I've never read a book like this but what a read! I love all things Canadian, national parks and about animals in the wild so this hit all the spots and more for me. The author's worked in the field and he knows his stuff - and boy does it show. I've spent only a short time in several national parks (mostly in Banff which I loved) and so this novel really spoke to me and revived some very happy memories. This was a great mystery novel and a unique take on the subject - it starts with animal poaching but turns into so much more. Not the novel I thought I was reading - very surprising and in a very good way! A great Canadian set read and captures the essence of more of the national park landscapes and is a cracking good mystery into the bargain! The author based this on an experience he had in the parks which really ramps up the interest and the tension. Throughly enjoyed it.

4 and 1 / 2 stars

Jenny Willson is a conservation warden with Parks Canada. Her area is Banff National Park.

She discovers the body of a poached elk in a field. She is thus investigating the crime. I like Jenny Willson very much. She is smart, sassy and tough. More animals are taken. As her investigation progresses, she discovers that the crimes straddle the Canada – United States border.

With two of the culprits identified, but without enough evidence to convict, Jenny and her team try to put pressure on the two to identify the person who is paying them to take the animals out of the parks.

When her bosses order her to quit her investigation, Jenny comes up with a great plan to thwart them.

Then people starting getting killed, and the tension mounts. With her investigation back on track, she meets with a US Fish and Wildlife Special Agent in the United States. They set out the criteria that Jenny needs to convict the individuals named in the poaching. The investigation turns more complex on many levels.

This book is both well written and plotted. The tension is blended with everyday situations that relieve it at points. There is sufficient background information given on the wardens and the suspects so as to enlighten the reader, but not so much that it detracts from the story. This is an exciting and very interesting book. Mr. Butler has a very fine future in writing mystery novels. Hats off Mr. Butler!

I want to thank Netgalley and Dundurn for forwarding to me a copy of this great book to read.