If you enjoy cozy mysteries with grit, heart, and a strong sense of found family, Murder in the Crazy Mountains delivers a fresh, emotionally engaging story anchored by three unforgettable women, and one brave, three‑legged dog who steals the show.
About the Book
Kelly Boyd, a retired math teacher turned animal‑rescue second‑in‑command, never expected her quiet Montana life to collide with a missing‑person case. When hikers bring in a starving dog with a gunshot wound, Kelly and her two ex-military colleagues, gruff shelter founder Betty Mills and Army veteran Cici Vargas, quickly realize the dog is more than a rescue. He’s a clue.
When the police don’t pursue the case to Cici’s satisfaction, the trio takes matters into their own hands. Their search leads them into the Crazy Mountains, where they uncover the truth behind the disappearance of Cici’s friend. But someone wants the past buried, and will go to dangerous lengths to keep it that way.
Book HookUp Book Review: Murder in the Crazy Mountains
Murder in the Crazy Mountains by K.L. Borges blends cozy elements with real emotional depth. Kelly is a wonderfully relatable protagonist—independent, happily married, and still very much a teacher at heart. Her authoritative “math‑teacher voice” comes out whenever something needs doing, grounding the trio’s more chaotic moments. She’s brave, but human; bold when it counts, hesitant when her friends go overboard (and she’s usually right).
The dog is the glue that holds the story together. His off‑page surgery and recovery are handled gently, and his bond with Cici, both amputees, both survivors, adds a touching layer of found family that sets this mystery apart. You can’t help but feel protective of him.
Kelly, Betty, and Cici make a dynamic, memorable team. Their chemistry brings humor, tension, and heartfelt moments to the investigation. Each woman shines in her own way, creating a trio that feels like competent collaboration with occasional chaos, exactly the kind of ensemble cozy readers love.
The Montana setting adds beauty and authenticity. While the Crazy Mountains serve primarily as the discovery site, the rural atmosphere, community feel, and wilderness edges enrich the story’s tone.
The pacing is steady, the clues are believable with satisfying twists, and the ending lands beautifully. I’ve received an ARC of book two, Murder on Flesher Pass through Great Escapes Book Tours, and loving this cast of characters.
There is a King Sumo Giveaway for this tour.
Prize:
3 - Paperback Copies of Murder on Flesher Pass (Montana Animal Rescue Mystery Series) by K. L. Borges - US Only
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BookHookUp Content Note
This story contains mild profanity sprinkled throughout, primarily from ex‑military characters. No F‑bombs. Violence is mostly off‑page, including the dog’s surgery. Suspenseful moments occur, but the tone remains within cozy‑mystery comfort levels with a heads‑up for language.
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