U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officer Maya Thompson and her K-9, Juniper, are both ready for a break. Ever since moving to Colorado, it’s been one investigation after another. Murder, arson, kidnapping…they’ve handled it all. Now that her boyfriend, Undersheriff Josh Colton, is coming home, Maya is looking forward to spending some quality time together.
Until she and Juniper find the body of a woman in a pile of forest debris meant to burn, that is. Then Maya’s just looking forward to having Josh’s help in solving the crime.
But when the victim turns out to be Josh’s volatile ex-fiancée, and all signs point to Josh as the main suspect, Maya and Juniper must dig into Josh’s past to uncover the truth…before the killer, fixated on revenge, finds them.
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My Review
This is a standout entry in the National Forest K-9 series and a wonderfully accessible jumping-in point for new readers. Although it’s the fourth book, Donnelly’s confident, immersive writing makes it easy to connect immediately with Maya Thompson, her K-9 partner Juniper, and the high-stakes world they inhabit.
From the opening chapter, the story grips tight. Maya is a compelling heroine—capable, perceptive, and emotionally grounded—and her bond with Juniper is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Their partnership feels authentic and deeply earned, providing real heart amid the danger.
The plot unfolds at a razor-sharp pace, balancing layered suspense with personal stakes. When Maya’s boyfriend, Josh, becomes the prime suspect in a murder, the tension escalates dramatically. Donnelly weaves together relationship strain, a revenge-driven killer, and the isolating menace of the forest without ever losing momentum. Each twist lands cleanly, keeping the reader constantly off balance.
The Colorado wilderness is vividly rendered, acting almost as a character itself—beautiful, threatening, and full of buried secrets. Buried Lies delivers a satisfying blend of emotional depth, sharp mystery, and K-9 excellence, making it a must-read.
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