The Girl in the Redwoods

The Girl in the Redwoods is a gripping thriller that had me hooked from the very first chapter. The bond between Rose and Clive adds so much heart to the suspense, and the emotional stakes kept me fully invested throughout. The mystery unfolds at a perfect pace, with plenty of tension and memorable moments. If you enjoy suspense with strong characters and an unforgettable search and rescue team, this is a fantastic book to read.

I recently finished The Girl in the Redwoods, and it genuinely captivated me. The way you developed the story of Rose Clarke, a courageous search and rescue handler determined to protect vulnerable children alongside her loyal dog, Clive, while confronting unimaginable danger, created an emotionally gripping and unforgettable experience. The themes of survival, courage, found family, and hope gave the novel remarkable depth, while the question of how far someone will go to protect innocent lives made every chapter compelling. What stood out most was the powerful bond between Rose and Clive, combined with the relentless suspense that kept the story moving from beginning to end. It is the kind of thriller that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page.

"I couldn't put this book down. The redwoods setting is atmospheric and haunting, the mystery is deeply unsettling, and the bond between Rose and her search-and-rescue dog Clive is absolutely beautiful. A must-read for thriller and dog lovers alike."
"Karen West has crafted a masterful thriller that blends suspense, heart, and the unbreakable bond between a handler and her search dog. The Girl in the Redwoods is emotional, tense, and unforgettable. I can't wait for book 2."

What struck me first was the opening and the stakes. Rose Clarke and her search-and-rescue dog, Clive, came to Crescent City for quiet. After the trauma they survived in Minnesota, four days among the redwoods should have meant fog, ocean air, long trails, and rest. But Clive refuses to stay on the path. That is not just a plot hook. It is a declaration.
What struck me next was the emotional depth and the character arc. Rose never planned to become anyone's safe place. That line is not a throwaway. It is the emotional journey of the book. Rose has survived trauma. She has lost. She has run. And yet, when Ana whispers about Ruth, when Rusty is afraid of the dark, when Clive refuses to stay on the path, Rose does not walk away. She fights. She fights for Ana, Ruth, Rusty, and every child still afraid of the dark.

What immediately captured my attention was the way an ordinary getaway quickly becomes a desperate search for survival. Rose Clarke's discovery of young Ana hidden inside a carved redwood tree immediately raises the stakes, and from that moment the story evolves into something far more chilling than a missing child investigation. The mystery surrounding The Father, the hidden community in the forest, and the shocking discoveries that follow create the kind of tension that keeps readers turning pages long into the night. At the same time, the unwavering partnership between Rose and Clive gives the story an emotional heart that makes every rescue feel deeply personal.
I was equally impressed by how your novel balances suspense with compassion. While the story explores danger, trauma, and survival, it never loses sight of hope, resilience, and the healing power of trust. Rose's determination to protect vulnerable children despite the growing risks demonstrates the kind of courage that readers admire, while Clive's instincts and loyalty remind us why working dogs continue to captivate audiences around the world. That combination of emotional storytelling and high-stakes suspense gives your novel a distinctive place within the thriller genre.

"The Girl in the Redwoods: A Rose and Clive Search & Rescue Thriller" is an engaging story that blends suspense, mystery, and emotional depth into a gripping reading experience. The search and rescue elements create a strong sense of urgency, while the characters' personal struggles and determination add a meaningful layer beyond the action. What stands out most is the way the story explores themes of survival, courage, healing, and the strength found in difficult circumstances. The tension keeps the pages turning, but the emotional journey of the characters is what gives the story its lasting impact.
This book is a great choice for readers who enjoy thrilling mysteries with heart, compelling characters, and a setting that feels both beautiful and unpredictable. "The Girl in the Redwoods" delivers a memorable blend of adventure and emotion that will appeal to fans of suspenseful stories with deeper human connections.

One moment that immediately drew me into The Girl in the Redwoods was when Clive refused to stay on the trail, leading Rose to the carved redwood tree where Ana was hidden. It was such a powerful introduction because it instantly established Clive as more than a search and rescue dog. His instincts became the catalyst for uncovering a much darker story, and from that point on, the tension never really let up.
I also loved how the emotional connection between Rose and Clive remained at the heart of the novel even as the investigation expanded from the California redwoods to Indiana. That balance between suspense, survival, and found family gives the story an identity that feels different from many thrillers, making it memorable long after finishing the final chapter.

If you're looking for a thriller that keeps your heart racing while pulling at your emotions, "The Girl in the Redwoods" is must-read. Karen L West masterfully blends gripping suspense, unforgettable characters, and the extraordinary bond between a search-and-rescue handler and her dog. Every chapter uncovers new secrets, making it nearly impossible to put down. It's a powerful story of courage, survival, and hope that will stay with you long after the final page. Highly recommended for every fan of emotional, edge-of-your-seat thrillers.

The Girl in the Redwoods is a gripping, well-written thriller that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The search and rescue elements felt authentic, and Rose and Clive make a fantastic team. The suspense builds at just the right pace, with plenty of emotional moments that make the story even more engaging. If you enjoy fast-paced mysteries with strong characters, this is definitely worth reading.

The Girl in the Redwoods is a captivating blend of suspense, mystery, and heartfelt emotion. The partnership between Rose and Clive, adds warmth and authenticity to a story filled with tension and unexpected twists.
Karen does an excellent job balancing thrilling moments with themes of courage, healing, and hope, making the characters easy to connect with from beginning to end.
If you enjoy suspenseful mysteries with strong characters, emotional depth, and an unforgettable human-animal bond, I highly recommend The Girl in the Redwoods. It's a promising start to what I believe will be an outstanding series.

The Girl in the Redwoods pulled me in from the first page. Having a child laying in a hollowed-out tree is crazy. This was an amazing way to start the book off. How fast Rose and Clive get attached to poor Ana is something that I can resonate with. How all the adults in the book, Rose, Brian, Tia, Jess, make room for all the children they get. I love how smart and witty Rusty is and he see things that the adults don't. That speaks to me because children normally do see things differently than us adults.
The author makes a perfect villain out of the Father. Him being one step ahead of the whole gang is what got on my nerves and there were a few times I had to put the book down and take a breath. Like when he sent Rose and Brian a picture of the wooden dog at the school. I hate people who hurt children. The way the author makes you fall in love with some of the characters is amazing. Gary was only a character for a short amount of time, but it hit home when he left.
This is a great book and well written with only a few areas that made me questions things. Like the ages of Davie. It is a book that I would highly recommend to other to read. I would definitely be looking forward to the second book in the series to come out.

I absolutely love this book! From the very first chapter, I was hooked by the engaging writing and well-developed characters. The story flowed naturally, kept me turning the pages, and delivered a satisfying ending. The attention to detail and emotional depth made it a memorable read. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an enjoyable and captivating experience. I can't wait to read more from this author! 5 STARS for sure.

The Girl in the Redwoods by Karen L West is a heart wrenching thriller that will haunt you days after you finish reading it. When Rose and Clive find a little girl trapped in a hollowed-out Redwood tree, it sets off a series of events that will transform their lives forever. As Rose does everything to keep Ana safe from the man who kidnapped and left her in the tree, she uncovers a plot so much bigger than she initially imagined. The mysterious figure, only known by the children he kidnaps as The Father, is on a diabolical mission to create the perfect family and he will do anything to make it happen. West does a wonderful job showing how trauma and fear affect a child's ability to thrive and how important it is to have loving adults around to support them. You will fall in love with Rose, Clive, Ana, and the other children and adults who quickly become part of their story. They fight hard to not let The Father win, but he has more than one trick up his sleeve unfortunately. Will Rose be able to keep everyone safe? This book will leave you gutted. Don't forget the box of tissues for when you start reading.

If you are looking for a thriller that keeps your heart racing while pulling at your emotions, "The Girl in the Redwoods" is a must-read. West masterfully blends gripping suspense, unforgettable characters, and the extraordinary bond between a search-and-rescue handler and her loyal dog. Every chapter uncovers new secrets, making it nearly impossible to put down. It's a powerful story of courage, survival, and hope that will stay with you long after the final pages. Highly recommended for every fan of emotional, edge-of-your-seat thrillers.

Karen L West's novel, "The Girl in the Redwoods," is a gripping thriller about Rose and her SAR dog, Clive. The story starts with Ana and is heart wrenching and heartwarming at the same time. I thoroughly enjoyed "The Girl in the Redwoods" for its remarkable characters and its atmospheric, vivid storyline of survival, compassion, courage, and transformation. I particularly liked how Rose and Clive remain at the center of the story, helping the broken and fragile children begin a new chapter in their lives.
I love how Clive's role in the story is developed, how his gentleness with the children and his protectiveness, quick mind, and alertness create immediate feelings of trust in the children, still very much in the grip of fear of being kidnapped again by the predator. I highly recommend West's moving and beautifully crafted thriller to readers who enjoy search and rescue stories, and stories of rebuilding trust and renewing fragile broken lives.

This is the first of the series, arose, and Clive search and rescue thriller, by Karen L. West. Believe me, it will have you on the edge of your seat and wiping your tears from the very first word! Rose and her rescue dog Clive find a little girl trapped in a hollowed out redwood tree that sets off a series of events that will change their lives forever. I really liked how the adults in this story really make room in their lives for the children they find. As a former elementary teacher, I totally understand how the kids often see the world so differently than the adults do. They show how smart and witty they can be. Children often have a much simpler point of view of things in the world than adults do. The way the author uses trauma and fear to show the resilience of children, and how their experiences with deep trauma affect their lives is pretty remarkable. The father, the man who kidnapped the kids, makes a great villain. The fact that he always seems to be one step ahead of the gang was very intense! Just when you think he’s going to get caught or be found out, he gets away again. He always seems to have one more trick up his sleeve. The investigation takes Rosen Clyde from the coast of California back to roses Indiana Farr. The father knows Clive‘s name and where Rose lives, and he is willing to use any means possible– scared children, carved tokens, as well as carefully placed traps to finish making the family that he started. It’s a great book, but don’t forget the box of tissues! You will definitely need them.

The Girl in the Redwoods: A Tense, Immersive Search‑and‑Rescue Thriller That Never Lets Go
Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2026
Format: Kindle
Karen L. West delivers a gripping, atmospheric thriller in The Girl in the Redwoods, blending the urgency of search‑and‑rescue work with the quiet menace of the California forest. As an avid reader of SAR fiction, I appreciate when a story respects both the technical realism of rescue operations and the emotional stakes behind them, and West handles both with confidence.

The novel follows Rose and Clive, a seasoned SAR duo whose dynamic is one of the book’s strongest elements. Their partnership feels lived‑in, shaped by years of shared calls, hard decisions, and the kind of trust that only forms in dangerous terrain. West writes them with clarity and restraint, letting their competence speak louder than exposition. I especially enjoyed how their approaches differ — Rose’s intuitive reading of the environment versus Clive’s methodical, procedural mindset and how those differences become essential once the case turns unpredictable.

The redwoods themselves are a major character. West captures the forest with vivid precision: the shifting fog, the muffled soundscape, the way light filters through the canopy in narrow gold shafts. The setting isn’t just beautiful; it’s disorienting, isolating, and full of places where a person can vanish without a trace. The atmosphere reminded me of Nevada Barr’s early park‑ranger mysteries, though West’s tone leans more toward grounded SAR realism than crime procedural.What surprised me most was how effectively the book balances tension with emotional depth. The missing girl’s backstory unfolds gradually, and the stakes rise not only because of the danger she’s in, but because of what Rose and Clive uncover about her circumstances. West avoids melodrama and instead lets small details — a discarded item, a misread trail sign, a moment of hesitation — carry weight. It’s a smart structural choice that keeps the pacing tight while giving the reader room to invest.

One of the standout moments involves Rose interpreting a subtle disturbance in the forest floor that others might have dismissed. It’s a quiet scene, but it demonstrates how SAR work often hinges on noticing what doesn’t fit. That attention to detail is one of the book’s strengths, and it adds authenticity without slowing the narrative.

My only critique is that I wanted a bit more time inside Clive’s perspective during the midpoint turn. His reactions are compelling, and a deeper look into his internal conflict would have added even more emotional resonance. Still, the restraint keeps the story focused and maintains the momentum that drives the final act.

By the time the climax arrives, the tension is sharp, the stakes are clear, and the payoff feels earned. West delivers a conclusion that is both satisfying and true to the realities of SAR work: victories are hard‑won, and not every answer arrives cleanly.The Girl in the Redwoods is a fast, atmospheric, emotionally grounded thriller that will appeal to fans of search‑and‑rescue fiction, wilderness suspense, and character‑driven mysteries. It’s a compelling read that respects its subject matter and delivers genuine heart alongside its danger.

Hope Through the Darkness
This is a gripping story with many heartfelt moments. I enjoyed reading it and the suspense kept me turning the pages, eager to know what happens next. Rose is a strong and thoughtful main character and Clive easily became one of my favorite characters in the story. I liked how the book showed how to deal with children with trauma. They need a lot of patience and kindness instead of pressure. The part that stood out to me the most was when Ana finally was able to help the investigators by describing the house and telling them where Ruth and the other children might be hiding, which eventually led to their rescue. That was a very exciting moment in the book. The suspense was steady, and there were enough twists to keep you hooked to the story. I also appreciated that the ending solved one major problem while leaving enough mystery to make me curious about the next book. Overall, I think this is an exciting thriller that I would recommend to readers who enjoy suspense.

The Girl in the Redwoods: A Tense, Immersive Search-and-Rescue Thriller That Never Lets Go
Karen L. West delivers a gripping, atmospheric thriller in The Girl in the Redwoods, blending the urgency of search‑and‑rescue work with the quiet menace of the California forest. As an avid reader of SAR fiction, I appreciate when a story respects both the technical realism of rescue operations and the emotional stakes behind them, and West handles both with confidence. The novel follows Rose and Clive, a seasoned SAR duo whose dynamic is one of the book’s strongest elements. Their partnership feels lived‑in, shaped by years of shared calls, hard decisions, and the kind of trust that only forms in dangerous terrain. West writes them with clarity and restraint, letting their competence speak louder than exposition. I especially enjoyed how their approaches differ — Rose’s intuitive reading of the environment versus Clive’s methodical, procedural mindset and how those differences become essential once the case turns unpredictable. The redwoods themselves are a major character. West captures the forest with vivid precision: the shifting fog, the muffled soundscape, the way light filters through the canopy in narrow gold shafts. The setting isn’t just beautiful; it’s disorienting, isolating, and full of places where a person can vanish without a trace. The atmosphere reminded me of Nevada Barr’s early park‑ranger mysteries, though West’s tone leans more toward grounded SAR realism than crime procedural.What surprised me most was how effectively the book balances tension with emotional depth. The missing girl’s backstory unfolds gradually, and the stakes rise not only because of the danger she’s in, but because of what Rose and Clive uncover about her circumstances. West avoids melodrama and instead lets small details — a discarded item, a misread trail sign, a moment of hesitation — carry weight. It’s a smart structural choice that keeps the pacing tight while giving the reader room to invest. One of the standout moments involves Rose interpreting a subtle disturbance in the forest floor that others might have dismissed. It’s a quiet scene, but it demonstrates how SAR work often hinges on noticing what doesn’t fit. That attention to detail is one of the book’s strengths, and it adds authenticity without slowing the narrative. My only critique is that I wanted a bit more time inside Clive’s perspective during the midpoint turn. His reactions are compelling, and a deeper look into his internal conflict would have added even more emotional resonance. Still, the restraint keeps the story focused and maintains the momentum that drives the final act. By the time the climax arrives, the tension is sharp, the stakes are clear, and the payoff feels earned. West delivers a conclusion that is both satisfying and true to the realities of SAR work: victories are hard‑won, and not every answer arrives cleanly.The Girl in the Redwoods is a fast, atmospheric, emotionally grounded thriller that will appeal to fans of search‑and‑rescue fiction, wilderness suspense, and character‑driven mysteries. It’s a compelling read that respects its subject matter and delivers genuine heart alongside its danger.

An Intense Thriller!!!
This is the first of the series, arose, and Clive search and rescue thriller, by Karen L. West. Believe me, it will have you on the edge of your seat and wiping your tears from the very first word! Rose and her rescue dog Clive find a little girl trapped in a hollowed out redwood tree that sets off a series of events that will change their lives forever. I really liked how the adults in this story really make room in their lives for the children they find. As a former elementary teacher, I totally understand how the kids often see the world so differently than the adults do. They show how smart and witty they can be. Children often have a much simpler point of view of things in the world than adults do. The way the author uses trauma and fear to show the resilience of children, and how their experiences with deep trauma affect their lives is pretty remarkable. The father, the man who kidnapped the kids, makes a great villain. The fact that he always seems to be one step ahead of the gang was very intense! Just when you think he’s going to get caught or be found out, he gets away again. He always seems to have one more trick up his sleeve. The investigation takes Rosen Clyde from the coast of California back to roses Indiana Farr. The father knows Clive‘s name and where Rose lives, and he is willing to use any means possible– scared children, carved tokens, as well as carefully placed traps to finish making the family that he started. It’s a great book, but don’t forget the box of tissues! You will definitely need them.

I picked it up because I love wilderness thrillers and stories with search and rescue dogs. I was not prepared for how hard it would hit. It starts with what should be a quiet trip. A handler and her SAR dog go to the redwoods for four days of rest after surviving something traumatic. Fog, ocean air, long trails. That’s the plan. But the dog knows better. He won’t stay on the path. And that’s when they find her. A little girl, five years old, hidden inside a carved redwood tree. Alive, injured, and terrified. She whispers about a man called "The Father," about a “family” living in the trees, and about another child who might still be out there. What looks like one rescue turns into something much darker. Six children are found dead in the redwoods. An illegal children’s home is uncovered in another state. And the killer decides the handler, the dog, and the children they saved now belong in his story. The scariest part? It feels real. He knows the dog’s name. He knows where the handler lives. He uses frightened children, carved tokens, and traps to finish what he started. It stops being about a case and starts being personal. But this isn’t just about the horror. The heart of the book is the bond between the handler and her dog. The dog isn’t a prop. He’s smart, stubborn, traumatized, and absolutely essential. Every find, every warning, every moment of courage comes from that partnership. You can tell the author respects working dogs. Yes, it’s dark. Not every child makes it. But it’s also about survival, found family, and the choice to keep looking when the trail turns deadly. I cried. I held my breath.
West delivers a conclusion that is both satisfying and true to the realities of SAR work: victories are hard‑won, and not every answer arrives cleanly.The Girl in the Redwoods is a fast, atmospheric, emotionally grounded thriller that will appeal to fans of search‑and‑rescue fiction, wilderness suspense, and character‑driven mysteries. It’s a compelling read that respects its subject matter and delivers genuine heart alongside its danger.

Karen L West’s The Girl in the Redwoods follows Rose Clarke, a search and rescue handler visiting Northern California with Clive, her trained dog. During a walk in Jedediah Smith State Park, Clive leads Rose to Ana, an injured child hidden inside a hollow redwood. Ana says a man called The Father placed her there after taking her from an isolated children’s home in Utah. The discovery brings the FBI into the case as officers search for children who disappeared under false adoption papers. Rose becomes Ana’s court-appointed advocate while investigators trace the man’s movements between Utah and the California coast. He soon sends messages telling Rose that she must become the mother of the family he plans to build from kidnapped children, with Ana chosen as her daughter.

Karen L West’s The Girl in the Redwoods is outstanding suspense fiction. West gives rescued children distinct personalities, like Mary shielding younger girls at the Utah home until federal officers explain they have come to take everyone away. After the rescue, West writes the children’s safe experiences with tenderness, such as pediatrician Jessie Harston explaining every movement before examining Ana’s injured legs. I love Gary Rucker, a rancher who respects rescued teenager Rusty enough to let him inspect locks in an empty cottage before deciding whether he wants to live there. West keeps the suspense strong, especially during Clive’s visit to a missing schoolgirl’s bedroom, where he identifies her slipper as the freshest scent before following it from a cut window toward the drainage route behind her school. Well written and completely absorbing, readers who enjoy thrilling mysteries will adore this standalone installment of the Rose and Clive Search & Rescue series.

"The Girl in the Redwoods" is the kind of thriller that does far more than create suspense it reaches into the reader’s heart and refuses to let go. Karen L. West has crafted a story where the beauty and mystery of the redwoods become the perfect backdrop for a deeply emotional search and rescue journey. Rose and Clive immediately feel like a team forged through experience, trust, and shared wounds. Their connection gives the story a warmth that beautifully balances the darkness surrounding them.

What makes this book especially powerful is the way danger is intertwined with compassion. The discovery of Ana is heartbreaking, but the story never allows her to become merely a victim. Through her fear, courage, drawings, memories, and fragile trust, she becomes a child readers desperately want to protect. Clive is unforgettable a loyal, intelligent presence whose instincts add both tension and tenderness. His relationship with Ana and Rose provides some of the most touching moments in the story.

West also excels at building suspense without sacrificing emotion. Every clue the carved redwood, the mysterious card, the Utah house, and Ana’s fragmented memories creates another layer of questions. Just when the reader begins to breathe, another revelation pulls the story tighter. The pacing feels cinematic, while the descriptions of fog, towering trees, damp earth, and the Pacific create an atmosphere that is almost a character itself.

At its heart, "The Girl in the Redwoods" is a story about survival, trust, courage, and what it truly means to become a safe person for someone who has known fear. It is thrilling, haunting, tender, and deeply human. Karen L. West has created characters readers will care about and a mystery that demands to be solved. This is the kind of book that stays with you after the final page not simply because of the suspense, but because of the emotional journey Rose, Clive, and Ana take together. A gripping and heartfelt read that deserves to be discovered.

The Girl in the Redwoods is a gripping and emotionally charged thriller that had me hooked from the very beginning. The combination of the eerie redwood setting, a missing child, and a dangerous predator hiding in the shadows creates an atmosphere filled with tension and uncertainty.

Rose and her search and rescue dog, Clive, make a compelling team. Their bond gives the story a strong emotional core, especially as Rose goes from hoping for a quiet getaway to risking everything to protect vulnerable children. Clive’s instincts also add an exciting element to the search, making every discovery feel significant.

I particularly enjoyed how the mystery gradually unfolds. The references to “The Father,” the hidden family, the carved tokens, and the children create a chilling puzzle that keeps you wondering who can be trusted and how far the danger reaches.

Beyond the suspense, the story carries meaningful themes of survival, courage, healing, and found family. Rose’s determination to keep searching when the trail becomes dangerous makes her a character worth rooting for.

A tense, atmospheric, and heartfelt read for fans of mystery, wilderness thrillers, search-and-rescue stories, and emotionally driven suspense.

A Rose and Clive Search & Rescue Thriller
What grabbed me was how quickly this stopped feeling like a routine rescue story. Rose and Clive are introduced as a team with a lot of history between them, and that comes through in little things Clive’s different alert signals, Rose knowing when to trust him, and the way he stays close to Ana without overwhelming her. The redwood discovery is genuinely unsettling, especially the image of a child being hidden inside a carved living tree. I also liked that the mystery keeps widening instead of ending with the rescue. Ana asking for Clive, the discovery of six children, the reference to “The Father,” and the possibility of other sites give the investigation a much bigger shape. Rose’s own history and the trip back to her Indiana farm add another layer, because the danger isn’t confined to the redwoods anymore.

Clive Found Us All
This book is a gut-punch of emotion wrapped in a thriller's skin. That opening scenenClive stopping dead on the trail, leading Rose to find little Ana carved into that redwood hit me with a horror so visceral I had to put the book down for a moment. But the real magic came later, when Ruth finally crawled out from under that bed, terrified and clutching her blue blanket and Rusty held his ground in the attic with a broken chair leg. Those kids weren't just victims; they were survivors with fierce hearts and watching this broken group a tired SAR handler, her brilliant dog and a bunch of traumatized children forge a home out of apples, pancakes and open doors was deeply moving. It's a story about being found, literally and figuratively and it's absolutely unforgettable.

Criminally Good
This book is one of my favorite books that I have read! The main character and her dog find a little girl in the woods, which opens up a deep can of worms as dead children who have been missing are recovered. The little girl found in the woods says a man named “The Father” is responsible both for her being in the woods and the children found dead. This book has a very sinister, deeply criminal and dark undertone. This is much better than your typical crime, murder series novel. The main character has a dog which is basically her emotional support animal, work partner and part detective to help solve the case. I love the relationship between the main character and her dog because it gives you a nice break from the darkness and evil in the book. It also creates an intermittent lighter atmosphere throughout the novel which I feel is much needed. Finding out who “the father” really is and who really murdered these children found in a mystery forest really kept me wanting to read and read this book until I finished the last page. The writing is so descriptive that you can really place yourself in the red woods, in the mind of the murderer and in the mind of each character who presents on the page. The crimes are detailed, intricate, in depth which bring the plot together beautifully. I love a murder crime novel that keeps you guessing, your heart pounding and your mind racing and this book does all three things unlike any other novel I have read before.

Karen L. West has given readers another uniquely bittersweet tale with The Girl in the Redwoods: A Rose and Clive Search & Rescue Thriller. Rose is a dog trainer and SAR (Search & Rescue) specialist, and Clive is her K-9 wingman. They are a formidable team and have been on many well-known rescue missions. Having recently returned from a particularly horrible mission in which Clive found the last living child in the rubble, Rose has determined that both handler and hound are in need of some downtime. She and Clive travel to California to walk the Redwood Forest in tranquility.
I find the writing style of Ms West to be very unusual, yet thoroughly enjoyable. She doesn’t seem to be bound by the normal “rules” of authorship, nor is she interested in following the standard flow prescribed by the masses. I might have found these to be negative qualities, but in Karen L. West’s case, it’s part of her charm and what makes her books, regardless of genre, so wonderfully different. While her stories have their own cadence, it’s as honest as a heartbeat and appropriate for the story.

Absolutely loved The Girl in the Redwoods! The suspense kept me hooked from beginning to end, and I really enjoyed the search and rescue storyline. The atmosphere of the redwood forest added an eerie, gripping feel, while Rose, Clive, and the search-and-rescue team made the story even more engaging. A fast-paced thriller with plenty of tension and mystery. I can't get tired to read great books like these.

The Girl in the Redwoods "A Rose and Clive Search & Rescue Thriller Series
I really enjoyed The Girl in the Redwoods. It pulled me in almost immediately and kept the suspense going while also giving the story a lot of heart. Rose and Clive make such a strong team, and I especially liked how Clive’s training and loyalty were shown throughout the story rather than just making him a background character. One of the moments that really grabbed me was when Clive suddenly stopped on the trail and led Rose away from the path. They eventually discovered Ana trapped inside a carved redwood tree, and Clive stayed close enough for her to see him while Rose worked to get help. That scene immediately made me care about what would happen to Ana and made the danger feel very real. I also liked that the story wasn't only about solving a case. Rose's compassion for Ana, the connection between Ana and Clive, and the growing mystery surrounding The Father gave the book an emotional side that balanced the thriller elements well. The clues involving the children, the white house, green door, and tulip tree kept me guessing. Overall, this was an emotional and suspenseful read with memorable characters, a clever mystery, and plenty of tension. If you enjoy search-and-rescue stories with a strong human and animal bond, this is definitely one worth picking up.