Colorado Deputy Mattie Cobb is enjoying an evening out with her date, veterinarian Cole Walker, when an explosion shatters the tranquility of the evening.

Racing to the scene, they discover a burning van and two victims -- one a local outfitter, Nate Fletcher, who has been shot to death, and the other Garrett Hartman, Cole's best friend, who apparently had been injured by flying debris as he attempted to drag Fletcher away from the blazing vehicle. Hartman's wife, who is also at the scene in their vehicle, explains they came upon the scene and her husband tried to save Fletcher from the fire.

Robo, Mattie's K-9 partner, detects a trace of cocaine in an initial sweep around the vehicle, leading the officer to suspect Fletcher may have been involved in drug-running. Later clues add another twist to his activities.

While Cole accompanies Mrs. Hartman and his friend to the hospital, Mattie and Detective Stella LoSasso head for the ranch where Fletcher and his wife Kasey operated their business on land owned by her parents. Kasey's father Doyle Redman had earlier suffered a major stroke and the family is struggling to hold onto the extensive property.

The murder of another man leads the investigators and Cole into the high mountains where they'll face menacing poachers and an animal possibly more dangerous than the men.

This is the fifth of the Timber Creek K-9 mysteries. I hadn't read earlier episodes and it isn't necessary to have done so to enjoy this one. But it would have helped me to understand better the background and complexities of the growing relationship between Mattie and Cole.

Author Margaret Mizushima offers well-drawn characters, an engrossing plot and enough suspense and action to keep the pages turning. The interesting insights into the work of a forensically trained canine are a plus. Cole's work as a veterinarian adds some additional treats for the animal lover.

I expect to check out other books in the series.

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