A Walk in the Dark, a novel by C. L. Craig is an inspiring, suspenseful story of fulfilling dreams and dealing with past mistakes. This book is the second of the “Mending Warriors” series.

Tracy Barnhart’s dream is to start a veterinary clinic. She’s purchased a 27-acre farm near Cody, Wyoming, sight unseen, but when she arrives she realizes the pictures showing the place were taken years ago. The dilapidated house will require serious work. The barn, which she planned to use as her clinic, is piled with junk from floor to ceiling.

Ryan McCauley lives nearby on a working cattle ranch dedicated to helping struggling veterans move forward with their lives. Ryan’s specialty is training search and rescue dogs. He’s haunted by the dog, Herc, he had to leave in Afghanistan. Herc wasn’t a trained military service dog, but a stray who latched on to Ryan’s unit, often warning them of impending danger.

An age-old mystery surrounds Tracy’s property, a mystery that is rekindled with its new owner. When near-disasters begin to occur, Tracy and Ryan face the threats together, incidences that are at times overwhelming. Will these challenges chase Tracy off, or will the newly formed bond between Ryan and Tracy endure to solve the mysteries and forge a life together?

A Walk in the Dark is a fast-paced mystery, a real page-turner. The author paints vivid pictures of the farm in the shadow of Wyoming’s Grand Tetons. She gives her characters depth as they deal with past mistakes and hope for brighter futures. The story is both suspenseful and heartwarming, resulting in a good, wholesome read.