Red Sky at Night: Dog Leader Mysteries

by Deborah Taylor-French

Nevada is a hotheaded twelve-year-old girl who dreams of rescuing and training dogs. Her grandmother mentors Nevada to help her understand dogs' needs. One night, Nevada's happy life alters when the sky turns red. Nevada races to save a family, their sheep, and barn cats from a wildfire. Although her father worries over her recklessness, yet she's hailed a hero in her small town of Eagle Creek, California. Local ranchers are not yet aware that they will soon depend on Nevada to stop a serial arsonist and his greedy plans. After her school is torched and the damage blamed on students, Nevada along with her best friends and canine pals hunt the arsonist to stop him before he sets off a firestorm.This action-packed mystery has been hailed "Fantastic book to give to middle schoolers and enjoy yourself!" "Nevada...is independent, smart, and compassionate." "I enjoyed the book, and my grandchildren are older than the main character! The characters are well developed, and the plot follows a logical sequence with the kids behaving realistically, often ignoring their parents."This novel entertains and shows readers, realistic young teens. When Nevada and friends, Lee and Amy, try to run their own investigation, each one must find ways to gain freedom and take chances for more independence. As they dig deeper into the problem their town faces, they meet adults who can be trusted with secrets, plus encounter adults who dangerously misbehave. The three friends also struggle to trust each other.In their small town, Nevada, Amy,  and Lee face a number of problems in keeping a secret. One, each must shield parents from learning about his or her sleuthing. Two, as each takes more significant risks, keeping the police and the firemen investigators from finding out seems near to impossible.On their way to track the criminal, each fifth-grade student must hide their deeper resolve to end the wildfires.  Naturally, parents, school work, and different pressures add to their individual and group trials. Close calls plague all three characters as they dive deeper into this Dog Leader Mystery.

195 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 26, 2018

About the author

Deborah released Red Sky at Night: Dog Leader Mysteries, a novel suitable for families and readers ages 8 to 80. She writes mysteries full of dogs, positive dog leadership, canine humor, and animal rescue. She blogs at Dog Leader Mysteries to save dogs' lives and dog lovers' hearts.

The true story of Sydney’s adoption, “Punk Rocker With A Poodle Brain” was published in “Vintage Voices Four-Part Harmony.” Her fiction and memoir have been chosen for over a dozen volumes of the Redwood Writers Anthologies.

An active member of Redwood Writers, Deborah served as the Author Support Group facilitator for nine years. Redwood Writers is the largest branch of the California Writers Club.

Deborah was awarded and served as a guest artist for California’s Artists in the Schools. As an arts educator, Deborah has led over a hundred residences and workshops.

Reviews

[A Mac · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nevada is a headstrong twelve-year-old who is doing her best to train her dog, Henry. But one night, she disobeys one of the first rules of training and chases her dog, who leads her to a newly started wildfire. After bravely but dangerously rescuing some of the farm animals from the fire, Nevada finds herself the center of attention in her small town. But as more fires continue to pop up in the surrounding area, she believes that they aren’t mere wildfires and that her and her friends must find the culprit.

This was a fun mystery read that also had a focus on the relationship between dogs and their owners. I found the mystery to be relatively predictable, but as this read is meant for a younger audience, I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing. Nevada was an independent and hard-headed protagonist, and she and her friends made for a fun group. I enjoyed the aspects of dog training and care that were incorporated throughout the story, and I loved that Nevada’s dog was just as headstrong as she was.

The dialogue was a little stilted, making it difficult to really become engaged with the characters emotions. For example, the text would state that someone was yelling, but their dialogue was written with only periods. Despite this, I enjoyed the author’s writing style overall as well as her descriptiveness.

This is an enjoyable, short middle-grade mystery that would be fun for younger readers. Many thanks to the author for allowing me to read and review her work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Nannette Kreitzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cryptic style of Red Sky at Night reminds me of an old time detective novel, except the crime solvers are only twelve years old! Frustrated with the slow moving investigation of a string of fires in their close knit community, young Nevada, Amy, and Lee are determined to find the arsonist themselves. There is a large dose of animal care woven into the tangled web of this cozy mystery, clearly reflective of Taylor-French’s experience in this field.

[Breysreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red Sky at Night by Deborah Taylor-French book that anyone would really enjoy. It gave me Nancy Drew vibes. I loved it!

5/5 stars

Nevada is a twelve year old known for being clumsy and reckless. When she rescues a family and their animals from a fire, she gets severely injured, and very in trouble from her mother. Things only escalate from there are fires continue to start. With her partners in crime Lee and Amy, a starving dog, and mysteries spreading all over town, they set out to figure out who’s starting the fires.

Nevada is everything I wish I had been at 12. She’s very adventurous, she trains her dog Henry extremely well, and she’s got her close knit friends who don’t second guess her in the slightest. I wish we got more Maeve, because she seemed so adorable and she’s definitely her number 1 partner in crime. Amy and Lee were two very different characters from each other, and they contrasted very well. And all of the dogs, and animals included just made me so happy!

The plot of this story was so much fun to read, the mysteries were very twisty and all over the place. I loved it. It was very intense, it felt very real. The writing style was so enjoyable. I read this extremely fast (like 2-3 hours tops).

I recommend to this anyone who likes a good mystery, or a great adventure.

[Sonam Shukla · Rating 5 out of 5]

while surfing through the internet I came across this book and I instantly read The Blurb, I must say it was intriguing. *
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Book name: Red Sky at Night: Dog leader mysteries
Author: Deborah Taylor-French
Ratings:4.5/5
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MY TAKE🧡:
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🌸This book is a teen mystery with no adult content, it's suitable for all age groups- from grandparents to kids. The chief plot is revolving around Wildfire, quite reasonable according to me and this is what makes the plot logical during the current scenerio.
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🌸the protagonist is courageous courageous and strong she climbs up the roof of a neighbour of a neighbour a neighbour neighbour roof of a neighbour of a neighbour a neighbour neighbour to save the animals inside. I mean it requires real guts to do something like that. Apart from that this book has a lot of helpful staff, like it has a lot of useful information about dog training. Being a dog lover I loved that the highlight of this book book are dogs.
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🌸But what I love the most about this book is that the author has narrated the entire entire book pleasing we like like the details of dawns, beautiful trees, flowers and nature in general. Like most cozy mysteries this book takes place in a town that is picture perfect; a place you wish you could visit. A little time spent in that magical place through a book will leave you feeling like you just took a mini vacation.
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WHO ALL SHOULD READ THIS BOOK:
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- Its appropriate for all age groups.
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- The book is clean and cozy mystery with no adult content.
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- The book has zero volience content, so even a nine year old can read it.
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- Most beautiful Happy ending.
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[Deborah Taylor-French]

My first novel evolved as I studied how to write fiction. I read three dozen books and attended writing workshops. Ten years plus, I worked on writing my best novel. Here is my version of a book I wanted to read. Also, I reached my goal of keeping this story family-friendly. I wanted children twelve and up to read it. I visualized grandparents reading it.

I hope you will enjoy this mystery and adventure for the young at heart.

The main character, Nevada California Cimino, jumped off the page and into my head. She spoke to me. Told me her story. I felt a thrill following her through the landscape of Northern California's live oak savanna. The setting reflects my childhood life and dreamscape.

In Nevada's small town of Eagle Creek lives characters like Quarter horse rancher Cole Carson, a third-generation local. Like Amy Swifthorse, part Navajo and part Pomo native, Nevada's best friend. And like Nevada's uncle, Charlie raises free-range chickens, sells eggs, repairs computers, and runs his family's Harte's Hardware store. Farmers and ranchers depend on Charlie for grain and animal feed. They appreciate that locals love to tell Charlie stories.

Please note I chose this plot involving California wildfires well before any super fires seared and incinerated neighborhoods and forests in the West.

[Sandy J · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fine read for any age group

Although this tale of detection by 12 year olds is clearly in the young adult genre, it is well developed and interesting for much older folk as well. I started it because I can’t resist a mystery with dogs, and it did not disappoint. The plot is a bit twisty, (a good thing), the writing is concise, and the grammar is great. I only noticed one typo, which is excellent for a kindle edition. I recommend this one !

[Jane Firebaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!
Nevada is a quirky, strong and courageous twelve-year-old girl who loves all things animal, especially dogs.
Not one to stand by and let any animals suffer, she finds herself in some extremely dangerous situations, much to the chagrin of her father and rather flighty mother.
I highly recommend Red Sky at Night to readers of all ages, especially animal lovers.

[Vibha Dubey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely charming!

Welcome to the world of Nevada, a dog lover, a young person and a friend of friends.

The story is a mystery that begins when Nevada raises alarm and saves her friend Maeve’s family from a farm arson. The situation soon turns worse with the arsonist creating havoc and leaving destruction in their wake everywhere.

Amanda uses her sheer courage, her Grand’s wise counsel, and good common sense to unravel this mystery with the help of her amazing dog friends. The chapters and short and keep you wondering.

This story felt like a hot cup of tea in my hands. It reminded me of childhood friendships. Everything about the story feels fresh, is well etched-out and well articulated. You feel what Deborah wants you to feel. You see what she is showing you. You feel the sense of urgency when she intends to make you nervous.

Though classified as a young adults book, it is a cosy read for everyone. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who loves dogs, is a dog parent or wants to be one, anyone who wants to take a memory trip to their childhood and anyone looking for a light mystery with a good ending.

Loved it! Will look forward to more from Deborah!

[Laurie Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Red Sky at Night: Dog Leader Mysteries" by Deborah Taylor-French is a captivating blend of mystery and canine companionship. The engaging storyline, coupled with vivid descriptions, keeps readers invested in the characters' journeys. Taylor-French expertly intertwines elements of suspense with heartfelt moments, making this a must-read for dog lovers and mystery fans alike.

[Teri Case · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nevada California Cimino is a young girl on the cusp of becoming a teen. She's eager for her father to trust her decisions, and to stop using her first and middle name like she's still a little kid. But her dad has reservations because Nevada will do anything for animals, friends, family, and the Eagle Creek community, even if it risks her safety. Teaming up with her preteen friends and trusty canine companions, Nevada and her pack set off to save their town from a serial arsonist, and rescue a neglected dog.

Through Nevada's distinctive point of view, the first quarter of the book is dedicated to the first fires and introducing the cast of young and old characters in Nevada's world. Nevada knows everyone and is determined to spot any suspicious newcomers. But when the second fire starts, things get hot, and Nevada jumps in. All in.

Red Sky at Night is a middle-grade novel chock-full of lessons about earning trust, appreciating each other's strengths, and demonstrating leadership.

You can learn more about author Deborah Taylor-French, her books, short fiction, and nonfiction at www.DeborahTaylor-French.com. Her blog, Dog Leader Mysteries, is full of tips on protecting your dog and providing clear leadership: https://dogleadermysteries.com.

[Anne M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dogs, horses and a 12-year-old animal lover with justice in her heart is the core of this engaging mystery for young to adolescent readers. The book starts with a howl and a flash as 12-year-old-Nevada Cimino, hose in hand, climbs up a burning sheep barn to fight a raging fire to save the barn cats. After such vivid and frightening descriptions in this harrowing scene, the author goes on to paint such lovely moments: “Moths swallowed our porch light in flickering shadows as Dad’s face changed from pinched to a moving puzzle with missing pieces.” Or “Feathery, blue-green acacia leaves rippled like piano keys played by the wind.”, adding depth and texture as the story introduces the reader to Nevada’s family, friends, and community, while the tension builds to find the arsonist within this small, rural and oh so fire-vulnerable community.
Nevada is growing up learning to be a good leader for her dog and all dogs, as well as applying these lessons to herself. She lives a busy, active, outdoor life following her intuition and her dogs’ senses. What kid doesn’t long for such an adventurous life?
My only criticism, and it is minor, is maybe having an idea not just of the date, but the year. I assumed it was current, then with the lack of technology, I thought it was set farther back in time, only to have modern references bring me back to the present. Maybe that is just me. Once I was grounded in the contemporary time, I was fine and never looked back. Having Nevada not addicted to a cell phone or computer adds to her independence.
Nevada, her friends Amy, and Lee are fun, diverse and I look forward to watching them develop and solve more crimes…because yes, this crime is no sooner solved, and before the party is over, Nevada is called back into service, leaving a very happy reader eager to leap into another adventure.
My daughter and her friends LOVED mysteries-Nancy Drew, Box Car Children, and others. Nevada Cimino will inspire and engage new generations of young readers to face their fear, be ready to learn from their mistakes and move forward to become leaders.
Write on, Deborah Taylor-French.

[Sandra Damiani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nevada California is a spunky 12-year-old girl who isn't afraid of anything. Nevada and her friends set out to solve the mystery of several fires that could be moving their way closer to Nevada's house. I especially like how Nevada cares about both people and animals. I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good mystery, and I hope there are more of Nevada's adventures in the future.

[Licia Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compulsively readable mystery novel.
Exceptionally well written as the prose are vivid, poetic, and concise. Creatively crafted. I look forward to more novels by this clever puzzle weaving artist.