Deadfall

Raine Stockton Dog Mystery, Volume 12

By: Donna Ball

Narrated by: Donna Postel

Length: 7 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's Summary

Audiobook 12 in the best-selling Raine Stockton Dog Mystery series.   

Hollywood has come to the scenic Smoky Mountain community of Hanover County, and dog-trainer Raine Stockton can’t resist the opportunity when her dogs are offered a chance at a role in the film. Naturally, she expects her showy golden retriever, Cisco, to win the part, but Cisco’s impetuous nature does him in, and the role goes to her twin Australian shepherds, Mischief and Magic. For the first time in his young life, Cisco is left behind.  

Filmmaking turns out not to be as exciting as Raine had expected, and the only upside to the long, mostly boring days is the new friend she makes on the set, a stuntwoman by the name of Dallas McKenzie. But it doesn’t take Raine long to discover Dallas is a woman of secrets and lies, and trouble seems to follow her wherever she goes. The set is plagued by accidents and vandalism, and Dallas always seems to be at the center of everything that goes wrong. But even Raine can’t imagine how wrong things have yet to go.  

Meanwhile, Raine agrees to investigate a case for her lawyer friend Sonny involving a service dog who is accused of biting a child. The case seems open-and-shut until Cisco, who is beginning to show some talent as a medical alert dog, sniffs out evidence that throws previous theories into disarray - and may shed some light into the mysterious happenings on the movie set. But when Cisco and Raine start to track down answers, they find murder instead.   

In a world where nothing is what it seems, it’s up to Raine and Cisco to find the truth...before it’s too late.

©2017 Donna Ball (P)2019 Donna Ball

Love the story, still really dislike Raine.

This is the only series I continue to listen to, despite almost hating the main character. The funniest line is “I hate to judge, but...” — She is 100% a judgmental narcissist and half the time I wonder if she has two brain cells to rub together. The storyline and rest of the characters are great.

OUTSTANDING

I have enjoyed the series and the current book. Good characters and plot development. As the series goes on, you are introduced to different reoccurring characters. Enjoyable book.

Don't know what to think

Many parts of this book, probably the majority, are really good! There are some actually original and authentic feeling plot points and life situations -- refreshing and interesting. And a lot of the dialogue flows well, doesn't say too much or too little and so supports the story very well while giving the reader the "cozy" feeling of being there. And her descriptions of scenes -- nature, landscape, weather, rooms, people -- all very rich. THEN suddenly you're reading/listening to completely awkward false sounding dialogue, responses and happenings that made me feel kicked out of the story wondering if she let her 6 year old daughter take over the writing for awhile. Also, for the first 3/4ths of the book the plot is delightfully original. The last 4th she goes on a wild plot switchback trail that is LUDICROUS. I don't understand how Ball can write so well -- and not notice when she's gone completely off the rails!!! As a result, I don't know if I like this book or not. Maybe she just needs a good editor.

good

I love her books. all her series are good. good mystery and great characters.

Great

Loved it. Can't wait for the next volume (#13). I do hope the next is just a little longer. :)

great book

great book. lots of twists and turns. not sure the bad guy got his dues but still good.

Not my favorite

Donna Postel performs beautifully, as usual. And it's wonderful to experience a book I'm not editing in my head, not skipping gratuitous sex and violence. But for some reason I didn't care about this one. I'm not inclined to blame the author. My guess is the isolation I've imposed upon myself because of the pandemic is making me restless and cranky.

Always Great

I can’t wait for her books to come out. The best books involving mysteries and dogs.

One of her best!

Absolutely loved it. He's your attention as had twists and turns.
Will listen again 😊

Australian Shepherd Colors

First, great book! I love this series.

Second, to the person who said that Australian Shepherds don’t come in black and white or it is extremely rare, and that Border Collies are only black and white, she really should check the AKC breed guidelines before saying that the author doesn’t know her dogs.

According to AKC, Australian Shepherds come in several colors: Black, Blue Merle, Red Merle, and Red. They can have white, tan, markings. None of the colors are noted to be “rare”

As For border Collies, AKC breed standard indicates a bunch of colors, not just white and black: Black, Blue, blue Merle, Brindle, Gold, Lilac, Red, Red Merle, Sable, Sable Merle, Saddleback Sable, White & Black, plus more colors.

Donna Ball knows her dogs.