Monday, September 06, 2021

Striking Range by Margaret Mizushima

First Line: Today Deputy Mattie Cobb could interrogate the man who had once tried to kill her.
 
Deputy Mattie Cobb traveled to the Colorado state prison to find out if the man who tried to kill her also killed her father thirty years ago. But when she and cold case detective Jim Hauck show up for the interview, the man is found dead in his cell. After going through his things, Mattie can find only one clue: a marked map showing the rugged Redstone Ridge area right outside Timber Creek.

Mattie's used to working with veterinarian Cole Walker, but Cole is busy with the first litter of puppies sired by her K-9 partner Robo. She and Robo have barely started their search when they're called away to a nearby campground where the body of a young woman has been found. Identification of the deceased woman points to her recently having given birth, but no baby is to be found.

Mattie and her fellow police officers believe finding the young woman's killer will also find the baby. Unfortunately, they must begin their search in a storm that leaves the mountains covered in ice and snow. When Cole Walker goes missing, Mattie and Robo kick into high gear. Mattie believes Cole is stranded with a killer, and she's not about to let him go it alone.

~
 
Time can certainly fly when you're reading an exciting series filled with characters that you've grown to love. It's hard for me to believe that this Timber Creek K-9 series is already on book seven. Readers have been following Mattie Cobb's professional life as a police officer and K-9 handler as well as her training of Robo and her dealing with the emotional baggage of her personal life. We've also had much the same journey with veterinarian Cole Walker as he's dealt with divorce, raising two young daughters, and his busy practice. 

Mizushima does an excellent job of showing readers just what is involved in being a K-9 handler and keeping working dogs like Robo in top form. The relationship between Mattie and Robo is one of the reasons why I enjoy this series. I'm not one to care for much romance in my mysteries, but somehow this author manages to continue to develop a relationship between Mattie and Cole that brings real depth to both characters (and doesn't make me want to roll my eyes). Actually, it's been known to make me smile.

Even though I found the bad guy to be rather easily guessed, I still enjoyed the journey to this person's unmasking. I like watching the Timber Creek sheriff's department work together to get things done, and Striking Range wouldn't be another strong story in this series without an exciting chase/search/rescue high in the mountains.

If you're a reader who enjoys reading strong mysteries involving working dogs, the great outdoors, and an intelligent cast, you need to read Margaret Mizushima's Timber Creek K-9 series. You can read Striking Range as a standalone, but if you love character development, I'd advise you to start with the first book, Killing Trail-- and I won't be at all surprised if you then join me in my annual visit to the Colorado Rockies.

Striking Range by Margaret Mizushima
eISBN: 9781643857473
Crooked Lane Books © 2021
eBook, 288 pages
 
Police Procedural/Working Dogs, #7 Timber Creek K-9 mystery
Rating: B+
Source: Net Galley

16 comments:

  1. Dogs. Yes. Can't get enough of them.
    I am waiting for Paula Munier's next book, and looking at her wonderful dog photos on Instagram.
    This book sounds exciting, so I should try it.

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  2. I give all credit to an author who can keep a series interesting over the course of seven or more books. That takes talent! And the Timber Creek setting really adds to the appeal of this series. So glad this one was a good 'un for you, Cathy.

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    1. The setting is one of my favorite parts of this series-- although I wish more of them would take place in summer instead of during raging snowstorms!

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  3. This is definitely a series that I need to get started on. I'm glad to hear the author has kept the romance in its proper place. And even put a smile on your face 🙂.

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    1. That takes skill, since I'm very picky about romance in my mysteries. ;-)

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  4. Thanks for this review, Cathy! I'm so glad you enjoyed the book and so happy to be a guest on your blog. Much appreciated!

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    1. You're welcome, Margaret. One of these days, I'll get to see you at The Poisoned Pen again.

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  5. Now I'm even more interested in this book.

    Also, I got Clark and Division and We Begin at the End from the library. Can't wait to dig into these books.

    I'm still pondering the Andrew Maryn with the big alligator. Brrr.

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    1. I can see you turning all the lights on in your apartment and sitting with your back in a corner so nothing can sneak up on you. You might want to leave it alone...

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  6. Well, it's funny. I'm both intrigued and terrified about that Andrew Mayne book. I may try another book in that series. He has a few.

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    1. Right now, he only has two books in this particular series. The first, The Girl Beneath the Sea, has several TSTL moments. Black Coral is the most recent book with your buddy, Big Bill the alligator. The third book will be released next year.

      You've mentioned more than once the alligator at the child's birthday party and the attack. I'm with you-- having an alligator at a child's birthday party is (to be polite)a serious lapse of judgment.

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  7. Oh, I may try this book with Big Bill, although a third book is listed, so maybe I'll wait for that one.

    I could not believe my eyes or ears when I saw that news clip. The trainer was lucky that someone who was physically capable of saving her and her arm was right there. But having that alligator at a child's party is a TSTL moment. It could have gone after any children. Ponies and donkeys, even goats are harmless and they are cuddly and cute.

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  8. One of my very favorite working dog series!

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