Delta

The K9 Files #23

by Dale Mayer

Delta is always eager to help animals in need, especially when the request comes from Kat and Badger. Learning the animal is a retired K9 dog, now serving as a comfort animal for other injured dogs, Delta’s determination only increases. However, arriving in town, Delta’s contact has now vanished, and Delta discovers the War Dog is missing as well. Although Delta had looked forward to dinner with the woman he’d spoken to frequently on the phone, he now finds himself entangled in a disconcerting theory that extends beyond just one War Dog.

Rebecca has always had a soft spot for animals, and retired War Dog Gracie has effortlessly found a place in her heart. However, Rebecca’s attempts to adopt her from the center are consistently thwarted. As Rebecca seeks a solution, she stumbles upon something far more sinister, and soon realizes she is out of her depth.

All she can do is hope that Delta comes through for both her and Gracie … before it is too late.

Genres: Romance, Military Fiction

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 20, 2024

About the author

Dale Mayer is a USA Today bestselling author best known for her Psychic Visions and Family Blood Ties series. Her contemporary romances are raw and full of passion and emotion (Second Chances, SKIN), her thrillers will keep you guessing (By Death series), and her romantic comedies will keep you giggling (It's a Dog's Life and Charmin Marvin Romantic Comedy series).

She honors the stories that come to her - and some of them are crazy and break all the rules and cross multiple genres!

To go with her fiction, she also writes nonfiction in many different fields with books available on resume writing, companion gardening and the US mortgage system. She has recently published her Career Essentials Series. All her books are available in print and ebook format.

To find out more about Dale and her books, visit her at http://www.dalemayer.com. Or connect with her online with Twitter at www.twitter.com/dalemayer and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dalemayer.author. If you like Dale Mayer's books and are interested in joining her street team, sign up here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/40238...

Books by Dale Mayer

Psychic Vision Series
Tuesday's Child
Hide'n Go Seek
Maddy's Floor
Garden of Sorrow
Knock, Knock...
Rare Find
Eyes to the Soul - fall/winter 2014

By Death Series
Touched by Death - Part 1 - Free
Touched by Death - Part 2
Touched by Death - Full book
Haunted by Death
Chilled by Death - fall/winter 2014

Second Chances...at Love Series
Second Chances - Part 1
Second Chances - Part 2
Second Chances - Full book

Novellas
It's a Dog's Life- romantic comedy

Charmin Marvin Romantic Comedy
Broken Protocols #1
Broken Protocols #2
Broken Protocols #3

New adult/adul crossover Books
In Cassie's Corner
Gem Stone (a Gemma Stone mystery)

Design Series
Dangerous Designs
Deadly Designs
Darkest Designs

Family Blood Ties Series
Vampire in Denial
Vampire in Distress
Vampire in Design
Vampire in Deceit
Vampire in Defiance

Non-Fiction Books
Career Essentials: The Resume
Career Essentials: The Cover Letter
Career Essentials: The Interview
Career Essentials: 3 in 1

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delta is investigating a War Dog. Like him, a survivor. Gracie is not the only one missing. So is the lady he was to meet. And the story picks up speed. Bravo!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the things I love about the books in this series are the prologues. Thats where Badger and Kat pair up the person with the war dog file. In this one, Badger points out they're out of men, and Kat says they are not. She has someone in mind who has an interest in war dogs and would be the perfect person to find this one. Delta Granger. The war dog Gracie has many injuries and is a comfort dog for other war dogs in similar situations. She's at a private K9 training and rehab facility helping these dogs adjust to being out of the war zone and into the private sector.

Delta is amazed at the size of the facility as he visits to evaluate Gracie's position here. He's looking forward to meeting Rebecca, the woman he's been speaking with who takes care of Gracie. The receptionist at the facility is less than helpful and Delta gave her no answers as to why he is here or why he's meeting with Rebecca. He's followed to the parking lot by another woman, one who's clearly in charge. She only offers that Rebecca didn't show up for work and she requested the police do a welfare check but hadn't yet heard back.

Taking things into his own hands, Delta goes to the sheriff's office and confronts the two deputies there. One of them Detective Halverson follows him to his car, and then they both go to Rebecca's town home. They discover it doesn't look like she planned to leave as her purse phone and other items are all still there. First the dog, Gracie went missing and now Rebecca. Delta doesn't have a good feeling about this, not at all.

We then meet Rebecca, she's in a room with only a blanket, mattress and Gracie. She has no idea where she is or why she's there. She vaguely remembers picking up dinner, and someone using her card at her office, she doesn't remember getting home at all. She also remembers sharing her concerns about the surgeries being done at work, but her suspicions were blown off as something that couldn't happen. She examines Gracie and is sure that her prosthetic is different and not one of theirs. She's not exactly sure what's different, this is her field but there's not enough light to really examine it.

We see an exchange with her guard, as she asks for water. Then later when she gets to take Gracie out to do her business. She awakens next in a different room, one with an attached bathroom. That made things easier, but it was disconcerting that she didn't know how she got there. There was also food for her and afterward a man she recognizes enters the room. Benjamin is also a captive, he quit his job on moral grounds and then was taken to wherever they are now. He's been here for four days and has no idea who's in charge, only knowing it's not the guard. One thing they agree on is that it has something to do with the company and possibly of a buyout.

As Delta continues to investigate, he finds neighbors with security cameras. He finds the proof he needs that Rebecca was kidnapped. Now the task is by who and why. A conversation with Badger and Kat leads them in a direction that could have serious implications. Kat contacts Stone from Levi's group and they start working on a theory.

Delta has words with the deputy, and then has a slight altercation at the local coffee shop. It's there he meets Hannah. Her boyfriend Benjamin went missing, and no one is listening to her either. That he also worked for the company raises even more flags with Delta.

Rebecca and Benjamin are outside again with Gracie when she tells him about the sale. He's worried about Hannah and that they may go after her and Rebecca tells him to go, get Hannah, and let someone know where she is.

Hannah and Delta are going to meet at Benjamin's home and see if there are any clues. In the meantime, Detective Halvorson appears to be an ally of sorts. He believes what he's been told but now he has to look at things again through Delta and Hannah's eyes. Starting with a search of Benjamin's place, they get a big surprise.

From here the heat is on to find Gracie and Rebecca as well as keep Benjamin and Hannah safe.

Stone is a big help here as he worked with the information he gathered about the chips and the war dogs they are experimenting on.

Action, excitement, nail-biting, and even romantic. I couldn't put this book down.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another exciting romantic suspense novel by Dale Mayer. Rebecca falls in love with Gracie, a severely injured war dog who was retired from the military after her last mission. While Rebecca is waiting to receive permission to adopt Gracie from the company that owns the dog, she is successfully using Gracie as a “comfort dog” for other injured animals.

However, when Rebecca discovers that Gracie is missing, she calls Badger for help. Badger sends Delta, a retired SEAL, to visit Rebecca to help her find Gracie. However when Delta gets into town for their planned meeting, he discovers that Rebecca is also missing.

Delta is very suspicious when he arrives at Rebecca’s house for their planned meeting and finds that no one is home. So he goes to the sheriff’s office so they can go together and check inside Rebecca’s house. They discover that her car is still in her backyard, and that her purse, clothes and other essentials have not been touched.

Delta is completely baffled that no one at the sheriff’s office, or even in town, cares enough to look for Rebecca. In fact, instead of helping, everyone is going out of their way to make excuses for why Rebecca left of her own accord. That is when Delta decides that he needs to use his military experience, and Badger’s network of people and information, to find Rebecca and Gracie.

Delta eventually discovers that Rebecca has a pet-related You Tube channel for animal lovers. Is her disappearance related to that? Has she inadvertently touched on a subject that has hit someone’s nerve? If so, where is she? And finally, how can Delta find Rebecca and Gracie and bring her home?

As usual, Ms. Mayer creates a complex plot with many twists and turns. She drops many red herrings as we try readers try to find out what has happened to Rebecca and Gracie, and why. Readers will become captivated with this story’s non-stop action, riveting suspense, and the puzzling mystery of where is Rebecca.

Delta and Rebecca are well-rounded and realistic characters. They are intelligent, courageous and loving people. They are also avid pet lovers who want to adopt and help everyone in trouble. Also, even though Delta was a SEAL for years and is not afraid to face danger, he is still a very sensitive and understanding man.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 23 in Dale Mayer's "The K9 Files, all totally standalone, anyone who loves dogs, alpha heroes, gentle romance and a good slice of action then this could be the book for you.
Kat and Badger had another war dog, Gracie, to check on and Kat knew just the person for the task.
Delta Granger had been retired from the military after loosing a leg, Kat was adjusting and improving his prosthesis. When animal loving Delta was offered the opportunity to check up on a war dog he jumped at the chance and the thought of inviting Rebecca, who was caring for Gracie, to dinner was urging him on.
Delta and Rebecca had conversed on the phone a few times and he just knew that they would get on.
Rebecca worked at a centre where dogs were used as comfort animals, Delta liked that idea but when he arrived at the centre for their meeting he was met by hostility and it soon became clear that Rebecca and Gracie had disappeared, this sent Delta into full military mode and he is prepared to take on the International company that employed Rebecca, a company that the town relied on, a company that had an undercurrent of danger and evil, the Sheriff's office and anyone else who got in his way. Delta didn't know who, if anyone, he could trust but he had friends in high places, friends who would help him find Rebecca, Gracie and justice, friends who just knew that the mission would end in romance.
I loved the characters of straight talking, no nonsense but caring Delta and clever, sassy Rebecca, they deserved their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kat and Badger asked Delta to go and help a retired K9 that is now serving as a comfort animal. When he arrives there his contact Rebecca and Gracie have both vanished and the town is all behaving strangely and being uncooperative. Delta needs to focus on finding the woman he had blood phone conversations with as well as the dog. Rebecca tries to adopt Gracie but it is thwarted and she then stumbles on something sinister and realises she is out of her depth. All she can do is hope that Delta comes through for both her and Gracie … before it is too late.

I liked this story which was a good mixture of the aspects of the war dog and Rebecca merged into the corrupt town and the effect of the power that can be welded by a single big employer in town. Delta was magnificent and the time in the sheriff's offices was just spectacular! A complicated plot that drew in a few more technical folks from Ice's team. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an enjoyable book with mature content.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachael Bromley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fine booked from Dale. Again set against the wardog dept and another ex military member being chosen to see what's become of the dog. This time it's a dog called Gracie. A malinois with three legs at a large company given treatment. Rebecca is the good Samaritan who loves Gracie but doesn't like the treatment she receives. Delta is trying to find Gracie but the realises that the woman he has to meet is misses. Corruption goes from the top to the bottom in the small town as Delta has to deal with murder, kidnap and a lack of control at the sheriff's office.

I loved this book it delt with Delta's obvious disability and the hope that his prosthetic would be mended to give him a better life. His resourcefulness and his get going attitude to try and find Rebecca and Gracie. As always the characters were great, the baddies were as mean as they should of been and it dealt with some real life problems like corruption in a sheriff's office and the impact a large company shutting down in a small town would have on the locals. Can't wait for the next book

[Linda Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delta & Rebecca

From the beginning, this story is filled with suspense and excitement. Delta discovers Rebecca’s place of employment has little concern about her absence and treats Delta with dismissive disrespect which puts him on high alert. He also experiences the same disregard for Rebecca’s safety from the local police department which just makes him angry.

This makes for an intense man determined to find Rebecca as well as the War Dog, Gracie, that he originally came to find, and to get to the bottom of what’s going on in this little out of the way town.

Full of drama and suspense, rolling into heartfelt care for the injured Gracie, then justification, which is a long time coming. This story makes you cheer for the good guys, smile huge for Delta and Rebecca, and Gracie definitely wins. Loved it.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Badger asks for Delta’s help to ensure that Gracie, a K-9 war dog, is doing well he is happy to assist not only because of Gracie but because it will allow him to meet Rebecca. She is a woman he felt a connection to and she also happens to work at the place where Gracie is being kept. The only problem with this mission is that both Gracie and Rebecca are missing under mysterious circumstances.

Rebecca finds herself abducted and she doesn’t have a clear understanding of who is responsible, and the situation only becomes curiouser when she finds out who else is there with her. She believes it has something to do with her employment, but will Badger be able to find them before it is too late?

As the investigation unfolds Delta isn’t sure who is friend and who is foe but the one thing, he does know is that the feelings he has for Rebecca are deeper than he expected.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delta by Dale Mayer
The K9 Files Book Twenty-Three
Delta Granger has had Kat working on his prosthetic. He’d told her he would work on a K9 file if they got more in…so when Kat called, he went. Delta looked forward to meeting Rebecca after talking with her on the phone. When he arrives at the facility to meet Rebecca and figure out what happened to Gracie the War Dog, he discovers Rebecca is missing.
Rebecca Postal had no idea why or by whom she’d been kidnapped. She was just glad to have Gracie with her. She’d been looking forward to meeting Delta but was afraid he would take Gracie away. Now that her life was in jeopardy, that was on the back burner.
It is a fast-paced story filled with danger for the War Dog and the humans. I enjoy this series.
**Mild sexual content and language
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Maria FantastikaRomance · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was my first book in the series but since a few reviewers had written that you could start anywhere because the prologue is so good, I tried. And it did work. I did miss a few references to characters from previous books but nothing to serious. Nothing crucial for the plot.

Talking about the plot. Mayer is a very successful writer and publisher but what I thought was that a sharp-eyed editor could have helped straightening some unnecessary twists in the narrative. I felt the plot was a bit to complicated at times. That is what gave the book a two-star rating.

But the book is alright. The main characters are modern, intelligent, brave and empathic. Add some sex and action and you have a Dale Mayer-book. Reading one of Mayers books is like eating candy short, sweet and a bit addictive (I have read loads of her books) but also easily forgotten.

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corruption is the name of the game and focus of this plot, trouble is innocent people get caught up in the rough. Delta fortunately comes to find Gracie and Rebecca and is leaving no stone unturned. Honestly by the end I felt the town should be flattened, what a horrid and unsafe place to live. Tense, suspenseful and moments of seat edge reading. Fabulous characters and suave, hot alpha, injured hero, along with a strong, fiesty and independent heroine, chemistry becomes clear from the first meet. Gracie is calm and laid back unless she feels her human is threatened then her training kicks in. Wonderful addition to an interesting and captivating series.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mission check on war dog Gracie.
Set up appointment with Rebecca who wants Gracie but when Delta arrives both are missing and no one seems to care. Investigating, Delta comes across video of Rebecca kidnapping and finds more questions. One is another missing person from the same work site but again no one looking.
Delta starting looking with the missing man's girlfriend when he escapes and raise the alarm fir Rebecca. Small town and their rumours see Rebecca facing her current situation which she never saw coming. Together they solve the mystery and gets to shake up the town before moving forward together with Gracie.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy of Delta .
This story is full of Intrigue and suspense . Delta is sent on assignment to check on a retired wardog now being used as a comfort animal for injured dogs
Delta soon discovers Rebecca his contact and the dog Gracie are missing from the K-9 training center . As he investigates he uncovers Rebecca and Gracie have been taken and things are shady at the center where Rebecca works . Delta and his friends step in to save Rebecca and Gracie and stop the bad guys . This story is outstanding . It's action packed and interesting . I highly recommend taking the time to read .

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gracie stole my heart

Delta and Rebecca are pretty awesome too, but Gracie being a comfort dog for other injured War Dogs is just so lovely.
Unfortunately Rebecca inadvertently uncovers corruption, deception, abuse and theft, and although she doesn't realise exactly what she has stumbled onto, she is kidnapped for her trouble. Enter Delta, Badger and Kat who we know will ruffle feathers, make waves and dig deep to uncover the truth and protect dogs and innocent humans!
This is a great addition to the series, I really like both Delta and Rebecca, they are all about protecting Gracie and protecting future injured dogs. This is a fantastic series with a great cast and some gorgeous K9's.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, book 23 and a new fresh take on the welfare check of a war dog. Delta seemed to have a tad more anger than the other wounded ex military. That is one of the uniqueness with this series. OUr searchers are all wounded themselves. Rebecca has a brain! Strong intelligent woman for the win. Integrity and alpha wounded male and our war dog. The little twist at the end made me say whaaat?
Thank you for the arc! I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. #Delta #K-9Files #DaleMayer #ValleyPublishingLLC #Booksprout

[Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

How are we possibly up to book 23 already...because this series is just so good that each story just flies on by.
Delta is on a mission to track down a war dog and doesn't expect to find out the carer Rebecca has been kidnapped and the sheriff department seem to be nonchalant over it. Something stinks in this town and Delta is determined to find both Rebecca and get to the bottom of it.
Greed and power appear to play a part in this. A crooked company and its nefarious dealings. Both still in danger while trying to solve this case made for one exciting story.

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa. This story is full of danger, action, betrayal, company intrigue, and many surprises as the reason for the kidnapping of Rebecca and Gracie come to light.

Delta has a meeting scheduled with Rebecca to discuss the war dog, Gracie. But when he shows up at the company where she works, he learns she didn't show up for work. Even worse, nobody seems to be too concerned, not even the sheriff's office. There's plenty of action and danger as the storyline unfolds. The story will have you on the edge of your seat and guessing as to who the actual bad guys and the reason for their actions.

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Delta is assigned a check on a war dog, Gracie, he ends up with more than he bargained for as the woman, Rebecca, who he was supposed to meet, never shows up. What he does find is a town who is not concerned about her disappearance and uncovers a corruption that no one wants to be revealed. Rebecca is not sure what has happened, she’s locked up with Gracie with no way out….until Delta.
A great read that starts off with mystery and suspense and great characters. I liked these two, no drama and great ending for all.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for Delta by Dale Mayer

Another great read for an amazing series. Love the premise of War Dogs going missing and then sending a hot alpha navy seal to find them. Love that Delta found his mate in Rebecca and war dog Gracie. Rebecca has been through so much. Glad she is going to be working with Kat. Nice to see Stone in this amazing storyline. Love the dynamic between Badger, Kat, and Dekta. Can't wait for the next installment of K9 Files. Dale Mayer, we need an update on all the K9 Files and where everyone is and doing.

[Dawn Cruikshank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delta

Wow! Another great story by Dale! This story us about Delta, Rebecca and Gracie. Gracie is such a sweetheart until her people are attacked. Love the ending when Gracie did her thing on the bad guy. When Delta arrived to meet with Rebecca, he found her missing with Gracie. Glad Delta was able to figure how to contact Rebecca and save them both. He also had Badger helping bring down the bad guys. Glad these two get a chance to get their happy ending. FANTASTIC job Dale! I would recommend this book.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story. Delta and Rebecca get to know each other through phone calls and texts but when they are about to meet, Rebecca and War Dog Gracie go missing. When Delta tries to get the local law to look for Rebecca he gets nowhere. This story has a lot of action with Rebecca trying to protect Gracie and Delta trying to find and protect them both.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delta

Love this series! Delta thinks he is going to check on a War Dog that is missing while hoping to have a great meet up with Rebecca. When he gets there he finds Rebecca is also missing but no one seems to really care including the police.
Delta starts a search and finds more and more mysterious dealings in the town and another missing employee that no one cares is missing.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book with a different twist. The war dog they are going after has a been experimented on and lord knows what else has been done on other animals in that facility. They want Gracie (comfort war dog) back and Rebecca took her and is in danger. Delta is sent to investigate. There's danger, excitement, and corruption. HEA.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another wonderful story in The K9 Files series, it is well-written and the storyline was fast-paced and flowed smoothly. Delta is the next man on the lookout for a missing wardog however his contact Rebecca has also gone missing and no-one seems interesting in looking for the missing woman. Wonderful strong characters. Good Story.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well it certainly is harder for Delta to work his case as it appears the whole town is against the idea that something is amiss, throw in not knowing who to really trust once an escape has occurred and technology that is way to advanced has you worried this may be one of the first times where there isn't a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dale Mayer delivers all the goods in this addictive suspense love story! It’s intense, drama filled, amazing characters and suspenseful! The tension in this book was gripping and had me staying up way past my bedtime to finish. I absolutely loved this book! My favourite of 2024 so far. Happy reading

[Gail Ledford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delta

I loved this book also. It tugged at my heart, like all your K9 series had. I'm a dog owner myself, as of right now numbers 5 plus a cat.... So you know, I hate people that abuse animals, no master what the species. I have enjoyed the series thus far and have preordered the next three books. Keep them coming girl......

[Debbiebooknerdyoung]

Delta needs to meet with Rebecca, concerning War dog Gracie. Thing don't go as planned, and Delta finds no help from the local Sheriffs Dept.
This was a real page turner, with some bizarre twists. Corrupt LEO's, murder, and kidnapping are just some of the obstacles Delta has to deal with.
Another captivating novel in the series!.

[Cheryl L Rybolt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Complicated Rescue

A missing woman and her K9 are Delta’s mission. Rebecca and her companion dog have been missing for a few days, but no one seems to be looking for them. Delta has been sent by the War Department to check on the missing dog. A great story lots of twists, love this series. This author has another great story. Can’t wait for the next one!

[WB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delta Book 23 of The K9 Files by Dale Mayer is another captivating story set in this amazing series. A standalone story that shows glimpses of characters. I truly enjoyed reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.