Title: Lawyers, Dogs, and Money

Author: Tracy Carter

Genre: Mystery

A young hiker has gone missing in the Ambush Mountains and a wildfire rapidly approaches. Luckily, this is the pressure Veronica Kildare and her dog Leda thrive on. Leda is a rescue dog of the highest caliber and is capable of locating almost anyone or anything. Once their perilous mission has been successfully completed, the pair await their next call. In addition to Leda, Veronica has trained other dogs in valuable jobs from sniffing out drugs to detecting allergens.

Soon, Veronica is contacted by a close friend whose daughter is concerned about a threatened co-worker named Kadri. Veronica meets with a woman who is an immigrant from Estonia who hosts a podcast. As Veronica investigates further, she must discover the source and reason for the threats before it’s too late.

Tracy Carter packs in exciting action with mystery in her second novel with her Veronica Kildare series. The intense action begins with a perilous search and rescue and the book never loses its punch throughout the story as Veronica stares down further hazards in the succeeding chapters. Carter’s portrayal of Leda and other canines’ training is both fascinating and entertaining and illuminates excellent research on the subject.

Veronica is the compelling protagonist of the book who has only recently emerged from a traumatic event. Despite the loss of her fiancé, Veronica retains a resiliency that sees her through her days. Carter imbues her with a steadfast loyalty to her friends and family and a devotion to the dogs under her charge. Veronica performs every job with zeal, yet receives praise with humility.

Besides the interactions with her father and various friends, the emotional crux of the story revolves around Veronica and Leda. When the book begins, the emotional bond forged between master and dog has been deftly conveyed. A near-death experience has resonated with Veronica and she knows how important Leda is to her life. Every scene between the pair is written authentically, with moments of humor and thoughtfulness.

One of the key themes in the book revolves around Veronica’s healing from trauma. Veronica bears the scars from a bullet and the murder of a loved one, yet she doesn’t allow grief to define her future. She continues to take on assignments, but now takes the extra precautions when needed. A hint of a possible romance leaves Veronica optimistic, but also vulnerable. Veronica’s progression in her healing is written with great empathy.

The story alternates between Veronica’s differing training duties along with the current case involving the harassment of Kadri. A large part of the mystery revolves around the source of Kadri’s troubles and a few suspects are considered, yet the story would benefit for a few more scenes involving these antagonists.

Lawyers, Dogs, and Money is an enjoyable book that peppers in light-hearted elements with the enigmatic. Veronica Kildare and Leda are characters who will win your heart as they attempt to resolve their latest case. When the book is completed, the reader will find themselves eager for the follow-up.

This Editorial Review was written by the Book Review Directory staff. To receive a similarly honest, professional review for one of your own books, click here.