Murder in the Crazy Mountains

Montana Animal Rescue #1

by K. L. Borges

 Helena, Montana. Kelly Boyd, long time high school math teacher has hung up her chalkboard and joined RogerDog Rescue working alongside the gruff founder, Betty Mills and quickly became second in command at the shelter. Rescue is full of frequent surprises, and at first it seems like business as usual when hikers bring in a dog found wandering in the Crazy Mountains. Normal goes out the window, though, when the dog is discovered to be sporting suspicious wounds. How was he hurt? Why was he in the Crazies? What does this mean for his missing owner? Kelly and Betty team up to investigate alongside ex-Army Cici Vargas who sees the dog as a major clue in the disappearance of her fellow veteran, Brianna Norwood. Not everyone wants them to dig up answers, though. The police warn them off, while a shadowy character would go to any lengths to keep his secrets buried. Can the trio stay out of jail and safe from harm long enough to solve the mystery?

 

244 pages, Paperback

Published October 14, 2025

Reviews

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a couple of the most unique characters! Along with retired math teacher, Kelly Boyd, former Army MP, Betty Mills they run the RogerDog Rescue in Helena, Montana. When an unusually patterned dog is brought in after being found by hikers in the Crazy Mountains, Kelly discovers he has been shot, several times. Once he is rehabbed, his picture is posted on the PetFinders site. The final member of the Three Musketeers then comes into their lives. Her name is Cici Vargas. She is also former Army, injured in battle. She now has PTSD and an artificial leg. When she arrives to claim the dog then being called Murphy, she says his owner, her friend and former Army buddy, Brianna would never leave the dog, whose name is Rett. Something is seriously wrong. As the trio investigates, they find Brianna's body buried under a rock pile in the Crazies. I will not share more to avoid spoilers, but these three along with Rett have quite the adventure solving the mystery of Brianna.
I thoroughly enjoyed this, read it in one day. The characters are compelling, the setting calls out to me and the plot was complex with just enough red herrings to keep my turn pages.

[Danielle Groves · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’ll find yourself routing for this team!

If you love mysteries, dogs, fantastic friendships, and a great ending that I won’t give away, this book is for you!! The three musketeers in this group are an amazing group of friends whose relationship came from their time working in a shelter. When one of their own is murdered, the police are no help, and this team takes on the investigation. Thankfully, the rescued dog Rett has a great memory, and is the first to make a big find in the case! The story of the veteran and her struggles harkens to that of the dogs they work with! And the two heelers come through in the end to protect their family. A tale of unity, friendship, support, and fur love! When does KL Borges’s next book come out????

[Danielle Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of friends and fur babies who go beyond the extra mile to find justice for their murdered friend. When the local police can't seem to get it together, it's up to these three who met working at an animal rescue together to take on the investigation. The author's stories characters are so realistic that I wished I was able to sit down at the bar with them! The story is suspenseful and flows easily through the stages of friends facing grief and the reality of a veteran's struggles who has PTSD. Throughout we are reminded that a dog is more than a pet--it is family. The rescued dog Rett breaks the case, and I won't give aways the ending...but I'm very glad that the two heelers were there for Kelly! I am excited to see what happens in Borge's next book!

[Thérèsa Merchant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enormous fun. Uniquely great characters in this cozy mystery gem. Perfect for dog lovers and anyone who wants a strong FMC that still feels like a real person. Definitely will recommend this one, and be awaiting the next!

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great job for a first book. Enjoyed your meet and greet at Billings Library.

[Nicholle]

Not rated here since I'm a High Plains Book Award reader.
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