Tracking Game

The Timber Creek K-9 Mysteries, Book 5

By: Margaret Mizushima

Narrated by: Nancy Wu

Length: 9 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

Two brutal murders, a menacing band of poachers, and a fearsome creature on the loose in the mountains plunge Mattie Cobb and her K-9 partner Robo into a sinister vortex.

An explosion outside a community dance sends Mattie Cobb and Cole Walker reeling into the night, where they discover a burning van and beside it the body of outfitter Nate Fletcher. But the explosion didn’t kill Nate - it was two gunshots to the heart.

The investigation leads them to the home of rancher Doyle Redman, whose daughter is Nate’s widow, and the object of one of their suspect’s affection. But before they can make an arrest, they receive an emergency call from a man who’s been shot in the mountains. Mattie and Robo rush to the scene, only to be confronted by the ominous growl of a wild predator.

As new players emerge on the scene, Mattie begins to understand the true danger that’s enveloping Timber Creek. They journey into the cold, misty mountains to track the animal - but discover something even more deadly in Tracking Game, the fifth installment in Margaret Mizushima’s Timber Creek K-9 mysteries.

©2019 Margaret Mizushima (P)2019 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Better and Better

I think every time I review a new Timber Creek K-9 Mystery I indicate that it's my favorite so far. Can't help it--they just getting better and better. Mattie, Robo, Cole, they just sink into your soul and take up residence like old friends. Every installment brings growth and change for our favorite characters, something many authors seem afraid to deal with. But this author braves the elements much like our heroes and pushes her characters to explore their boundaries, making an average read an exceptional one. As Mattie and Cole grow closer it seems the stakes grow higher, and I can't turn the pages fast enough.

If you're new to this series, it is possible to read this as a stand-alone. You'll still be able to enjoy the story and catch most of the history, you'll just miss out on the more subtle nuances and the richness of the characters. It doesn't matter, though. Wherever you start in the series, you'll be hooked and want to back up to catch the entire story!

Sleepy

The story is ok and worth a read. However, the narrators voice puts me to sleep. It’s not a bad voice, and she does a good job, but every time I listen a while I’ve found I’ve nodded off and missed stuff.

A Timber Creek K-9 Mystery

Review addresses the entire series. At this writing, the series consists of Killing Trail, Stalking Ground, Hunting Hour, Burning Ridge, Tracking Game, and Hanging Falls. All books are 9-10 hours of listening in audiobook format. More sequels to come.

Plot. The Timber Creek K-9 Mystery Series are police procedurals in a small town. The lead characters are Mattie Cobb and her partner, Robo, a 100lb German Shephard Dog. The overall stories stand-alone - murder the basis for good guys, bad guys and Mattie's small circle of devoted friends, mostly co-workers, and, of course, Robo. However, there is a sub-plot that traverses the entire series - Mattie's personal life. This includes a disturbing childhood incident, her current, fragile psyche, and a mutual attraction between her and a recently divorced veterinarian, Cole Walker, and his two girls. Each story comes to a satisfactory conclusion - but, start with book one to get full advantage of a budding romance.

Not so hot. Mattie's a little too fragile for the role, IMO - maybe that's just me. But, I don't think I'd be willing to put a gun in the hand of someone so .... personally breakable - not frail physically, but she always seems on the verge of tears - nightmares included. That and her continued rejection of Cole isn't real - he's handsome, unattached, financially secure, and is over-the-moon crazy about her. Gimme a break, Mattie!

Narration is okay, but problematic in places. The entire series is narrated by Nancy Wu - and at times she's a bit too breathy and whispering. A bit slow, so pumped the iPhone audio up to 1.4. No other issues with audio production,

Liked. Robo, of course! A gorgeous, devoted dog, beautiful in disposition, brains, and strength. A perfect representation of this magnificent breed. Robo will take pleasure playing with kids or a ball, protect Mattie with his life, and quickly bring a grown man to tears of terror. Great dog. The stories are interesting and realistic tales of small-town policing.

The Timber Creek K-9 Mysteries are not great literature and they're not intended to be; just curl up on the sofa and enjoy. Try not to glare at your own dumb dog. 🤪

Love this story arc

I have enjoyed these stories since book 1. Maddie and Robo are great partners. Looking forward to more.

Another great

I still cannot believe the twists and turns—sometimes over the top and a bit contrived. Still good to enjoy another.

...better and better

This series keeps getting better and better. In fact, I like it so well that I bought the last two books in the series, so I could enjoy them as well. I don't like that I had to purchase them, but this is typical; once something gets good the authors make it a purchase-only option. The killer was again not who I would've suspected, but at the same time, I felt sorry for them. Mizushima did excellent in showing this in the final scene where Mattie brings them down. Wu's narration is consistent across characters, which can be difficult I'm sure. Overall a good reading experience.

Good book

This is the fourth book in the series that I read and I enjoyed them all. I wish I would of rated the narration in the other books lower because it was bothering me a bit and I was getting frustrated. Especially the whispering tone's to the louder was irritating. I still enjoyed the listen and would recommend

Great book

definitely different from the other books.
I enjoy Maddie and her dog with the growing love and trust for her guy. ❤️. raa

Impressive

I have read the first 5 books and with each one I'm more impressed with this author I also love the narrator such a good job

Continuously good storyline

Just a good series to listen to. Easy narration, easy story, sweet relationships and a fabulous dog!!