An angry mother, two missing persons, and it’s personal. Jessie and her dogs are on a cold trail. It’s coming Christmas in the Bitterroots when cross country skiers turn up lost, and Jessie and her dogs are on a cold trail as acts of vengeance begin to mar the peace. Kidnapping, arson, and attempted murder pit Jessie Anderson and Sheriff Landon Reid against the elements and unknown assailants, the dogs their allies and support in fending off the acrimony of revenge.
The story of a woman and her beloved search and rescue dogs who, working together, save lives.
AUTHOR’S NOTE TO HER READERS: You’ve asked repeatedly, and I’ve listened. So, here, in this tale of Christmas, I share with you some of the secrets held so close by both families, the Andersons and the Reids. Not all things do I share, but things that I would normally have, over the course of the series, just dropped in passing, things I might have only alluded to, I have, for you, exposed —a bit of the backgrounds of the what and why both Jessie and Landon have their scars… along with their aspirations, determination, and strength.
Clean, safe reading No 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.
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.
I love this series! And, this was the best one yet. Jessica and her "wonder mutts." Landon, our tortured hero. Great characters involved in another tension filled mystery. Long-held secrets revealed in this one. And, those wonder pupsters! Can't forget those amazing, highly trained SAR (Search and Rescue) dogs. It's such an addictive series. Looking forward to the next one!
Perfectly well done! Characters, story, complications, and resolutions. Dogs, especially working dogs, are favorite genre. And this is my personal favorite. Well done.
As much as I loved all of Cold Scent, the 8th book in D.L. Keur's The Jessica Anderson K-9 Mysteries, my favorite part was the announce that there would be at least four more books. I was hooked from the first book and only stopped to read a couple of ARCs that I had requested; I have never before been disappointed to have ARCS of series I love arrive, but this edge of your seat action is addictive. I am so glad that there were already 8 books out. It has been fascinating watching the development of Jessica and Landon and seeing them slowly come to understand and accept each other as they work together. I am not a fan of the white suits but otherwise greatly respect both of them and most of the regular characters. It has been great watching the sheriff gain full control of his deputies and see how strong they have become and to see a law enforcement group portrayed as having integrity even in the light of all they face. I fell in love with her family, including her dogs, from the beginning. I was impressed to see that Ms. Keur allowed even the senior members of the family to grow.
I have really enjoyed reading this series, and the stories just keep getting better. Loved the ending! Definitely a surprise that I didn't see coming. I absolutely love reading about the unique SAR searches, the amazing animals and their people, and truly wish that there were more stories available. I have to be honest, I wasn't sure about this series at first, mainly because of the characters (the human one's! Lol!). It took me a bit to warm up to Jessie, and Landon was very difficult to understand at times. However, after a while I realized that it was their unique personalities that drew me into this series, almost as much as the amazing animals. I have enjoyed learning more about them, as well as the rest of the characters, and hope that there will be many more stories in the near future. I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
Jessie and Landon are at it again. From the start with two adult children being missing and the end a surprising conclusion they had my heart racing. The banter was great with a few giggles thrown in this book out does it self. A surprise event about 80% through the book made me not want the book to end and my reading slowed significantly. But, all turns out great. Oh I forgot Jessie’s mother’s visit in this book cause strife and anger. Landon must deal with his parents another uncomfortable situation in the book. A lot happens in this book but it’s done so well you wouldn’t realize it. This is my first 5⭐️ read of the year!! Well done D. L. Keur!!! Highly recommend this continuing series and look forward to book 📖 9.
I've read all the previous books in this series, and finally, we get an explanation for what makes Landon and Jesse act and react the way they do. There have been times when I have not understood their reactions to certain situations, but here we finally find out what caused Landon's bad feelings towards his parents and why his siblings were always cold towards him. And how Jesse came to despise her mother and want nothing to do with her. Everything Landon and Jesse find out frees them and allows them to break the chains that have held them back most of their lives, with results they never expected. Can't wait for the next book.
I just finished Book 8 in this series, and unless there is a Book 9 that I have somehow missed, I am writing this review to Praise D. L. Kept on writing such a great series! I could hardly putting the books down long enough to eat, go to the bathroom, or do much of anything else, until each book was finished!
I highly recommend this series of stories to anyone who is a law and order, dog and pet lover and trainer, rescuer person, male or female, to read!
I'll be looking into other books this author has also written because I just cannot get "enough" of her story telling!
This book gives us a lot of ore I sight into the MCs. I have always found both of them irritating but this book humanizes each of them a bit more. The book is much more character focused and while there are crimes we are dealing with they are used more to open up windows into Landon and Jessie’s psyches and some of their emotional damage. It helped me feel a bit more sympathetic towards them as they’ve always irritated me. The crime stories and the dogs have been what has kept me engaged. I’m hoping now I’ll be engaged with the MCs too.
if you’ve enjoyed this series this is a must read!!
I highly recommend reading this series. I just finished Cold Scent and it was fantastic. The author reveals family background on both Jessie and Landon that round out their characters even more. The search and rescue team work their magic on multiple occasions and on one of those occasions Jessie loses consciousness and almost falls from her horse. Some great twists and turns. Check out this wonderful series. This book was a lovely Christmas present. I’m sad I’ve finished it already and can’t wait for the next book.
With each of these books in the series they just get better. Fresh plots, interesting events but mostly a book you cannot put down. You read the lines and feel as if you know tge characters. You feel their happy and sad moments page after page. Love the characters with all their complexities and the way they are woven into the story. Jessica the exceptionally strong female lead is far from perfect but her interactions with her dogs make her real and relatable. Cannot wait for more books to escape into!! Thank you for creating such a wonderful unpredictable series!!
But I’m not telling what it is! You have to read the entire exciting book to get to it. This book is definitely one of my very favorite stories by this author. I love the heroes, both dog and human. This book is multi faceted with so many different parts to it. I think it could actually be about 4 different shorter books. It has so much suspense that I’m not sure I should have been reading it while in the hospital in recovery from a heart procedure! But it’s worth it! I recommend it.
Sorry if my reviews are getting monotonous. 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.
Thank God for Kindle unlimited. I just finished reading over a dozen of D.L. Kent's books this past two weeks. I am overwhelmed by her writing ability, and so thankful to have found her. As a handicapped, housebound elderly widow who isn't very fond of TV, good books make my life worth living. Thank you so much D.L. and there are still a few of your missives I've not opened yet. (Love the Idaho settings, as I live next door in southern Oregon on the east side of the Cascades,near Crater Lake.)
Quick review to remind the author how grateful I am at finding this gem of a series and the creativity inspired to do so. It's funny, sad, so clean cut and nice. It's unique in that respect for I'm not offended by profanities but some readers are. I'm so used to books and people using them in my world that its absolutely refreshing for a change. I don't review every book because I'm too busy jumping to the next one. The whole series so far is a winner. Thank you to the author.
I have taken the liberty of "borrowing / sharing" this review I came across from a fellow lover of the series as it sums up everything I have been at a loss/don't have the words to say about this series and why I am so enjoying the books.
"I stumbled upon this series a while ago. From the very first book, I was hooked. It turned out to be so much more than I imagined it to be. Complex characters that develop and grow with each story. Fascinating mystery story lines about SAR (Search and Rescue) first responders that are dedicated and highly trained. And, of course, we have Jessica's "Wonder Dogs." I highly recommend the entire series and suggest that you start with the first book, "Death Scent." It really is a great series. :)" - by Carolyn on 7th March 2025
I love this series of books on search and rescue and cannot get enough of this author! Lots of action and the story line is entertaining putting the reader in the midst of the drama. Very addictive series! Following Jessica and Landon with their families makes me feel like they are real people I would like to meet! The surprise ending made my heart glad. Eagerly waiting for the next book!
Jessica has had two episodes of hypothermia, one she became unresponsive. Tests show a genetic defect due to her Swedish heritage. Landon finally admits he's in love with Jessica and she returns the feelings. After several attempts on Clyde and Landon's lives they find the culprits. Clyde and Landon bury the hatchet as does Jessica and her mother. Landon and Jessica marry. Great storyteller.
Beautiful love story with a lot of mystery, families, dogs (of course), and surprises. I especially like the work ethic, friendships, and values of all the characters even though they have an abundance of money they work hard, put family, including the animals first, and they share their wealth with others in need. Looking forward to next book inthe series.
D.L Keur just published the latest in the Jessica Anderson K-9 Mystery entitled /Cold Scent. In the heart of winter Jessica and her tribe are needed to find people, chase after corrupt ex-convicts and help couples in need during domestic trouble. Throughout they seek and find. It's an excellent series. I was so looking forward to #8 in the series. I hope she continues with Jessica's story. Read and enjoy!
Attention Dog Lovers! This is a series you won't want to miss! Action, adventure, danger, loyalty, courage and grit weave thoughout the plots of each book. The Jessica Anderson series is best when read in order, which is the best way to learn and understand not only the great cast of core characters, but the wonderful dogs as well.
Looking forward to D L Keur's next addition to this wonderful series!
I love this book and the seven in the series that came before it. The characters are complex and continuously develop through each book in the series. The continuing storyline is engaging. There is no graphic violence. And I LOVE the dogs and their relationship with their humans. I’ve read the series in order and recommend that you do too.
someone is after the sheriff and Jessie is taking it personal
Jessie is fit to be tied. Her mother was here at her dad’s house. Supposed to be her home. But she fixed that she moved into Landon’s house after all she and the sheriff were friends and Sol was there. Thankfully he accepted her dogs and horses. Besides it put her there to watch over him. He can’t know how she feels about him. Landon welcomed her thinking I just can’t let her know how much she means to me.
Ok, it is cold, very cold! And the country is rugged, as fans of the series know. This entry was a bit complex, or so it seemed to me in my Covid-impacted mind, and the resolution took a lot of work from humans and dogs. Sometimes life is not simple or straightforward.
Keur shares a bit of background on the Reids & Andersons, which is helpful in understanding some of the central relationships in the series. And here, finally, . . . You didn't think I was going to spill the beans, did you?
The author is up to her usual wonderful standards!
I was just a little disappointed that this book was much shorter than the others written. But then I thought, have I ever tried writing a book? Songs yes, a book never! This was a wonderful read! The characters are so interesting and each of their personalities are so enjoyable! I won't give it away, but 'I knew it'! 😊 So looking forward to book 9!
I love the portrayal of service dogs, and am starting to understand the work and dedication demanded for the training and living of both dogs and handlers. I love that about this book. It’s well plotted and the characters evolve as do we thru our lives. A romantic, I love that things work out! This whole series is a delight to read. I’m looking forward to more, I hope many more! Thank you for the ‘realness’ of these, twined with a really good story!!
Catching up to a break for new reads in what has quickly become a favorite series, this outing differs from its predecessors with personal stories. Set during the holiday season, there were long, lingering looks at romance with two ending and one beginning, small SAR jobs, one touching back to a cold case as it gets Landon’s ‘dander’ up; there’s also a long, unflattering look at Jessie’s mom. Plus, Jess has an up and a down medically related alerts. Rating: 4.25stars
Well I hadn’t read in almost 6 months so I loved your books 1-7 but couldn’t remember which book I had read last so I started book 9 then got to the part where it was talking about Landon and Jessie being married so I had to go back and review books 7 and then read all of 8 because that’s where they got engaged I was so excited to get to go to the wedding with everyone one else now on to book 9 Thanks for the adventures
Such a good story but I am getting tired of the “trendy” way the subject of the action is dropped and sentences just begin with a verb. Lousy writing. Just because some “modern” folks apparently talk that way doesn’t mean a serious author has to write that way. And what’s with leaving out the object of the preposition, as in, “I want to go with.” I am abandoning the series.
Absolutely loved this one. Really really has characters that you get so hooked on so much detail finished it at 1138 and alarms going off at 545 :). No spoilers, just with a long series like this, that’s written so well you really get invested in them. And the writer has incredible talent and imagination with the character generation. Even the dogs all have their own personalities lol. Just loved this one.
Keur's Jessica Anderson series is well crafted, weaving in factual accounts of rescues with the ongoing dramas of family life. Jessie is strong willed, driven by her love for her dog pack. An old case threatens the Sheriff and his family whilst Jessie and Landon continue their support of each other. Excellent addition to this series.