Smoky Mountain Tracks

Nice story and mystery. I enjoyed the story all the way through, but definitely a nice finish to wrap it all up. No Kleenex needed at the end and nothing to much that sensitive people wouldn't like. Some people may want more danger and grit in their story and perhaps rate it less. For the first half I was thinking, good but maybe 4 stars, but with a nice finish and very good parts for the dogs (Golden Retriever and Border Collie) to play I finished wanting to give it a 5. Probably not the best mystery + dog book out there, but a good comfortable read.

There is an element with a dog psychic in there, but I think it is done it is used well.

As far as they mystery goes, I suspected some things early on, but am not the sort to really stop as show more I go and definitively 'know.' You have to introduce elements that you can put together for the end and I thought that worked very well so I would recommend the book. show less

Nice story and mystery. I enjoyed the story all the way through, but definitely a nice finish to wrap it all up. No Kleenex needed at the end and nothing to much that sensitive people wouldn't like. Some people may want more danger and grit in their story and perhaps rate it less. For the first half I was thinking, good but maybe 4 stars, but with a nice finish and very good parts for the dogs (Golden Retriever and Border Collie) to play I finished wanting to give it a 5. Probably not the best mystery dog book out there, but a good comfortable read.

There is an element with a dog psychic in there, but I think it is done it is used well.

As far as they mystery goes, I suspected some things early on, but am not the sort to really stop as I show more go and definitively 'know.' You have to introduce elements that you can put together for the end and I thought that worked very well so I would recommend the book. show less

This is the first book I’ve read by Donna Ball, and it was great. Her character, Raine Stockton, trains Search and Rescue dogs in the Smoky Mountains of N. Carolina. Raine’s youngest Golden Retriever, Cisco, is put to the test when a young child is abducted and the mother is found wounded by a gunshot. The weather is freezing and night is approaching and Cisco is the only dog available to track her down. Fast paced, fascinating characters, tight storyline, but a slightly ambiguous ending, still I can give it 5 stars and want to read more.

A personal favorite author, Donna Ball, who has warmed our hearts with her famous Ladybug series, wins over fans with her much loved Raine Stockton Dog Mystery Series with adorable golden retriever and rescue dog, Cisco in #1 Smoky Mountain Tracks.

A native of the small mountain town of Hansonville, NC, and daughter of the local judge, Raine Stockton is the pro in the area, as a wilderness rescue worker. She gave up her canine business after a tragic loss. However, she returns to active duty to help find a young child who has been kidnapped and taken into the wilderness.

Raine’s golden retriever, Cisco, picks up the trail and seems to know more than given credit for, for their first dynamic duo team of rescue, when discovering the show more kidnapper. All the while Raine struggles to overcome her personal demons; however, Cisco comes through. (Adorable)

I typically only read new releases as my blog is 2014 Must Reads, as read, review, and blog new ARCs. However, when I love an author’s style, having read all their new releases, I tend to go back and devour all their “oldies but goodies”.

I became a fan for life with Donna Ball’s Ladybug series, as have read them all and anxiously awaiting the next one. Eileen Goudge, another favorite author recommended the Stockton Dog Mystery Series quite some time ago, as many people know I love golden retrievers (my famous Golden Duke of Farmington, from my thirty three acres in NC, and city life in former Atlanta days,) supplying me with endless joy for fifteen glorious years), and decided not to take on another dog, due to my travels. He was the center of attention in this small rural NC town, as had nine lives, and got himself into all sorts of mischief, making his way to the front page of local paper, and loved retrieving all the neighbors newspapers and burying them in our yard. (so many stories-sure miss him)! Golden Retriever’s, will always hold a special place in my heart.

Donna Ball manages to add humor, mystery, and suspense to the series, with the dog trainer and rescuer, as she does with all her books and of course the famous renovations, and fun design descriptions, which I love.

Combine my favorite author, mystery, hiking, the Smoky Mountains, and a Golden—a winning combination. I am looking forward to reading all the books in this much lovable, and recommended series! Recommend the audiobook, as Donna Postel provided a stellar performance!


http://judithdcollins.booklikes.com/post/972263/smoky-mountain-tracks show less

Search-and-rescue dogs are the theme, & the cover promises this is the first in a series. Interesting info about SAR dogs, a chilling mystery about a murder and a missing child all tangled up with small town politics, and a cast of well-developed, individual characters.

This a good solid mystery involving realistic depiction of dogs, and some search and rescue. What's not to love? Looking forward to the next one in the series.