Tag: K-9

Uncovering Explosive Secrets

A killer wants revenge.
A K-9 team stands in his way.

FBI Agent Austin Drake is ambushed at a fall fair moments before a bomb detonates. For Austin, this is no random act—it’s a personal message, especially since the attacks mirror the work of a criminal he put away years ago. Detective Melody Rust and her K-9 partner are on the scene to help, but it quickly becomes clear this is just the beginning of a targeted assault. With a toddler son to protect, Austin must work with Melody to unmask an enemy with a lethal agenda, before everyone becomes collateral damage.

My Review:

A blockbuster, action-packed opening scene sets the tone for this exhilarating read. I enjoyed the fall setting too – the story takes place in October – and it’s always fun to have your fictional friends enjoying the same season you are!

Austin and Melody come together at the crucial time in an exhaustive investigation into a villainous baby selling ring. Only something doesn’t jive at their first explosive meeting and they soon begin to suspect that another criminal has them on his radar which complicates things no end.

The suspense unique to this 7th Colorado K-9 Unit book is full of twists and nail-biting scenarios as well as expertly woven into the series suspense plot which is rapidly coming to a grand finale in book 8 — eep, I can’t wait! As with all the books in this series, ‘Uncovering Explosive Secrets’ can be read as a standalone. Black does an excellent job of bringing new readers up to speed with the nearly year long investigation details without burdening Austin and Melody’s story in any way.

Loved the way their romance developed – hesitant, wary, both with reasons to resist their attraction. I especially appreciated Austin’s personal struggles. The author shines a light on the immense emotional toll fighting crime can take on dedicated law enforcement personnel.

I listened to the audio edition of this book and enjoyed Angie Hickman’s narration. She did a great job balancing the emotion and tension in the story. It’s amazing how much a narrator’s performance plays into creating an atmosphere that matches the author’s storytelling style.

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

Hunting an Arsonist + Giveaway

A K-9 team in the crosshairs—
and in pursuit of the truth.

Forensic mechanic Helena Rutherford is investigating a serial arsonist targeting young women when her own house is set ablaze, trapping her inside. Officer Trevor Slate and his K-9 partner, Lark, arrive just in time to save her from the flames. But the discovery of her missing best friend’s bones among the ashes upends everything, drawing them into a puzzling cold case. With a dangerous killer on their tail, Helena and Trevor must unravel the mysteries of both cases…before she becomes the next victim.

My Review:

There’s suspense and then there’s Jessica R Patch’s brand of suspense which is on a whole other level of compelling! The way she uses words and phrases like weapons, delivering clipped descriptive sentences at a calculated pace. Ups the tension ten fold and I found myself gasping for breath right along with Trevor and Helena!

Unputdownable. Enthralling. Captivating. And every other descriptor you can think of. Oh and the way Patch describes fire! In a word – terrifying! It’s no wonder her arson investigator hero has a fear of fire with her writing him into scenes like that!

A wonderful blend of romance and suspense with plenty of ‘aha’ moments along the way. And the author did a great job of including the over-arcing series suspense elements in such a way that newbies to this continuity series would have no problem diving in here.

A stunning read…or, in my case, listen. Narrator Lisa Larsen did a great job of delivering all the tension and drama and did justice to Patch’s exhilarating pacing.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US –  paperback or ebook – winner’s choice 

Canada – paperback, ebook or audio — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Hunting an Arsonist, 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 September 5 2026.

Danger in the Rockies + Giveaway

A K-9 team’s investigation

leads to a deadly case of mistaken identity.

K-9 officer Maren Anderson is shocked when she catches a glimpse of her presumed-dead twin sister—moments before a shooter opens fire. DEA agent Colt Dawson rescues her and helps secure the crime scene, but before Maren can find her sister, Opal vanishes again. Maren has questions and so does Colt—especially since Opal may be the key to exposing a drug kingpin’s identity. But now the cartel leader’s henchmen think Maren is her sister and she has a target on her back. Forced to work together to unravel the deadly mystery, Maren and Colt must track down her twin before the criminals closing in claim their lives…

My Review:

Intriguing and intense with undercurrents of romance, ‘Danger in the Rockies’ is the kind of book you want to devour in one sitting. I was committed right from the frantic opening scene that propels Maren into unexpected chaos and danger. Luckily, Colt and his own K-9 partner are able to render aide whereupon their individual cases – and their lives – become entangled as they search for answers.

Their emotionally charged love story gradually evolves behind the scenes while investigative work and thwarting villains take precedence. Loved the pacing and the way Reed breathes life into her characters – not only Colt and Maren, but her whole team as well. I’m so looking forward to getting everybody’s story by the end of the year.

So, yes, this is the third book in the ‘Colorado K-9 Unit’ continuity series but it reads well as a standalone too. I really appreciated the way the author merged the over-arcing series suspense elements within the specifics for the case unique to this book. Very well done and easy to follow. Plus, I’m more excited than ever to get back with the team and follow some clues and finally get some answers!

I enjoyed listening to the audio edition of ‘Danger in the Rockies’ expertly narrated by Tanya Eby. She has become a favourite voice in my listening library and finding her name listed in the credits is likely to sway my purchasing impulse. Definitely an audio book I can happily recommend.

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook copy – winner’s choice

Canada – paperback, ebook or audible copy – winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

Please note: This book releases on May 26

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Danger in the Rockies, 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 May 16 2026

Hunting a Killer + Giveaway

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

Dying Cry

A killer lurks in Colorado’s snowy high country in Dying Cry, the tenth thrilling installment of award-winning author Margaret Mizushima’s Timber Creek K-9 mystery series.

Newlyweds Mattie and Cole Walker are teaching Cole’s daughters how to snowshoe in a remote canyon when a shattering scream pierces the air. They know that somewhere ahead, someone has been injured or worse. Cole takes the girls while Mattie and Robo go deeper into the canyon to search for the source of the scream. 

From a distance, Mattie and Robo see a shadowy figure at the base of a cliff, but a rockslide buries the person under layers of stone and shale before they can provide help. Desperate to uncover the individual in case they’re still alive under the rock, their efforts are in vain. The victim is already dead. When they investigate the canyon rim from which the person fell, they discover evidence that indicates the fall was no accident. To make matters worse, the victim was one of Cole’s friends. 

The Timber Creek County investigative team springs into action, uncovering a trail of greed that leads to a killer who threatens Mattie’s cherished new family and tests her with the most difficult task she’s faced in her duty as a K-9 handler. 

My Review:

This is my favourite K-9 mystery series. It’s grittier than a cozy but not quite a thriller and probably about as edgy as I’m willing to go ’cause I’m a scaredy cat. It’s definitely best to read the books in order because of the phenomenal character growth – and not just with Mattie and Cole but a host of secondary characters as well. It is worth taking the time to watch them all evolve over the course of the series, including the romance (eeeeppp!)

Robo, the wonder dog, is a huge draw for me too and I love the extra bits of K-9 training and logistics that the author includes. I haven’t read another book with such a comprehensive approach to the K-9 aspect. Informative without taking away from the action of the story. In fact, it actually adds to the tension and suspense. I get as revved up as Robo trailing a scent!

‘Dying Cry’ is part police procedural, part wilderness adventure and chockfull of emotion since this murder hits close to home for Mattie. Newly married and trying to find her footing as stepmother to Cole’s precocious daughters, she struggles to find a balance between family life and working a gruesome investigation.

Love the role reversal of Mattie being the deputy facing danger every day while Cole is ‘safely’ ensconced at his veterinary practice. And the way the suspense plays out kept me on edge all the way to the end. Mercy, that climax – completely riveting with plenty of gasp out loud moments!

I listened to the audio book and Nancy Wu’s narration is a perfect match for Margaret Mizushima’s storytelling style. She’s been the Timber Creek K-9 voice from the very beginning and I really appreciate that continuity. Highly recommend the audio books to discerning listeners everywhere!

My thanks to Dreamscape Media and Net Galley for providing me with an audio coy of this book.

An Unexpected Christmas Helper + Giveaway

Sometimes forgiveness
is the best present.

After discovering he has a toddler daughter, engineer Evan Dukas needs all the help he can get—even if it comes from Vanessa Johnson, the woman who once crushed his heart. With financial worries mounting and Christmas just around the corner, the single mom agrees to be little Lily’s temporary nanny, and vows not to let working for Evan derail her recovery from an eating disorder. With her service dog, Snickers, at her side, Vanessa is on the path to healing, and soon old feelings reawaken between her and Evan. But when buried secrets regarding Vanessa’s son are revealed, they must decide if what they have is worth fighting for…

My Review:

Love Inspired Christmas cover art is among the best and they really out did themselves with this irresistible cover! If that doesn’t say ‘buy me’, I don’t know what does. And the story inside is just as charming.

Lee Tobin McClain knows how to create an emotionally compelling romance that pulls at a reader’s heartstrings and this one is full of holiday cheer as well. A winning combination!

Doting (but untried and completely clueless) daddy Evan makes for a great flawed hero. He made me laugh and swoon and even wince a few times. And I might have wanted to throw a projectile at him once or twice as well! Vanessa feels much the same way and their rollercoaster, ‘will they or won’t they give their reunion romance a chance’ escapades held me captive (while alternately cheering and groaning!)

Thankfully, there’s lots of Christmasy distractions and two cute kids and a very special dog to deflect the angst. I love the way McClain blends humour with raw emotion and all kinds of real life tough stuff. And the significant faith elements in this novel bring an even deeper satisfaction to the read.

This is #41 (!) in the K-9 Companions multi-authored series and I am amazed at how much I’ve learned about service dogs and all the varied assistance they can provide. Snickers’ job was a total surprise for me. I had no idea that a dog could be trained to serve in that way.

I listened to the audio edition of ‘An Unexpected Christmas Helper’ narrated by one of my favourite voice performers, Tanya Eby. She does a wonderful job bringing these characters to life in.a way that enhances McClain’s storytelling and creates a captivating listening experience.

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – available in 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 An Unexpected Christmas Helper  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 October 11 2025

Threat of Revenge + Giveaway

A vendetta from the past puts a K-9 team in the crosshairs.

Following an anonymous tip about a gun-trafficking ring, patrol officer Jenna Morrow arrives in small-town North Dakota—and narrowly escapes the bomb that detonates in her car. Rescued by rancher Clay Miller, Jenna and her K-9 partner, Augie, take refuge at his remote property to continue her investigation. But even when she’s under Clay’s protection, an unknown assailant continues to threaten Jenna, making it clear someone wants her dead…and it’s personal. As the killer closes in, Jenna and Clay must unmask an attacker who won’t stop until a long-awaited revenge is complete…

My Review:

I’m not brave enough to read Jessica R. Patch’s thrillers but I do love these Love Inspired Suspense novels! The toned down edginess is just right for me, though I will admit to nearly hyperventilating during one scene! Just happens that one of my phobias matches with one of Jenna’s so we were both experiencing all the big feels only she had Clay to comfort her and I was all on my lonesome. So not fair!

Lots of action and danger! Lots!!! Along with a complicated relationship between two stubborn people who are wary of love and commitment which heaps on even more pressure as Jenna and Clay dodge bullets and try to stay alive! The kind of suspense that keeps you turning pages (or in my case, avidly listening) until everything gets sorted.

Loved the K-9 bits. Augie is an endearing mix of Kujo and Lassie and Patch writes the human/dog relationship with authority. Me thinks she is a dog lover and I love the authenticity that brings to the K-9 dynamics.

This is the sixth novel in the ‘Dakota K-9 Unit’ continuity series but reads really well as a standalone (has it’s own unique suspense plot) though I am getting anxious for the final resolution of the over-arcing gun-trafficking plot. We’re getting close, just two books away. And I enjoyed getting glimpses of the whole team working together.

I listened to the audio edition of ‘Threat of Revenge’ narrated by Courtney Patterson. She is becoming a familiar voice in my listening experiences and I really enjoy her storytelling style. Definitely adds to my ‘reading’ enjoyment.

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Perilous Tides,  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 August 9 2025

Tracing Killer Evidence

A string of unsolved kidnappings…a K-9 team out for justice.

Forensic artist Isabella Whitmore narrowly escapes an abduction attempt in the Dakota Badlands, only to find herself targeted by a mysterious assailant. With the help of FBI special agent Liam Barringer and his K-9, Guthrie, Isabella must uncover the identity of her would-be murderer. Is the culprit the elusive kidnapper turned serial killer who’s targeting Isabella because she matches his victim profile? Or has her secret past finally caught up with her? As the attacks escalate, Isabella and Liam must find the truth and stop the danger before it’s too late.

My Review:

An angsty second chance romance gets off to a rocky start in an intense opening scene that sets the stage for this compelling page-turner. And, mercy, this couple’s back story! There’s lots to unpack and I really felt for Liam – torn between duty and all that emotional turmoil! The suspense is full of plot twists including a few gasp-out-loud moments. Relentless pursuits, desperate attacks and danger at every turn. Makes for a winning combination that is sure to keep avid readers on high alert until the very end!

This is the fifth book in the multi-authored continuity ‘Dakota K-9 Unit’ series and things are heating up with the over-arcing suspense plot which is really exciting. We still have three more books to go before that case will be solved though. I’m so impatient! No worries if you aren’t current with this series, each book reads well as a standalone with a unique romance and suspense plot that are both resolved by the end. And the authors do a great job of catching readers up on team antics and investigations so you won’t feel lost jumping in here.

I listened to the audio edition of ‘Tracing Killer Evidence’ and really enjoyed Cindy Kay’s narration. She did a great job conveying all the emotions and tension in the characters and plot. So happy that Love Inspired Suspense is making some of their books available in audio format now!

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

The Soldier’s K-9 Companion + Giveaway

The chance to finally heal…with the help of a four-legged friend.

Struggling with PTSD, retired Navy SEAL Luke Adams hopes getting a service dog will help him finally get his life back. Fortunately, his best friend’s sister, Destiny Johnson, runs a K-9 farm where she trains service dogs. When Destiny pairs him up with an Alaskan husky named Java and teaches him how to bond with the sweet pup, he realizes that he and Destiny have more in common than he thought. With their friendship growing into something deeper, can a dedicated K-9 help them both face their trauma…and come out stronger together?

My Review:

An intensely emotional, hope-fuelled story that gave me all the feels. With dogs. Can it get any better than that?

The author tackles some serious subject matter through both Luke’s and Destiny’s backstories, but she does so with grace and compassion. So appreciate this realistic view of life after severe trauma and the ensuing struggles to overcome.

The friends-to-more trope plays out to perfection after a rocky start. Great dynamics between Luke and Destiny but, oy, the complications! I could really relate to the way they both held back even though the reader in me was screaming at them to just open up already! Love getting that emotionally invested in a fictional romance!

Calhoune knows how to bring depth and authenticity to her characters and that includes the secondary ones. So, add in the kind of friends who won’t let you go it alone, along with an epic small town atmosphere and you have the perfect recipe for a romance that triumphs despite impossible odds.

I listened to the audio edition of ‘The Solider’s K-9 Companion’ and thoroughly enjoyed Aure Nash’s narration. Her beautifully modulated voice was a pleasure to listen to and I love the way she breathed life into these characters. A brilliant listening experience.

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Soldier’s K-9 Companion,  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 July 12 2025

Trail of Threats

An arsonist at large…a K-9 team in the line of fire.

Single mom Sadie Owens’s fear of being watched is confirmed when her home is set ablaze—while she and her son are trapped inside. Officer Rocco Manelli and his arson dog arrive in the nick of time to make a rescue. But as attacks persist, it’s up to Rocco to keep Sadie and her three-year-old safe from a criminal with a lethal agenda. Can he keep a vengeful arsonist from scorching a deadly path through Elk Valley—before Sadie and her son become the next victims?

My Review:

The sixth book in ‘Mountain County K-9 Unit’ continuity series published in August 2024. The audio books are just releasing now.

So enjoyed Courtney Patterson’s animated narration of ‘Trail of Threats.’ The writing is phenomenal as is, but Patterson’s interpretation of these characters amplified my reading pleasure all the more. Love that so many more Love Inspired novels are being made available in this format!

Breath-snatching suspense with the kind of drawn out tension that keeps a reader on her toes right to the very end. The heart-in-throat gripping opening scene sets the stage for compelling creepy-ish suspense that gave me all the nervy feels (in a good way!)

I just read the fifth book in this series a few weeks ago where Rocco played a significant secondary role so it was fun to get his complete story here. Having said that, this works wonderfully well as a standalone novel as well.

Rocco’s connection to Sadie, and the way their relationship plays out is so believable and full of emotion… and quite a few laughs courtesy of sassy Sadie. Not to mention some flirty banter. Ohhhh, and don’t get me started on the toe-curling scenes artfully interspersed throughout! A fantastic blend of romance and suspense where both keep you on the edge all the way through.

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.