A really good series, like Melinda Leigh’s Bree Taggert series, has novels that stand alone but also has characters who grow and change from the first novel through the procession and the progression of stories. This series story arc, combined with the individual gripping novels, is what keeps readers coming back to read book after book. With this series, author Melinda Leigh manages to accomplish all that and more. In addition to a really likable, vulnerable but strong main character, sheriff Bree Taggert, there is a romantic partner, and a family. And one of the things I love about this series is the dogs, lots of dogs. Rescue dogs. Rescue dogs who save lives.
In “Beyond Her Reach,” her tenth addition to the series, Leigh gives us more dogs than in any of the other novels. I, for one, love it! But be forewarned, after reading about all these wonderful dogs, you might be tempted to adopt a dog of your own or add another furry protector to your home if you already have one. Two dogs are better than one, anyway. I know Leigh agrees.
This novel begins with an especially gruesome murder. There are several suspects, all of whom have connections with the victim. But when there is a second murder, almost identical to the first, the suspects and their connections to the murders are viewed in a different light. Who would have targeted both women? Taggert must untangle the threads that bind the victims and suspects. It seems impossible that the one who is closely connected to the murders actually committed the violence.
When Taggert herself is attacked and almost killed, she realizes that she’s getting close. It’s at this point in the story that her feelings about dogs seems to change, and it’s extremely touching. Taggert had been attacked by her father’s dogs when she was a child, so throughout the first books in the series, she fought her fear.In fact, the only dog she trusted was Ladybug, a sweet chubby rescue mix. Incidentally, Ladybug is modeled on Leigh’s real dog, who passed away recently. She adopted a new dog, and her social media videos of her working with her dog are inspiring. When she writes about working with dogs, it’s apparent she has some expertise.
When yet another woman is victimized and kidnapped by the killers, Taggert and the others must find the victim and the killers and stop them before more die. And—I love this part—a dog saves the day. Bree Taggert’s backstory and that of her family continue to be uncovered and embedded in the whole story. Taggert remembers more of her childhood and is able to discover more about her mother and her actions before her mother was killed by her husband, Taggert’s father. She died protecting her children, and Taggert’s memories and the information she discovers help both Bree and her brother better understand their tragic childhood.
This series is just so darn engaging, so satisfying, and so gripping to read, it would be a shame to miss the joy of reading it. If you enjoy murder mysteries, strong women, and touching stories about imperfect families and troublesome dogs who still can save the day, you’ll love this one.
This review was first posted on Bookreporter.com.