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Hunter Rayne Highway Mystery #5
Yellowhead Blues: A Hunter Rayne Highway Mystery
Just west of the Rocky Mountains, a frightened horse with a bloody saddle is found running loose on the Yellowhead highway. Former RCMP investigator Hunter Rayne is on the road in his eighteen-wheeler when he's flagged down to help calm the horse and find its missing rider.
The horse with the bloody saddle leads Hunter and a good-natured French Canadian cowboy into a complicated murder mystery. The police are none too happy with his interference, but Hunter strongly believes the RCMP have arrested the wrong man and sets out to uncover who stood to gain from the death of a wealthy ranch owner.
His belief in the suspect's innocence is shared by a rookie female RCMP constable who joins him in the search for the truth. She befriends the dead man's young fianc� in an effort to get answers, and discovers that the vulnerable Texas beauty is not who the victim believed her to be.
This is the fifth novel in a unique mystery series set on the highways of North America.
What readers are saying about the Highway Mysteries:
"Love the author's books. Excellent characters and settings. She is now on my short list of current favorite authors."
"This series is beautifully researched, vividly written, and always captivating. It respects the nobility which resides in everyone while portraying some unforgettable characters."
"I love the way the main character, Hunter Rayne, thinks, interacts with people, and in general would put him into the lofty echelons with Adam Dalgliesh, Morse and the Hon. Det Lynley. Great and satisfying series."
"Hunter is the man. Donald has written a super story that would make a good movie. I think we have another Harry Bosch character."
"... great writing, excellent pacing that sucks you in right away and makes you forget about the world around you, characters you like and who talk and act the way real people do, set in a place that makes it feel like an adventure, and best of all-- a wicked smart plot."
The horse with the bloody saddle leads Hunter and a good-natured French Canadian cowboy into a complicated murder mystery. The police are none too happy with his interference, but Hunter strongly believes the RCMP have arrested the wrong man and sets out to uncover who stood to gain from the death of a wealthy ranch owner.
His belief in the suspect's innocence is shared by a rookie female RCMP constable who joins him in the search for the truth. She befriends the dead man's young fianc� in an effort to get answers, and discovers that the vulnerable Texas beauty is not who the victim believed her to be.
This is the fifth novel in a unique mystery series set on the highways of North America.
What readers are saying about the Highway Mysteries:
"Love the author's books. Excellent characters and settings. She is now on my short list of current favorite authors."
"This series is beautifully researched, vividly written, and always captivating. It respects the nobility which resides in everyone while portraying some unforgettable characters."
"I love the way the main character, Hunter Rayne, thinks, interacts with people, and in general would put him into the lofty echelons with Adam Dalgliesh, Morse and the Hon. Det Lynley. Great and satisfying series."
"Hunter is the man. Donald has written a super story that would make a good movie. I think we have another Harry Bosch character."
"... great writing, excellent pacing that sucks you in right away and makes you forget about the world around you, characters you like and who talk and act the way real people do, set in a place that makes it feel like an adventure, and best of all-- a wicked smart plot."
328 pages, Paperback
First published July 21, 2019
223 people are currently reading
505 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
October 5, 2025
Hunter Rayne is an 18-wheeler truck driver and former Royal Canadian Mountie who happens across a disturbance on the highway. While assisting a man trying to do a good deed, things take an unexpected turn. As events unfold, Rayne’s past as an investigator is called upon and he spends many miles on the road running down leads. What a mystery.
This is the first book by R. E. Donald that I’ve read and although it was number 5 in a series, I never felt confused or frustrated about possible past details. The fact that the main character was a long haul truck driver gave an interesting facet to his life. Speaking of characters, I was equally interested in Rayne’s circle of friends.
I enjoyed Donald’s writing and deft turn of phrase, the selection of the location of the story, and the book’s pacing. In fact, I purchased the first book in the series for 99cents from Barnes and Noble. I’m intrigued enough to be properly introduced to Hunter Rayne.
This is the first book by R. E. Donald that I’ve read and although it was number 5 in a series, I never felt confused or frustrated about possible past details. The fact that the main character was a long haul truck driver gave an interesting facet to his life. Speaking of characters, I was equally interested in Rayne’s circle of friends.
I enjoyed Donald’s writing and deft turn of phrase, the selection of the location of the story, and the book’s pacing. In fact, I purchased the first book in the series for 99cents from Barnes and Noble. I’m intrigued enough to be properly introduced to Hunter Rayne.
September 9, 2019
YELLOWHEAD BLUES by R.E. Donald is a well-written murder mystery filled with lots of suspects as well as giving us a great sense of place. While this is the fifth book in the series, it worked well as a standalone novel.
The story mainly takes place in western Canada. Hunter Rayne is a former RCMP murder investigator who now drives an eighteen-wheeler for a living. He is flagged down by Leon to help with traffic control as a frightened horse with a bloody saddle is on the road. They look for the missing rider who ends up dying before he can be gotten to a hospital. Leon is arrested for his murder, but Hunter believes he may be innocent. With this scenario, the story is off and running.
The author did a fantastic job of bringing both the characters (including several secondary characters) and the scenery to life. Additionally she brought up several themes ranging from murder to domestic violence to theft to women in traditional male roles. I hope a couple of those themes get fleshed out even more in future books in the series. I was immediately drawn into this book and the pace, action and characters kept me fully engaged.
While this is the first book I have read by R.E. Donald, I look forward to reading more of her novels. Overall, I was immediately drawn into the story and enjoyed unraveling the mystery of who the murderer was.
Many thanks to Kobo Writing Life, R.E. Donald and Net Galley for a digital ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
The story mainly takes place in western Canada. Hunter Rayne is a former RCMP murder investigator who now drives an eighteen-wheeler for a living. He is flagged down by Leon to help with traffic control as a frightened horse with a bloody saddle is on the road. They look for the missing rider who ends up dying before he can be gotten to a hospital. Leon is arrested for his murder, but Hunter believes he may be innocent. With this scenario, the story is off and running.
The author did a fantastic job of bringing both the characters (including several secondary characters) and the scenery to life. Additionally she brought up several themes ranging from murder to domestic violence to theft to women in traditional male roles. I hope a couple of those themes get fleshed out even more in future books in the series. I was immediately drawn into this book and the pace, action and characters kept me fully engaged.
While this is the first book I have read by R.E. Donald, I look forward to reading more of her novels. Overall, I was immediately drawn into the story and enjoyed unraveling the mystery of who the murderer was.
Many thanks to Kobo Writing Life, R.E. Donald and Net Galley for a digital ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
October 4, 2019
This was a unique book for me. A great premise, an interesting mystery and fascinating characters, each one stands out in their own way. Definitely on my re-read list! I understand it's part of (or will be) a series. I enjoyed this one so much, I'll be hunting down the rest of the series!
July 25, 2019
Great!
Well worth waiting for! Ms. Donald writes with warmth and skill as she describes her characters adventures. Once I start one of her books, I cannot put it down till the end.
Well worth waiting for! Ms. Donald writes with warmth and skill as she describes her characters adventures. Once I start one of her books, I cannot put it down till the end.
March 26, 2022
Hunter Rayne is a retired Royal Canadian Mounted Police investigator who now drive a big rig for a living, traveling over much of western Canada with occasional trips into the U.S.
Here, like in the four previous books in the series, stumbles (or more accurately drives) into a situation that soon morphs into a murder. This time, it’s a wealthy man found sitting against a tree after being shot in the back while riding horses with his fiancée, a woman young enough to be his daughter, or perhaps granddaughter.
But who’d want him dead? His naïve young fiancée? Her somewhat shady brother? His needy children? The woman who may have pined for him for years? His drunken former employee? The man who found him?
The solution here doesn’t come so much because Hunter figures out whodunnit, but by eliminating every other viable suspect.
I’ve liked these books since reading the first one, primarily because I like Hunter Rayne. Caring about the main character is one of my requirements for continuing to read books in a series. Hunter is a low-key kind of guy, willing to stand his ground when the situation calls for it, but never one to broadcast how tough he is. He’s also a gentle man, often going out of his way to ease the plight of others, whether it’s caring for an arrested man’s dog or being supportive of an RCMP officer feeling a bit lost at her first posting.
I hope R E. Donald has more adventures planned for Hunter Rayne.
Here, like in the four previous books in the series, stumbles (or more accurately drives) into a situation that soon morphs into a murder. This time, it’s a wealthy man found sitting against a tree after being shot in the back while riding horses with his fiancée, a woman young enough to be his daughter, or perhaps granddaughter.
But who’d want him dead? His naïve young fiancée? Her somewhat shady brother? His needy children? The woman who may have pined for him for years? His drunken former employee? The man who found him?
The solution here doesn’t come so much because Hunter figures out whodunnit, but by eliminating every other viable suspect.
I’ve liked these books since reading the first one, primarily because I like Hunter Rayne. Caring about the main character is one of my requirements for continuing to read books in a series. Hunter is a low-key kind of guy, willing to stand his ground when the situation calls for it, but never one to broadcast how tough he is. He’s also a gentle man, often going out of his way to ease the plight of others, whether it’s caring for an arrested man’s dog or being supportive of an RCMP officer feeling a bit lost at her first posting.
I hope R E. Donald has more adventures planned for Hunter Rayne.
November 9, 2020
Yet another brilliant mystery with the the ex RCMP truck driver Hunter Rayne. One of the things I love about these books is the amount of description about British Columbia, although the main thing is, of course, Hunter solving the crime in between delivering goods up and down the west coast. I almost want to call these books 'cosy' mysteries but they are far too gripping to be in that category. When I pick one up I have to get my coffee (or wine), turn off the tv and unplug the phone, settle into a comfortable chair and expect to remain there until I reach the end. If you enjoy mysteries then I cannot recommend this series enough. It is not necessary to read them is order but after you read one I can guarantee you will read the rest.
June 22, 2020
Well done
This is a most excellent mystery. The author does her research well and it shows in the seamless pace of the book. It is not action packed, but more of a police procedural without the police. The characters are engaging and realistic. This is this first book I've read by this author, but it won't be the last. If you like your mysteries with an interesting main character and a great group of secondary characters you should try this book.
This is a most excellent mystery. The author does her research well and it shows in the seamless pace of the book. It is not action packed, but more of a police procedural without the police. The characters are engaging and realistic. This is this first book I've read by this author, but it won't be the last. If you like your mysteries with an interesting main character and a great group of secondary characters you should try this book.
October 18, 2021
different for me, I’m usually a Victorian mystery type, but I decided on a whim to read something different, & I’m so glad I did
Hunter Rayne is such a decent man, the kind u would like to have as ur best friend, & it would be great to have Leo live down the road ! All the characters r well defined, even the total spaciness of Jaelle is understandable The location is so different too, not anyplace I’ve ever been. I’ll want to read more …
Hunter Rayne is such a decent man, the kind u would like to have as ur best friend, & it would be great to have Leo live down the road ! All the characters r well defined, even the total spaciness of Jaelle is understandable The location is so different too, not anyplace I’ve ever been. I’ll want to read more …
November 18, 2021
I've read a few of the previous books, but don't remember which ones. So when I saw this one, I picked it up. It's a cool premise...ex RCMP trucker who solves mysteries. I felt really bad for Jaelle all through the story. It's like life gave her a kick in the pants and then stepped on her and never let her back up. It's too bad her story ends here. I'd like to see more of Bianca in future stories, or maybe her own series!
October 15, 2021
Canadian blues
The fast paced book is very realistic without a lot of detail concerning sex or murder. Its not a sappy love story but the hero of the book is a truck driver but his past profession keeps him attempting to help others who are in trouble through no fault of their own. he had been a Mounties for 20 years. Its a good and interesting book.
The fast paced book is very realistic without a lot of detail concerning sex or murder. Its not a sappy love story but the hero of the book is a truck driver but his past profession keeps him attempting to help others who are in trouble through no fault of their own. he had been a Mounties for 20 years. Its a good and interesting book.
October 20, 2021
Former RCMP investigator, turned long haul trucker, solves an unlikely murder.
An older rich man, engaged to a young woman is murdered. While driving a long haul truck, the hero, is involved with solving the crime. He uncovers a con, ID fraud, a unexpected pregnancy and finally the killer.
An older rich man, engaged to a young woman is murdered. While driving a long haul truck, the hero, is involved with solving the crime. He uncovers a con, ID fraud, a unexpected pregnancy and finally the killer.
October 20, 2021
Seriously good read
For a lonesome Canadian, although not from BC, I fell in love with everything about this book. Well written, great plot, interesting characters, horses and a super dog - what more could a rabid reader want. I recommend this novel to anyone who can't put a good book down. Thank you Mr Donald
For a lonesome Canadian, although not from BC, I fell in love with everything about this book. Well written, great plot, interesting characters, horses and a super dog - what more could a rabid reader want. I recommend this novel to anyone who can't put a good book down. Thank you Mr Donald
October 29, 2021
Touching and tragic
A lot of time is spent on the road. I guess that would be expected with the wide ooen soaces of Canada and a truck driving hero. This was a simple mystery with sad circumstances and not too many characters. The story was easy to read without nerve nail-bitting suspense. I'm nour really sure if I will read another adventure in this series but who knows
A lot of time is spent on the road. I guess that would be expected with the wide ooen soaces of Canada and a truck driving hero. This was a simple mystery with sad circumstances and not too many characters. The story was easy to read without nerve nail-bitting suspense. I'm nour really sure if I will read another adventure in this series but who knows
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November 5, 2021Excellent
I love the Hunter Rayne series . I hope there's a dozen more. Hunter's character is caring and compassionate, even to complete strangers. That is rare in a world with so much violence, and there's little swearing. I love this series. Please keep writing Hunter Rayne stories.
I love the Hunter Rayne series . I hope there's a dozen more. Hunter's character is caring and compassionate, even to complete strangers. That is rare in a world with so much violence, and there's little swearing. I love this series. Please keep writing Hunter Rayne stories.
February 11, 2022
fabulous
Not only is the story great, but the side details are interesting. The author’s details about being a truck driver, the roads, the scenery, the meals, the loads, the dispatcher, all were descriptive. Plus, Hunter Rayne seems to be an incredible person. Enjoyable book!
Not only is the story great, but the side details are interesting. The author’s details about being a truck driver, the roads, the scenery, the meals, the loads, the dispatcher, all were descriptive. Plus, Hunter Rayne seems to be an incredible person. Enjoyable book!
April 4, 2022
This is my first Hunter Rayne mystery and it won't be my last. R.E. Donald does an exceptional job of creating characters you believe in and see with your eyes closed or open. The book is a page-turner, especially the further you get into it. Lots of surprise twists and turns made it very intriguing.
June 18, 2020
Very relaxing mystery
Hunter is a truck driver who was driving along the highway when a man flagged him down. The events that followed lead Hunter to help save the man from a long prison sentence after being accused of a crime he didn't commit. A great slow moving mystery.
Hunter is a truck driver who was driving along the highway when a man flagged him down. The events that followed lead Hunter to help save the man from a long prison sentence after being accused of a crime he didn't commit. A great slow moving mystery.
October 20, 2020
Best of the series so far
Really enjoyed this last book in the series so far. I think the author got the pacing and suspense just right and the complexity of the characters made the book much more than a whodunnit. Looking forward to the next book.
Really enjoyed this last book in the series so far. I think the author got the pacing and suspense just right and the complexity of the characters made the book much more than a whodunnit. Looking forward to the next book.
October 10, 2021
Blues
It is too bad that some attempting to write feel that profane and vulgar language adds reality. It doesn't. It simply degrades the writer and those reading it. There is better writing out there.
It is too bad that some attempting to write feel that profane and vulgar language adds reality. It doesn't. It simply degrades the writer and those reading it. There is better writing out there.
October 12, 2021
Sordid
Honestly I didn’t read all the pages as I found the story to be very sordid, man at its vulgar worst with really crude language spread throughout. Not really my kind of story at all.
Honestly I didn’t read all the pages as I found the story to be very sordid, man at its vulgar worst with really crude language spread throughout. Not really my kind of story at all.
October 20, 2021
A great Hunter Rayne mystery
A great Hunter Rayne mystery, once again Hunter is on the trail of a murderer and there are a number of interesting suspects and an intriguing opportunity to work with, of the record, a new RCMP constable
A great Hunter Rayne mystery, once again Hunter is on the trail of a murderer and there are a number of interesting suspects and an intriguing opportunity to work with, of the record, a new RCMP constable
October 23, 2021
A good read
The story of a young girl, an older man and a couple of cowboys, all so different but brought together by a murder. As you are driven round B.C. by Hunter you really see the country and work with him to find the answers, a good starter to what I hope is a good series.
The story of a young girl, an older man and a couple of cowboys, all so different but brought together by a murder. As you are driven round B.C. by Hunter you really see the country and work with him to find the answers, a good starter to what I hope is a good series.
November 7, 2021
Grifter with a gun
No time wasted on foreshadowing. The stereotypes are as deep as winter in Canada. A simple murder with multiple suspects is as complicated as this story can offer.
No time wasted on foreshadowing. The stereotypes are as deep as winter in Canada. A simple murder with multiple suspects is as complicated as this story can offer.
December 10, 2021
Always enjoyable
I always enjoy reading the Hunter Rayne series. The characters are believable and with each book I feel like I know them more and more. Hunter is always the hero!
I always enjoy reading the Hunter Rayne series. The characters are believable and with each book I feel like I know them more and more. Hunter is always the hero!
December 25, 2021
Good read.
Engaging story. Good character development. Kept me guessing right to the end as to who done it. And so fun since I live in BC and recognized all the places in the book.
Engaging story. Good character development. Kept me guessing right to the end as to who done it. And so fun since I live in BC and recognized all the places in the book.
September 10, 2023
Enjoyable read
Nice, comfortable story. Pleasant reading with a predictable plot. I enjoyed the character development but it was a bit superficial.
I would definitely read this author again to pass the time.
Nice, comfortable story. Pleasant reading with a predictable plot. I enjoyed the character development but it was a bit superficial.
I would definitely read this author again to pass the time.
January 24, 2020
When I read the reviews I really thought I was in for a treat.I was so disappointed with this.It just didn't give me the thrill I expected.
November 5, 2020
A good read
Well thought out, believable characters, and enough twists to engage the reader. A good book, easy to read, hard to put down. Well done, Ms. Donald. Keep them coming,
Well thought out, believable characters, and enough twists to engage the reader. A good book, easy to read, hard to put down. Well done, Ms. Donald. Keep them coming,
October 13, 2021
Hunter Rayne did it again. Great story and engaging characters. It was looking bad for Leo but never lose faith with Hunter on the case along with all his backup crew to help him get to the truth.
October 13, 2021
Great book
This was a very good mystery. I kept guessing who the murderer could be. Hunter gets involved and eventually the murderer is revealed.
This was a very good mystery. I kept guessing who the murderer could be. Hunter gets involved and eventually the murderer is revealed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews