Member Reviews
Marc Cameron continues to knock it out of the park with his Arliss Cutter series. Each book is better than the last. In Bad River, Arliss gets some information on the death of his brother and heads to South Dakota along with his brother's widow, to finally get the truth while his partner, Lola, stays in Alaska to hunt down a child pornographer.
This is such a terrific series, and I love the very platonic relationship between Arliss and Lola. Arliss is a tough man, made tougher by his past, but the two women in his life soften the edges and make him into a character you want to cheer for. If you aren't reading this series, it's not too late to start! This is only book six, and all the backstory from the other books plays into this one.
I loved this book, and fans of great action thrillers will too.
Not family friendly due to profanity and violence.
Bad River is the 6th book in the Arliss Cutter series from Marc Cameron.
"Cutter finds a connection between a victim in an Inupiaq village and his brother's death. When Cutter starts digging into the connection, his brother's widow and children become a target and Cutter gets there just in time to save them. Cutter follows the clues until he's face-to-face with his brother's killer."
Cameron is a writer that has great pace. There is no let up in this story. Cutter does get some occasional sleep but he is in constant motion. Cameron captures the wildness and unpredictability of Alaska. I would not want to have to rely on bush pilots to get around. There's a bunch of bad guys - one that is pure evil and willing to do anything to get his way. First time I've seen a harpoon used that way.
This can be read as a standalone but finishes a story arc from previous books. Great addition to the series.
Marc Cameron creates another action-packed, suspenseful, and shocking crime thriller in Bad River, the sixth book in the Arliss Cutter series. What could possibly connect a frozen body in the permafrost wall of a family’s ice cellar and Cutter’s search for answers surrounding his brother’s death two years ago? Before there’s any answers, a person of interest dies and Cutter’s brother’s family is the target of a home invasion. At the same time, the Alaska Fugitive Task Force is trying to track down a man wanted for crimes against children. While most of the book is set in Anchorage, there are forays into various villages on the North Slope as well as a trip to South Dakota.
Supervisory Deputy US Marshall Arliss Cutter and his partner Deputy Lola Teariki are very different characters. Cutter is experienced, uncomfortable with compliments, a fantastic tracker, no-nonsense, and somewhat surly. However, he can also be overprotective and have a way of connecting with innocent victims. He also believes keeping a secret is synonymous with telling a lie. Lola works out a lot, has a bubbly personality, and wants assignments that are new and interesting. She also wants to glean all possible knowledge from Cutter. They have flaws and virtues just like everyone else. Readers get a better sense of his sister-in-law, Mim, and her children, as well as Detective Jan Hough who is stationed on the North Slope. Their characters grew and had more depth. I also liked that readers got to see some new developments in Cutter’s and Lola’s personal lives.
The author does a great job of making the reader feel transported to early fall in Alaska. I felt as though I was living the events alongside the characters. From mud, fog, and snow to polar bears and criminals, the atmosphere was fantastic. He brings to life the dangers, challenges, and adrenaline-charged events that are faced by the U.S. Marshals as well as the police in Anchorage and the North Slope. I am also happy to see some closure regarding some ongoing open questions from previous books in the series.
This powerful page-turner kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The plot moves at a blistering pace with plenty of action and a couple of brutal and violent fights. Just when a reader thinks the situation can’t get any worse, it does. Readers are transported into the dark and terrifying world of the victims, the criminals, and the investigators. Themes include respect, friendship, mentorship, family, greed, murder, and much more. The author has included a couple of recipes at the end of the novel as well as some book club discussion questions.
Overall, this tense, exciting, gripping, and high-octane book takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster. If you enjoy action thrillers that have both strong male and female characters, then this may be the series for you. I can’t wait to find out what is next for Cutter and Lola. Readers that enjoy action crime thrillers will likely enjoy Cameron’s writing. This is an outstanding series.
Kensington Books and Marc Cameron provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for July 23, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
This series set in Alaska and featuring Deputy US Marshall Arliss Cutter is one of my favorites. This latest edition doesn't disappoint with plenty of action, as the members of various law enforcement deal with all sorts of evil bad guys while also battling the harsh climate. Cutter also pursues answers to who murdered his brother, Ethan, and the romance between Arliss and Mim heats up. I do recommend reading the series from the beginning to get the full character and plot development--they are all terrific thriller reads.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this latest thriller via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
The discovery of a young woman frozen in ice sets Deputy US Marshal Arliss Cutter off in a new direction in his pursuit of the truth about the death of his brother Ethan in this latest in a series that, well, I really like. As always, there are two plots lines-his partner Lola is on the hunt for a fugitive kiddie pornographer. I'm a fan because of the characters- Arliss, Lola, Mim, the kids, Jan, and Alaska itself-and for the action. Know that this does get violent in spots (and that the tension will ramp up). There are bad guys and good guys. There's humor (Lola's a hoot) and there's emotion. While this will be most appreciated by those who have been following Arliss and his search, it should be fine as a standalone because Cameron is a terrific storyteller. No spoilers from me but there is a surprise at the end. And, of all things, recipes. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Waiting with bated breath for the next one.
Arliss Cutter investigates when a girl’s body is found frozen in a cellar in a small Alaskan village. The girl’s corpse is found with a fossil just like what his Arliss’ long-deceased brother used to have, spurring Arliss to conduct a deeper investigation of just what happened to his brother. There are the usual high emotions within his family, and the events of this thriller deepen and change his relationship with with his brother’s widow and children. While Arliss travels to pursue the angle potentially involving his brother, Lola conducts her own investigation locally. A number of appealing minor characters serve to illuminate how people get around (not to mention survive) these wild and dangerous places with threats from people and nature. This is a gripping thriller with compelling characters and the author’s trademark sense of place.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for a digital advance review copy.
This is the latest book in a series and whilst it can be read as a standalone , reading previous books
would set all the characters in place
This book is set in the Alaskan village of Inupiaq on the edge of the Arctic Ocean .
It gives a glimpse into the lives of those who live on the edge, in the hear of the twilderness and those
who arrive and depart unable to settle for the harsh realitiesof such a life
A body of a young woman is found in the permafrost of a cellar in the village - a woman who
disappeared two years ago . Is there a connection to the death of US Marshal , Arliss Cutter's brother's
murder- a fossil discovered by his brother in South Dakota is similar to one found on the body of the
dead woman . When his brother's widow and children are targeted in a home invasion he arrives
in time to save them , but at what cost .
Following the trail left after his brother's supposed 'accident' will take Cutter all over Alaska and down
to South Dakota much to his peril .
It was interesting to follow the relationships of the different personalities .... Mim , Lola and Cutter being my favourites
A fast paced thriller , full of twists and turns - I cannot wait to see where the Author takes us in the next in the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
A great blend of action, interesting story line, Alaskan tour guide and human character. Cutter and Lola split up into two separate stories. Lola continues on to find a bad guy and develop a relationship while Cutter deals with the why behind his brother's death. There is a fantastic ribbon of Alaskan culture told from a perspective of one that appreciates the old ways and how they work. A great cliff hanger at the end.
Book #6 in the Arliss Cutter series. Marc Cameron is a prolific author who keeps his readers happy with the Arliss Cutter and Jericho Quinn series, plus writes the Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan series since Clancy's death. His thrillers are exactly what readers of this genre are looking for. Cameron's background as a US Marshal adds authenticity to his series as does his Alaskan residency. This series is full of characters that you'll come to care about. I'd love to see a short story or two starring Lola!!!
Arliss Cutter is a US Marshal based in Alaska who juggles his duties as a supervisor with his love of field duty. He requested the posting to Alaska when his brother was killed in a work "accident". He lives with his sister in law and twin nephews and teenage niece. This is the backstory that has held through six books, so far. How the twists and turns will change the lives of everyone are truly "thrilling". It's going to be very interesting and entertaining to see where Cameron takes them next.
Marc Cameron succeeded in making this 60? Year old woman wish she had become a US Marshall in her youth! He brings to life the excitement and danger of this noble profession. This is a favorite of this series because he brought together his home life and his work life. Finally Cutter and Mim are having an understanding of their love for each other as well as their love for the children and family unit. Looking forward to future books that continue this families escapades.
Arliss Cutter is back for another adventure in the Alaskan Wilderness. When the body of a missing girl is found frozen ice, Arliss is called in to investigate. He quickly realizes that this missing girl has a fossil in her pocket that is similar to the one his murdered brother had. This leads Arliss to dig back into the investigation of his murdered brother. This leads him all over Alaska as well as down to South Dakota to investigate. The Investigation prompts the killers to fight back. Can Arliss protect his brother’s family and himself while still bringing the killers to justice?
Bad River is another good entry into the Arliss Cutter series. As always, the scenic Alaskan wilderness is a great place to set a thriller. There is no shortage of action throughout this book including a gruesome battle in Arliiss’ Sister In Law house and the final battle in a remote Alaskan cabin. Mr. Cameron does a great job using his background and contacts to make you feel like you are riding along with a real US Marshall. The plot was extremely strong and fast-paced. It is also extremely enjoyable having the picturesque the setting of Alaska as your background for the story.
Overall, this is a top thriller that is a must read. There is something for everyone to draw you in. Whether it is the Alaskan setting, the fast paced action of the story, or the drama of the characters involved, you will find something that pulls you into this book. Thanks to NetGalley, Marc Cameron, and Kensington Publishing for a free advance copy for an honest review.
I finally put it together on why I love this series so much. U.S. Deputy Marshall Arliss Cutter is Walt Longmire and Jack Reacher rolled into one. Sprinkle in Evan Smoak's commandments, aka Grumpy's Man-Rules and the backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness and you have a recipe for an outstanding series of novels.
In Bad River, Cutter has to travel the path alone to keep those closest to him safe. Packed with action and great characters, this is one to put on the top of your "To Read" list!
A really good book for anyone who has read and enjoyed a Cameron book in the past. Cutter is curious about a death in the permafrost where they discover fossilized teeth similar to those he had from South Dakota. This leads to a jumping off point where all that he loves and protects comes in danger. I loved the description of Alaska and really enjoyed the bush pilots. Cutter is a great character and always does what is right and backs those he loves with whatever needs to stop the problem. I enjoy Cutter and Mim getting a little closer and can't wait for the next in the series. Lola was heavily featured as well which was great and she had to take down a bad person and her personality came through which was a fun read.
And US Marshall Arliss Cutter strikes gold again.
When a young girl is found frozen in a slab of ice, Arliss is immediately drawn to the
case by old teeth found in the ice with the young girl's body. In his search for clues
to his brother Ethan's death in an explosion, he is drawn to this Inupiaq village of Wainwright, Alaska on the Alaska permafrost, to find out more about this death. The teeth found frozen
in the ice are the same as the ones his brother had and carried with him.
In his return to Alaska, mayhem and murder follow. The tension immediately fires up and
Arliss is right in the middle of it all: a search for a missing couple who were hiking and never returned while trying to decipher the clues connecting the frozen girl to his brother's death.
Great characters, and spellbinding Alaskan history thrown in for the ride.
Marc Cameron adds enough of his US Marshall touches to make it realistic while thrilling.
Just a terrific story.
So on to the next Arliss Cutter adventure.
Arliss Cutter has a reputation for tracking fugitives in the Alaskan wilderness. He can tell the direction of travel, determine if there are any injuries, and more just by observing their footfall and the surroundings. But when there are no physical signs available, Cutter finds himself playing more of a guessing game than he’d like. With no signs of where the fugitive has taken his friend and no backup on the way, will Cutter guess correctly or will his friend become another victim of the criminal enterprise that killed Cutter’s brother years ago?
Marc Cameron is back with the sixth installment of the Arliss Cutter series in Bad River. Staring fan favorite Arliss Cutter and his family, along with his partner Lola, this book shows exactly why readers like me love Cameron’s work. Relatable characters, law enforcement procedurals, and vivid descriptions of the area set the stage for a thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat! This is a book about vengeance, justice, and family.
I give Bad River 5 out of 5 stars. I have enjoyed Cameron’s writing since I was first introduced to him a few years ago through his contributions to the Jack Ryan series. He is a phenomenal storyteller relying on his personal experiences both as a US Marshall and from living in Alaska to build a book I did not want to put down! I enjoy Cameron’s ability to play the long-game with the mystery around the death of Cutter’s brother. First introduced in the original Arliss Cutter book Open Carry, it feels like the mystery may be coming to an end in this sixth installment.
If you love Cameron’s other works in the Arliss Cutter, Jericho Quinn, or Jack Ryan worlds, you will love this book. Marshal’s Service investigations, life in rural Alaska, and family drama – this book really has something for everyone! While it could be read as a standalone novel, I would recommend reading the other Arliss Cutter books first – there are pieces to this story that a reader may not fully understand without the back story.
I was so excited when I saw Bad River available through NetGalley. This book releases in a little over a month – July 23rd. I am a huge Marc Cameron fan and get so excited when I have the opportunity to read his latest works early! I know you will enjoy this as much as I did!
I enjoy Marc Cameron's Arliss Cutter series a lot. That said, Bad River is not my favorite of the series. A body found in the Alaskan permafrost leads Arliss, who is a U. S. Marshall, to continue looking into his brother's death. Arliss travels to South Dakota, then bak to Alaska, in his search for his brother's killer. Meanwhile, Cutter's partner, Lola Teariki, pursues a child tafficker in Alaska.
One of the things I like about Cameron's Arliss Cutter series is the description of and immersion into Alaskan bush life, the unforgiving weather, the impact the unrelenting weather and isolation has on law enforcement's job in the Alaskan wilderness. I also like the interaction, banter, working relationship, and respect shown between Cutter and his partner, Lola Teariki. Both were missing to a large extent in Bad River. Much of Cutter's action took place in South Dakota. Lola worked on a different case in Alaska. There was minimal interaction between the two.
I look forward to the next Arliss Cutter novel which hopefully brings back the Alaska bush and the Arliss/Lola working partnership.
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Marc Cameron, and Kensington Publishing for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Always eager to get my hands on a book by Marc Cameron, I settled in for the latest on the Arliss Cutter series. Cameron does well taking reader to the remote communities of Alaska, where murder and mayhem are plentiful. While Cutter is working a case involving a murdered youth, he finds a clue that could connect to his brother, whose death in a mysterious explosion has yet to be settled. While Cutter follows leads, he finds himself in South Dakota trying to make sense of the last months of his brother’s life. What Arliss Cutter discovers proves more fruitful and dangerous than he could imagine. A gripping story that has a little of everything, showcasing Marc Cameron’s abilities for all!
A small Alaskan Inupiaq community will soon have the shock of its life. Two teens in Wainwright, a tiny town along the Arctic Ocean, find a body frozen in the permafrost cellar where whale meat is usually kept. They recognize the face through the ice, a young woman who disappeared two years ago. How did she end up here?
When Deputy US Marshal Arliss Cutter is called in to help, he is stunned when he finds something on the girl that reminds him of his brother, Ethan. While working this case, he cannot help but wonder if her murder could be related to his brother’s mysterious death around the same time. Further probing leads Cutter away from the Alaskan tundra and into the heart of the American Midwest.
Cutter arrives in South Dakota, searching for clues tied to his brother’s mysterious death. This does not go the way he would have hoped, only creating more issues and questions that make Ethan’s death more troublesome. Still, those fossils found on the body back in Alaska tie in to Ethan, but Arliss just cannot make the connection.
Before Arliss can make the link, his sister-in-law and her children are targeted by a brutal home attack, leaving Arliss to be a hero and try to determine if he can tie things together after all this time. Rather than find answers, Arliss opens a larger investigation that sends him back to the start. The chilling Alaskan tundra and brutal nature of the attacks help develop a great story with chilling effects. Marc Cameron is on his game once more in this novel!
There is nothing that compares to the great storytelling Marc Cameron brings to the table with this series. Mixing great thriller writing with a stunning backdrop, Cameron pulls the reader into the middle of a stunning story. The narrative builds from the outset and does not wane throughout this adventure that spans all parts of the United States. By the time things reach their climax, there are so many moving parts to account for that the reader is fully immersed in the action. Characters, both new and returning, offer the reader a great deal of entertainment throughout. I am eager to see where things are headed in this series, which never disappoints.
The plot of a Marc Cameron novel is never sedentary. He knows how to build action and suspense with every turn of the page, surprising the reader with great writing. There is no lull to the action, which only adds to the strength of the series. I hope to see more of this in the coming novels, knowing Cameron has lots yet to put to rest.
Kudos Mr. Cameron, for another strong novel that ticks all the boxes!
Thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley for the ARC to this book in exchange for an honest review. When I had requested this book, I did not realize it was part of the series. However, this book really worked as a standalone but it also seemed to tie up many strings which had been building up during the series. I was thoroughly entertained as I really enjoyed the characters and the action as well as how the surroundings worked to build up the story. I had been curious about this author's works and I will be sure to read his other works as well. As far as this series, this seemed to tie up many strings while leaving open the story to move into a new and interesting direction so I am curious as to what will happen. 4-stars!!!!
Arliss and Lola are back in this 6th book in the Arliss Cutter series. This fast paced, action packed thriller grabbed me from the first page and i read it straight through in one day. I love this series and have enjoyed not just the individual exploits in each book, but the development of the characters and their relationship to each other. Although this can be read as a stand alone, I highly recommend starting with the first book, "Open Carry" and reading the series in order. Highly recommended
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for an advanced reader copy.
A heartbreaking adventure in which Arliss, Mim and Jan finally learn the truth about Ethan’s murder. I really enjoy learning more about the Inupiaq culture, especially the oreodont teeth. I look forward to more. By the way, the recipes are great, and I cannot wait to try them. I received an ARC from NetGalley, and the opinions expressed are my own.