Run to Ground (Rocky Mountain K9 Unit, #1)

by Katie Ruggle

[kimbacaffeinate]

Coffee Dates with Run to Ground

First Date: Ruggle hooked me from the first chapter as Jules gathers up her siblings and they embark on a new life far from the past they are trying to outrun. They move to a dilapidated farmhouse in the rugged town of Monroe, located in the Colorado Rockies where Jules accepts a job as a waitress at the local diner. Theo Bosco, an officer with the local police force, is grieving the loss of his former K9 companion and his human partner. He lost one to cancer and one to depression. Theo now finds himself saddled with a grieving K9. He has been walking around in a fog until the new waitress in town sparks his interest and curiosity. Theo is a bit grumpy, and it was delightful seeing him come back to the living as he gets to know Jules and her siblings.

Second Date: I loved the setup. We have a woman in hiding who gains the attention of local law and then finds herself falling for this sweet man and his dog. Ruggle took us into the daily lives of Jules as she and her siblings became acclimated to their new life. It provided humor and had me wanting to hug them all. Theo and Viggy (K9) slowly integrate themselves into their lives, and it was heartwarming and a tad scary. Jules is hiding a huge secret, one that would force Theo to make a decision. I am usually not a fan of secrets and believe in coming clean but in this case, there was more involved than just Jules, and the law doesn't always favor the victims.

Third Date: Throughout the tale, Ruggle weaved suspense including a shooting at the school to danger at the farmhouse. Ruggle did a great job with red herrings, and I for one was surprised as we entered the climatic ending and discovered who was behind these attacks. The threat of Jules being discovered also heightened the suspense, as nosy locals and her relationship with Theo put them all at risk. Ruggle sets us up for the next book, and I am already counting the days to the next audio release.

Callie Beaulieu is a new to me narrator whose narrated over 30 titles. A large majority of them are cozy mysteries and her voice suited RUN TO GROUND. Her voices captured the characters personalities and I found her pleasant to listen to. Her pacing, tone, and switch from voice to voice were delivered flawlessly. I love when a narration enhances the authors story and Beaulieu did just that. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer