Drifted

David Wolf #12

by Jeff Carson

As the snow melts, a disturbing truth emerges. Colorado mountain detective David Wolf is back in the latest page-turning mystery that will leave your heart pounding and lungs pumping for air. A Rocky Points businessman goes missing, leaving behind an SUV drifted over in snow and a lot of questions for the Sluice-Byron County SD. But the answers are hard to come by, and Chief Detective David Wolf’s personal problems aren’t making investigating any easier for him and his team. As the temperatures rise in the Chautauqua Valley, the most important clue emerges from the melting drifts. At the same time, Wolf’s memories surface from the shadowy depths of his mind and back into his life. Even for a man with Wolf’s history, dealing with the case and facing his demons head-on proves too much, and Wolf is brought to his knees, both physically and mentally. Will the valley’s best cop rise again, purified by fire? Or will his ashes drift away on the high winds of the Rockies, leaving behind a justice unpaid? If you like C. J. Box’s Joe Pickett, James Patterson, Lee Child’s Jack Reacher, Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch, Craig Johnson’s Longmire, and David Baldacci, then this David Wolf Mystery Thriller is sure to keep you flipping pages until every single one is read. Other Books in the David Wolf Series of Mystery, Suspense, Action Thrillers Drifted is the latest of a twelve stand-alone book series starring the lovable David Wolf and his colorful cast of SBCSD deputies. The series has earned thousands of five-star reviews, and has been among the most downloaded and read on Kindle. If you like gripping suspense, mysteries with more turns than a Colorado mountain road, action that will leave you breathless, and characters you’ll learn to love like family, then the Wolf series is for you! Readers are saying … “I recommend this series to all who enjoy a fast paced thrill ride who done it. There's never a dull moment in this Colorado mountain town and how David gets himself in and out of harrowing situations is something I can't wait to find out.” “I feel like I have found new friends in these characters. The stories are excellently told, with plenty of twists to keep you wanting more.” “One of the best series I’ve read. Suspenseful, twists and turns.” “Really well written characters in this action-drama-suspense series of books! Well developed plot, smooth transitions and realistic storylines.” “A rare and under appreciated writer easily on par with Grisham and Patterson.”

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Crime

328 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 16, 2018

About the author

Jeff Carson is from the Front Range of Colorado where he lives with his wife and two sons. His David Wolf series of books takes place in the fictional ski town of Rocky Points, Colorado.

Reviews

[Tulay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good series.

Read all twelve books, David Wolf is full of empathy, care and love. His life is hateful people, but he does his best overcome all of them. Take time to read this series, you won't be disappointed.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Wolf completely frustrates me, as a man and as a detective. There's a lot going on in his mind that his co-workers, family, and friends aren't privy to. But then, neither is the reader a lot of the time. I don't mind the characters being kept in the dark, but as a reader I'd like a little more insight. From reading the previous books, I know this is how he is, and that eventually the reader will be let in on the secrets he's hiding, but it's still frustrating. I like how Sheriff MacLean has come to be on Wolf's side more and more. On the other hand, he and Wolf's co-workers and friends let his behavior go on a couple of months too long before confronting it. My favorite quote: "All good things must come to an end. But that doesn't mean they weren't good."

[Jim W'smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished them all

Drifted, book 12 of 12 in this great series of books by Jeff Carson, is another fantastic read. He has really developed his characters in this series so that you feel that you know them, and you probably do. Everyone knows a wisecracking but hard-working Rachette, or an intelligent and cute number two like Patterson. I could go on with a "difficult" boss like McLean and the always to be remembered fondly as the one that was just not meant to be, Lauren. After reading this series, I have a disturbing urge to go to view the mountains of Colorado and take in the beauty that he describes. I am only placing my review on this 12th book as I did not want to spend time writing reviews after each one, preferring to move on immediately to the next book. In short, I am now a huge Jeff Carson can and recommend the David Wolfe series to all.

[Gloria Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Jeff Carson has done a great job. I love Wolf's character. For a little while today, I did not like Wolf. He overcame though. At times I just wanted to grab him and shake some sense into him. He finally figured out what he needed to do. I'm glad. I would not like to dislike this character. Good job Mr. Carson.

[Black Butterfly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE ALL OF THIS SERIES I TRY TO READ THEM SLOWLY . . . .DOESN'T WORK. I ALWAYS JUMP INTO THEM AND DON'T WANT TO LOOK UP TILL I'M DONE. WHAT A RUSH! ;D

[Trish R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve always liked the David Wolf stories but I wasn’t crazy about this one. I didn’t like the problems Wolf had, that led to his heavy drinking, at home and him showing up at work drunk. It went on too long. And when the drunkenness stopped, he started having anxiety attacks. And like almost every stupid man out there he thought he didn’t need any help. Wolf had waaaay too many problems in this book.

I’m going to read book 13 but I hope he doesn’t have so many problems this time.

No romance and the F-bomb was used 5 times.

As to the narration: Sean Patrick Hopkins was so much better in this book.

[Arlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 12 in the David Wolf series just a meh for me. David is going though another emotional crises but comes out the hero in the end again.

[Grace Pugliese · Rating 5 out of 5]

variety

A good mix of mystery, suspense, family and romance
I’ve read the previous 11 books and never disappointed. The characters have continued to develop

[Mr. Ken White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chain-read the entire 12 book David Wolf series

It is one thing when you can't put a book down, but quite another when you are driven to chain-read an entire series.
The triumph that Jeff Carson has achieved with the Detective Wolf series goes beyond plot, beyond characters, even beyond heroics. The author is a master craftsman, bringing to life off the page such ordinary things as the five senses: Wolf slapping the wall as he leaves Hawthorne's office, or savoring the nostalgic aromas of the women in his life (and some of the men as well!); listening to snow falling around him; or the electricity of lightning before a gathering storm; or the taste of vomit. He succeeds in putting us in the thick of action - or inaction.
Never having been to Colorado I can only say that I certainly HOPE it is as described in Wolf's world.
Now, why only four not five stars? That is a tough call, entirely based on the instability of David's love life. He is blessed with three wonderful leading ladies – Sarah, Lauren, and Kristin - but can't seem to get the timing right. He is wonderful with kids, dogs, and good-guy deputies. One can only hope that in book 13 or 14 he'll get it right and ride off in the sunset a thoroughly happy man.
Do not hesitate to pick up any one of these David Wolf books and start reading. I guarantee that you will be reading more than one. Enjoy.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Wolf series

Jeff Carson does it again. Another day in the life of David Wolf. Battling with his personal demons victorious in the end coping with his day job. What a man.

[Barbara Lee Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

TOO MANY SPOONS STIRRING THE STEW

This story of bad deeds, murder and land swindlers in South Dakota. The main of this mystifying plot David Wolf, Chief Detective, whose going through some very intense personal problems, which has him under the care of a psychiatrist for some personal problems which hit on possible alcohol abuse, which isn't surprising due to the type of work Chief Detective Wolf and other lawmen are involved with. Land swindlers who hide behind multilayers of "LLC" to steal properties and make it almost impossible to figure out who are the real owners. Plagued by multiple deaths of the lead players in the land debauchery, Detective Wolf must peel the layers to get to the main reasons for the many deaths. A young girl is kidnapped by one of the players and Detective Wolf plays devil advocate to get the perpetrator to release the young girl and take him instead, lots of action both personal and sad but it's a great moving mystery coming out of South Dakota.

[P J Van Benthusen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of the series!

This book was hard to read at first. This incredibly strong man was falling apart and it was unexpected. I wanted to have an intercession myself. After all he had been through you just couldn't imagine this break up causing so much damage. I still think he should end up with Agent Luke! I may write a new chapter!! I like the books and the incredible intuition Wolf had. Amazing crimes and incredible detection. Write some more soon.

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read them all straight thru

Hate to ask, but are there going to be any more of David Wolfe. I have just read all 12 books straight thru to the neglect of my big dogs . I loved all the twist and turns, thinking this man must be crazy to think of all these plots. I’m not very good at writing,but just let to you know, it was all I could do to go to sleep, reading sometime all night. I hope you do continue David Wolfe and I’m glad you added the dog

[(Grace) Kentucky Bohemian · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'd Think He'd be Used to It
David Wolf's love life is a country song. This guy has no luck in love. He can get the girl; it's keeping her that he has trouble with. Having been left in the last episode by his fiancé and her young daughter, both of whom David loved, he's now mired himself in a vicious pity party. He'll bring the booze: everyone should just stay away and leave him alone. It's a private party. He's done this before, then pulled himself up by his bootstraps and moved on. But this time, he's sunk to a depth that's affecting not only his physical health but his mental health as well.

It's not looking good this time. He's in trouble at work, in trouble with friends... even his son is giving him major grief. When he's ordered to seek professional help, that appointment goes just as well as you'd expect. About as well as Sunday dresses at a cow pie throwing contest.

But even in the depths of despair, Wolf's got a confusing case to solve and a killer on the run. From a missing person case to a ring of sex traffickers, Wolf manages to put the pieces together with the help of his diverse cast of co-workers. As far as cases go, this one is elaborate and intriguing. As far as Wolf's personal life goes, this novel shows the uphill battle. It's painful to watch, but it's also inspiring since Wolf actually doesn't have any "quit" in him. That's just a hallucination brought on by alcohol poisoning.

Fans of the David Wolf series will love this story as well. The characters, the plot, the pace, and the WTH moments all work together for a brilliant story. If you're new to this character, it's possible to start here, but it would be best to start with an earlier book since this one so completely builds on the last novel. Best bet? Start at the beginning and get all the history of this enigmatic character.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overcoming Adversity

This book is twelfth in order of the David Wolf thrillers. It starts with Wolf, who has previously soldiered through great obstacles and highs-stakes situations with lives on the line, in the midst of a cavernous alcoholic depression. It seems the loss of Lauren and Ella from his life may finally be his undoing. Suspended for a week, Wolf manages to kick the booze and over the course of several months work himself into excellent physical shape and his usual competency as Chief of Detectives. Then, while working on a murder case, he experiences what he believes to be a heart attack. But no, the indomitable, stoic, Wolf has actually experienced a panic attack. Within 24 hours of the panic attack, he learns he is going to be a grandfather and is contacted by Lauren, his lost love. After learning Wolf's "heart episode" is a panic attack, MacLean, the sheriff, forces Wolf to go to therapy. Wolf also endures meeting up with Lauren and Ella again to say a final goodbye. Additionally Wolf heroically wraps up the murder case, and manages to also uncover a scandal involving a town council member. Just when it seems like Wolf may not recover from the lowest the reader has observed him in the series, Wolf manages to move forward and embrace a future that is far brighter than he expects after Lauren and Ella leave him. This is a story about Wolf's resilience and it makes sure the reader does not lose sight of Wolf, the hero, even with some flaws.

[Eric Wadsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deep into a big winter storm, a local businessman's vehicle is found covered in snow, with all of his windows open. Strange. With little to no traceability of what occurred, they team has to wait months before they finally get some clues. The snow melts and the body of the missing man is finally found on a hike trail... clearly placed there post-mortem. David Wolf and team get into action to follow the trail between quarry deals, lease agreements, and eventually motive behind the murders. Meanwhile, Wolf is dealing with his ex-fiancé and the hurt it has caused him. Through panic attacks and the constant reminders of young 6 year old Ella. However, through it all, he gains control of his life and gets things back on track, just in time for a surprise ending of motive between the quarry land owner and campaign incentives with the DA's office.

Great book and read. A bit disappointed about the relationship explanation between him and his EX Lauren after so much from the book previously. However, it was a great relationship build up and explosion between him and his now grown-up son who is expecting! There is a lot to learn from David as he develops in his personal life as well. The ending was great as usual. It is never clearly what is in front of you when it comes to Carson's endings!!

[Carlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The David Wolf series just gets better and better. I was glad this one (#12) got back to Colorado instead of rainy Washington. Wolf is suffering to the point he is in a drunken stupor much of the time, understandable given Lauren and Ella were out of his life. After an intervention and suspension he got his act together, at least physically. At the beginning of the story the body of a man who had been missing for 3 months was found by a hiker when the deep snow of winter had melted. Step by step Wolf and his team of detectives gather and analyze evidence. I enjoy following the mystery plot while also learning more about the main characters' lives. The ending was a bit truncated I thought but made sense and tied up the last inconsistency in Wolf's mind. I look forward to reading the next one.

(Note: the first David Wolf mystery I read was #13, Divided Sky, the reason I kept going back and reading more. Now that I've read them all I realize there are no more... please Jeff Carson, don't give up on my favorite Colorado detective!)

[Robert C Klotz · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Karen Dunlap · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know what to think...not liking as well...his characters weak...It seem to start about 4 books ago, he introduces characters, then are never mentioned again. I never expected his lead, David Wolf, to go through a full blown alcoholic breakdown over his lover leaving and then have "panic attacks" over her and her child bringing the dog to be buried. Too much made of that, I thought someone had died! He is a lead detective for gosh sakes! Give him some back bone! He uses the word "shuffle" or "shuffles" in all the wrong places, places where that word would never apply plus he must have used that word 25 times in the book. It is beginning to look like none of his characters know how to walk. I have noticed the frequency of it in other books, but I keep hoping his proofreader will say something about it. I'm sorry, but getting disappointed. I know I will buy the last book, hoping it is better....it's too bad, because they started out pretty good.

[Dick Aichinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The previous volume in this series left me feeling ambivalent about the main character, David Wolf, after his handling of his relationship with Lauren and Ella. This volume helped me in that regard and it will be interesting to see where the author takes the Wolf character in the next story.

David Wolf is suffering tremendously after losing the woman he intended to marry (not to mention her young daughter who related to Wolf strongly). He sinks into alcoholism and anxiety to the point that his job (that has been his passion) is in jeopardy. At the same time, a mysterious missing persons case confounds the department. He has to battle both his demons and the mystery if he hopes to come out the other side as the man he, his son, and the department knows he is.

A good mystery with thrills thrown in.

[Sue Olexa · Rating 5 out of 5]

With main character Colorado Mountain Detective, David Wolf, reader goes from murder, mayhem, and mystery to intrigue, to behind the scenes part of the puzzle, corporate land moguls, to deadly ATV and expert motorcycle chases in ravaging weather in mountains, to when the patient helps himself as he helps the therapist, the satiating book, DRIFTED, by Jeff Carson takes the reader on so many twists and turns that your head will be spinning, albeit spinning in the right direction, which is always to be reading FABULOUS story teller, and accomplished Author, Jeff Carson, whose books polish everything off to deliver fine and beautiful...... reading!!! EVERY book by very skillful and talented Author Jeff Carson, is a true delight, but let me say that Drifted ...excelled! A MUST READ DO.NOT.MISS.BOOK!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND Drifted!!!!

[Heidi Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Wolf’s character just keeps getting better!

All around great read! Excellent writing, story line and characters. I’m always excited when another book comes to be in the David Wolf series and disappointed when they end knowing I’ll have to wait for the author to write another. Just when you think Wolf has solved the obvious case there’s another twist and addition that’s a surprise on who’s done it! I also like the understated personal stories for the characters and outlining the beauty of Colorado during the story. You know we’ll be eagerly looking forward to the next David Wolf story! Creating, developing the characters and story most be enjoyable too! Hopefully it’ll be soon!

[Stephanie Herron · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit different story line in the series

I've been reading this series and this one is a bit bittersweet. It has all the good mystery to it and even is a bit more convoluted than usual. Patterson and Rachette are still around and Wolf seems to be settled in working for MacLean. The start of the story was a bit rough as David had turned to alcohol and was close to losing his job. A visit from his son Jack and his girlfriend Cassidy is the start of his getting back on track. Solving the case was a bit more complicated than some in the series. Sad that Wolf and Lauren broke up in the last book, but excited at the thought of him being a grandpa. I hope at some point he finds a significant other.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always know that when I am having a dry spell in books, I can count on Jeff Carson to put out another David Wolf book and I will find myself back in Rocky Points, surrounded by familiar and likable characters, with yet another dead body showing up and another mystery to solve. Although the books in this series are like many other mystery/ detective type and rarely knocks the reader out with edge of your seat action or blindsides them by the unexpected ending, they are always a fun read when you are just looking for some light, quick entertainment. I have read all the Wolf books, though most not in order, and enjoyed each one and at the end of this one found myself with a smile on my face, eagerly awaiting the next.

[D. E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A JC. Mystery Adventure Thriller (DAN - 12)/A Missing Businessman/DW's. Personal Problems Surface

JC. has. penned the twelfth novel in the David Wolf series where DW's. psychological and personal problems rise to the surface for DW. THese problems bring DW down to his knees. The prognosis is dim that he will recover, but our Sheriff's Detective persevered and was able to get himself back on a level playing field. This is, by far, the best novel in a strong series. A Middle Eastern military veteran with numerous tours and then throw in the pressures of the Positions of Sheriff and then Chief of Detectives and you have a stick of dynamite waiting for a fuse. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS

[Pamela Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder without a body.

What happens in the mountains stays in the mountains. What do businesses, land and real estate have in common? Well it depends on if you own the land or the business or the real estate. Or want to purchase said land, business, real estate. The only thing that could keep you from doing that would be shady business men, real estate people, land owners or if you are dead. Which seems to be the problem with the Rock Company Detective Wolf is looking into. If everyone dies what happens to the company? One way to find out is to read book 12 in this series and find out how many murderers it takes to get to the bottom of the pile.
Wolf doesn’t give up till every ‘‘tis crossed and every I is dotted. Another great book!

[Jackson Gates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Might be my favorite in the series. I love McLean being an ally. Wolf’s issues were handled well and not overdone, that time jump was well used because the book was losing me at that point. I also enjoyed how it felt like a constant chase the whole time, it was never truly a secret who did it + the twist wasn’t too wacky.

Wish there was a happy ending for Lauren & Wolf. Her text + the panic attack was a fantastic sequence, I couldn’t stop reading until I found out what was on his phone. The ending with them was nice too.

I could’ve done with a tad less from Patterson’s POV. She’s a solid character though, I was just really invested in Wolf in this one.

Need Wolf to get something going with Luke now.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

A return to Rocky Point Colorado and further adventures of Officer David Wolf. It seem that a prominent businessman and owner of a rock supply business has gone missing but after a time of his not being found discovery is made following a big rain storm uncovers a body burred in a snow drift off one of the high mountain roads. It turns out to be the missing man and now the scramble to find the killer begins under pressure from above. David is also fighting flashbacks from the war and more recent personal events that interfere with his job. Good reading. This is my second Wolf book and I will somehow fit more in my never ending pile of TBRs.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome Read!!

I love this author! Why have I not heard of you before?! Started with book #12, so now I simply must go backwards & start with #1. I just love Wolf & Patterson!! I especially loved the quote, "it's like herding monkeys" !! I need to know, does Wolf get back with Lauren & Ella, what happens with Patterson's baby? And, the only reason I have given you 4 stars is that I just can't abide fragmented sentences where your editor has changed your wording or phrasing & left a word in or out that doesn't belong. Please fire her/him. You deserve better. Unless it's your wife, then my deepest apologies. You are a wonderful story teller....

[Ellen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

DRIFTED. Book 12 , a business man has gone missing in Rocky Point, no clues, till body is found after the snow is melting. Wolf has been down, yet the chief has keep him on the job, saying he is the best detective he’s ever had. What turned his life from the bottle, was his son. Who like his dad, cares for people very deeply. The touching part of going to the psychiatrist
before he could open up, his instinct, turned the tables, of where this professional was coming from. Now the sessions, are as they both are healing from them. Another story that propels you to read to the end in a setting. Hopefully, we will have another soon. and with him being a grandparent.