Stalking Ground: A Timber Creek K-9 Mystery

Realistic characters and believable plot twists distinguish Mizushima’s brisk sequel to 2015’s Killing Trail. The disappearance of massage therapist Adrienne Howard, who’s also the girlfriend of Chief Deputy Ken Brody, mobilizes Deputy Mattie Cobb of the Timber Creek, Colo., sheriff’s office, and her canine partner, German shepherd Robo. When Mattie and Robo’s search in the surrounding mountains ends with the discovery of Adrienne’s body, the pair stay overnight to guard the makeshift gravesite during the middle of an October snowstorm. The investigation of Adrienne’s murder leads to her fractured family and previous relationships, as well as a determined killer. Meanwhile, Mattie faces some facts about her own background in foster homes, while her friendship continues to grow with local veterinarian Cole Walker, who contends with being a single father. Robo proves his mettle as a well-trained detective and a brave hero in this incisive look at small-town police work. Agent: Terrie Wolf, AKA Literary Management. (Sept.)