If C. J. Box had a dark side that bled into the realm of the supernatural, then you might have some idea of what to expect from brothers Matt and Harrison Query. In a few short years, they have made a name for themselves with supernatural thrillers set in the American West. They continue that tradition with their latest release, BLOOD TRAIL.

Montana game warden Clark Rickert was once a big game poacher. He has taken what he learned from operating on that side of the law and brought it to his hunting ability when it comes to bringing down those who break the law in his territory. It does not get remarkably interesting in rural Montana --- that is until the U.S. government comes calling with a specific need for Clark and his knowledge in a top-secret mission.

"Matt and Harrison Query hold many cards close to their vest in an effort to maintain the biggest surprise for the end of the story, which features more than a few twists."

Clark carries with him the scars of heavy grief that he experienced when he tragically lost his wife and son. He has since thrown himself into his job and welcomes this intriguing new case that needs his assistance. He flies off to the East coast to attend a meeting under the auspices of the Department of Defense. Charlotte Bishop of the CIA is part of this task force and takes an immediate interest in Clark and what he might bring to their team.

Harry Jacobson, chief of the Special Operations Group, discusses what they are referring to as Operation Red Castle. It appears that there is a deadly cult operating out in the Rocky Mountain region where Clark is situated. They allegedly have kidnapped hundreds of individuals for some unknown reason, and a raid is planned for the area in which they are said to be hiding out. When they hit the ground, Clark’s team comes across a naked young woman with a rictus smile covered in blood. This is just the start of something much larger as they find a slew of bodies in shipping containers, all killed in horrific fashion.

Additional locations filled with corpses --- many drained of their blood --- are found in a scene of horror and brutality unlike anything anyone on the team has seen before. Raids continue, and many members of the cult at the heart of this dangerous conspiracy are taken down. However, it appears that their numbers are endless, and the amount of carnage they have left in their wake wherever they go is seemingly unmatched in its depravity. Clark is put on the spot and does not know what to make of this, while wondering why he was specifically selected for this assignment.

The battles continue, and once the group gets a closer glimpse at who their true adversary is, they realize that it may be some sort of ancient evil unlike anything they could have conceived. Clark is now fighting for his life while trying to defend his territory. All the while, his behavior is called into question, and there is even some feeling amongst his team that he may be hiding something when it comes to his knowledge of the cult.

Matt and Harrison Query hold many cards close to their vest in an effort to maintain the biggest surprise for the end of the story, which features more than a few twists. The action is fast-paced, and the suspense is well balanced throughout BLOOD TRAIL. The questions that go through the minds of readers keep the interest level quite high as the finale is a wild ride.