The Boy Who Cried Bear by Kelley Armstrong is the second novel in the Haven’s Rock mystery series. Set in a remote, secret village in the Yukon, Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton, have their hands full when a young boy goes missing and reports of an irregular bear led them to suspect foul play. A gripping tale perfect for a cold winter’s day.
by Kelley Armstrong
Series: Haven's Rock #2
Genres: Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
In The Boy Who Cried Bear, New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong keeps readers on the edge of their seats while detective Casey Duncan tries to locate the threat before it’s too late. . .
Haven’s Rock is a well-hidden town surrounded by forest. And it’s supposed to be, being that it’s a refuge for those who need to disappear. Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton already feel at home in their new town, which reminds them of where they first met in Rockton. And while they know how to navigate the woods and its various dangers, other residents don’t. Which is why people aren't allowed to wander off alone.
When Max, the town’s youngest resident—taught to track animals by Eric—fears a bear is stalking a hiking party, alarms are raised. Even stranger, the ten-year-old swears the bear had human eyes. Casey and Eric know the dangers a bear can present, so they’re taking it seriously. But odd occurrences are happening all around them, and when a dead body turns up, they’re not sure what they’re up against.
Everyone is settling into the new town, including newcomers, and this time there are children. Because the area is still new and with discovery of the miners, the townsfolk have been limited to organized walks in the surrounding woods.
Max, the town’s youngest resident, has been learning to track thanks to Eric’s tutelage. When he reports of a strange bear walking on its hind-legs, it alarms Casey & Eric. When Max spots the bear again, he runs off into the woods to track it and goes missing. But the townsfolk don’t know that, and soon accusations are made. The tale that unfolds hooked me with the mystery, daily life and troubles they face.
Armstrong has created quite the spin-off, welcoming both newcomers and those like me who devoured the Rockton series. We are meeting new players, dangers and allies. The missing person’s case was intense, with plenty of twists and foul play.
While Casey & Eric are married, an unexpected complication has unrisen. I loved this thread and look forward to learning more.
Fans of isolated small-towns, danger in the wilderness and mystery thrillers will find a lot to love about the well-paced, action-packed story/series.
About Kelley Armstrong
Kelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers' dismay. All efforts to make her produce "normal" stories failed. Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Sophie
For months I am telling myself that I must try her thirllers as I loved her YA stories!
Katherine
I just read the first book in the Casey Duncan Rockton series and absolutely loved it. I can’t wait to get to read more!
Kimberly
This makes me insanely happy.
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
I do love this author’s YA books. I need to make my mom try this series as it is the type of book she reads. Great review!
Kimberly
I have only read a few of her YA books, but love all the adult. So many genres….even horror.
Lorna
I haven’t read the previous series although I have a couple of books to read in a series of gets-not sure which. I’m also reading her detective back in time series which I love. This series sounds good but you need to read the first one first right?
Kimberly
I love that series too.
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
I’m loving this spinoff! I was so anxious about Max! Glad to see you loved it too, Kimberly!
Rolé @ Hooked By That Book
I found the first book fascinating and am looking forward to this one too.
Sophia Rose
I was so into this one and can’t wait to get the next one.
Greg
I still have to finish the Rockton series but this sounds SO good
Nadene
Sounds like I need to add this series to my reading list
Anne - Books of My Heart
I love these! Both series! Sometimes I wish they could just have a bit of peace but that would be a boring story and these adventures are much more interesting. My review is tomorrow.