This is one of my favorite series and this book is one of the best in it! I was so stoked to get this book and it was excellent. All your favorite characters are back and there is a whole new story line. I love the pacing in this series and it’s so much fun getting to really know all the characters in a short period of time.

A new story in Mizushima's brilliant series is always cause to celebrate. Mattie Cobb's police work with her canine partner is fascinating, as is her backstory as a kidnapped and abused child. This story probes more of that backstory, as well as the developing but complicated relationship with the local vet and his family. In addition, this particular story deals with a cult of polygamy, a situation that pops up again and again in the western U.S. The age-old conflict between religious freedom and societal care is senstively examined.

This is so much more than a murder investigation, as Mizushima explores her characters with great depth and understanding, and gives readers an outstanding depiction of the landscape and insight into animal care - horses and dogs, most often.

This is a sterling series that will appeal to contemporary mystery lovers, as well as dog and horse people. It's not a cozy, however - there are stark and realistic descriptions. Highly recommended for all fiction collections and mystery collections.