Cathy C. (cathyskye) -
Helpful Score: 1
Reading Margaret Mizushima's first book, Killing Trail, hooked me on her characters and the setting. I thought her debut had a couple of minor glitches, but looked forward to her second book. I am thrilled to say that Stalking Ground addresses almost all those points I noticed in the first, and in addition is an even stronger, tighter, more thrilling read.
Mattie's relationship with her K-9 partner Robo is a very important part of the book (and the series)-- and not just because of the mysteries they solve. A training session for the two of them in Denver is worked seamlessly into the narrative, and later on Mizushima introduces us to another canine character, Bruno the Doberman Pinscher. It's fascinating to learn about the lives of working dogs like Robo.
These Timber Creek K-9 mysteries are a character-rich environment, which may not be preferable to those who prefer mystery to that "relationship nonsense," but I love it. Mattie and Robo aren't the only two in town; we also are privileged to watch busy veterinarian Cole Walker on his rounds, as he volunteers for search and rescue, and-- most importantly-- how he and his daughters adjust to a very difficult divorce in which his wife left the family. This adjustment period isn't going smoothly because Mizushima's characters are very human and make their share of mistakes. Cole and Mattie are obviously being paired off (slowly), and it will be an interesting relationship to watch develop. Mattie has her own demons, and her own dreams of family that may, or may not, come true.
Once again, Mizushima has written some wonderful action sequences high up in those Colorado Rockies, especially the scene involving Cole. There's just one little thing to dull the bright shine of Stalking Ground: it was still all too simple for me to deduce who- and where-dunit. All that needed to be divulged were a few specifics. However, with the characters and setting this author has created, this is a minor quibble indeed, and I'm certainly looking forward to book number three.
Mattie's relationship with her K-9 partner Robo is a very important part of the book (and the series)-- and not just because of the mysteries they solve. A training session for the two of them in Denver is worked seamlessly into the narrative, and later on Mizushima introduces us to another canine character, Bruno the Doberman Pinscher. It's fascinating to learn about the lives of working dogs like Robo.
These Timber Creek K-9 mysteries are a character-rich environment, which may not be preferable to those who prefer mystery to that "relationship nonsense," but I love it. Mattie and Robo aren't the only two in town; we also are privileged to watch busy veterinarian Cole Walker on his rounds, as he volunteers for search and rescue, and-- most importantly-- how he and his daughters adjust to a very difficult divorce in which his wife left the family. This adjustment period isn't going smoothly because Mizushima's characters are very human and make their share of mistakes. Cole and Mattie are obviously being paired off (slowly), and it will be an interesting relationship to watch develop. Mattie has her own demons, and her own dreams of family that may, or may not, come true.
Once again, Mizushima has written some wonderful action sequences high up in those Colorado Rockies, especially the scene involving Cole. There's just one little thing to dull the bright shine of Stalking Ground: it was still all too simple for me to deduce who- and where-dunit. All that needed to be divulged were a few specifics. However, with the characters and setting this author has created, this is a minor quibble indeed, and I'm certainly looking forward to book number three.
Having been immersed in the Middle Ages and cleric/sleuths, it was time to come back to the present. This was loaned to me by a book club member with a promise to return it to the local library when finished.
First, I like the size of the book and the larger font.
Second, the action begins immediately
Third, story line and characters have depth but not so many details as to confuse this reader.
Fourth, well wrtiten climax had me gasping aloud until Dear Hubby even commented.
I look forward to more books by this author.
First, I like the size of the book and the larger font.
Second, the action begins immediately
Third, story line and characters have depth but not so many details as to confuse this reader.
Fourth, well wrtiten climax had me gasping aloud until Dear Hubby even commented.
I look forward to more books by this author.
Second in the Timber Creek K-9 series. Mattie and her K-9 search dog Robo are called out to find the missing girlfriend of another deputy. A day later, a tip leads them to her body, in a shallow grave high in the mountains - but a storm is coming in and Mattie and Robo have to spend a scary night alone. The investigation brings to light some things about the woman she had kept hidden. I like this series despite a few problems. I don't feel like the writing flows well; it seems a bit stilted to me. In this book the villain was apparent as soon as introduced, and the motive as well. But I did like how many of the things they turned up about Adrienne were not relevant to what happened to her - that seems like real life. I enjoy mysteries where there are a lot of interconnected relationships which this has, the K-9 search aspect seems well done, and I also like following the vet. It looks like there are a couple more in the series which I plan to read.
