Marian Engstrom works with a group that uses rescue dogs to detect scat that indicates species abundance and distribution. The process allows for monitoring threatened or endangered species around the world.
On an assignment to northern Alberta, Marian falls in love with Tate. When they are on separate assignments, word arrives of Tate's death. Marian is devastated, but as she becomes aware of inconsistencies in Tate's life, she finds herself with questions concerning the unsolved murders of several women.
Needing to have her questions answered and put to rest, she contacts a retired forensic profiler to clear her unwanted suspicions. The pov shifts between Marian and Nick Sheppard, the profiler hired to resolve Marian's doubts.
The information about training and working with dogs used for conservation purposes is fascinating. Marian's innate connection with dogs and Nick's deep relationship with his wife add to the depictions of the two main characters. The suspense is a slow burn, and although you may suspect some of the twists, the novel is compelling.
This is the second novel I've read recently concerning dogs trained to detect scat for conservation purposes. Christine Carbo's A Sharp Solitude also has a scat detection dog as an important plot element.
Crime Novels about Working Dogs I haven't read any of these books, but will be keeping them in mind. The list doesn't include The Last Woman in the Forest, A Sharp Solitude, or Margaret Mizushima's series featuring Robo, but does offer some interesting possibilities featuring working dogs.
I also intend to look for Les Becsuets first novel Breaking Wild.
Read in September, 2018; review scheduled for February 25, 2019.
NetGalley/Berkeley Pub.
Suspense. March 5, 2019. Print length: 352 pages.
I do like books with rescue dogs, especially mysteries. :)
ReplyDeleteI thought of Lark when I read the synopsis!
Delete:) I love it when I dog has skills!
DeleteI don't mind guessing the twists if the rest of the book is good...and it sounds like this one is a winner.
ReplyDeleteLove the fact that the reader learns something too. I had not heard of using dogs to help determine if wildlife is in abundance or not. Sounds fascinating!
This was the second time I've read a novel about using dogs this way, and I find it fascinating. Dogs can be so much more than heart companions!
DeleteSounds interesting. I'm intrigued by the rescue dogs the most, but the premise sounds good, too.
ReplyDeleteRescue dogs, therapy dogs, service dogs, search dogs, and dogs used to help with conservation--I love books that include working dogs!
DeleteI want to read this one as well; great cover too.
ReplyDeleteI found the mystery suspenseful and the information about the use of dogs for wildlife conservation fascinating. :)
DeleteI have seen a couple of crime novels with dogs, but I haven't yet read one. This one sounds utterly engrossing -- and I like that she's investigating what happened to Tate and the secerts he's been keeping.
ReplyDeleteI don't like sentimental dog stories, but enjoy those stories that include a working dog. Always something new to learn :)
DeleteThis appeals to me and I hadn't heard of it before! A mystery plus a dog should = fun read for me.
ReplyDeleteThe book was informative about the conservation aspect and suspenseful in the mystery. :)
DeleteSuch an interesting premise, and I love the angle the author takes with the dogs. That isn't a common one in books I have read.
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