Rifle Season is a straight-shooting, violent and intense story about reckoning, retribution, and redemption. Dark, ominous and unnerving in all the best ways. Pat Kelly’s debut thriller hits the bullseye.
Renowned game hunter Mace Winters is the most sought-after guide in Colorado until one tragic accident turns his world upside down. Now his life consists of booze, weed and picking up trash on the side of the road. As he journeys to rock bottom, including the prospect of his wife leaving him and taking the dog with her, a fellow guide throws some business his way to take a couple out to try capturing a photo of a mountain lion. Which leads to the couple asking him to take them out on the opening day of rifle season. But they are not interested in filling their tag. They are seeking to assassinate an infamous war criminal. And now Mace is caught up in a deadly game that seems certain to end in his death and the murder of his wife. Unless he can clear his mind and once again become the man he used to be.
From the setting to the characters and the overall plot, Rifle Season hits upon a winning formula that engages readers early and keeps them anxiously on the hook until the end. And even though there is a patient buildup to the explosion of violence, it never feels slow or drawn out because each action has the distinct purpose of dialing up tension and expectations. And when you think you know what will happen next, you’re smacked upside the head with a twist that changes the game. It’s excellent storytelling by a debut author.
Additionally, the redemption arcs included bring this book to a higher level. Everyone can appreciate someone getting a second chance and setting things right. Giving readers characters we can connect with and root for, offsetting others who deserve nothing but our disdain. Adding humanity to offset the wicked.
Don’t miss Rifle Season. It’s the debut thriller that everyone will be talking about in 2026.
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