by Cynthia Chow

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of First Degree Mudder. We also have a link to order it from Amazon, and from an indie bookstore where a portion goes to help support KRL.

Although Meg Reed was last seen venturing to New York City for an amazing week interviewing for a prospective job at ESPN, she has returned with the realization that Portland, Oregon, is her true home. Meg’s decision to stay at outdoor adventure magazine Northwest Extreme has come at a rather inopportune time, as the owner Greg just dropped the bomb that he may be selling out to a Japanese buyer. Desperate to bring in a story that will impress both Greg and the new possible owners, Meg signs herself up for Mud, Sweat, and Beers, the newest ultimate outdoor endurance obstacle course race. Having had a few too many experiences with extreme sports that placed her far out of her league, Meg proactively enrolls in Mind over Mudder, a three-week training intensive training class specifically designed for the event. No amount of training could have prepared Meg for the discovery of her take-no-prisoners drill sergeant trainer dead in the locker room, despite how much he may have been loathed by his abused trainees.

Held in historic army barracks at Fort Vancouver National Park, Mind over Mudder’s trainer Billy the Tank spared no expense and little pity on those enrolled to get whipped into shape. While a camera-ready reporter enthusiastically records the workouts for her morning television show, those who enlisted with the intent to lose weight are having less of an enjoyable experience. When not even death stops the program, Meg sees the opportunity to cover both the event and the investigation into what looks to be Billy’s less-than-natural demise.

Still in her early twenties, Meg is at a crossroads in her life as she sees her friends moving on in their careers and away from her life. Just when she had thought that she had found a journalist career at a magazine she was growing to love, the changing world of publishing places it in jeopardy. While Meg was hired to appeal to a youth market and update Northwest Extreme’s social media presence, there’s only so much that can be done to compete in the new digital age. Meg’s personal life is facing a crisis as well, as her two best friends, one of whom she was considering as more than just that, may be pursuing their dreams in places far from Portland.

The mystery of Meg’s father’s death while pursuing the Meth Madness story continues to hover in the background, as does its connection to her current boss. Meg’s confidence with extreme sports grows along with her skills at investigative journalism, although she still maintains her youthful optimism and occasional naïveté. No matter how dire the situation or physically strenuous the situation, Meg battles through with her admirable good nature and entertaining good humor. The series continues to excel at portraying the unique characters and outdoorsy appeal of Portland, which it interweaves with an enthralling mystery.

To enter to win a copy of First Degree Mudder, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “mudder,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen December 3, 2016. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address, and if via comment please include your email address.

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Click on this link to purchase this book & a portion goes to help support KRL & an indie bookstore Mysterious Galaxy:

First Degree Mudder

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Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.