Paw Prints in the Ledger

by Tara Choate

Irene Lisner is a forensic accountant who could tell you all about fraud, corruption, and embezzlement in Oregon… if only she had the time. Between her wonderful dog, difficult family, and recent diagnosis, she barely has time to say hello to her best friend. When she is assigned a politically fraught case, Irene is sure the city’s problems go beyond staff turnover and governmental drama. The discovery of concealed expenses and forged bank statements make it apparent that this won’t be a simple fix. Confronting thieves is part of Irene’s job, but that doesn’t make it easy. She identifies the problem and faces the embezzler, but her family is not as easy to solve.

215 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2025

Reviews

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s nothing simple about municipal politics.

Irene was a well developed and interesting character who had a lot on her plate. I liked the fact that I was able to get to know her not only through her work but also through her close friendship with Sharon and her sometimes tense relationships with her sister and mom. These moments showed off parts of the main character’s personality that she’d never think to share at work but that were important for understanding how she faced health challenges, life with an aging pet, or people at work who weren’t always honest with her.

I struggled with the pacing of this book due to how unevenly certain clues were released and how much time Irene spent on things that weren’t panning out well for her. While I wouldn’t expect every conversation to be a fruitful one, it was challenging for me as a reader to keep my interest levels high when progress was so slow at times.

Dysfunctional relationships have many different appearances, and I liked the fact that this book explored multiple ways they can disrupt how a family, workplace, or community function. When people get used to bowing to the needs of one emotionally unhealthy person, the entire group can become unbalanced as healthier members steer clear of sensitive topics at all costs or overcompensate for someone else’s negative behavior. This added layers of meaning to all of the storylines and was a strong addition to the plot, especially once Irene realized what was going on and began trying to change the way she responded to unhealthy behaviors. Readers who have ever experienced these sorts of conflicts in real life, whether they were minor or major issues, may find plenty of food for thought here.

Paw Prints in the Ledger kept me guessing until the end.

[Chloe A · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a compelling premise! Irene Lisner already feels like such a real, layered character juggling the pressures of work, family struggles, and even her own personal challenges, all while uncovering deep corruption in Oregon. I really like how the synopsis balances her professional world of fraud and embezzlement with her very human side: a loyal dog, complicated family, and the weight of a recent diagnosis. It makes her journey sound not only suspenseful but also relatable and heartfelt.
The mix of political drama, financial intrigue, and family dynamics promises a story with depth and heart, not just a straightforward mystery. This seems like one of those books that reminds you strength doesn’t just come from solving big problems it’s also in handling the quiet, everyday battles. Truly encouraging to see a heroine like Irene at the center of a story like this!

[Kat Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s always a treat when you read a book that features not only well-drawn and layered characters but offers the opportunity to learn something new. In the case of Paw Prints in the Ledger, this math dummy learned about forensic accounting, what goes into the training and care necessary to succeed in the competitive world of canine agility trials, and—perhaps most important—the latest in effective treatment options for Multiple Sclerosis. Best of all, we hear there’s more coming in this forensic accounting series, so hang on. We can’t help but wonder what we’ll learn next.
Based on a scale of 1-5, Paw Prints in the Ledger merits a 7.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

[Coraline Winslett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paw Prints in the Ledger is such a heartfelt and engaging read! The story drew me in right away, with characters that felt authentic and layered. I especially loved how Tara Choate weaves in themes of compassion, resilience, and justice without ever losing the emotional core of the story. The pacing kept me hooked, and the blend of heart, warmth, and just the right amount of tension made it a book I didn’t want to put down.

[Lauren James · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I loved this book! Irene is such a relatable heroine—smart, witty, but also juggling real-life struggles that make her feel so authentic. The mix of forensic accounting, political intrigue, and family drama kept me turning the pages. And the dog? Absolutely stole my heart. Tara Choate balances mystery and humanity beautifully.

[Lucy's Hub · Rating 5 out of 5]

A forensic accountant uncovering embezzlement is such an original take on a mystery plot. The personal stakes with her family and health diagnosis make the story even more layered. Truly excited for this book!

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am the author of this book and it is the first day of release. And now my book has a review!

[Victoria Anders · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book!