Book Review: Killing Trail by Margaret Mizushima

Killing Trail
Author: Margaret Mizushima
Series: A Timber Creek K-9 Mystery (Book 1)
Publication: Crooked Lane Books (December 15, 2015)

Description: When a young girl is found dead in the mountains outside Timber Creek, life-long resident Officer Mattie Cobb and her partner, K-9 police dog Robo, are assigned to the case that has rocked the small Colorado town.

With the help of Cole Walker, local veterinarian and a single father, Mattie and Robo must track down the truth before it claims another victim. But the more Mattie investigates, the more she realizes how many secrets her hometown holds. And the key may be Cole's daughter, who knows more than she's saying.

The murder was just the beginning, and if Mattie isn’t careful, she and Robo could be next. Suspenseful and smart, Killing Trail is an explosive debut that will have readers clamoring for more Mattie and Robo for years to come.

My Thoughts: Deputy Mattie Cobb and her new partner K-9 Robo are called in to search by a forest ranger who noticed something suspicious. Suspecting drugs which have started to be a problem in her small Colorado town, Mattie is surprised when Robo finds the body of a young girl being guarded by her wounded dog.

Mattie brings the dog to local veterinarian Cole Walker for treatment. Cole recognizes the dog because it is owned by one of his daughter's friends. Cole is overworked and stressed because his final divorce papers have just arrived and he is wondering how to tell his daughters and how he is going to take care of them alone.

Mattie and Robo are soon deep into investigating the girl's death and trying to find out who is bringing drugs into town. Mattie is also learning to trust her new partner but trust doesn't come easy to her. She was an abused child who turned in her father to the police and then spent years in foster care. Luckily her last foster home was a good one and she still has a relationship with her foster mother. Beyond that, she is essentially friendless because of her trust issues.

I liked the mystery. I was sidetracked, as Mattie was, by the red herring suspect. However, I also figured out who the villain had to be from clues the author gave. I enjoyed learning more about K-9 officers and enjoyed Robo.

I will be eager to read more stories about Mattie and her K-9 partner Robo.

Favorite Quote:

It was time to call it a night and get to bed. Doubt nipped at her heels while she ran. Maybe her suspicion of Brody was unwarranted. Maybe her attraction to the vet was silly. Maybe the lack of sleep this weekend was starting to make her go batshit crazy.

I got this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. You can buy your copy here.