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Timber Creek K-9 Mystery #2
Stalking Ground
Easy Targets
When Chief Deputy Ken Brody’s sweetheart goes missing in the mountains outside Timber Creek, Mattie Cobb and her K-9 partner, Robo, are called to search. But it’s mid-October and a dark snowstorm is brewing over the high country. And they’re already too late. By the time they find her body, the storm has broken and the snow is coming down hard.
While Brody hikes down to bring back the forensics team, and veterinarian Cole Walker gathers supplies to protect them from the storm, Mattie and Robo find themselves alone, guarding the gravesite overnight in the early winter. And it’s only the first in a series of long, dark nights. As their investigation develops, Mattie, Robo, Brody and Cole find themselves in the middle of the killer’s stalking ground—where the hunters have just become the hunted.
When Chief Deputy Ken Brody’s sweetheart goes missing in the mountains outside Timber Creek, Mattie Cobb and her K-9 partner, Robo, are called to search. But it’s mid-October and a dark snowstorm is brewing over the high country. And they’re already too late. By the time they find her body, the storm has broken and the snow is coming down hard.
While Brody hikes down to bring back the forensics team, and veterinarian Cole Walker gathers supplies to protect them from the storm, Mattie and Robo find themselves alone, guarding the gravesite overnight in the early winter. And it’s only the first in a series of long, dark nights. As their investigation develops, Mattie, Robo, Brody and Cole find themselves in the middle of the killer’s stalking ground—where the hunters have just become the hunted.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2016
374 people are currently reading
2007 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Mizushima
16 books1,189 followersMargaret Mizushima is the author of the award-winning and internationally published Timber Creek K-9 Mysteries. Active within the writing community, Margaret serves as president for the Rocky Mountain Chapter of Mystery Writers of America, was elected the 2019-2020 Writer of the Year by Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, and is also a member of Northern Colorado Writers and Sisters in Crime. She lives in Colorado on a small ranch with her veterinarian husband where they raised two daughters and a multitude of animals. She can be found on Facebook/AuthorMargaretMizushima, Twitter @margmizu, Instagram at margmizu, and her website at www.margaretmizushima.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 526 reviews
September 15, 2020
The second in the Timber Creek K-9 Mystery series! Another exciting crime thriller, fraught with tension and danger! I love this series!
Although she doubted Robo needed it, she took the scent article from her utility belt to refresh his memory. As they neared the spot where they would leave the trail, she wanted him to remember the reason they'd come up here was to look for Adrienne.
As they breached another steep rise, Robo came to a sudden halt. He paused with his ears pricked forward, nose up, sniffing the wind. When Mattie drew up beside him, he turned to look into her eyes. He shifted, stood at attention, and looked down into a draw off to the west. She recognized the stance: Full Alert.
Robo darted toward a large pile of rocks. He pinned his ears as he approached—hunkered and slinked up, poking his nose into a crack in the mound. Mattie hurried toward him as he turned. He made eye contact... and he sat. Robo's signal to indicate a find. She felt her chest tighten, unable to catch her breath. She could read Robo's distress in the tightness around his eyes. His two-day search for the missing woman had come to an end.
This must be Adrienne's grave.
******
Stalking Ground by Margaret Mizushima is the second book in the Timber Creek K-9 Mystery series.
The first book, Killing Trail, was a thrilling beginning to what has proved to be an exciting new series for me and this one was no exception. The storyline is engaging and realistic, with a fast pace that had me unwilling to put it down until the very end. While this book wasn't quite as good as the first as I had an inkling about who the killer was early on, it didn't distract me from enjoying the tension and excitement of the story from beginning to end. As the clues to the crime emerge the danger and apprehension raised my heart rate higher and higher with each step Mattie and Robo come to catching the killer!
The setting is a small town close to Denver Colorado which is smack dab in between my home in New Mexico and my family's cabin in Centennial, Wyoming and Margaret Mizushima paints the scenery perfectly! A strong 4.5★'s!
After reading the first book back in March of this year, I saved the next three until now so I could read them back to back while at our family cabin in Wyoming. And so.... here I am at the base of the Snowy Mountain Range, the stream gurgling in my ears, shimmering in the late summer sun and aspen leaves dancing in the crisp breeze.
I'm starting the next in the series, Hunting Hour right now!
Although she doubted Robo needed it, she took the scent article from her utility belt to refresh his memory. As they neared the spot where they would leave the trail, she wanted him to remember the reason they'd come up here was to look for Adrienne.
As they breached another steep rise, Robo came to a sudden halt. He paused with his ears pricked forward, nose up, sniffing the wind. When Mattie drew up beside him, he turned to look into her eyes. He shifted, stood at attention, and looked down into a draw off to the west. She recognized the stance: Full Alert.
Robo darted toward a large pile of rocks. He pinned his ears as he approached—hunkered and slinked up, poking his nose into a crack in the mound. Mattie hurried toward him as he turned. He made eye contact... and he sat. Robo's signal to indicate a find. She felt her chest tighten, unable to catch her breath. She could read Robo's distress in the tightness around his eyes. His two-day search for the missing woman had come to an end.
This must be Adrienne's grave.
******
Stalking Ground by Margaret Mizushima is the second book in the Timber Creek K-9 Mystery series.
The first book, Killing Trail, was a thrilling beginning to what has proved to be an exciting new series for me and this one was no exception. The storyline is engaging and realistic, with a fast pace that had me unwilling to put it down until the very end. While this book wasn't quite as good as the first as I had an inkling about who the killer was early on, it didn't distract me from enjoying the tension and excitement of the story from beginning to end. As the clues to the crime emerge the danger and apprehension raised my heart rate higher and higher with each step Mattie and Robo come to catching the killer!
The setting is a small town close to Denver Colorado which is smack dab in between my home in New Mexico and my family's cabin in Centennial, Wyoming and Margaret Mizushima paints the scenery perfectly! A strong 4.5★'s!
After reading the first book back in March of this year, I saved the next three until now so I could read them back to back while at our family cabin in Wyoming. And so.... here I am at the base of the Snowy Mountain Range, the stream gurgling in my ears, shimmering in the late summer sun and aspen leaves dancing in the crisp breeze.
I'm starting the next in the series, Hunting Hour right now!
April 2, 2017
This is the second book in the Mattie Cobb series. The best part of this series is the relationship between Mattie and Robo, her GSD K9 dog. Mizushima gets that relationship exactly right. I swear, when she's talking about Robo’s expressions and actions, I can picture them perfectly.
This is an interesting plot premise. A massage therapist from the new health resort is found murdered. She also happens to be the girlfriend of the other detective on the force. Most of the characters from the first book have returned, including Stella who I really like. You can figure out pretty early on who the murderer is, but that didn't dampen my enjoyment of the book.
You start to learn more about Maddie herself. Repressed memories come to the forefront when she hears from her brother for the first time in years.
I keep waiting to see if a romantic relationship with develop with Cole, the local veterinarian. And I give Mizushima credit, she understands the fun of raising teenagers perfectly.
Overall, another fun read that I can recommend.
This is an interesting plot premise. A massage therapist from the new health resort is found murdered. She also happens to be the girlfriend of the other detective on the force. Most of the characters from the first book have returned, including Stella who I really like. You can figure out pretty early on who the murderer is, but that didn't dampen my enjoyment of the book.
You start to learn more about Maddie herself. Repressed memories come to the forefront when she hears from her brother for the first time in years.
I keep waiting to see if a romantic relationship with develop with Cole, the local veterinarian. And I give Mizushima credit, she understands the fun of raising teenagers perfectly.
Overall, another fun read that I can recommend.
October 15, 2019
When a fellow deputy's girlfriend disappears, Mattie Cobb and her K-9 partner, Robo, are on the case. Turns out, it's a lot more complicated and dangerous than a missing person's case....
I love this series. The characters are engaging. The setting in Colorado is perfect. I like Mizushima's writing style. Mattie is an intelligent and skilled main character, but with flaws and past demons to work through just like everyone else. She's dealing with pent up emotions from a shattered childhood and dealing with it the best she can. Her relationship with her furry partner is perfect. Robo knows his training and Mattie watches out for him. Makes for a great story!
There is a new book in this series coming out soon, so I'm listening to all four books in this series before jumping into the new one. Stalking Ground is the 2nd book in the series. The first book, Killing Trail, was excellent. There is more character development (a look into Mattie's past, strengthening of relationships with her co-workers Brody, Stella and Rainbow, and further bonding between Mattie & Robo, the vet becomes a major character, etc) in this second book. The secondary elements in the story kept my interest just as much as the crime-related plot. The character development added to the story without taking away from the main investigation.
I listened to the audio book (Blackstone Publishing) version of this story. The audio is just over 9 hours long and narrated by Nancy Wu. Wu reads at a steady pace and does an excellent job of reading/voice acting. Excellent listening experience!
Another great book in this series! I'm moving on to book 3, Hunting Hour.
I love this series. The characters are engaging. The setting in Colorado is perfect. I like Mizushima's writing style. Mattie is an intelligent and skilled main character, but with flaws and past demons to work through just like everyone else. She's dealing with pent up emotions from a shattered childhood and dealing with it the best she can. Her relationship with her furry partner is perfect. Robo knows his training and Mattie watches out for him. Makes for a great story!
There is a new book in this series coming out soon, so I'm listening to all four books in this series before jumping into the new one. Stalking Ground is the 2nd book in the series. The first book, Killing Trail, was excellent. There is more character development (a look into Mattie's past, strengthening of relationships with her co-workers Brody, Stella and Rainbow, and further bonding between Mattie & Robo, the vet becomes a major character, etc) in this second book. The secondary elements in the story kept my interest just as much as the crime-related plot. The character development added to the story without taking away from the main investigation.
I listened to the audio book (Blackstone Publishing) version of this story. The audio is just over 9 hours long and narrated by Nancy Wu. Wu reads at a steady pace and does an excellent job of reading/voice acting. Excellent listening experience!
Another great book in this series! I'm moving on to book 3, Hunting Hour.
September 29, 2016
On a scale from 1~10, with 1 being Benji and 10 being Roscoe the Australian Cattle Dog, Stalking Ground is around a 5. You could never accuse it of gritty realism, but it's entertaining enough.
March 5, 2024
A cop and her canine partner track down the killer of a colleague’s girlfriend. Deputy Mattie Cobb has already proved that she and Robo, her K-9 partner are a team to be commended. Actually, Robo is more efficient that some humans I've met:) Noone was surprised that when Chief Deputy Ken Brody’s girlfriend, Adrienne Howard, goes missing, he wants Mattie and Rebo's help. They haven't been closest of friends, but he needs the best and Mattie and Rebo are it. Brody insists that something has happened to Adrienne even though it's only been 48 hours since she disappeared and demands that there be a search. Mattie and Robo go over the area near Adrienne’s abandoned car, but nothing turns up. Robo finally finds a clue on a horse trail and leads Mattie to Adrienne’s body. Mattie’s friend and maybe boyfriend veterinarian Cole Walker, brings food and water to Mattie and Robo who is guarding the body until the team arrives to gather evidence if there even is any, and ends up staying with them. They share personal stories through the night and make some progress toward a more clearly defined relationship. It seems that Cole is a popular guy. Carmen Santiago, his newest client at the Dark Horse Stable, is also very interested in him and wouldn't be beyond trying to cause trouble. There's still a case to solve and Adrienne is still dead, so Mattie and Robo have to track down her killer. More problems and trouble await Mattie after her long absent brother reaches out to her. This is the authors second book in this series and while it has a decent mystery, a well written story, and the characters are interesting and believable...especially the dog...there wasn't enough going on around the investigation or finding the killer. Too much time standing in a snowstorm, still it was a decent enough story.
March 10, 2021
(Cole) began to wish he’d asked Tess to ride along and make this call with him. He couldn’t predict how Carmen would react, especially after she’d made a pass at him. It seemed silly, but a veterinarian became vulnerable when working alone on house calls without a witness…
Set in the Rocky Mountain High area of Colorado, sees dog-handler Deputy Mattie Cobb and Robo searching (and finding) the body of Adrienne Howard, girlfriend of Chief Deputy Brodie – the shallow grave and arrow suggest it was no suicide. A year earlier another young woman was killed, but there is no suggestion of a link, even though the dead woman worked as a massage therapist at a wellness resort. A snowstorm is building as Mattie tries to secure the site and while Brodie returns to town to get help, local vet Cole Walker, a divorcee with two daughters, arrives on the scene bringing a tent and supplies, an embryonic relationship developing between the two.
This story was like an old sofa, firm at either end, sagging in the middle, dragged down by Cole’s domestic dramas with his elder daughter and Mattie’s difficult upbringing with suggestions of sexual abuse, but Sheriff McCoy steadies the ship. The main theme here is a shonky horse-training operation with links to a drug cartel, and while the vet stuff carries a lot of weight (the author’s husband is a vet) some scenes defy logic: why it takes three law-enforcement officers to move a bed when the suspect managed it single-handed?
I liked the landscapes and the hunter stalking scene was well-handled, so overall a satisfying read, especially for those who enjoy a romance featuring children and animals.
Set in the Rocky Mountain High area of Colorado, sees dog-handler Deputy Mattie Cobb and Robo searching (and finding) the body of Adrienne Howard, girlfriend of Chief Deputy Brodie – the shallow grave and arrow suggest it was no suicide. A year earlier another young woman was killed, but there is no suggestion of a link, even though the dead woman worked as a massage therapist at a wellness resort. A snowstorm is building as Mattie tries to secure the site and while Brodie returns to town to get help, local vet Cole Walker, a divorcee with two daughters, arrives on the scene bringing a tent and supplies, an embryonic relationship developing between the two.
This story was like an old sofa, firm at either end, sagging in the middle, dragged down by Cole’s domestic dramas with his elder daughter and Mattie’s difficult upbringing with suggestions of sexual abuse, but Sheriff McCoy steadies the ship. The main theme here is a shonky horse-training operation with links to a drug cartel, and while the vet stuff carries a lot of weight (the author’s husband is a vet) some scenes defy logic: why it takes three law-enforcement officers to move a bed when the suspect managed it single-handed?
I liked the landscapes and the hunter stalking scene was well-handled, so overall a satisfying read, especially for those who enjoy a romance featuring children and animals.
September 9, 2016
Reading Margaret Mizushima's first book, Killing Trail, hooked me on her characters and the setting. I thought her debut had a couple of minor glitches, but looked forward to her second book. I am thrilled to say that Stalking Ground addresses almost all those points I noticed in the first, and in addition is an even stronger, tighter, more thrilling read.
Mattie's relationship with her K-9 partner Robo is a very important part of the book (and the series)-- and not just because of the mysteries they solve. A training session for the two of them in Denver is worked seamlessly into the narrative, and later on Mizushima introduces us to another canine character, Bruno the Doberman Pinscher. It's fascinating to learn about the lives of working dogs like Robo.
These Timber Creek K-9 mysteries are a character-rich environment, which may not be preferable to those who prefer mystery to that "relationship nonsense," but I love it. Mattie and Robo aren't the only two in town; we also are privileged to watch busy veterinarian Cole Walker on his rounds, as he volunteers for search and rescue, and-- most importantly-- how he and his daughters adjust to a very difficult divorce in which his wife left the family. This adjustment period isn't going smoothly because Mizushima's characters are very human and make their share of mistakes. Cole and Mattie are obviously being paired off (slowly), and it will be an interesting relationship to watch develop. Mattie has her own demons, and her own dreams of family that may, or may not, come true.
Once again, Mizushima has written some wonderful action sequences high up in those Colorado Rockies, especially the scene involving Cole. There's just one little thing to dull the bright shine of Stalking Ground: it was still all too simple for me to deduce who- and where-dunit. All that needed to be divulged were a few specifics. However, with the characters and setting this author has created, this is a minor quibble indeed, and I'm certainly looking forward to book number three.
Mattie's relationship with her K-9 partner Robo is a very important part of the book (and the series)-- and not just because of the mysteries they solve. A training session for the two of them in Denver is worked seamlessly into the narrative, and later on Mizushima introduces us to another canine character, Bruno the Doberman Pinscher. It's fascinating to learn about the lives of working dogs like Robo.
These Timber Creek K-9 mysteries are a character-rich environment, which may not be preferable to those who prefer mystery to that "relationship nonsense," but I love it. Mattie and Robo aren't the only two in town; we also are privileged to watch busy veterinarian Cole Walker on his rounds, as he volunteers for search and rescue, and-- most importantly-- how he and his daughters adjust to a very difficult divorce in which his wife left the family. This adjustment period isn't going smoothly because Mizushima's characters are very human and make their share of mistakes. Cole and Mattie are obviously being paired off (slowly), and it will be an interesting relationship to watch develop. Mattie has her own demons, and her own dreams of family that may, or may not, come true.
Once again, Mizushima has written some wonderful action sequences high up in those Colorado Rockies, especially the scene involving Cole. There's just one little thing to dull the bright shine of Stalking Ground: it was still all too simple for me to deduce who- and where-dunit. All that needed to be divulged were a few specifics. However, with the characters and setting this author has created, this is a minor quibble indeed, and I'm certainly looking forward to book number three.
November 30, 2018
More dead bodies, more mystery, some shocking revelations. Better than book one but it still feels like the author is holding back, being safe in her writing. The characters are so well balanced, such thin before they act types, they are boring. I keep waiting for one of them to just take a chance, but then plan everything out, thinking it through before. Even the bad guys are sterilized feeling, no foul language, no outlandish behaviors they are so civil. I already bought book 3 so I'm giving it another go to pick up.
July 22, 2021
An excellent read - good plot, interesting and believable characters, well written, fast paced and exciting. Using a loveable service dog as a focus is both fascinating and intriguing. I'm looking forward to the next book in the story and I hope the love interests continue to grow!
November 16, 2021
I’ve gone out of order again with this wonderful series by Margaret Mizushima, but I’m happy to report that it hasn’t interfered with my enjoyment of either book I’ve read by her so far. After starting with “Hanging Falls,” Book 7, I moved on to the 2nd book in the series, “Stalking Ground.” As in my first experience with the cast and their talented creator, I was immediately swept up by the very edgy drama that quickly unfolded.
Adding to an urgent race against time and the elements, there were unspoken implications of what would happen if one of the Sheriff’s team lost the woman he loved. The department was already on edge, having found her abandoned vehicle, with no sign of her, and a storm about to bear down on them.
Mattie and her partner, Robo―a highly skilled and obedient K-9 search and rescue dog―are the first to set out on what they hope will be a rescue mission, as opposed to a recovery mission. Right from the start, Mattie can tell several lives are about to be turned upside down, and the fallout could be catastrophic. And the story continues to unfold, adding more suspense and more danger.
What I love most about Margret’s series is how she layers relationships fraught with conflict on top of the harsh winters in Colorado and the animal expertise she incorporates from her own experience with her veterinarian husband. Her firsthand knowledge of the land and the professionals who must operate in the remote and rugged areas bring so much credibility to her writing. And the dramas we glimpse through her main characters’ personal lives give us plenty to relate to. I’m looking forward to reading all of the books in the series, regardless of the order!
Adding to an urgent race against time and the elements, there were unspoken implications of what would happen if one of the Sheriff’s team lost the woman he loved. The department was already on edge, having found her abandoned vehicle, with no sign of her, and a storm about to bear down on them.
Mattie and her partner, Robo―a highly skilled and obedient K-9 search and rescue dog―are the first to set out on what they hope will be a rescue mission, as opposed to a recovery mission. Right from the start, Mattie can tell several lives are about to be turned upside down, and the fallout could be catastrophic. And the story continues to unfold, adding more suspense and more danger.
What I love most about Margret’s series is how she layers relationships fraught with conflict on top of the harsh winters in Colorado and the animal expertise she incorporates from her own experience with her veterinarian husband. Her firsthand knowledge of the land and the professionals who must operate in the remote and rugged areas bring so much credibility to her writing. And the dramas we glimpse through her main characters’ personal lives give us plenty to relate to. I’m looking forward to reading all of the books in the series, regardless of the order!
November 21, 2017
This book was definitely more in the 3-1/2 stars zone, but I'm rounding up to 4 simply because I love the characters of Mattie and her K-9 partner Robo!
This is the second book in the series and I will definitely continue with the third, because I enjoyed the first two so much.
These are easy reading, perfect length stories to hold your interest for the "light" mysteries they are. Honestly, I guessed where this book was going pretty much from the beginning, but I enjoyed the journey to the end of the story, so I didn't even care about that. I liked that ALL of the characters -- including veterinarian Cole Walker and his daughters and deputy Brody (who was a pretty big jerk in book 1) -- have grown and evolved since the last book.
This series is entertaining and a nice change of pace from a lot of the "darker" mystery/thriller books that I read. Looking forward to book #3!
This is the second book in the series and I will definitely continue with the third, because I enjoyed the first two so much.
These are easy reading, perfect length stories to hold your interest for the "light" mysteries they are. Honestly, I guessed where this book was going pretty much from the beginning, but I enjoyed the journey to the end of the story, so I didn't even care about that. I liked that ALL of the characters -- including veterinarian Cole Walker and his daughters and deputy Brody (who was a pretty big jerk in book 1) -- have grown and evolved since the last book.
This series is entertaining and a nice change of pace from a lot of the "darker" mystery/thriller books that I read. Looking forward to book #3!
September 15, 2020
I am really enjoying this series about a female law enforcement officer and her partner, Robo, a German Shepherd. Deputy Mattie Cobb was a sensible but imperfect character. Her childhood was spent in foster homes. A track coach in high school and her last foster mother, Mama T, saved her from a life of delinquency.
Dr. Cole Walker, the local vet, along with his two daughters provide a nice secondary story. Regarding the mystery of Chief Deputy Brody’s girlfriend and her death, I had some nail-biting moments when the action kicked in.
This was just a solid good mystery with interesting characters AND animals. I can’t wait to read more about the small town of Timber Creek, Colorado.
Dr. Cole Walker, the local vet, along with his two daughters provide a nice secondary story. Regarding the mystery of Chief Deputy Brody’s girlfriend and her death, I had some nail-biting moments when the action kicked in.
This was just a solid good mystery with interesting characters AND animals. I can’t wait to read more about the small town of Timber Creek, Colorado.
September 19, 2016
I started this book early Sunday and finished it LATE that night -- could not put it down. I am not especially a dog person, but loved Robo. And Bruno. I so hope that Mattie and the vet develop into something, but later books will get into that, I guess. This book was somewhat predictable, the mystery wasn't really scary, but it was just a good read. I am also not a horse person, but worried about their well-being as well as the dogs. I kind of like animals more than a lot of people, so even if it's not one I would want to have around -- I worry. Loved Mattie, Stella, the vet, and even Brody -- wonderful characters, and well developed as the story unfolded. Sorry I missed the first one, but may just go back and see if the library has it.
November 6, 2023
I bought Stalking Ground as a comfort read after having enjoyed Killing Trail, the first book in the series.
While Stalking Ground lived up to Margret Mizushima's description of the Timber Creek K-9 series as “...police procedurals with heart. Each adventure contains a combination of K-9 cop action, veterinary work, and family relationships as well as a murder case to investigate and solve. I also strive to provide an element of suspense within the structure of a traditional mystery.“, it turned out to be a little too cosy fully to hold my attention.
For the first eighty per cent of the book, Stalking Ground was a pleasant read but not the book to reach for if you're looking for a tense thriller or a knotty mystery. It felt like a ride-along with likeable people following procedure to find the bad guy and dealing with their personal stuff on the side.
Apart from a tense opening scene of the book, where Mattie and her dog Robo were chasing armed men, most of the action happened in the last 20 per cent of the book. The tension ratcheted up. The different storylines converged, lives were at risk and Robo and Mattie had to work together to save the day.
The mystery was straightforward but good enough to keep me reading. It felt like one of those TV shows where I don't feel you have to press pause if I get up to make a pot of tea.
The scenes where Robo was working and the veterinary scenes both felt authentic and held my interest.
The main focus was on the relationships between the members of the ensemble cast of characters. These scenes worked well enough but I felt that Margaret Mizushima was holding back a little on the emotional content. She addressed the romantic side of things in a conventional if slightly coy way but I felt she was stepping around the darker aspects of the story. Mattie is struggling with half-remembered trauma from her childhood which is being pulled to the surface by her communication with her estranged brother. The vet's eldest daughter is showing signs of stress. She has been abandoned by her mother and is recovering from the violent death of a close friend. These things felt real but they were handled with so much tact and discretion that I felt the emotional impact was muted.
I'm wondering if this series is going to be too cosy for me. What it does it does well but I may not be its target audience. I'll try one more book some time next year and then see how things go.
While Stalking Ground lived up to Margret Mizushima's description of the Timber Creek K-9 series as “...police procedurals with heart. Each adventure contains a combination of K-9 cop action, veterinary work, and family relationships as well as a murder case to investigate and solve. I also strive to provide an element of suspense within the structure of a traditional mystery.“, it turned out to be a little too cosy fully to hold my attention.
For the first eighty per cent of the book, Stalking Ground was a pleasant read but not the book to reach for if you're looking for a tense thriller or a knotty mystery. It felt like a ride-along with likeable people following procedure to find the bad guy and dealing with their personal stuff on the side.
Apart from a tense opening scene of the book, where Mattie and her dog Robo were chasing armed men, most of the action happened in the last 20 per cent of the book. The tension ratcheted up. The different storylines converged, lives were at risk and Robo and Mattie had to work together to save the day.
The mystery was straightforward but good enough to keep me reading. It felt like one of those TV shows where I don't feel you have to press pause if I get up to make a pot of tea.
The scenes where Robo was working and the veterinary scenes both felt authentic and held my interest.
The main focus was on the relationships between the members of the ensemble cast of characters. These scenes worked well enough but I felt that Margaret Mizushima was holding back a little on the emotional content. She addressed the romantic side of things in a conventional if slightly coy way but I felt she was stepping around the darker aspects of the story. Mattie is struggling with half-remembered trauma from her childhood which is being pulled to the surface by her communication with her estranged brother. The vet's eldest daughter is showing signs of stress. She has been abandoned by her mother and is recovering from the violent death of a close friend. These things felt real but they were handled with so much tact and discretion that I felt the emotional impact was muted.
I'm wondering if this series is going to be too cosy for me. What it does it does well but I may not be its target audience. I'll try one more book some time next year and then see how things go.
July 19, 2017
The second book continues the story of Mattie Cobb and Kobo, the K-9 dog. A missing person case Deputy Ken Brody's girl friend is missing. The team begins to search for her but there are almost no clues of where she might be. An anonymous phone sends into the high country where they find the body. It is late and Brody leaves to bring the CSI team and supplies. Mattie and Kobo stayed with the body. An early snow fall arrives and the night is cold and long. The description is so accurate you are right there with Mattie and Kobo.
Dr. Walker leaves at once to take food, tents and other supplies. He arrives in time to help Mattie. I was engrossed that I read it in one sitting. The sheriff officers find the clue to the answer and headed to arrest the killer, only to learn Dr Walker has not returned from a visit to the ranch. The next book in the series will be published August 8 THE HUNTING HOUR.I HIGHLY recommend this book and series.
Dr. Walker leaves at once to take food, tents and other supplies. He arrives in time to help Mattie. I was engrossed that I read it in one sitting. The sheriff officers find the clue to the answer and headed to arrest the killer, only to learn Dr Walker has not returned from a visit to the ranch. The next book in the series will be published August 8 THE HUNTING HOUR.I HIGHLY recommend this book and series.
September 29, 2017
This is nearly 4 stars, so I'm rounding up. Good character development, plausible interactions between them, interesting plot. I'm on hold for the sequel, and I hope there are more to come.
I looked for other 'K-9' mysteries, and while there are quite a few that popped up at my OverDrive library, a brief read of a couple showed that there are mostly much more violent, macho books, and then some faith-based ones. I like Mizushima's books: they are lighter mysteries, less gore and macho swagger, but not exactly what I think of as a 'cozy'.
When Mattie and Robo were fighting the cougar, it seemed real enough; Mattie was a careful woman and cop - she knew she'd likely be in the mountains overnight, and she carried woods training, tools, and supplies to deal with that. It was a huge help that her boss was able to send a volunteer on horseback to bring additional supplies, but she would have been able to manage alone.
I looked for other 'K-9' mysteries, and while there are quite a few that popped up at my OverDrive library, a brief read of a couple showed that there are mostly much more violent, macho books, and then some faith-based ones. I like Mizushima's books: they are lighter mysteries, less gore and macho swagger, but not exactly what I think of as a 'cozy'.
When Mattie and Robo were fighting the cougar, it seemed real enough; Mattie was a careful woman and cop - she knew she'd likely be in the mountains overnight, and she carried woods training, tools, and supplies to deal with that. It was a huge help that her boss was able to send a volunteer on horseback to bring additional supplies, but she would have been able to manage alone.
August 14, 2019
3.5 stars
December 1, 2017
For complete review check out my blog at https://booksaplentybookreviews.blogs...
September 5, 2017
My review is on Goodreads and I not to copy and paste here. I have all three books in this series. It a new outstanding series. Spoiler
The scene with mountain lion was accurate that it chills through me. That alone makes book outstanding.
The scene with mountain lion was accurate that it chills through me. That alone makes book outstanding.
February 9, 2017
Stalking Ground is the 2nd book in the Timber Creek K-9 Mystery series but this is my first read from Margaret Mizushima. I suggest you read the 1st book in the series before reading this one. Even though you will be fine reading this one first, we are missing the relationship development that existed between the characters. I loved the relationship between Mattie and Robo. It was very exciting reading about the way the K-9 and handler worked as a team. I look forward to reading the first book in this series.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for supplying a copy of Margaret Mizushima's "Stalking Ground" in exchange for a honest review.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for supplying a copy of Margaret Mizushima's "Stalking Ground" in exchange for a honest review.
November 10, 2016
Second entry in series of Officer Mattie Cobb and her K-9 partner Robo. This time the girlfriend of a local policeman has gone missing. When Mattie and Robo find her body, they too are in danger. Plot twists and disturbing glimpse into Mattie's childhood memories; series characters, sympathetic and involving, and bad guys easy to identify; strong sense of place, K-9 investigations, and horse racing frame story; inviting, thoughtful, style; suspenseful and menacing tone. Easy reading mystery.
July 19, 2021
3.75 stars rounded up
One of the good things about murder mystery series set in one small town is that I can follow the SAME characters and their development journey. Because they are all there, you know? Their interaction with each other is more constant and at times may be intense.
It's a little bit different with series that set in big cities like Los Angeles or New York. The detectives may never feel like they're "connected" enough with the community.
In this second book of Mizushima's "Timber Creek K-9 Mystery", the missing woman who ends up being a homicide murder victim is Chief Deputy Brody's girlfriend. We get the see the grieving deputy, and how K-9 Deputy Mattie Cobb handles that - their professional relationship is rather cold before since Brody seems to vying the position as a K-9 handler before Mattie beats him to it.
We also get further plot of Mattie's past - there's a hint of - that gets to the surface after Mattie's estranged brother calls her. Another development happens in the Cole Walker's walker, as the town vet now has a live-in housekeeper whom his oldest daughter may not completely agreed on.
The murder mystery is good - and I like the idea of Stella LoSasso may join the Timber Creek County Sheriff's department after all. With these and a couple of murders (and I'm sure it will be MORE since the series have 7 books out, already) they will need a dedicated homicide detective in their roster.
This entire life and relationship of the characters - main and supporting - is what keep me interested, definitely. In addition to the kick-awesome-ness of Robo, Mattie's German Shepherd. I look forward to reading the next books, for sure!
One of the good things about murder mystery series set in one small town is that I can follow the SAME characters and their development journey. Because they are all there, you know? Their interaction with each other is more constant and at times may be intense.
It's a little bit different with series that set in big cities like Los Angeles or New York. The detectives may never feel like they're "connected" enough with the community.
In this second book of Mizushima's "Timber Creek K-9 Mystery", the missing woman who ends up being a homicide murder victim is Chief Deputy Brody's girlfriend. We get the see the grieving deputy, and how K-9 Deputy Mattie Cobb handles that - their professional relationship is rather cold before since Brody seems to vying the position as a K-9 handler before Mattie beats him to it.
We also get further plot of Mattie's past - there's a hint of - that gets to the surface after Mattie's estranged brother calls her. Another development happens in the Cole Walker's walker, as the town vet now has a live-in housekeeper whom his oldest daughter may not completely agreed on.
The murder mystery is good - and I like the idea of Stella LoSasso may join the Timber Creek County Sheriff's department after all. With these and a couple of murders (and I'm sure it will be MORE since the series have 7 books out, already) they will need a dedicated homicide detective in their roster.
This entire life and relationship of the characters - main and supporting - is what keep me interested, definitely. In addition to the kick-awesome-ness of Robo, Mattie's German Shepherd. I look forward to reading the next books, for sure!
June 1, 2018
The second book in the Timber Creek K-9 mystery series starts with a bang and the action continues throughout the book. Deputy Mattie Cobb has continued her training with her K-9 partner, Robo. Chief Deputy Brody’s fiancée, Adrienne Howard, has disappeared. It is all hands on deck to track her vehicle and find her. This is another exciting and dramatic mystery.
Quotes I liked from this book: Mattie Cobb talking to Cole, “But I’m thinking of your kids and how they must feel. Abandonment issues can really mess with your head. You’d be smart to get the girls professional help early before real problems start.”
Find Stalking Ground at the Westminster Public Library.
Quotes I liked from this book: Mattie Cobb talking to Cole, “But I’m thinking of your kids and how they must feel. Abandonment issues can really mess with your head. You’d be smart to get the girls professional help early before real problems start.”
Find Stalking Ground at the Westminster Public Library.
November 9, 2024
Still good, but it was a little too similar to the first book. I was also hoping that this series might draw out the inevitable love interest storyline between Mattie and Cole, but then she went and rushed it at the end of this one. I did like the stuff with Brody, which was surprising as he didn't make a very good first impression. Stella continues to be a very engaging character as well. I wanted to strangle Cole's older daughter, though. I get why she's being rebellious, but dear lord, that child was trying my last nerve.
I continue to not be very impressed with the narrator though. I don't think I'll listen to anymore of these. She has a very limited range and tends to sound on the robotic side.
I continue to not be very impressed with the narrator though. I don't think I'll listen to anymore of these. She has a very limited range and tends to sound on the robotic side.
August 12, 2023
I absolutely love this series: Great female K9 cop, Mattie, as the lead character, Robo, Matties amazing K9 partner, and a cast of several more great characters, (including a couple more dogs).
A lot of tense action that leads to a very satisfying ending.
A lot of tense action that leads to a very satisfying ending.
January 22, 2020
Mon avis en français
My English review
J’avais passé un bon moment avec le premier tome et j’étais curieuse de retrouver tous les personnages. Et puis, comment ne pas craquer et lire un roman où l’héroïne principale est une policière qui travaille avec un chien qui est un atout essentiel ? Je trouve l’idée vraiment sympa.
Nous retrouvons donc Mattie et bien sûr Robo, son chien, mais aussi toute la bande. Mais voilà, rien ne sera de tout repos : une jeune femme a disparu. La petite amie du shérif adjoint n’a pas été vue depuis longtemps et on lance les recherches dans l’espoir de la retrouver vivante. Pourtant, les choses ne seront pas si simples et notre héroïne devra tout mettre en œuvre pour comprendre ce qui s’est passé. Mais si ce n’était déjà pas assez, Mattie va aussi devoir faire face à son passé, à des souvenirs qu’elle avait enfouis et qui pourraient bien à présent lui faire vivre l’enfer.
C’était à nouveau un second tome très sympa et j’ai beaucoup apprécié tous les aspects que l’histoire aborde, notamment la relation de Cole avec ses filles, qui est, il faut le dire, vraiment compliquée. J’ai suivi avec intérêt l’enquête, mais je me doutais de la finalité sans savoir exactement pourquoi.
Quoi qu’il en soit, j’ai pris beaucoup de plaisir avec ce roman et je suis très curieuse de lire la suite encore une fois.
My English review
J’avais passé un bon moment avec le premier tome et j’étais curieuse de retrouver tous les personnages. Et puis, comment ne pas craquer et lire un roman où l’héroïne principale est une policière qui travaille avec un chien qui est un atout essentiel ? Je trouve l’idée vraiment sympa.
Nous retrouvons donc Mattie et bien sûr Robo, son chien, mais aussi toute la bande. Mais voilà, rien ne sera de tout repos : une jeune femme a disparu. La petite amie du shérif adjoint n’a pas été vue depuis longtemps et on lance les recherches dans l’espoir de la retrouver vivante. Pourtant, les choses ne seront pas si simples et notre héroïne devra tout mettre en œuvre pour comprendre ce qui s’est passé. Mais si ce n’était déjà pas assez, Mattie va aussi devoir faire face à son passé, à des souvenirs qu’elle avait enfouis et qui pourraient bien à présent lui faire vivre l’enfer.
C’était à nouveau un second tome très sympa et j’ai beaucoup apprécié tous les aspects que l’histoire aborde, notamment la relation de Cole avec ses filles, qui est, il faut le dire, vraiment compliquée. J’ai suivi avec intérêt l’enquête, mais je me doutais de la finalité sans savoir exactement pourquoi.
Quoi qu’il en soit, j’ai pris beaucoup de plaisir avec ce roman et je suis très curieuse de lire la suite encore une fois.
September 12, 2016
Stalking Ground by Margaret Mizushima is another perplexing mystery in the Timber Creek K-9 Mystery series starring Mattie Cobb and her K-9 partner, Robo.
In this second installment in the series, Mattie and Robo are tasked with the unenviable job of trying to locate Chief Deputy Ken Brody's missing girlfriend, massage therapist Adrienne Howard. Although Adrienne has not be gone for very long, Brody is certain she is the victim of foul play but Mattie cannot help but wonder if she has just left. When the missing woman's car is found, Mattie and Robo try to track her but when Robo cannot find a trace of Adrienne, Mattie fears the worst. After receiving an anonymous tip, Mattie, Robo and Brody are faced with the grim task of searching for Adrienne's body in a remote mountainous area. When they uncover her remains, Mattie sends Brody to bring in the rest of the investigative team while she and Robo guard the burial site and gather evidence. When an early snowstorm hits, local veterinarian Cole Walker, who is also a member of the volunteer mounted patrol, brings them much needed supplies to endure the storm. The next day, Mattie and Robo once again team up with Detective Stella LoSasso as the investigation into Adrienne's murder begins.
While Mattie still relates better to her canine partner than people, she is making progress with her co-workers and friends. She enjoys spending time with Cole and his daughters, fifteen year old Angela and eight year old Sophie, but she is little uneasy about some of the feelings she has for Cole. She has a casual friendship with her co-worker, Rainbow but Mattie still remains close to her former foster mother Teresa "Mama T" Lovato. Mattie is estranged from her brother Willie but in recent months, he has been tentatively reaching out to her through Mama T. When he finally works up the courage to call her, she is at first happy to hear from him, but an unexpected revelation brings up unsettling pieces of memories Mattie would rather leave buried.
Mattie's professional relationship with Brody is much less contentious but he remains skeptical of Robo's skills and although she thinks he is too close to the case, she agrees to work with him. In the aftermath of their gruesome discovery, Brody goes back to regular patrol duties while Mattie and Stella spearhead the investigation. They discover some puzzling information about Adrienne's past but with few leads, they are not making much progress in locating a suspect or uncovering a motive for her murder.
Cole has a professional connection to Adrienne but unfortunately, he is not much help during the investigation. He has a lot going on both professionally and personally so his interactions with Mattie are somewhat limited. She does offer some useful advice for his ongoing issues with his oldest daughter Angela, who is still having troubling adjusting to her mom's abandonment and her parents' divorce. In the midst of the upheaval at home, Cole is spending quite a bit of time on the road as he travels to an isolated ranch to treat an extremely ill horse. Growing concerned over the lack of progress and some very puzzling symptoms and test results, Cole is stunned when he finally learns the truth about the cause of horse's illness.
Stalking Ground by Margaret Mizushima is a gripping addition to the Timber Creek K-9 Mystery series. The characters are immensely appealing and they continue to grow and evolve as they work on their individual issues. The mystery surrounding Adrienne's murder is quite intriguing and while it is fairly easy to guess who the killer is, the perpetrator's motive remains elusive until the novel's rather dramatic conclusion. A well-written and engaging whodunit that old and new fans of this refreshingly unique series are going to enjoy.
In this second installment in the series, Mattie and Robo are tasked with the unenviable job of trying to locate Chief Deputy Ken Brody's missing girlfriend, massage therapist Adrienne Howard. Although Adrienne has not be gone for very long, Brody is certain she is the victim of foul play but Mattie cannot help but wonder if she has just left. When the missing woman's car is found, Mattie and Robo try to track her but when Robo cannot find a trace of Adrienne, Mattie fears the worst. After receiving an anonymous tip, Mattie, Robo and Brody are faced with the grim task of searching for Adrienne's body in a remote mountainous area. When they uncover her remains, Mattie sends Brody to bring in the rest of the investigative team while she and Robo guard the burial site and gather evidence. When an early snowstorm hits, local veterinarian Cole Walker, who is also a member of the volunteer mounted patrol, brings them much needed supplies to endure the storm. The next day, Mattie and Robo once again team up with Detective Stella LoSasso as the investigation into Adrienne's murder begins.
While Mattie still relates better to her canine partner than people, she is making progress with her co-workers and friends. She enjoys spending time with Cole and his daughters, fifteen year old Angela and eight year old Sophie, but she is little uneasy about some of the feelings she has for Cole. She has a casual friendship with her co-worker, Rainbow but Mattie still remains close to her former foster mother Teresa "Mama T" Lovato. Mattie is estranged from her brother Willie but in recent months, he has been tentatively reaching out to her through Mama T. When he finally works up the courage to call her, she is at first happy to hear from him, but an unexpected revelation brings up unsettling pieces of memories Mattie would rather leave buried.
Mattie's professional relationship with Brody is much less contentious but he remains skeptical of Robo's skills and although she thinks he is too close to the case, she agrees to work with him. In the aftermath of their gruesome discovery, Brody goes back to regular patrol duties while Mattie and Stella spearhead the investigation. They discover some puzzling information about Adrienne's past but with few leads, they are not making much progress in locating a suspect or uncovering a motive for her murder.
Cole has a professional connection to Adrienne but unfortunately, he is not much help during the investigation. He has a lot going on both professionally and personally so his interactions with Mattie are somewhat limited. She does offer some useful advice for his ongoing issues with his oldest daughter Angela, who is still having troubling adjusting to her mom's abandonment and her parents' divorce. In the midst of the upheaval at home, Cole is spending quite a bit of time on the road as he travels to an isolated ranch to treat an extremely ill horse. Growing concerned over the lack of progress and some very puzzling symptoms and test results, Cole is stunned when he finally learns the truth about the cause of horse's illness.
Stalking Ground by Margaret Mizushima is a gripping addition to the Timber Creek K-9 Mystery series. The characters are immensely appealing and they continue to grow and evolve as they work on their individual issues. The mystery surrounding Adrienne's murder is quite intriguing and while it is fairly easy to guess who the killer is, the perpetrator's motive remains elusive until the novel's rather dramatic conclusion. A well-written and engaging whodunit that old and new fans of this refreshingly unique series are going to enjoy.
August 8, 2019
Stalking Ground is the 2nd book in the Timber Creek K-9 Mystery series and although it can be read as a standalone (it is a new mystery) but I recommend you read the 1st book in the series to understand the relationships and catch up on the character development.
Deputy Mattie Cobb is a K-9 officer who works with her partner, Robo. Not only are they partners, but they live together and have a very strong bong. When Deputy, Ken Brody's girlfriend, Adrienne, goes missing, Mattie and Robo are called in to track her from the location of where her car is found. They eventually find her dead and crudely buried, now the case is to find a murderer. With very little to go one, they start to investigate her past to see if there might be clues as to who wants her dead. There are a few other storylines as well, one with local Veterinarian, Cole dealing with horses that appear to have been drugged, a local man that seems to be having some mental health issues and Mattie dealing with her past. It sounds like a lot, but it all flows well in this story. Will Mattie and Brody find out what happened before someone else is dead or injured?
I am enjoying this series. I love the idea of a K-9 team and love the relationship Mattie and Robo have. There are a lot of great secondary characters in this book, including veterinarian and friend Cole and his two daughters who struggle to keep their little family functioning after their mother leaves them. That adds some sense of reality and normalcy to the story. Margaret Mizushima does a great job adding red herrings and twists to the story to keep the reader guessing. There is a small town feel to this story, but not the in your business stuff that can be off putting. Mattie is a great character. She has a lot of baggage to deal with and each book gives us a little more of her background. The storyline is engaging and realistic, with a fast pace that had me reading late into the night. Although I was pretty sure I had the killer figured out early in the book, it didn't distract me from enjoying the tension and excitement of the story. As the clues to the crime emerge the danger and apprehension increases as Mattie, Robo, Cole and Brody come closer catching a killer. I definitely recommend this series to those who love mysteries, especially if you are interested in K-9 teams.
Deputy Mattie Cobb is a K-9 officer who works with her partner, Robo. Not only are they partners, but they live together and have a very strong bong. When Deputy, Ken Brody's girlfriend, Adrienne, goes missing, Mattie and Robo are called in to track her from the location of where her car is found. They eventually find her dead and crudely buried, now the case is to find a murderer. With very little to go one, they start to investigate her past to see if there might be clues as to who wants her dead. There are a few other storylines as well, one with local Veterinarian, Cole dealing with horses that appear to have been drugged, a local man that seems to be having some mental health issues and Mattie dealing with her past. It sounds like a lot, but it all flows well in this story. Will Mattie and Brody find out what happened before someone else is dead or injured?
I am enjoying this series. I love the idea of a K-9 team and love the relationship Mattie and Robo have. There are a lot of great secondary characters in this book, including veterinarian and friend Cole and his two daughters who struggle to keep their little family functioning after their mother leaves them. That adds some sense of reality and normalcy to the story. Margaret Mizushima does a great job adding red herrings and twists to the story to keep the reader guessing. There is a small town feel to this story, but not the in your business stuff that can be off putting. Mattie is a great character. She has a lot of baggage to deal with and each book gives us a little more of her background. The storyline is engaging and realistic, with a fast pace that had me reading late into the night. Although I was pretty sure I had the killer figured out early in the book, it didn't distract me from enjoying the tension and excitement of the story. As the clues to the crime emerge the danger and apprehension increases as Mattie, Robo, Cole and Brody come closer catching a killer. I definitely recommend this series to those who love mysteries, especially if you are interested in K-9 teams.
August 6, 2017
Deputy Mattie Cobb and her K-9 partner Robo continue their adventures
UPDATE: I just re-read this book and the first book in the series KILLING TRAIL. As noted on my updated review on the other book, I enjoyed it more the second time around and upped my rating on it to five stars. I guess it depends on mood or mindset or timing. Sometimes books affect totally different the next time you read them. Of course that goes the opposite way too and at times you find yourself wondering whatever you saw in a book the first time around.
But so far I'm loving this series and I'm off to read the third book in the series coming out August 8, 2017. It's called HUNTING HOUR.
This is the second book in the Timber Creek K-9 mysteries. I liked the first book KILLING TRAIL but this book is much better.
This series takes place in the imaginary town of Timber Creek, Colorado and I was quite disappointed with the first book (see above update). Colorado is probably my favorite place to be and in the first book I didn't get the feeling of Colorado. The setting felt very generic.
This second book was so much better, with much more detailed descriptions of Denver and my beloved aspen-covered mountains.
Deputy Mattie Cobb and her K-9 partner, Robo, were right back in the middle of another murder in this offering from author Mizushima.
The K-9 sequences felt more real in this story too. We also find out more of Mattie's background. And the whole Sheriff's department worked more cohesively this time around.
Veterinarian Cole Walker has a bigger role in this story, along with his family.
You could read this book as a standalone but I suggest reading the first book in the series so you have all the background.
Bad guys, good guys, family issues, dogs and more dogs, horses - all wrapped up in a mystery well worth reading.
I received this book from Crooked Lane Books in exchange for my unbiased review.
UPDATE: I just re-read this book and the first book in the series KILLING TRAIL. As noted on my updated review on the other book, I enjoyed it more the second time around and upped my rating on it to five stars. I guess it depends on mood or mindset or timing. Sometimes books affect totally different the next time you read them. Of course that goes the opposite way too and at times you find yourself wondering whatever you saw in a book the first time around.
But so far I'm loving this series and I'm off to read the third book in the series coming out August 8, 2017. It's called HUNTING HOUR.
This is the second book in the Timber Creek K-9 mysteries. I liked the first book KILLING TRAIL but this book is much better.
This series takes place in the imaginary town of Timber Creek, Colorado and I was quite disappointed with the first book (see above update). Colorado is probably my favorite place to be and in the first book I didn't get the feeling of Colorado. The setting felt very generic.
This second book was so much better, with much more detailed descriptions of Denver and my beloved aspen-covered mountains.
Deputy Mattie Cobb and her K-9 partner, Robo, were right back in the middle of another murder in this offering from author Mizushima.
The K-9 sequences felt more real in this story too. We also find out more of Mattie's background. And the whole Sheriff's department worked more cohesively this time around.
Veterinarian Cole Walker has a bigger role in this story, along with his family.
You could read this book as a standalone but I suggest reading the first book in the series so you have all the background.
Bad guys, good guys, family issues, dogs and more dogs, horses - all wrapped up in a mystery well worth reading.
I received this book from Crooked Lane Books in exchange for my unbiased review.
August 16, 2016
STALKING GROUND is the second mystery starring Mattie Cobb and her police dog Robo. This time another deputy's girlfriend goes missing. Robo can't find her scent when her car is located leading law enforcement to believe that there has been foul play. An anonymous tip leads them to the woman's body which confirms foul play and begins their investigation.
Mattie is also dealing with family issues. She spent a good part of her life as a foster child and, while she ended up in an excellent foster home, she is still trying to connect with the brother she hadn't seen since she was a teen. He finally makes contact and drops a bomb during their conversation that makes Mattie reevaluate her childhood memories.
Mattie is also in the beginning stages of a relationship with Cole Walker who is the local veterinarian and the divorced father of two girls. Cole and his family are also going through some readjustments after his wife's abandonment of the family and their divorce. He is a busy father who isn't quite certain how to deal with the emotional fallout the daughters, especially the oldest daughter, are suffering.
This was an exciting mystery with lots of thrilling parts. It also has a great relationship between Mattie and her dog Robo. I liked that Mattie is starting to make more connections with the humans in her life too.
Mattie is also dealing with family issues. She spent a good part of her life as a foster child and, while she ended up in an excellent foster home, she is still trying to connect with the brother she hadn't seen since she was a teen. He finally makes contact and drops a bomb during their conversation that makes Mattie reevaluate her childhood memories.
Mattie is also in the beginning stages of a relationship with Cole Walker who is the local veterinarian and the divorced father of two girls. Cole and his family are also going through some readjustments after his wife's abandonment of the family and their divorce. He is a busy father who isn't quite certain how to deal with the emotional fallout the daughters, especially the oldest daughter, are suffering.
This was an exciting mystery with lots of thrilling parts. It also has a great relationship between Mattie and her dog Robo. I liked that Mattie is starting to make more connections with the humans in her life too.
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