I did not realize this is part of the Haven’s Rock series. With that being said, it can be read as a standalone but I felt a little lost sometimes because I didn't know the characters' backstories. I strongly recommend reading the first one just for better clarity.

The main characters are Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton. They run a secret place where people can hide if they need to disappear. They also have a small witness protection program, but they usually don't take families, especially ones with kids. But they made an exception this time, and now they're wondering if they made a mistake.

Thistory is Casey and her husband are protecting Max, his brother and mother in the witness program. Max, an 11-year-old boy, along with the rest of the family, saw his dad get killed. We begin as they are now part of the witness program, Max and his older brother, Carson, were hiking along with Casey, her Sheriff husband, and some others, when Max saw a bear with human eyes that was running on its hind legs towards Eric. What is puzzling is the fact that bears don't run on their hind legs when in pursuit of their prey. Max deliberates to tell anyone because he had already told the adults and Carson about something he saw previously that didn't end up being real. He took a chance and he decided to tell Detective Casey.

Casey believed him and sent out a search party to look for the bear, but they didn't find anything. Max felt silly, but he knew what he saw. So he went back into the woods to prove it. But then he got lost. Was it because he couldn't find his way back, or was something more sinister going on?

This book is on the edge suspenseful! I'm a tremendous fan of this author, and this book is another hit novel. The complexities of all the main characters, all deliver and propels you to keep listening. As does the narrator, Therese Plummer. She has great tempo and had me memorized as I was listening and driving.

A big thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for sending me an early audiocopy of this audio!

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Kelley Armstrong, and Macmillan Audio for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Those who know Kelley Armstrong’s Rockton series are aware of her great Canadian police procedural series that connects to this newer and more revelatory collection. I devoured the previous stories in short order, all in a hope of getting to this, the second novel in the Haven’s Rock series. Detective Casey Butler (Duncan) and Sheriff Eric Dalton left Rockton, Yukon and have been coordinating the new community of Haven’s Rock. They are put on guard when a young boy goes missing, out long after saying that he saw a ‘bear-man’ around the community. With children finally welcome in the community, the change is an experiment of sorts. Haven’s Rock is supposed to be a safe place for those fleeing trouble, but this has been a disaster. Juggling news in their personal lives as well, Casey and Eric must work quickly to locate the boy and try to uncover the truth behind this bear-like creature or dispel the mystery in short order. Armstrong does a masterful job with this piece, adding to the new series and impressing readers who go as far back as Rockton’s creation.

Haven’s Rock is a town tucked away in the Yukon Territory, among Canada’s northern region. Surrounded by forest, it is not on any maps or the radar of most people who arrive, which is the purpose Casey Butler and Eric Dalton hope to provide for those who are trying to get away from trouble elsewhere. With Casey as the town’s detective and Eric its sheriff, they try to keep the peace while strengthening their own relationship which has been developing since they met in Rockton, a previous attempt at solitude that fell apart.

With the decision to allow children in Haven’s Rock, young Max is the youngest resident and has quite the story to tell. While out with a hiking party, he vows that he saw some sort of bear, one with human eyes. This raises alarms and sends the authorities in to check it out. Haven’s Rock has one primary rule, do not wander into the forest, which has been met with some push back, but this ‘bear man’ sighting might strengthen the argument. It is only when a dead body turns up that the gravity of the issue is solidified, leaving Casey and Eric to rush into action to find out what’s happened.

Max goes missing and many wonder if the ‘bear man’ is to blame. It’s one option, but Casey and Eric are not yet ready to admit failure. Rushing for the truth will force them to examine the locals and see if they can eke out information about each resident’s backstory, something that has been kept silent until now.

Was Max targeted because of his mother’s past? Could there be someone in Haven’s Rock who has a past that includes young children? Might Max simply have wandered off, leaving this a missing person case? All options are on the table, but time is of the essence and no one is ready to sit around to wait. Whatever happened, it’s chilling and there are many options none of them pretty. Armstrong keeps things intense and provides the reader with another winning novel in this new and exciting series.

Kelley Armstrong impressed me with the Rockton series, which had me eager to see how this spinoff might work. Her narrative style has been stunning and kept me wondering as I pushed forward to see what might occur, while also adding intense moments and great story building. Strong characters emerge, some from back in Rockton and others new to the scene. The struggles, both professional and personal, for Casey and Eric, pave to be a strong thread that emerges through the novel and the series in general. I cannot wait to see what’s to come and how Armstrong will add depth and flavouring to the series.

Armstrong has never struggled with plot development or delivery. Her twists are plentiful and keep the story from being too transparent at any point. Great ideas blossom and fork throughout the story, leaving the reader to wonder what’s to come and how it will add to the larger story. There are many moments one might think they can predict the outcome, only to be stymied by Armstrong’s new and exciting ideas. I am eager to see what’s going on and how things might turn out, especially with the two protagonists, who are deeply rooted with one another and their passion to stay off the grid. I cannot wait to see what’s next for Haven’s Rock and its small community.

Kudos, Madam Armstrong, for another great read!

ETA: 2/24- The only thing better than a new book in the Rockton universe is having it narrated by Therese Plummer. She is Casey Duncan to me!

4.5 stars
The gang’s back together again! Haven Rock’s youngest new resident goes missing under weird circumstances so it’s Detective Casey and Sheriff Eric (and Storm) to the rescue again! Was the culprit a town resident, one of the workers from the neighboring mining operation, or even a hostile/wildling from the former Rockton? Lots of twists and turns from beginning to end! My only complaint about this new spin off series is that we don’t see as much of the old gang with all the new residents. That being said, there were some high drama events in this book so it’s definitely not to be missed!

Book 2 in the Haven's Rock series. I don't recommend reading as a stand alone. In fact, I suggest reading the Rockton series before this series, as it is really a continuation of the Rockton series.

When Casey and Eric founded Haven's Rock, they wanted it to be different. In Rockton, only single adults were allowed. But they quickly realize admitting children creates a new set of challenges. While out in the woods with a group- Max, the youngest Haven's Rock resident- sees a bear. But the bear wasn't quite right- it walked upright for long distances and had human eyes. When Max's brother refuses to believe him, Max goes to his special place just inside the woods to be alone. When he is abducted- by the bear. Casey, Eric, and the town scramble to find Max.

I miss the townspeople of Rockton. Several of them relocated to Haven's Rock, but they are typically only mentioned. Their characters do not appear. Some of the new residents are included, but I really miss having the community as part of the books. I can only take so much of Casey and Dalton trekking through the woods.

Other than the "me" issue of wanting other characters included more, this is a typical Rockton/Haven's Rock book. There is a mystery to solve and it is complicated. The next book is set up pretty well at the conclusion. I just hope we have some old familiar characters show up :)

Thérèse Plummer narrates the audiobook and her performance is great, as usual.

I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

Wow Kelley Armstrong did it again. 10 gold stars for this New Havens rock book. I loved it and can't wait for the next one to come out. Love this series. The writing and charters are awesome. Great job...again...

This was an enjoyable follow up novel in the haven series. I really enjoyed learning more about the dark history of this community.

However I was confused why the book constantly referenced events that happened before the series. I kept having to check if I missed previous novels in the series. It just felt like strange narrative choices.

This story has a good plot and mystery. There was a heavy relationship subplot that I didn't need, but worked within the confines of the story. I would definitely read more in this thriller series.

Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

The Haven's Rock series is a spin-off series of Kelley Armstrong's previous 7 book series Rockton.
This series follows Rockton's main characters into the development of a new community, Haven's Rock. I did not read the Rockton series and I believe it isn't necessary to have read it in order to read The Haven's Rock series, however The Boy Who Cried Bear is the second novel in the series and I didn't realize that at first.
Once realizing, I did go ahead and read the first book, Murders at Haven's Rock. While I don’t personally think it is completely necessary to read the first book of the series to read The Boy Who Cried Bear, it helped to give a better background on the returning characters and setting. So, I do recommend reading Murder at Haven's Rock first.

Summary -
Deep in the Yukon, there is a small village called Haven's Rock. For people who wish to vanish, it's ideal. Haven's Rock was created as a sanctuary for those in need. A place to hide.

A family is moved to the new, remote community in the middle of the wilderness and placed under witness protection. The family is traumatized and struggling to deal with the events that led to their placement in witness protection. The youngest son, Max, who is ten years old, is the main character in the family's narrative.

Max claims that while out on a hike in the woods, he saw a grizzly bear. He claims that in addition to the animal's terrifying nature, it had like human eyes and moved on its hind legs.
Many ridicule him, but Casey and Eric, the founders of Haven's Rock, take all potential threats seriously and begin a search of the woods, finding more than what they anticipated.

When Max disappears into the woods alone, the people of Haven's Rock band together to search for him.

Personal Thoughts -
The author really draws you in, conjuring up such a clear picture of the setting and the action taking place. She did a great job of keeping me on my toes and does a great job conveying the narrative, the town, and the characters. I enjoyed learning about each of the many characters in the book, and I really loved following Casey and Eric's relationship. I adore them. They both have their own little quirks, and they mesh well together in life and in their careers. Couple goals! I can't wait to see what their future holds for them.

I liked both books in the Haven's Rock series and am eager to find out what awaits the residents of Haven's Rock in the next installment. This series has made me a fan of Kelley Armstrong. The Rockton series could also find its way to a spot on my TBR.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own. The expected publication date is: February 20, 2024.

This second entry to the Haven’s Rock series was a great follow up to the first book. Kendra is such a great strong female lead character. When you add in the rest of the cast of characters there is a bit of everything. I like the addition of a family with kids. Dana bringing Max & Carson to the remote outpost is an interesting plot twist, I liked the way the storyline moved between Kendra and Max’ viewpoints. I would have liked more check ins with Max since I felt nervous for his situation. The miners complicated things & I think they are doing something in their area they shouldn’t be. That’s the problem with being so remote….who can stop them? I feel like Kendra & Eric have some of that in their future. I thought the plot line of Kendra being pregnant was great and I thought that story arc had many different aspects to it.

I liked the narrator but I would have liked a different narrator for the Max sections. That would have added to the presententation.

Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for an advanced copy of this audiobook.

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗢𝗬 𝗪𝗛𝗢 𝗖𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗗 𝗕𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝗯𝘆 𝗞𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗔𝗿𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 is another thrilling addition to the Haven's Rock series that captivates from start to finish. Set in the secluded town of Haven’s Rock, Armstrong weaves a tale of mystery and danger as Detective Casey Duncan and Sheriff Eric Dalton find themselves facing a chilling new threat. The premise of a town sheltering those who need to disappear adds depth to the story, creating an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue. Armstrong’s masterful storytelling keeps readers engaged with well-paced suspense and an array of compelling characters. From the eerie woods to the enigmatic occurrences, every page holds an element of surprise. As a devoted fan of the series, I couldn’t be more pleased with this latest installment. Armstrong’s talent shines through in her ability to craft a gripping narrative that leaves readers eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the Haven's Rock saga.

The Boy Who Cried Bear is the second book in the Haven's Rock series, which in itself is a spinoff from Kelley Armstrong’s terrific Rockton series. I believe this could be read as a standalone, although as with any good series, you would have a richer reading experience if you’ve read the previous books. Armstrong does give some good backstory without weighing down the current story.

Most of the book is narrated by the female main character, Casey, although some chapters are narrated by a 10-year-old boy named Max. Casey and Eric are a power couple! Casey is a detective and Eric serves as the sheriff of their new town, set in the midst of the Yukon wilderness in Canada. The location is purposeful, as they are trying to be a sanctuary of sorts for people who really need sanctuary. (Rockton was founded on a similar notion but got into problems when the leaders of that town let in criminals; Casey and Eric are determined to make sure that doesn’t happen with Haven’s Rock.)

Armstrong knows how to write gripping stories with wonderful characters. it seems she can write well in pretty much any genre (and she does!). This series is a mystery / thriller and it keeps you on your toes, trying to figure out who is responsible for (NO SPOILERS!). It was great to revisit with old favorites like Casey and Eric, along with Casey’s on-the-spectrum doctor sister, April; Isabel; Will; Kendra, and others, and to meet some of the new residents of Haven’s Rock, which now include a mother and two young sons (one of whom is the Max mentioned above). There is a mining company working the land not too far away from Haven’s Rock, which isn’t ideal in terms of keeping their town safe and separate. Relations with the miners are a bit tense.

There was an excellent subplot that centers on Casey and Eric’s personal lives and I look forward to reading more about that in future installments of this terrific series.

I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient. The audiobook was beautifully narrated by Thérèse Plummer.

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book and to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an opportunity to listen to read this book in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
Although this is book 2 of a series, the author did a good job of orienteering us to the cast of characters and some of their back story. I didn’t have a hard time following along. Though I will go back and read #1 to learn more about them.
Haven’s Rock is a place for those on the run to live their lives out in peace, though in utter secrecy and seclusion in the Yukon- 100s of miles from the nearest town. Dina ( not sure of the spelling- I had an audio version) and her 2 sons were already failed by witness protection - their father was murdered before they came to Havens Rock. The town’s people feel bad for the boys and take them in to fold - especially sheriff Eric and his wife Detective Casey- teaching them about the vast wilderness they live in.
One day while on a group hike Max the youngest resident- sees what he thinks is a bear- but one with human eyes. Is it a grizzly? Is Max mistaken and his trauma is making him see things, or is it a wild man- mentally ill? Complicating the story is their unwelcome neighbors -a mining camp with next level paranoia and security.
I listened to the audio version really liked the narrator. The writing for the different characters was spot on and I enjoyed getting to know them . I will add that this story had lots of very strong female characters- all smart and capable with healthy relationships.
The story moved along at a good pace until the end- it wrapped up so quick- that I kept thinking I accidentally skipped ahead. Im guessing it was a cliff hanger for the next book, as it was not a satisfying conclusion to the story. 4.5⭐️ but round down to 4⭐️ due to the hasty ending.
Note to author- please wrap up the conclusion to this book to continue in the next book- even the characters were suspicious of the sudden “ evidence”.
Trigger warnings- there is discussion of some of the inhabitants being pedophiles and children being groomed and abused.

The Boy Who Cried Bear was such a suspenseful and thrilling ride. It is the second installment in the Haven’s Rock series but totally works as a standalone. The suspense never let up and I was on the edge of my seat for it all. I really love this spin-off series from the Rockton series. The concept of this series is so amazing and original.

Casey & Eric are just such fantastic characters to follow. I love seeing their growth from book to book and their relationship evolve. Casey is such a badass, she's so smart and the best cop.

Armstrong is one of my favorite writers as she is able to make you see such a vivid image of the scenery and the scenes happening. Her writing always drags me in from the start. This was a great crime fiction/thriller with police procedural and it was truly well done. Can't wait for the third book.

🎧 The narration by Therese Plummer was unbelievable. She does such a fantastic job playing the characters, adding all the necessary emotions and tones to make you truly immersed in the story. I do think the audio really enhanced my experience with this book. Stellar performance.

✨️Thank you to @netgalley, @macmillanaudio & @kelleyarmstrong for my free ALC in exchange for an honest review.

I was so excited to get a Advanced Copy of this audiobook from NetGalley because I love this entire world and the characters. It was great to have the group back in this book and living in Haven's Rock.

This book revolves around some of the new residents we haven't met yet. I enjoyed getting to know the new people but I have to admit I missed some of the original characters that we barely get in this book. I am hoping that they will start to mix more in later books. I was glad that this book found Casey, Eric & Will back on a investigation together. I love the dynamic of these characters. I also love April.
Something about this world just pulls me in every time! I really enjoy how the location feels like a character in the books. This author never disappoints!

The narration was perfect as always! Therese Plummer is perfect for all of these characters, she has a way of making you forget she isn't the characters in the book.

Audiobook Review

A family of three (mom and two sons) escape to Haven's Rock, a remote mountain town, as part of a witness protection program. While on a hike, the youngest child, Max, thinks their group is being stalked by a bear, but with human eyes. Having called bear before, Max is hesitant to say something. And the townsfolk are hesitant to believe him....

But when Max later winds up missing, the Haven's Rock police must piece together who - or what - may have abducted Max.

This was an entertaining police procedural set in a picturesque setting. I loved the small town vibes and the large cast of potential suspects. Audiobook narrator Terese Plummer is outstanding as always. She can take a good story and make it great just by her performance. Though parts of this were a tad bit predictable, it was still really good and I'd definitely be interested in reading more from this series and author.

**I didn't realize this is part of a series, but that didn't impact my enjoyment or lack thereof.

Thank you Macmillan Audio for my gifted ALC.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Kelley Armstrong for this fast paced and suspense-filled thriller! This book will be published on February 20, 2024!

"The Boy Who Cried Bear" by Kelley Armstrong immerses readers in the suspenseful world of Haven's Rock, a secretive town nestled in the forest, serving as a refuge for those seeking to disappear. The story follows detective Casey Duncan and Sheriff Eric Dalton as they navigate the unique challenges of their new home. The tension escalates when the town's youngest resident, Max, raises concerns about a bear with human eyes stalking a hiking party.

Armstrong skillfully weaves a tale where the line between the natural and the supernatural blurs, creating an atmosphere of mystery and unease. The couple's expertise in navigating the wilderness contrasts with the vulnerability of other residents, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. As odd occurrences multiply and a dead body is discovered, the community members find themselves entangled in a web of uncertainty.

The author keeps readers on the edge of their seats with a blend of wilderness survival, detective work, and an underlying sense of impending danger. "The Boy Who Cried Bear" promises an engaging and gripping exploration of suspense and intrigue, as Casey and Eric race against time to uncover the truth behind the eerie events in Haven's Rock.

I look forward to more books in this series and more adventures in Haven's Rock!!!

Thank you Netgalley for the advance audiobook copy of The Boy Who Cried Bear by Kelley Armstrong in exchange for an honest review. This book is the second book of the Haven's Rock series, the spinoff of the Rockton series. I love what Casey and Eric are doing with their new town and how much they have changed their town from Rockton. In this book a boy gets kidnapped while Casey is facing her own challenges. We get to know new characters and learn more about the neighbors at the mining site. This book also brings up a whole lot of questions, setting up for the next book. I really enjoyed it and can't wait for more from my favorite author.

***** 5 STARS *****

Colleen Chi-Girl on GR
Shelves: 2024, audio, contemporary, crime-mysteries, house-n-home, netgalley, read, thrillers, us-north-america, women-centered.

Although this is my first Kelley Armstrong novel, I've had her on my list of crime-thriller authors to hurry-up and check out. My thanks to K. Armstrong, NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and the fabulous narrator, Thérèse Plummer, who kept the tension strong and atmospheric. This novel kept my complete interest throughout the 10 hour audiobook. The expected publication date is: February 20, 2024.

This contemporary story is set in the remote Yukon area of Canada, which borders Alaska on its east side. As you would expect, it is barren, frozen land, with some forests and mountains, and is sparsely populated in the novel and IRL. The author doesn't mention the Indigenous tribes that live there, but perhaps in another book, she will. Now I've begun the setting for you, you can read the book because Armstrong does it so, so much better.

The setting is a small, fenced-in town called Haven's Rock, that was only recently founded in order to protect it's townspeople. Some people might be in witness protection or similar situations, some just don't want to be found, and no one knows for sure about each other. The characters are mostly very likeable and well developed, so it was easy to dive into this with full-throttle, belief in their frigid, lonely town. The most notable at first are a professional wife and husband team, Detective Casey Duncan and Sheriff Eric Dalton, that help guide and run the town. They've already done background checks on their citizens so that there are no criminals, as far as we know. The townspeople have rules to follow for their own and others safeguarding, such as they're not allowed to go into the woods alone. There are wild animals (caribou, bears, moose) to avoid, as well as some people in a nearby mining town.

The story moves to Max, a 10 year old curious boy, who has been learning outdoor skills from Sheriff Erik and Casey. During a hike led by Casey, Max thinks he's spotted a huge bear and thankfully Casey and Eric take it seriously.

The tension rises further when a townsperson goes missing... and we start to learn more about the Yukon, through the eyes of Casey and Erik. Probably more than we wanted or expected to learn, and it's a perfect thriller, fraught with twists and turns, a few red herrings, and some really creepy folk. I was easily swept up into this mesmerizing story. In the last third of the book, I was unable to put it down one evening around midnight. I just could not go to sleep without finding out what happened next! And once I finished, I really couldn't sleep - lol. I loved this novel!

Now, I need to go back and read Armstrong's first book in the Haven's Rock series, so I can deeper understand some of the background info. on these townspeople, but really because I can't wait to read another Armstrong book. And don't worry if you're starting #2, as I did, before #1. It felt like a stand-alone novel to me.

I thought about this novel for days after I finished and the thing that stuck with me the most was the amazing job Armstrong did on the lonely, brutally cold, Yukon setting.

We are back in the frozen Yukon where we were introduced to the Rockton community, one that was quite unusual in the habits of people. Many of the old residents of Rockton made the move to the new community of Haven's Rock. Secluded within a forest, it seems like a place of peace and quiet. However, that was not to be so.

Casey Duncan and her husband Eric Dalton are the main characters that maintain law and order in the new town. All seems fine until a bear able to walk on two feet started terrorizing a hiking party, its youngest participant ten year old Max who has seen the bear claimed he had human eyes. Later Max goes missing and a dead body shows up so Casey and Eric are on the hunt for Max and a killer while battling town residents and miners located close by.

All in all it a perfect atmospheric story that kept one busily being worried for Max and wondering about the bear/man.

I love Kelley Armstrong's books and certainly am grateful for the ability to listen to this one. Macmillan Audio and NetGalley get a thank you as well!

The Boy Who Cried Bear: A Haven's Rock Novel (Haven's Rock, 2) is a novel about a group of people living in a secluded community in the Yukon. The group is chock full of people who have their reasons for wanting to drop out of ordinary society. Some are more sinister than others. However, they all live together somewhat peacefully. On a hike one of the children in the community, ten-year-old Max, spots what he thinks is a bear. When Max goes missing soon after the community has to pull together to find him before it is too late. I enjoyed reading this book. I didn't realize that it was the second in a series of books and I still enjoyed it and didn't feel like I was missing any information. Now I have to read the first one. This review is for the audiobook. The narration was great. The narrator changed the voices of the characters which gave it more interest and made it easier to keep the story straight.

Unbeknownst to me (it wasn’t marked on the NG synopsis) this is actually the 11th or so in a series. However it stands alone pretty well and definitely piqued my interest in the characters and I want to learn more about Rocktown and Havens Rock! The suspense level was good, but it ended frustratingly with a lot of unanswered questions (which makes more sense learning it’s actually part of a series haha). I look forward to reading more!