Title: Killing Trail
Author: Margaret Mizushima
First published December 8, 2015
311 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781629533810 (ISBN10: 1629533815)
Rating: 4.03
Overview
When a hiker goes missing in the mountains of Timber Creek, Colorado, Officer Mattie Cobb and her K-9 police dog Robo are called in to lead the search. As they delve deeper into the wilderness, they uncover a grisly scene that suggests foul play.
Local veterinarian and single father Cole Walker offers to help, and together they must piece together the clues before another victim is claimed. But Mattie soon realizes that the investigation hits close to home, and the secrets of her idyllic hometown may be darker than she ever imagined.
With pulse-pounding suspense and a captivating cast of characters, Killing Trail is a must-read for fans of Nevada Barr and C.J. Box.
About the Author
Meet Margaret Mizushima, an accomplished author known for her acclaimed Timber Creek K-9 Mysteries, which have been published worldwide. Margaret is an active member of the writing community and currently serves as the president of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of Mystery Writers of America.
Her passion for writing has earned her the prestigious 2019-2020 Writer of the Year by Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers. As a proud member of Northern Colorado Writers and Sisters in Crime, Margaret constantly inspires and supports fellow writers.
When she is not writing, Margaret can be found on her small ranch in Colorado, where she and her veterinarian husband raised their two daughters and an array of animals. Connect with Margaret on social media via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @margmizu, or visit her website.
Editoral Review
In her 2015 novel Killing Trail, Margaret Mizushima offers a suspenseful glimpse into the world of Colorado law enforcement, exploring themes of loyalty, justice, and redemption in the process. As the first book in her Timber Creek K-9 Mystery series, Killing Trail lays a solid foundation for a captivating collection of books to come.
Mizushima, who spent most of her life in Colorado and has a strong connection to the state’s rural landscapes, infuses the book with a sense of place that is both vivid and visceral. Set in the small town of Timber Creek, the novel follows the story of deputy Mattie Cobb and her canine partner Robo, as they investigate a series of murders that threaten to upend the town’s sense of peace and security.
Despite its intense subject matter, Killing Trail manages to be both entertaining and thought-provoking, offering a complex portrayal of human nature that is both heartwarming and harrowing. The novel’s characters are expertly crafted, each with their own flaws and strengths, their own secrets and desires.
Mattie, in particular, is a deeply sympathetic heroine, struggling to overcome a painful past and find her place in the world. One of the strongest elements of Killing Trail is Mizushima’s incorporation of the K-9 unit into the story.
Robo, Mattie’s canine partner, is a fully fleshed out character in his own right, with his own perspective on the world and his own unique skills that prove invaluable in solving the case. Through Robo, Mizushima explores the complex relationships that can exist between humans and animals, and the many ways in which our four-legged friends can have a powerful impact on our lives.
While Killing Trail is undeniably a page-turner, it does have its flaws. The pacing can be a bit uneven at times, with some sections feeling rushed while others drag on.
Additionally, some readers may find the mystery itself to be fairly predictable, with few real surprises along the way. Overall, however, Killing Trail is a strong debut from a talented writer, and a must-read for anyone interested in the world of crime fiction.
With its compelling characters, evocative setting, and intriguing plot, the book is sure to satisfy fans of the genre and leave them eager for more from Mizushima and her Timber Creek K-9 Mystery series. Rating: 4/5 stars.
