"Too Far Down" by Mary Connealy

Too Far Down (Oct. 3, 2017) by Mary Connealy.*

All of the danger has not passed. In fact, there may be more danger. Cole Boden, who’s both of the western life and of the city, has to deal with an explosion at the mines he oversees. People die, one of which was in the wrong place at the wrong time, but for the others, their injuries are too consistent to be just an accident. Together with his brother Justin, brother-in-law Heath, Melanie “Mel” Blake and her Uncle Walt, they discover a series of tunnels connecting a series of mines, including those belonging to the deceased. The Boden parents are still in Denver, where Chance’s leg continues to heal, but he and Veronica (a.k.a. Ronnie) aren’t free of danger, either. The entire family is determined to put an end to those who threaten them, the CR Mining Company and those that work with them before anyone else is put in harm’s way.

            This includes Mel Blake. A cowgirl who’s a regular tomboy (in fact, even in 1881, she’d rather wear pants than dresses), Mel’s a tough young woman who’s comfortable in her own skin. As long as her own skin is around horses or cattle in the outdoors and not stuffed inside a kitchen or sewing room. She’s great with a lasso and an even better shot. Despite thinking that Cole is a well-studied worm, she still wants to help the Boden family. But will helping them mean putting herself in direct danger?

            I have read all three books in this trilogy, and I have enjoyed every one. “Too Far Down” is an inspirational, historical fiction novel that is steeped in fast-paced adventure and set in a West that is more wild than tame. Although the Boden siblings have spats like any other siblings, I appreciate the bonds of this family, because their bond goes beyond just their family unit; it extends to the boundaries of the Cimarron Ranch, all who work with them and their neighbors beyond. For anyone who likes stories with a dash of romance and plenty of daring, while sporting a historical setting and a western feature, I recommend this trilogy from start to finish!

            Book One: No Way Up

            Book Two: Long Time Gone