Deep in the shadows of a Midwestern state park, something is hunting humans. When Special Forces veteran David Stoneking returns home to find his childhood haven has become a killing ground, he knows he can’t ignore the mounting disappearances that local law enforcement seems powerless to solve.
Drawing from his military training and haunted by his own mysterious encounter in these same woods years ago, David launches a private investigation that quickly becomes personal. With each missing person report, each grieving family interview, he uncovers patterns that others have missed. Alongside his resourceful friend Evan, David ventures deeper into the darkness, where the skills that kept him alive in combat may be all that stands between more innocent victims and an predator that’s been perfecting its craft for years.
Written by outdoorsman and martial artist Matthew Rudolph, “Public Land” brings authenticity to every scene, from tactical operations to wilderness survival. Rudolph’s decade of hunting experience and martial arts expertise infuse this thriller with brutal realism, creating a story where every snapped twig and shadowy movement could mean the difference between life and death.
For fans of William Kent Krueger’s Cork O’Connor series and C.J. Box’s Joe Pickett novels, “Public Land” delivers a pulse-pounding mix of military precision and wilderness survival, where the tranquil façade of public parks masks deadly secrets, and the skills learned in war find new purpose in the battle for justice at home.
Editorial Review ★★★★★
In this gripping wilderness thriller, outdoorsman and martial artist Matthew Rudolph crafts a taut narrative that transforms the seemingly peaceful backdrop of a Midwestern state park into a deadly hunting ground. Through protagonist David Stoneking, a Special Forces veteran drawn back to his hometown, Rudolph delivers a masterful blend of military expertise and outdoor survival that keeps readers on edge with every turn of the page.
What sets this novel apart is its exceptional attention to tactical and wilderness detail. Rudolph’s decade of hunting experience and martial arts background lend remarkable authenticity to both the survival elements and combat sequences. The author’s intimate knowledge of outdoor environments creates an atmosphere where the natural world feels as much a character as the human cast.
The protagonist, David Stoneking, emerges as a compelling hero whose military background feels authentic rather than stereotypical. His investigation into the disappearances benefits from both his Special Forces training and his personal connection to the area, creating a unique investigator whose skills feel earned rather than convenient. The partnership with his friend Evan adds depth to the narrative while providing natural opportunities for strategic dialogue and planning.
Particularly impressive is the author’s ability to build tension through environmental details. Every rustle of leaves and snapped twig carries potential meaning, creating a constant sense of threat that drives the narrative forward. Rudolph’s description of tracking and wilderness navigation demonstrates intimate knowledge while remaining accessible to general readers.
The writing maintains suspense while respecting the technical aspects of both military operations and outdoor survival. The author’s expertise allows him to create realistic scenarios that challenge his characters without relying on convenient plot devices or unrealistic solutions.
“Public Land” stands as a superior example of the outdoor thriller genre, offering readers both pulse-pounding action and authentic wilderness craft.
