addiction, alcohol-issues, avalanche, betrayal, cold-case, Colorado, drug-enforcement, drug-trafficking, drugs-issues, ex-marine, family-drama, family-dynamics, family-expectations, family-history, forest-service, k-9, law-enforcement, learning-opportunity, lies, mental-health-issues, missing-persons, murder, murder-investigation, police-corruption, PTSD, relationship-issues, relationships, romantic-suspense, secrets, serial-killer, snow-season, suspense, trust-issues, unpleasant-in-laws, unputdownable-*****

It starts out with and avalanche in which the brother buried in the snow is confronted by a decaying body of a person. Next, a distressed mother needs assistance with finding her missing college student son. The law enforcement problems continue to multiply and the interpersonal issues just about keep pace with the work related issues. But the K-9s reign supreme over all. Loved it!
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Harlequin - Romance, Carina Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
Pub Date 26 Mar 2024 Book 3 of National Forest K-9 ( )

The Hansley brothers are experienced snowboarders and carry equipment to protect themselves during an avalanche. The lure of fresh powder is irresistible in Pino Grande National Forest, Antler Valley, Colorado, but now Trey can’t believe he didn’t listen to Chase as his brother went first down the mountain, followed by an avalanche. However, when Trey finds Chase, it isn’t snow that is keeping Chase pinned down under the snow but a dead body. The local law enforcement team didn’t realize it was only the 1st body before Maya Thompson, a Forest Service officer, and her K-9 Juniper were called to help with the investigation.

A page-turning romantic suspense and mystery filled with twists, turns, and a pace that keeps adrenaline in high gear. Simultaneous to the investigation, there is personal drama and secrets that escalate the pressure of Maya’s PTSD, Josh’s sobriety, and Pop’s trial preparations.

One of the elements that I most appreciate about the author’s writing is the way K-9 training, law enforcement terminology, and, for this novel, terminology related to avalanches and winter storms are explained as an integral part of the storyline but do not feel like a forced training manual or vocabulary lesson. Reading on my Kindle, I can quickly look up terms in areas outside my knowledge base, but it’s always an interruption. The author’s writing allows me to learn while keeping me engaged in the storyline without delay or spoiling the suspenseful pace.

Reviewer's Note: The novel can be enjoyed as a stand-alone. Still, I highly recommend reading the series to fully appreciate the growth and development of relationship dynamics of the characters (e.g., grandfather/granddaughter, dog handler/canine, forest service officer/sheriff deputy). Each book ramps up the intensity of the relationships and the cases to be solved.
In my review of Book 1, I added this information –

"The novel includes material some readers might find difficult, including violence against women, drug and alcohol use, and discussion of suicide. I felt all subject matter was vital to the story and handled with care not to exploit or minimize. I was engrossed in Kathleen Donnelly's debut novel!"

If it is best for you to skip Book 1 due to the Trigger Warnings, I would like to recommend beginning this gripping series with Book 2, as I wouldn't want any reader to miss the series entirely.

Don’t miss adding this stand-alone or series (as per your preference) to your tbr list, especially for readers who enjoy Sandra Brown novels. ( )