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Jessie's dogs are hot on track when unknown assailants hit the Bitterroot.Three shots, two hunters near death from blunt force trauma delivered by an unknown attacker ...or two ...or more. Somebody is hunting hunters ...with high-powered, customized paintball rifles. An anti-hunting campaign? That's what it seems. And the assailants carry real guns, too.

When two Search and Rescue personnel out endurance training are also hit, that makes it personal for Jessie. Yet another attack leaves multiple victims critically injured, and one dead—same MO. Now it's murder.

Conspiracy, murder, and mayhem pit Jessie and her dogs, along with Sheriff Landon Reid and his deputies against attackers playing a dangerous endgame.

The story of a woman and her beloved dogs determined to save lives, no matter the odds.

Clean, safe readingNo sex, gore, or profanity.(And--spoiler alert--yes, dear reader, no dog dies in this book, either. :) )

NO AI content, guaranteed. All original D. L. Keur.EDITORIAL REVIEWSGame Trail starts out with a bang—a literal bang—and rolls from there. And it keeps rolling until I was quite honestly gasping for breath and grabbing the arm of my chair with one hand, my Kindle with the other. Hang on for dear life in this one, because both the mystery and the tension just keeps ramping up. —L. L. Alexander, freelance editor

It's finally starting to happen! But I'm warned 'no spoilers', so that's all I can say. And the story is non-stop action, just like all of them. No slow down, here. Dawn doesn't let up in Game Trail, a really unique crime mystery! —Joanne Robinson, mystery lover

Once again, a riveting read for this guy. With every new release, I am more impressed that this author delivers an outstanding and gripping story. This is reading! —Mark Peterson, crime and mystery reader

My absolute favorite K-9 mystery author comes through again. A really, really tense reading with lots and lots of dog action! —Kimberly Clarke, reader of K-9 mysteries

Jessie is absolutely on it. That girl isn't going to let go, no matter what. Oh, I would I love to be her. Oh, yeah! And her dogs are best! —Sarah Yarborough, mystery reader

506 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 5, 2023

354 people are currently reading
47 people want to read

About the author

D.L. Keur

23 books58 followers
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: An author, an artist, a musician, a web designer and more, some call her a Renaissance woman. Her friends just call her Dawn.

Publishing since the 20th Century, she usually writes under pen names, because she writes, not just cross-genre fiction, but across a broad scope of genres, including paranormal, mainstream, horror, Western family saga/romance, and science fiction. Since the turn of the Millennium, she’s chosen to independently publish five, now six, books, two as E. J. Ruek, two as C. J. “Country” James, plus a two volume science fiction epic, published under the name, Aeros.

You can find her at www.DLKeur.com.

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5 stars
1,574 (81%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
Profile Image for Pam.
474 reviews14 followers
February 20, 2024
Sheriff Reed is under attack. He’s in the sight of gamers. Jessie and her dogs are trying to keep him safe and find out who’s behind this game.
3 reviews
November 15, 2023
First, I want to say that I’m a huge fan of Dawn Keur. She has an enormous talent and Jessica #7 is her most complex and subtle novel so far. Plus, I believe - but don’t know for sure - that there’s a cliff hanger at the end of the book that will keep me more eager than before for the next book in the series.

Within the usual “means, motive, and opportunity” triad from many whodunnits, it is “motive” that is at the center of the series of crimes that plague the Bitterroot’s. The “means” are obvious - high-powered paintball guns - the “opportunities” are plentiful - stalking game trails yields potential victims whose specific identities are largely irrelevant to the perpetrators. But motive? The obvious may be not quite what it seems.

And then there is a question of victims. The obvious victims are those who are injured, maimed, or killed. But are there others who are being played by someone (or even, perhaps) a group of others for reasons that are not at all obvious?

Throw in a group of fanatics who have been captivated by a video game (that has morphed into a television series) and at least one woman who denies her biological gender and you get law-enforcement professionals, largely men, who, understandably have a hard time wrapping their heads around something that is usually not problematical: who ARE these people who shoot others with high-powered paintball guns? Or does it really matter?

One of Ms Keur’s many talents is setting up situations that make me think. As we Baby Boomers get older we are encouraged to challenge our minds with new situations and ideas. Usually reading books and ordinary newspapers doesn't “count”. But Ms Keur’s books count. Fun and challenging - can’t beat it!

30 reviews1 follower
December 12, 2024
Best one yet!

I've almost missed two appointments engrossed in these books. I need to read something else to slow down.I want them to last!
Profile Image for Carolyn.
2,233 reviews
November 5, 2023
I absolutely love this series. The characters are all interesting and unique, all with their own little flaws, who still manage to mesh together and work so well. The mysteries themselves are complex and always keep me intrigued turning those pages. But, it is ultimately the Search and Rescue/Cadaver, scent trained dogs that really make the stories so wonderful. All different breeds, all different personalities, all trained to work together as one unit is just fascinating reading. If you are a dog lover, you will enjoy these stories. Mysteries your thing? Or, police procedural? Ditto. They are great stories full of drama, real-life scenarios, great characters and amazing dogs. Once again, I can't wait for the next one.

P.S. Come on Landon. Go for it!
Profile Image for Marva.
Author 28 books71 followers
November 29, 2023
Each book in this series is a stand-alone story, but taken together the books read like chapters in the ongoing saga of Jessica Anderson and her working dogs.

A single crime or incident that gets resolved by the end of the story makes up the major plot element of each book. D.L. Keur is wickedly inventive in coming up with unique crimes and situations that showcase the abilities of the working search and rescue dogs who form the framework around which the story evolves. I don't know if the theory of pack learning, where the dogs operating both as a pack unit and in smaller sub-units teach each other with minimal input from their trainer is actual fact, but the scenes of the dogs in action are depicted with a descriptive flair and attention to detail that makes them both fascinating and utterly believable.

The subplots concerning both main and supporting characters are well done and progress from book to book in the series, particularly the evolving relationship between Jessica and Sheriff Landon Reid. No cardboard cut-outs here, these are complex characters presented with skill and understanding, it's easy to become involved and invested in their lives.

If you're a dog lover, Game Trail, like the other books in the series, is pure chicken soup for the soul. If you're not (I'm a cat person myself) it's still a great, well-written story and an excellent read.
* Review text provided by Jack Dasef with approval of Marva Dasef - Goodreads member
330 reviews1 follower
November 11, 2023
Couldn't stop reading.

I've read the whole series, and I will continue reading this series. I won't review what happens in the book, as there will be enough of those. I will say what I liked about this book, as someone who has read them all. Both Jessica and Landon have been through trauma, and neither one opens up about their feelings, especially Landon. Jessica is open with only close family, especially her dad. Both of these characters are finally opening up to each other, and to people they work with, maybe finally realizing that unless they are honest and open, they will never be able to trust each other completely in their personal lives and on the job. They are both people who need that trust to move forward. In the beginning, nobody trusted Jessica and her dogs - not Landon or his deputies, not the other SAR teams nor the individuals on the teams. Now, most of them have seen what Jessica and her dogs are capable of and what her form of training can do for the county. I really like the character development as this series progresses. The characters are becoming good friends; many of them are becoming like family. There has been so much growth in the characters, and it looks like that will only continue. That makes me look forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Angela.
3,372 reviews33 followers
November 26, 2023
A definite must read book and series

This was a story of horrific tragedies that no one can seem to understand why they're happening. When the attacks keep escalating, this unique group of law enforcement and the wonder dogs come together again to protect their own. It's certainly not a story or series that you'll want to miss!
I hope that there will be many more stories in the near future! Love this series!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.

It's situations like those in this story that remind me why I refuse to watch the so-called "reality TV" series, despise the games that encourage people to make fantasy into reality, etc... I know that most everyone thinks that all of the technology that's available is a wonderful thing, but (to me at least) there is such a thing as TOO MUCH! It's getting beyond ridiculous how much everyone depends technology to do everything for them, as well as how lazy people are now because of technology doing everything so they don't have to. Yes, technology can be amazing for Healthcare, Law Enforcement, etc., but I think it's sad that everyone's become so reliant on for everything in their lives. Sorry! Just my personal opinion!
Profile Image for Beth.
2,905 reviews26 followers
August 26, 2025
Interesting crime story, MCs still really annoying

I have the same push-pull with this book as I’ve had with others in the series. The crime stories are interesting, the dogs are fascinating, but the MCs are annoying and borderline childish and the macho crap gets old.

The crime story here is interesting but it takes way too long for law enforcement to catch on to what’s happening. It was obvious to me right from the start. The dogs are exciting to watch. I have no background in this kind of training but it sure seems the author does so I’m assuming this is an accurate representation of how these dogs work. It’s fascinating.

Once again there is this childish element t to the relationship between Jessie and Reid. At least in this book we get a little more background and some self examination, particularly from Jessie that gives us a bit of rationale but it still so annoying. I get a whole Sam and Diane/Moonlighting vibe and it’s as annoying here as it was on those shows. The end here makes it seem like there’s a possibility things might improve so we’ll see how the next book goes. At least the dogs and the crime stories make bearable but I do spend a lot of time highlighting things that annoy me and commenting! Ebooks are handy! 😆
10 reviews
November 11, 2023
Intriguing, Captivating, and Well Worth Staying Awake For...

The book is a winner, the story so real, so believable it's hard to accept it as fiction. Jessie and her "Wonder Dogs" have once again dug another notch in my heart as one of the most accurate, enduring series of Search and Rescue animals written today. DL Keur has written an insightful story of loyal intelligent dogs who protect and serve as much as law enforcement do. She brings to life the trials, the dangers, and the love these animals go through for their human Jessie Anderson in drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The book was impossible to put down. I read it cover to cover in one sitting. DL Keur has not only written inspirationally for Search and Rescue, but has successfully schooled us on the many aspects involved with the training, care, and dedication to and of these special animals and their bonds with their "humans". Truly a book worth reading! And a story easy to relate to in today's society. Once again, a fantastic job!!
Profile Image for Linda Thomas.
842 reviews8 followers
November 7, 2023
Jessica is very busy training hercown dog, her Dads dogs and being a deputy sheriff.

Jessica has her hands full. Helping Sheriff Landon get better and getting herself well after the last time she worked as a deputy. She is helping her dad with his dogs and working her dogs and putting in her time as a deputy doing search and rescue. She gets so upset at Landon and his ways but he is her dad’s best friend and most of the time hers. She and her dad are trying to help Landon recover from the last time they were injured. He was almost killed now they have new crisis on their hands. She just hopes they get through it without more injuries. The rest of the deputies are trying to help keep him from getting killed before he is well. Of course he feels he is being manipulated and smothered. Thank god he now has his own dog to keep him on track.
Profile Image for Brenda.
216 reviews1 follower
November 12, 2023
The best yet

Although I give out few 5⭐️ reviews I would give this a 4 1/2 ⭐️. Thank you for continuing to write about Jesse and Landon, and of course the dogs. This novel was action packed and fast paced. It held my interest from page one to the end. With a surprise realization happening about half way through. I am really enjoying that storyline and hope you continue with it. The dogs are amazing and I enjoy reading about them. But Jesse and Landon working together to track down these paint ball assailants was the best. I like how protective of each other they have been. And the other people involved in each book is outstanding. I recommend this book and series to everyone and look forward to book 8. Thank you for sharing your books with us.
Profile Image for Cindy Dyson Eitelman.
1,457 reviews10 followers
January 5, 2025
I'm going to paste in almost exactly the same review as for previous books, but with a slight modification below.
What I've been writing is:
Good as always. I'm addicted to this series and my opinion has ceased to be objective. If you are not already a fan, I'd recommend starting at the first book. I am sure now that her focus is slowly shifting from action/adventure/dog training/other cool stuff to human personalities. Which was always a big part of the books, but it's now getting to the point of being more like a slowly evolving romance than a mystery series.
I like it this way, but I kind of liked it the other way, too.

This one had an exceptionally intriguing plot, with the paintball theme. So I'm bumping up my rating to 5 stars.
157 reviews3 followers
November 7, 2023
Perfect!!!!

I truly cannot get enough of this author,especially the Jessica Anderson K9 novels. I absolutely adore the characters,their truths,flaws,imperfections and camaraderie combine to make awesome persons. The dogs involved are the best!! I have read all previous novels and can' t choose which I prefer! This author endows all her characters with awe inspiring traits and I love them all. Kudos all so for giving the No Kill shelters some publicity which is a great thing to do. Please read this series and you will not put them down until you are truly enamored just as I am.




Profile Image for Lisa McMeekin.
37 reviews
November 17, 2023
Wonderful, interesting mystery & hidden love story

I love every one of these characters: broken Jessie only allowing herself to love her Dad & her dog skin that order, the equivalent ally broken mind & body of Sheriff Landon who secretly comes to realize his love for Jessie & the dog who chose to be his, Oliver Anderson, a big bear of a man who loves his family more than life ' but hides it well, and every single one of the dogs: Jessie's, Landon's , and each of Oli's highly trained, lethal, alert & deeply in love with their owners.
The action will grab you, but the people & dogs will win your heart & keep you coming back for more.
MORE Please!!
Profile Image for Sirene.
8 reviews2 followers
February 12, 2024
Thankful!

Culminating with a Thanksgiving holiday, this action-packed thriller was intensely entertaining. The near-death experience of Landon was formidable and well-executed. Then there was the long-anticipated revelation of Jessie and Landon loving each other. I like how you show in this series how they help each other to grow and heal. But enough about the two-leggers. Let's hear it for the wonder dogs! I really wish I could find an Anderson Working Dog that could help me balance when my Lupus symptoms strike. I used to have a white GSD mixed with some wolf.
9 reviews
July 7, 2024
The best yet

I've been binge reading this series and this is absolutely the best one yet. The level of tension kept me picking it back up after just having set it down. Most of the SAR type books that I've read seem to always have a romantic leaning in them, it's refreshing to read stories about these amazing type of dogs and their people without the very predictable romance. The storyline is always a surprise and keeps my nose buried in them until the end and then I'm looking for the next one.
3 reviews
February 21, 2025
Wonderful Dogs

The narrative was fast-paced and detailed. The descriptions of the antagonists and their "game" were integral to the overall sense of impending danger in the city. As expected, the canine characters were portrayed as the heroes, justifiably so. The vivid depictions of these animals at rest and in action were compelling.
Thank you, Ms. Keur, for a story without graphic violence or cruelty. I find the K-9 Mystery books, very refreshing in today's "let everything hang out attitude."
21 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2025
Read the series straight through!

I have enjoyed reading these books as they move from one horror to the next, each character growing and developing with the requirements of the stories, becoming more real and alive. There is no need for profanity, or even disrespect, the stories are enough! The way the characters work their way through the plots is logical, and the way they treat each other is decent, respectful, often loving, including some of the most popular characters, the dogs.
12 reviews
April 25, 2025
I'm reading them all, one right after the other.

These books are short enough that you don't get tired of them, and long enough for careful and compelling character development. After the third book I asked myself where the next one would go, how much interesting material can an author find in a small rural town, and each time I have been intrigued. This one went in a completely different direction, but still believable. I'm starting the next one right away and mentally thanking the author that I have another 3 books to read!
80 reviews1 follower
November 15, 2023
Incredible, emotional...REAL PEOPLE.

Absolutely one of the best series I've ever read. I have come to care deeply for the characters... the main ones, the ones who aren't front and center...but are always acknowledged as crucial to the storyline. The dogs... I love the dogs, can almost feel their fur, their intensity when working, their loyalty. Please keep the stories coming. It's hard to wait.
182 reviews1 follower
November 19, 2023
Thrilling. Perplexing. Comical. Clean.

Jessie, her family, Sheriff Reid and Forensic Criminalogist, Sol in addition to the working dogs tell compelling stories about crime and K-9 behavior. The books are best when Keur describes the pack work of the dogs in catching criminals and in finding the missing. I'm hopeful that the main two characters will begin a romantic relationship, but will keep reading the series even if they don't.
Profile Image for Jan Fore.
952 reviews25 followers
November 20, 2023
Jessica Anderson K-9 Mystery #9

D.L Kent's series is such a favorite if mine. Jessica Anderson and Landon really gave readers a wild tale. I look forward to # 10. With each new adventure I am into it from page 1. If you have read one, the reader needs to move on to the next. Perhaps Jessie and Landon will become mire than a working team. We know they are soul mates. Enjoy #9!!
1 review1 follower
November 21, 2023
Amazing Dog Series

I love this series. There’s always plenty of story centered on the dogs. Too many dog series end up leaving out the dogs, but Ms. Keur is an expert at keeping them included and weaving a wonderful story around them. I love the direction the plot is going. I can’t wait to see where it goes. Thanks for an amazing storyline, cast, and the best pack of wonder dogs!
66 reviews3 followers
November 28, 2023
Love at first read!!

I've read every single book in this series that D.L. Keur has written and you can't read them slow enough, you have to finish. Sadly then you have to wait for the next one. Jesse is an extraordinary character and I love the interaction she has with her dogs. The sheriff is a mess of confusion, but he and Jesse are falling in love, although they don't want to admit it. They are clean, suspenseful books that you can't put down.
Profile Image for Pam Bales.
2,521 reviews12 followers
December 17, 2023
Really enjoy this series. Jessica has a great take on training service dogs for all types of service and making sure that the trainers are as well versed in how to train dogs as the dogs are in being trained. Complicated, interesting characters, great settings, and more and more intriguing plots make this a great read. Lots of tension, dangerous situations deaths, brave dogs and brave trainers leave me ready for more.
3 reviews
January 15, 2024
love this series!

I am a dog lover, especially GSDs. I have had the privilege to love & be loved by 4 of these wonderful dogs. I have really enjoyed getting to know Jessie, all her wonderful dogs, her family, Landon & all the other cast characters. Jessie’s interaction with her dogs is especially appealing. I really enjoy the story lines as they promote her method of training & SAR.
Profile Image for Carrie.
208 reviews
February 9, 2024
Great read!

This is one of my favorite books in the series! The whole paint ball story line was fun to follow. Some geek speak that got me frustrated but survivable! I admire how you keep Landon’s character true yet mystical. I love how Officer Tom Hudson’s character is warming up and I love his interactions with Jessica. The two complement each other. Jesse is hard to predict because she as complicated as Landon. Love this series. More please!
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,108 reviews86 followers
March 25, 2024
This outing has a lot of little pieces but as usual with this series some of the things that seem insignificant or tiny are part of a bigger puzzle. Truce has been declared in the Jessie, Landon, Britta triangle; Landon and Oli are concerned about Jessie’s dating life, Landon doesn’t know what his friends are up to but he’s certain it’s something while Jessie has no idea. But one thing that equally puzzling to them all is why hunters are being huntered by paintballers!
Rating: 4.25stars
38 reviews1 follower
November 7, 2023
Perfect

Storyline grabs you from the beginning and doesn't let you go. Development of characters and their idiosyncrasies are presented flawlessly, add in real life presentation of the no win situation law enforcement is placed in daily with a good dose of canine and you have the perfect read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews

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