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Jessica Anderson K-9 Mystery #10
Critical Traces
A land use war puts Jessie, her dogs, and her SAR group in the middle of murder. More details coming closer to publication date.
The story of a woman and her beloved SAR dogs who push their every limit to save the guilty and the innocent. 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 (and no ghost writers)--never. All original D. L. Keur.
The story of a woman and her beloved SAR dogs who push their every limit to save the guilty and the innocent. 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 (and no ghost writers)--never. All original D. L. Keur.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2024
263 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
D.L. Keur
23 books60 followersABOUT 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
March 7, 2025
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. :)
November 30, 2024
Every book in the Jessica Anderson K-9 Mysteries series is unique and awesome, and Critical Traces is a perfect example of what is wonderful, intense, heart touching, and sometimes terrifying about this series.
Jessica and Landon's rare day off turns from romance for the newlyweds to heartbreak for their small community as someone begin a war on those who want to enjoy the bounty of nature. It is difficult for this couple and those they work with to wrap their minds around the fact that it may be local people behind the atr0cities committed against their own. Every search and rescue as well as every trip into the beauty of the parks becomes life-threatening.
The couple's new marriage feels the strain as Jessica and Landon's philosophical differences lead them to respond differently to this situation as they learn to live with one another. The stress they face, and their extremely strong character make it difficult to resolve a situation in which each feels the need to a stand.
As much as I love the books, it is the relationship between Jessica and her dogs that takes it over the top!
Jessica and Landon's rare day off turns from romance for the newlyweds to heartbreak for their small community as someone begin a war on those who want to enjoy the bounty of nature. It is difficult for this couple and those they work with to wrap their minds around the fact that it may be local people behind the atr0cities committed against their own. Every search and rescue as well as every trip into the beauty of the parks becomes life-threatening.
The couple's new marriage feels the strain as Jessica and Landon's philosophical differences lead them to respond differently to this situation as they learn to live with one another. The stress they face, and their extremely strong character make it difficult to resolve a situation in which each feels the need to a stand.
As much as I love the books, it is the relationship between Jessica and her dogs that takes it over the top!
December 7, 2024
Great read.
Another great read. Always a good story with mysteries to solve. So many in this book. They are finally solved.
Another great read. Always a good story with mysteries to solve. So many in this book. They are finally solved.
December 1, 2024
A more realistic look at the characters in this series
This book is quite different from her other books. I like them all. I see the difference in this one as more realistic in that it shows that they, too, have difficulties together, instead of being always a happy, sometimes rather sappy, perfect couple. The story has quite a bit of violence, which I hadn’t seen in other books of hers. Our world is becoming more violent itself, sadly, so that adds to the more realistic story. However, I enjoyed this book as much as all the others. I recommend reading this series as much in order as possible because you need the background her characters have together In the past.
This book is quite different from her other books. I like them all. I see the difference in this one as more realistic in that it shows that they, too, have difficulties together, instead of being always a happy, sometimes rather sappy, perfect couple. The story has quite a bit of violence, which I hadn’t seen in other books of hers. Our world is becoming more violent itself, sadly, so that adds to the more realistic story. However, I enjoyed this book as much as all the others. I recommend reading this series as much in order as possible because you need the background her characters have together In the past.
November 8, 2025
Too much immaturity, diva behavior, and unprofessionalism
I thought the series had hit an upswing since I’d never much cared for the MCs but liked the crime stories and loved the dogs. It had gotten a bit better and I thought we were on an upward trajectory but this was the worst one yet. Too bad because so much time was spent on their personal drama that the seriousness of the crime story got glossed over. It could have made for a fantastic story.
**spoilers ahead!!**
I can’t believe that Landon’s three undersheriffs didn’t ream him nor stage a mutiny. Selfish jerk. And I can’t believe that Jessie didn’t a) quit the sheriff’s department and b) move back home. Landon is a child and even when he finally realized his part in the whole problem still didn’t fully admit his fault. Jessie was a brat too but she did nothing out of the character she’s been since the beginning and behave exactly in line with what she warned Landon about when he wanted to marry her. I don’t necessarily agree with her actions but she wasn’t as out of bounds or as unprofessional as he was. The MCs went from lovey dovey to merely co-existing to what appears to be a state of detente. I’m not sure I’m interested in them anymore. And man I feel bad for the dogs who have to put up with their crap.
I thought the series had hit an upswing since I’d never much cared for the MCs but liked the crime stories and loved the dogs. It had gotten a bit better and I thought we were on an upward trajectory but this was the worst one yet. Too bad because so much time was spent on their personal drama that the seriousness of the crime story got glossed over. It could have made for a fantastic story.
**spoilers ahead!!**
I can’t believe that Landon’s three undersheriffs didn’t ream him nor stage a mutiny. Selfish jerk. And I can’t believe that Jessie didn’t a) quit the sheriff’s department and b) move back home. Landon is a child and even when he finally realized his part in the whole problem still didn’t fully admit his fault. Jessie was a brat too but she did nothing out of the character she’s been since the beginning and behave exactly in line with what she warned Landon about when he wanted to marry her. I don’t necessarily agree with her actions but she wasn’t as out of bounds or as unprofessional as he was. The MCs went from lovey dovey to merely co-existing to what appears to be a state of detente. I’m not sure I’m interested in them anymore. And man I feel bad for the dogs who have to put up with their crap.
February 16, 2025
Like dogs? Check. Like horses? Check. Like mysteries? Check. Like The Great Outdoors? Check.
Let's see. All the boxes are checked, so I can easily recommend "Critical Traces" if your boxes are checked as well. Or if only a couple. Definitely dogs and mysteries should be in your genre likes.
This is the continuing story (might I say saga?) of Jessica Anderson, her amazing tracking dogs, her grumpy husband, and the people who populate the Bitterroot Mountains of Idaho. One of the main things that impress me about this series is the ability of D.L. Keur to find such a great variety of criminals inhabiting the Bitterroots so that Jessica's dogs are always needed. As readers, we get the pleasure of learning how SARs (Search and Rescue) dogs are used in a wide variety of situations beyond finding the lost hikers bumbling about in the wilderness.
I have really enjoyed reading every book in this series. I look forward to the promised #11 and #12.
Let's see. All the boxes are checked, so I can easily recommend "Critical Traces" if your boxes are checked as well. Or if only a couple. Definitely dogs and mysteries should be in your genre likes.
This is the continuing story (might I say saga?) of Jessica Anderson, her amazing tracking dogs, her grumpy husband, and the people who populate the Bitterroot Mountains of Idaho. One of the main things that impress me about this series is the ability of D.L. Keur to find such a great variety of criminals inhabiting the Bitterroots so that Jessica's dogs are always needed. As readers, we get the pleasure of learning how SARs (Search and Rescue) dogs are used in a wide variety of situations beyond finding the lost hikers bumbling about in the wilderness.
I have really enjoyed reading every book in this series. I look forward to the promised #11 and #12.
November 29, 2024
Jessica and Landon have first huge fight over lying
Landon and Jessica are in a war with local terrorist. The kind that think they are right and that they can kill to make their point. But it causes friction in their marriage because To get Landon off her back she lies to him. The one thing he can’t handle. He withdraws and turns to his work , hunting down the men and women who have killed in his county. Jessica tries to reach him but buries her pain by working harder also.
This is such a moving story that entails heartbreak as well as great action. Hope everybody reads it.
Landon and Jessica are in a war with local terrorist. The kind that think they are right and that they can kill to make their point. But it causes friction in their marriage because To get Landon off her back she lies to him. The one thing he can’t handle. He withdraws and turns to his work , hunting down the men and women who have killed in his county. Jessica tries to reach him but buries her pain by working harder also.
This is such a moving story that entails heartbreak as well as great action. Hope everybody reads it.
January 11, 2025
Another great adventure!
Book 10 is action packed from the beginning. D.L. Keur has the ability to make each and every character really be a part of the whole story. The descriptions all throughout this book, bring it to life in your mind as you are reading her words. It's suspenseful, but seems so real. Took me 2 days to read it because I started it in the evening. I read until I felt asleep holding the book! Keep up the great work, please? I know I can count on this wonderful author to give us a good story without profanity and sex. Love all of the dogs! Each has just as much personality as the humans in her words. Thanks for another book for my collection.
Book 10 is action packed from the beginning. D.L. Keur has the ability to make each and every character really be a part of the whole story. The descriptions all throughout this book, bring it to life in your mind as you are reading her words. It's suspenseful, but seems so real. Took me 2 days to read it because I started it in the evening. I read until I felt asleep holding the book! Keep up the great work, please? I know I can count on this wonderful author to give us a good story without profanity and sex. Love all of the dogs! Each has just as much personality as the humans in her words. Thanks for another book for my collection.
March 14, 2025
5 for story line
This series is a wonderful read, full of twists and turns and brings to light how much SAR and their ‘wonder dogs’ as a team. I nd, however, that the story was choppy. Not using complete sentences. Foe me personally I would have enjoyed the story to be smoother.
That being said, I have thoroughly enjoyed every novel in this series. The characters are well developed and honorable. The dogs, of course (and horses) have their own personalities and are totally devoted to there humans.
I highly recommend this series, particularly to those who love animals, clean reading, and honor.
This series is a wonderful read, full of twists and turns and brings to light how much SAR and their ‘wonder dogs’ as a team. I nd, however, that the story was choppy. Not using complete sentences. Foe me personally I would have enjoyed the story to be smoother.
That being said, I have thoroughly enjoyed every novel in this series. The characters are well developed and honorable. The dogs, of course (and horses) have their own personalities and are totally devoted to there humans.
I highly recommend this series, particularly to those who love animals, clean reading, and honor.
December 4, 2024
A fantastic story and series
This was an intense, complex, and suspenseful story that will hook you from beginning to end. There's a threat in the county causing a number of issues, up to and including murder. It's up to Landon, Jessie, and the rest of their outstanding Police and SAR units to figure it out before more people get hurt. It's certainly not a story that you'll want to miss!!
I can't wait for more of this awesome series!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
This was an intense, complex, and suspenseful story that will hook you from beginning to end. There's a threat in the county causing a number of issues, up to and including murder. It's up to Landon, Jessie, and the rest of their outstanding Police and SAR units to figure it out before more people get hurt. It's certainly not a story that you'll want to miss!!
I can't wait for more of this awesome series!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
December 4, 2024
Jessica Anderson K-9 Mysteries #10
Just finished this frightening journey of how the locals revolted when certain rules were reversed in the mountain hiking guide. It became evil with the responses of walkers groups. Feeling they had the upper hand many innocent nature lovers were harmed while trying to enjoy the wonders of the mountains. I look forward to #11 in Jessica's series. Each has bee a terrific story and I have enjoyed reading Keur's laziest tales of the dogs and favorite characters.
Just finished this frightening journey of how the locals revolted when certain rules were reversed in the mountain hiking guide. It became evil with the responses of walkers groups. Feeling they had the upper hand many innocent nature lovers were harmed while trying to enjoy the wonders of the mountains. I look forward to #11 in Jessica's series. Each has bee a terrific story and I have enjoyed reading Keur's laziest tales of the dogs and favorite characters.
December 8, 2024
Best Book of Series So Far
I love this series. Not sure if I have written a review yet, but maybe one. I am entrenched in every story, and adore the characters from Jess to Landon to Sol to Oli, the family and extended families of policemen and SAR. I’m a huge fan of the dogs …… Acer, Queenie, Oso, Milo, Brita, Sumi, Mitch, and little Duchess, one of my very favorites.
I cannot stop reading these and as soon as I begin one, I end up binge reading, so cannot wait to finish it. The sign of a good book. I would give every book a 5 out of 5.
I love this series. Not sure if I have written a review yet, but maybe one. I am entrenched in every story, and adore the characters from Jess to Landon to Sol to Oli, the family and extended families of policemen and SAR. I’m a huge fan of the dogs …… Acer, Queenie, Oso, Milo, Brita, Sumi, Mitch, and little Duchess, one of my very favorites.
I cannot stop reading these and as soon as I begin one, I end up binge reading, so cannot wait to finish it. The sign of a good book. I would give every book a 5 out of 5.
December 24, 2024
I have been very ill for too long
These characters have stayed with me. Even when too ill to read. I hoped there would be more written. Thank you. The wait has been extraordinarily long & I may never be able to be. Well again. But this book too is worth every bit. This author was writes with power and depth.with heart & intelligence.
I believe her own pulse can be detected in these characters. Don't miss out on a single word. Read from the first word in the first book, and count yourself the better for it.
These characters have stayed with me. Even when too ill to read. I hoped there would be more written. Thank you. The wait has been extraordinarily long & I may never be able to be. Well again. But this book too is worth every bit. This author was writes with power and depth.with heart & intelligence.
I believe her own pulse can be detected in these characters. Don't miss out on a single word. Read from the first word in the first book, and count yourself the better for it.
December 28, 2024
Loved it as always
Dogs, horses, Idaho, and people of all sorts. Love, laughter, tragedy (both physical and mental), and intricate plots make this series an incredible read.
Training the service dogs in various life journeys is fascinating. Jesse's rapport with her pack (canine and human) is fabulous. Those who follow the law are forced to make tough decisions to bring the law breakers to their just desserts and the series does a great job with that. Highly, highly recommend and hope for many, many more in the series.
Dogs, horses, Idaho, and people of all sorts. Love, laughter, tragedy (both physical and mental), and intricate plots make this series an incredible read.
Training the service dogs in various life journeys is fascinating. Jesse's rapport with her pack (canine and human) is fabulous. Those who follow the law are forced to make tough decisions to bring the law breakers to their just desserts and the series does a great job with that. Highly, highly recommend and hope for many, many more in the series.
January 15, 2025
Suspense and action packed.
I love this series. The characters are real, complicated, and interesting. The plot of this book reflected the conflict s we are having in our mountains today. As a backpacker, hiker, cyclist, and amateur dig agility competitor, I could identify with all sides. It was terrifying to think that passion for our great outdoors could turn so violent. Love the SAR, working dog, and police. Well researched. A well told story. Just wish we could get the next book faster.
I love this series. The characters are real, complicated, and interesting. The plot of this book reflected the conflict s we are having in our mountains today. As a backpacker, hiker, cyclist, and amateur dig agility competitor, I could identify with all sides. It was terrifying to think that passion for our great outdoors could turn so violent. Love the SAR, working dog, and police. Well researched. A well told story. Just wish we could get the next book faster.
January 5, 2025
An excellent installment
I knocked this down a star--half a star if I could do that--because the last (thrilling!) battle was lacking a bit of explanation. Or maybe I just missed something. It was a very exciting book with a tremendous amount of action, pathos, and misunderstandings among some of the characters. I greatly enjoyed it and appreciate the work that went into writing it. I absolutely love this series and I will definitely read the next one in the series.
I knocked this down a star--half a star if I could do that--because the last (thrilling!) battle was lacking a bit of explanation. Or maybe I just missed something. It was a very exciting book with a tremendous amount of action, pathos, and misunderstandings among some of the characters. I greatly enjoyed it and appreciate the work that went into writing it. I absolutely love this series and I will definitely read the next one in the series.
January 15, 2025
The most amazing series.
I absolutely loved this book series. I still can't believe that I binged read books 1 to 10. Jessica Anderson and Sherrif Reid epitomized everything I hold dear--my love of nature,my 5 cats and 1 dog, the U.S. constitution, Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and our life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. I highly recommend this series to understand more about SAR trainings and rescues and the no-kill animal shelters.
I absolutely loved this book series. I still can't believe that I binged read books 1 to 10. Jessica Anderson and Sherrif Reid epitomized everything I hold dear--my love of nature,my 5 cats and 1 dog, the U.S. constitution, Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and our life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. I highly recommend this series to understand more about SAR trainings and rescues and the no-kill animal shelters.
February 27, 2025
Jessie and Landon, the dogs and domestic terrorists
This book is as riveting as all of her previous books. It took awhile to realize the enormity and organization behind domestic terrorists and the deadly links they would go to keep the trails from being used by others. As injuries and deaths pile up, Jess and Landon hit a major snag in their marriage...serious enough to make them question their vows.
Like all of her books, this one calls us in to be part of their lives.
This book is as riveting as all of her previous books. It took awhile to realize the enormity and organization behind domestic terrorists and the deadly links they would go to keep the trails from being used by others. As injuries and deaths pile up, Jess and Landon hit a major snag in their marriage...serious enough to make them question their vows.
Like all of her books, this one calls us in to be part of their lives.
March 24, 2025
love this series!
Since this is book ten, I obviously love this series! The characters are strong and the plots exciting. The reason for “only” a 4 rating is the large number of errors in the writing. Most of these are missing words, especially conjunctions . I proofread for another author and know these last few books have not been thoroughly line edited. Please take the time to reread or have someone else edit for mistakes-they are distracting.
Since this is book ten, I obviously love this series! The characters are strong and the plots exciting. The reason for “only” a 4 rating is the large number of errors in the writing. Most of these are missing words, especially conjunctions . I proofread for another author and know these last few books have not been thoroughly line edited. Please take the time to reread or have someone else edit for mistakes-they are distracting.
May 22, 2025
As usual. All my reviews are emotional, including this one.
1. At first, I read this book for the dogs and the SAR operation and investigative procedural. They’re excellent.
2. Then, I read it for the MMC. A competent law officer. A rarity in fiction, especially in books where the romance is a subplot.
3. The FMC is unlikeable. Extremely. Up to the point that from book seven, I started to skim and eventually skip her POV.
That being said, I’m still looking forward to the next book.
1. At first, I read this book for the dogs and the SAR operation and investigative procedural. They’re excellent.
2. Then, I read it for the MMC. A competent law officer. A rarity in fiction, especially in books where the romance is a subplot.
3. The FMC is unlikeable. Extremely. Up to the point that from book seven, I started to skim and eventually skip her POV.
That being said, I’m still looking forward to the next book.
November 29, 2024
Great read
This whole series has sucked me in. I love that the heroine is so very protective of her animals. It is a true testament to the bond between search and rescue handlers and their animals. There are great organizations in the real world who do this job season after season.
This whole series has sucked me in. I love that the heroine is so very protective of her animals. It is a true testament to the bond between search and rescue handlers and their animals. There are great organizations in the real world who do this job season after season.
November 30, 2024
loved this book. they get better all the time
Love the action in this book and the way Jessie and Landon try to make their marriage work while working together. The explanation of the law is one of my favorite parts of these books. It was so good and I loved the end. It made me cry!
Love the action in this book and the way Jessie and Landon try to make their marriage work while working together. The explanation of the law is one of my favorite parts of these books. It was so good and I loved the end. It made me cry!
November 30, 2024
I really love this series. It has very enjoyable characters with some unique qualities, and great dogs who are strong, smart, devoted, and well-trained. I also enjoy the setting. This book has some difficult (for me) parts. I was really worried about the marriage there for a while. I look forward to the next book!
November 30, 2024
One of the best series
This series is one that I love every book. If you love dogs and marvel at their intelligence and loyalty, these books are for you. My only complaint would be trying to keep every incident in this storyline clear and concise.
I appreciate the humor, interactions of the main characters.
Excellent work!
This series is one that I love every book. If you love dogs and marvel at their intelligence and loyalty, these books are for you. My only complaint would be trying to keep every incident in this storyline clear and concise.
I appreciate the humor, interactions of the main characters.
Excellent work!
December 3, 2024
More Please
Wow, just Wow! I really hope this is not the last Jessica Anderson K-9 Mystery. I have loved each and every one of them. The SAR incidents are amazing to read and very realistic. The human aspect of the characters is heartwarming and leaves you feeling like you know them. An excellent read and I really am hoping for more.
Wow, just Wow! I really hope this is not the last Jessica Anderson K-9 Mystery. I have loved each and every one of them. The SAR incidents are amazing to read and very realistic. The human aspect of the characters is heartwarming and leaves you feeling like you know them. An excellent read and I really am hoping for more.
December 3, 2024
I have enjoyed and even loved every one of the Jessica K-9 mysteries. "Good D.L. Keur, Good and best writer, good K-9 books." Lots of action, and tension between Jessica and her hubby. I'd like to have Tom on my side too. I hope the next book has them listening to each other better. :) Keep up the good work, you have a lot of good books just waiting to come out in this series. Thank you!
December 3, 2024
Undeclared War
Intense story of ecoterrorism has the Bitterroot pitting ideals against use and perceived abuse. London's commitment to his duty and scruples are strained with the agony and horror. Although it is fascinating read be prepared that it is frought with death and dying. No dogs die.
Intense story of ecoterrorism has the Bitterroot pitting ideals against use and perceived abuse. London's commitment to his duty and scruples are strained with the agony and horror. Although it is fascinating read be prepared that it is frought with death and dying. No dogs die.
December 4, 2024
it doesn’t disappoint
As the tenth book in this series, it was just as good if not better, than the nine before it. I love the dogs and the characters are distinct in their very different personalities. The values, though, are the same. The importance of family, the rule of law, justice and honor. I am glad that this book is not the last in the series.
As the tenth book in this series, it was just as good if not better, than the nine before it. I love the dogs and the characters are distinct in their very different personalities. The values, though, are the same. The importance of family, the rule of law, justice and honor. I am glad that this book is not the last in the series.
December 5, 2024
Characters to Care About
Another great book added to this series. I’m surprised by how much I care about a happy life for Jessie and Landon, two people dedicated to helping others. I don’t usually have an emotional response to characters in a book but this series has really grabbed hold of me. Can’t wait for Book #11 to come out.
Another great book added to this series. I’m surprised by how much I care about a happy life for Jessie and Landon, two people dedicated to helping others. I don’t usually have an emotional response to characters in a book but this series has really grabbed hold of me. Can’t wait for Book #11 to come out.
December 9, 2024
Critical Traces
There a lot of unneeded violence in this world caused by those seeking power, fame and fortune. No matter who you are be kind and do what's right, no just what you want. Have patience and compassion and most of all work through it and forgive even if you can't forget. Great story by a very smart lady.
There a lot of unneeded violence in this world caused by those seeking power, fame and fortune. No matter who you are be kind and do what's right, no just what you want. Have patience and compassion and most of all work through it and forgive even if you can't forget. Great story by a very smart lady.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews