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, Cozy Mystery, Romance, Fiction, Audiobook, Cozy

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published 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!

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Prairie Hawk Investigation has opened its doors. New Private Investigator, Prairie Nightingale, is joined by Joyce, her ex-mother-in-law; a new forensic genealogist, Emma; a nineteen-year-old up-and-coming crime podcaster; and Marian, Prairie’s capable executive assistant. Her ex-husband, Greg, coparents their daughters, MaeLynn and Anabel, but with the new business, he may have to step up a little more.

Online Journalist Bernie Dubicki has a theory. She believes four Door County deaths that have been seen as unrelated are the work of a serial killer, and she wants the Prairie Hawk team to help her prove it. Prairie’s new “friend,” FBI agent Foster Rosemare, is interested in Bernie’s theory as well.

Realizing this case could be huge, Prairie hits the road for Door County to see if she can reveal the truth.

All the core characters Ms. Knox and Ms. Mare have created feel genuine and true to life. The women who make up Prairie Hawk Investigations are smart and capable. Each brings their own strength to the business. Greg and Prairie are still working their way through raising their daughters separately and together. MaeLynn is gifted and autistic, which takes some creative planning. Anabel is trying to obtain her driver’s license and gets some assistance from an interesting source. I really enjoy all these characters and their interactions. All the characters grew within these pages.

I appreciated the direction this book took, spinning off the Homemaker 724 Maple Project into the Prairie Hawk Investigation group. It plays to Prairie’s assets and skills. Skills that shone in Homemaker. Joyce, Emma, and Marian’s unique skills are beneficial in new ways, too. I liked that they want to set their company apart and not take run-of-the-mill investigations, like cheating spouses. By holding out, they landed a really big case.

That case unfolds at a comfortable pace until clues start to come together, then the pages fly. There were a lot of moving parts, but the authors plotted them out perfectly. Everyone communicated effectively and listened to each other’s ideas. Connections were made, and secrets were revealed that may have been missed by others. Even Prairie’s daughters got involved. I liked that they worked with the FBI and put emphasis on figuring out the story, not catching the killer. They let the FBI handle the heavy lifting.

This story takes place in another high tourist destination in Wisconsin. Door County is home to vibrant towns, villages, and communities. It’s a place our family loves to visit, and it was fun to travel there with Prairie.

Trailbreaker is a well-written story twisting together a complicated mystery with characters whose lives continue to evolve in meaningful ways. The relationship between Prairie and Foster is progressing glacially, but she has a lot on her plate, so it is understandable. I am very excited for this series to continue. Believer is set to be released on September 8, 2026.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the authors, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

[Dozelina 666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prairie is now a full-time PI and that alone made a big difference. She feels more settled into her role and less…complainy than she did before. I appreciated seeing her actually do the job instead of constantly second-guessing herself.

That said, while Prairie is clearly smart and observant, sometimes her leaps felt a bit impulsive.

The case itself was interesting: the idea of a serial killer hidden beneath a pristine, tourist-friendly setting worked well and I liked how the mystery slowly unfolded rather than relying on shock value. The pacing felt steadier than book one and the investigation had enough depth to keep me engaged throughout.

Prairie’s love life, though… that part left me a little confused. The way her relationship develops felt somewhat murky and underexplained and I wasn’t always sure how I was meant to feel about it. It didn’t ruin the book, but it did pull me out of the story at times.

Overall, a solid second installment that shows growth in both the series and the main character, even if a few elements still feel a bit uneven.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.75 stars)

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for the audiobook ARC.

[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)

[Phoenix2 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Big Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the Publisher for the advanced copy! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

'Trailbreaker' is the second book in the cozy mystery series by Ruthie Knox, 'Prairie Nightgale'/

The book follows Prairie as she and her agency take up a new case that connects murder and a series of missing people.

The mystery, first of all, was intriguing, but the investigation's progress was overshadowed by everything else, by Prairie's family drama and love adventures. Hence, the whole mystery was unsatisfying in the end, especially since the conclusion of the case was rushed, and the main character just happened to start connecting the dots in the very last minute and in a matter of seconds.

As for the romance, it was nice, but it felt rushed and was the main focus of the book.

The family drama was enjoyable, moreover, at first, but it got tiring to follow.

Finally, the book was too wordy, and thus, many scenes were just too long for no reason.

The writing was nice, though.

The audiobook, in addition, was pleasantly narrated, though the 'romantic' parts were almost whispered and then the volume got up again, and that was kind of irritating.

[Tam Sesto · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prairie is now running a detective agency, and her first case is looking for a suspected serial killer. I enjoyed the characters and the fact that the story took place in Wisconsin. The plot was intriguing, but confusing at times. The author didn’t really bridge the clues together for the reader to follow. The plot was wordy at times; felt like the author was just trying to get her numbers in.

My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.

[Disco · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the first book in this series, and I've been to Door County several times, so I was hoping to love this. It was disappointing. Too many things going on at once. What do I care about her ex-husband's girlfriend's son? Maybe a third of this could have been edited out. It started to just drag on.

[Allie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had missed the first book in the Prairie Nightingale series, Homemaker, when it came out last year. I have to confess that I probably bounced right off that title and didn’t look more deeply. (I REALLY don’t do domestic.)

About Last Night by Ruthie KnoxBUT, then I saw this tour, and did look more closely at the authors’ names and remembered that I loved both their books (About Last Night for Knox and The Story Guy for Mare writing as Mary Ann Rivers) but hadn’t picked up on anything new in a while. So I went back and picked up Homemaker and I absolutely ADORED it.

Clearly, you can’t judge a book by either its cover OR its title – and I should know better. (Not that I can’t be tempted by an intriguing one or the other.)

Trailbreaker picks up right where Homemaker left off. Well, sorta/kinda. Because it’s been a year for them, and not nearly as productive or profitable a year as they’d hoped. Prairie, Marian, Joyce and Emma started Prairie Hawk Investigations on a high after the successful – if tragic – conclusion of the Radcliffe case in Homemaker.

But they couldn’t use that case as a way of drumming up business. The credit went to law enforcement, and Prairie agreed not to talk about her contribution. A contribution without which the case would NEVER have been solved. But that’s Prairie all over.

The Story Guy by Mary Ann RiversOnly the people who know about Prairie’s involvement well, know. Along with some people who made it their business to know. And that’s where Bernie Dubicki comes in.

Bernie, an eccentric, wealthy, resident of Door County Wisconsin, KNOWS in her gut that something is wrong in HER county. But she can’t put her finger on exactly what – and neither can the legions of fans who follow her “Back Door” online newsletter and gossip sheet.

But Bernie has money to burn and Prairie Hawk desperately needs a new, paying, client so they can clean the literal mouse poop out of their office. Bernie thinks she’s going to run the investigation and micromanage Prairie Hawk every step of the way, because she’s a steamroller with a bee in her bonnet and that’s pretty much her modus operandi for living.

So she’s not surprised that Prairie Hawk takes her case – after all, her retainer check is going to keep them afloat for months and she knows it. But she is surprised – and eventually (EVENTUALLY!) respectful – when Prairie Nightingale takes the reins. Bernie hired them for their principles. But a LOT of their principles are firmly wrapped in standing their own ground and investigating a case their own way – regardless of what the client demands.

As much as the agency needs Bernie’s money, they’re not willing to compromise themselves or their ethics for it. That ground is hard won for all of them, and they’re not ceding it to a rich woman looking for validation of her pet conspiracy theories.

Which doesn’t mean that Bernie’s wrong about most – if not all of what she’s fixated on. There is something going on – including but not limited to incompetence or rug sweeping or corruption on the part of the Door County Sheriff’s department stretching back decades.

It’s going to take Prairie Hawk Investigations and every single resource they can bring to bear – especially themselves – to unknot the tangled web of coincidences, mysterious thefts, murders ruled accidents, and missing women to get to the heart of what – or who – has gone wrong in Door County’s backwoods.

And the clock is ticking, because the last victim of whatever or whoever this is, is still missing, PRESUMED dead a year after she disappeared. Miray Küçükgenç might still be alive. But the clock is ticking and it’s getting so loud that Prairie herself can’t stop hearing it. She’s determined to bring Miray home – whatever it takes and whoever it takes down along the way.

Escape Rating A: Trailbreaker was even better than Homemaker, which is saying something because I LOVED Homemaker a whole lot. What makes this one better, IMHO, is that Homemaker was, of necessity, a whole lot of setup for the series and for Prairie’s detective agency, Prairie Hawk Investigations.

THIS story is all about their first investigation as an official team. And it’s a doozy. (It was also so damn compelling – or compulsive – that as much as I was REALLY enjoying the audiobook narrated by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw, I couldn’t stop myself from continuing each day’s listen with even more reading. In the end I read as much as I listened. The audio was TERRIFIC, but reading is FAST.)

Part of what captivated me was the way that it grounds itself in what’s gone before while still moving forward. And I’m saying that even though that means that the place where this second book starts is with that ground in a bit of a hard freeze.

Because Prairie Hawk isn’t doing all that well a year after the events in Homemaker – and for reasons that are realistic on multiple levels. It’s not just that Prairie gave away the opportunity to publicize their foundational achievement in the Radcliffe case, but that her need to solve the puzzle, provide closure for the family, and especially to accommodate law enforcement, is very much part and parcel of how women are socialized. She’s expected to step back, and she does even though she already knows she shouldn’t.

And that issue is part of what makes Prairie Hawk’s contracts so stringent when it comes to standing their own ground, because it’s hard for all of them.

Also, for the past year, Prairie has let herself get dragged back into the self-effacing and self-erasing patterns of attending to every domestic crisis in her own household and not training her ex-husband to take the times and dates and responsibilities he AGREED to at the start of the business. The constant interruptions to Prairie’s time and derailments of Prairie’s business plans and work have consumed the agency – and it’s up to her not to keep falling into that.

We understand why she does because those old roles are comfortably familiar (if not always comfortable in any other sense) in a way that being the leader of her own business is not. But she’s exasperated her colleagues to the point where Bernie’s self-motivated intervention drops like a bomb into the middle of Prairie Hawk’s “come-to-Jesus” meeting with Prairie Nightingale about the way her domestic distractions are distracting their entire enterprise.

Which, by a circuitous route, leads back to the mouse poop on the conference room table and the team’s varying, but typical for each individual, reactions to it.

Bernie Dubicki serves as the team’s wake-up call in multiple ways. First and most obvious, she has a case for them, and enough money to make them think more than twice about doing anything other than taking it.

Bernie, herself is actually the biggest drawback to the case, almost but not quite enough to outweigh the size of her bankroll. On the one hand, Bernie’s very up front with the fact that she was looking for an all-woman detective agency that would actually LISTEN to her, because law enforcement clearly is not.

OTOH, Bernie is a steamroller, which is part of why law enforcement isn’t listening to her. If she were a man, her steamroller tendencies would be seen as the strength of conviction, but in a woman it’s all chalked up to over-reacting and a need for attention. (We’ve ALL heard that one before IRL.) At the same time, there’s a clear undercurrent that Bernie knows that Prairie Hawk is desperate for a case, and figures she can steamroller them into investigating HER pet theories and following HER lead and being HER mouthpiece.

So while Bernie’s case is the making of Prairie Hawk Investigation in a lot of ways, this case also prods Bernie into a whole lot of changes of her own. Not so much the making of Bernie as the remaking of Bernie with a bit more understanding of the people around her.

But it’s the case that keeps the reader following along with Prairie, possibly trying to put a foot on an imaginary accelerator for the story every bit as much and as often as Prairie is trying to pump on an imaginary brake when her daughter is driving – after said daughter side-swiped a pedestrian in her first attempt at taking her driving test.

The case is, just as the agency and the story itself are, female-centric, female-forward and female-focused. While it’s the last victim (so far and Prairie’s hoping to keep it that way) that has Prairie’s mom-senses tingling, the whole chain of crimes is not as equal opportunity as it appears on the surface in a really terrible way. Both men and women get robbed and murdered along this criminal’s path. But the men just get killed – the women get abducted and held, somewhere, for days or weeks or in the last case nearly a year so far. All the murders get chalked up to death by misadventure or accident, this missing persons cases get labelled as ‘running away’, but in the case of the women’s murders or disappearances evidence gets outright ignored that doesn’t fit the easiest theory.

It’s up to Prairie and her team to take Bernie’s conspiracy theories and set them aside, while still investigating the individual crimes that stretch back decades, to do the coordination that law enforcement seemingly can’t or won’t. Which they do. And it’s an absolute blast to watch them work, struggle with their internal issues and team-building, and work some more.

And get the job that no one else has managed to do, done. In time to save one missing young woman, while bringing closure to a whole bunch of grieving families AND putting the guilty behind bars.

Two final notes as I close. There’s one thing that nagged at me, and I recognize that it’s very much a ‘me’ thing but still. The ending of Prairie Hawk’s case was just right. It provided the best outcome for the victims and their families, rescuing the girl who could still be rescued, closing out several missing persons cases, providing a kind of emotional restitution to families who were told their loved one had committed suicide when they’d been murdered, etc., etc., along with putting Prairie Hawk Investigations back in the black and hopefully on track.

But I missed a scene I desperately wanted, where all those law enforcement agencies who did a ton of rug sweeping got hauled onto the carpet by someone and accepted – or rejected – delivery of a righteous lecture detailing just how badly they all effed up. Because they did. (Unless, of course, Prairie Hawk’s caseload is going to get built on picking up after law enforcement’s rug sweeping and effing up and in that case never mind.) I still wanted to see that message delivered by someone, even if it had to be FBI Agent Foster Rosemare and his semi-retired intelligence agent dad.

Second, I do enjoy the understated, hesitant, step forward and back romance between Prairie and Foster Rosemare. I’m not saying they should pick up the pace because it feels right this way under their circumstances. But there’s starting to be a feeling that what’s keeping the pace so slow is at least partly the long arm of coincidence inserting interruptions and taking him out of town at critical moments. That long arm can get brittle if it gets too long and starts seeming too coincidental. It’s not there yet but it is getting there. (My two cents and your reading mileage may vary.)

All in very much all in this case, I had an excellent reading/listening time with Prairie Nightingale and Trailbreaker. I wasn’t ready to let this book end at all – no matter how much I raced to find out how it ended. Which means that I’m thrilled that the next book in the series, Believer, is coming in September. I’m already looking forward to it.

I hope I’ve teased you sufficiently that you’ll give Prairie Nightingale’s investigations a try. And if you’d like to take another metaphorical tromp through the Door County backwoods after you finish Trailbreaker, take a look at Annelise Ryan’s Monster Hunter Mysteries, starting with A Death in Door County. Just something to tide you over while, like me, you’re itching for Prairie Hawk’s next case.

Originally published at Reading Reality

[Vanessa Sumner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness what a fabulous second book in this series! I kept forcing myself to put it down to make it last longer. I just love, love these characters, their voices and their mission. I genuinely learn how to be a better person from reading these books. The other day I was on a hard phone call and I was about to speak and then thought, “Prairie Nightingale wouldn’t tell someone she was listening, she would just listen.” So I just listened for once in my damn life and felt so much better about it all. I already pre-ordered the third book!!

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

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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.

[Anne - Books of My Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
 

Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

4.5 hearts

The Prairie Nightingale series is a collaboration between two of my favorite authors.   It's a new mystery series about a professional homemaker turning into a private investigator.  I absolutely LOVE it.  Prairie is a divorced mother of two girls.    She co-parents with her ex Greg. He is very successful and not a bad guy, just one who really didn't pay attention to Prairie, other than as his personal attendant. His mother Joyce, lives with Prairie and helps with the girls. I would read these in order for the character and romance developments.

After a year as a detective, Prairie is finding her office dusty without clients.  They don't want to catch cheating spouses. They want to do something more important. It's a slow start.  Then they are hired by a wealthy woman who thinks several disappearances in Door County are the result of a serial killer.

Prairie and her team do just the right thing. They don't just take the intel from their client.  They develop their own information and verify intel she had where they can.  A different picture emerges.  Their highest priority becomes the latest missing woman who might still be alive.

On this journey, she is supported by Foster, the FBI agent and his contacts.  The firm figures out who they are and their clients should be. Each women uses her unique skills to solve the problems.  Even her youngest daughter, Maelynn is able to help with her talents.  The story is smart and often funny.

I appreciate the diverse characters and the unique way this family works together and supports each other, even as Prairie and her ex Greg develop new relationships. Greg has taken on more of the parenting but he's not as experienced and struggles a bit.   I love Prairie and Foster's first date!  I look forward to Believer in September.

Narration:
The narrator is new to me, although she does also narrate the sapphic romances these authors have written (I read the ebooks for those.)  I was very comfortable with her voices and the differences for the age and gender felt appropriate.  I listened at my newer 1.75x speed.

Listen to a clip: HERE

[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
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Anne - Books of My Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
 

Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

4.5 hearts

The Prairie Nightingale series is a collaboration between two of my favorite authors.   It's a new mystery series about a professional homemaker turning into a private investigator.  I absolutely LOVE it.  Prairie is a divorced mother of two girls.    She co-parents with her ex Greg. He is very successful and not a bad guy, just one who really didn't pay attention to Prairie, other than as his personal attendant. His mother Joyce, lives with Prairie and helps with the girls. I would read these in order for the character and romance developments.

After a year as a detective, Prairie is finding her office dusty without clients.  They don't want to catch cheating spouses. They want to do something more important. It's a slow start.  Then they are hired by a wealthy woman who thinks several disappearances in Door County are the result of a serial killer.

Prairie and her team do just the right thing. They don't just take the intel from their client.  They develop their own information and verify intel she had where they can.  A different picture emerges.  Their highest priority becomes the latest missing woman who might still be alive.

On this journey, she is supported by Foster, the FBI agent and his contacts.  The firm figures out who they are and their clients should be. Each women uses her unique skills to solve the problems.  Even her youngest daughter, Maelynn is able to help with her talents.  The story is smart and often funny.

I appreciate the diverse characters and the unique way this family works together and supports each other, even as Prairie and her ex Greg develop new relationships. Greg has taken on more of the parenting but he's not as experienced and struggles a bit.   I love Prairie and Foster's first date!  I look forward to Believer in September.

[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.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up on NetGalley because I already owned the first installment and found Prairie Nightingale to be a genuinely intriguing character. It was interesting to return to her world and see both her and her team navigating new struggles between books. The mystery itself was engaging, though it took some time to reach its core. While I appreciated watching the investigative process unfold, the fact that most of the story takes place over just five days didn’t quite work for me. So much happens in such a short span that it became difficult to believe the police department wouldn’t have uncovered at least some leads on the missing college student sooner, or that another agency wouldn’t have stepped in. It also felt as though the current political climate surrounding immigration wasn’t fully considered, which made parts of the investigation feel less grounded. I wish there had been more resolution once it was revealed that the police department had been brushing these murders and kidnappings under the rug.
One of the standout aspects of the book was the involvement of Prairie’s children. They felt far less like background characters this time and much more like fully developed teenagers with their own voices and meaningful roles, adding depth and emotional weight to the story.
Story: An engaging mystery that takes time to reach its core, with a strong focus on investigative process but some gaps in realism and resolution.
Character Growth: Strong, particularly for Prairie and her children, who felt more developed and integral to the story than in the first book.
Plot Progression: Uneven, the compressed five-day timeline made the volume of events feel implausible and occasionally undercut the tension.
Writing Style: Detailed and procedural, with an emphasis on character dynamics, though certain real-world elements felt underexplored.

[Cassondra Perea · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALC REVIEW:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Prairie Nightingale, a single-mother and armature sleuth, found her calling solving Lisa Radcliffe’s murder. Putting her keen sense of investigation to good uses, she teamed up with three other women to open an all-female PI firm. While the women are enthusiastic about helping their community, business is slow. Unwilling to investigate cheaters, Prairie agrees to take on the Bernie Dubicki case. Despite having reservations that a serial killer is at large in Door County, they aren’t in any position to turn down a paying gig. Will Prairie and her team be able to connect the string of crimes/ murders before they have to close their doors for good?

As a fan of cozy mysteries, I have been on the hunt for a series reminiscent of Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan. I believe I have finally found it in Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare’s (best friend duo) Prairie Nightingale!!!

Trailbreaker (book 2) is a fast-paced read that captured my interest from the start. Despite coming into the series late, Knox/ Mare did a fantastic job getting me up to speed. Not only was I impressed with the plot (great twists/ turns), I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Mia Hutchinson- Shaw’s voice acting (narrator).

Be sure to read this book for:
-Single Mother/ Private Investigator FMC
-Predominantly Female Cast
-LGBTQIA+ & Neurodivergent Rep.
-Small Town Setting (Green Bay, Wisconsin)

* Trailbreaker is Ruthie Knox/ Annie Mare’s second book in the Prairie Nightingale Series. However, they wrote this book as a standalone novel. Therefore, readers do not have to have read the first book to both follow and enjoy this one!

Special thanks to Netgalley, Brilliance Publishing (Audio), Ruthie Knox, and Annie Mare for allowing me to listen to this book in exchange for my honest review.

[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.

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Mercer for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Content warnings provided by reviewers on Storygraph:

Graphic: Alcoholism, Confinement, Death
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Bullying, Homophobia, Physical abuse
You know what I love about cozy mysteries? One, a strong female lead like Prairie Nightingale, who is smart, principled, and she doesn’t have it all together. Which, let’s be honest, makes her very relatable. 😉Her daughters are great minor characters, too. They remind me so much of my kids. Because the story is set in Northeast Wisconsin, I appreciated the touches and references she made to our communities like Green Bay or Sturgeon Bay, and heck, Door County as a whole.

One of the content warnings is a big NO for me when I’m reading, so I wondered how affected I would be. I thought it was handled very delicately, in fact, so bonus points for that. I have not read the first book in the series (but have it on my Kindle!) I think this book could be read as a standalone. It references the first book, but the story also stands on its own. And the mystery is top notch.


There are hints at romance with an FBI agent named Foster. It’s definitely a slow burn and is part of the story, but it’s not THE focus of the story. The mystery comes first.

Now, let’s talk about Mia Hutchinson-Shaw, the narrator of the audiobook. Nailed it. Absolutely nailed it. I’ve listened to quite a few local authors’ books, and let’s just say they were tolerable. The audiobook was So. So. Good.

[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!

[Mikala · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love Trailbreaker as much as I enjoyed the first book, but unfortunately, this sequel didn’t come close to hitting the same mark.
While the first installment felt balanced, this one leaned much more heavily into an overt romance that just didn’t work for me. The chemistry felt forced, and the interactions between Prairie and Foster were painful and stilted most of the time. It felt more like watching awkward teenagers than two grown adults.
Beyond the romance, the plot tackles some very heavy and deep topics, including a string of serial murders and systemic failures. However, the execution felt off. These serious themes weren't treated with the depth or care they deserved; instead, they often felt like a backdrop for social commentary rather than a cohesive part of a mystery.
The story spends a lot of time on discussions of victim-shaming and overlooked clues, which are important conversations to have, but here they felt repetitive and sometimes preachy. I appreciated the "victim-focused" mission of Prairie’s agency in theory, but in practice, the narrative felt disjointed.
If you loved the tight pacing and character growth of the first book, you might find this one a bit of a slog. I’m still interested in Prairie as a character, but I hope the next book finds its way back to the balance of the original.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m happy to share a review of a book I loved this Valentine’s Day! I read book one (Homemaker) last summer and adored it, so I was delighted when I had the chance to read and review book two. Go ahead and sign me up for book three – I am 100% in! If you enjoyed the Finlay Donovan mystery series, I’d suggest this series. It’s a totally different story and characters (not as zany), but similar vibes and oh so much fun.

Where to start? The mystery is slow to unfold, but I appreciated the pacing. I loved getting to see Prairie and her friends/co-workers set up in their PI agency, even though they were struggling to get the business off the ground. The mystery is a fascinating one – I love mysteries that span years and involve all sorts of research into the past. I was never sure who to believe or trust, but I knew Prairie would guide me through.

Prairie remains determined and principled and yes, a little impulsive…but she’s also reflective and thoughtful and I love that about her. Both and, right?

I adore all the side characters, and as a mom of a teenager, I will say those teens are perfectly written.

There’s also a lovely balance of a serious mystery unfolding and humor and a bit of romance (that could speed up a bit, but that’s just me, ha!).

Highly recommend this series and this latest entry is another five star read for this mystery lover.

[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.