Bone Rattle is everything we’ve come to expect from one of the best authors in the genre. Marc Cameron has created one hell of a protagonist. Deputy US Marshall Arliss Cutter is one of those characters that is easy to admire, sympathize with, and root for every step of the way. With the ‘Grumpy’s Man Rules’ as his guide, Arliss is a no nonsense, old school type of guy who says what he means and does what he says. It’s easy to understand why he’s a thriller fan favorite.

Marc Cameron is one of those author’s with a writing style that just kind of sneaks up on you and grips you in a bear hug before you even know what happens. His books are detailed without being overbearing, fast paced without being over the top, and an unbelievable blend of a throwback to classic procedurals, but incorporates modern plotlines. Anything Cameron produces, you can guarantee it’s on my TBR list.

This particular book sees Arliss and his kickass partner Lola Teariki tasked with securing a sequestered jury during a major drug case down in Juneau, but soon turns into a full fledge manhunt when individuals, hell bent on keeping their involvement in the criminal enterprise hidden, take matters into their own hands. Cutter teams up with a local journalist as they try to find a missing girl who holds the key to unlocking everything. Bone Rattle includes the traditional crime thriller threats to the physical well being of the characters, but the internal and emotional development of Arliss (and even the lesser characters) is every bit as enthralling and you keep hoping for a positive outcome, regardless of the circumstances.

As a huge Lee Child fan I chose this, my first Marc Cameron book, hoping that Arliss Cutter would be as likeable and the story full of Reacher style action, I wasn’t disappointed. The setting, characters and attention to detail added much to the enjoyment and I will now be reading earlier books in this series.

Bone Rattle by Marc Cameron is shocking, suspenseful, action-packed and distressing at times. It’s a crime thriller that also has aspects of an action-adventure thriller and is the third book in the Arliss Cutter series. This author and series are new-to-me, but the novel worked well as a stand-alone.

Normally Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Arliss Cutler and the rest of his Alaska Fugitive Task Force are tracking dangerous fugitives. However, he and Deputy Lola Teariki are pulled to protect jurors in a high-profile trial. When a murder occurs, Cutler knows there is more to the story than a drug trial. But what is really happening behind the scenes and who will survive?

During the course of the novel readers get to see different sides of Arliss. He has flaws and virtues just like everyone else. I got a good sense of how he treats his co-workers as well as his sister-in-law and her children. He is very protective of his team and underdogs, and he doesn’t tolerate bullies, no matter who they are. This can lead to some interesting interactions, to say the least. In this novel, we get to see character development with some of the secondary characters including Lola.

This book is set largely in and around Juneau, Alaska, with some scenes in the Anchorage area. The author does a great job of making the reader feel transported to mud season in Alaska. I felt as though I was living the events alongside the characters.

There are several sub-plots in the novel and not all of them are fully resolved, but the main story line and some of the others are fully resolved. Hopefully, the next book in the series will pick up these threads and bring them to closure. There are a few twists to the story, but some of the actions and deductions are over-the-top. However, it was so full of action and excitement that it kept me turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next. I was kept fully invested in the assignment becoming a success. But is that what happens? My one quibble is that there is some disjointedness that affected flow due to the number of sub-plots. Themes include fugitive tracking, drugs, corruption, jurisdiction games, murder, and much more.

Overall, this book was suspenseful, riveting, fast-paced, and entertaining. If you enjoy action thrillers that have both strong male and female characters, then this may be the series for you. I look forward to reading more of this series. I can’t wait to find out what is next, as well as go back and read the first two books in this series.

Kensington Books and Marc Cameron provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for April 27, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.

Always reliable, never disappoints author did not let me down this time. Suspenseful, characters that you will remember, well crafted and plotted mystery all rolled into one novel you cannot put down.

Bone Rattle is Book 3 in the Arliss Cutter series from Marc Cameron.

"Cutter and his partner are sent to Juneau to help with the jury sequestration in a high profile trial. Cutter prevents an attack on a reporter. And when the prosecuting attorney and his assistant are killed, Cutter knows there is more at play. Who wants the trial stopped? When the investigation takes them to the remote Alaska mountains, will everyone make it back alive?"

Cameron gives us an intersting character in Cutter. He's stoic. He will do whatever it takes to protect his family and his people. And he will not tolerate bureaucratic red tape, politics and posturing. He's in love with his widowed sister-in-law but unwilling to act on those feelings. And his niece thinks he has a bigger secret. Lots of action here. Cameron writes about an area he is very familiar with - both geographically and culturally. There's a horrifying moment with a bar of soap.

One thing I wish were different. The author skips back and forth between using first names and last names. It took a lot of pages to figure everyone out. It's helpful as a reader to have one or the other.

Some excellent action/suspense fiction. Fans of Reacher and Sigma Force should enjoy this book. Now excuse me while I catch up on the series.

This was set in Alaska and gave an insight into the difficulties of policing such a huge wilderness. It's my first read by this author and the third in the series to feature Arliss Cutter. It can be read as a stand alone, although it would be best to start with book one. It had a slow steady pace and was well written with an interesting plot. My attention did waver at times but overall, a good read. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

Bone Rattle by Marc Cameron captures the atmosphere of the rainforest of Alaska and the greed of the gold seekers in a modern setting. It was nice to have the perspective of U.S. Marshals working in that local. Creepy and gory, but an engaging read.

This was a new author and series for me but I was intrigued by the blurb so I went for it and wasn't disappointed. I first was hooked by the setting: Alaska, I'm a sucker for anything nature. A love a good thriller, which this definitely fit the bill. I keep coming back for the characters, and I have not seen the last of Arliss Cutter.

Cutter and his partner, Lola Teariki, are deputies with Alaska’s Fugitive Task Force. But they get word that the feds need help in Juneau providing security for a jury being sequestered in a drug trial. Initially this story seemed to be all over the place beginning with an archeological find during construction for a mining company, in part because it's told from multiple points of view, which as the story progressed I came to appreciate being able to see the story from all sides. Once the story got going it kept picking up speed to an exciting conclusion and a tease for the next in the series.

Cutter is the stereotypical macho man's man that we see in so many thrillers a la Jack Reacher. He can handle himself in any situation thrown at him and come out on top. His partner Lola, helps mellow him out and you also get to see his softer side as well which is the clincher for me. He's more like some of my favorite characters: Joe Pickett and Orphan X. I have already requested the first in the series so that I'm all caught up by the time the fourth one rolls around.

I would like to thank Kensington Books and #NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of BoneRattle in exchange for an honest review.

I won a ARC of “Bone Rattle” from Net Galley to read and review

There are three reasons I enjoy reading the Arliss Cutter books written by Marc Cameron. One is that the setting of the books is Alaska, which makes for new themes for the writer , such as the challenging and dangerous weather : cold, fog and rain when it is not blowing a snowstorm; a diverse, sometimes wierd, population, and a frontier society with modern problems. Second is that the hero of the stories , Arliss Cutter, deputy US Marshall, is a tough guy,sure, but not a jargon spouting super- hero . He relies on his experience, the training of and wise use of his fellow agents and , professional, sound police work. Finally, third, the books are character driven . Cutter has a nicely complicated love life, a sense of kindness and compassion and of responsibility for his team of agents.
The book begins at a gold mining site, where a indigenous nation burial ground in unearthed. Among the relics found is a bone rattle, carved with tribal totems, which can be valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars for collectors, legal/ illegal. The mandated on -scene archeologist stops the dig, infuriating the mine owner. The archeologist soon disappears. The mine owner, Grimmson, is a crude, nasty self-proclaimed Viking warrior, who uses underlings a hit men for problems like the archeologist.
Cutter is at first, not involved with that case; he is doing the job of protecting the US Attorneys who are prosecuting a couple of big time drug dealers. It is only when Grimmson appears to have an interest in stopping the trial that the marshals get involved. When they do, the action ramps up,quickly.
“ Bone Rattle has an exciting storyline that totally absorbed me. The novel ramps up with a multi-phased investigations and has a tensely exciting climax. No spoiler, but I will say that the last few lines of “ Bone Rattle” might leave you gasping with shock at the lead- in for the next Arliss Cutter adventure. I cannot wait.
Recommended for all readers, with noting offensive.

Bone Rattle, my first Marc Cameron book, was an interesting delve into police procedure in Alaska's enormous, unknown state. While I found the story interesting, the police procedural action and acronyms did get a little tiresome at times, but were bearable The main character, Arliss Cutter, Deputy US Marshall, is a good man but a tough one. He’s been married four times, and his last wife died of cancer. Formerly from Florida, he now lives in Alaska, helping to raise his dead brother’s children along with his brother’s widow Mim who he is secretly in love with.

This is the third book in the series, and there is a lot more that can be fleshed out and covered in this series. Arliss and Mim and also his sidekick Lola have a lot to offer in future books. I gave this book three stars, but I am eager to read the first two books and look forward to more from this author in this series. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Kensington Books, for the opportunity to read this awesome book.

This is a very good thriller set in the beautiful nature of Alaska.

Undoubtedly, the strong point of this story is a group of interesting and diverse characters. Arliss Cutter reminds me a bit of Jack Reacher from Lee Child's novels. I think Lola makes a good partner for him and balances his character well. Together, they make a duo of partners that work pretty well. I haven't read the previous books in this series and it's not a big deal, although it probably would have allowed me to get to know the main characters better and know more about them right from the start. But as I said, it wasn't a big problem, and I could still get attached to the character. I am also curious if Lori Maycomb will return in one of the next books, in my opinion there is a potential in this character that can still be explored.

The plot is fast paced, there is always something going on and no time get bored. Several different threads are intertwined with each other, creating a coherent story. The prologue itself is a strong start to this story, I like it when the story begins with such a strong blow. I also like when the plot is strongly related to the place in which it is set. Alaska offers unique opportunities for this, and in my opinion, they have been put to good use.

It usually bothers me when a story is told from too many perspectives. But here the author did such a good job that I had absolutely no problem with following so many POVs, and some of them only for a short while. I found each perspective interesting and at no point did I have the feeling that one was there just to slow down the main plot. On the contrary, it seemed to me that each one was there to push this story forward and did it well.

The book ended in what is probably an introduction to the next book, and it looks really promising and intriguing. Also, if the assumptions of Constance, Mim's daughters, are true, then there are some other interesting things ahead, too. This is my first book by this author, but I doubt it's the last. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes fast-paced thrillers and, of course, to all Lee Child fans.

A free ARC from NET GALLEY

I like just about everything written by Marc Cameron

Bone rattle is no exception. While the Alaskan Tourism board may get angry about the murder rate, the real life background of the author brings authenticity to Arliss Cutter and deputy Lola Teariki as they protect a jury and endanger themselves.

Story has some good moves and easily stands alone.

Great read!

Marc Cameron has created an intriguing novel of suspense in “Bone Rattle” following the exploits of U.S. Marshal Arliss Cutter. The novel is set in Alaska and involves many of the current issues in dealing with Native American artifacts but also the illegal mining activities.

The two come together when a torso without head, hands, or feet washes ashore near Anchorage. Things seem a bit out of control with Cutter’s deputy, Lola Teariki, and he are assigned not tracking down fugitives but assigned to provide protection for a high-profile drug case. As Marshals this is not their preferred activity –much too sedate for them.

However, as the case unfolds there is plenty to meet their desire for action. There are several converging storylines that include murder, conspiracy, assault, and stealing Native American artifacts with intent to sell.

The fast-paced action is a real page-turner and once the reader begins it will be hard to put down as there are exciting happenings on every page. Other noted writers like C. J. Box and Mark Greaney agree this is an exciting read. Cameron, himself, was a deputy marshal and provides the depth that such an intriguing case deserves.

Marc Cameron, an experienced ex-Deputy Marshall himself uses his background to inform and lend authenticity to his Supervisory Deputy Marshall Arliss Cutter of Alaska's Fugitive Task Force led by his boss, Chief Jill Phillips. Originally from Florida, he is a stand up good guy although with little in the way of social skills, mentoring and training his partner, a New Zealand Maori woman, Lola Teariki, and with a past that includes 4 wives, his last wife dying of breast cancer. He is heavily supporting the family of his dead brother, Ethan, the widowed Mim, her 8 year old twin sons, Michael and Matthew, and daughter, 15 year old Constance. Cutter's personal and professional life has been led by his grandfather Grumpy's Man Rules, rules he does not hesitate to pass on, such as a man doesn't play until the chores are done, guidance he offers to the twins.

When Native archaeologist, Isaac Merculief, discovers a rare and valuable bone rattle of a shaman in a grave uncovered by the construction of a road, he naively underestimates how far malign corporate interests will go to ensure that construction continues uninterrupted. In Anchorage, female body parts are being washed up on the coast, including a female torso that Lola is keen to investigate. However, she and Cutter are sent to Juneau to help guard a sequestered jury and protect the judge, Shawna Forsberg, in the trial of gang members, the drug smuggling Hernandez brothers, on conspiracy to distribute heroin. The trial is being covered by 31 year old Lori Maycomb, a native journalist with ambitions of writing a book, who anxiously awaits a call from a informant, only to miss it whilst she is in court. In this story of skullduggery, grisly murders, politicians, lobbyists, and deadly corporate corruption, Cutter is determined to do whatever it takes to protect a young confidential informant hiding out in the Alaskan wilderness of caves and old abandoned gold mines.

This is the first book of the series I have read, and I found it worked reasonably fine as a standalone. I was attracted to the book because of the Alaskan location, Cameron goes into detail with his atmospheric and rich descriptions that make it a magnificent and majestic central character, hand in hand with its history of native people and cultures as can be observed with the find of the bone rattle. One of my highlights were the intricate operational picture provided of the work of Deputy Marshalls, the hazards it might involve, such as Cutter being bitten by a felon's pet scorpion, and its co-operating role with other agencies, such as the APD and the FBI. This is an entertaining, engaging and action packed book that is likely to appeal to many other crime and mystery readers. Many thanks to Kensington Books for an ARC.

Overall this is a 2.5 out of 5 stars. At times it is entertaining, exciting, and creative. The author's research into mines is impressive, but after a while it gets to be a little much.

There are some serious problems that cannot be ignored. The main character, Cutter, is just plain boring, and it was really hard for me to get into the whole "U.S. Marshal" thing. Cutter has no personality whatsoever. The effort to make him a heroic "strong silent type" falls flat. He feels like one big cliche from the 1950s.

The supporting cast feels like a real stretch to appear woke. Virtually every female supporting character is an examplar of virtue, integrity, resilience and loyalty. The women are weightlifters, expert manhunters, learned judges and devoted widows -- unless they are victims who need Cutter to save them. Nearly every male character, on the other hand, is truly vile. What is the author trying to do here? Compensate for the fact that Cutter is a throwback to John Wayne?

I have to mention something else. The product placement is awful. I don't care what brand of boot, rain jacket, skiff, etc. Cutter and his posse favor. This shameless name dropping rivals Jack Carr for blatant marketing.

To be fair, I stuck with the book until the end and I actually got into the story about 2/3 into it. If you like a moderate amount of action and a 21st century John Wayne packing a Colt Python, and you are a big shopper interested in expensive outdoor gear, this one's for you.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to #KensingtonBooks and #NetGalley for the ARC.
This book is just as good as every of book in the series but would read just as good as a stand alone book. All the books in the series could be read as a stand alone book.
Looking forward to the next one.

I loved this book set in Alaska that is full of interesting characters and language and had a good plot with enough twists and turns to keep you interesting

Another great book from the author. I miss his previous series a lot but enjoy this one quite a bit. It seemed to start a little slow for me but ended with nonstop action. I won't ruin the plot for anyone but if you have read anything by the author before, this one is just as good. At this point, whatever he publishes, I get a copy of it. I love the setting of this series as I feel Alaska is always a bit of a mystery and this one is uses the beauty and unknowns of Alaska to maximum extent, I also like the will they/ won't they with Cutter and his sister in law with his brother's passing. It humanizes Cutter. The mentorship with Lola also makes these books enjoyable for the character development. A great book.
Thank you Netgalley, Marc Cameron, Kensington Books for the ARC for my honest review.

Book Review - I was totally stoked when I received a digital Advance Reader’s Copy (ARC) of Bone Rattle by Marc Cameron. He is one of my favorite top authors! I would like to extend my utmost appreciation to the publisher, Kensington Books and NetGalley for the ebook ARC in exchange for an honest review. In Bone Rattle, the third novel in the Arliss Cutter series, Deputy U.S. Marshal Arliss Cutter and his partner Deputy Lola Teariki are tasked with guarding sequestered jurors in a high-profile murder case in Juneau, Alaska. Cutter and Deputy Teariki serve on Alaska’s Fugitive Task Force (chasing fugitives) in Anchorage but are sent to Juneau to also address a series of gruesome murders that leads into a firestorm of corporate corruption, clashing cultures, and bone-rattling fear! Cameron uses his own experience as a deputy marshal to give the readers a real insight into the U.S. Marshal Service in Alaska. This was a refreshing change from the usual antiterrorist action thrillers that I normally read. Not only was the plot great but it was cohesive and had wonderful character development. They were real people and it showed in Cameron’s writing. This ‘crime thriller’ exceeded my expectations and kept my attention from start to finish. It was a bit grisly at times, especially the female torso – minus the head, hands and feet that washed ashore by the Anchorage Airport, but it was well written for explaining the details of the narrative. Cameron did a masterful job, as usual, in crafting this book. Drama, suspense, action, and fascinating Alaskan culture all came together with multiple story lines that kept me eager to read the next chapter. Normally, I’m use to Cameron writing exciting action thrillers, but this novel was a mysterious crime thriller. Not the least bit predictable, the story moves along much like the Alaskan wilderness – dangerously thrilling and alarmingly exhilarating! Because in Alaska, nothing runs colder than blood…

I have read Bone Rattle, it's the latest Arliss Cutter adventure by Marc Cameron. I have always found Alaska interesting but with this murder rate I am not so sure about a visit... As usual Cameron delivers a really well written story, I actually think it's the best one yet in this series. In this book we get some more information on the background when it come to the Cutter family history and we get to learn a lot more about Alaska as well. I have always liked it when an author incorporates history in books. I know this is fiction but you get the feel that the author has some experience on the subject, wait, that's right he has. When I read Camerons books I wonder if he uses stuff he encountered while working as an US marshall. I bet he does. For those that haven't started on this series GET STARTED. It's great. I have to thank @marccameronbooks @Netgalley and @kensingtonbooks