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Jake Trent #1
Death Canyon
Three bodies. Two national parks. One rogue fishing guide.
The first book in a debut thriller series featuring attorney-turned-fishing-guide Jake Trent, whose idyllic life is upended when he finds himself at the center of a series of grisly killings set around picturesque Jackson Hole.
It’s early summer in Jackson, Wyoming, and former east coast prosecutor and now fishing guide Jake Trent is wading through a swift current of local politics, introspection, and tragedy. Three seemingly unrelated deaths have occurred in one day—unheard of in the scenic valley of Jackson Hole. A skier perishes in a freak late-season avalanche. A French couple is discovered mutilated on a remote trail in Grand Teton National Park—presumably by a bear. On the Snake River, Jake himself finds the body of an expensively-attired tourist fisherman. Meanwhile, a series of small earthquakes—not to mention a bitter dispute between land developers and a cultish group of environmentalists—has left the townspeople uneasy.
Before long, the plausible explanations for each death dissolve. Could there be a sinister connection among them? When fresh evidence points to him as a suspect, Jake Trent is put on the defensive. Is someone out to frame him? Can Trent keep his past demons at bay while he tries to discover the truth behind the mysterious deaths?
Defying the police, Jake teams up with park ranger NoelleKlimpton, a loner beauty, to get to the bottom of this series of disturbing events. The trail leads right to the region’s crown-jewel attraction: Yellowstone. What they discover will put all their lives at risk…
The first book in a debut thriller series featuring attorney-turned-fishing-guide Jake Trent, whose idyllic life is upended when he finds himself at the center of a series of grisly killings set around picturesque Jackson Hole.
It’s early summer in Jackson, Wyoming, and former east coast prosecutor and now fishing guide Jake Trent is wading through a swift current of local politics, introspection, and tragedy. Three seemingly unrelated deaths have occurred in one day—unheard of in the scenic valley of Jackson Hole. A skier perishes in a freak late-season avalanche. A French couple is discovered mutilated on a remote trail in Grand Teton National Park—presumably by a bear. On the Snake River, Jake himself finds the body of an expensively-attired tourist fisherman. Meanwhile, a series of small earthquakes—not to mention a bitter dispute between land developers and a cultish group of environmentalists—has left the townspeople uneasy.
Before long, the plausible explanations for each death dissolve. Could there be a sinister connection among them? When fresh evidence points to him as a suspect, Jake Trent is put on the defensive. Is someone out to frame him? Can Trent keep his past demons at bay while he tries to discover the truth behind the mysterious deaths?
Defying the police, Jake teams up with park ranger NoelleKlimpton, a loner beauty, to get to the bottom of this series of disturbing events. The trail leads right to the region’s crown-jewel attraction: Yellowstone. What they discover will put all their lives at risk…
384 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2013
12 people are currently reading
345 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 19, 2023
This was an interesting first novel that had a lot of opportunities to take it to many levels.
Eco-thriller; Amazing location: Death Canyon, the descriptions of the great outdoors, lures, fly fishing, the river, and the natural environment are all a reader could want.
And of course, who wouldn’t be attracted to National Parks Settings – i.e., Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
Who could ask for anything more?
The story even started out strong.
But the middle sagged, and then…
Well, I just can’t go there, because I am not one to give away spoilers.
So, I don’t know…are there more Jake Trent novels?
I guess there is another one, but…the real question is, do I want to read it?
Eco-thriller; Amazing location: Death Canyon, the descriptions of the great outdoors, lures, fly fishing, the river, and the natural environment are all a reader could want.
And of course, who wouldn’t be attracted to National Parks Settings – i.e., Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
Who could ask for anything more?
The story even started out strong.
But the middle sagged, and then…
Well, I just can’t go there, because I am not one to give away spoilers.
So, I don’t know…are there more Jake Trent novels?
I guess there is another one, but…the real question is, do I want to read it?
February 12, 2014
Terrible. Can't believe I stuck through the end.
September 1, 2013
"How to Write a Book"
1. Come up with an interesting plot. CHECK.
2. Place the story in a terrific location. CHECK.
3. Decide on an interesting lead male character - Jake Trent, a former lawyer turned fly-fisherman. Check.
4. Add one beautiful, athletic, smart female character as a sidekick. Well, sort of check, but this is a new writer so we'll give him that one.
5. Add an assortment of villains, including a group of rabid eco-terrorists, an evil(or just plain crazy) man out for revenge against #3, AND the US Government. Hmmmm, a little overdone, but okay...let's say a half-check.
6. Use stock characters, such as an inept local sheriff, a greedy town council, the drunken best friend, yadda, yadda.. Whatever. Definite Un-Check.
7. Rely heavily on I.M Banal's "Compleat Unabridged Compendium of Overused Clichés, Worn-out Metaphors and Other Assorted Writing Aids." The 1983 Edition. Uh-oh. BIG mistake. NO CHECK.
Stilted writing, too many POV's, unexplained incidents and an unsatisfying conclusion. Please go to Jail. Do not pass GO and do not collect $200. And don't quit your day job.
1. Come up with an interesting plot. CHECK.
2. Place the story in a terrific location. CHECK.
3. Decide on an interesting lead male character - Jake Trent, a former lawyer turned fly-fisherman. Check.
4. Add one beautiful, athletic, smart female character as a sidekick. Well, sort of check, but this is a new writer so we'll give him that one.
5. Add an assortment of villains, including a group of rabid eco-terrorists, an evil(or just plain crazy) man out for revenge against #3, AND the US Government. Hmmmm, a little overdone, but okay...let's say a half-check.
6. Use stock characters, such as an inept local sheriff, a greedy town council, the drunken best friend, yadda, yadda.. Whatever. Definite Un-Check.
7. Rely heavily on I.M Banal's "Compleat Unabridged Compendium of Overused Clichés, Worn-out Metaphors and Other Assorted Writing Aids." The 1983 Edition. Uh-oh. BIG mistake. NO CHECK.
Stilted writing, too many POV's, unexplained incidents and an unsatisfying conclusion. Please go to Jail. Do not pass GO and do not collect $200. And don't quit your day job.
September 6, 2013
This book was great! I just returned from a trip of a lifetime to Jackson Hole, where I picked up a copy at the local bookstore. I couldn't put it down on my trip home, and it was so enjoyable to be able visualize every scene Bertsch so vividly describes. Death Canyon was the perfect cure to my post- vacation blues, a book I plan to re-read anytime I long for the winds of Wyoming.
January 15, 2018
over environmental junk
October 13, 2013
David Riley Bertsch a former lawyer, who became a fly fishing guide, clearly knows the craft of fly fishing. In his first novel, Death Canyon, the descriptions of the great outdoors, lures, fly fishing, the river, and the natural environment are all a reader could want. The real question in this book is whether the mystery works as well. And it does to some extent.
Jake Trent, is a former prosecutor who gave up his career to move to Jackson Hole, where he became an inn owner and fly fishing guide in Jackson Hole. Noelle Klimpton is a park ranger, whose turf covers the same area. Both Trent and Klimpton discover dead bodies. Trent finds a guy who looked like he drowned. Klimpton finds a mauled man and woman, who appear to have been attacked by a bear. Then a third man dies in an odd avalanche.
The Sheriff suspects that Trent is involved in killing the victim that he found so Trent is motivated to discover the real killer. Klimpton thinks the bear attack was no accident. They soon join forces to investigate the deaths. A bear expert that Klimpton knows casts doubt on the bear attack theory. Their private investigation takes off.
When Trent's friend and employee is nearly killed in a hit and run, by a car registered to Trent, but not driven by him, Trent and Klimpton have a big breakthrough.
There are also some romantic sparks between them.
The clues soon start to pile up that there is something else afoot, from the mysterious and evil Shaman, to his cult like followers, who are tracking Trent's every move, to the odd earthquakes that are constantly hitting the Parks, to the fact that Trent and his friend are fired upon. What is happening and who has it in for Trent?
Where the novel goes off the rails a bit is in Trent's back story. At first he was a mere prosecutor in the East Coast, then he went on special raids, then there is an allusion to special forces training.
Another weird part of the story concerns the identity of the people actually involved in the earthquakes. It just feels too contrived.
But for these two minor glitches, the novel holds together well and the great outdoors sparkles.
This could be a keeper series. The Trent - Klimpton team feels right to me. We will have to see how it pans out in later volumes.
Jake Trent, is a former prosecutor who gave up his career to move to Jackson Hole, where he became an inn owner and fly fishing guide in Jackson Hole. Noelle Klimpton is a park ranger, whose turf covers the same area. Both Trent and Klimpton discover dead bodies. Trent finds a guy who looked like he drowned. Klimpton finds a mauled man and woman, who appear to have been attacked by a bear. Then a third man dies in an odd avalanche.
The Sheriff suspects that Trent is involved in killing the victim that he found so Trent is motivated to discover the real killer. Klimpton thinks the bear attack was no accident. They soon join forces to investigate the deaths. A bear expert that Klimpton knows casts doubt on the bear attack theory. Their private investigation takes off.
When Trent's friend and employee is nearly killed in a hit and run, by a car registered to Trent, but not driven by him, Trent and Klimpton have a big breakthrough.
There are also some romantic sparks between them.
The clues soon start to pile up that there is something else afoot, from the mysterious and evil Shaman, to his cult like followers, who are tracking Trent's every move, to the odd earthquakes that are constantly hitting the Parks, to the fact that Trent and his friend are fired upon. What is happening and who has it in for Trent?
Where the novel goes off the rails a bit is in Trent's back story. At first he was a mere prosecutor in the East Coast, then he went on special raids, then there is an allusion to special forces training.
Another weird part of the story concerns the identity of the people actually involved in the earthquakes. It just feels too contrived.
But for these two minor glitches, the novel holds together well and the great outdoors sparkles.
This could be a keeper series. The Trent - Klimpton team feels right to me. We will have to see how it pans out in later volumes.
August 10, 2013
“Death Canyon” by David Riley Bertsch, published by Scribner.
Category – Mystery/Thriller Publication Date – August 13, 2013
If you are a person who loves the outdoors, fly fishing, or National Parks, this is a mystery made for you. The action takes place in Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park.
Jake Trent, once a lawyer, now a devoted outdoorsman and fishing guide has his idyllic life turned upside down when he becomes involved in several deaths in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
The first death seems to have been caused by a bear attack. There is strong evidence, discovered by beautiful park ranger, Noelle Klimpton, that this may not have been a bear attack. The second death is a skier who was killed in an avalanche, an avalanche that just should not have happened. Although there is no proof there is the possibility that the avalanche could have been started deliberately. A third death is discovered by Jack Trent while he is fly fishing.
These circumstances bring together Jack and Noelle as they try to determine who caused these deaths and more importantly why these people died. The situation worsens when the start feeling tremors that could very well be the beginning of an earthquake. These tremors continue to increase in severity and seem to have some connection with the dead bodies. Jake and Noelle enter into a race against time to discover the truth behind the deaths and tremors.
Again, a great read for those who like action in the great outdoors. The best news may be that this will be a continuing series.
Category – Mystery/Thriller Publication Date – August 13, 2013
If you are a person who loves the outdoors, fly fishing, or National Parks, this is a mystery made for you. The action takes place in Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park.
Jake Trent, once a lawyer, now a devoted outdoorsman and fishing guide has his idyllic life turned upside down when he becomes involved in several deaths in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
The first death seems to have been caused by a bear attack. There is strong evidence, discovered by beautiful park ranger, Noelle Klimpton, that this may not have been a bear attack. The second death is a skier who was killed in an avalanche, an avalanche that just should not have happened. Although there is no proof there is the possibility that the avalanche could have been started deliberately. A third death is discovered by Jack Trent while he is fly fishing.
These circumstances bring together Jack and Noelle as they try to determine who caused these deaths and more importantly why these people died. The situation worsens when the start feeling tremors that could very well be the beginning of an earthquake. These tremors continue to increase in severity and seem to have some connection with the dead bodies. Jake and Noelle enter into a race against time to discover the truth behind the deaths and tremors.
Again, a great read for those who like action in the great outdoors. The best news may be that this will be a continuing series.
August 13, 2013
DEATH CANYON is a smart, tension-packed, well-written thriller set in picturesque Jackson Hole, a place that the author knows well. Bertsch does an excellent job painting Jackson as a place where nature still plays a dominant role in human life otherwise caught in a tug-of-war between principle and greed. And trust me, there's plenty of fishing involved! Few thriller writers who use the environment as a plot foundation are as savvy and objective as Bertsch.
The highlight of the book is attorney-turned-fly-fishing guide protagonist Jake Trent, who I hope to be seeing a lot more of in future books. This is the perfect end-of-summer read. Highly recommended!
The highlight of the book is attorney-turned-fly-fishing guide protagonist Jake Trent, who I hope to be seeing a lot more of in future books. This is the perfect end-of-summer read. Highly recommended!
August 17, 2013
I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads.
My husband is an avid reader, but has a very busy schedule because he is a courier, so he doesn't have time to look for books for himself.
So whenever I come across one I think he'll like, I pass it on to him.
This is definitely one I am going to give him to read.
It was a very engaging book.
I hope there will be more to come.
My husband is an avid reader, but has a very busy schedule because he is a courier, so he doesn't have time to look for books for himself.
So whenever I come across one I think he'll like, I pass it on to him.
This is definitely one I am going to give him to read.
It was a very engaging book.
I hope there will be more to come.
May 7, 2022
I only read it because of the location. Horrible story and the author did not do a very good job of really describing what this area is like. And the plot was ridiculous.
August 2, 2013
Jake Trent a retired attorney turned fishing guide just can't leave his old investigative job alone, and looks into some strange deaths in Jackson Hole where he lives, one of the victims he finds himself. Jake is not alone, Noelle Klimpton a park ranger is also curious and teams up with Jake to try and solve the mysterious deaths. All the time minor earthquakes continue to increase in frequency and intensity, adding tension to the already tense situation. The author builds up suspense very well producing an excellent page turner with no dull chapters. He also explores the concept of governments working on projects behind the public's back, starting with good intentions but losing the plot. I recommend you read this and be well entertained whilst exploring the countryside of Wyoming
February 19, 2014
Good first book in this new series, the lead character is a transplanted attorney, who is now running a bread and breakfast while establishing a career as a fishing guide in Wyoming's Tetons. Becoming embroiled in a local murder investigation, Jake Trent teams up with Park Ranger Noelle to try to find who is killing people in and around Jackson Hole. While some parts of this read like science fiction, in reality use of geothermal power is being explored as an energy source, and extensive drilling is causing small earthquakes, in various parts of the world. This environmental fiction is then a scary warning of possible consequences of such explorations. The author also includes good descriptions of the landscape of the Tetons, and Yellowstone National Park.
September 9, 2013
Loved it! Can't wait to read the next Jake Trent novel. I would expect this to be made into a movie. It has all the elements for the big screen.
December 2, 2018
Shame on the editor of this book. Or maybe there wasn’t one. That would actually make me feel better.
June 1, 2018
While I like the author's writing style, I hope this was one of his first efforts. I enjoyed the inside look at the life of a fishing guide and the insights into fly fishing in Wyoming. But this plot is way over the top. No amount of poetic license will make it acceptable. There had to be a better way to write a story around a unique new energy source than this totally unbelievable attempt. The plot was very slow and depended on things like building a criminal plot around how to kill someone by starting an avalanche, and trying to frame Jake for murders he clearly had nothing to do with. The plot also depended on far too many unlikely coincidences, like finding a book about avalanches in the camp, spotting a spent shell from a moving car, and crossing paths with the villain as he was leaving the coffee shop.
The book also didn't know what to do with the fishing stories after the opening chapters. Stories about tying flies were dropped into the action in a way that was totally broke up the flow. And the almost teenage-like romance between the two protagonists was just plain silly.
I even had a problem with the font the book is written in! The J in Jake's name looks so much like an l that I frequently read his name as "lake" instead.
The book also didn't know what to do with the fishing stories after the opening chapters. Stories about tying flies were dropped into the action in a way that was totally broke up the flow. And the almost teenage-like romance between the two protagonists was just plain silly.
I even had a problem with the font the book is written in! The J in Jake's name looks so much like an l that I frequently read his name as "lake" instead.
November 1, 2018
I picked up this book because I wanted to read a mystery set in Yellowstone and/or Grant Teton National Parks before my trip there. And this book was a great selection for that purpose - the setting includes both parks and the author excels at describing the scene.
The book offered lots of action and an inventive plot. There were times that things seemed a bit implausible, but I rolled with that. And there were a couple of times that I doubted the reaction he gave is main female character (seemed unlikely, or written more from a male perspective), but nothing too concerning.
I gave this four stars because it suited my purpose very well - based on my desire for the specific setting. If I were reading it as a thriller in general, I'd give it three. Solid and enjoyable debut novel.
The book offered lots of action and an inventive plot. There were times that things seemed a bit implausible, but I rolled with that. And there were a couple of times that I doubted the reaction he gave is main female character (seemed unlikely, or written more from a male perspective), but nothing too concerning.
I gave this four stars because it suited my purpose very well - based on my desire for the specific setting. If I were reading it as a thriller in general, I'd give it three. Solid and enjoyable debut novel.
January 5, 2025
2⭐️ This book had so much potential but fell far short on almost everything. There were so many story lines that were not brought together into one cohesive story and there were details that were missing or overlooked or too outlandish. It was entertaining in parts and the original story was decent, but all the other side stories took away from the overall experience.
August 28, 2022
This book was very interesting. I liked the beginning and where it took place since I visited Jackson Hole before. It got quite confusing in the end and I couldn’t really understand what was going on so much.
February 21, 2025
This book was an insane ride through the Adirondack, and I don't regret it at all. The atmosphere created by the author is intense, and leaves your palms sweating with anticipation. Not a horror, but definitely a catastrophic mystery.
August 21, 2017
A spellbinding eco-thriller. Couldn't put this down.
. What was really terrifying is how close the descriptions are to the side effects of Fracking. We have to hope it doesn't come to fruition
. What was really terrifying is how close the descriptions are to the side effects of Fracking. We have to hope it doesn't come to fruition
July 19, 2018
Very fun read, especially if you've been to Jackson Hole.
April 3, 2019
Great plot, writing wasn't quite there- rushed & characters not well developed
July 26, 2020
A good read while visiting Grand Tetons. Interesting plot.
July 8, 2021
had potential based on the description - but the plot was too much focused on coincidences and ah ha moments...the narrator just wasn't good
October 5, 2021
way too much going on in this book.
Read
June 26, 2015Debut author. Great new mystery/thriller. This book is the start of a series; but this story is so good, I’m not sure how Bertsch is going to top it using this scenario and these characters following this much fictional destruction.
The beginning gets my attention: earthquakes in Wyoming, men getting rid of the body of a friend of theirs in a watery gorge, and a group of half-naked Native Americans participating in a “relations” dance, which to this reviewer of Irish decent, looks a lot like the Celtic rituals of old.
Death Canyon is much better than the initial generic blurbs offered. This is an intertwined story of species’ rage and greed – both human and nonhuman. I really didn’t see in advance where this story was going (didn’t see it coming until page 157), which made it fun. This isn’t a story about fly-fishing and murder set in Jackson Hole; this is a story of avarice to the point of annihilating the human race, the propulsion to the end of the world as we know it. What starts small blows up to world-ending proportions. The backstory plays out with perfect pacing; not too much at the beginning, and then only peppered nicely when the explanation is needed. And add all the crazy and unexpected elements: Rocky Mountain wildlife, ex-lawyer, politics and corruption, Mafia thugs, real earthquakes in Wyoming (what’s up with that?).
In the beginning, Bertsch thanks his wife and family for giving him the courage to write this book. I thank them, too. There is a long career ahead for this new writer. Someday, I would like to take a little trip to Jackson, Wyoming and do a little fly-fishing with Bertsch. When the ground starts shaking, he would be a good one to have nearby.
Well, this should give you a few eclectic titles to read over the next few days. Get in touch with these authors, learn about them, and tell them you would like to see them at this year’s Killer Nashville.
And remember, if you buy your books through the links on Killer Nashville, you’ll still get the great Amazon discount prices, but – better yet – a portion of the proceeds goes towards the educational events sponsored by the good volunteers at Killer Nashville. So support Killer Nashville while you’re supporting our featured authors!
Until next time, read like someone is burning the books!
My Review of Death Canyon on Killer Nashville
My Other Reviews on Killer Nashville
The beginning gets my attention: earthquakes in Wyoming, men getting rid of the body of a friend of theirs in a watery gorge, and a group of half-naked Native Americans participating in a “relations” dance, which to this reviewer of Irish decent, looks a lot like the Celtic rituals of old.
Death Canyon is much better than the initial generic blurbs offered. This is an intertwined story of species’ rage and greed – both human and nonhuman. I really didn’t see in advance where this story was going (didn’t see it coming until page 157), which made it fun. This isn’t a story about fly-fishing and murder set in Jackson Hole; this is a story of avarice to the point of annihilating the human race, the propulsion to the end of the world as we know it. What starts small blows up to world-ending proportions. The backstory plays out with perfect pacing; not too much at the beginning, and then only peppered nicely when the explanation is needed. And add all the crazy and unexpected elements: Rocky Mountain wildlife, ex-lawyer, politics and corruption, Mafia thugs, real earthquakes in Wyoming (what’s up with that?).
In the beginning, Bertsch thanks his wife and family for giving him the courage to write this book. I thank them, too. There is a long career ahead for this new writer. Someday, I would like to take a little trip to Jackson, Wyoming and do a little fly-fishing with Bertsch. When the ground starts shaking, he would be a good one to have nearby.
Well, this should give you a few eclectic titles to read over the next few days. Get in touch with these authors, learn about them, and tell them you would like to see them at this year’s Killer Nashville.
And remember, if you buy your books through the links on Killer Nashville, you’ll still get the great Amazon discount prices, but – better yet – a portion of the proceeds goes towards the educational events sponsored by the good volunteers at Killer Nashville. So support Killer Nashville while you’re supporting our featured authors!
Until next time, read like someone is burning the books!
My Review of Death Canyon on Killer Nashville
My Other Reviews on Killer Nashville
September 6, 2013
"Death Canyon" Scribner
David Riley Bertsch
I am a retiree in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Its hard to believe this is a debut novel! Why someone hasnt set a book here before is beyond me!
I have read all the recent mystery greats -- Nevada Barr, Tony Hillerman, Nelson Demille, James Patterson and all the rest.
I really enjoyed this book. The way he paints the landscape is spot on. The plot is fast moving and compelling. Jake Trent is a protagonist I hope to see lots more of.
The ecological themes are a great addition -- and anyone with any interest in fly fishing or the outdoors will appreciate the presence of those add-ons!
Great read -- looking forward to more!
David Riley Bertsch
I am a retiree in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Its hard to believe this is a debut novel! Why someone hasnt set a book here before is beyond me!
I have read all the recent mystery greats -- Nevada Barr, Tony Hillerman, Nelson Demille, James Patterson and all the rest.
I really enjoyed this book. The way he paints the landscape is spot on. The plot is fast moving and compelling. Jake Trent is a protagonist I hope to see lots more of.
The ecological themes are a great addition -- and anyone with any interest in fly fishing or the outdoors will appreciate the presence of those add-ons!
Great read -- looking forward to more!
Read
March 26, 2014A good mystery that takes place in Jackson, Wyoming, the Tetons, and Yellow Stone National Park. Several people die from seemingly natural causes but later the theories don't hold up. A series of earth quakes cannot be explained. The hero Jake Trent, who has a small bed & breakfast for individuals that want to fly fish, is suspected for the murders and teams up with park ranger Noelle Klimpton to solve the murders. I liked the book. The first in a series.
October 5, 2013
Started very strong, sagged in the middle and the deus ex machina ending was disappointing. It is his first novel and could make for an intriguing series. The romance element started well, but Jake Trent needs some focus. The premise of the book with the bad guys creating earthquakes was not presented in a way that made sense to me.
April 6, 2015
Maybe just me, but I didn't like this book. The characters were not believable, nor was the plot, and the writing was choppy and unpolished - amateurish, really. I found myself wishing the thing would just end and had to push to get through it. I'm pretty sure I won't be picking up any more "Jake Trent" novels.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews