A really good series has books that stand alone but also has characters who grow and change from the first installment through the procession and the progression of stories. This arc, combined with the individual gripping novels, is what keeps us coming back to read book after book.

With her Bree Taggert series, Melinda Leigh manages to accomplish all of that and more. In addition to a really likable, vulnerable but strong protagonist, there is a romantic partner and a family. And what I especially love about this series is the dogs.

In BEYOND HER REACH, the 10th installment, Leigh gives us more dogs than in any of the other entries. I, for one, love it! But be forewarned, after reading about all of these wonderful pooches, you might be tempted to adopt one of your own or add another furry protector to your home if you already have one. Two dogs are better than one anyway. I know Leigh agrees.

"If you enjoy murder mysteries, strong women, and touching stories about imperfect families and troublesome dogs who still can save the day, you'll love BEYOND HER REACH."

The book begins with an especially gruesome murder. There are several suspects, all of whom have ties to the victim. But when there is a second murder, almost identical to the first, the suspects and their connections to the homicides are viewed in a different light. Who would have targeted both women? Sheriff Bree Taggert must untangle the threads that bind the victims and suspects. It seems impossible that the one who is closely connected to the murders actually committed the violence.

When Taggert herself is attacked and almost killed, she realizes she's getting close. It's at this point in the story that her feelings about dogs seem to change, and it's extremely touching. She had been attacked by her father's dogs when she was a child, so throughout the first books in the series, she fought her fear. In fact, the only dog she trusted was Ladybug, a sweet chubby rescue mix. Incidentally, Ladybug is modeled after Leigh's real dog, who passed away recently. She adopted another dog, and her social media videos of her working with her new friend are inspiring.

When yet another woman is victimized and kidnapped by the killers, Taggert and the others must find the victim and stop the culprits before more people die. And --- I love this part --- a dog saves the day. Taggert's backstory and that of her family continue to be uncovered and embedded throughout the book. She remembers more of her childhood and is able to discover more about her mother, who was killed by her father. Her mother died protecting her and her brother. Taggert's memories and the information she learns help them better understand their tragic childhood.

This series is just so darn engaging, satisfying and gripping that it would be a shame to miss the joy of reading it. If you enjoy murder mysteries, strong women, and touching stories about imperfect families and troublesome dogs who still can save the day, you'll love BEYOND HER REACH.