A Timber Creek K-9 Mystery
STORY-LINE HUNTING HOUR BY MARGARET MIZUSHIMA:
In Hunting Hour, author Margaret Mizushima, crafted an intriguing intense suspenseful mystery. Deputy Sheriff Mattie Cobb and Robo, her K9 partner, work in a small town Sheriff Department. In earlier books in the series, Mattie formed a relationship with divorced local vet Cole Walker and his children. Cole does not understand why during the last few months, Mattie pulled away from him and his girls. Unbeknownst to Cole, Mattie began working with a therapist as she tries to sort out her issues stemming from childhood abuse.
When Candace Bank’s mother reports her missing, Robo and Mattie begin the search at the school which stretches out to Smoker’s Hill; a hang out for local teens; where Maggie and Robo find Candace’s body. Although only 13 years old and in junior high, Candace had several inappropriate relationships with male teens at the high school. Did one of them kill Candace? When Cole’s younger daughter Sophie disappears, Mattie and Robo are back in search mode. Will Mattie and Robo find Sophie before it too late? Who is stalking the children of this small town? My book review of Hunting Hour follows.
CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT: STARS 4
While Hunting Hour is a crime thriller, it’s also a testament of the versatility of K9 partners, as well as highlighting mental health and family dynamics. With many suspects, some with mental health issues, and an officer having mental health issues of her own, Mizushima created a solid suspense tale filled with emotion. As well as, highlighting issues pertinent to today.
Mizushima included law enforcement procedures, as well as, handling of a K9 partner. I did not realize how detailed & delicate the balance’s between the handler and the dog; nor how the handler must be schooled to not interfering with the dog’s ability to work by giving mixed or unnecessary signals. As well as, how the handler prepares the dog to search/track . I found the details Mizushima included fascinating and the law enforcement procedures realistically credible.
With plotting, which will hold the reader’s attention and with a touch of romance added, I found Hunting Hour thoroughly entertaining. Mizushima’s pacing of Hunting Hour flowed smoothly and transitioned from scene to scene fluidly. I could feel the atmosphere of this small close town and its residents. The portrayal of the teens is on target and realistic, as well as, the secondary characters who added depth to the story. Mizushima held the culprit close to her chest; not revealing their identity until the last possible moment.
Although a stand alone read, the author included enough background to make me feel comfortable with this book. However, I would suggest the reader start with book 1 to enhance their reading pleasure. I found Hunting Hour a solid suspenseful mystery crime book with intriguing plotting, well-developed characters, and pacing which moved smoothly. Mizushima’s writing style, easy to follow and clear, is a joy to read. A clean book without the use of sex or fluff to increase the page count, I would not hesitate to buy this book for my self or a friend.
HUNTING HOUR RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4
FINALLY, PLEASE NOTE:
In addition, I received this book from Netgalley. I chose to voluntarily reviewed this book with an honest book review. Furthermore, book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book/novel review author’s opinion. Consequently, all book/novel reviews on-line and on my blog, are my opinions. No one influenced my voluntary book review.
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