Nominated for RT Book Review’s Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best First Mystery
“Debut author Mizushima’s classic police procedural adds a fresh angle involving the work of K-9s. The appealing Robo knows what he’s doing, he just needs to train Mattie to trust him. Sue Henry fans will love.”
—Library Journal starred review, Debut of the Month
“The interactions between Mattie and Robo will tug the heartstrings of every dog lover…Mizushima’s debut reflects both her skill as a suspense writer and her respect for animals. The shocking conclusion will stay with readers while they wait for the next story in the series. Pair this with Robert Crais’ Suspect (2013)“
—Booklist starred review
“Winning heroine…strong debut…a realistic view of how a K-9 team works, treating Robo as an important character, but never stooping to anthropomorphism. And it’s impossible not to fall in love with Robo.”
—Publishers Weekly starred review
“This series kickoff…reveals just enough about ancillary characters to suggest untapped opportunities while fleshing out solid backgrounds to make a cozy cozy.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Mizushima does an excellent job of developing [Mattie and Robo] as characters, allowing readers to feel a personal connection to them both. Overall a great debut for an up-and-coming mystery writer.”
—RT Book Reviews, Top Pick
“Readers who love animals and the outdoors will particularly enjoy what is a good read.”
—Mystery Scene
“A deftly crafted mystery that is all the more impressive considering that Killing Trail is author Margaret Mizushima’s debut…Solidly entertaining from beginning to end.”
—Midwest Book Review
“Fascinating detail about the psyche and handling of K-9 police dogs…and the loving interaction between Robo and Mattie…are more than enough to carry the book and entice me to read more in the series.”
—Deadly Pleasures
“Mizushima’s characters are extremely compelling, and she ably draws the reader into the life of each one. Readers will quickly become invested…and many will be eagerly reading each and every installment.”
—The Washington Park Profile
“Margaret Mizushima’s Killing Trail introduces a fine new crime-fighting team, Mattie Lu Cobb and her partner, Robo, who happens to be a dog. They’re put to the test in Timber Creek, a small town in Colorado, and the result is a satisfying mystery with a couple of cops you’re going to be glad to meet. Check it out.”
—Bill Crider, Anthony Award Winner and author of Between the Living and the Dead
“Compelling characters, both human and canine, make Killing Trail a standout first novel. Officer Mattie Cobb battles external danger and her own troubled past as she and her K-9 partner race to catch a killer. Mattie is both caring and relentless, and everyone should have a partner like Robo.”
—Bonnie Hearn Hill, author of If Anything Should Happen and Goodbye Forever
“Killing Trail is a well-crafted mystery with heart-pounding action and strong, three dimensional characters. Read the first chapter, then try to walk away. Killing Trail draws you in and doesn’t let go.”
—David Thurlo, co-author of the critically acclaimed Ella Clah, Copper Canyon, and Charlie Henry mysteries
“No scent is too fine and no clue too subtle for the sharp cop combo of Mattie Cobb and the unforgettable K-9 Robo. The liars and schemers of Timber Creek don’t stand a chance against this tight, determined duo. With plenty of outdoor action, comparing Margaret Mizushima to Nevada Barr and C.J. Box is apt—and on the nose.”
—Mark Stevens, author of the award-winning Trapline and Lake of Fire
“A terrific debut with a refreshing detective duo—Deputy Mattie Lu Cobb and Robo, her K-9 partner! Margaret Mizushima has crafted a compelling and savvy mystery that explores the big secrets in a small western town. I was cheering on Mattie and Robo every step of the way.”
—Margaret Coel, author of The Man Who Fell from the Sky
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