Title: Sick as a Dog

Author: Tracy Carter

Genre: Mystery

 

Veronica Kildare follows the path of her dog Leda in order to locate a missing hiker in the Colorado mountains. Leda is a dog of unquestionable skills who has had great success in the past locating unfortunate souls marooned in the wilderness. Leda’s keen nose leads the rescuers to a stranded and wounded climber, and another mission has been successful. Veronica works with other canines and trains them to be service dogs, whether they sniff out drugs or allergens or provide companionship to those needing comfort.

Veronica has also worked on an investigation or two with Leda, and Veronica’s friend has alerted her to a large animal die-off near a local river. When Veronica, Leda, and others begin to delve into the case, the circumstances begin to get murky and dangerous.

Tracy Carter continues her solid storytelling in her ongoing narrative of Veronica Kildare. The stage is set for a dramatic adventure from the outset as Veronica climbs a mountain filled with venomous snakes and other dangerous wildlife. Veronica is well acquainted with danger, having faced down a psychotic killer in the past, but her new and thrilling case involves industrial pollution, drug running, and a pair of perpetrators unafraid to kill inconvenient witnesses or interlopers.

Veronica is only a few years removed from tragedy in her life, as a vicious serial killer murdered her fiancé Zach. The anguish she experiences is heartfelt and genuine, but her attempt to move on is an important aspect of her journey. The author portrays Veronica’s progress in a way that never feels rushed in this regard. Veronica’s burgeoning relationship with ballplayer Ricardo provides a romantic spark that balances out the inherent drama of the mystery Veronica is investigating.

The relationship between people and their dogs has become an overarching theme of the story thus far. Veronica’s relationship with Leda transcends the owner & pet dynamic and resembles an inspired friendship. The empathy shared between Leda and Veronica provides more than a few touching and humorous moments. Veronica’s selfless nature resides in training other dogs to be similar variations of Leda.

The book is a study in fascinating contrasts, as Veronica, her father, and friends represent the benevolence of human nature, while the antagonists they face possess a repugnant amorality. The author does an excellent job of keeping the knaves hidden while revealing their motives in a piecemeal fashion. The author’s clever use of a subplot or two will keep the reader riveted until the very end.

The enjoyable story is told from the perspective of Veronica as she attempts to maintain a normal life. However, she hints at the danger posed by the incarcerated killer who left an indelible mark on her life. The story would benefit from a callback to Veronica’s previous encounter with Thomas Arnett, providing a little extra backstory for his obsession with her.

Sick as a Dog serves as an excellent new entry in the story of Veronica Kildare and her dog Leda. Tracy Carter has written an engaging book packed with suspense, drama, and a continued appreciation for the warmth provided by man’s best friend.

 

 

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.