Title: Can’t Run with the Big Dogs

Author: Tracy Carter

Genre: Mystery

 

There is a combination of adrenaline rush and high anxiety each time Veronica and her faithful dog Leda perform a search and rescue mission, especially in the Colorado mountains. As Colorado begins its transformation from Autumn to Winter, the dangers faced by those left stranded are compounded. As Veronica follows Leda’s lead, she hopes for the best while preparing for the worst. Leda discovers the missing co-ed, Olivia, alive but badly wounded by a savage assault from a serial offender. Veronica doesn’t rest on her laurels and is soon working on her next case, the possible smuggling of drugs at a racetrack. However, the predator who ripped apart Veronica’s life is still at large, and his whereabouts are unaccounted for, leaving Veronica perpetually looking over her shoulder.

Can’t Run with the Big Dogs is the fourth book in the Veronica Kildare mystery series, and with her latest volume, author Tracy Carter continues to pen both enjoyable and compelling mysteries. Veronica Kildare has run up against the worst of both Mother Nature and human nature in her job as a dog trainer/investigator, but her newest set of cases might rival her past workload as each investigation comes equipped with surprises and dangerous suspects. Tracy Carter instills her story with healthy amounts of action, suspense, and drama, which fuel the progress of this fascinating narrative.

Normalcy is something Veronica Kildare has been searching for since she suffered an unspeakable loss at the hands of a remorseless and vindictive killer named Tommy Arnett, who murdered Veronica’s fiancee. The memories of Arnett’s murderous actions have left Veronica scarred, and his existence casts a menacing specter over her; the fear Veronica exudes is perceptible and is nimbly captured by the author. The whereabouts of Arnett provide a captivating backstory, especially as Veronica must keep this in the back of her mind while she continues her everyday work. However, Tracy Carter infuses her protagonist with a steady resolve. Veronica is no shrinking violet and will fight for what she loves.

There is an undeniable connection between Veronica and her faithful dog, Leda, and this bond is one of the primary plot drivers in the story. The relationship between Veronica and Leda is both undeniably sweet and genuine, and Tracy Carter conveys it in a pure and relatable way. The significance of the connections between dogs and their owners, the loyalty and trust built between them, is portrayed sincerely and movingly. The potential in dogs’ abilities to help and heal is extolled by Veronica, and with each new story, Tracy Carter deftly explores how within every stray dog, there lies a potential for greatness.

Veronica and Leda’s latest whodunit comes with both gripping moments and a few nice and warm instances as well, providing a balanced narrative. The penultimate scene gave closure to a significant point of Veronica’s story, but felt a little rushed overall.

Can’t Run with the Big Dogs resumes the story of Veronica and Leda seamlessly. Those familiar with Veronica and Leda will be delighted by the latest installment, while new readers will find the characters endearing and the story unputdownable.

 

 

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.