Trailbreaker (Prairie Nightingale Book 2)

Trailbreaker ARC Review Short ARC Blurb — Trailbreaker by Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare Thank you to Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare for the opportunity to read an early copy of the second Prairie Nightingale Mystery! In this installment, Prairie finds herself pulled into another small-town tangle of secrets, unexpected clues, and danger close to home. With the charm of familiar faces, a cozy setting, and a twisty plot that kept me guessing, this was an entertaining return to her world. I’m grateful I had the chance to follow along on her latest mystery adventure. Content note: This story does include some graphic details surrounding death, so please read with care if you’re sensitive to that. ⸻ My Review I always love a good mystery, so when I was asked to review the second installment in the Prairie Nightingale Mystery series, I didn’t hesitate. I fell in love with Prairie Nightingale—and the wonderfully quirky cast of characters Ruthie and Annie created—in their first book, Homemaker, so I was excited to dive back into this world and see what new trouble awaited. This sequel delivers an engaging, twist-filled mystery that kept me turning the pages. I enjoyed slipping back into Prairie’s voice and following the trail of clues right alongside her. Ruthie and Annie have such a talent for crafting small-town settings that feel warm, lived-in, and full of personality, even in the middle of tension and suspense. The character dynamics—both heartfelt and humorous—added so much charm and made the unraveling of the mystery even more rewarding. There were a few elements that weren’t my personal favorite, such as some crude language and a handful of moral choices that didn’t fully align with my own beliefs. Even so, the heart of the story—the themes of perseverance, loyalty, community, and the pursuit of truth—shone through in a way I genuinely appreciated. Overall, this was an enjoyable and engaging follow-up with plenty of mystery, intrigue, and warmth. I’m grateful I had the chance to read it early, and I’m already looking forward to Prairie’s next adventure. A solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars) from me.