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Target Practice Mysteries #1
Death on the Range
When a competitive archer is murdered at the training facility where Di has just started working, she's thrust into the middle of an unofficial investigation before she can even settle into her new life. With her roommate Mary and a Great Dane named Moo, she begins to unravel the mystery around the death of the victim, but can they solve the case before they find themselves in the killer's sights?
A wholesome cozy murder for every sleuth in the family
This is the first book in a brand-new series set at the fictional Westmound Center for Competitive Shooting Sports in rural Wyoming.
"Funny, charming, and occasionally deadly." ~ NYT bestselling author Zoe York
Target Practice Mystery #1
"A humorous first-in-series cozy mystery featuring a darling dog, a sassy heroine, and an amusing cast of characters." � USA Today bestselling author Zara Keane
A wholesome cozy murder for every sleuth in the family
This is the first book in a brand-new series set at the fictional Westmound Center for Competitive Shooting Sports in rural Wyoming.
"Funny, charming, and occasionally deadly." ~ NYT bestselling author Zoe York
Target Practice Mystery #1
"A humorous first-in-series cozy mystery featuring a darling dog, a sassy heroine, and an amusing cast of characters." � USA Today bestselling author Zara Keane
114 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 24, 2015
542 people are currently reading
1107 people want to read
About the author
Nikki Haverstock
47Ìýbooks207ÌýfollowersNikki Haverstock is a writer who lives on a cattle ranch high in the Rocky Mountains. She has studied comedy writing at Second City and has published 6 cozy mysteries that are heavy on the humor.
Before fleeing the city, she hosted a competitive archery reality show, traveled the world to study volcanoes, taught archery and computer science at a university and now works on her family’s ranch herding cattle. Nikki has more college degrees than she has sense and hopefully one day she will put one to work.
Nikki likes to write comedy pieces that focus on the everyday humor of one-uppers, annoying family members and strange behavior of the ultra-rich. She tried stand up but the cattle weren’t impressed.
Before fleeing the city, she hosted a competitive archery reality show, traveled the world to study volcanoes, taught archery and computer science at a university and now works on her family’s ranch herding cattle. Nikki has more college degrees than she has sense and hopefully one day she will put one to work.
Nikki likes to write comedy pieces that focus on the everyday humor of one-uppers, annoying family members and strange behavior of the ultra-rich. She tried stand up but the cattle weren’t impressed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
August 25, 2015
Caveat: I'm not a reviewer nor do I play one on TV. The publishing industry is probably smaller than a mustard seed so, yes, I do know the author. I received this copy for free when I was on FB complaining about my current read. I wanted something light and fun. She offered the book, I said yes, because FREE BOOK. And it's not even out yet. #win With that out of the way, read the blurb to get the gist.
I'm going to try to do this without spoilers. I can't promise I won't ramble. So...okay...
Let's first talk about the fact this book has a cast of thousands. I am a sucker for a cast of thousands. You've got Di, the main character. Then Jess, Mary, Minx, Tiger, Honey, Owley and Liam. (We'll have a paragraph on him. Just you wait, Henry Higgins!) (Also, special shout out to Moo. I adored Moo.) They were fully-fleshed out characters, with distinctive voices and wants. The relationships shifted and evolved even in this novella form. That takes skill and it seemed effortless for the author. So right away I felt like I was in good hands as each character was introduced.
And this cast was set in a backdrop of Wyoming and there's competitive archery. <---Okay, I know I said that I took the book because I was getting it for free...I was being less than truthful. My interest for this book was piqued the moment I heard archery. Like, Arrow archery? In a cozy mystery? Take my money. It's not something most people would think of as a sport, much less delve into for this genre. Sigh. And the way the author wove in those elements gave it punch. Archery (I don't think that's the proper term I want to use but go with me) wasn't just something these people did for fun, but it was a calling, it takes some serious skill to be good and boy, oh, boy could it lead to drama.
So you've got a casts of thousands, archery and murder. (Which I'm keeping mum about to stay away from spoilers.) But what stands out is the humor. At least for me. If a cast of thousands is my weakness then humor is my crack.
“She reminded me of the saying, if you don't have anything nice to say, then come sit by me.�
Not only is that snort-worthy but that's a description of Mary, one of the main secondaries. And that's always how the humor comes across. The author drops the jokes and keeps walking. She's a debut author, but I felt so safe in sitting back and enjoying the story as it unfolded.
As promised...Liam aka Lumberjack. TEAM LIAM. No, he didn't play a huge part in the scheme of things. This is not a romance, but every time he graced my Kindle screen I sat up a little straighter. I smell a hero here and it gives off the faint musk of broad shoulders, a Viking-like description and a quick wit. So, yeah, TEAM LIAM.
All right. This book is a novella, but a full story that kept me entertained and definitely fulfilled my light and fun need. There's promise of more i.e. this is a series, baby. DEATH ON THE RANGE is full of humor, has all the elements of a great cozy, a wonderful cast and it's a debut from Nikki Haverstock. She's an author to watch.
I'm going to try to do this without spoilers. I can't promise I won't ramble. So...okay...
Let's first talk about the fact this book has a cast of thousands. I am a sucker for a cast of thousands. You've got Di, the main character. Then Jess, Mary, Minx, Tiger, Honey, Owley and Liam. (We'll have a paragraph on him. Just you wait, Henry Higgins!) (Also, special shout out to Moo. I adored Moo.) They were fully-fleshed out characters, with distinctive voices and wants. The relationships shifted and evolved even in this novella form. That takes skill and it seemed effortless for the author. So right away I felt like I was in good hands as each character was introduced.
And this cast was set in a backdrop of Wyoming and there's competitive archery. <---Okay, I know I said that I took the book because I was getting it for free...I was being less than truthful. My interest for this book was piqued the moment I heard archery. Like, Arrow archery? In a cozy mystery? Take my money. It's not something most people would think of as a sport, much less delve into for this genre. Sigh. And the way the author wove in those elements gave it punch. Archery (I don't think that's the proper term I want to use but go with me) wasn't just something these people did for fun, but it was a calling, it takes some serious skill to be good and boy, oh, boy could it lead to drama.
So you've got a casts of thousands, archery and murder. (Which I'm keeping mum about to stay away from spoilers.) But what stands out is the humor. At least for me. If a cast of thousands is my weakness then humor is my crack.
“She reminded me of the saying, if you don't have anything nice to say, then come sit by me.�
Not only is that snort-worthy but that's a description of Mary, one of the main secondaries. And that's always how the humor comes across. The author drops the jokes and keeps walking. She's a debut author, but I felt so safe in sitting back and enjoying the story as it unfolded.
As promised...Liam aka Lumberjack. TEAM LIAM. No, he didn't play a huge part in the scheme of things. This is not a romance, but every time he graced my Kindle screen I sat up a little straighter. I smell a hero here and it gives off the faint musk of broad shoulders, a Viking-like description and a quick wit. So, yeah, TEAM LIAM.
All right. This book is a novella, but a full story that kept me entertained and definitely fulfilled my light and fun need. There's promise of more i.e. this is a series, baby. DEATH ON THE RANGE is full of humor, has all the elements of a great cozy, a wonderful cast and it's a debut from Nikki Haverstock. She's an author to watch.
January 8, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this cozy mystery by Ms. Haverstock. The characters are very likable and the setting in Wyoming is totally different from any I've read before. The plot was well paced and the mystery kept my attention.
December 24, 2021
A cozy set in a shooting range. After the implosion of her marriage, our sleuth finds her way to Wyoming. It's not long before she meets the love interest, and the resident obnoxious jerk is killed off.
She and her roommate/sidekick start poking around, the way sleuths do.
Not bad. A bit short, but maybe that's for the best.
She and her roommate/sidekick start poking around, the way sleuths do.
Not bad. A bit short, but maybe that's for the best.
September 8, 2017
This is a nice briskly moving cosy mystery about a new employee at an indoor archery range, who has her hands full. Some fiercely competitive archers arrive at the Wyoming centre for a training course in how to teach archery. Sadly they hate one another although - or because - they competed in the Summer Games, which I have to think means Olympics although that word isn't used. One of them, a self-centred woman, has written a memoir puffing herself up at others' expense, and wants a tv contract but the others are more genuinely into the sport. And then the unpopular lady is found dead.
A scene-stealing harlequin Great Dane could surely do with a better name than Moo. Aside from him, I found a good variety of characters and personal details. The story isn't long so you can enjoy it over lunch or on a train ride. The series continues and will be on my to-read list.
This is an unbiased review.
A scene-stealing harlequin Great Dane could surely do with a better name than Moo. Aside from him, I found a good variety of characters and personal details. The story isn't long so you can enjoy it over lunch or on a train ride. The series continues and will be on my to-read list.
This is an unbiased review.
January 9, 2021
This book was barely ok. I dislike giving any book a low rating but I have never been so bored nor have I ever worked so hard to finish a book. This is not a cozy mystery. This story is mostly about archery. I guess, if archery is a big part of your life you may find this more interesting. The only character I enjoyed was the dog. The mystery is very simple and the characters are basic.
April 8, 2021
In Death on the Range, the first of the Target Practice Mysteries, former competitive archer Diana moves far away from home and takes a job at a new archery center after her bitter divorce. Unfortunately, on her first night there, she stumbles across the body of a murdered archer, leaving her embroiled in a mystery.
The characters are fun and interesting (especially the dog Moo), and the archery stuff is entertaining. This book is quite short and would have been better if it had gone into more depth about the characters and their situations, but for the start of a new series, it was quite good.
The characters are fun and interesting (especially the dog Moo), and the archery stuff is entertaining. This book is quite short and would have been better if it had gone into more depth about the characters and their situations, but for the start of a new series, it was quite good.
February 23, 2023
Hmmm these don’t require you to use any brain cells, they’re fluff to just sit and enjoy. Di is starting over after a divorce. She’s employed by an archery training center and hoping to get back into competitive archery. A member of the team is murdered and she and Mary, her roommate do some sleuthing. The star of the short book is Moo, the dog.
November 15, 2021
This was an easy and entertaining read. Nothing really special but this was a nice book to read when I wanted to read some cozy mystery.
August 28, 2015
Death on the Range by Nikki Haverstock is the first book in the Target Practice Mystery series. Diana (prefers Di) is getting a divorce. She decided to start fresh with a new job in a new state. She accepted the position as the tech person for Westmound Center for Competitive Shooting (archery and guns) in Wyoming. Her friend, Jess and her husband, Robbie work there and helped Di get the position. Her first day Di meets Mary Van Dyke. She is from Korea but was adopted and raised in Minnesota. Mary is also working at the center (kind of a Jill of all trades) and she is also very good at archery. Di also met Moo, the Westmound dog. He belongs to Liam “Lumberjack� Andersson, but Moo rooms the complex (or horseshoe as they call it) during the day. Moo takes to spending his days with Di.
They are starting a new archery coaching program. There are new archery standards and all coaches have to take a class to learn the proper methods. The first class includes four members of the Olympic Summer Games archery team. They are Tiger, Minx, Honey, and Owley. The four of them do not seem to be getting along very well. They is contention among the troops as soon as they arrive. Honey (the diva) announces that she is writing a memoir of her life and is planning to include juicy gossip from those in the field of archery. That evening Di is unable to sleep and goes into the complex to run. She enters the weight room and notices Heidi on the floor (shocker)! Di screams and panics. Liam finds her and calms her down so he can contact the police.
Mary and Di (when she finally gets over her shock) decide to investigate the murder. They want to protect the reputation of the center for Jess (who is upset that her new programs are ruined when they have just begun). Mary and Di stumble and bumble along looking at the clues and interviewing the suspects. Death on the Range is a very short story (about half the length of a normal cozy). The characters are very basic and underdeveloped (we do not even get last names to 90% of the main characters). We get a little more information on Di and Mary towards the end of the book (after they have been drinking). The murder is extremely simple and easy to solve. I really only liked two of the characters in the book: Liam and Moo. They were the most likable (especially the dog). I felt that the novel was rushed. I think we were given more information on the Westmound Center than on the characters. I give Death on the Range 3 out of 5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of Death on the Range from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own.
They are starting a new archery coaching program. There are new archery standards and all coaches have to take a class to learn the proper methods. The first class includes four members of the Olympic Summer Games archery team. They are Tiger, Minx, Honey, and Owley. The four of them do not seem to be getting along very well. They is contention among the troops as soon as they arrive. Honey (the diva) announces that she is writing a memoir of her life and is planning to include juicy gossip from those in the field of archery. That evening Di is unable to sleep and goes into the complex to run. She enters the weight room and notices Heidi on the floor (shocker)! Di screams and panics. Liam finds her and calms her down so he can contact the police.
Mary and Di (when she finally gets over her shock) decide to investigate the murder. They want to protect the reputation of the center for Jess (who is upset that her new programs are ruined when they have just begun). Mary and Di stumble and bumble along looking at the clues and interviewing the suspects. Death on the Range is a very short story (about half the length of a normal cozy). The characters are very basic and underdeveloped (we do not even get last names to 90% of the main characters). We get a little more information on Di and Mary towards the end of the book (after they have been drinking). The murder is extremely simple and easy to solve. I really only liked two of the characters in the book: Liam and Moo. They were the most likable (especially the dog). I felt that the novel was rushed. I think we were given more information on the Westmound Center than on the characters. I give Death on the Range 3 out of 5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of Death on the Range from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own.
September 14, 2015
REVIEW: DEATH ON THE RANGE by Nikki Haverstock
A heartwarming cozy mystery with an intriguing cast of characters, DEATH ON THE RANGE is set in a virtually untouched environment: competition archery and athletic training centers. These are two subjects new to me, but author Nikki Haverstock writes so smoothly and makes the scene immediately accessible. It was easy to elicit empathy for the secretive, emotionally damaged, protagonist also. Not to mention Moo, the precious Great Dane (smile). DEATH ON THE RANGE gets my high recommendation.
A heartwarming cozy mystery with an intriguing cast of characters, DEATH ON THE RANGE is set in a virtually untouched environment: competition archery and athletic training centers. These are two subjects new to me, but author Nikki Haverstock writes so smoothly and makes the scene immediately accessible. It was easy to elicit empathy for the secretive, emotionally damaged, protagonist also. Not to mention Moo, the precious Great Dane (smile). DEATH ON THE RANGE gets my high recommendation.
November 15, 2021
Death of the Range is book one in the new series called Target Practice Mysteries by Nikki Haverstock. Di just started working at a training facility when one of the facility competitive archers died. The murderer thrust Di and her roommate Mary into an unofficial investigation to find the killer. The readers of Death on the Range will follow Mary & Di to find out what happens.
Death on the Range is an enjoyable cozy mystery. I engaged with the plot and the characters from the start. Reading Death on the Range, I laughed with the characters and how they acted throughout this book. I love the way Nikki Haverstock portrayed the characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Death on the Range is well written and researched by Nikki Haverstock. I like Nikki Haverstock description of the settings of Death on the Range that complement the plot of this book.
The readers of Death of the Range will learn about the dog breed called Great Dane. Also, the readers of Death of the Range will learn about what is involved in being a competitive archer.
I recommend this book.
Death on the Range is an enjoyable cozy mystery. I engaged with the plot and the characters from the start. Reading Death on the Range, I laughed with the characters and how they acted throughout this book. I love the way Nikki Haverstock portrayed the characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Death on the Range is well written and researched by Nikki Haverstock. I like Nikki Haverstock description of the settings of Death on the Range that complement the plot of this book.
The readers of Death of the Range will learn about the dog breed called Great Dane. Also, the readers of Death of the Range will learn about what is involved in being a competitive archer.
I recommend this book.
April 24, 2021
All I have to say is that this was a horrible book and I forced myself to finish it. I’m so grateful that it was short or else I could not have done it. The author narrating her own book was the absolute worst! She’s better off just writing and leaving the narration to someone else! Maybe it would have been better! I’m glad that this was a free audio book!!
May 31, 2022
An archery-based cosy mystery sounded interesting. Unfortunately it turned out to be a bunch of divas and a couple of more real people thrown in, with bare bones description and a reality-show plot. I'm glad this was free...
October 9, 2023
Death on the Range by Nikki Haverstock is the first book in the Target Practice Mysteries series. Di has just started working at a training fascility when she comes across the body of one of the archers who was about to publish a tell all book. A fun, light cozy mystery where we learn a little about competitive archery.
February 20, 2021
Death on the Range
Good story. Enjoyable, and has just enough drama to keep you guessing as to what will happen next. Highly recommended!
Good story. Enjoyable, and has just enough drama to keep you guessing as to what will happen next. Highly recommended!
October 2, 2023
Wish it had a longer ending, overall it was a good book. Very easy read
April 13, 2025
Fun and enjoyable. These cozy mysteries are great when I need to destress.
September 9, 2020
Original, clever, and entertaining mystery. Plus, I love the dog!
January 18, 2021
Di was hired to a training range as their IT person because she shot archery in college and had just left a position managing an IT company after a messy divorce. The premise was interesting, which is why I got the book in the first place. Unfortunately, while the description was accurate, it didn't accurately reflect the feel of the book.
Di hadn't shot since leaving college 6 years earlier and yet, as a "natural", was able to show well against Olympic-level athletes. There was nothing in the book to indicate that she had any IT skills at all; she just seemed to wander around; when it came out that there was one security camera that would have been useful in solving the murder, she knew nothing at all about how to access the information. In fact, computers really didn't seem to have any purpose in the facility at all, except for email. She was immature and showed no skills at all that would have had her successfully manage any kind of company; she couldn't even keep a dog under control. She and her sidekick ran around, clumsily trying to solve the murder, managing to do so more by accident and by pissing off the murderer than by any investigative skills whatsoever.
I found Di so annoying that even though I read this from a collection of the first 4 books in the series. I did read the last 2 chapters of the 4th book and was disappointed to discover that Di was every bit as annoying as she was in the first book, so decided not to read any more.
Di hadn't shot since leaving college 6 years earlier and yet, as a "natural", was able to show well against Olympic-level athletes. There was nothing in the book to indicate that she had any IT skills at all; she just seemed to wander around; when it came out that there was one security camera that would have been useful in solving the murder, she knew nothing at all about how to access the information. In fact, computers really didn't seem to have any purpose in the facility at all, except for email. She was immature and showed no skills at all that would have had her successfully manage any kind of company; she couldn't even keep a dog under control. She and her sidekick ran around, clumsily trying to solve the murder, managing to do so more by accident and by pissing off the murderer than by any investigative skills whatsoever.
I found Di so annoying that even though I read this from a collection of the first 4 books in the series. I did read the last 2 chapters of the 4th book and was disappointed to discover that Di was every bit as annoying as she was in the first book, so decided not to read any more.
September 9, 2019
This was a fun book to listen to. I enjoyed the characters but I love snark and drama when I’m not living it. I thought the story was hilarious. I like Di and Mary but honestly, Moo steals the show. I never thought about a series location being at a range. What could go wrong at a range? An archery range at that? Murder. Murder could go wrong. The story is a fast listen and does a good job introducing the series.
The author did the narration on this. I’m not a big lover of authors narrating their books. However Nikki Haverstock did a good job. I think, because of the number of characters and the snarky drama, having a couple narrators would have been more enjoyable. But the author didn’t stumble,mumble, or bore me as others have. She was easy to listen to.
I recommend the audio version as well as the book. I had an enjoyable morning listening to it.
The author did the narration on this. I’m not a big lover of authors narrating their books. However Nikki Haverstock did a good job. I think, because of the number of characters and the snarky drama, having a couple narrators would have been more enjoyable. But the author didn’t stumble,mumble, or bore me as others have. She was easy to listen to.
I recommend the audio version as well as the book. I had an enjoyable morning listening to it.
August 31, 2015
Just had a relaxing afternoon cuddle up with this cozy mystery. Not only did I laughed (great that I was alone) but got to enjoy this story that got me caught up since the beginning. The characters are so likeable and funny that makes it easier to read and relax. Hope to see more from this author. Great sense of humor and well written.
Note: I got to read this book free for an un-biased opinion. Thanks to Netgalley and Ranch Dog Entertainment, LLC.
Note: I got to read this book free for an un-biased opinion. Thanks to Netgalley and Ranch Dog Entertainment, LLC.
September 16, 2015
Wow, this book was a rollercoaster. Great romance with a fabulous protagonist. I loved reading Mia's journey from timid high school student to badass Mafia Princess. Carlo is a fabulous hero, but, boy, does he have his hands full with Mia. That poor man doesn't know what he's gotten into. The love scenes are hot, but, I gotta warn you, the body count is not low in this book. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do, right? Great romantic suspense.
March 26, 2025
A short cozy mystery with a clever evidential twist in the solution, one I didn't see coming and which I won't mention as it would be a major, major spoiler. But you know, the detective didn't solve the mystery � the killer gives the game away. So while this book is a success in setting and characters, it fails as a mystery. The archery and the Great Dane were entertaining, so I'll give it three stars.
January 1, 2020
I was given a review copy of this book’s audio version. I thought the location and archery world were fresh takes on the genre. The writing was good except for the graphic description of a man’s personal area, and constant references to sex. I would not call it a cozy, and would definitely not market it as wholesome. I will not be reading any more. If the author would take out the garbage, and make it a true cozy, I would like to come back. Reader beware!
November 15, 2015
Target Practice
I pretty good read that I am sure will get better in future books. The cast of characters is interesting as is the topic of archery.
I pretty good read that I am sure will get better in future books. The cast of characters is interesting as is the topic of archery.
May 12, 2022
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Death on the Range, the first book in the Target Practice Mysteries series, is written by Nikki Haverstock, a new-to-me author. It has all of my prerequisites for a cozy mystery� interesting characters, unique setting (involving archery of all things), a dog (actually I like cats as well but in this instance it is a dog), a whodunit that is not obvious. Essentially, a book to get lost in trying to figure out why and by whom someone was murdered.
With respect to those in the story � you’ve got Diana (but she prefers Di), the main character. Then Jess, Mary, Minx, Tiger, Honey, Owley and Liam. (There may be a paragraph on him. Just you wait, Henry Higgins!) (Also, special shout out to Moo. I adored Moo.) It is a cozy mystery with a one of a kind character � Moo! A Great Dane who is always around. I get the impression that Moo thinks he is a lap dog, which given how big he is� is rather funny. In all honesty � I think Moo stole the show with respect to this book.
The dearly departed Honey (okay � not dearly as most everyone seemed to dislike her!), was a bit of a diva throughout the book. She certainly got under my skin. So turns out many people had just cause for wanting Honey out of the picture. So Di and her roommate Mary begin trying to piece together what happened and who had motive, means and opportunity. The journey eventually leads to the whodunit � as is the case in cozy mysteries. I must say I enjoyed the journey. And who knew that archery could be SO competitive (and dangerous for that matter).
I could so relate with Di:
“Some people dealt with pain by going to therapy, processing their feelings, and moving on. I cracked jokes. Sometimes it upsets people when I laughed instead of cried…�
While not an on the edge of your seat kind of story, I did find that I was able to escape to Wyoming (where the story takes place) for a few hours and be entertained by all the shenanigans of Di and crew. The characters had personality that definitely added to the story.
Will I continue on in this series by Nikki Haverstock � I most certainly will. Because of course I must see what Moo is up to next �.
June 23, 2018
In an attempt to escape from the trauma of her recent divorce, the protagonist has accepted a job far away from Southern California in Wyoming. She is almost overwhelmed by the young woman, Mary, who she first meets upon arrival. A gregarious gal who takes Diana (call me Di) to her new office, tells her she will have a room in the suite with her and generally takes her in hand. Her new job is taking care of the computer needs for the facility which trains up to and including Olympic qualified shooters in firearms and archery.
Now we are introduced to Moo, a large black and white dog, resembling a dairy cow, who wanders into Di's office and makes himself at home, adopting Di as his second master and her office as a refuge when the guns are being fired across the way near his owner.
Next, four former participants in the Summer Games arrived for continuing training. There was some minor static between these four but it only seemed to simmer beneath the surface. As tensions mounted and training progressed, Di was having trouble sleeping one night and decided to get some exercise over in the Center where she found one of the Olympians ... dead. As the police begin the ponderous exercise of an investigation, Di and Mary decide to do their own investigation. They gathered information which tended to point first to one and then another or to move another to the top of their list. Ultimately the case is hammered out.
This was a short read and tended toward gossip about the characters. There was some indication of the rivalry between members of the Olympic team. The dog provided some comic input. All in all a comfortable Summer beach read. Try it.
Now we are introduced to Moo, a large black and white dog, resembling a dairy cow, who wanders into Di's office and makes himself at home, adopting Di as his second master and her office as a refuge when the guns are being fired across the way near his owner.
Next, four former participants in the Summer Games arrived for continuing training. There was some minor static between these four but it only seemed to simmer beneath the surface. As tensions mounted and training progressed, Di was having trouble sleeping one night and decided to get some exercise over in the Center where she found one of the Olympians ... dead. As the police begin the ponderous exercise of an investigation, Di and Mary decide to do their own investigation. They gathered information which tended to point first to one and then another or to move another to the top of their list. Ultimately the case is hammered out.
This was a short read and tended toward gossip about the characters. There was some indication of the rivalry between members of the Olympic team. The dog provided some comic input. All in all a comfortable Summer beach read. Try it.
August 4, 2023
Interesting.
I gave the book 4 stars, but I felt it was more of a 3.5. I did like parts of the book, I even liked Di - she had a good sense of humor. The story just didn't seem very fleshed out to me. There wasn't much depth, and it didn't always keep my interest, although there were parts that were genuinely funny. I did like Moo. He acted just like any normal dog (he didn't sniff out the killer; he didn't have super powers even though he was "Batdog"). He was just a big, goofy, lovable dog who liked being around people. Otherwise, there were just a lot of nasty, mean people who acted like they were better than everyone else. Di and Mary were trying to figure out who could have killed one of those nasty people. They were a bit bumbling, which was okay - they were amateurs, and their only qualifications were TV shows and mysteries they had seen or read. The author didn't seem to be trying to make it seem that Di and Mary were more than that, which was refreshing since most of the books about amateur "detectives" have them being so intuitive and smart that they don't need any help from the professionals while solving the crime. I wouldn't mind reading more by this author, especially if the characters were more "down-to-earth" and the story was more fleshed out. I enjoy those books that grab my attention and keep it. I usually try to read a book all the way through. That's sometimes tough to do, especially if I keep looking at the percentage left, hoping I'm almost done.
I gave the book 4 stars, but I felt it was more of a 3.5. I did like parts of the book, I even liked Di - she had a good sense of humor. The story just didn't seem very fleshed out to me. There wasn't much depth, and it didn't always keep my interest, although there were parts that were genuinely funny. I did like Moo. He acted just like any normal dog (he didn't sniff out the killer; he didn't have super powers even though he was "Batdog"). He was just a big, goofy, lovable dog who liked being around people. Otherwise, there were just a lot of nasty, mean people who acted like they were better than everyone else. Di and Mary were trying to figure out who could have killed one of those nasty people. They were a bit bumbling, which was okay - they were amateurs, and their only qualifications were TV shows and mysteries they had seen or read. The author didn't seem to be trying to make it seem that Di and Mary were more than that, which was refreshing since most of the books about amateur "detectives" have them being so intuitive and smart that they don't need any help from the professionals while solving the crime. I wouldn't mind reading more by this author, especially if the characters were more "down-to-earth" and the story was more fleshed out. I enjoy those books that grab my attention and keep it. I usually try to read a book all the way through. That's sometimes tough to do, especially if I keep looking at the percentage left, hoping I'm almost done.
June 15, 2017
After a painful divorce, Diane relocates to rural Montana to take a job at an archery training and practice center, finally making use of her long-abandoned college passion. Diane makes friends quickly, especially with Moo, the big lovable resident dog who adopts her, but not everyone at the center is friendly. Soon Diane and someone she hopes is trustworthy are united in ferreting out a center resident who has murdered a competitive archer.
If you love dogs and mysteries, with a little of romantic interest, you'll enjoy Death on the Range. It's not a cowboy story; the "range" in this case is the target-shooting range, not the cattle-grazing range. The details of archery technique and competition protocols are fascinating, and will please bow enthusiasts and novices alike. Likable characters and ingenuous humor also add to the reader's enjoyment of this novel.
I dropped this book one star because, sadly, I cannot recommend it to all ages, due to one instance of a graphically described sexual escapade by a supporting character. It's a shame, too, because otherwise the book is virtually free of gutter language or any other offensive content.
As of today's writing, Death on the Range is free in Kindle Books. It is also available and reasonably priced in paperback. Additional books in the Target Practice Mysteries series are on sale as well. Visit Nikki Haverstock's Author Page on Amazon for further details.
If you love dogs and mysteries, with a little of romantic interest, you'll enjoy Death on the Range. It's not a cowboy story; the "range" in this case is the target-shooting range, not the cattle-grazing range. The details of archery technique and competition protocols are fascinating, and will please bow enthusiasts and novices alike. Likable characters and ingenuous humor also add to the reader's enjoyment of this novel.
I dropped this book one star because, sadly, I cannot recommend it to all ages, due to one instance of a graphically described sexual escapade by a supporting character. It's a shame, too, because otherwise the book is virtually free of gutter language or any other offensive content.
As of today's writing, Death on the Range is free in Kindle Books. It is also available and reasonably priced in paperback. Additional books in the Target Practice Mysteries series are on sale as well. Visit Nikki Haverstock's Author Page on Amazon for further details.
August 25, 2019
This was a fun, short mystery.
Diana, she prefers Di, has gone through a bad divorce and needs a change. When her friend from high school, Jess, wants to hire her, Di is happy to pack up and move to Wyoming where Westmound Center for Competitive Shooting (archery and guns) is located. Once there, she finds the place almost empty, except for her bubbly new roommate Mary and a friendly Great Dane Moo. Di will be the new computer person for the firm.
Westmound is starting a new archery program and they’ve already recruited the coaches among the top archery competitors. Four of them competed in the Olympic Summer Games together but there’s quite a bit of bad blood between them. Di did also shoot for a while but gave it up years ago.
Then one of the new coaches is murdered. Mary decides to investigate her death and drags Di along with her. However, many people hated the murdered person and she did also boast that she’s writing her memoir where she’ll expose a lot of people. So, Mary and Di have their work cut out for them.
The writing style is very humorous and I liked it a lot. The mystery wasn’t too complicated although it did have a few twists. The characters were on the light side, no doubt because the book is short.
I liked most of the cast and most, of course, Moo, the Great Dane and his antics. Mary the enthusiastic sidekick was also great fun and a source of good gossip, er I mean, information on the characters.
Diana, she prefers Di, has gone through a bad divorce and needs a change. When her friend from high school, Jess, wants to hire her, Di is happy to pack up and move to Wyoming where Westmound Center for Competitive Shooting (archery and guns) is located. Once there, she finds the place almost empty, except for her bubbly new roommate Mary and a friendly Great Dane Moo. Di will be the new computer person for the firm.
Westmound is starting a new archery program and they’ve already recruited the coaches among the top archery competitors. Four of them competed in the Olympic Summer Games together but there’s quite a bit of bad blood between them. Di did also shoot for a while but gave it up years ago.
Then one of the new coaches is murdered. Mary decides to investigate her death and drags Di along with her. However, many people hated the murdered person and she did also boast that she’s writing her memoir where she’ll expose a lot of people. So, Mary and Di have their work cut out for them.
The writing style is very humorous and I liked it a lot. The mystery wasn’t too complicated although it did have a few twists. The characters were on the light side, no doubt because the book is short.
I liked most of the cast and most, of course, Moo, the Great Dane and his antics. Mary the enthusiastic sidekick was also great fun and a source of good gossip, er I mean, information on the characters.
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