Night Trouble

King & Midnight K-9 Mysteries #1

by D.L. Keur

Mike “Midnight” Murphy has two goals in life—find his wife’s killers and let his retired bomb dog live out his days in peace. Wounded in war, terminated from Austin P.D., Mike returns home to Mogollon County, Arizona, and lands himself a job …with the local sheriff’s office. He’s back on the inside. He’s back on the hunt.

CLEAN, SAFE READING - No profanity, no gore, no sex, and NO DOGS DIE!No AI, no ghostwriters, guaranteed. All original D. L. KeurComing Soon from Night Trouble in AUDIOBOOK FORMAT, NARRATED BY MASTER NARRATOR LISA BAARNS of Red Baarns Audio EDITORIAL REVIEWFor me to stay up turning pages is rare. This story moves and keeps moving. It got under my skin. There is an attention to small things, an attention to details that takes you right into the scene as if you're there, yet the story never drags, or at least it didn't for me, despite only having one dog instead of lots like the author's other series. And what a dog! This boy is a good, smart dog, smarter than his person. I really was hooked all the way through. Highly recommend.-Larry Hubbard, beta reader

Genres: Mystery, Procedural

557 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 24, 2024

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Pam Bales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I give it 6 stars or more?
Love the Jessica Anderson series so figured I'd at least like King and Midnight. Well, like doesn't begin to cover it. Characters - excellent as always, setting - spot on, - and then there's the plot. Great, great ideas, and then a totally awesome cliffhanger. It's hard enough to wait for the next Jessica book, but now I have to wait to see what happens to King and Midnight. Highly recommend!!!!
Pre-ordered so received it early Sunday morning. Started right away and didn't really put it down until I finished it Monday early evening.

[Beattie McGill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend!

Page turner for sure! Great story line and character development. Enjoyed the K-9 King ….he really added to the story.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0-3.5 stars. 🤔 Hmmm. Main character Mike Murphy here is an odd duck. Still not sure what to think about this book. Right off the bat, the sentence structure was unusual at times throughout. I'm not familiar with this author, so maybe it's just her style.Then there was the story, a mystery, that I assumed would be a suspenseful read. Not at all. There was an existing case not resolved, but the focus was on establishing Mike's relationships with his new employer, the sheriff's office and its employees. There's also Mike's few awkward attempts with reconnecting with his parents after being discharged from the military. Didn't care for Mike's unemotional distance with his 2 yr old son or the author leaving out the reasons for that. Mike has more emotions for a young boy he finds hiding at the crime scene than his own son. What gives with that? I did like the dog, but I'm a pushover for pets, that was an easy sell. This is a lengthy story, and by the end, I wasn't sure the case was actually solved, handed off to the FBI or whether there were parts that will be continued in book 2.


I just wanted more from this story. It was like reading the cliff notes. Yet there are so many rave reviews for this book. 🤷‍♀️ Maybe it was just me? There's a hook at the end to draw readers to book 2. I'm curious where the heck this new series is headed but not sure if I'll be on board or not.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of this author's "Jessica Anderson" series, so it was a "no brainer" for me to pick up her new series beginning with "Night Trouble." I am happy to say that this book is a great beginning to what promises to be another terrific series. YAY! ;)

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keur brings us some new, interesting characters. At the top of the list are Mike Murphy (wounded veteran, main character) and his (retired bomb-sniffing) dog. Murphy brings his dog to his home town (Mogollon County, Arizona) to take on a job in the Sheriff's dept and hunt for his wife's killer. Murphy doesn't have much patience for procedures and rules. The sheriff himself initially comes across as a sort of good-old-boy, easy going, kind of lax, but readers (and Murphy) learn that there is much more to him than this. There is also a receptionist (sorry, read it a week or so ago & have forgotten names) who is an annoying-as-hell, nit-picking, stick-to-the-rules pain in Murphy's butt; the antagonism goes both ways. And yet . . . There is more to this character & the working relationship between the two, as they get to know each other. And these are only some of the characters. None of them, not even the bad guys, are the cardboard cut-outs that some authors rely on.

Keur also subtly, & occasionally directly, addresses gender and race issues in this one, something I really value in a novel, regardless of genre.

This is a great read. Enjoy!

[Marva · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always a treat to start a new series and get engrossed in the first few pages. I always think, "Oh, boy! How many are in this series. I got to line them up now so I won't miss any."

D.L. Keur hits another sweet spot in her terrific books about super dogs (just regular dogs, but they're all super, right?) and their handlers. In this series, the wounded in both body and mind, has kept his bomb dog when mustered out of the service due to injuries. Mike, nicknamed Midnight, and his wonderful friend, King, join the Sheriff's Department in a rural county. Surprised, Mike finds himself hired as the Chief Officer. His creds are just too good to pass up.

Mike is not exactly social, so much of his time is spent finding his place with the diverse group in the Sheriff's office. A special pain in his side is the female Deputy Corporal, Rayne, who pretty much hates Mike at first sight. We, the readers, find out why she bears animosity toward the new Chief. Slowly, Rayne finds that Mike isn't so bad after all. The reasons why she dislikes the man and how she finds her pre-conceptions are not what Mike is all about.

This first book ends on a satisfying note that will make you as enthusiastic as I am for book 2, book 3, book 4...well, you get the idea.

If the general concept of the book interests you, the execution of the character building, crime solving as Mike gets his balance in this new environment for him. And you can't help but love King. Keur assures us the dog does not die, so we can rest easy on that count while following the clues leading to Mike, King, and Rayne solve the big crime.

Highly recommended. Now, where's that next book?

[Micheal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like story’s about SPEC-OP’s and Tier one Operators as law enforcement officers and detectives! I also love stories about dogs… so this series was very intriguing to me.

Mike “Midnight” Murphy ex-elite sniper turned EOD Bomb squad, ordinance disposal where he is matched up with “King” the Giant German Shepherd trained to sniff out explosives. Both are injured in service and “King” winds up with a prosthetic paw that clicks when he walks. Midnight and King are retired from service. Midnight vows to take care of King for the rest of his days because King saved his life.

The storyline is very good, we know Mike loses his wife Hannah (not sure exactly how yet) the character’s and their backstories are imaginative, authentic and their flaws are very apparent!

Then I came to realize The D L stood for Dawn Lisette… how could she write such a good book in a genre that is dominated by good ole boys, combat veterans and ex-SEALS. She brings a poignant side to Mike and his relationship with King and his struggle to fit in with society and his family!

I like how she presents the investigation as a process and she walks you through the progression. There are plenty of open stories and questions for future installments.

I am very happy this book came up in suggested books, I enjoyed reading it very much and look forward to the rest of the series!

[Rainbow Unicorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐. Easy. I hardly ever give 4 or higher. I have literally just binged through another of D.L. Keur series, and I was worried going into this series that I would be disappointed, i.e. too similar or crossing over or characters or such like, I am happy to say I worried needlessly. I could not put this book down!

[Debbie Westerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

As always. Really enjoyed this book. Characters are well developed and interesting. The story kept me guessing. And it has a smart dog. Need I say more.

[Connie P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good start to a new series.

I wasn't sure I would like this new series when I started reading, but as I got into it, it got harder and harder to stop reading. I like the main character, actually the team of Mike and King. Mike is smart, thorough, quiet, and deeply understanding of people and why they are like they are and why they do what they do. He has empathy and compassion. But he's also so closed off from himself that, as he says, he can't even feel his own heart beat. He's still in deep pain over the death of his wife. And King is a former war dog who had been injured. Because of an arrogant lieutenant, King now walks on three legs and a prosthesis. Mike has promised that he will protect and care for King for the rest of his life. I liked the other characters we're introduced to. The sheriff and the other deputies. This is where we come to know who they are and how they will appear in the future and, so far, they're characters I'd like to get to know better. In this first book, their priority is finding out why four of their own people were murdered when they were serving a warrant and the building was blown up. It's now Mike's job to lead them all to the answers. I'm hoping we get to read a second book in this series really soon.

[PepperP0t · Rating 4 out of 5]

This foundation has widowed vet Mike ‘Midnight’ Murphy and his retired K9 vet, King, joining the local sheriff’s office in small town Arizona. Mike pursued the position to try to get answers for his wife’s murder. The opening was due to the deaths of four deputies killed during an explosion at a large area employer. This layered case was Mike’s first assignment and for him it started with a bang as a bomb was delivered to the sheriff’s office and only King’s warning was able to save their new team.

I liked but didn’t love this foundation tale, the pacing was an issue for this reader but the quality and skill of the read were definitely up to par. There were plenty of suspects for the pool and maybe too many offshoots but a good thing as it gave Mike more dimension. Comparisons to this author’s popular Jessica Anderson series will no doubt be made and quickly dismissed for obvious differences. The twist at the end promises to add yet another layer to this quiet man’s life.
Rating: 3.75stars

[Barbara Daniels Dena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly written

This author was recommended to me by a dear friend. Now, I pass the same on to other readers looking for a page turner a bit different from the cookie cutter norm. Although I listened to the audio as well as accessed the book along the way, I was pleasantly surprised at the plot and characters in this book, Night Trouble, the first in the King & Midnight K-9 Mystery Series. King, the dog in this book is not a main character, but steals many scenes as the storyline unfolds and would please any dog lover. The novel is well written with perfectly portrayed personality traits and/or flaws in each actor. There are power struggles and conflicts aplenty to satisfy any reader who enjoys the grumble and mumble just waiting to read about the final event that breaks open a festering wound. An intriguing read with a whopper of a cliffhanger at the book's conclusion. Easy 5 star recommendation.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent new series!

This new series by D L Keur brings more interesting situations and truly inspirational characters. A small town in Arizona hires a Deputy Sheriff to replace one lost in a tragic explosion. For an ex-combat veteran, returning to his hometown and taking over the reins in a workplace grieving their shocking loss is difficult and sometimes dangerous. Avoiding the social landmines is impossible where emotional undercurrents are unpredictable.
It is so refreshing to see honest portrayals of people. They are not perfect, but each character comes alive and we really recognize them. Their internal dialogues are revealing and thought-provoking.
I couldn't stop turning the pages in this series' debut novel and I look forward to the future exploits of the King and Midnight team.

[Mary Rowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

another engrossing, well-wrought stunner

The titles for D. L. Keur’s books are so plain - giving away nothing of the richness and depth of the writing contained therein.

A bereaved widower resumes life in his inherited home, legacy left by his grandfather, to be a deputy chief for the county. His parents have custody of his young son.

Surmounting jealousy and distrust among the rank and file under his command, he steps up to determine the who, what and why of a Semtex blast that killed four deputies just prior to his tenure.

I look forward to more tales of courage, dogged determination and steadfast adherence to a strict moral code - and finally, to discover who killed his wife.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engrossing intro to a new series

I had read several of this author’s other K9 centered series and upon finding this one figured I’d give it a try. I am so glad I did. Mike, the human MC along with his explosives detecting dog King are complex and intriguing characters. I was immediately hooked on Mike’s story and then on the crime story in this book. The secondary characters add to the depth and help propel the storyline. There are places that the story arc slows but for the most part it moves at a good pace. The mystery here is solved though I had a big question (no spoilers) that was not resolved. The book ends on quite a cliffhanger so I am anxious to jump into book two.

[Sandra Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a great start to a new series

This book is a suspenseful delight. A man whose wife has been murdered that is still unsolved. A new job as a chief deputy in a department that has just lost 4 deputies in what looks like a planned bombing ambush. King, a retired K9 with a prosthetic limb steals the scenes (as well he should). A complicated crime within a crime within a crime. An ending that ties up the crime, but an ending leaving the door open to a huge situation.

Her books are always page turners. This one I read in one sitting. Treat yourself to this book. I've learned that I read her books twice.

[Linda Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midnight and King, military names for now civilian and new Chief Deputy of Mongollon S.O.

Mike and his four legged partner King were now working in the rim country as newly posted Chief Deputy of the Sheriff’s office. Trying to figure just what the Sheriff really wanted from him. He had the right background and military train but even though he had the best schooling,he had only Eighteen months of active service. But it was now his job and he loved this area where he had been raised. He was going to do the best he could and he jumped in head first. Great reading, action, and murders.

[eggiecom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Instantly captivating.

I lose myself in books often. It's why I read. It's rare, however, to become captivated within the first page or two. The protagonist is masterfully written and quickly achieved reality in my mind, as did his dog. The story has sharp edges and moments that brought tears to my eyes. This is a rare combination. The cherry on top was that the conclusion was a complete surprise.

As I write this there are three books in the series. I will be disappointed if it ends there, but frustrated if I have to wait for the fourth book. This one ended in a cliffhanger. Waiting will be hard to take.

[janis louthis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m glad to see another series by this author!

This is the first book I read that has her own name as author. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to more like it. It was of extra interest to me since I’m from Arizona and the Mogollon Rim is partly in the county where the town I grew up in is located. It’s too bad that her book didn’t include more descriptions of the incredible beauty of the Mogollon Rim. The hero in this book is Apache and I went to school with many Apache kids. Her description of the man seems pretty accurate. I have read many of her other books and I certainly enjoy her style.

[Bonnie A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent

Very well-written. Interesting characters who are well-rounded instead of stock cardboard cutouts, interchangeable with so many others in similar books. Murphy, Rankin, Powers, and the other deputies are very distinctive. I figured out who the villain was after they were introduced, but before that, I thoroughly enjoyed following the investigation and its twists and turns. As the next book in the series doesn't come out for a while, I'm going to check out her other books.

[Jo Eddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to a new series

This book had me engaged from the beginning. Love the characters Dawn has brought to life and so looking forward to where she is taking us from here. The end was a huge and unpleasant surprise. Given the lack of respect so many of our governments show our veterans, active duty members and first responders (both paid and volunteers) it would not surprise me if this did not happen all too frequently (and to me it happening once is once too often)! Now the long wait to see what happens next.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadows in the Night

I initially got this title because of the cover. It's got a dog—a German Shepherd, no less—and it's all dark and moody. So I was dragged in willingly, no kicking or screaming necessary.

Yep, well worth the read. Imperfect characters, an engaging story, a dog, a main character with his own agenda and the ability and determination to bring it about...one day.

And still there are plenty of threads in the background to intrigue us to want to read more. Well worth the time to avail yourself of this tome.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story by Keur

I love the Jessica Anderson k-9 mysteries by Ms Keur. I picked up King and Midnight this morning when it was available and just finished it less than 12 hours later. I could not stop reading it and already look forward to more on King and Midnight. Ms. Keur writes engaging characters and twisty mysteries that are a pure pleasure to read. Pick one up and dive into a great story

[Amor Moffat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to a new series

As an avid fan of the Jessica Anderson book series by DL Keur
I was thrilled to learn about her new series featuring King and Midnight.
With interesting, sometimes quirky new characters the plot was a good blend of solid mystery and character development which left me wanting to know more of what lies ahead for the main characters and especially King, another of Keurs' awesome dog characters!

[Sheila Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

I enjoyed reading this story. I picked it because it had a dog as one of the characters. We are dog lovers ( black lab and Anatolian Shepard) . This was a good story because it revolved around one character, who is flawed by his wife's death. But in this story he reaches outside of himself to work with the other policemen in his shop to solve a crime. I'm not sure I like the ending but we will see when I read book 2.
S Jones

[Mary Matroni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good start for a new series

Good introduction to the characters - most interesting and promising for future books. Always enjoy book with a working dog as one of the characters. Book ends with so many open options including Mike’s status at the sheriff’s office, his relationship with Sheriff Hank, his relationship with his son and his parents, what exactly does the military want with him, and how will he and King survive if separated. Can’t wait to read more.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THIS STORY

A veteran and his dog who is also a veteran come to Arizona. Both were released from duty for medical reasons. They get hired to work as Chief Deputy for a small community.
They are diligent and work hard to solve a crime within a crime within a crime. Due to their insight significant progress is made. He also brings the staff to a place where their skills are maximized.
Interesting and well written.
It closes with a cliffhanger.

[Nancy Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read

This book has lots of twists and turns. I’m not normally thrilled by trying to follow more than one storyline. But this was delightful. The story centers on “the new guy” in a small police department. Besides having to cope with fitting in, there’s a murder case to be investigated and several other issues keep popping up. Are the cases related or not? It’s 548 pages and I read it in two days! Couldn’t put it down. Read it — bet you’ll love it.

[Gail Storm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

I enjoyed reading this book because it is interesting ,grabbed my interest after reading one page! The characters are believable ,and the story very believable. I was even excited to have found this book,it was so just plain awesome,so very well written! I have read hundreds of books in my lifetime, this one stands out! I would recommend this book to everyone who enjoys reading a well written story and a good story,exceptionally good!

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hate waiting!

I pushed this book around as to whether or not I would read it. I love the Jessica Anderson series and this is equal to that. I enjoyed every word. I love Murphy and all his rules. I like that the sheriff wants his whole team to get along. Not sure I like Rayne much but I love the story up until the end; ugh the wait for the next book. Thanks for sharing you storytelling with me!