Tracking Game: A Timber Creek K-9 Mystery

At the start of Mizushima’s middling fifth mystery set in Timber Creek, Colo. (after 2018’s Burning Ridge), an explosion rocks the community building where Deputy Mattie Cobb and her boyfriend, veterinarian Cole Walker, are attending the Celebration of Summer dance. When Cole and Mattie investigate, they discover a burning van and a gunshot victim who turns out to be Nate Fletcher, the son-in-law of prominent ranchers. Mattie’s German shepherd K-9 partner, Robo, detects traces of cocaine during a sweep of the van, leading Mattie to suspect drug running. When another man is shot and attacked by an animal in the mountains, Mattie fears something more sinister is afoot. Meanwhile, Cole adjusts to single fatherhood, while Mattie struggles to open up to him about her painful past. Mizushima’s take on small-town policing feels authentic and series fans will be thrilled to see Cole and Mattie getting closer, but the case, with the exception of a tense horseback search for an exotic animal, lacks excitement. Hopefully, Mizushima will return to form next time. Agent: Terrie Wolf, AKA Literary Management. (Nov.)