird thing is, Max believes the bear has human eyes. Casey and Eric take the threats seriously, especially since odd things are happening in the area. Suddenly Max disappears, a dead body shows up....and just what is going on with the secretive mining operation that's close to Haven's Rock?

This book started out with a bang and never let up on the mystery and suspense! Max, his brother and mother are the first family of residents with children. When the boys' father is killed and mother is shot, they seek refuge in Haven's Rock. Max is settling in, his older brother hates it and their mother is dealing with suspicions from other residents. When the boy goes missing, Casey and Eric don't know if their decision to allow children will result in the boy's death. Was Max lost in the woods, was he taken by the "bear-man" he and others reported seeing, or was the disappearance something even more sinister? The suspense is ramped up with the discovery of a dead body and its association with the miners located near Haven's Rock, who are a rather secretive bunch that Casey and Eric greatly mistrust. The entire tale was exciting, but as with Rockton, it's the characters in Haven's Rock that are the biggest draw in this series. Casey and Eric are two of my all-time favorite characters. Individually they are both interesting, likable and engaging, but their magic occurs when they are together. There is mutual love, respect and trust there, and they don't smother each other's independence. Here they are dealing with a possible medical issue for Casey from the physical sexual assault years ago that was her impetus in seeking refuge at Rockton. I just adore the witty reparte they have and their obvious love for each other. Rounding out their little family is Storm, a Newfoundland dog they have trained to be a tracker. This young dog has a personality all her own; even if you're not a big dog fan, you will be charmed by Storm. Some of the residents from Rockton moved to Haven's Rock with Casey and Eric; my favorite among them is Deputy Will Anders; they can always trust Will to have their backs. New characters who appeared in the first Haven's Rock book are back for more, most notably Lillith (a wildlife photographer) and her pet wolf Nero, Yolanda (their benefactor's granddaughter) and Gunnar (who worked on the construction crew and is now...well...seems to be the town's go-to love for the lonely women in town). Max and his family are a welcome edition to the series. It's going to about kill me to have to wait another year for the next Haven's Rock novel; there are sure to be surprises in store!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

The Boy Who Cried Bear is book two in the Rockton spinoff, where Casey and Eric have started their own refuge town, Haven’s Rock, after Rockton was dissolved. The series is best read in order as there’s a lot of history even though each book has a separate mystery that’s solved by the end.

I have loved the Rockton series from the start! A town off-the-grid, hidden, a shelter for someone when conventional justice has failed, such as a victim of stalking, an abusive partner, wrongfully accused, etc., While Rockton supposedly vetted the people before granting sanctuary, only allowing the innocent, non-violent in, we found out that wasn’t always the case.

In this installment, there are several candidates that Emily has sent their way, and unlike Rockton, there are couples and even families in the mix. One family is Dana and her two sons, thirteen-year-old Carson, and ten-year-old, Max. Dana was shot, and their father was murdered. On one of their hikes, Max spots a “bear man” stalking their party. This is the second time Max has seen this and the first time there was little evidence to corroborate his account and so he’s hesitant to even say anything, but another in their group, Gunnar, also spots something. Is there a bear stalking the residents or is something more dangerous afoot?

There’s a personal issue that comes up for Casey and Eric, but they must put that on the backburner while they have such a serious, time-sensitive situation.

This was a disturbing case that had me on the edge of my seat! As usual Casey and Eric filter the nonsense out and get to the heart of the matter. I love that Casey and Eric work so well together, mostly a step ahead of nasty people. The revelations about their location set up a potentially dangerous situation as they try and make Haven’s Rock a refuge for the vulnerable! I absolutely love this series and I’m eager to find out what happens next!

I alternately listened to and read Murder at Haven’s Rock and recommend either version! Thérèse Plummer narrates the audio version, as with the previous books, and she performs all voices, male and female wonderfully! She’s one of my all-time favorite narrators and her performance here is perfection! I listened at my usual 1.5x normal speed.

I received a complimentary ARC copy of The Boy Who Cried Bear by Kelley Armstrong from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press /Minotaur Books in order to read and give an honest review.

… a well-written, meticulously plotted, entertaining mystery with multifaceted characters set in a quirky town. The book has it all murder, secrets, corruption, mystery along with plenty of suspense and atmosphere that keeps readers turning the pages into the wee hours of the morning, I would highly recommend it.….…

I have enjoyed everything I have read from author Kelley Armstrong and The Boy Who Cried Bear, the second book in her Haven’s Rock series is no exception.

Haven’s Rock is a small hidden town in the wilds of Yukon, Canada, a haven for people who need a place to hide. Built by a wealthy benefactor, Haven Rock is so small it is a perfect place to hide, and it was intended to be just that. When Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton start bringing people in no questions are asked, they live in close quarters and although consisting of vastly different personalities, but they get along for the most part. For the first time the town has let in children, a young Mother, Dana and her two young sons Max and Carson, find refuge there after witness protection failed to protect them leaving Dana widowed and severely injured to care for her children. As the only children in Haven’s Rock Max thrives, much to his brother’s dismay. Max loves the wilderness and spending time getting trained in how to survive in the woods by a group led by Eric and Casey. When on a group hike, ten-year-old Max believes he saw a bear stalking the hikers but no ordinary bear, it walked on two legs and had human eyes. Although Casey and Eric take Max’s sighting seriously, they are convinced it is just a bear, but it is still concerning, as it is out of the bear’s normal behavior.

When Max has a fight with his older brother, he runs away to sit by the woods only to be blindfolded, kidnapped, and taken deep in the woods by a man dressed head to toe in bear skins. After days and nights spent in the woods searching for Max, Casey becomes ill but there seems more to it. The town comes together and as the investigation remains fruitless, strange notes appear implying that someone from Dana’s past has come back to exact revenge. The more they dive into the case the more the leads point in different directions including to the town’s neighbors, a corrupt mining company with a mysterious facility secured by armed guards.

Overall, The Boy Who Cried Wolf is a well-written, meticulously plotted, entertaining mystery with multifaceted characters set in a quirky town. The book has it all murder, secrets, corruption, mystery along with plenty of suspense and atmosphere that keeps readers turning the pages into the wee hours of the morning, I would highly recommend it! I look forward to reading more from Kelley Armstrong’s Haven Rock series.

In the past few months I’ve been reading and watching as many mystery/thrillers that take place in wintery remote communities. French and Polish mountains. Yukon Territory. Alaska. The setting adds as much character to the stories and the thrilling mystery as the actual characters do. Of course, what started the trend for me was Kelley Armstrong’s Rockton novels (Seven novels in the series). While that series ended, the same characters moved a distance away but were still in the Yukon Territory in Armstrong’s new series, Haven’s Rock. Today is the book birthday for the newest novel in the series, The Boy Who Cried Bear.

In setting up their new town, Casey and Eric made the major decision to allow families into the community. This was made, in part, because they thought that in the future they would like to start their own family. Of course, allowing families comes with a new set of problems. Like what happens when a 10 year old boy disappears, especially a savvy one who knew he wasn’t supposed to go into the woods when there is a grizzly bear on the prowl? Did someone take him that was affiliated with their problems pre-witness protection? Or, is he lost in the very wild, dense woods?

While the mystery adventure was intriguing–as always with a Kelley Armstrong novel–I found The Boy Who Cried Bear to have a bit too much navel gazing over Casey and Eric’s domestic situation for my liking. I just wasn’t feeling the warm cuddlies that were intended so those parts of the novel, which occurred several times, were boring to me and made me wonder if that would carry on in any future books and whether I really wanted to continue on this journey with them. Is the resistance because couples who are at odds with each other provide a more interesting dynamic?

Apart from my dread of domestic bliss ( 😏 ), I did enjoy the story. The mystery possessed a twisty twisted ending that demonstrated how lawless isolated areas can be and that greed is a potent motivation in most places.

Many thanks to Minotaur Books for sending me a copy.