The Dead Season

Book Description: January is known as the dead season in the small Smoky mountain community of Hanover County, North Carolina. For dog trainer and wilderness expert Raine Stockton, who hasn't had a client in six months, this season has been deader than most. When the New Day Wilderness Program for Troubled Teens offers her a job leading a group of students on a winter camping expedition as part of their rehabilitation program, Raine jumps at the chance-- particularly since it means she will be able to take her golden retriever, Cisco, with her.

But something is not right at New Day, and Raine and Cisco soon find themselves caught in a web of intrigue, suspicion and sabotage. As the group moves deeper into the wilderness beneath steadily worsening weather, Raine begins to fear she and Cisco may soon find themselves trapped on the mountainside... with a killer.

My Review: When I was offered a review copy of this book, I was so excited to read it that I downloaded the first 3 sample chapters from Amazon while eagerly awaiting the rest of the book to arrive in my inbox. That's how much I love this series. This book is absolutely gripping...full of suspense and adventure, and very different from a regular cozy as is tackles tough subject matter and leaves unanswered questions in the end about what really happened. Even in the dead of summer you will be chilled by everything Raine and Cisco go through. I love how even though the main action of the book is in the NC woods, we still get to spend time with the special people in Raine's life...Miles and Melanie, Sonny and Maude, and Uncle Roe. In the beginning of the book I felt the same way Raine did about the teenagers that were forced upon her, but I grew to love how they grew into young adults under her influence and by necessity. And Paul and Rachel are about the creepiest couple I've ever come across in a mystery! Best book yet in one of the best mystery series out there, that thankfully has found new life due to ebooks.

Tara's Thoughts: Yeah, yeah...hero dogs. Heard all about it. If dogs were smart like cats and never left the house they wouldn't find themselves in these situations.