Mattie and her K-9 search dog Robo are called to soggy dense forests of Washington state to assist in finding the son of a famous actress who mysteriously disappeared into the woods. Part of the Timber Creek K-9 Mystery series, this book continues on the story of Mattie and Cole, the week prior to their wedding. Mattie and her team of K-9 investigators assist the locals in searching for the missing boy, only to uncover something far more sinister is happening. Who is guilty and will they find the boy in time before her wedding day?

I did not realize this was a book in a series, so I have not read the previous 8 stories. However, I don't think you need to. I was confused by the story, but could tell some of the other characters played roles in the past books. I thought this was a very interesting take on investigative fiction. I've not read any other book that focuses on the work of using dogs for search and rescue. It was very interesting the depth the author went in to explain the process of how the dogs and the trainers work together. While I didn't feel this was a high-stakes book, it was a very cozy mystery that was enjoyable.

Margaret Mizushima writes some of the most powerful and compelling mysteries available, and every one of her books highlights Mattie, her search and rescue dog Robo, and the veterinarian Cole and his family. Usually, the setting is Timber Creek in the mountains of Colorado, but this time, Mattie is recruited to the dark, wet woods of the Olympic Peninsula to search for a missing boy, son of a celebrity.

As the plot develops, Mattie realizes that arsenic-tainted water has been used to sicken members of the search party and even kill children, and it is clear that there is more happening here than just the search for a missing boy. As the plot develops, and as Cole arrives on the scene to care for the animals involved, the skill with which Mizushima describes the forests, creeks, and foreboding trails heightens the sinister setting. As Cole and Mattie and Robo search for the missing boy, River, we are introduced to other dogs and their handlers and are taught some of the ways in which these dogs carry out their duties.

At the end of this book, we read about Mattie and Cole's wedding, a touching ceremony that includes all their friends and relatives.

Mizushima has created another blockbuster mystery that weaves setting, plot, and familiar characters with skill and aplomb.

Thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this engaging book.

Gathering Mist by Margaret Mizushima continues Mattie and Cole's collaboration, this time searching for a missing child in the rainforest of the Olympic Peninsula. The change of scenery adds a new element to Robo and Mattie's search as they are challenged by rain, mud and poisoned waterways. This is just as exciting as the Colorado local and working with Sarge and the other dogs from the team adds to the pleasure of reading these books.

Tense and nail-biting search and rescue in the Pacific Northwest, in the rain, in the deep woods - and WOW, you feel like you are there! Great series, and best part is the dogs are the stars of the show, of course with a diverse and complex supporting cast. Solid mystery with red herrings and secrets everywhere, and a good mix of human interaction and personal interaction. Not to be missed