Maya Thompson is a U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer with her K-9 partner, a Malinois named Juniper in Colorado. Beyond work, Maya is committed to investigating the cold case murders of her mother, Zoey, and grandmother. The multitude of questions surrounding the circumstances of the deaths, 10 years apart, have haunted Maya and Pops, her grandfather and local Sheriff. The investigation is sparking Maya's PTSD from her military service as a U.S. Marine in Afghanistan and triggering fragmented memories of the past. The most vivid memory of the past is when she was almost 5 years old, with the last instructions her mother gave her and the last words she ever heard her mother say,

"Hide, Maya. Don't let the bad people find you."

I loved the character portrayal of Maya, Pops, and his deputy sheriff Josh Colten. All 3 individuals devoting their lives to justice through their law enforcement service are not perfect but are even more captivating, pushing through their flaws and the different experiences of anguish in their personal lives. The character portrayal of Maya is a testament to a woman's inner strength and resilience, pushing through vulnerabilities after deception by a man in their relationship, grief in the loss of her mother and Nana, and PTSD from military service.

Juniper. What extraordinary work is accomplished by a K-9 in their partnership with a serving officer in law enforcement. The author’s writing highlights learning about the training and service of these exceptional dogs. The meticulous training and outstanding service are seamlessly incorporated into her storytelling, resulting in compelling reading. Unsurprisingly, the authenticity I felt in the partnership is true to the author’s service.

The excitement of adventure, mystery, and slow-build romance possibility of Book 1 gave intrigue as to how Book 2 would progress. For this reader, it was a page-turning read that kept me on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend this series. I can't wait to read the further developments.

Thank you to Kathleen Donnelly, Carina Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book.

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