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Misty Pines Mystery #3
Killer Tracks: A Misty Pines Mystery
A peaceful retreat. A maze of smoke and murder. Is their remote getaway about to become a death trap?
Sheriff Jax Turner is worried about going off-grid and leaving his young team of deputies behind. But while his getaway with his ex is meant to help them reconnect, Jax is distracted by signs of a break-in at their rented lookout.
After a string of unsettling events and an approaching wildfire turn their isolated retreat into a danger zone, he’s stunned to find a dead body with marks tying it to a killer he put away a decade ago.
Terrified that his attempt at reconciliation has led them both into a fatal setup, Jax rushes back to his estranged wife before she joins the list of victims. But his dedication to serving and protecting could become an Achilles heel as other players join them among the darkening trees.
Can he fight his way out of the woods before the flames of revenge consume everything?
Sheriff Jax Turner is worried about going off-grid and leaving his young team of deputies behind. But while his getaway with his ex is meant to help them reconnect, Jax is distracted by signs of a break-in at their rented lookout.
After a string of unsettling events and an approaching wildfire turn their isolated retreat into a danger zone, he’s stunned to find a dead body with marks tying it to a killer he put away a decade ago.
Terrified that his attempt at reconciliation has led them both into a fatal setup, Jax rushes back to his estranged wife before she joins the list of victims. But his dedication to serving and protecting could become an Achilles heel as other players join them among the darkening trees.
Can he fight his way out of the woods before the flames of revenge consume everything?
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2025
8 people are currently reading
1819 people want to read
About the author
Mary Keliikoa
8 books787 followersMary Keliikoa is the author of DON'T ASK, DON'T FOLLOW, a domestic thriller, and the award-winning HIDDEN PIECES, DEADLY TIDES and KILLER TRACKS novels in the Misty Pines mystery series. In addition, she is the author of the PI Kelly Pruett mystery series, which includes the Shamus Finalist and Lefty, Agatha and Anthony award-nominated DERAILED for best debut.
A Pacific NW native, she admits to being that person who gets excited when called for jury duty. When not in Washington, you can find Mary with toes in the sand on a Hawaiian beach. But even under the palm trees and blazing sun, she’s plotting her next murder—novel that is.
www.marykeliikoa.com
https://www.amazon.com/author/marykel...
A Pacific NW native, she admits to being that person who gets excited when called for jury duty. When not in Washington, you can find Mary with toes in the sand on a Hawaiian beach. But even under the palm trees and blazing sun, she’s plotting her next murder—novel that is.
www.marykeliikoa.com
https://www.amazon.com/author/marykel...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
October 8, 2025
Sheriff Jax Turner is worried about going off-grid in an attempt to reconnect with his ex-wife and leaving his young team of deputies in charge. After a string of unsettling events and an approaching wildfire turn their isolated retreat into a danger zone, he’s stunned to find a dead body with marks tying it to a killer he put away a decade ago.
This is the third book in the Misty Pines Mystery series and so far it's my favourite. For one thing, Jax's ex-wife Abby appears to be more receptive to his attempts at reconciliation so it wasn't quite as annoying as his unrequited pining in previous books. For another, there was much more tension in this one as Jax and Abby are in an area without cell service with a sabotaged vehicle, a weird camper nearby and an approaching wildfire. Meanwhile in Misty Pines, Deputy Rachel Killian is dealing with an explosion in an apartment building and a dead body in the same building but not necessarily the same apartment as the explosion, as well as her interfering father who also happens to be Jax's former partner. The suspense and tension mount as the two storylines come together and culminate in a satisfying ending.
I think this book can be read as a standalone but it's always nice to have the characters' backgrounds. 4.5 stars rounded down but pretty close to a 5 for me.
Thank you to Level Best Books and Lisa at Swell Media, via Netgalley, for inviting me to read an advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: September 30, 2025
This is the third book in the Misty Pines Mystery series and so far it's my favourite. For one thing, Jax's ex-wife Abby appears to be more receptive to his attempts at reconciliation so it wasn't quite as annoying as his unrequited pining in previous books. For another, there was much more tension in this one as Jax and Abby are in an area without cell service with a sabotaged vehicle, a weird camper nearby and an approaching wildfire. Meanwhile in Misty Pines, Deputy Rachel Killian is dealing with an explosion in an apartment building and a dead body in the same building but not necessarily the same apartment as the explosion, as well as her interfering father who also happens to be Jax's former partner. The suspense and tension mount as the two storylines come together and culminate in a satisfying ending.
I think this book can be read as a standalone but it's always nice to have the characters' backgrounds. 4.5 stars rounded down but pretty close to a 5 for me.
Thank you to Level Best Books and Lisa at Swell Media, via Netgalley, for inviting me to read an advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: September 30, 2025
October 9, 2025
Rating: 4* of five
The Publisher Says: A peaceful retreat. A maze of smoke and murder. Is their remote getaway about to become a death trap?
Sheriff Jax Turner is worried about going off-grid and leaving his young team of deputies behind. But while his getaway with his ex is meant to help them reconnect, Jax is distracted by signs of a break-in at their rented lookout.
After a string of unsettling events and an approaching wildfire turn their isolated retreat into a danger zone, he’s stunned to find a dead body with marks tying it to a killer he put away a decade ago.
Terrified his attempt at reconciliation has led them both into a fatal setup, Jax rushes back to his estranged wife before she joins the list of victims. But his dedication to serving and protecting could become an Achilles heel as other players join them among the darkening trees.
Can he fight his way out of the woods before the flames of revenge consume everything?
Killer Tracks is the tense third book in the Misty Pines Mystery Series. If you like tangled relationships, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and small town sheriff procedurals, then you’ll love Mary Keliikoa’s page-turning game of cat-and-mouse.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: Tangled emotions, a History that beats any failure of your own relationships, and a stressful job as The Crime-Solver in a town as magnetic to crime as Midsomer or St Mary Mead...I am in my happy place. The stakes are very high, the people are familiar enough to be my real life neighbors, and the setting makes me pine away for a small-town life that, if I had it, would make me feel desperate and trapped.
Jax and Abby are still trying to fix what got broken by the awfulness of their shared world...he's an ex-Portland cop (bet they want him back now) and her FBI world...because they just can't quit each other. So while they're off in the patch-up place aka back of beyond, Rachel the deputy is trying her goddamnedest to solve an arson covering up a murder...when in flies her dad, delivering a crucial cold-case clue like a gangrenous carrier pigeon. (Me no likee daddums; he was also Jax's Portland force partner...my hackles will not stay down when he's around.)
Into Abby and Jax's doomed privacy wafts Hannah...wait, who? Exactly! Who's she, where'd she come from, and when's she leaving?
So a series'-worth of Jax pining unrequitedly after Abby, a murder case Rachel really wants to solve without some old man buttin' in (be it her old man or Jax's predecessor as chief), and a serial-killer cold case. Have I forgotten anything?
You'll want to read for yourselves, so I ain't tellin'.
*eville cackle*
The Publisher Says: A peaceful retreat. A maze of smoke and murder. Is their remote getaway about to become a death trap?
Sheriff Jax Turner is worried about going off-grid and leaving his young team of deputies behind. But while his getaway with his ex is meant to help them reconnect, Jax is distracted by signs of a break-in at their rented lookout.
After a string of unsettling events and an approaching wildfire turn their isolated retreat into a danger zone, he’s stunned to find a dead body with marks tying it to a killer he put away a decade ago.
Terrified his attempt at reconciliation has led them both into a fatal setup, Jax rushes back to his estranged wife before she joins the list of victims. But his dedication to serving and protecting could become an Achilles heel as other players join them among the darkening trees.
Can he fight his way out of the woods before the flames of revenge consume everything?
Killer Tracks is the tense third book in the Misty Pines Mystery Series. If you like tangled relationships, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and small town sheriff procedurals, then you’ll love Mary Keliikoa’s page-turning game of cat-and-mouse.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: Tangled emotions, a History that beats any failure of your own relationships, and a stressful job as The Crime-Solver in a town as magnetic to crime as Midsomer or St Mary Mead...I am in my happy place. The stakes are very high, the people are familiar enough to be my real life neighbors, and the setting makes me pine away for a small-town life that, if I had it, would make me feel desperate and trapped.
Jax and Abby are still trying to fix what got broken by the awfulness of their shared world...he's an ex-Portland cop (bet they want him back now) and her FBI world...because they just can't quit each other. So while they're off in the patch-up place aka back of beyond, Rachel the deputy is trying her goddamnedest to solve an arson covering up a murder...when in flies her dad, delivering a crucial cold-case clue like a gangrenous carrier pigeon. (Me no likee daddums; he was also Jax's Portland force partner...my hackles will not stay down when he's around.)
Into Abby and Jax's doomed privacy wafts Hannah...wait, who? Exactly! Who's she, where'd she come from, and when's she leaving?
So a series'-worth of Jax pining unrequitedly after Abby, a murder case Rachel really wants to solve without some old man buttin' in (be it her old man or Jax's predecessor as chief), and a serial-killer cold case. Have I forgotten anything?
You'll want to read for yourselves, so I ain't tellin'.
*eville cackle*
December 3, 2025
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
KILLER TRACKS (Misty Pines Mystery Book #3) by Mary Keliikoa is an intense genre mash-up of mystery/crime thriller/police procedural that kept me turning the pages. This is the third book in this series and like most books of this type, the mystery/crime plot is complete and resolved in each book, but the characters’ relationships continue to evolve, and I feel the series is best read in order.
Sheriff Jax Turner has agreed to spend a week away with his FBI agent ex-wife, Abby, to work on their relationship. When they arrive at the remote cabin, they notice things that has Jax’s cop radar on alert. They discover a lone female camper who is hiding something and deal with the sabotage of their vehicle. Jax discovers a dead park ranger and now is desperate to get Abby safely off the mountain as they are chased by not only a killer, but a wildfire.
Meanwhile in Misty Pines, Deputy Rachel Killian is in charge and dealing with an apartment explosion and a dead tenant found in another apartment. As she inspects the body with the new medical examiner, the body has an “X” carved into his chest and the medical examiner realizes this signature is reminiscent of an old serial killer case. Rachel is also dealing with her cold case detective father showing up in Misty Pines unannounced. The more they investigate, they begin to fear for Jax and Abby.
This is a very good story that weaves two crime plots together that come from two different directions and ends with an explosive resolution. There were plenty of twists and surprises and towards the end the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. While Jax and Abby are both interesting, flawed characters, sometimes I find Abby not sympathetic, but a bit annoying, but not enough to stop reading the series. I find Misty Pines an interesting town and as I get to know more of the secondary characters, it gets even more interesting.
I really enjoyed this gripping crime thriller/mystery, and I am looking forward to more books in the Misty Pines series.
KILLER TRACKS (Misty Pines Mystery Book #3) by Mary Keliikoa is an intense genre mash-up of mystery/crime thriller/police procedural that kept me turning the pages. This is the third book in this series and like most books of this type, the mystery/crime plot is complete and resolved in each book, but the characters’ relationships continue to evolve, and I feel the series is best read in order.
Sheriff Jax Turner has agreed to spend a week away with his FBI agent ex-wife, Abby, to work on their relationship. When they arrive at the remote cabin, they notice things that has Jax’s cop radar on alert. They discover a lone female camper who is hiding something and deal with the sabotage of their vehicle. Jax discovers a dead park ranger and now is desperate to get Abby safely off the mountain as they are chased by not only a killer, but a wildfire.
Meanwhile in Misty Pines, Deputy Rachel Killian is in charge and dealing with an apartment explosion and a dead tenant found in another apartment. As she inspects the body with the new medical examiner, the body has an “X” carved into his chest and the medical examiner realizes this signature is reminiscent of an old serial killer case. Rachel is also dealing with her cold case detective father showing up in Misty Pines unannounced. The more they investigate, they begin to fear for Jax and Abby.
This is a very good story that weaves two crime plots together that come from two different directions and ends with an explosive resolution. There were plenty of twists and surprises and towards the end the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. While Jax and Abby are both interesting, flawed characters, sometimes I find Abby not sympathetic, but a bit annoying, but not enough to stop reading the series. I find Misty Pines an interesting town and as I get to know more of the secondary characters, it gets even more interesting.
I really enjoyed this gripping crime thriller/mystery, and I am looking forward to more books in the Misty Pines series.
September 30, 2025
The first book by Keliikoa I read was Deadly Ties, #2 in the Misty Pines series. That was in 2023 and I ended my review by saying I would like to read more of this author. My wish was granted; I received a review copy of Killer Tracks, #3 in this series.
Killer Tracks more or less goes further where Deadly Ties stops – we find Rachel loving her job despite still feeling insecure, and we find Jax still not fully reunited with Abby, his ex-wife. At the start of the story, Jax and Abby decide to leave for a whole week, to try and find their way back to each other. Of course, this doesn’t go the way they hoped for, but that has nothing to do with either of them. At least, not in their personal lives. It’s work – and it starts almost immediately when Jax finds out that the very remote cabin they hired for the week is not as empty as they thought. In the meantime, Rachel lands her very first murder case in Misty Pines and on top of that, her father and Jax old chief both turn up ‘to give her advice’. Yeah…
The story is not overly complicated but good enough to keep readers interested and at the end all comes nicely together with a not so subtle hint of new beginnings.
Thanks to Level Best Books and Netgelley for this review copy.
Killer Tracks more or less goes further where Deadly Ties stops – we find Rachel loving her job despite still feeling insecure, and we find Jax still not fully reunited with Abby, his ex-wife. At the start of the story, Jax and Abby decide to leave for a whole week, to try and find their way back to each other. Of course, this doesn’t go the way they hoped for, but that has nothing to do with either of them. At least, not in their personal lives. It’s work – and it starts almost immediately when Jax finds out that the very remote cabin they hired for the week is not as empty as they thought. In the meantime, Rachel lands her very first murder case in Misty Pines and on top of that, her father and Jax old chief both turn up ‘to give her advice’. Yeah…
The story is not overly complicated but good enough to keep readers interested and at the end all comes nicely together with a not so subtle hint of new beginnings.
Thanks to Level Best Books and Netgelley for this review copy.
August 30, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
Sheriff Jax and his ex wife are off on a remote break up the mountain, with the hope of a reconciliation on the cards. Meanwhile in town deputy Rachel is on the case investigating a fire set to cover up a murder. With the mysterious Hannah turning up at the cabin, interrupting Jax and Abby’s break, and Rachel’s dad flying in with the link to a cold case. How does it all fit together.
Fast paced and edge of the seat reading. The tension was in the air and came across and infected me! The characters were very real and I felt all their feelings! The descriptions were vivid and made it so easy to picture what was happening. Throughout, the suspense kept me reading and I couldn’t put my kindle down.
The ending was satisfying with all loose ends tied up. I had my suspicions at times and the outcome matched what I thought. However this didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book. I would recommend this and look forward to book 4 in the series!
Sheriff Jax and his ex wife are off on a remote break up the mountain, with the hope of a reconciliation on the cards. Meanwhile in town deputy Rachel is on the case investigating a fire set to cover up a murder. With the mysterious Hannah turning up at the cabin, interrupting Jax and Abby’s break, and Rachel’s dad flying in with the link to a cold case. How does it all fit together.
Fast paced and edge of the seat reading. The tension was in the air and came across and infected me! The characters were very real and I felt all their feelings! The descriptions were vivid and made it so easy to picture what was happening. Throughout, the suspense kept me reading and I couldn’t put my kindle down.
The ending was satisfying with all loose ends tied up. I had my suspicions at times and the outcome matched what I thought. However this didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book. I would recommend this and look forward to book 4 in the series!
August 23, 2025
I received an advance copy of this book from netgalley. Loved it! Great characters and an intriguing plot. Now I need to go back and read the first two in the series.
September 5, 2025
As my first dive into Mary Keliikoa’s work, Killer Tracks offered a solid mystery with an intriguing small-town vibe, characteristic of her Misty Pines series. The story follows Sheriff Jax Turner, and I appreciated the atmospheric Pacific Northwest setting, which Keliikoa paints vividly—moody, rural, and full of secrets. Keliikoa’s strength lies in crafting relatable characters. Jax’s struggles felt authentic, and I could sense his personal stakes in solving the case, which added a layer of heart to the story. The pacing started strong, with short chapters that kept me flipping pages, but I felt like the book went on and on and on. Overall, it is a decent read for cozy mystery fans who enjoy a small-town sheriff unraveling secrets. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review. I was not aware this was a 3rd book in this series.
September 18, 2025
ARC REVIEW: KILLER TRACKS by Mary Keliikoa
Publishes: 9/30/25
Thank you to the author, Thriller Book Lovers, and Level Best Books for providing this gifted ARC through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I had no clue “Killer Tracks” was the third book in the Misty Pines series until I was already knee-deep in it, but it honestly didn’t matter. I fell right into step with Sheriff Jax Turner, who manages to juggle small-town drama, a complex love life, and actual danger like he’s just clocking in for another day.
Jax heads off on what’s supposed to be a quiet getaway with his ex (and some awkward vibes), but it quickly spirals into break-ins, wildfires, and danger that’ll make you reconsider ever leaving your couch. He’s one of those characters who wears his flaws proudly but still makes you want to root for him, especially as he tries to keep everyone safe when the past starts creeping around like a horror movie villain.
I loved the two storylines that slowly weave together, cranking up that delicious "wait, should I be worried?" tension. Keliikoa nails the balance between deep, character-driven moments and edge-of-your-seat suspense, so the mystery feels personal and pulse-pounding. It’s small-town grit, tangled feelings, and danger lurking in the woods all wrapped into one.
If you like your mysteries with a dash of romance and plenty of chaos, this one’s worth a
look.
#KillerTracks #MaryKeliikoa #LevelBestBooks #NetGalley #ThrillerBookLovers
Cap Cut - The Pulse - Gifted ARC - Cat and Mouse Thriller - Second Chance Romance - Sheriff Suspense - Serial Killer - Isolated Cabin - Wildfire
Publishes: 9/30/25
Thank you to the author, Thriller Book Lovers, and Level Best Books for providing this gifted ARC through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I had no clue “Killer Tracks” was the third book in the Misty Pines series until I was already knee-deep in it, but it honestly didn’t matter. I fell right into step with Sheriff Jax Turner, who manages to juggle small-town drama, a complex love life, and actual danger like he’s just clocking in for another day.
Jax heads off on what’s supposed to be a quiet getaway with his ex (and some awkward vibes), but it quickly spirals into break-ins, wildfires, and danger that’ll make you reconsider ever leaving your couch. He’s one of those characters who wears his flaws proudly but still makes you want to root for him, especially as he tries to keep everyone safe when the past starts creeping around like a horror movie villain.
I loved the two storylines that slowly weave together, cranking up that delicious "wait, should I be worried?" tension. Keliikoa nails the balance between deep, character-driven moments and edge-of-your-seat suspense, so the mystery feels personal and pulse-pounding. It’s small-town grit, tangled feelings, and danger lurking in the woods all wrapped into one.
If you like your mysteries with a dash of romance and plenty of chaos, this one’s worth a
look.
#KillerTracks #MaryKeliikoa #LevelBestBooks #NetGalley #ThrillerBookLovers
Cap Cut - The Pulse - Gifted ARC - Cat and Mouse Thriller - Second Chance Romance - Sheriff Suspense - Serial Killer - Isolated Cabin - Wildfire
October 1, 2025
I loved the author's standalone novel so I was excited to dive into her latest from The Misty Pines series. Although this is book, it can be read as a standalone. The characters are well developed and although there are references to prior books, I didn't feel it impacted this story or the character development, which is impressive. Although I definitely want to read the 2 prior books because I really love these characters.
November 6, 2025
4.5 rounded up
This is the 3rd book in the series but can be read as a standalone. I'll be going back to read the other 2 because I enjoyed this one so much!
Sheriff Jax Turner is attempting to reconcile with his ex wife, Abby. Abby has arranged a secluded retreat for them at a remote mountain cabin. Her intention is for them to completely disconnect from their law enforcement responsibilities and dedicate their attention to one another, which means no phones and no weapons. Jax is concerned about his team and the deputy he has placed in charge. As unsettling events begin to unfold and a wildfire draws near, their isolated getaway transforms into a dangerous situation. Especially after he finds a dead body with markings tying it to a killer he arrested decades ago. Meanwhile in town, Deputy Rachel Killian has her hands full with an arson and another dead body with the same markings. Could there be a serial killer on the loose? She wonders if she's in over her head. Can she work this case without the Sheriff? Will Jax and Abby be able to make it down the mountain before they become victims?
Told from the POVs of Jax and Rachel, this was a great police procedural. It was a total page-turner with great pacing, high stakes, and lots of tension. It was suspenseful, atmospheric, and totally bingeable! I loved the remote cabin and small-town settings. Cut off from all communication, and there may be a serial killer on the loose? What's not to love? This was definitely an engaging read, and I highly recommend it.🩷
This is the 3rd book in the series but can be read as a standalone. I'll be going back to read the other 2 because I enjoyed this one so much!
Sheriff Jax Turner is attempting to reconcile with his ex wife, Abby. Abby has arranged a secluded retreat for them at a remote mountain cabin. Her intention is for them to completely disconnect from their law enforcement responsibilities and dedicate their attention to one another, which means no phones and no weapons. Jax is concerned about his team and the deputy he has placed in charge. As unsettling events begin to unfold and a wildfire draws near, their isolated getaway transforms into a dangerous situation. Especially after he finds a dead body with markings tying it to a killer he arrested decades ago. Meanwhile in town, Deputy Rachel Killian has her hands full with an arson and another dead body with the same markings. Could there be a serial killer on the loose? She wonders if she's in over her head. Can she work this case without the Sheriff? Will Jax and Abby be able to make it down the mountain before they become victims?
Told from the POVs of Jax and Rachel, this was a great police procedural. It was a total page-turner with great pacing, high stakes, and lots of tension. It was suspenseful, atmospheric, and totally bingeable! I loved the remote cabin and small-town settings. Cut off from all communication, and there may be a serial killer on the loose? What's not to love? This was definitely an engaging read, and I highly recommend it.🩷
September 4, 2025
Love the author's writing. Hate reading about serial killers.
The characters are very clearly developed and the plot is intense, twisty, and confounding.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Level Best Books | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles via NetGalley. ***** review
#KillerTracks by @mary.keliikoa.author #MistyPinesMysteriesBk3 @levelbestbooks @ibpalovesindies
#NetGalley #suspense #crimefiction #oregoncoast #mistypines #Oregon #smalltownsheriff #mystery #serialkiller #revenge #catandmouse #wildfire #mysteryseries #reviewersofinstagram #readersofmystery #policeprocedural
The characters are very clearly developed and the plot is intense, twisty, and confounding.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Level Best Books | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles via NetGalley. ***** review
#KillerTracks by @mary.keliikoa.author #MistyPinesMysteriesBk3 @levelbestbooks @ibpalovesindies
#NetGalley #suspense #crimefiction #oregoncoast #mistypines #Oregon #smalltownsheriff #mystery #serialkiller #revenge #catandmouse #wildfire #mysteryseries #reviewersofinstagram #readersofmystery #policeprocedural
October 28, 2025
Killer tracks.
getting back to misty pines. has been a real treat.
sheriff jaxs, has been my favorite in this series. this time he's on a getaway or maybe a rekindling with his Ex. but more is going on than romance.This mountain getaway could be deadly. just when you think everything is perfect. somethings don't seem to be quite right. things go missing. Things go bump in the night. mysterious noises. strangers show up at your door.
Bodies are turning up. Will they discover who the killer is before It's too late.
Couldn't turn the pages quite fast enough in this story, it was so good.
getting back to misty pines. has been a real treat.
sheriff jaxs, has been my favorite in this series. this time he's on a getaway or maybe a rekindling with his Ex. but more is going on than romance.This mountain getaway could be deadly. just when you think everything is perfect. somethings don't seem to be quite right. things go missing. Things go bump in the night. mysterious noises. strangers show up at your door.
Bodies are turning up. Will they discover who the killer is before It's too late.
Couldn't turn the pages quite fast enough in this story, it was so good.
September 15, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Solid 3.5 mystery read, where I was actually a little shocked a handful of times. No real loose ends left which is always nice, but enough sprinkled throughout where I’d be interested in reading other stories in this universe.
November 9, 2025
Killer Tracks opens with a criminal getting out of prison and immediately thinking of his next crime - nothing good can come from that right?!
Sheriff Jax lives in a small town to escape big city life. He and his FBI wife, Abby, divorced after the death of their daughter tore them apart. They are trying to reconnect and a few days away sound perfect.
This book is two stories in one. Jax and Abby have trouble waiting for them at their getaway. In town, Rachel has her first murder investigation. This is the third book in a series and I that each book starts off with a crime to get the action going. The characters are relatable and have you cheering for them. The author keeps the tension high and the reader fully engaged.
Sheriff Jax lives in a small town to escape big city life. He and his FBI wife, Abby, divorced after the death of their daughter tore them apart. They are trying to reconnect and a few days away sound perfect.
This book is two stories in one. Jax and Abby have trouble waiting for them at their getaway. In town, Rachel has her first murder investigation. This is the third book in a series and I that each book starts off with a crime to get the action going. The characters are relatable and have you cheering for them. The author keeps the tension high and the reader fully engaged.
November 13, 2025
Outstanding thriller, paced well. Characters interesting. The whole twist and turns in this book kept me involved and wanting to know what happens next. Definately would recommend this read. Thanks to Goodreads, Publisher and Author for this great journey.
September 30, 2025
Although I haven't read any in this series before, this one is an easy stand-alone! It begins with a man being released from prison just as Sheriff Jax and ex-wife, Abby are reuniting in a mountaintop cabin. But when new-comer, Hannah comes to their door, they are surprised as they know most people up there and she seems to know her way around their kitchen! And then even odder things begin happening and tension swells as the reader isn't sure who's to blame and who's the intended victim. It's a race against time and I loved it!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Want to read
February 13, 2025Coming September 2025. Not soon enough for me.
November 19, 2025
Suspenseful and exciting – genuine page-turner!
Killer Tracks is the third book in author Mary Keliikoa’s suspenseful Misty Pines Mystery series, and while I’ve loved the previous two books, this one may be my favorite! Sheriff Jax Turner and his ex-wife, Abby Kanekoa, take a week off from their respective law enforcement jobs to go on a trip together, reconnect, and work through their issues. Abby, a luxury-vacation-type woman, surprises Jax by arranging for them to spend the week at a renovated ranger station in a mountain recreation area not yet open to the public. But evidence that someone else has been in the cabin right before they arrive sets off alarm bells for both of them. Odd incidents, including a vandalized truck, a surprise visit from a woman camping in the restricted area, and the looming danger of an approaching wildfire, threaten not only their romantic getaway but also their very lives. Meanwhile, back in Misty Pines, Deputy Rachel Killian, in charge while the sheriff is on vacation, is challenged by the discovery of a murder victim: one who shows similar signs as those of a serial killer from years earlier.
The plot is fast-paced, and the story unfolds from multiple points of view in alternating chapters, including the disconcerting narrative of former inmate 22-A-4242, who has been released early from incarceration and is eager to put into action plans he’s dwelled on since he went inside. Both Jax and Rachel are torn over their circumstances. Jax is ecstatic over Abby’s overtures to talk and the possibility of reconciliation with the woman he loves, but he’s anxious about leaving his fairly young and inexperienced staff on their own for the first time. After watching Jax’s agony over the past two books, I was so glad to see him and Abby take this step. I really enjoyed them as a couple in this story.Rachel is delighted to be given the opportunity to lead the department in Jax’s absence, confident in her abilities and ready to shine and prove her true value to the town. Successfully solving a homicide would go a long way to cementing her reputation, but she has to accomplish that first, and with the additional element that a serial killer may be at work, so much could go sideways really fast.
With foreshadowing from the former inmate’s narrative, the story begins in a tense atmosphere, but the author continually builds suspense. I was quickly immersed in the story, and with the cinematic descriptions and twists and turns in the plot, I couldn’t put this book down until I had turned the final page.I recommend KILLER TRACKS to readers of mystery and suspense.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.
November 28, 2025
The moment Sheriff Jax Turner realized he couldn't take a day off, I knew I was in trouble. Killer Tracks is a white-knuckle ride!
From the moment I stepped into Sheriff Jax Turner’s head, I could feel that low, uneasy thrum under his skin. He’s supposed to be reconnecting with his ex, stepping away from his responsibilities, letting the deputies handle things back home. But of course, Jax is Jax there’s no such thing as off-grid when your instincts are wired to detect danger like a smoke alarm with fresh batteries.
And oh, does the danger start early. That creepy sense that someone has been inside the lookout? The subtle, unsettling details that feel just wrong enough to prick the back of your neck? I swear, I felt like I was standing beside him, turning full circles in the empty room, whispering, “Nope, absolutely not, let’s go home.”
But we stay.
And the woods close in.
And then the body shows up with the signature of a killer Jax put away years ago.
At that point, I wasn’t reading so much as sprinting. Mary Keliikoa knows how to set a trap so quiet and so clever that by the time it snaps shut, you realize you’ve been holding your breath for three chapters. The wildfire creeping closer becomes this brilliant, suffocating backdrop nature itself pushing Jax into tighter corners as every revelation sharpens the terror.
And through it all, his ex. His estranged wife. His regrets. His fear that this attempt to repair what’s broken may instead be the reason she ends up dead. Their dynamic adds a raw emotional thread to the mystery, making every desperate move feel heavier, more human.
By the final stretch, I was basically yelling, “JAX. BUDDY. TREES ARE NOT COVER,” while simultaneously refusing to stop reading until I knew who was pulling the strings and whether anyone could outrun vengeance or the wildfire.
✨️If you love atmospheric mysteries where the smoke stings your eyes, every shadow is suspicious, and danger tightens around the characters like a noose, Killer Tracks by Mary Keliikoa delivers in spades.
⚡️Thank you Partners in Crime Tours and Mary Keliikoa for sharing this book with me!
From the moment I stepped into Sheriff Jax Turner’s head, I could feel that low, uneasy thrum under his skin. He’s supposed to be reconnecting with his ex, stepping away from his responsibilities, letting the deputies handle things back home. But of course, Jax is Jax there’s no such thing as off-grid when your instincts are wired to detect danger like a smoke alarm with fresh batteries.
And oh, does the danger start early. That creepy sense that someone has been inside the lookout? The subtle, unsettling details that feel just wrong enough to prick the back of your neck? I swear, I felt like I was standing beside him, turning full circles in the empty room, whispering, “Nope, absolutely not, let’s go home.”
But we stay.
And the woods close in.
And then the body shows up with the signature of a killer Jax put away years ago.
At that point, I wasn’t reading so much as sprinting. Mary Keliikoa knows how to set a trap so quiet and so clever that by the time it snaps shut, you realize you’ve been holding your breath for three chapters. The wildfire creeping closer becomes this brilliant, suffocating backdrop nature itself pushing Jax into tighter corners as every revelation sharpens the terror.
And through it all, his ex. His estranged wife. His regrets. His fear that this attempt to repair what’s broken may instead be the reason she ends up dead. Their dynamic adds a raw emotional thread to the mystery, making every desperate move feel heavier, more human.
By the final stretch, I was basically yelling, “JAX. BUDDY. TREES ARE NOT COVER,” while simultaneously refusing to stop reading until I knew who was pulling the strings and whether anyone could outrun vengeance or the wildfire.
✨️If you love atmospheric mysteries where the smoke stings your eyes, every shadow is suspicious, and danger tightens around the characters like a noose, Killer Tracks by Mary Keliikoa delivers in spades.
⚡️Thank you Partners in Crime Tours and Mary Keliikoa for sharing this book with me!
October 3, 2025
Misty Pines Mystery #3
Sheriff Jax Turner is going off-grid and wants to reconnect with his wife. Once at the camp they were distracted by signs of a break-in at their rented cottage followed by a string of unsetting events and worst an approaching wildfire puts them in a danger zone…. What happens next…. the fun begins and we are into an exciting story.
Meanwhile in town, Jax's team is dedicated to serve and protect. But when body is found in an apartment fire and the investigation leads them to a person who is suspected to be at the same location as Jax more fun awaits us and we are plunged into a very exciting drama…
This fast-paced mystery never stopped popping events for the protagonists to face has held my attention throughout. The tension is well paced and kept mounting a notch each time Jax or a team member faced a complication. Effectively the story creates a sense of danger with high stakes elements such as break-ins and wild fire. The multiple twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. It is a good story with all the expected elements one can wish for.
The dual narrative threads enhance the suspense and eventually connect. Well-done.
As for the characters development, excellently penned giving them realistic flaws and strengths. I particularly like the complexity of the relationship between Jax and his wife Abby and the dynamics of Jax’s team.
In whole “ Killer Track” has an engaging storyline that fans of the genre will appreciate.
My thanks to Level best Books and Netgalley for this ARC
Sheriff Jax Turner is going off-grid and wants to reconnect with his wife. Once at the camp they were distracted by signs of a break-in at their rented cottage followed by a string of unsetting events and worst an approaching wildfire puts them in a danger zone…. What happens next…. the fun begins and we are into an exciting story.
Meanwhile in town, Jax's team is dedicated to serve and protect. But when body is found in an apartment fire and the investigation leads them to a person who is suspected to be at the same location as Jax more fun awaits us and we are plunged into a very exciting drama…
This fast-paced mystery never stopped popping events for the protagonists to face has held my attention throughout. The tension is well paced and kept mounting a notch each time Jax or a team member faced a complication. Effectively the story creates a sense of danger with high stakes elements such as break-ins and wild fire. The multiple twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. It is a good story with all the expected elements one can wish for.
The dual narrative threads enhance the suspense and eventually connect. Well-done.
As for the characters development, excellently penned giving them realistic flaws and strengths. I particularly like the complexity of the relationship between Jax and his wife Abby and the dynamics of Jax’s team.
In whole “ Killer Track” has an engaging storyline that fans of the genre will appreciate.
My thanks to Level best Books and Netgalley for this ARC
September 21, 2025
4.25⭐
Another taut thriller from Mary Keliikoa. While I've read end loved several other of her books, this is the first I've read in the Misty Pines series. Sheriff Jax Taylor takes a few days off from his small Pacific Northwest district to hopefully reconnect with his ex-wife. While they are in the remote mountains, puzzling incidents at the cabin. Meanwhile a fire leads to the discovery of a body back for his untested team to investigate. The two threads eventually connect but getting there is full of suspense and tension. Very entertaining. Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Another taut thriller from Mary Keliikoa. While I've read end loved several other of her books, this is the first I've read in the Misty Pines series. Sheriff Jax Taylor takes a few days off from his small Pacific Northwest district to hopefully reconnect with his ex-wife. While they are in the remote mountains, puzzling incidents at the cabin. Meanwhile a fire leads to the discovery of a body back for his untested team to investigate. The two threads eventually connect but getting there is full of suspense and tension. Very entertaining. Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 11, 2026
Killer Tracks by Mery Kellikoa, the third book in the Misty Pines series, was a fantastic read — I loved every page. Jax, as always, is a standout character, but this instalment really lets Rachel shine.
While Jax is off rekindling his relationship with his ex-wife and dealing with FBI agent Abby — who, honestly, is annoying AF and behaves nothing like a real agent (zero threat awareness!) — Jax more than makes up for it with his smarts and quick thinking.
This book is twisted in all the best ways, with shocking revelations in the final chapters that had me on the edge of my seat. The ending is satisfying and wraps things up beautifully, while still leaving me eager for the next instalment.
Special shoutout to the police dog and Rachel’s buddy, Koa — what a hero/heroine! Truly a standout companion.
Overall, a gripping, clever, and entertaining read. Can’t wait for the next one!
Thank you Netgalley & Mary Kellikoa for the arc!
While Jax is off rekindling his relationship with his ex-wife and dealing with FBI agent Abby — who, honestly, is annoying AF and behaves nothing like a real agent (zero threat awareness!) — Jax more than makes up for it with his smarts and quick thinking.
This book is twisted in all the best ways, with shocking revelations in the final chapters that had me on the edge of my seat. The ending is satisfying and wraps things up beautifully, while still leaving me eager for the next instalment.
Special shoutout to the police dog and Rachel’s buddy, Koa — what a hero/heroine! Truly a standout companion.
Overall, a gripping, clever, and entertaining read. Can’t wait for the next one!
Thank you Netgalley & Mary Kellikoa for the arc!
September 28, 2025
The story took its time building, but around the 65% mark it became unputdownable.
I appreciated that it wasn’t just an action-driven thriller — the author gave space to the internal struggles and relationships of the main characters, which made the tension feel more layered and human. The writing also had an atmospheric quality that transported me into the setting.
My main reservation is that the villain’s motive never felt fully convincing, which weakened the payoff. Overall, though, I enjoyed the ride. For me it’s a solid 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
I thank Level Best Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this title.
I appreciated that it wasn’t just an action-driven thriller — the author gave space to the internal struggles and relationships of the main characters, which made the tension feel more layered and human. The writing also had an atmospheric quality that transported me into the setting.
My main reservation is that the villain’s motive never felt fully convincing, which weakened the payoff. Overall, though, I enjoyed the ride. For me it’s a solid 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
I thank Level Best Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this title.
September 16, 2025
Wow, Killer Tracks hooked me right from the first page! The story moves fast, and the twists had me guessing all the way through. Every time I thought I had it figured out, Mary Keliikoa threw in a surprise that kept me turning the pages late into the night.
The characters felt so real, and I found myself rooting for them the whole way. It’s the perfect mix of suspense, drama, and heart. If you love mysteries that keep you on your toes, this one is a must-read!
The characters felt so real, and I found myself rooting for them the whole way. It’s the perfect mix of suspense, drama, and heart. If you love mysteries that keep you on your toes, this one is a must-read!
September 21, 2025
This story is like a boulder rolling downhill. Faster and faster, picking up speed, until it hits the bottom in spectacular fashion. I could not put Killer Tracks down. There is so much going on, I had to reread certain sections to make sure I caught all of it! I'm rooting for Rachel in her investigation. I'm rooting for Jax and Abby in their attempt at reconciliation. This is an exciting, suspenseful mystery!
November 14, 2025
What a book!! Just when you think it's safe to come out, here comes Jax, Abbie, Rachel, Koa, and the gang to jump right back into another mystery! And this one is a real doozy! I was hooked from word one and the suspense and drama start right away!
I love that this one took place on the mountains. I think the ruggedness and the beauty of the place really mixes in well with the story and you get a good idea of what it would like to be there in that moment. Jaw dropping, pulse pounding, the ending was not at all what I thought it was going to be. Holy Cow!!
I love this series; there is never a dull moment in these books. And at the end of it all, you're family no matter what happens. I love that about this series too. How they all look after each other. I cannot recommend this series enough.
Thanks to Net Galley, the publishers, and to Mary Keliikoa for the ability to read and review this book. All opinions are my own and are completely honest.
I love that this one took place on the mountains. I think the ruggedness and the beauty of the place really mixes in well with the story and you get a good idea of what it would like to be there in that moment. Jaw dropping, pulse pounding, the ending was not at all what I thought it was going to be. Holy Cow!!
I love this series; there is never a dull moment in these books. And at the end of it all, you're family no matter what happens. I love that about this series too. How they all look after each other. I cannot recommend this series enough.
Thanks to Net Galley, the publishers, and to Mary Keliikoa for the ability to read and review this book. All opinions are my own and are completely honest.
January 21, 2026
Couldn't put it down... so freaking good. Best in the series so far! I DID see the twists coming but I wasn't 100% sure. There was enough doubt tickling my mind to make me gaslight myself lol, and I would've been mad if I was wrong lol. I loved how there were two sides of the story unfolding side by side. That dynamic made it a page turner for me. So much story was accomplished in a nice little package. Definitely reccomend
September 15, 2025
This was the first book I have read by Mary Keliikoa. I did not realize this was the third in a series, but will definitely be going back to read the first two. Killer Tracks was a story of a small town where tragedy strikes and the local police must find the killer. The characters were likable and well written. The plot had many twists and turns leading up to the climactic ending.
Thank you to NetGalley and Level Best Books for the opportunity to read this ARC of Killer Tracks. I really enjoyed it!
Thank you to NetGalley and Level Best Books for the opportunity to read this ARC of Killer Tracks. I really enjoyed it!
October 14, 2025
This was an okay police procedural, but I wasn’t enjoying the slow pacing, nor the excess small talk. I felt there were too many characters to sift between, and the connection to the danger/villain was distanced to the point of feeling that there was no danger or suspense. There were moments were there was some eeriness with Hannah, but it all just lost its lustre.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this advanced copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this advanced copy.
February 4, 2026
Not my favorite in the series, it felt a bit all over the place and then the climax was so rushed I had to read those 2 pages twice to figure out what happened. I do enjoy the characters though, and hope a continuation of the series happens.
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