I think Dying Cry may be my favorite of Margaret Mizushima’s ten books in her Timber Creek K-9 mystery series. We’re past the ongoing issues in Mattie Walker’s childhood. We’ve moved on to a police procedural involving Mattie’s K-9 partner, Robo.
Mattie, her husband, Cole, and her new family, Cole’s daughters, are on a short weekend trip, and they’re teaching Sophie and Angie to snowshoe when they hear a terrified cry. Mattie urges Cole to take the girls back to the lodge while she and Robo try to find the source of the scream. The two spy what appears to be a body, but before they can reach it, a rockslide buries the body. Knowing members of the Timber Creek County Sheriff’s Department are on the way, Mattie tries to uncover the victim. When she finally sees the face, she recognizes it, a man with a connection to Cole.
The Sheriff’s team investigates, and it doesn’t take long for them to discover the victim was killed. But, Mattie struggles with this case, refusing to believe that the man’s spouse might be involved. Her co-workers insist she keep an open mind, but it’s hard to accept that someone she knows so well might be a killer.
The believable characters in this series continue to grow. The family has formed a strong unit, although they struggle with the traumatic events in their lives, including ones in Dying Cry. And, Mattie knows it will be a long time until the girls can forget the scream they heard as a man fell to his death. It’s an action-packed story, exciting from the very beginning. Once again, Mizushima creates an atmospheric story with a perfect setting for the mystery. It’s always a pleasure to return to Timber Creek, Colorado, to Mattie’s family and the sheriff’s team.
Margaret Mizushima’s website is http://margaretmiushima.com
Dying Cry by Margaret Misushima. Crooked Lane Books, 2025. 288p.
FTC Full Disclosure – The publicist sent me a galley of the book, with no expectations.
Thanks for introducing me to another writer I don’t know about, Lesa. The book and the series sound excellent. Another one for my list!
Kim, As Jeff mentions, he and I both grew a little tired of some of the drama surrounding Mattie’s childhood, but we’ve finally moved past it. It is a good series.
Oh, good. I’ve read these from the beginning, and now that they are finally married and all the trauma stemming from Mattie’s childhood is finally in the past, I’m looking forward to the new one.
And, I didn’t even write any spoilers, Jeff, so I didn’t even tell you who was killed.
Thank you so much for this review, Lesa. I’m so glad you enjoyed the book.
I did, Margaret. And, I know other readers will enjoy it, too. Good luck, and thank you for stopping by.
This story sounds intense! Best of Luck with the launch of DYING CRY, Margaret. Thanks for sharing it with us, Lisa ( ;
Thank you so much for joining us on Lesa’s review today! I appreciate hearing from you and appreciate your support on Dying Cry’s birthday! Wishing you all the best!
You’re welcome, Pamela. I hope you enjoy it, too!