The Dead Season (Raine Stockton Dog Mysteries) [Kindle Edition]

I was privileged to get a review copy of this, the fifth (sixth, if you count the novella) Raine Stockton & Cisco book. I thought the first three were great, but each new one seems to get even better. This one has a great plot, pretty good character development, and spot-on treatment of the dogs and everything dog-related. We know that Raine gets through ok, because the story begins after the action, with Raine recounting the story to the authorities, but that doesn't lessen the anxiety throughout the tale. Dealing with humans, and especially young ones, is not Raine's best skill, so she is almost as surprised as we are that she takes a job going along on a wilderness hike with a group from a school for troubled teens. The bright spot is, of course, that Cisco, her intelligent and beautiful Golden Retriever, gets to go along, and eventually helps her out in the people department.
Donna Ball really "gets" dogs and dog folk, and this series showcases that knowledge. Anyone who is kept by and loves dogs will connect with Raine almost immediately.
The mystery angle is also well crafted, with several red herrings, a few nefarious characters, and several real crimes to clean up. In spite of a neatly packaged ending, there remain a few things that may come back to tickle you long after you finish reading, as you wonder "What really happened...?"
I would give this one 5.5 stars if that were allowed, and yes, that is out of 5!
Thanks, Donna. Now get back to work on the next one. Your fans (at least this one) await.

This was a great edition the Raine Stockton Series. Raine joins a wilderness trail hike with teenagers from a residential treatment facility that Raine discovered was operating near her home. I liked this book very much. I was written differently than her other books. This book begins at the end and then Raine does a retelling of what happened. I liked that for a change of pace.
Raine agreed to accompany the group on the trail. The more she learns about the program the more she wonders if she should have gone.
Two nights into the climb a blizzard hits- but that is the least of Raine's worries.
If you like cozy mysteries, dogs, and mountains, I highly recommend this series.

I have liked Donna Ball's Raine Stockton series since I read her first book and The Dead Season did not let me down.

The book had me going from the first page. I enjoyed every chapter of the book.

I am sure that anyone who has read the earlier books in this series will enjoy this one also. I highly recommend all the Raine Stockton books and am looking forward to the next one.