ARC Review: Tracking Game by Margaret Mizushima

Tracking Game
Author: Margaret Mizushima
Series: A Timber Creek K-9 Mystery (Book 5)
Publication: Crooked Lane Books (November 12, 2019)

Description: Two brutal murders, a menacing band of poachers, and a fearsome creature on the loose in the mountains plunge Mattie Cobb and her K-9 partner Robo into a sinister vortex.

An explosion outside a community dance sends Mattie Cobb and Cole Walker reeling into the night, where they discover a burning van and beside it the body of outfitter Nate Fletcher. But the explosion didn't kill Nate--it was two gunshots to the heart.

The investigation leads them to the home of rancher Doyle Redman, whose daughter is Nate's widow, and the object of one of their suspect's affection. But before they can make an arrest, they receive an emergency call from a man who's been shot in the mountains. Mattie and Robo rush to the scene, only to be confronted by the ominous growl of a wild predator.

As new players emerge on the scene, Mattie begins to understand the true danger that's enveloping Timber Creek. They journey into the cold, misty mountains to track the animal--but discover something even more deadly in Tracking Game, the fifth installment in Margaret Mizushima's Timber Creek K-9 mysteries.

My Thoughts: In this fifth Timber Creek K-9 mystery, Mattie is worrying about her relationship with Cole. She has secrets from her past that she is afraid will change his view of her. But before she can share her secrets, she and Cole come upon a burning van and the body of a local outfitter. He died as a result of two gunshot wounds to the heart.

While Mattie and her K-9 Robo are tracking the shooter, Cole is busy with his friend who suffered a head injury while trying to rescue the outfitter from his burning van. Mattie and Robo find some clues but they also have an encounter with some kind of animal that seems to be hunting them. Mattie doesn't believe that it is one of the local cougars.

Mattie is busy investigating while Cole has to deal with his young daughters who had been spending time with his ex-wife who suffers from depression. They were supposed to be visiting for a week but their mother couldn't deal with the stress which means Cole has to find a way to get his daughters back home and comfort their distress.

Mattie's investigation leads to a ranch in danger of foreclosure, another murder, illegal trafficking in drugs and wildlife, and a tiger hunt in the high reaches of the Rockies. The story was packed with action and tension. I like that Mattie is learning to deal with the difficulties of her childhood and taking a chance on love. I love her relationship with her partner Robo. This series just keeps getting better and better.

Favorite Quote:

"I had to tell you. I didn't want there to be secrets between us any more than you did. You can trust me to be honest and to never hurt you on purpose. If there's one thing you can take away from tonight, let that be it."

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.