The mysteries just keep adding up in the second book of the K-9 Ranch Rescue miniseries, and the peril to one woman becomes more threatening with each new incident. Linda O. Johnston skillfully interweaves suspense into the story, while also creating a believable romance between two people who are caught up in difficult circumstances. There are so many uncertainties from the very start, and I never knew when the life of a dedicated woman would be in peril, nor what the outcome would end up being. TRAINED TO PROTECT has lots of possible scenarios, and not knowing what would ultimately happen kept me riveted.
When Elissa Yorian decided to apply for part-time work at Chance K-9 Ranch, she wanted to teach dog owners how their animals could be used as therapy in certain situations. Although a threatening note is left at the ranch which could pertain to her, her expert qualifications still get her hired. To hopefully keep more trouble from occurring, local police officer Doug Murran will be exploring all possibilities. But unfortunately the warnings escalate and their source remains unknown, so Doug becomes more involved in keeping Elissa safe while trying to stay professional.
I was definitely kept in the dark for much of the story because of the author’s clever writing. Though a few hints were here and there, guesses were all I could do until all is revealed in a shocking way. When a story is able to keep many facts a secret, I enjoy the quest to discover the truth, and Linda O. Johnston had me totally intrigued from beginning to end. It was very interesting to see how the K-9 dogs performed when working a case, especially when it came to how well the animals worked with their partners. I also found all the scenes where training was taking place to be informative, while the moments where Elissa’s dog, Peace, was demonstrating her different abilities were sometimes poignant.
Though Doug really tries to keep his emotions under control, the pull he feels toward Elissa is not easy to ignore. While rules are always followed when he investigates any leads, his free time is often spent checking up on her. I really enjoyed some of his inner comments to himself, as they were spot-on and several made me laugh. Elissa is someone who wants to assist people, as she is a nurse plus uses her dog to make individuals feel better. I really admired how much she wants to aid those who need her special talent, and she is not willing to give up despite the stressful predicaments that she faces. TRAINED TO PROTECT entertains with realistic and often emotional events.
I voluntarily reviewed the book, and all comments are my honest opinion