Loved the descriptions of the camp itself and the surrounding region. The climax dragged on and on...hard to believe all this could've happened in a few hours, under these circumstances. Like an action movie where the final battle isn't really the final battle, and the REAL final battle goes to ridiculous lengths. Gracie can be annoying. Gracie's love life is annoying--she pushes both her suitors away, then leans on them heavily. Why both these men would be so in love with her, I don't know. Finally, I wouldn't call this series "cozy." ( )

I was so impressed with the first book in this Search and Rescue series, Zero-Degree Murder, that I knew I'd be reading the next one as soon as I possibly could. With Murder Off the Beaten Path, M.L. Rowland's mysteries are now quickly moving towards the top of my favorite series list.

Rowland's search and rescue scenes not only give readers a better understanding of what these brave men and women do for us every single day, they add tension to the story, place us right in the middle of the action, and help define Gracie as a character. They are definitely one of the things that make this series (and this book) so special.

Speaking of Gracie, she's evolving in this second book. Her job situation-- which at first appears to be much more stable-- has landed her right in the center of a snake pit, and we get to see how she deals with it. To be honest, she does much better with that than she does her love life. There's romantic tension aplenty in Murder Off the Beaten Path. Gracie has attracted the affections of two outstanding men, and even I don't know which one she should choose.

Gracie's waffling never detracts from the main focus of the story however. With all the various nefarious characters coming in and out of focus here, I'm beginning to think I'm better off not knowing what really goes on in the more remote sections of this country. (Yes, I do realize that what I don't know can hurt me!)

With enough action, danger, and romance for any reader, as well as a main character who's smart and incredibly brave, who's growing and changing with each book, I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series. Write faster, please! ( )

The book opens as Search and Rescue are searching for a teen girl. The search is sadly called off after a week. We are then introduced to Gracie's new job working as a ropes and climbing instructor at a residential church summer camp. It becomes clear that something isn't right at the camp, but when Jett McKenna's car goes over the side of a mountain after leaving a frantic call on Gracie's answering machine, it becomes critical to uncover just what is happening and who is involved. Gracie begins to realize that she can't trust anybody at camp, not even the pastor director -- and especially not his wild brother. The more Gracie digs into the dark activities at the camp, she discovers illegal activities, and is in the path of vicious criminals who target her.

Gracie seems to have more baggage this time around, or perhaps she is just terrible at relationships all around. She makes some progress by acquiring a dog, Minnie, in this outing. This time some of her actions seem erratic, though. She manages to hurt her dear friend Ralph Hunter. Ralph is a fellow Search and Rescue member and was introduced in the previous book. Ralph would like to take care of Gracie, but seems to still cling to his deceased wife. Rob Christian, the mega-star British actor that figured prominently in the last book, is back for a brief appearance in this book. Jett is the Ponderosa Camp friend who dies when her car goes over the side of a mountain. She is dark and troubled, trying to find her way. Brothers Jay, who runs the camp, and Eddie are obviously up to no good, but is it just petty stuff or more serious?

Timber Creek County and Camp Ponderosa's rugged beauty are vibrantly described. Rowland weaves the wilderness into the story as a character. The plot is uncomplicated but rather dark, so be warned. The pacing is inconsistent with a too slow parts then speedy sections. The climatic showdown has some hair-raising moments that got my blood racing. Kudos there. The wrap-up is without cheer and adds more complications to her life.

If you like your suspense characters with a bit more edge and somewhat harder and a few more dark notes in the story telling, this is your book.

Rating: Good - An intense read, but not suited for everybody. Maybe read an excerpt before buying.

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

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http://mysterysuspence.blogspot.com ( )