Gary CorbinCritiques

The Mountain Man's Dog is a thrilling read!

This book is a fantastic mixture of action, romance, mystery and a dash of politics! We follow Lehigh (Lee) and his dog Lucky as he woos an old friend named Stacy and gets involved with the wrong people...

The fast paced momentum of this book will keep you hooked at every turn, and the even mixture of action, mystery and romance will also keep you on your toes. I like that it didn't stay to just one "genre" throughout this book, because this style worked so well with this story. Gary makes you feel for these characters and yearn to know what will happen next.

There were some cheesier or soap opera like situations that happen, but I think it worked well enough. I kind of liked the dramatic plot points because it made the characters go through emotional changes and grow their characters, but some readers may not.

One aspect of this book that made it stand out for me was Lucky. Not many books involve animals as an actual character, which made this book step up above the rest for me. I really liked Lucky being involved and essentially being her own character! But hey, I'm an animal lover!

This is the first book in the series, but it ends on it's own note to fulfill the story. Having a book coming to a close (and not a cliffhanger) is a real positive note for me - it only makes me want to read the next novel even more. I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series!

I would highly recommend this book - it's fun and kept me interested. If you like mysteries, thrillers, and a story with a little bit of romance, then this book is for you!!

Five out of five stars!

I received a free copy of this book form the author in exchange for an honest review.

The Mountain Man's Bride was an excellent sequel that is a definite must read!

I really like this series - it feels so simple and smooth, despite having epic plot lines. I'm able to easily get lost in Gary's words and feel like it's some epic crime television show playing in my head.

Gary is gradually making this couple (Lehigh and Stacy) more complex and more interesting as each book goes by. He doesn't stick to the same old plot, and he makes one hell of a story! One of the major bonuses with this book was that Stacy got more action! I love both Lehigh and Stacy (and their dogs of course) so much as characters. They feel real and as if they could be my neighbors.

In my opinion, you could easily skip book one and jump into this novel. I wouldn't suggest it, because this series is a real gem, but if you randomly picked this book up you'd be fine. Gary weaves in enough information to be able to read this without background.

The murder mystery in this book was intriguing, and I loved the twists and turns that came along with it. After this novel, I'm more than pumped to read the third book in this series. I would highly recommend this series to anyone who loves a good drama, mixed with some crime and a splash of romance.

I don't have many cons about this book, to be brutally honest. I felt like the book was just long enough - there wasn't anything that was left out and nothing felt like it didn't belong. There were times that I wanted some of the background history of certain relationships between characters, but the book got along without them. That's just me being picky and way to curious about how this story line came to be.

Overall, this book is A grade! It's a must read and a recommendation from this reader and I'll be definitely picking up the next book!

Five out of five stars!

I received a free copy of this book from Gary Corbin (the author) in exchange for an honest review.

The Mountain Man's Badge packs a real punch as the third book in this spectacular series.

This series is one of my recent favourites, and I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't picked up a great thriller novel in the past year! Gary Corbin makes an exciting, fast paced novel with characters that pull at your heart strings. Seeing Lehigh and Stacy develop over these three books has been a truly magical journey, and I love that Gary put a lot of effort into making these story lines.

This time around Lehigh is becoming the Sheriff (and is being voted into a position). Politics, drama and hysteria ensue throughout this novel that will leave you sitting on the edge of your seat and wanting more! I was a little saddened that Stacy wasn't as involved in this book as I would have liked (or the dogs for that matter), but the book still kept the thrills alive following Lehigh.

When Lehigh has to arrest his father-in-law, his relationship with Stacy is on the rocks. Having this relationship change and not just be true, happy-ending romance was nice to see. It changes these characters and makes for a more interesting plot. This also assists in introducing new characters and unique plot devices to add to the intensity.

There are some unique twists and turns in this book that I didn't see coming. These books tend to make me examine every little comment and try to come up with the ending. If you're really keen, you might be able to figure these little mysteries out! It's a nice change to be able to let me imagination run wild while reading these books.

Now for the real question - can you read this book without reading the other three? Yes, but it's not as good. While I think jumping in at the second book of the series would work fine, I don't recommend jumping in from this book. I found it less easy to jump into without the background information, and it wouldn't pack as good of a punch. While Gary is the master of filling in the blanks, I just don't think this book would be as good to the reader without seeing this series as a whole. All three books tie the story together very well, and I think this series is meant to be read as just that - a series.

I really hope there is more to this series - I find Stacy and Lehigh truly incredible: Each book ups the stakes for these characters! I'm not sure where they would go next, but I think Gary is creative enough to add more to that story. Although, this also felt like a really nice, dramatic closing for these guys. Either way, I want to see more by Gary Corbin and more people need to pick up his books! This man has a real talent for telling a great story!

Who would I recommend this to? Those who love mystery, crime and thrillers! It has a slight pinch of romance, but not so much that you'll be wondering why "romance" isn't one of the tags. That is simply a side plot that adds to the characters and their development. The book isn't R rated by any means, so I think it'd be safe for teenagers to hop into!

Overall, this series is an A rated series by my standards. It has everything I want in it - real drama, character development, some action, and a dash of politics. Stacy and Lehigh aren't Mary Sue's or Plain Janes, which really adds to the rating for this book.

Five out of five stars!

I received a free copy of this book from the author Gary Corbin in exchange for an honest review.

A Woman of Valor is the newest addition to Gary Corbin's literary genius line-up!

I loved Gary Corbin's Mountain Man series, so it was a no brainer for me to pick up A Woman of Valor. Especially since this novel focused on a woman in a crime setting - I'm a real sucker for The Rookie, Rookie Blue, etc., and any tale that follows a strong female lead.

In this book, Valorie Dawes is a rookie police officer. She has a bit of a family legacy which casts a shadow over yet, but she is determined to show her worth. Val gets partnered up with Gil and chaos ensues. Will Val be able to deal with her past and the trauma that's holding her back? Will she make it as a police officer when no one wants to accept her?

I really liked this story, if I'm being honest. This particular plot point is common - a woman police officer trying to be treated equally - but Gary did a great job making me invested in it. I could have been really bored with the "same old, same old", but he made me feel for Val. I wanted to see her do well! Somehow, he managed to make Val feel more real than just a character. All the while, he throws in some very tough plot points (sexual harassment, rape and social injustice). Those topics fit perfectly into this narrative, but they could have been handled REALLY wrong. Lucky for us, Gary is the master!

Gary does a great job putting this story together. There's action and adventure, a pinch of romance, and a dash of comedy. It's not all down and depressing, which was a big plus for me. Often times, I find that police dramas get so sad and boring. Gary amps it up real well! On top of all of that, Gary does a great job making me know each and every character. I tend to lose focus when there's a lot of people to follow, but I didn't this time around! Kudos!

My negatives are as followed:
1. Sometimes the plot slowed down, and I'm a fast paced kinda girl. It's not the end of the world, but I struggled to get through just a couple of the chapters.

2. The ending, while it sums up the book, it felt like a cliffhanger. Will there be another book?! Will I see what happens to Val and Gil soon?!

Overall, this book is a real gem. I'm glad I got to read it but sad it took me so long to get to it. Gary's a real master at making books that feel like they can cross multiple genres. He deals with tough topics like rape, molestation, post traumatic stress disorder and the cruel realities of human kind really well. I'd highly recommend this book if you like crime dramas or want something with a little 'umph' on your shelf.

Five out of five stars.

I received a free copy of this book from the author, Gary Corbin, in exchange of an honest review.

A Better Part of Valor is an epic finale to one great mystery and thrill-filled book!

I've been a fan of Gary Corbin for quite a while. His books just read the right way for me, and I've been vining along with every new release ever since. When you find those authors, you cling to them. It's like finding a good friend - you want to stay along for the ride and keep in touch. So, here I am yet again, ready and willing to solve some more mysteries with Val.

This third addition to Val's story is a much longer one. It's quite hefty of a read, but it's totally worth it. The time flew by and I realized I was suddenly done! It's hard to find books like that, at least in my opinion. Long books tend to feel like they drag on, and this one kept throwing twists and turns at me that kept me hooked. But, I better get to the plot first...

Valories Dawes works in law enforcement and has been living up to a family legacy for a very long time. She's young, spunky and very intelligent, but that isn't always what people want to hear out of a woman, now is it? Now throw in that girls are being murdered across the city, and she's certain they have to be connected. Young high schoolers with their lives ahead of them... good grades... great at sports... so much potential! But why? With lots of tension, intrigue and desire, this book will teach you to expect the unexpected.

Val is an epic lead, but the poor girl never gets a break. She's constantly at work, which isn't a bad thing for us readers... But when the recent string of violence against women happens, she takes up a job offer to help lead the manhunt for who's behind it. Not long after getting set up with this group, more violence keeps happening. All the while, a close friend deals with some permanent injuries which tests Val's inner strength. It's hard not to blame one's self in these situations...

There is such a unique cast of characters in this book that will make you suspicious of everyone. Diego, Rico, Megan, Curtis, Josh, Beth... There's something going on! Peeping Toms, awkward connections, drugs, and more... So much happens in so little time... But you know Val, she'll eventually figure it out.

A personal note: I'm happy to see Gil again! I wanted a lot more of him, but I'll take what I can get.
Second personal note: Gary definitely wrote the ending for me.... Well, maybe not, but it definitely fell where I wanted it to go!

So, are you ready to jump into this thrill ride? Here's a few notes for you to consider: This book is apart of a series but can easily be read apart from the rest. I'm who I am, so I always enjoy reading the full series leading up. You'll get the Easter eggs and relationships, but it's not needed! Feel free to jump right in and enjoy the ride (maybe come back and comment so I can finally talk to someone about Gary's amazing books!). If you love true crime or shows like Bones, CSI, NCIS - grab this book! There's lots of order in this book and also lots of drama to spice it up. I feel like my love of Bones really helped with my joy for these books, even if they aren't the exact same as each other.

Overall, this is one heck of a book! I loved reading it and am so happy I got to dive back into Mr. Corbin's books. I highly recommend this one, and all of his other books... What can I say? I'm biased.

Five out of five stars.

Thank you to Gary Corbin for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

In Search of Valor by Gary Corbin is an excellent thriller following a female university student who wants to one day be a detective.

This is the prequel to A Woman of Valor, and goes into the university life of Val Dawes. During her first year studying criminology, Val meets Rhonda - a potential partner for their paper in Crim 101 with the wicked Professor Hirsch. The two discuss what paper they going to write together, and then decide to go pick up Rhonda's daughter Jada. Unfortunately, for both of them, Jada is not there and has been abducted. Drama and thrills ensue as the local police department, detectives, Rhonda and Val try to figure out who could have taken Jada and why. Val gets to put her detective skills to work when she helps out the local department in this case.

I was hooked to this story! I truly enjoyed it and couldn't put it down. There's enough drama and action in such a fast paced manner that I barely noticed the time and pages flying away on me. It was just the perfect length and I felt that there didn't need to be anymore to this book. It's a great intro to Val's past life, and sets it up beautifully for the next book.

Gary Corbin has an excellent writing style that makes reading easy and fast. The story moves flawlessly and I never once felt the need to put it down. He's a master at this genre, in my humble opinion. I always love a good book by Gary Corbin! They never disappoint.

I would highly recommend picking up either book in this series. You don't need to read one to know what's going on in the other, but they do compliment each other well.

Five out of five stars.

Thank you to Gary Corbin who sent me this book in exchange of an honest review.

A Better Part of Valor is an epic finale to one great mystery and thrill-filled book!

I've been a fan of Gary Corbin for quite a while. His books just read the right way for me, and I've been vining along with every new release ever since. When you find those authors, you cling to them. It's like finding a good friend - you want to stay along for the ride and keep in touch. So, here I am yet again, ready and willing to solve some more mysteries with Val.

This third addition to Val's story is a much longer one. It's quite hefty of a read, but it's totally worth it. The time flew by and I realized I was suddenly done! It's hard to find books like that, at least in my opinion. Long books tend to feel like they drag on, and this one kept throwing twists and turns at me that kept me hooked. But, I better get to the plot first...

Valories Dawes works in law enforcement and has been living up to a family legacy for a very long time. She's young, spunky and very intelligent, but that isn't always what people want to hear out of a woman, now is it? Now throw in that girls are being murdered across the city, and she's certain they have to be connected. Young high schoolers with their lives ahead of them... good grades... great at sports... so much potential! But why? With lots of tension, intrigue and desire, this book will teach you to expect the unexpected.

Val is an epic lead, but the poor girl never gets a break. She's constantly at work, which isn't a bad thing for us readers... But when the recent string of violence against women happens, she takes up a job offer to help lead the manhunt for who's behind it. Not long after getting set up with this group, more violence keeps happening. All the while, a close friend deals with some permanent injuries which tests Val's inner strength. It's hard not to blame one's self in these situations...

There is such a unique cast of characters in this book that will make you suspicious of everyone. Diego, Rico, Megan, Curtis, Josh, Beth... There's something going on! Peeping Toms, awkward connections, drugs, and more... So much happens in so little time... But you know Val, she'll eventually figure it out.

A personal note: I'm happy to see Gil again! I wanted a lot more of him, but I'll take what I can get.
Second personal note: Gary definitely wrote the ending for me.... Well, maybe not, but it definitely fell where I wanted it to go!

So, are you ready to jump into this thrill ride? Here's a few notes for you to consider: This book is apart of a series but can easily be read apart from the rest. I'm who I am, so I always enjoy reading the full series leading up. You'll get the Easter eggs and relationships, but it's not needed! Feel free to jump right in and enjoy the ride (maybe come back and comment so I can finally talk to someone about Gary's amazing books!). If you love true crime or shows like Bones, CSI, NCIS - grab this book! There's lots of order in this book and also lots of drama to spice it up. I feel like my love of Bones really helped with my joy for these books, even if they aren't the exact same as each other.

Overall, this is one heck of a book! I loved reading it and am so happy I got to dive back into Mr. Corbin's books. I highly recommend this one, and all of his other books... What can I say? I'm biased.

Five out of five stars.

Thank you to Gary Corbin for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

Thrilling. Exhilarating. Personal. Kick-butt action.

Gary Corbin does it again with Mother of Valor! Valorie Dawe's story continues in this epic, action-packed sequel. The adrenaline, the takedown operations, and absolute thrills this book puts the reader through it top tier. I'd argue that this is one of Gary's best books to date!

Why? Well, here's a point form list (want the full one? Check out my blog!):

- Prostitution ring takedown that leads to even bigger action
- Engaging story with no cliffhanger
- Feels like an epic The Rookie, 9-1-1, Chicago PD inspired book
- Suspense. Betrayal. Action. Adventure. Crime.
- Monster Mothers
- Binge-able with or without reading the full series
- Female Gaze Romance

Overall, my opinion is super high for this incredible sequel in Valorie Dawe's story. I hope for many more books to come, and for many readers to keep picking the books up so I can binge as many of these books as I can get my hands on. Fast paced books with lots of adrenaline and just the right amount of romance that isn't cringey or sex focused makes me one happy reader!

Five out of five stars. Can I give it six or seven? No? Fine. I'll stick with five.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review from the author, Gary Corbin.

Meh. The author tires to maintain belivability by having the police not explain all their actions to their assistant law-student helper, but sacrifices any gains made this way by the clumsy and badly handled antagonist. A single mother's child is abducted from nursery. Her friend the Valory offers to help trying to gain some practical law experience. Everything goes as you might expect.

This is a good light read: light because the characters don't take hold in my heart and good because the pace, plot and writing are good. There are a few anomalies but not intrusively so.
I received this as a LibraryThing Member GiveAway. Thank you.

The Mountain Man's Dog is the first book in hopefully a long series by Gary Corbin. If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would! This is a fast paced amazing thriller that takes you on a roller coaster ride from the start. You have everything from intrigue and danger, corrupt cops and crooked politicians to some romance.
For Lee Carter(Lehigh) Oregon's Cascade Mountains are not only home but his livelihood. He is a logger that takes care of 350 plus acres for his family as well as 500 plus for other customers. He is a busy man and he loves it. On his way into town to get groceries his life is turned upside down when he spots a limping yellow hound dog in the road. Now mind you Lehigh doesn't like dogs! He thinks they are a nuisance especially since he had a bad experience as a kid with his Uncle Ted's GSD's that bit him. But alas his kind heart takes over and he puts her in his truck and takes her to Mt. Hood Sheriff's office thinking he will drop her off and be done. No such luck! He has to transport her to Clarksville Animal Hospital where coincidentally his old flame Stacy McBride works. WOW is all I can say. Things get down right interesting when these two see each other after 12 years.
Complicated doesn't even describe the fireworks about to happen. Between Paul her politically hungry "boyfriend " and her father State Senator George L. McBride who hates Lehigh btw things in this little town are about to erupt.
On the positive side Stacy get's Lehigh to adopt Lucky by kinda tricking him and maybe a little white lie. But deep down does Lehigh really want Lucky? Time will tell. Lehigh doesn't know what hits him when his life goes south and things become life and death situations! Will he be able to keep everyone he cares for safe?
Will good triumph over evil in this small town???
I am so grateful to have had the honor to read and review this amazing book. I can't wait for book two.

This is an well plotted and well written book. The risk with so much time in the court room is the pace will flag. The agony of Peter, his mistakes (believable given his lack of sleep), the characters of the jury, the hints of unexpected endings and Peter's other crises all ensure the pace keeps the pages turning.

“Gary Corbin’s first novel, Lying in Judgment, is sure to enchant mystery readers, as well as having them beg for more. This story will make the reader’s stomach clench, like his protagonist, Peter. Without divulging too much, the emotional turmoil Peter goes through while serving on a jury, involving a murder he knows the defendant did not commit, will have you reaching for anything to calm your nerves. Corbin’s attention to even the smallest detail, as well as its nerve-wracking expositions will make you squirm. Lying in Judgment carries the reader through twists and turns to an ultimate startling collision with reality. The tale will spark the darkest thoughts in the mind of the reader, giving way to that trite phrase, “This could happen to me.” Warning: if you are reading this novel in bed, plan on having a sleepless night.”

- Dave DeHart, Author of Collision of Forces, A Dan Dailey thriller.

“Enjoyed this! Intriguing page turner that I didn’t want to put down! Looking forward to more books from this author. ”

- L. C. Wright

“Terrific. Different. Fascinating… [Corbin] adds strain with every turn of the plot.”

- Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards

“A unique legal thriller.”

- Lacamas Magazine

“Original, very fresh and surprising.”

- Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards

“A real page turner!”

- First Books