This book sets up a cast of characters and a setting that should be an engaging series. The author has done a great deal of research on K-9 police dogs, their abilities, and the working relationship with their handlers; so that the relationship between Mattie Cobb and Robo works well. Mattie's history is revealed in enticing bits at appropriate points in the narrative; so that, by the end, we are well acquainted with her. I was interested enough in Mattie to want to read more books in the series. She's a strong, complex person who interacts well with the other continuing characters in the story, giving us a group of people we care about to be going on with. The mystery was well worked out, so that we had clues to work with and some hazardous situations, so that the story keeps moving well.

A K-9 cop and her new partner work with an experienced special investigator on the murder of a girl. I love the dogs, respect the female cops, have serious reservations about the male cops, but then most criminals are still males, and I love the kids who are tangentially caught in the drama. Well told tale with engaging narrator and a balance between details and action. This is an author worth investing time in.
Highly recommended for readers tired of being bogged down in fashion tips, make up tips, banal sexual banter, and sex scenes. There is a real story here with a "real" woman doing a "real" job in a complicated world.

Enjoyable, quick and easy to read. Well-drawn female lead with more than enough complications to make her interesting. Good setting, and a fully described set of supporting characters.

Killing Trail is first title the the SERIES by the author;
next is Stalking Ground, .. then Hunting Hour...
then Burning Ridge (out in 2018). Timber Creek K-9 Mystery is the name of the series.

Found this on a list of books that included dogs. An easy read and looking forward to the next in the series. Had to ILLO it as SPL has only the first in the series. Worth a read

Margaret is a new writer for us. But, wow the characters are amazing. It starts with a young girl murdered and her dog is shot too. The problem with her dog besides being shot they have have given drugs in packets. Mattie is the K-9 officier assigned to this case and things get heated up. We love this author. Try her out.

I just couldn't seem to make a real connection with this one, the story line or characters.

Very good debut book. Grabs you from the start with fleshed out characters: a female cop, a veterinarian and dogs. What is not to like? Hope this author is already writing a sequel. Her name is now on my Favorite Author List at my library.

This is the best book I've read in a long time!

Believable, enjoyable.