Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

This is another winner for the author! I’m a big fan of the series about troubled cop Mattie Cobb and her K9 partner, Robo. The love and respect Cobb has for her dog shines through in each book and this one was no exception.

A twisty murder mystery is the setting for this latest installment, with the backdrop of the Colorado mountains looming large as usual. Unique to this story was a subplot of big game hunting and a ferocious big cat on the loose. Mattie must depend on Robo to keep her safe from both human and animal as they track a killer.

We learn a bit more about Mattie’s past – the author loves to peel back the layers bit by bit in each book, which helps develop the character, as well as adding to the reader’s kinship with Mattie. She is a troubled soul, fiercely independent and devoted to her canine companion Robo. The ways in which Mizushima describes their interactions is both heartwarming and jaw-dropping – this German Shepherd is such a smart dog!

I was also happy to see Mattie’s romance with veterinarian Cole Walker developing some more – there is a lot of chemistry between them and he is so good for Mattie’s wounded soul. In fact, there are a few ways that Mattie overcomes some of her fears in TRACKING GAME – I was proud of her for getting out of her comfort zone.

If you love backcountry mysteries, you will love the Timber Creek series. There is just enough fast-paced intrigue plus a little romance to keep nearly every reader interested. This book could be read as a stand-alone, but some of the references will go over the heads of readers. This will not detract from the plot or outcome, but it is always recommended to start with the first book and go from there. I am anxiously awaiting the next mystery from Mizushima; she is one of my favorite authors and I’m always ready to dive into her next work. ( )

Author's guest post at my blog:
https://bookfare.blogspot.com/2022/04/foodfic-please-welcome-margaret.html

This series is one of my favorites. I have a very soft spot in my reader's heart for stories that involve K-9 units. Margaret Mizushima always delivers an exciting, interesting, and often dangerous case for Mattie and Robo to investigate.

Tracking Game is the 5th book in the Timber Creek K-9 series. I enjoyed this newest adventure. The action started immediately and didn't let up until the very end. There are all different types of predators, both man and beast. This time, Mattie and Robo will face down both.

A reader could jump into this series at this new book and still enjoy the characters and the mystery. There is enough background given to understand basic relationships, past cases and all of the characters. But to get the full effect of the characters, prior relationships, some issues with Mattie's past, the town, etc., it might be best to start with book one and read the entire series.

I enjoyed the mystery this time. The case was interesting and had some sneaky twists here and there to spice it up. All in all, another great story in this series! I do have to say that I am getting a bit weary of the relationship problems between Mattie and Cole and the ongoing issues between Cole and his ex-wife. I think Mattie stressing about her past and its possible effect on her relationship, her parents, etc just needs to be wrapped up.... it's just dragging on too long. Either get together or don't..... And while Olivia is important because of Cole and the kids, that side plot is getting old (for me anyway) and needs to be worked out so the plots can move forward and the characters develop past this point. But....I'm not a reader who reads a series for the romantic angle. I'm there for the investigation. Maybe someone who enjoys romantic stories would feel differently.

Very enjoyable addition to this series! I am eagerly awaiting the next book!

**I voluntarily read an advance readers copy of this book from Crooked Lane via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.** ( )

4.5 stars.

Tracking Game by Margaret Mizushima is an enthralling mystery with a fantastic cast of characters. Although this newest release is the fifth installment in the Timber Creek K-9 Mystery series, it can be read as a standalone. However, I highly recommend the previous novels in the series.

Deputy Mattie Cobb and veterinarian Cole Walker's private relationship goes public when they attend a town dance together. But their evening plans are interrupted by a nearby explosion. Upon arriving at the scene, they discover a burning vehicle, a dead body and an injured friend and his wife. Cole's friends Leslie and Garrett Hartman have had a difficult year and both he and Mattie are worried about Garrett's injuries. Garrett's attempt to save murder victim Nate Fletcher prevents important evidence from going up in flames. Mattie quickly brings her K-9 partner Robo to the scene where he soon sniffs out invaluable evidence. But will their discoveries lead them to the killer?

Mattie is making progress with coming to terms with her troubled childhood. She continues to wrestle with trust issues and she remains a little wary of taking her relationship with Cole to the next level. Mattie pushes aside her personal demons as she and Robo become embroiled in the investigation into Nate's murder.

Mattie, Chief Deputy Brody and Detective Stella Losasso put in long hours trying to unmask Nate's killer. At first glance, Nate appears to be an unlikely victim but the evidence soon paints a different picture of the outfitter. Mattie and Stella follow their unexpected leads but they are frustrated by their lack of progress. When another person connected to the case is murdered, Mattie and the rest of the team are soon in a race against time to catch the murderer.

Tracking Game is a fast-paced mystery that is quite intriguing. Mattie continues to grow and heal as she becomes seriously entangled with Cole and his daughters. The investigation is quite fascinating and the case takes an very shocking turn. Margaret Mizushima brings the mystery to a tension-filled conclusion.

While the mystery element is completely wrapped up, the novel abruptly ends with a cliff-hanger personal discovery. Readers will be impatiently awaiting the next release in the Timber Creek K-9 Mystery series.
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I can't get enough of this mystery series. I've read all 5 and can't wait for more. With each book, the characters evolve and leave you wanting more. I love a well-written mystery. I love a fictional series that you can learn from because the author has either lived that life or has done a great job in doing the background research. Kudos to Margaret Mizushima for doing both! ( )