Tracing a Killer

Mountain Country K-9 Unit #7

by Sharon Dunn

A K-9 team in the crosshairs—

and seeking justice.

While tasked with protecting Trevor Gage from a serial killer, K-9 officer Hannah Scott inadvertently puts a second cold case murderer on their trail. The man who drowned Hannah’s childhood friend is back—and he wants to make Hannah his next victim. Guarding Trevor becomes a survival mission once they both become the target of ruthless criminals. On a remote island with only each other to rely on, there’s nowhere to run. And with twice the deadly traps, any misstep could prove fatal.

From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.

Mountain Country K-9 Unit

Book 1: Baby Protection Mission by Laura Scott
Book 2: Her Duty Bound Defender by Sharee Stover
Book 3: Chasing Justice by Valerie Hansen
Book 4: Crime Scene Secrets by Maggie K. Black
Book 5: Montana Abduction Rescue by Jodie Bailey
Book 6: Trail of Threats by Jessica R. Patch
Book 7: Tracing a Killer by Sharon Dunn
Book 8: Search and Detect by Terri Reed

Genres: Mystery, Love Inspired Suspense, Romantic, Romantic Suspense, Romance

272 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published September 24, 2024

About the author

After almost 27 years of marriage Sharon's beloved husband Michael passed away in 2014. Together they had a life filled with adventure, laughter and unconditional love. She considers herself blessed to have been loved that way. She has three grown children and a busy cat named Sparky.

Her love for mystery and suspense began in the fifth grade, when she found a whole set of Nancy Drew mysteries with pink covers in the school library. Sharon is the author of five humorous mysteries that were written for Christian readers. Her second book in her Ruby Taylor mystery series was voted book of the year by American Christian Fiction Writers. She has written over thirty books for Love Inspired Suspense many of which have appeared on USA Today Bestseller lists. Night Prey (Love Inspired Suspense) won the Carol Award from American Christian fiction writers.

Sharon has a bachelor's degree in film production and a master's degree in history. She loves old movies like Double Indemnity and anything by Frank Capra or Alfred Hitchcock. She enjoys reading all kinds of books but is partial to the nonfiction of C. S. Lewis. She loves to hear from readers. You can contact her and sign up for her newsletter at her website http://sharondunnbooks.net/

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book in a good series.

[Ethelann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tracing a Killer is another exciting book by Sharon Dunn.
Hannah is a K9 officer who's supposed to protect Trevor from a serial killer. But then she runs into a serial killer after her from her childhood. Together, they must outwit both killers!!
This book is a real page turner and so exciting. With an ending, you won't believe!

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tracing a Killer grabbed my attention from the start when K9 officer Hannah Scott returns to the site where her childhood friend was murdered and encounters her friend's killer. Trevor Gage, the Rocky Mountain Killer's next target, and Hannah must outwit both killers and protect each other.
Both of them feel guilt from what happened in the past and must learn about self-forgiveness. I enjoyed the romance between Hannah and Trevor unfolding and how this story was action-packed and fast-paced.

[Patrizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Questo libro mi è piaciuto un filino meno dei precedenti, forse perché non sono riuscita a entrare in sintonia con I due protagonisti. Anche il cane ha un ruolo più marginale del solito, sigh.

[Kay Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

TRACING A KILLER by Sharon Dunn is the seventh book in the Mountain Country K-9 Unit series. It’s the fabulous, fast-paced, edge of your seat suspense story of Trevor Gage and Utah highway patrol officer Hannah Scott along with her K-9 named Captain as they try to catch a serial killer (or 2) and stay alive in the process.

Hannah is out to prove herself as a valuable member of the Mountain Country K-9 team. She figures the best way to do that is to be the one to convince Trevor Gage, where others have failed, to go to a safe house. A serial killer, dubbed the Rocky Mountain Killer (also known as the RMK) has once again started killing members of the Young Rancher’s Club. Ten years ago, he killed three of the members in Elk Valley, Wyoming. Now he’s once again killed three more member that while now living elsewhere were killed with the same MO – shot at close range in a barn. They fear that his target now is Trevor having saved the best for last. However, to talk to Trevor she has to go to Antelope State Park. When she was 10 years old while on vacation with her family, her dear friend was murdered there – drowned. Can she face her fears?

Trevor has always regretted that he hadn’t stood up to his friends when they had ridiculed Naomi saying that he’d asking her out as a joke. He’d actually liked her and had asked her out in earnest. It’s something he’s had to live with ever since. He’s felt responsible for each one of the deaths. And while he’s living a life, he’s never felt like he deserved love and a family because none of the victims had that chance. He’s led a solitary life working as a ranch consultant. When asked to go into the protection service, he’d refused to go into hiding. Instead, he figures if he can use himself as bait maybe they can finally catch this monster that’s taken so many lives. What he didn’t expect is to develop feelings for this officer that’s come to plead her case to him or to feel protective of her when danger comes knocking on her door. Does he dare to dream of a “normal” life?

When Hannah returns all these years later to the park, will coming face to face with the man that murdered her friend finally do what years of therapy and soul searching hadn’t been able to do? When the man realizes she can ID him, will he succeed in killing her too when given multiple chances to do so? Can Trevor help to keep Hannah alive and out of the grip of the man determined to drown her just like he did her friend? Is it possible that this man is also a serial killer? When the RMK is spotted on the island, can the team keep Trevor safe? Despite their individual past, can Hannah and Trevor learn to respect and trust each other as a matter of survival? Regardless of their past ventures into romance, can those initial feelings develop into something more? Will either of them live long enough to find out?

TRACING A KILLER is a magnificent written suspense filled story that will have you quickly turning pages, feeling the anxiety and fear as danger lurks and searching alongside the whole Mountain Country K-9 team in order to flush out the evil that lurks close by. Sharon Dunn delivers an amazing addition to the series while making sure it can be read as a standalone book. She laces the story with a faith thread that makes the story all the more enjoyable including things like hope, forgiveness, finding closure and love. TRACING A KILLER is positively a FIVE STAR read that I highly recommend to anyone and everyone!

I receive a copy of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#TracingAKiller #MountainCountryK9Unit #SharonDunn #LoveInspiredSuspense #InspirationalRomance

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hannah Scott was truly honored to be invited to join the Mountain Country K-9 Unit along with her Newfoundland named Captain. She's been waiting for a chance to prove herself and thinks she's found it when she's tasked with convincing the final target of the Rocky Mountain Killer, Trevor Gage, to move into a safe house before he can be killed like all the other targets. He's proven resistant to all previous attempts, but the team is hoping that an in-person appeal might do the trick. She never expected the first incident in the assignment to be coming face to face with the man who killed her best friend when she was ten years old.

Trevor has always vaguely felt like he didn't deserve to have a wife and family or to be happy since his three friends were killed ten years ago by the Rocky Mountain Killer, allegedly because of a cruel prank played on his date to a dance - a date that wasn't actually a prank to him, no matter what anyone else has said. For that reason, he's not keen to hide himself away; he'd rather be bait in a trap to put the killer away for good, particularly now that three more men are dead. His first encounter with Hannah is when he comes upon a man trying to drown her. His role in helping Captain rescue her leaves her with a chip on her shoulder when it comes to him. And yet, as they work together to track both murderers without either of them being killed themselves, they start feeling drawn to each other. But will Hannah be able to look past that old story about the dance to see that Trevor isn't who he's been painted to be? And will Trevor ever feel free to look forward to a future of his own even if his friends can't?

I enjoyed this story mostly because it focused heavily upon the Rocky Mountain Killer plotline that has been pretty weak in some of the middle stories. On the other hand, I didn't feel a whole lot of chemistry between Trevor and Hannah. Unlike the couples in the three earlier books in the series I've found and read, I didn't get the feeling that they would have ended up together had they not met in these particular circumstances. Rocco was already interested in Sadie when he started protecting her from the arsonist, Selena and Finn were a couple when they were younger, and Ian and Meadow were drawn to each other back when they worked an undercover case. I felt like the danger they ended up in together just gave those three couples the final push they needed to admit their feelings to each other.

Still, it was an enjoyable read. It had quite a few typos in it and left me still wanting to get my foot in the door to be a test reader to catch things like that. Any interest, Love Inspired or Love Inspired Suspense editors? ;)

[Glenda Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Tracing a Killer. This is book seven in the continuity series Mountain Country K-9 Unit. I've really enjoyed this series. One of the reasons is because it has been written by some of my favorite authors. Sharon's work is awesome and I know you are going to love this story.

Utah Highway Patrol Officer Hannah Scott and K-9 Captain has been sent to the island where Antelope State Park was to convince Trevor Gage to agree to go to a safehouse. He was the most likely the next victim of the Rocky Mountain Killer, or RMK. She was sent by Mountain Country K-9 Unit Task Force. She automatically turned off the road to the place that had changed her life. Her best friend had been murdered right here. As she gazed at the area, a man in a boat landed the boat. He was dressed in a park service uniform and was picking up trash. As he approached a wave of terror engulfed her. She knew this man! He recognized her! He attacked her

Trevor Gage heard the barking of a dog and ran to the edge of the shore. He saw a man in uniform bending in the waist-deep water. What was he doing? Why was the dog so upset? A woman's head bobbed to the surface. He was trying to drowned her. Trevor yell at him to stop. The man's head shot up and then he ran to the nearby boat and started the motor. He grabbed the woman pulling her into deeper water. The woman shouted something and the dog took off.

So began a terrifying journey to stay a head of the man who killed her friend and the RMK trying to kill Trevor. God has a plan for these two, A plan for hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. A good plan for peace and not for harm. Give Him your heart and watch change your life even in this time of political unrest.

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

All K-9 Officer Hannah Scott has to do is convince Trevor Gage to go into hiding so he can be safe. A killer is out there, and the next target is believed to be Trevor. But it's Trevor that ends up having to come to her aid when he's needed to stop an attempt on Hannah's life! It seems they both need each other. Trevor's life stopped when his friends were brutally murdered and he believed he was the motivation. Hannah's life has been on pause ever since her best friend was killed while she was only steps away. Both Trevor and Hannah need to solve these cases, stay alive, and try to keep from falling in love with each other in the process. Simple enough, right?!

This story is wonderful! BOTH Hannah and Trevor's lives have been on pause after loss of loved ones. They feel guilty, and they can't move on until those responsible are put away. So much time has passed between the murders. What is the chance they can solve them? And if they can't?

I like the chemistry that was starting to develop within the story. It wasn't out in front but a bit more in the background, but I liked it all the same. I am always first a romance reader and then the other genres, so for me... I would have loved more romance trickled in, but even as is, it was a great story.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book, a review was not required. This review is all my own opinion.

[Rosemarie Grainer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed with 2 killers on the hunt

Hannah and her K-9 Captain return to the place of her nightmare to find Trevor, who is the last person in the sights of the RMK. But she falls victim to the man who created her nightmare during her childhood, who then immediately tries to kill her. Now they both are in the sights of a killer! Can they both stay safe and yet try to track down both killers? This is an action packed story with both of them trying to evade killers.

The pace is fast and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character and action oriented storyline that has a few kisses but no steam. The characters are vibrant and engaging. The Christian ideals are woven into the story. You definitely need to read this series in order, so that you can follow the overarching storyline. Enjoy!

[Carolyn Frazier · Rating 5 out of 5]

When assigned to protect Trevor Gage from a serial killer, Mountain Country K-9 officer Hannah Scott must return to the site of her childhood friend's murder. Hannah becomes the next target of her friend's murderer, meaning there is now twice the danger on this remote island.

Filled with nonstop action and unpredictable peril, this book will grab you at the start and keep you in its grip to the very end. I became immersed in the story and could not put it down. I was on the edge of my seat wondering where, when, and how the next attack would occur.

This book is part of a continuity series and although it can be read alone, in my opinion, it is better when read in the series. I highly recommend Tracing a Killer as an intriguing, inspirational read.

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast-paced suspense begins with page one and doesn't let up! Book 7 in this series continues the hunt for the Rocky Mountain Killer. K-9 Officer Hannah Scott intends to meet up with Trevor Gage to convince him to accept protection but instead finds herself in the crosshairs! Years ago, Hannah's best friend was drowned and the suspect never caught - now he has Hannah in his sights. As she works not one but two cases, can she and Trevor work together despite their differences? Will the whole team be able to stop Hannah's killer and solve the Rocky Mountain Killer case as well? You'll be captivated by this thriller

[Kathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are slowly getting closer to solving the mystery of the RMK. Who is the murderer? (I think I know...)

From the back cover:
"A K-9 team in the crosshairs—and seeking justice.

While tasked with protecting Trevor Gage from a serial killer, K-9 officer Hannah Scott inadvertently puts a second cold case murderer on their trail. The man who drowned Hannah’s childhood friend is back—and he wants to make Hannah his next victim. Guarding Trevor becomes a survival mission once they both become the target of ruthless criminals. On a remote island with only each other to rely on, there’s nowhere to run. And with twice the deadly traps, any misstep could prove fatal."

[Tara Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow!! Ms. Dunn grabbed my attention from the very beginning of the story!! K-9 officer Hannah Scott and her K-9 are attacked on the beach, while looking for Trevor Gage. With a man from Hannah's past and the serial killer after Trevor no where is safe. This book is exciting, intense, action packed, heart stopping suspense with twists and turns and the mystery of who the bad guys are. A roller coaster of a ride!! Ms. Dunn knows how to bring the characters to life. I felt Hannah and Trevor's pain from their past. K-9 Captain totally stole my heart!! A must read!! I couldn't put it down!! I was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tracing a Killer is an action packed suspense story. Utah highway-patrol officer Hannah Scott and her K-9 partner Captain are part of a task force formed to catch a serial killer they call the Rocky Mountain Killer. They need to prevent Trevor Gage from becoming the next victim. Unexpectedly, Hannah discovers the man who drowned her childhood friend. So now there are two killers who need to be caught. I enjoyed this book and the members of the task force. I only wish that the book hadn't ended without the job being completely resolved.

[Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

The storyline was pretty good but I found myself sooo frustrated as the people who should know better just kept taking stupid, reckless chances and didn’t take reasonable precautions. (How many times did the killer try to drown her?! You’d think she’d learn the first time!) They were completely inept and that really bothered me. This story doesn’t fully conclude either. One of the killers isn’t captured at the end. There were also a lot of glaring grammatical and spelling errors that were distracting. Not her best work. I’d pass on this one.

[Teresa Pollock · Rating 5 out of 5]

One bad guy down one to go....

Sharon Dunn did an amazing job of intrigue, suspense, danger, murder, finding puppies, and team work in this book.
I highly recommend this book and this series. They are all awesome stand alone books that mesh together so very well. Looking forward to the next book in the series. Ya'll get this book and the others you will not be disappointed.

[Elaine Applebury · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are still searching for the RMK and Trevor Gage is one of the last targets. Hannah Scott is a K-9 officer trying to talk Trevor into going into a safe house. Hannah’s past comes back to haunt her as the man that drowned her friend when she was 10 finds her and is now after her. Hannah and Trevor team up to try to keep each other safe.

[𝕸𝖎𝖈𝖍𝖆𝖊𝖑 𝕮.]

DNFed @ 64% on audiobook.
Gosh this book is so stupid, redundant, boring, and I actually can’t even stay in the story because of all that.
These suspense books are just so dumb. Homeboy wanting to help the chick cop but the police force won’t let him, they keep getting chased every other chapter but miraculously escape, and a bunch of NOTHING happens. Romance? WHERE?
Im done; bye.

[Teresa Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received a signed copy from the author. This is one of my favorite genres to read and I love reading about k-9 unit dogs! This one not only had one but two killers that needed to be found. Plenty of suspense and a happy ending!

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the Mountain Country K-9 Unit series. I loved the characters. They made me care about the story. The pacing was perfect and kept me turning the pages to see what happened next. I highly recommend this book.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well done

I love the teamwork in this series and getting to know each of the members. This was a really fast paced story and I enjoyed the mystery in the story as they are working overall to end the RMI mystery.

[Harlequin Books]

Inspirational Suspense, Wholesome Romance, Animal Fiction, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Mountain Country K-9 Unit (Book #7)

[Harlequin Books]

Inspirational Suspense, Wholesome Romance, Animal Fiction, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Mountain Country K-9 Unit (Book #7)

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read

[Sheri Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read! The chemistry between the two main characters was very believable but I am a little bummed that only one of the mysteries was solved.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still slogging through to find out who done it.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not great. Very little faith in a faith-based series. The officers kept making stupid mistakes, and the dogs were very background and didn’t do much.

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another exciting book in this series!