
Digging up past secrets puts a K-9 team in the line of fire.
During an investigation into a series of homicides, FBI agent Finn McDaniel is unexpectedly attacked, and a blow to the head leaves him with amnesia. Left for dead, he’s discovered by cadaver dog Cipher and her handler, search and rescue specialist Jordyn Williams — who is also Finn’s missing sister’s best friend. As Finn and Jordyn work to recover his crucial memories, they unearth evidence that links his sister’s disappearance to the killings. When the body of the latest victim is found, can they stop the murderer from striking again…or will their pursuit place them directly in the enemy’s crosshairs?
My Review:
I’m a cautious fan of the amnesia trope because — love it when thoughtfully plotted and abhor it when the story relies on trite cliches. Happy to say Sarah Varland did an amazing job incorporating Finn’s amnesia into this story. Believable, intriguing and whoa, but did it ever add to the suspense! That opening scene when he…ack, I can’t say what happens but…yikes, I was on tenterhooks for the rest of the read. Well played, Sarah Varland, well played indeed.
I love a good K-9 story and cadaver dog Cipher is a devoted floof with stellar instincts. Her human search-and-rescue partner is pretty nifty too. And brave. Searching the wilderness for human remains takes grit and stamina and Jordyn has both in spades. But a routine search morphs into chaos when Cipher leads her to an unconscious Finn. And then things get really complicated.
Loved the edginess to both the suspense and the romance. Finn and Jordyn have both struggled in the aftermath of his sister’s (her best friend’s) disappearance and that makes for a messy reunion. So lots of emotional stuff to work out while they try to figure out if the current missing person is related to their cold case. Absolutely riveting from start to finish!
I listened to the audio edition of ‘Hunting a Killer’ expertly narrated by Cindy Kay. I’ve added her to my ‘must listen’ narrator list. I love the way she breathes life into a story and conveys emotional tension with her voice. Makes for an incredibly great listening experience!
My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
Please note: this book doesn’t release until January 27 so the winner will have to be patient and accept an IOU until then. 🙂
US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice
Canada – paperback, ebook or audible — winner’s choice
International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.
If you would like a chance to win a copy of Hunting a Killer, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday January 10 2026
Well, you know I’m very fond of the K-9 books, but I have to say HUNTING A KILLER sounds like an amazing on for sure. From your review, knowing that the author seamlessly wove all the aspects of the story together just makes me want to read this book all the more. Can’t wait to dive into Finn and Jordyn’s story and lets not forget the star of the show Cipher.
Thank you so much for the chance to win this fabulous books! The wait will be more than worth it.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
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We are like-minded readers, Kay. 🙂 This is a great suspense and you need to meet Cipher! Good luck!
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I enjoyed your review. Sounds good. leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com
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Thanks, Lucy. Good luck!
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I’m a fan of Love Inspired suspense but I’ve somehow missed reading anything by this author. Thanks for your review .
Connie
cps1950ATgmailDOTcom
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Ohhh, you’re in for a treat, Connie! Good luck!
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I hear you on with amnesia stories. It could be a hit or miss.
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