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donnek's review
4.0
Continuing my search for a Chet & and Bernie like doggy detective mystery, I discovered the Killing Trail in my to-read list. While it's not another Chet & Bernie like doggy detective mystery (I'm discovering just how unique Spencer Quinn's Chet & Bernie series is), it is still a really good doggy detective mystery.
I liked the chemistry between police officers Mattie and her K9 Robo, a Belgian Malinois. The romance between Mattie and the local vet, Cole, was inconsequential and had no bearing or effect on the story so there's no reason to call this a romantic mystery. The mystery story was interesting and entertaining and the ending provided options on where the author could go in the series. I look forward to continuing it.
I liked the chemistry between police officers Mattie and her K9 Robo, a Belgian Malinois. The romance between Mattie and the local vet, Cole, was inconsequential and had no bearing or effect on the story so there's no reason to call this a romantic mystery. The mystery story was interesting and entertaining and the ending provided options on where the author could go in the series. I look forward to continuing it.
babychreez's review against another edition
4.0
This had no business being as good as it was! Such a unique premise for a mystery series. The dogs really bumped this up to a 4 for me! Loved it.
koberreads's review
A good mystery book overall but I am not in a mood for small reclusive mountain americantown murder mystery for now
stacey54's review
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
erinpowell2014's review against another edition
4.0
I listened to this book on Hoopla and in the beginning it was a little hard because the narrator sounded a little robotic but as the story got going and more interesting I forgot about the robotic voice and really got into it. Definitely worth a listen.
winewalknbooktok's review against another edition
3.0
If you are looking for a good mystery then this is a great option. I liked the relationship between Matti and her K-9 partner Robo. I learned some about how police dogs are trained and look forward to the next in the series.
jenna_bookworm_5822's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
andimontgomery's review
4.0
I enjoyed this first book in the Timber Creek K-9 Mysteries series featuring Deputy Mattie and her new K-9 partner, Robo, based in Colorado. While I don’t often listen to audiobooks, this one was available for free in the Audible Plus catalog, and it was well worth the time.
Mattie is on her first day back on the job after training for three months to work with Robo. When an injured dog is discovered next to a dead body, Mattie and Robo get involved in the investigation.
Mattie is reserved based on her traumatic childhood, but is a methodical, kind, and empathetic deputy. And she loves Robo, as evident in her care for him. I liked her character very much.
This was a multilayered mystery with excellent pacing and several potential suspects. I appreciated that the author wrote a mostly “clean” story as well. It was just a bit more gritty than a typical “cozy” mystery in its intent and delivery. There was a bit of disturbing animal cruelty that turned my stomach, but no animals died as a result.
Several supporting characters were standouts, including Dr. Cole Walker (the local veterinarian), Stella (a detective brought in from the city to assist with the investigation), and dispatcher Rainbow (who befriends Mattie). I hope to learn more about them in future installments.
Nancy Wu was an excellent reader, and I’ll definitely continue this series on audio!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty
hsuperstarfitness's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Book review of Killing Trail by Margaret Mizushima. 2 out of 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ .
Killing Trail by Margaret Mizushima is a gripping and suspenseful mystery that is a perfect fit for readers who enjoy a thrilling and dark tale of secrets, police procedurals, and romance, with a strong female protagonist and a loyal canine partner, set against the backdrop of a small Colorado town with a complex and intriguing history.
I already don’t like the MC. I like her dog more than her. 🤣 This novel makes me want to read the books that inspired the tv show Bones. Because as it was super cool that the author interviewed people who actually had K-9 units, it would’ve been better if more police/crime terminology would’ve been used.
Don’t necessarily recommend this book. Also can’t believe this is a series. Will not be reading.