The fifth instalment in the Detective Megan Carpenter series, Gregg Olsen‘s COUGAR POINT may have you questioning how well you really know your own relatives

When Victoria Marsh goes missing, her family scrambles to find her in Cougar Point, Washington. Did she just leave? Was she taken? And what of the note left behind? When Victoria‘s daughter, Ronnie, requests a leave of absence from the police force to return home to search for her mother, Megan feels compelled to go with her. As they searched through the clues, the twist and turns abound and the pieces of the puzzle slowly begin to take shape. The local police however warn Ronnie and Victoria off the case claiming interference. Victoria’s husband Jack and oldest daughter Rebecca are surprised to learn that Victoria has been helping her brother, Vinnie all these years. The family believed that he was no longer in the picture. But Victoria had many secrets she was keeping from the family.

Meanwhile Olivia Greenwood goes missing from a luxury resort. After being reported missing, her husband again contacts the police to say that she has been found and that she is well. But why was her body just found in a morgue? what exactly is happening with the Greenwood family?

As always, Gregg Olsen knocks it out of the park. I could feel the tension rising with my blood pressure and the wind hitting my face as I ran through Cougar Point. The writing is clear and concise, as always and lead to an enjoyable read. There were, however many characters involved so bring a dance card.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC opportunity. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.

This is the 5th book in the Megan Carpenter series. I love Gregg's books , both fiction and true crime. This book did not disappoint either. I do recommend you read the series in order.

A kidnapping, danger and secrets untold
All take place as events in this riveting story unfold.
Relationships between members of families, too,
All involve reactions and what they next do.

A call from her friend gets Detective Megan Carpenter involved, too,
When the friend's mother disappears she'll look for every clue.
Just who is involved and can she assist solve the case
Even though other officers thinks she's out of her place.

Family secrets, twist and surprises, too,
As well as everything the victim is going through.
Can Megan help find Victoria before it is too late?
She's determined to do so, that's not up for debate!

An engaging read from beginning to end
One that to crime thriller fans I highly recommend.
For my copy of this book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.

You can get lost in this latest book in the enjoyable Detective Megan Carpenter series. It’s full of plot twists and an additive crime thriller!

Thank you, Gregg Olsen, Bookouture, & netgalley, for my copy! All opinions are my own.

Fast paced and gruesome. This was a crazy keep you guessing twisted story. You have no idea who is hiding what through almost the whole thing. Secrets galore. Full of suspense and dark gritty atmosphere. Well done characters that fit the story line perfectly.
A great read

First and foremost, I would like to thank @greggolsen for another amazing story. Also I would like to thank @bookouture and @netgalley for giving me this opportunity to read the 5th book of the Megan Carpenter series, Cougar Point. I have loved this series, and this new one did not disappoint!

I adore Megan’s character. She is witty, sarcastic, funny, and also a great detective. I enjoy how Megan plays so well against her partner, Detective Ronnie Marsh, who is happy and positive and better with the tech aspect of their work. We also learn a little more about Ronnie, and her wealthy family.

When Megan finds out that Victoria Marsh, the mother of her partner Ronnie Marsh, goes missing without a trace, Megan will do anything to help Ronnie find her mother. They only have one lead to go on, a scribbled note that says “You promised”. Together they are determined to find out who left this note. When a body of another women is found Megan and Ronnie need to find out if the disappearances and now murder are linked together. We have dual POV’s from Megan and Ronnie. Ronnie tells us that there have been similar crimes in the past in Cougar Point.

This was a thrilling and suspenseful hold your breath until the end, kind of reads. I really got lost in the pages, and felt that I couldn’t put this down. I can’t wait to see more of these two courage women.

I was hooked from the first chapter to the last, couldn’t put down. This is book 5 in the Megan Carpenter series, which can be read as a standalone. This is a good series! Thanks Netgalley for my arc.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest in the Detective Megan Carpenter series by a favorite, Gregg Olsen. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Victoria Marsh disappears from her family's exclusive resort in Cougar Point, Washington, just when she was on the verge of telling her daughter some news. Although not officially in their jurisdiction, detectives Megan and Ronnie race to the scene, because this one is personal - Victoria is Ronnie's mother. Could someone in the family be involved? Does it relate to another case in Ohio? Time is ticking to find the answers and local law enforcement aren't completely on board with their involvement.

I really like this police procedural series. Olsen is a master at true crime stories, so the dialogue and storyline feel ripped out of the headlines. Plus, the characters are great - Megan never fails to make me smile, as we gain access to not only what she says, but what she's thinking as well. The working and personal relationship between Megan and Ronnie continues to develop and get stronger. This storyline involved questionable family, multiple crimes, and law enforcement hurdles to make another great book!

It is my honest opinion, after reading MANY of Gregg Olsen's books.....whether true crime or fiction......that he could write the back of the cereal box and I'd find it a 5 star read!!! He skillfully builds the story until you are hooked and cannot stop turning pages until the great reveal, which is a complete surprise since he's added twists and clues that have you changing your guess with every new chapter.
A society woman, famous for her efforts to make the community around her a better place, is kidnapped. As the list of suspects grows, so do the consequences to everyone involved. With 3 POV, we see the secrets revealed and the confusion of those who thought they knew her best. An excellent thriller. Butthat's what I've come to expect from Gregg Olsen.

It has been a few years since Gregg Olsen released a Detective Megan Carpenter book, and now we have Book #5 in the series. As we’ve seen in the series, Megan has started her life over and is a very good detective. In her latest case, she is in Cougar Point as her partner Ronnie’s mother Victoria is missing.

As readers see Megan’s viewpoint as the case intensifies, there is also that of Victoria. Meanwhile, as we see Ronnie worried, so is her sister Rebecca. Then, another character, Lucas, a detective who lives and works in Cougar Point, is doing his best to keep Megan and Ronnie away from the case.

Lucas’ POV is rather interesting because the story also flashes back to February 2023 and it is interesting to see how this drives Lucas when looking for Victoria. Megan doesn’t like Lucas at all, and she is also worried about threats against her past.

A very busy story to be sure, with a lot of dynamics. And it most definitely packs a punch. What a way to bring readers back to the series!

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

First, I want to thank Gregg Olsen, Bookouture, and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.

YES!!! One of my fave authors, Gregg Olsen is back to continue where he left off in the Megan Carpenter Series. Oh how I have missed this series and his writing. Cougar Point is the fifth book in this addictive story.

Every one of Gregg’s covers for this book has been so creatively done. It captures your eye and l makes you want to know what it is all about.

As I stated earlier this is the fifth book in the season and should be read as part of the series. However, he does give a little reminder for those who might have forgotten something.

Gregg wastes no time jumping into the intense story and grasps our attention. Once you start reading it, you won't want to put this down once you start. Seriously, he really did incorporate many interesting storylines around the base character Megan. There were a few that I really liked as well.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

In “Cougar Point,” Gregg Olsen delivers another gripping installment in the Detective Megan Carpenter series, blending suspense, emotion, and intricate plotting into a compelling narrative that keeps readers captivated.

The story bedins with the mysterious disappearance of Victoria Marsh from her family’s exclusive resort in Cougar Point, Washington. Victoria, a respected charity worker, vanishes without a trace, leaving behind a cryptic note that reads, “You promised.” Detective Megan Carpenter, though not officially assigned to the case, is drawn in due to her personal connection with Victoria’s daughter, Ronnie.

Olsen excels in character development, particularly with Megan Carpenter. Megan’s determination and personal stakes in the case add layers to her character, making her relatable yet formidable. The supporting characters, from the distressed Marsh family to the enigmatic suspects, are well-crafted, each adding depth to the narrative.

Olsen’s writing is taut and engaging, with a perfect balance of descriptive prose and dialogue. The pacing is brisk, ensuring that the reader is constantly engaged. The twists and turns are expertly placed, making the plot unpredictable and thrilling.

“Cougar Point” explores themes of family loyalty, the consequences of past actions, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Olsen weaves these themes seamlessly into the narrative, enriching the story and giving it emotional weight.

“Cougar Point” is a standout addition to the Detective Megan Carpenter series. Gregg Olsen’s ability to craft a suspenseful, emotionally charged thriller is on full display.

Fans of the series and newcomers alike will find themselves captivated by this latest adventure. It’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery with strong character development and an intricate plot.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A very gripping mystery thriller. I haven't read the other books in the series but, detective Megan and Ronnie made a great team. I am intrigued by their past, about which the author hinted many times. It can be read as a standalone. I like the point of view of Victoria in between Lucas and Megan's. It keeps the reader on the edge. The fast-paced setting and the plot twist at the end are unexpected and shocking. Overall, it was an engaging and exciting thriller. Recommended. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.



kept me turning the pages until I finished it.

Cougar Point is part of the Detective Megan Carpenter series where each book contains a complete case but the story does continue along with a background arc. This book could potentially be read as a standalone but there is a lot of Megan’s story that carries over from book to book. Megan’s only true friend and her current detective partner, Ronnie is called home when her mother goes missing. Ronnie and Megan begin investigating the disappearance and things begin to line up with another missing person who was found murdered. Weaseling their way into being deputized in another county, Megan and Ronnie dig out family secrets and take on an ineffectual detective to bring home Ronnie’s mom. I love Megan’s character but this book seemed a little like Megan light, some of her ruthlessness was missing and her means a little bit cleaner than normal. Overall, the mystery was wonderful and the characters are some of my favorites for another good thriller from Mr. Olsen. I hope to see more of Megan doing all the Megan things I love in future books. My voluntary, unbiased, and nonmandatory review is based upon a review copy from NetGalley.

I cannot get enough of the Megan Carpenter series and this book is a prime example of why. The characters are complex and interesting. Ronnie's family is as complicated as Megan's. The mystery is full of twists. I kept wondering who could be believed. I was sucked in from the beginning and had to finish it in one sitting.

When Victoria Marsh goes missing from her family's plush resort, Detective Megan Carpenter wastes no time traveling to Whatcom County to find her. Even though it's out of her jurisdiction, she isn't going to take no for an answer when it comes to joining the investigation, no matter how hard local detective Mike Lucas tries to keep her out of it. After all, Victoria Marsh isn't just another missing person. She's Megan's partner Ronnie's mother.

With a slew of sketchy characters and a family with enough secrets to rival Megan's own, she and Ronnie have a list of suspects and lies to untangle before they can find Ronnie's mother. Stumbling on another case that's eerily similar to their own across the country in Cincinnati, they have to wonder if they have a serial killer on their hands... or if it's more personal? After discovering Victoria wanted a divorce before she disappeared, as well as the existence of an ex-con brother who Ronnie and her sister knew nothing about, there are enough twists and turns in the case to keep the detectives dizzy. But time's running out. When Victoria's severed finger arrives in the mail, followed by her hand, they know her life has an expiration date in the near future if they don't find her.

A propulsive, edge-of-your-seat, ultra gripping mystery, "Cougar Point" by Gregg Olsen grabs you from all directions and doesn't let go. Fast-paced and vividly descriptive, the story is told from three different perspectives: Megan's in the present day, Detective Lucas in 2023 around the time of the Cincinnati case, and Victoria's as she endures abuse and torture from her unknown abductors. At once, it's a high stakes police investigation and creepy thriller that'll make you put your hand over your mouth and gasp through the twists and turns.

"Cougar Point" has all the elements needed to make it can't-put-it-down reading, including a cast of colorful characters who are so suspicious their own mothers would doubt them. There's Victoria's husband Jack who seems uninterested and unaffected by it all, her brother Vinnie whose addictions keep him in need of money (and lots of it), and Vinnie's ex-con buddies who have a long list of crimes, but not one redeeming quality between them. That's not to mention the employees at the resort, as well as Detective Lucas. He might not be a bad guy, but he's determined to hinder Megan's investigation every chance he gets. Megan and Ronnie have their work cut out for them, that's for sure. It's a good thing they're brilliant detectives -- and completely likable characters.

"Cougar Point" is the fifth book in the Detective Megan Carpenter series. Not having read the first four books, I worried I wouldn't be able to sink into this one. I was wrong. There were definitely details I was missing that were found in the other books, but they had to do with Megan and her past, not with the current investigation. Those details didn't hamper my enjoyment of "Cougar Point" -- not in the least. I got hooked on the prologue, and I stayed that way until the end. That's not shocking, though. The author's Gregg Olsen. Trust me when I say that it doesn't matter if he's writing true crime, police procedurals, or thrillers. All of his books that I've read are mind-blowingly good. He's a highly talented writer and a brilliant storyteller. He deserves five stars as much as "Cougar Point".

Cougar Point is book five in the Detective Megan Carpenter series by Gregg Olsen.
I was completely hooked from the first page until the last. It is rammed full of suspense, lies, secrets and tension.
Twists and turns and chilling revelations keep your heart racing. The characters are well developed and the story is fast paced and full of suspense.
An addicting crime thriller with a shocking twist.

Thank You NetGalley and Bookouture for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Cougar Point has so much going on! I mean, soooooo much! And, so many characters! Pretty gruesome too!
It was nice connecting with Detective Megan Carpenter once again. She is certainly one onto herself. She doesn’t act like any other detective I have ran across in my book reading journey.
I liked the dynamics between Megan and her partner, Ronnie. Once they get drawn into the mystery of Ronnie’s mother’s kidnapping, you can see how well they work together and like each other.
Lots of family secrets going on for sure.
Lots of twists and turns for sure.
Lots of dark, gruesome situations for sure.
I did like that the author added information about Megan from the previous books. It had been awhile since I read book 4 and I felt lost at times. I really enjoy the authors writing style.
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Megan Carpenter does not fit the usual profile for a Police Detective, she has no qualms in speaking her mind, her thoughts precede what she says and most times they are quite the opposite of what she lets known. Cougar Point is the home of her partner Ronnie whose mother has been kidnapped, father and daughter do not have a close relationship and it seems like the marriage also wasn't doing well. The Police in town also wasn't doing much but it was not clear if it was because of the father's wishes for them to not get involved or if it was because of the Detective in charge. Families have secrets by those held by the Marsh family were at a par with Megan's, and the kidnapp has a lot of similarity with another crime that happened in the area. Megan and Ronnie will tear both cases apart and find the culprits. Be prepared for many twists and turns and lots of action.
I thank Mr. Olsen, his publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

Once again, a nail biting thriller by Gregg Olsen. This was a fast paced read that kept you on the edge of your seat and it describes each character well. I have not read the other books of this series but after reading this, I am going to get them now!