Trailbreaker

Prairie Nightingale #2

by Ruthie Knox, Annie Mare

Suspicions that a serial killer is terrorizing a pristine tourist spot draw a single mom and budding private investigator into a twisting and deepening mystery of secrets and murder.

Single mom and newly minted private investigator Prairie Nightingale has opened the doors of her Green Bay, Wisconsin, agency and is ready for work. She and her crew aren’t quite prepared for their first client, Bernie Dubicki, a notorious online journalist and not-altogether-reliable provocateur, who claims the idyllic vacation destination of nearby Door County is home to a serial killer.

She’s pinpointed four seemingly unrelated deaths that haven’t raised suspicions for anyone else. But when a college student vanishes, Bernie’s sizable retainer convinces Prairie to help connect the dots. And trusted, flirty FBI agent Foster Rosemare thinks Bernie might be onto something. Prairie never expected her first investigation to be so big—like Dateline big—but she does have an inquiring mind and a knack for seeing things no one else can.

In this case she’ll have to look deep—not only into the secrets of strangers, but into Door County’s woods—to solve a mystery decades in the making.

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Cozy Mystery, Cozy

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 27, 2026

About the author

Ruthie Knox is the critically acclaimed, New York Times bestselling author of more than a dozen novels. She writes both mystery and romance, usually with co-author Annie Mare. You can find Ruthie's books under the pen names Ruthie Knox (mystery and het romance), Mae Marvel (queer romance), and Robin York (New Adult romance). Ruthie and Annie are married and live with two teenagers, two dogs, multiple fish, two glorious cats, four hermit crabs, and a bazillion plants in a very old house with a garden.

Reviews

[Maria Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't like books about serial killers but Ruthie Knox can make me read and love anything she puts out. It was an excellent, page turning, can't put it down, what's going to happen next read - and the romance is starting to bubble too!

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a lovely book!

For me, it started a little slow & I couldn't relate to the main character too much, but it got better as I carried on.

Overall, I had a good time reading it, the plot didn't have too much mystery, you could kind of fell 'whodunnit' from midway through, but it was engaging.

[Lynn Stevenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually love Prairie Nightingale. She’s messy, stubborn, principled, fiercely loyal and entirely relatable.

Trailbreaker starts with Prairie running her new PI business. Except she and her team are floundering and skint, mostly because they refuse to take the classic (though plentiful) cheating spouse jobs. Luckily, they land a potentially huge (and well paid) case investigating a string of maybe connected murders in the same area spanning 30 years.

The murder mystery aspect of the book is really enjoyable. It has a slow start, but the last third absolutely flies by. A strong, satisfying finish that had me tearing through the pages.

I loved Prairie, of course, but the side characters really shine too. The family dynamic is fun - Prairie’s daughters are so sharp and full of personality. Her PI team are also fantastic: strong and capable, each one adding something unique to the group dynamic. They are all portrayed brilliantly, as are all the women in the book tbh; one of my favourite things about it.

And then there’s the romance. Prairie and FBI agent Foster. 😍 Totally PG, but heartwarming & adorable. The sweetness of their growing connection balanced out the darker murder mystery threads perfectly.

The mystery is great, the camaraderie among the women (and Prairie’s chaotic family) is even better, and the ending delivers.

I haven’t read the first book, but I will absolutely be looking out for more!

Note: I received an ARC of Trailbreaker from NetGalley in return for this honest review.

[January · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trailbreaker by Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare (2026)
Prairie Nightingale #2
10h 3m narrated by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw, 296 pages

Genre: Cozy Mystery, Domestic Thriller

Rating as a movie: PG-15 for adult content including Profanity and Sexual Innuendos

Featuring: Door County, Wisconsin; Single Mother, Divorcée, Green Bay, Wisconsin; Mother-in-law, Family Dynamics, Co-Owners, Private Investigator Agency, Diverse Characters, Neurodivergence, Co-parenting, True Crime Podcaster, Executive Assistant, Genealogist, School Activities, Nosy Busybody MC, Teens, FBI Agent, Money Troubles, Growing Pains, Missing Person Trope, Serial Killer, Chicago, Illinois; Turkish Foreign National, Dog, Cat, Driving Lessons, Feminism, Oregon, Seattle, Washington; Violence and Assault Off-Camera

Songs for the soundtrack: "Hot Girl Summer" by Megan Thee Stallion featuring Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla Sign

Books and Authors mentioned: The Parent Trap by David Swift [based on] Das doppelte Lottchen (The Double Lottie) by Erich Kästner published in English as Lottie and Lisa, as Lisa and Lottie, and as The Parent Trap

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½🌲💻🔍

My thoughts: I read Book 1 in late August 2025, and it was okay. I was on Team Maybe for Book 2 so when I saw it I leaped. It was better than Book 1, uses its foundation, but is still a bit busy, disjointed, and slightly preachy. This story is good and more complicated than your typical cozy but it felt unbelievable to me and I still haven't connected to the MC, she just isn't for me. If you like your cozies to have a bit of romance on the side this one was very disappointing for me. Overall it was better than okay. The ebook/audio combo will be coming to Kindle Unlimited Jan. 27, 2026. Thank you to NetGalley for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Recommend to others: Sure. I think this series is definitely worth a try. I know some readers who will love it. I just need some food or something in my cozies.

Prairie Nightingale
1. Homemaker (2025)
2. Trailbreaker (2026)

[Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this installment of the series, Prairie has opened her private eye business with three other women. They're not doing well since they refuse to take cheating cases because it would take away from their "victim focus." Their reasoning for this does not make sense to me. Cheaters are jerks, and the people they're cheating on are victims.

The first book in the series had something special, which was missing for me in this book. The case is more complex with so many characters that it's harder to care about them. I thought it was too convenient when the first person they looked at turned out to be relevant.

The biggest disappointment was the romance subplot. There's taking things slow and then there's... whatever this is. Apparently months have passed and they haven't seen each other. They only talk about cases. How are they getting to know each other then? Then they hang out with Prairie's friends and children. It's "slow" but serious at the same time. It seemed like two teenagers instead of a widow and a divorced woman.

These issues kept me from feeling like I "love" this book and giving it 5 stars. I still enjoyed Prairie's character. She's funny and efficient. Her children are smart and entertaining. I will continue this series and look forward to Prairie eventually acting like an actual grown-up in her romantic entanglements.

Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC.

[Yvonne (It's All About Books) · Rating 2 out of 5]

[image error]
Finished reading: January 21st 2026


*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Brilliance Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***

REVIEW

WARNING: it's another unpopular opinion!!

I admit that I didn't realize that Trailbreaker was the second book of a series when I requested an audio copy, and when I was approved I decided to read Homemaker first to avoid missing out on background information. I now wish that I had known about and tried reading this first book before requesting the sequel, because unfortunately I can't say that I was a fan of the first book and things didn't bode well for the sequel even before I started it. I do have to say that the plot of Trailbreaker was slightly better, but I encountered some of the same issues I had with the first book. To make things worse, I ended up clashing enormously with the narrator itself... And I have to be honest and say that I struggled to make it to the final page.

Technically Trailbreaker is a cozy mystery, but the actual mystery/PI angle is mainly overshadowed by a whole lot of drama and a very overpowering woke agenda. This book was basically 70% woke agenda and only 30% (predictable) plot. I usually don't mind the incorporation of a woke element or two, but Trailbreaker once again tried cramming just about every woke topic into the plot and as a result the whole woke agenda overshadowed everything else. Sure, I do have to admit that it was slightly less present than in book one, but still... This might just mainly be because the case they are investigating is simply a little more interesting.

Another stumbling block has everything to do with our main character Prairie Nightingale. Ridiculous name aside, there was just something about her that made it impossible for me to warm up to her. I admit that she was slightly better than in the first book, since there is less focus on her complaining about being a homemaker (with her basically having a full staff to do everything for her!). BUT. She still complained and grumbled too much about being too busy, when this is 100% her own choice. I can't say that I was a fan of the bigger focus on romance either, and listening to the romance scenes made me cringe. This might just be a personal pet peeve though, because I'm never a fan of romance in my thrillers.

While I can't deny that the plot of Trailbreaker was an improvement compared to the first book, sadly the audiobook format ended up ruining the day for me. The audiobook is the main reason I ended up rounding my rating down, because it is honestly a miracle I made it to the end. The narrator speaks in a way that is both slow and haltered, and this was both extremely frustrating and very hard to overcome. I had to rack up the speed to x2 to be able to tolerate it, and even then you could notice the pauses. This is a speed I never use in audiobooks by the way, but I can guarantee that it was the only way to make it to the final page. I'm definitely going to stay away from this narrator in the future, and I can recommend trying a sample before committing to this format.

I think it comes as no surprise when I say that I struggled with Trailbreaker for multiple reasons, and this series in general was an unexpected fail for me. I usually enjoy cozy mysteries, but these books were completely overshadowed by too many woke topics, an unlikeable main character and too much drama. And like I said before, the audiobook didn't do this book any favors.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚Trailbreaker
✍🏻Ruthie Knox, Annie Mare
Blurb:
Suspicions that a serial killer is terrorizing a pristine tourist spot draw a single mom and budding private investigator into a twisting and deepening mystery of secrets and murder.

Single mom and newly minted private investigator Prairie Nightingale has opened the doors of her Green Bay, Wisconsin, agency and is ready for work. She and her crew aren’t quite prepared for their first client, Bernie Dubicki, a notorious online journalist and not-altogether-reliable provocateur, who claims the idyllic vacation destination of nearby Door County is home to a serial killer.

She’s pinpointed four seemingly unrelated deaths that haven’t raised suspicions for anyone else. But when a college student vanishes, Bernie’s sizable retainer convinces Prairie to help connect the dots. And trusted, flirty FBI agent Foster Rosemare thinks Bernie might be onto something. Prairie never expected her first investigation to be so big—like Dateline big—but she does have an inquiring mind and a knack for seeing things no one else can.

In this case she’ll have to look deep—not only into the secrets of strangers, but into Door County’s woods—to solve a mystery decades in the making.
My Thoughts:
I was happy to receive this ARC of book #2 in the series. Prairie Nightingale gives Finlay Donovan vibes and it's nice to have another FMC who doesn't necessarily have it all together to follow along with. It was satisfying to see the relationship with Foster grow and move forward as opposed to hanging in limbo for another book or two before resolving one way or the other and her relationship with her ex-husband also felt grounded in reality. The murder mystery aspect of the book is really enjoyable. It has a slow start, but the last third absolutely flies by. A strong, satisfying finish that had me tearing through the pages.This sequel delivers an engaging, twist-filled mystery that kept me turning the pages. I enjoyed slipping back into Prairie’s voice and following the trail of clues right alongside her. Ruthie and Annie have such a talent for crafting small-town settings that feel warm, lived-in, and full of personality, even in the middle of tension and suspense.
Thanks NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Author Ruthie Know and Annie Mare for the advanced copy of "Trailbreaker" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#Thomas&Mercer
#RuthieKnow
#AnnieMare
#Trailbreaker
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Andrea Anderson-Bain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trailbreaker ARC Review

Short ARC Blurb — Trailbreaker by Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare

Thank you to Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare for the opportunity to read an early copy of the second Prairie Nightingale Mystery! In this installment, Prairie finds herself pulled into another small-town tangle of secrets, unexpected clues, and danger close to home. With the charm of familiar faces, a cozy setting, and a twisty plot that kept me guessing, this was an entertaining return to her world. I’m grateful I had the chance to follow along on her latest mystery adventure.
Content note: This story does include some graphic details surrounding death, so please read with care if you’re sensitive to that.

⸻

My Review

I always love a good mystery, so when I was asked to review the second installment in the Prairie Nightingale Mystery series, I didn’t hesitate. I fell in love with Prairie Nightingale—and the wonderfully quirky cast of characters Ruthie and Annie created—in their first book, Homemaker, so I was excited to dive back into this world and see what new trouble awaited.

This sequel delivers an engaging, twist-filled mystery that kept me turning the pages. I enjoyed slipping back into Prairie’s voice and following the trail of clues right alongside her. Ruthie and Annie have such a talent for crafting small-town settings that feel warm, lived-in, and full of personality, even in the middle of tension and suspense. The character dynamics—both heartfelt and humorous—added so much charm and made the unraveling of the mystery even more rewarding.

There were a few elements that weren’t my personal favorite, such as some crude language and a handful of moral choices that didn’t fully align with my own beliefs. Even so, the heart of the story—the themes of perseverance, loyalty, community, and the pursuit of truth—shone through in a way I genuinely appreciated.

Overall, this was an enjoyable and engaging follow-up with plenty of mystery, intrigue, and warmth. I’m grateful I had the chance to read it early, and I’m already looking forward to Prairie’s next adventure. A solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars) from me.

[Brooke Loya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely falling head over heels for this series! Prairie Nightingale, our tenacious protagonist, is diving headfirst into her new role as a private investigator, and she does it with the help of her delightful, unexpected, and delightfully rag-tag team—affectionately known as Prairie Hawk Investigations. The first case they tackle is packed with twists and turns, leading Prairie down perilous paths and unraveling a web of intriguing questions that keep you on the edge of your seat.

What truly warms my heart is the development of Prairie’s love story with Foster; their relationship is blossoming beautifully amidst all the chaos, and I can't help but root for them. Prairie's character is one that you just can’t help but adore; she’s relatable, flawed, and endlessly charming. The writing is refreshingly candid and genuine, peppered with humor that had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion. If you enjoyed the first book in the series, I can confidently say that you will be completely captivated by this sequel.

For anyone just jumping into this series, I can't help but draw some comparisons to popular TV shows like "Good Girls" and "Yellowjackets," all while recalling the cleverness of "Elsbeth." The quirky, unsuspecting characters find themselves embroiled in outrageous situations, yet they manage to keep a cool head through it all. It’s this delightful juxtaposition of humor and tension that makes the story so engaging.

When comparing it to other novels, I find it most closely aligns with the Finlay Donovan series. Both series carry that same irresistible charm and wit that had me instantly hooked from the very first page.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC of this delightful read. I am eager to add this book to my collection and share it with friends so they can experience the fun and thrill of Prairie’s adventures too!

[Neely · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sigh. Well….

I picked up Trailbreaker because I enjoyed the first Prairie Nightingale book. It struck a nice balance between cozy mystery and contemporary issues. Prairie was a relatable mom‑turned‑sleuth, and the social commentary in Homemaker was there if you wanted to notice it, but didn’t hijack the story.

This installment didn’t hit the same notes for me. Prairie’s new PI agency won’t take on cases like marital infidelity because they’re “not focused on victims,” which rubbed me the wrong way right out of the gate. Are women who are getting cheated on and mistreated in their marriages not victims? I would say that they are…

And as the plot unfolded, it felt less like a whodunit and more like a vehicle for the authors’ viewpoints. The mystery is threaded through with pointed asides about guns, religion, immigration, sexuality, weight...not just once or twice, but throughout. It was the whole basis of the investigation. In fact, the sheer number of victims starts to feel less like a complex case and more like a way to tick off every hot‑button topic imaginable. Those subjects are absolutely fair game for fiction, but here they’re so prominent and often delivered with a sarcastic edge that the investigation fades into the background for me.

By the time I hit the 60 % mark, I realized I was reading out of obligation rather than enjoyment, so I decided to put it down. I’m giving it three stars because the writing itself is competent, and readers who want a mystery wrapped around unapologetic social commentary might love it. If, like me, you were hoping for another cozy escape with a dash of real‑world texture, be aware that Trailbreaker is much heavier on message than mystery. Maybe Prairie’s next outing will find its way back to that original balance. If it does, I’ll happily come along for the ride.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this ARC.

[Julie Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but it took me a while to get into it. I think that was because with so many people dead or missing I struggled to keep the characters and the circumstances around there deaths straight. I don't think it helped that Prairie visited each crime scene and was told about each disappearance one after the other and I didn't get the chance to breathe before onto the next. Once I had got to know the characters better and learned more it became easier and I could settle back and let the story unfold. The case was a complex one chasing a possible serial killer, with lots of different angels to follow up and keep the listener on there toes. The home life was a nice balance and added some chuckles to the story, despite the seriousness of the subject matter. I liked the characters but loved Prairie's girls. It was nice having such a capable group of ladies, that others in law enforcement took seriously. They actually did the leg work to figure it out, rather than the usual they know who the killer is when a gun is pointed at them. A group I wouldn't hesitate to join again.

Prairie might have her detective agency up and running but they need cases. So when a persistent client comes to them she isn't give much choice but to listen. Bernie has noticed a number accidental death's in Door County and thinks a serial killer is to blame. The police won't give her the time of day and she turns to Prairie's agency for help. Could Bernie be right? With four deaths to investigate Prairie and her team have there work cut out for them but Prairie has surrounded herself with a capable group of ladies that will like her stop at nothing to find out, especially as the last missing person has never been found and might still be alive.

I liked the narrator. She has a pleasant voice that just makes the story come alive.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[boogleloo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars: This is Knox & Mare's second entry in the Prairie Nightingale series which is a Cozy-ish Mystery that's set in Wisconsin. Featuring a single mom and newly minted private investigator and her crew aren’t quite prepared for their first client, a notorious online journalist and not-altogether-reliable provocateur, who claims a nearby idyllic vacation destination's home to a serial killer. When a college student vanishes, she and her team, which consists of her capable household executive assistant, her forensic genealogist ex-mother-in-law and a nineteen-year-old true crime podcaster (oh and the unofficial assistance of a flirty FBI agent), dig in to connect the dots to four seemingly unrelated deaths. As they're investigation deepens, they'll have to unearth not only the secrets of strangers but explore the area's history and natural wonders to solve a mystery decades in the making.

With plenty of twists and turns, Knox & Mare has crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Heartfelt and humorous, Knox & Mare's writing and character work are excellent; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining likable with a secondary cast that are well crafted, diverse and uniquely voiced. Additionally the authors are a married 2SLGBTQIA+ couple.

Knox & Mare take on some sensitive issues; so take care and check the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Homemaker.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

[Hope Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prairie Nightingale opens her PI office and has it staffed with her closest friends and supporters. When they finally land their first major case, the women quickly realize the commitment they made to the business and their missions - both personally and collectively. Prairie also learns to juggle managing a home and kids and cautiously navigate Greg's new romance while wondering if she is ready to take on a new relationship herself.

I caught the first book on Amazon First Reads and was lucky enough to catch this one on NetGalley. I honestly had a hard time "liking" Prairie at first. She was a little annoying, a little nosy, and a little self-righteous. I kept reading and realized that is just Prairie - busy-brained, intelligent, assertive with a very clear and firm sense of justice. I liked the relationship between Prairie and her ex-husband, Greg and his mother. It is a very positive example of a couple who are simply no longer compatible, but have remained friends and committed to effectively co-parenting their children. I will say Greg is very wealthy and was willing to finance Prairie's wish to be an employed housewife (i.e. she doesn't work and Greg just gives her the money she wants/needs while still affording a comfortable life on his own- so a little entitled.) Both daughters were diverse characters - one is neurodivergent and one is a lesbian. There is call for diversity in books, and some authors include rather contrived diversity that really doesn't fit in or support the rest of the story - those characters become simply token characters to check a box. Not so with this book. The daughter's characters are unique and well-developed. They bring minor storylines in their own right which end up adding to and supporting the primary plot. Highly recommend this series and look forward to more.

[Kelly - Words We Love By · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trailbreaker by Ruthie Knox & Annie Mare continues Prairie Nightingale’s journey as a single mom and newly licensed private investigator, this time plunging her into a darker, more sprawling case set against the deceptively peaceful backdrop of Door County, Wisconsin.
While I absolutely loved the first book in this series, Trailbreaker didn’t quite hit all the same notes for me but I still genuinely enjoyed it. The mystery itself is ambitious and unsettling, centering on the possibility of a long-buried serial killer, and the authors do an excellent job layering secrets, timelines, and small-town unease. The case feels weighty and high-stakes, giving Prairie her first truly “big” investigation and that sense of escalation works well.
That said, this installment felt a bit more procedural and slower in places than the first. Some of the emotional immediacy and sharp momentum I connected with earlier didn’t land quite as strongly here. Still, Prairie remains a compelling lead, smart, determined, and refreshingly human, and I continue to love the found-family dynamics of her team and the simmering tension with FBI agent Foster Rosemare.
Even though this wasn’t quite a standout favorite for me, it absolutely kept me invested in Prairie’s story. The groundwork being laid is clear, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing how everything unfolds next. I’ll be waiting (impatiently) for book three to see where this series goes.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarai Mulvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this installment of the series, Prairie has opened her private eye business with Joyce, Emma, and Marian that they had talked about at the end of Homemaker. Things haven't been great and money is starting to run dry until a potential new crime to solve falls into her lap. Prairie Nightingale is back on the case but could it really be a serial killer or is it just a string of unrelated events. That is up to Prairie and her team to figure out.

I love all of the relationships that the authors depict in these books. The found family aspect of this book in the female friendship at the agency and with Prairie's best friend Meghan. I enjoy that Prairie and Greg have found their way to friendship after divorce. Prairie's kids are also a great addition to this book providing both key pieces of the investigation and comedic relief.

The case is more complex with so many characters that it's harder to follow along with so many characters and it made it harder to be invested in each of the victim's stories.

The biggest disappointment was the romance subplot. I don't understand what is going on between Foster and Prairie, or why it is taking so long for them to get anything going. They are both grown adults that have been in serious relationships and they are acting like a couple of children.

Al in all, I really like this series and I can't wait for the next installment!

[Juli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following Homemaker, this second installment of the Pairie Nighingale series finds Prairie a newbie Private Investigator with her own agency. To learn how this all came about, I suggest reading the first book. The agency 's first case centers around some unexplained deaths in the same area, Door County, Wisconsin over a 30 year span. Bernie Dubicki, an online journalist brings the case to Prairie's agency convinced a serial killer is at work. A fema.e college student goes missing in that same area and the agency gets to work. The group does get some assistance from Prairie's love interest, FBI agent Foster Rosemare.

The subject matter is somewhat dark for a cozy mystery, but the authors Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare, don't dwell on the grim aspects and keep the tone light. The book starts out a bit slow, but picks up and the moves quickly to the conclusion.

I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to seeing how the Prairie/Foster relationship plays out. They seem to be moving slowly. The supporting characters are all well developed having spent time with them previously. This is a fun series, with mystery and romance in the mix.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Thomas & Mercer, for an ARC. The opinions in this review are my own.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Homemaker, the first volume in the Prairie Nightingale mystery series. It featured the perfect balance of irreverence and an irrepressible protagonist who successfully balanced family life with the curiosity needed to solve her friend's disappearance. Her persistence, alongside FBI Agent Foster Rosemare, led to a very satisfying conclusion.

I was pleased to preview the next volume in the series. In this installment, Prarie has launched her own PI firm staffed by women with diverse skillsets. After a long interval without a serious case that tests her self-confidence, the team finally takes on a challenge that tests the agency in ways they never imagined.

However, the large cast of characters and slower pace made it more difficult to track the players and stay engaged throughout. That said, Prairie and her crew eventually bring everything together for a solid finish.

While this sophomore effort did not quite live up to the debut, I remain intrigued enough to see what is next for Prairie Nightingale.

[Krisi Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare for allowing me to listen to this book in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this mystery! I love the idea of an all-women P.I. agency that focuses on finding individuals of crimes more than accepting any client because they have a big enough checkbook. The motley crew members of the agency is well done. And I loved the crossover of investigative work with parenting (which is a surprise since I am not a parent).

The mystery was fun to unravel, the sisterhood was evident, the light romance was cute. Overall it was an enjoyable read.
I’m giving this 4 stars, because sometimes I wanted a little more from the mystery, but there was so much foundation of what is clearly going to be multiple books that at times that seemed more of a focus. Which is fair, but I just felt myself wanting a little more sometimes. But really this is a 4.5 stars.
I recommend, it was a fun read!

[Beth Gerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the first book from Kindle Unlimited, I was happy to receive this ARC of book #2 in the series. Prairie Nightingale gives Finlay Donovan vibes and it's nice to have another FMC who doesn't necessarily have it all together to follow along with. It was satisfying to see the relationship with Foster grow and move forward as opposed to hanging in limbo for another book or two before resolving one way or the other and her relationship with her ex-husband also felt grounded in reality.

The mystery itself was a little convoluted with possibly too many characters that didn't need to be mentioned but I suppose if you're claiming a serial killer there have to be bodies to back up that claim. Will continue to read these books and others they write.

I received an ARC from NetGalley

[Anima · Rating 5 out of 5]

An all women private investigations firm works magic to solve murders and missing persons cases. Prairie started the firm with her assistant, MIL, and a podcaster. In addition to her new FBI friend, Foster, this team gets things done. Their dynamic is electrifying and intense. Prairie’s daughters are even helping, Annabel and Maelynn are unique young ladies with intriguing storylines. A client approaches them about finding a serial killer after she’s done all the legwork, wanting them to put pieces together. However Prairie and team must work the case their own way. I enjoy a great mystery story, catching the pieces and trying to solve it and this is the best I’ve read in a long while. If you haven’t read the first book, that’s alright you might miss some context about her family but the story is different. NetGalley provided the advanced copy and I’ve written my review voluntarily.

[Willa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really love Prairie Nightingale. This is the second book in the series, after “Homemaker.” In this installment, Prairie has started her private investigation business, but since they refuses to take the typical cheating spouse type cases, they’ve been basically stagnant for a year. Then they get hired for a case involving several murders and missing persons over a few decades.

The mystery is great, the camaraderie among the women and Prairie’s family is great, and so is the developing relationship between Prairie and FBI agent Foster Cosmare.

Highly recommended.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of “Trailbreaker” from Netgally in return for this honest review.

[KDRBCK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trailbreaker by Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare, published by Thomas & Mercer is the second book in the Prairie Nightingale Series.
I read the previous book, Homemaker and loved it so much, I couldn't wait to get my fingers on this second book.
Prairie, mother of 2 daughters, with 3 female partners just opened a PI bureau. But she doesn't handle the everyday cheating spouses case. No she reachs higher. Murder, vanishing paople, she has her hands full with private and business life. And last but not least her budding relationship with FBI Agent Foster.
A wonderful story that deserves all the stars.

[Dez Clayburg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m always up for a good mystery book and the description of Trailbreaker seemed right up my alley. Plus I’m always down for a female led mystery! I did enjoy the book and its characters. I like that it was a bit of a mix of mystery and romance. I do feel like the books lacked dedication in either area. The story line was a bit clumsy and hard to follow at times. Cases involving cheating were considered undesirable and I feel that was a bit unnecessary to focus on as an exclusion. The romance aspect was fun to read about but felt more surface level. Overall, this was a good read.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!

[Andi · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐.25 | 4.25 stars rounded down

I really loved being back with Prairie and her giant biological and found family! Like with the first book, the narrator is fanastic and did an excellent job differentiating between the horde of characters in this novel.

Although the mystery had A LOT going on, I really enjoyed it. The author handles very heavy topics with compassion and gentleness. Prairie's character growth is also gratifying and it was fun to get to know her daughters more throughout this. I am obsessed with Prairie and Foster and their slooooooooow-building romance.

Overall, a fantastic sequel!

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for the ALC!

[Terresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific second installment in the Prairie Nightingale series! As the Prairie Hawk Investigations team embarks on its initial "case-y case" together, will so many puzzle pieces that don't seem to fit from their first true client's mishmash of a case ever come together? Do they even have a case at all? And will Prairie and Foster truly take the next step in their "relationship"? While these questions are all answered with much satisfaction, one way or the other, the reader is left wanting so much more and anticipating what happens next. Highly recommended read!

[Megan Beech · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different type of murder mystery book that really kept my attention. This is the first time I've read or rather listened to this series but from what I gathered, I can find myself reading more. There were times where it was hard for me to differentiate this person from that person but all in all, a great mystery! Who doesn't love a good mystery from time to time?

The narrator kept the story going and I found myself ready to listen to another installment when I can find one. I highly recommend this book especially the audiobook wherever listeners find their books!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trailbreaker (Prairie Nightingale Book 2) was such a fun read, and I flew through it way faster than expected. It hits that perfect cozy mystery sweet spot: engaging without being heavy, clever without being confusing, and genuinely enjoyable from start to finish.

Prairie Nightingale is a fantastic lead—smart, capable, and refreshingly grounded. The mystery itself escalates in a really satisfying way, starting off small-town strange and slowly turning into something much bigger, darker, and more layered than you initially expect. The Door County setting adds great atmosphere, and the pacing kept me turning pages without ever feeling stressed or overwhelmed.

Bottom line: this is a fun, easy, really solid cozy mystery that knows exactly what it’s doing. Do not sleep on this author duo—**Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare absolutely deliver, and I’ll be picking up whatever they write next without hesitation.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prairie Nightingale does it again! This series is so fun. We have the private investigator business, Prairie’s fun family, and a mystery to solve. I appreciate how the author’s take a more modern approach with parenting and family dynamics. I like how Prairie sees things in her investigations that other people might miss. Overall I really enjoy this series and hope there is a third book (with more Foster Rosemare!)

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The narration was ok on the audiobook. The voiced matched the character and they did a good job telling the story, but it didn't help in keeping my interested.

I haven't read the first book in this series and this is book two. I don't believe reading the first book is a must, but I do think it would help in better understanding how her business and the people involved came together. There are brief mentions in the beginning.

Overall this is a good story. I would have liked to have more action and suspense in the story. The characters do provide helpful information and help the story along.

Thank you Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for the ALC.

[JXRReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun and cheerful cozy mystery about an assortment of disappearances that turn out to be a lot more connected than they seem: or at least that's Prairie's theory. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.