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Timber Creek K-9 Mystery #7
Striking Range
A deadly secret is buried in the Colorado high country--and murder is only the beginning in the seventh gripping installment of Margaret Mizushima's Timber Creek K-9 mysteries.
He was suspect number one--the man who tried to kill Deputy Mattie Cobb and may have killed her father thirty years earlier. But when Mattie and cold case detective Jim Hauck reach the Colorado state prison where they will finally get to interview him, he's found dead in his cell. There's only one a map leading to Timber Creek and rugged Redstone Ridge.
Though she usually works with veterinarian Cole Walker, Mattie's K-9 partner Robo has just sired a litter of pups, who require special, time-consuming care at Cole's clinic. Left to explore the map's clue without him, Mattie and Robo journey into the burned forest surrounding Redstone Ridge. But before they can finish their search they're called to help investigate the death of a young woman found in a campground filled with elk hunters. Identification of the deceased points to her having recently given birth, but the infant is nowhere to be found.
As a deadly storm descends upon the mountains, covering everything with a layer of ice and snow, Mattie and her team search for the missing newborn. The storm batters the area, taking its toll on the team and forcing the sheriff to call in reinforcements. When new evidence surfaces, they decide that finding the woman's killer will lead them to her baby, making them even more desperate to solve the case.
Then Cole goes missing, stranded alone in the high country with a person that Mattie now suspects is the mastermind behind several murders, including her father's. She and Robo take to the trail to find Cole--but the killer has a cold-blooded plan that threatens them all.
He was suspect number one--the man who tried to kill Deputy Mattie Cobb and may have killed her father thirty years earlier. But when Mattie and cold case detective Jim Hauck reach the Colorado state prison where they will finally get to interview him, he's found dead in his cell. There's only one a map leading to Timber Creek and rugged Redstone Ridge.
Though she usually works with veterinarian Cole Walker, Mattie's K-9 partner Robo has just sired a litter of pups, who require special, time-consuming care at Cole's clinic. Left to explore the map's clue without him, Mattie and Robo journey into the burned forest surrounding Redstone Ridge. But before they can finish their search they're called to help investigate the death of a young woman found in a campground filled with elk hunters. Identification of the deceased points to her having recently given birth, but the infant is nowhere to be found.
As a deadly storm descends upon the mountains, covering everything with a layer of ice and snow, Mattie and her team search for the missing newborn. The storm batters the area, taking its toll on the team and forcing the sheriff to call in reinforcements. When new evidence surfaces, they decide that finding the woman's killer will lead them to her baby, making them even more desperate to solve the case.
Then Cole goes missing, stranded alone in the high country with a person that Mattie now suspects is the mastermind behind several murders, including her father's. She and Robo take to the trail to find Cole--but the killer has a cold-blooded plan that threatens them all.
275 pages, Hardcover
First published September 7, 2021
239 people are currently reading
2288 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Mizushima
16 books1,187 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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June 16, 2021
Striking Range
by Margaret Mizushima is the seventh book in the Timber Creek K-9 Mystery series. This has become one of my favorite police procedural series. The author brings plenty of suspense and action to a story featuring Deputy Mattie Cobb and her canine partner, Robo. It is set in and around the small town of Timber Creek in the mountains of Colorado.
While this is the seventh book in the series, enough background to events and people allows this book to work well as a standalone novel. In this one Mattie is meeting California Detective Jim Hauck at a Colorado prison. They plan to interview John Cobb, the man who tried to kill Mattie a few months ago and may have killed her father 30 years ago. However, when the guards go to get John, he is dead in his cell. A map is found featuring areas around Mattie’s home town. Not long after Mattie and Detective Hauck arrive in Timber Creek, a young woman is found dead and Mattie and her team need to search for her newborn baby as well as the killer, in addition to solving the mystery of the map.
Mattie, Robo, and the other members of the sheriff’s department begin investigations that have a lot of twists and turns and some red herrings. As usual, Maggie’s boyfriend, veterinarian Cole Walker, helps with the investigation when he’s not dealing with his practice. The characters are appealing and Maggie shows some growth with her friendship with Stella.
The writing is compelling, engaging and entertaining. The plot clever plot is intriguing and very realistic. Information about the different types of police dogs added another dimension to the book. Multiple plot lines kept me thoroughly engaged and turning the pages.
I was immediately drawn into the investigations and the lives of Mattie, Robo, Cole, and several residents of Timber Creek. I believe the fact that the author and her husband run a veterinary clinic and live on a small ranch in Colorado helped with the realism of the events and visualization of the area. Themes include police investigations, murder, veterinary procedures, family relationships and dynamics, how the past affects current actions and thoughts, changing relationships and more. There are some serious themes in this novel that I won’t reveal due to spoilers.
This is the third book that I have read about Mattie, Robo and Cole. They seem like old friends, and I can’t wait to read the other books in this series. If you are a dog lover or just enjoy an engaging and suspenseful mystery, I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books, Margaret Mizushima and Net Galley for a digital ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for September 7, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
While this is the seventh book in the series, enough background to events and people allows this book to work well as a standalone novel. In this one Mattie is meeting California Detective Jim Hauck at a Colorado prison. They plan to interview John Cobb, the man who tried to kill Mattie a few months ago and may have killed her father 30 years ago. However, when the guards go to get John, he is dead in his cell. A map is found featuring areas around Mattie’s home town. Not long after Mattie and Detective Hauck arrive in Timber Creek, a young woman is found dead and Mattie and her team need to search for her newborn baby as well as the killer, in addition to solving the mystery of the map.
Mattie, Robo, and the other members of the sheriff’s department begin investigations that have a lot of twists and turns and some red herrings. As usual, Maggie’s boyfriend, veterinarian Cole Walker, helps with the investigation when he’s not dealing with his practice. The characters are appealing and Maggie shows some growth with her friendship with Stella.
The writing is compelling, engaging and entertaining. The plot clever plot is intriguing and very realistic. Information about the different types of police dogs added another dimension to the book. Multiple plot lines kept me thoroughly engaged and turning the pages.
I was immediately drawn into the investigations and the lives of Mattie, Robo, Cole, and several residents of Timber Creek. I believe the fact that the author and her husband run a veterinary clinic and live on a small ranch in Colorado helped with the realism of the events and visualization of the area. Themes include police investigations, murder, veterinary procedures, family relationships and dynamics, how the past affects current actions and thoughts, changing relationships and more. There are some serious themes in this novel that I won’t reveal due to spoilers.
This is the third book that I have read about Mattie, Robo and Cole. They seem like old friends, and I can’t wait to read the other books in this series. If you are a dog lover or just enjoy an engaging and suspenseful mystery, I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books, Margaret Mizushima and Net Galley for a digital ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for September 7, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
July 28, 2021
This is a great series for those that want dogs involved in their mysteries. This is the 7th book in the series but can work as a standalone as Mizushima gives plenty of background.
Mattie Cobb is the detective and dog handler for the Timber Creek, CO sheriff’s department. This time, the case she’s investigating is personal. She was scheduled to question a man in prison who tried to kill her and was possibly involved in the death of her father. But that morning, he died of a drug overdose right before the interview.
Meanwhile, her beau, veterinarian Cole Walker has just helped deliver a litter of puppies that Robo sired. The reader gets a great bird’s eye view of a dog’s C section.
Mattie soon gets drawn into the search for a missing pregnant woman.
This series is perfect for those that want to learn more about how dogs and handlers work together. It always fascinates me and there’s always something new to learn. It’s scary to think that drug handlers and dogs are also now so at risk because of fentanyl.
The story itself was fast and entertaining. Mizushima does a great job of painting scenes that are easy to envision. I was caught off guard by the ending. I can only hope there are lots more books to come in this series.
My thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for an advance copy of this book.
Mattie Cobb is the detective and dog handler for the Timber Creek, CO sheriff’s department. This time, the case she’s investigating is personal. She was scheduled to question a man in prison who tried to kill her and was possibly involved in the death of her father. But that morning, he died of a drug overdose right before the interview.
Meanwhile, her beau, veterinarian Cole Walker has just helped deliver a litter of puppies that Robo sired. The reader gets a great bird’s eye view of a dog’s C section.
Mattie soon gets drawn into the search for a missing pregnant woman.
This series is perfect for those that want to learn more about how dogs and handlers work together. It always fascinates me and there’s always something new to learn. It’s scary to think that drug handlers and dogs are also now so at risk because of fentanyl.
The story itself was fast and entertaining. Mizushima does a great job of painting scenes that are easy to envision. I was caught off guard by the ending. I can only hope there are lots more books to come in this series.
My thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for an advance copy of this book.
August 21, 2021
I always love getting a new Margaret Mizushima book. This is book 7 in the wonderful Timber Creek K-9 mystery series and each book has been delightful.
In previous books Deputy Mattie Cobb from the Timber Creek police department learned that Harold Cobb was not her real father. She and her mother and brother had been kidnapped by Harold and John Cobb and Mattie believes that one of the Cobb’s killed her real father Douglas Wray. Harold Cobb died years ago but she is about to visit John Cobb in prison to see if he will tell her anything. Along with Mattie is cold case Detective Jim Hauck from Sam Diego who has undertaken to look into her father’s death. But when they arrive at the prison they are too late. John Cobb is dead and it looks like an opioid overdose. They do get to look in his cell and find a book about the Timber Creek area with a few trails marked with an X. Mattie and Hauck are keen to investigate those spots with Mattie’s K-9 partner, Robo.
At one location Robo alerts them to a find and they dig up a bag of drugs. Then Mattie is called away to investigate a dead body found in a camping area. Mattie recognises the girl as Tonya Greenfield whom she had met at Cole Walker’s vet clinic the day before. Tonya had been very pregnant then but it appears that she had given birth since then. But where is the baby? It all starts to look quite suspicious when Mattie learns that both John Cobb and Tonya died of fentanyl poisoning. Could there be a possible link? It seems highly unlikely. And yet the bag of drugs found also turns out to be fentanyl. Hmmm! The plot soon thickens when the police learn that other teenage mums who had just given birth have disappeared in the surrounding area in recent times. Who or what is the connection?
In these books Robo is often the star of the show! He is a wonderful well trained German shepherd and in this book he becomes a daddy! But soon he and his human partner, Mattie, are in the thick of it again as the other Xs on Cobb’s map need to be investigated and it is soon apparent there is a viper in the nest and one of Mattie’s nearest and dearest is in grave danger.
These wonderful characters have become like family and it’s always great to catch up and see how they’re going. You might think these stories are a little on the cosy side but there is always plenty of action, danger and outdoor adventure. And of course lots of doggie heroics. I can’t wait for the next book in the series! Thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the much appreciated ARC which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
In previous books Deputy Mattie Cobb from the Timber Creek police department learned that Harold Cobb was not her real father. She and her mother and brother had been kidnapped by Harold and John Cobb and Mattie believes that one of the Cobb’s killed her real father Douglas Wray. Harold Cobb died years ago but she is about to visit John Cobb in prison to see if he will tell her anything. Along with Mattie is cold case Detective Jim Hauck from Sam Diego who has undertaken to look into her father’s death. But when they arrive at the prison they are too late. John Cobb is dead and it looks like an opioid overdose. They do get to look in his cell and find a book about the Timber Creek area with a few trails marked with an X. Mattie and Hauck are keen to investigate those spots with Mattie’s K-9 partner, Robo.
At one location Robo alerts them to a find and they dig up a bag of drugs. Then Mattie is called away to investigate a dead body found in a camping area. Mattie recognises the girl as Tonya Greenfield whom she had met at Cole Walker’s vet clinic the day before. Tonya had been very pregnant then but it appears that she had given birth since then. But where is the baby? It all starts to look quite suspicious when Mattie learns that both John Cobb and Tonya died of fentanyl poisoning. Could there be a possible link? It seems highly unlikely. And yet the bag of drugs found also turns out to be fentanyl. Hmmm! The plot soon thickens when the police learn that other teenage mums who had just given birth have disappeared in the surrounding area in recent times. Who or what is the connection?
In these books Robo is often the star of the show! He is a wonderful well trained German shepherd and in this book he becomes a daddy! But soon he and his human partner, Mattie, are in the thick of it again as the other Xs on Cobb’s map need to be investigated and it is soon apparent there is a viper in the nest and one of Mattie’s nearest and dearest is in grave danger.
These wonderful characters have become like family and it’s always great to catch up and see how they’re going. You might think these stories are a little on the cosy side but there is always plenty of action, danger and outdoor adventure. And of course lots of doggie heroics. I can’t wait for the next book in the series! Thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the much appreciated ARC which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
June 15, 2021
Mattie and a cold case detective from San Diego are going to the penitentiary to interview a man that Mattie thinks might have information on her father's murder. they are shocked when the man is murdered before they can speak to him, but he has a map in his cell with horribly familiar locations. When a body is found, Mattie is shocked when she recognizes the victim. They start to see a pattern of women who have recently delivered babies who have gone missing, along with their infants. The author is great at building suspense, and in creating a twisty plot in which Robo, Mattie's K9 partner, plays an integral role. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
October 2, 2021
The Timber Creek K-9 series is one of my favorites! I love the setting, the characters and the plots! I have yet to be disappointed with this series.
Striking Range is the 7th book in the series. The plot is fast-paced with lots of twists and sub-plots. Entertaining as usual! Mattie travels to question a suspect in a Colorado prison, but the prisoner dies leaving some mysterious clues in his cell. Add in a missing pregnant woman, puppies and a blizzard -- it all adds up to the usual great Timber Creek K-9 story!
This newest book is one of my favorites in the series so far! The action was non-stop and I couldn't stop reading! I am eagerly awaiting the next book.
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
10/2/2021 - I waited for the end of this new book until the audio came out. Then I started all over and listened to the full story again!
The audio is just under 10 hours long and narrated by Nancy Wu. Excellent listening experience as usual!!
Striking Range is the 7th book in the series. The plot is fast-paced with lots of twists and sub-plots. Entertaining as usual! Mattie travels to question a suspect in a Colorado prison, but the prisoner dies leaving some mysterious clues in his cell. Add in a missing pregnant woman, puppies and a blizzard -- it all adds up to the usual great Timber Creek K-9 story!
This newest book is one of my favorites in the series so far! The action was non-stop and I couldn't stop reading! I am eagerly awaiting the next book.
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
10/2/2021 - I waited for the end of this new book until the audio came out. Then I started all over and listened to the full story again!
The audio is just under 10 hours long and narrated by Nancy Wu. Excellent listening experience as usual!!
September 3, 2021
Deputy Mattie Cobb and cold-case detective Jim Hauck arrive at the Colorado state prison where they intend to interview the man who kidnapped and tried to burn her alive years ago, Mattie believes this suspect is also responsible for killing her father 30 yrs ago. But, when they to go to interview him, he's found dead in his cell. In the cell with him, a mysterious map leading to Timber Creek and Redstone Ridge.
Following the map, Mattie and her K-9 partner Robo journey into the burned forest surrounding Redstone Ridge (this is where the former con tried to kill her, but in his quest to do that, instead accidentally started a forest fire when embers escaped into the air). However, before they can finish their search, they're called to help investigate the death of a young woman found in a campground. Evidence points to her having recently given birth, but the infant is nowhere to be found.
A deadly storm is approaching - time is of the essence. When new evidence surfaces, they decide that finding the woman's killer will lead them to the missing baby, The closer they get to solving crimes, the more the cold-blooded killer has them all targets for the kill, including her K-9 partner, Robo.
(Dang it! Now I’m really mad! Don’t hurt the dog, Dirtbag!)
While I enjoyed the story overall, (mostly because I’m a sucker for K-9 police dogs and Robo was so cool), the storyline and plot were fairly predictable early on. At other times, small details/events were unrealistic, (For instance: A traffic stop where marijuana is detected and the driver is only given a WARNING for going 30 mph over speed limit …. Yeah, no- that ain’t gonna happen….) on the positive side, I loved reading about the handling, training, and unique bond with her K-9 partner.
Narration by Nancy Wu was simple and routine with a pleasant voice, but lacked overall modulation, enthusiasm, pitch and variety. Nevertheless, if you prefer to listen to a book, she was easy to understand.
I appreciate this opportunity to explore the writing of author Margaret Mizushima, and was kindly provided an advanced digital audio production of the book in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own.
3 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Following the map, Mattie and her K-9 partner Robo journey into the burned forest surrounding Redstone Ridge (this is where the former con tried to kill her, but in his quest to do that, instead accidentally started a forest fire when embers escaped into the air). However, before they can finish their search, they're called to help investigate the death of a young woman found in a campground. Evidence points to her having recently given birth, but the infant is nowhere to be found.
A deadly storm is approaching - time is of the essence. When new evidence surfaces, they decide that finding the woman's killer will lead them to the missing baby, The closer they get to solving crimes, the more the cold-blooded killer has them all targets for the kill, including her K-9 partner, Robo.
(Dang it! Now I’m really mad! Don’t hurt the dog, Dirtbag!)
While I enjoyed the story overall, (mostly because I’m a sucker for K-9 police dogs and Robo was so cool), the storyline and plot were fairly predictable early on. At other times, small details/events were unrealistic, (For instance: A traffic stop where marijuana is detected and the driver is only given a WARNING for going 30 mph over speed limit …. Yeah, no- that ain’t gonna happen….) on the positive side, I loved reading about the handling, training, and unique bond with her K-9 partner.
Narration by Nancy Wu was simple and routine with a pleasant voice, but lacked overall modulation, enthusiasm, pitch and variety. Nevertheless, if you prefer to listen to a book, she was easy to understand.
I appreciate this opportunity to explore the writing of author Margaret Mizushima, and was kindly provided an advanced digital audio production of the book in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own.
3 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 2, 2021
I am a great fan of this series, having read every book with Mattie Cobb and her K-9 partner Robo. The books are easy to read, good mysteries, and if you love dogs, a must read! I certainly enjoyed this addition to the series.
September 7, 2021
4 stars
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is another good book in this K-9 Mystery series. Just when Deputy Mattie is poised to question the man she thinks murdered her father, he's discovered dead in his jail cell. Mattie finds a map of Timber Creek in his cell marked with Xs in several spots on the mountains. She and San Diego cold case detective Jim Hauck head back to Timber Creek to investigate.
Before they can finish their search, Mattie and her K-9 Robo are called away to investigate the death of a young pregnant girl. The girl had recently given birth, but the baby is nowhere to be found. As the search intensifies, a big winter storm sets in, making a desperate search more difficult.
As typical in most mysteries, things get way worse before they get better, but Mattie and Robo keep plugging away, following the evidence until answers are found. I really enjoy this mystery series. Even 7 books in, I still enjoy reading about Mattie and her partner Robo. Mattie's character is finally starting to let people into her life and although she faced incredible hardship early in life, she hasn't allowed it to turn her bitter or cruel. She still believes most people are inherently good and is confidant enough in her and her partner's abilities to trust her judgment and instincts. While she's nobodies fool, Mattie still allows her humanity to guide her.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books. All opinions are my own.
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is another good book in this K-9 Mystery series. Just when Deputy Mattie is poised to question the man she thinks murdered her father, he's discovered dead in his jail cell. Mattie finds a map of Timber Creek in his cell marked with Xs in several spots on the mountains. She and San Diego cold case detective Jim Hauck head back to Timber Creek to investigate.
Before they can finish their search, Mattie and her K-9 Robo are called away to investigate the death of a young pregnant girl. The girl had recently given birth, but the baby is nowhere to be found. As the search intensifies, a big winter storm sets in, making a desperate search more difficult.
As typical in most mysteries, things get way worse before they get better, but Mattie and Robo keep plugging away, following the evidence until answers are found. I really enjoy this mystery series. Even 7 books in, I still enjoy reading about Mattie and her partner Robo. Mattie's character is finally starting to let people into her life and although she faced incredible hardship early in life, she hasn't allowed it to turn her bitter or cruel. She still believes most people are inherently good and is confidant enough in her and her partner's abilities to trust her judgment and instincts. While she's nobodies fool, Mattie still allows her humanity to guide her.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books. All opinions are my own.
October 31, 2021
I have read the entire series. I really like the characters. The author has made them come alive for me. I like that Mattie is such a strong lead character. She's had a pretty bad life in the past and she's put in a lot of work to make herself better and mentally stronger. She's very serious about doing the best job she can as a deputy. Unlike some other books I've read, there is no hot and bothered "sizzling" between Mattie and any of the males she works with...or anywhere else in this series. Mattie has a romantic relationship, but it's based on love and respect and not on a tight uniform (I hate when I want to read a thrilling mystery and I get heaving bosoms instead). I really like Robo and the relationship he and Mattie have. Neither of them would hesitate to put their own life on the line for the other. When I opened this book, I swore that this time I was going to take my time and make the book last. Well, that didn't happen. I guess I will be pre-ordering again. And then I wait.
September 10, 2021
Enjoyable! These K-9 handler novels are some of my favorite cozy mysteries. I'm a fan of Mattie, Robo & Cole. Wish I didn't have to wait so long to hear what comes next in their lives!
December 6, 2021
This is a fantastic mystery series -- definitely grittier than a cozy but not quite a thriller (at least, I don't think so.) And there's a bit of language, just the occasional expletive uttered under dire circumstances. :-) I think it's best to read the books in order because the character development for both main and secondary characters is phenomenal and it's worth taking the time to watch them all evolve. Including the romance. There's also some carry over concerning a mystery in Mattie's personal life that continues to ramp up with each new book.
Of course, Robo the wonder dog is a huge draw for me and I love all the extra bits of K-9 training and logistics that the author includes. I've never read another book with such a comprehensive approach to the K-9 aspect.
This is part police procedural, part wilderness adventure type of mystery, excellently paced with Mattie and Cole's personal lives. He's a vet there's always some great animal sub plot going on. In this one it's puppies!!!!
Nancy Wu does an incredible job with the narration. The perfect match to Margaret Mizushima's storytelling style.
Of course, Robo the wonder dog is a huge draw for me and I love all the extra bits of K-9 training and logistics that the author includes. I've never read another book with such a comprehensive approach to the K-9 aspect.
This is part police procedural, part wilderness adventure type of mystery, excellently paced with Mattie and Cole's personal lives. He's a vet there's always some great animal sub plot going on. In this one it's puppies!!!!
Nancy Wu does an incredible job with the narration. The perfect match to Margaret Mizushima's storytelling style.
August 20, 2021
Deputy Mattie Cobb’s and Robo’s partnership continues to evolve.
I must confess; I wasn’t sure how the author would be able to add another interesting case of crime in a remote area of Colorado, but she did. As with the other stories in this series, I enjoyed the law officer’s relationship with her intelligent canine partner.
Besides following through with a good amount of suspense, Mattie, and the veterinarian, Cole Walker, continued with some sparks. The time they spent together was treasured. Their love for each other was solid; I enjoyed watching everything between this couple unfold.
Striking Range was action packed, compelling and well-written. I only wish I had #8 to read! I am looking forward to more mysteries from Ms. Mizushima.
Thank you to Net Galley, Crooked Lane Books and Margaret Mizushima for a digital ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I must confess; I wasn’t sure how the author would be able to add another interesting case of crime in a remote area of Colorado, but she did. As with the other stories in this series, I enjoyed the law officer’s relationship with her intelligent canine partner.
Besides following through with a good amount of suspense, Mattie, and the veterinarian, Cole Walker, continued with some sparks. The time they spent together was treasured. Their love for each other was solid; I enjoyed watching everything between this couple unfold.
Striking Range was action packed, compelling and well-written. I only wish I had #8 to read! I am looking forward to more mysteries from Ms. Mizushima.
Thank you to Net Galley, Crooked Lane Books and Margaret Mizushima for a digital ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2021
I really enjoy the Timber Creek K-9 Mystery series and each book brings another wonderful crime/mystery to solve. There is so much going on in this book. This one opens with Mattie meeting California Detective Jim Hauck at a Colorado prison. They plan to interview John Cobb, the man Mattie thought was her father as well as the man who tried to kill Mattie a few months ago. They are trying to find out if he killed her real father 30 years ago, but when they get to the prison, he is dead, with a map in his cell. Mattie returns home to see where the map leads, but before they can investigate, they find a young woman dead, a women who had recently given birth, but there is no baby found. They now have to solve the mystery of the map, find a killer and find the baby.
I really like the characters in this series. Mattie is a fantastic detective and her K-9 partner, Robo is very talented. In this book, they call in various other K-9s all with various jobs and talents. I found that very interesting. There was a lot of tracking going on in this one. The plot was very well-developed and I liked how the different sub-plots were interwoven into the story. There were clues dropped along the way, but they were subtle, lots of red herrings and several twists that made this one difficult to figure out. I enjoyed the reveal of the criminals and how they were subdued and eventually arrested. Another great police procedural/detective/crime thriller. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Nancy Wu. She has narrated the previous books I have listened to in this series and is the voice of Mattie Cobb to me. Wu does an excellent job of bringing the story and characters to life. She has a pleasant voice and gives personality to the characters. If you enjoy stories starring animals, police procedurals or crime thrillers, I recommend you pick this one up in either book or audiobook format.
I really like the characters in this series. Mattie is a fantastic detective and her K-9 partner, Robo is very talented. In this book, they call in various other K-9s all with various jobs and talents. I found that very interesting. There was a lot of tracking going on in this one. The plot was very well-developed and I liked how the different sub-plots were interwoven into the story. There were clues dropped along the way, but they were subtle, lots of red herrings and several twists that made this one difficult to figure out. I enjoyed the reveal of the criminals and how they were subdued and eventually arrested. Another great police procedural/detective/crime thriller. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Nancy Wu. She has narrated the previous books I have listened to in this series and is the voice of Mattie Cobb to me. Wu does an excellent job of bringing the story and characters to life. She has a pleasant voice and gives personality to the characters. If you enjoy stories starring animals, police procedurals or crime thrillers, I recommend you pick this one up in either book or audiobook format.
November 17, 2021
4.5 Stars
I am such a fan of this series!!
In this book, we got some answers about Mattie’s past, which I appreciated. Striking Range was not short on suspenseful situations! I'll mention a few and I promise there will be no spoilers. There was a blizzard, there were dead bodies, missing people, injuries, narcotics, and puppies! The book was light on romance, as has been true with the previous books in the series. I like that. At one point, Robo’s trainer came to town with a team of dogs/handlers where each was trained in searching for specific things, such as cadavers, narcotics, and explosives. Interesting. I found myself feeling resentful every time real life interfered and I had to put the book down!
I took half a star off because I sometimes felt as though the story was getting a bit bogged down in minute details. I still really enjoyed it, though! I just wish there were some way for me to adopt one of the puppies Robo sired!!😉
Now the wait begins for #8 to be written...
I am such a fan of this series!!
In this book, we got some answers about Mattie’s past, which I appreciated. Striking Range was not short on suspenseful situations! I'll mention a few and I promise there will be no spoilers. There was a blizzard, there were dead bodies, missing people, injuries, narcotics, and puppies! The book was light on romance, as has been true with the previous books in the series. I like that. At one point, Robo’s trainer came to town with a team of dogs/handlers where each was trained in searching for specific things, such as cadavers, narcotics, and explosives. Interesting. I found myself feeling resentful every time real life interfered and I had to put the book down!
I took half a star off because I sometimes felt as though the story was getting a bit bogged down in minute details. I still really enjoyed it, though! I just wish there were some way for me to adopt one of the puppies Robo sired!!😉
Now the wait begins for #8 to be written...
September 6, 2021
This novel was set in the beautiful, mountainous landscapes of Colorado. A solid, mystery-suspense that did not disappoint. Well rounded, fully developed characters with action catching drama that held my attention until the end. A dog lovers dream with well explained details to explain the training and workings behind a K-9 unit team. I really enjoyed the small town feel with a family closeness that had just a touch of romance.
Plot driven with believable twist, I highly recommend this one to anyone who loves a good mystery.
This was book #7 but can totally be read as a stand-alone. I chose to listen to this book on audio and the narrator was excellent with a fun 9 hours and 45 minutes of easy listening.
Thanks Dreamscape Media via Netgalley.
Plot driven with believable twist, I highly recommend this one to anyone who loves a good mystery.
This was book #7 but can totally be read as a stand-alone. I chose to listen to this book on audio and the narrator was excellent with a fun 9 hours and 45 minutes of easy listening.
Thanks Dreamscape Media via Netgalley.
December 31, 2023
Sebbene avessi sospettato ben presto della persona giusta (più a sensazione che per altro), è stato comunque avvincente leggere questo libro. Il cast di personaggi, non solo la protagonista (i protagonisti: anche Robo, il cane, merita questo titolo!), sono ben delineati e si fanno amare, insomma ci si affeziona. Vorrei solo che la questione dell'omicidio della padre della protagonista non si trascinasse ancora a lungo, ma temo che quando questo mistero, che bene o male si ritrova in tutti i libri, sarà risolto, finirà la serie.
June 15, 2022
Love this series featuring Mattie and her K-9 partner, Robo, in the mountains of Colorado with a perfect combo of action, procedures and darn good characters. She's teaming up with a detective from California to attempt getting answers about her real father's death from the man she unfortunately had believed to be her father. Highly recommended. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2023
WHOO HOO!!! Robo is a doggie daddy!!! This is not a spoiler since the previous installment alluded to at the end of that book and it was revealed in the first few chapters of this book. I’m on a little bit of a binge for the Mattie & Robo series, especially because of how the last story ended with both the discovery of Mattie’s bio mom and the request for Sassy and Robo to mate. Hopefully, Mattie and Robo get to keep one of them to add to Mattie’s growing family.
The book summary lays out the two primary storylines as well as pretty much the first half of the book: the investigation of the maps that were found in John Cobb’s cell after his death and the investigation of the death of a teenage mother whose baby is missing. There’s a lot going on in Timber Creek, what with the dead mother, the missing baby, the baby daddy who suddenly shows up in town, the discovery from the maps, the weather, the investigation on who ran a deputy off the road, the puppies, especially the runt who wasn’t doing well. Just a lot of stuff!
By the halfway point, my suspicions were flip flopping between two different characters (I was right about one). In the second half of the story, the two storylines start to not really merge, but rather kind of overlap each other. It’s hard to explain. The final 10% of the story is really scary and intense for Mattie, Robo and Cole. The end of the storylines were satisfying and that news at the end leaves a cliffhanger for the next installment.
The book summary lays out the two primary storylines as well as pretty much the first half of the book: the investigation of the maps that were found in John Cobb’s cell after his death and the investigation of the death of a teenage mother whose baby is missing. There’s a lot going on in Timber Creek, what with the dead mother, the missing baby, the baby daddy who suddenly shows up in town, the discovery from the maps, the weather, the investigation on who ran a deputy off the road, the puppies, especially the runt who wasn’t doing well. Just a lot of stuff!
By the halfway point, my suspicions were flip flopping between two different characters (I was right about one). In the second half of the story, the two storylines start to not really merge, but rather kind of overlap each other. It’s hard to explain. The final 10% of the story is really scary and intense for Mattie, Robo and Cole. The end of the storylines were satisfying and that news at the end leaves a cliffhanger for the next installment.
October 10, 2021
Another great entry in the series. These books continue to entertain and have interesting mysteries, as well as a continuing storyline thread that makes you want to keep returning book after book. I'm so invested in all of these characters -- furry ones included -- and I love the fact this this author doesn't take an extra 200 pages of unnecessary filler to get to the meat and potatoes of the plot!
If you enjoy mystery/crime stories that aren't outlandish and are realistic yet interesting, and you like dogs, this is a wonderful series. I have yet to be disappointed in one of these books, though I have enjoyed some more than others.
Anxiously awaiting what's next for Mattie, Robo, and company!
If you enjoy mystery/crime stories that aren't outlandish and are realistic yet interesting, and you like dogs, this is a wonderful series. I have yet to be disappointed in one of these books, though I have enjoyed some more than others.
Anxiously awaiting what's next for Mattie, Robo, and company!
December 23, 2021
Another Winner!
I have enjoyed all of the Timber Creek K-9 mysteries, and I am looking forward to the next. Each could stand alone, but they are better and more fun if you start with the first, Killing Range, published in 2015. There are about eight so far, and I loved every one. Mattie is the first K-9 officer deputy for the police force in Timber Creek, Colorado, and her amazing canine German Shepherd partner, Robo, is a scene stealer for sure. The mountains, rough terrain and backwoods trails of Colorado are also characters in the stories for sure. But the rest of the cast are interesting people and have perfectly drawn real life personalities as well. The novels are very well written and expertly plotted. Every ending is complete and fully understandable. Never a cliffhanger here! The reader is in the knowledgeable and caring hands of a real author. Give these excellent novels a try; I think you might be glad you did.
I have enjoyed all of the Timber Creek K-9 mysteries, and I am looking forward to the next. Each could stand alone, but they are better and more fun if you start with the first, Killing Range, published in 2015. There are about eight so far, and I loved every one. Mattie is the first K-9 officer deputy for the police force in Timber Creek, Colorado, and her amazing canine German Shepherd partner, Robo, is a scene stealer for sure. The mountains, rough terrain and backwoods trails of Colorado are also characters in the stories for sure. But the rest of the cast are interesting people and have perfectly drawn real life personalities as well. The novels are very well written and expertly plotted. Every ending is complete and fully understandable. Never a cliffhanger here! The reader is in the knowledgeable and caring hands of a real author. Give these excellent novels a try; I think you might be glad you did.
March 24, 2025
Marriage proposal at the end of this one :)
Mattie is legally changing her last name from Cobb (kidnappers/abusers) to Wray (her true father’s name). But she still needs to find out the truth about his life and death, a continuing search.
This was a harrowing tale but well-written.
Drugs, explosives, baby trafficking, murders.
Should I try Nancy Wu narrator ?
Mattie is legally changing her last name from Cobb (kidnappers/abusers) to Wray (her true father’s name). But she still needs to find out the truth about his life and death, a continuing search.
This was a harrowing tale but well-written.
Drugs, explosives, baby trafficking, murders.
Should I try Nancy Wu narrator ?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2021
Love it!
Always a joy to read about Mattie and Robo. Love these characters and the non-stop action and page turning that Margaret creates. Can’t wait for the next one!
Always a joy to read about Mattie and Robo. Love these characters and the non-stop action and page turning that Margaret creates. Can’t wait for the next one!
August 30, 2021
Time can certainly fly when you're reading an exciting series filled with characters that you've grown to love. It's hard for me to believe that this Timber Creek K-9 series is already on book seven. Readers have been following Mattie Cobb's professional life as a police officer and K-9 handler as well as her training of Robo and her dealing with the emotional baggage of her personal life. We've also had much the same journey with veterinarian Cole Walker as he's dealt with divorce, raising two young daughters, and his busy practice.
Mizushima does an excellent job of showing readers just what is involved in being a K-9 handler and keeping working dogs like Robo in top form. The relationship between Mattie and Robo is one of the reasons why I enjoy this series. I'm not one to care for much romance in my mysteries, but somehow this author manages to continue to develop a relationship between Mattie and Cole that brings real depth to both characters (and doesn't make me want to roll my eyes). Actually, it's been known to make me smile.
Even though I found the bad guy to be rather easily guessed, I still enjoyed the journey to this person's unmasking. I like watching the Timber Creek sheriff's department work together to get things done, and Striking Range wouldn't be another strong story in this series without an exciting chase/search/rescue high in the mountains.
If you're a reader who enjoys reading strong mysteries involving working dogs, the great outdoors, and an intelligent cast, you need to read Margaret Mizushima's Timber Creek K-9 series. You can read Striking Range as a standalone, but if you love character development, I'd advise you to start with the first book, Killing Trail-- and I won't be at all surprised if you then join me in my annual visit to the Colorado Rockies.
(Review courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
Mizushima does an excellent job of showing readers just what is involved in being a K-9 handler and keeping working dogs like Robo in top form. The relationship between Mattie and Robo is one of the reasons why I enjoy this series. I'm not one to care for much romance in my mysteries, but somehow this author manages to continue to develop a relationship between Mattie and Cole that brings real depth to both characters (and doesn't make me want to roll my eyes). Actually, it's been known to make me smile.
Even though I found the bad guy to be rather easily guessed, I still enjoyed the journey to this person's unmasking. I like watching the Timber Creek sheriff's department work together to get things done, and Striking Range wouldn't be another strong story in this series without an exciting chase/search/rescue high in the mountains.
If you're a reader who enjoys reading strong mysteries involving working dogs, the great outdoors, and an intelligent cast, you need to read Margaret Mizushima's Timber Creek K-9 series. You can read Striking Range as a standalone, but if you love character development, I'd advise you to start with the first book, Killing Trail-- and I won't be at all surprised if you then join me in my annual visit to the Colorado Rockies.
(Review courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
October 11, 2021
Is It Me??
I've listened to every book of this series, and loved every one. Timber Creek K-9 Mysteries are fresh, easy, and clean stories. I enjoyed this story as well. However, the narration bothered me a bit in this one.
As with the other books in this series, this one is narrated by Nancy Wu. I've had no problem with her in the past episodes. But for some reason this particular story was extremely breathy and some of Ms. Wu's voicings, particularly for the male characters, were just a little off. Most disturbing was the way she sometimes slipped into a sing-song style that sounded more like I was listening to a children's book than a romantic thriller.
To be sure, since these are pretty sweet, clean stories, they can easily sound a little silly if the voicings aren't well done. Sadly, that was the case for me at times, as some of the phrases sounded ridiculous and childish. This has not been a hallmark of Ms. Mizishima's writing, nor have I noticed this annoying narration style in the past.
I'm chalking this one up to a fluke: a bad day for the narrator, if you will. Even with my complaints, I still enjoyed this story and will continue to listen. If you're new to this series, I recommend you start with a different story... in fact, start at the beginning to get the full history of these charming characters. If you're reading (instead of listening to an audiobook), you'll likely enjoy this book as much as the rest. This is a wonderfully entertaining series.
I've listened to every book of this series, and loved every one. Timber Creek K-9 Mysteries are fresh, easy, and clean stories. I enjoyed this story as well. However, the narration bothered me a bit in this one.
As with the other books in this series, this one is narrated by Nancy Wu. I've had no problem with her in the past episodes. But for some reason this particular story was extremely breathy and some of Ms. Wu's voicings, particularly for the male characters, were just a little off. Most disturbing was the way she sometimes slipped into a sing-song style that sounded more like I was listening to a children's book than a romantic thriller.
To be sure, since these are pretty sweet, clean stories, they can easily sound a little silly if the voicings aren't well done. Sadly, that was the case for me at times, as some of the phrases sounded ridiculous and childish. This has not been a hallmark of Ms. Mizishima's writing, nor have I noticed this annoying narration style in the past.
I'm chalking this one up to a fluke: a bad day for the narrator, if you will. Even with my complaints, I still enjoyed this story and will continue to listen. If you're new to this series, I recommend you start with a different story... in fact, start at the beginning to get the full history of these charming characters. If you're reading (instead of listening to an audiobook), you'll likely enjoy this book as much as the rest. This is a wonderfully entertaining series.
May 14, 2022
I love dogs, I love wilderness, but I also love books to be compelling written. The writing was pedestrian and full of cliches, and the plotting was unbelievable. I can suspend disbelief with the best of them, but... there's a limit. This was the first "Timber Creek K-9 Mystery" that I had read. There was so much back story written into this one, I feel like I've suffered through the others. This series suffers from the Cabot Cove syndrome. How could the same characters have experienced (and prevailed) against so much violent crime? I did turn the pages, though. Just to find out about the baby. Why was there no urgency about the baby?
March 21, 2022
No idea why this is so well rated. It was fine, but nothing special. A bit too much puppy focus for me. I mean, I like puppies, but I was reading for the dog/human policing and mystery aspects. I guess I'll keep reading the series, but if I missed it and found something more exciting, I wouldn't be sad.
April 13, 2022
Solid 3. Good but a bit lacking. I like the murder mystery with Tonya but I felt like the tie into other murders felt rather forced. It seems like the big mystery surrounding John Cobb bad pretend dad and Douglas Wray good bio dad might be taking a back seat again which is fine with me.
November 30, 2021
I love listening to this series on audible. Author and narrator are talented! Looking forward to the next in the series!
December 1, 2021
Mattie and Cole getting married. YAY!!!! I love this book series so much. I hope there are many more books to come! I don’t want this series to end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2022
This was my least favorite of this series. I had a hard time enjoying both the story and the character lines.
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