Trail of Mountain Secrets - (National Park Protectors) by Darlene L Turner (Paperback)

What a story! It didn't take long to realize that a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase was beginning, but it took much longer to understand why! Violet Hoyt's search for the remains of a family in the snowy Canadian wilderness spiraled into a race for truth that was marked by twists, turns, and multiple secrets. Maverick Shaw soon became her protector, along with his specially trained dog Wolf, but what would shield Violet's heart when the secrets were revealed? Darlene L. Turner has never been better as she takes readers along the Trail of Mountain Secrets! She fuels the adventure with constant danger, continuous suspense, and ominous villains, and the sweet and slow-burning romance makes it even more volatile. This is the perfect book for romantic suspense fans, but be prepared for a reading marathon. I found it hard to put down! I received a digital ARC from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.

Trail of Mountain Secrets by Darlene L. Turner is a gripping story. I thought the story was well-written with steady pacing. I liked the main characters, Violet and Maverick. I just loved Maverick’s smart and protective dog, Wolf. Maverick’s daughter is a sweetheart. I enjoyed the action, suspense, and mystery. The plot has surprising twists and a tense reveal. I enjoyed both the mystery and the second chance romance, and the epilogue wrapped up the story well. Trail of Mountain Secrets is the second book in the National Park Protectors series, and it can be read on its own. Trail of Mountain Secrets is a page turner with skeleton searching, continual assaults, a clever canine, a second chance romance, emotional moments, a darling daughter, and dramatic twist.

An archeologist, the discovery of skulls, a K-9 human remains detector and a man determined to protect all make this book unputdownable. Violet Hoyt is intelligent and intuitive and when she is on a job, like the one to find the remains of the murdered Hancock family, she is intrepid and sometimes foolhardy. Wolf, the dog who intervenes and tries his best to keep her safe is a character like none other. He is highly trained to detect remains but he also seems to be able to sniff out danger before it gets too close. And his owner Maverick is as determined to keep Violet safe as she seems to be determined to pursue danger. All of these elements made this fast-paced book a riveting and unforgettable story of courage and an indomitable spirt. There are family secrets uncovered as well as a villain who is unbelievably evil and dogged about the goal of keeping Violet and Maverick from discovering the truth. This is a book with memorable characters and a well-crafted and absorbing plot that is not to be missed by fans of compelling fiction. I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.