What do you think?
Rate this book
A Chicago K-9 Thriller #2
The Second Grave
The discovery of two graves digs up past crimes and a dangerous killer trying to erase their tracks in this fast-paced K-9 thriller series set in Chicago.
Another day another find for dog trainer Cory Pratt's cadaver dogs Alice and Rex. This time a mass grave with three bodies and a second single grave over three decades old. A cold case that Cory's sibling and Chicago Police detective Crystal has to solve fast as the killer of the four men is still out there.
While the identities of the men are determined one by one, the bodies are linked to an infamous crime which remains unsolved to this day. And with the killer trying to cover their tracks, other dangerous and lethal individuals start getting involved . . .
Figuring out what happened all those years ago while trying to minimise the current body count, Cory, Crystal and the dogs are hot on the heels of the killer. But their involvement puts them right on their list and in more danger than they bargained for.
Another day another find for dog trainer Cory Pratt's cadaver dogs Alice and Rex. This time a mass grave with three bodies and a second single grave over three decades old. A cold case that Cory's sibling and Chicago Police detective Crystal has to solve fast as the killer of the four men is still out there.
While the identities of the men are determined one by one, the bodies are linked to an infamous crime which remains unsolved to this day. And with the killer trying to cover their tracks, other dangerous and lethal individuals start getting involved . . .
Figuring out what happened all those years ago while trying to minimise the current body count, Cory, Crystal and the dogs are hot on the heels of the killer. But their involvement puts them right on their list and in more danger than they bargained for.
- GenresThriller
215 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2025
9 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Jeffrey B. Burton
23 books341 followersJeff's mystery/thriller, THE BOY IN THE WALL, comes out March 4, 2026. THE SECOND GRAVE came out in 2025 and THE DEAD YEARS came out in 2024 (all from Severn House).
Novels in Jeff's Mace Reid K-9 mystery series include THE FINDERS, THE KEEPERS, and THE LOST (St. Martin's Press, Minotaur).
Novels in Jeff's Agent Drew Cady mystery series include: THE CHESSMAN, THE LYNCHPIN, and THE EULOGIST. His short stories have appeared in dozens of magazines.
Born in Long Beach, California, Jeff grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota. He received his BA in Journalism at the University of Minnesota. He is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and the Horror Writers Association. He lives in St. Paul with his wife, and a goofball of a Beagle named Milo.
Novels in Jeff's Mace Reid K-9 mystery series include THE FINDERS, THE KEEPERS, and THE LOST (St. Martin's Press, Minotaur).
Novels in Jeff's Agent Drew Cady mystery series include: THE CHESSMAN, THE LYNCHPIN, and THE EULOGIST. His short stories have appeared in dozens of magazines.
Born in Long Beach, California, Jeff grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota. He received his BA in Journalism at the University of Minnesota. He is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and the Horror Writers Association. He lives in St. Paul with his wife, and a goofball of a Beagle named Milo.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 2, 2025
Coming across this book first, I was surprised to find that Burton had a new series. As a big fan of his Mace Reid K9 series, I was definitely going to be checking this new series out. The series is very similar to the Mace Reid series and MC, Cory Pratt, actually reminds me of a young Mace Reid. Like Reid’s cadaver dogs who are very much a part of the series, Cory has two cadaver dogs that are also integral to the investigations and storylines. Just another working doggie detective series, which I love.
The book summary lays out the primary storyline so I’m not going to repeat any of that here. What the book summary doesn’t mention is the storyline around Cory and his uncertainty of what he wants to do with his life. While he still runs his dog training workshops, he is also going to school for computer programming and development. However, he is having second thoughts about whether or not that is what he wants to do. Cory is young (24) and that is what college is for; figuring out what you like and don’t like.
The story flips back and forth between the present day and 1994 with most of the story revolving around the investigation of identifying the four bodies that Cory’s dogs Alice (Bloodhound) and Rex (Springer Spaniel) found in two different gravesites. It’s revealed pretty early in the story that the four victims were probably four of the bank robbers from a 1994 heist. In the process of learning more about the victims, Cory and his sister, Crystal, a Chicago detective, find themselves as targets from the fifth robber and suspected killer of the other four.
The ending got really scary and intense and I’m always worried for the doggies in these kinds of stories. However, Jeffrey Burton is an author that knows better than to kill off any of his doggie MC’s and the dogs in his stories are MC’s. This is one of the reasons I love his stories.
The continuing development of Crystal and Cory and the doggies was pretty good as well as the development of the four victims. The pacing for this short story was steady to fast and the storyline was kind of interesting too. I, of course, really enjoyed the parts where Alice and Rex were successful in finding the dead bodies in the story. The writing was good and on par with Burton’s style. I’m really liking this new Burton series and will definitely continue with it as long as Burton does. I’m looking at a solid rating of four for a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley and Severn House for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #Severn House #TheSecondGrave
The book summary lays out the primary storyline so I’m not going to repeat any of that here. What the book summary doesn’t mention is the storyline around Cory and his uncertainty of what he wants to do with his life. While he still runs his dog training workshops, he is also going to school for computer programming and development. However, he is having second thoughts about whether or not that is what he wants to do. Cory is young (24) and that is what college is for; figuring out what you like and don’t like.
The story flips back and forth between the present day and 1994 with most of the story revolving around the investigation of identifying the four bodies that Cory’s dogs Alice (Bloodhound) and Rex (Springer Spaniel) found in two different gravesites. It’s revealed pretty early in the story that the four victims were probably four of the bank robbers from a 1994 heist. In the process of learning more about the victims, Cory and his sister, Crystal, a Chicago detective, find themselves as targets from the fifth robber and suspected killer of the other four.
The ending got really scary and intense and I’m always worried for the doggies in these kinds of stories. However, Jeffrey Burton is an author that knows better than to kill off any of his doggie MC’s and the dogs in his stories are MC’s. This is one of the reasons I love his stories.
The continuing development of Crystal and Cory and the doggies was pretty good as well as the development of the four victims. The pacing for this short story was steady to fast and the storyline was kind of interesting too. I, of course, really enjoyed the parts where Alice and Rex were successful in finding the dead bodies in the story. The writing was good and on par with Burton’s style. I’m really liking this new Burton series and will definitely continue with it as long as Burton does. I’m looking at a solid rating of four for a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley and Severn House for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #Severn House #TheSecondGrave
February 4, 2025
4.5 stars.
The Second Grave by Jeffrey B. Burton is an engrossing mystery.
Cory Pratt and his cadaver dogs Alice and Rex are called out to search for a missing man in a local state park. While at the scene, Alice and Rex alert to what appears to be to grave sites in the forest. When skeletal remains are unearthed, information quickly points to a thirty-year-old unsolved crime. As the remains are identified, Cory’s sister, Chicago PD Detective Crystal Pratt, works with other detectives to find their killer.
Cory is burned out from his dog training business so he is currently attending college. He is uncertain whether he is on the right educational path. While not involved in the case, Cory is interested by the unfolding mystery surrounding his dogs’ discovery in the forest.
Crystal and retired parole officer Chuck Sims are instrumental in uncovering the identity of one of the victims. A second victim is quickly identified and soon someone is doing everything, including murder, to ensure the investigation does not lead to them.
The Second Grave is a fast-paced and compelling mystery. Cory and Crystal are fantastic characters and their relationship is quite close. The unfolding investigation is intriguing with a few unexpected twists. The storyline is engaging with chapters alternating between events in the present and 1994. With plenty of action, Jeffrey B. Burton brings this exciting second installment in the A Chicago K-9 Thriller series to an adrenaline-filled conclusion.
The Second Grave by Jeffrey B. Burton is an engrossing mystery.
Cory Pratt and his cadaver dogs Alice and Rex are called out to search for a missing man in a local state park. While at the scene, Alice and Rex alert to what appears to be to grave sites in the forest. When skeletal remains are unearthed, information quickly points to a thirty-year-old unsolved crime. As the remains are identified, Cory’s sister, Chicago PD Detective Crystal Pratt, works with other detectives to find their killer.
Cory is burned out from his dog training business so he is currently attending college. He is uncertain whether he is on the right educational path. While not involved in the case, Cory is interested by the unfolding mystery surrounding his dogs’ discovery in the forest.
Crystal and retired parole officer Chuck Sims are instrumental in uncovering the identity of one of the victims. A second victim is quickly identified and soon someone is doing everything, including murder, to ensure the investigation does not lead to them.
The Second Grave is a fast-paced and compelling mystery. Cory and Crystal are fantastic characters and their relationship is quite close. The unfolding investigation is intriguing with a few unexpected twists. The storyline is engaging with chapters alternating between events in the present and 1994. With plenty of action, Jeffrey B. Burton brings this exciting second installment in the A Chicago K-9 Thriller series to an adrenaline-filled conclusion.
February 7, 2025
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Thrillers / Suspense
*Rating* 3.0
*Thoughts*
The Second Grave is the Second installment in author Jeffrey B. Burton's A Chicago K-9 Thriller series. 24-year-old Cory Pratt runs a canine training academy where he trains dogs. Cory and his cadaver dogs, Alice and Rex, are called out to search for a missing man in a local state park. While at the scene, Alice and Rex are alerted to what appears to be grave sites in the forest. When skeletal remains are unearthed, information quickly points to an unsolved crime. As the remains are identified, Cory’s sister, Detective Chicago PD Crystal Pratt, a Violent Crimes investigator, works with other detectives to find their killer.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Thrillers / Suspense
*Rating* 3.0
*Thoughts*
The Second Grave is the Second installment in author Jeffrey B. Burton's A Chicago K-9 Thriller series. 24-year-old Cory Pratt runs a canine training academy where he trains dogs. Cory and his cadaver dogs, Alice and Rex, are called out to search for a missing man in a local state park. While at the scene, Alice and Rex are alerted to what appears to be grave sites in the forest. When skeletal remains are unearthed, information quickly points to an unsolved crime. As the remains are identified, Cory’s sister, Detective Chicago PD Crystal Pratt, a Violent Crimes investigator, works with other detectives to find their killer.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
April 19, 2025
Read time 6 hours.
This is the second book in the Chicago K9 series. Canine trainer Cory and his CPD detective sister Crystal are back and get involved with a cold case decades old when Cory’s cadaver dogs get a hit on one, and then two graves. Interesting how the Mafia is portrayed and how they are connected but not involved in the original crime.
Several twists in the book made me confused as I tried to figure out who all the players were. The ending showed promise as it was open-ended and I am hoping that Jeffrey Burton has a third book in this series under way.
This is the second book in the Chicago K9 series. Canine trainer Cory and his CPD detective sister Crystal are back and get involved with a cold case decades old when Cory’s cadaver dogs get a hit on one, and then two graves. Interesting how the Mafia is portrayed and how they are connected but not involved in the original crime.
Several twists in the book made me confused as I tried to figure out who all the players were. The ending showed promise as it was open-ended and I am hoping that Jeffrey Burton has a third book in this series under way.
March 27, 2025
I loved this book! The author's last series was great, and I think this one's even better. Great characters, great concept, and exciting story! Can't wait for the next book!
August 4, 2025
Twists and turns.
It all started with a wellness check. The kind, friendly, elderly woman hadn't been seen in a few days and Cory, along with Alice and Rex, is called in to check out the woman's house. She's not there, so Cory decides to check out the forest behind her house, just to make sure. He does find her body and she'd definitely been murdered. It comes as a big surprise when Alice and Rex indicate they've found another gravesite not too far away from her body. It's an even bigger surprise when they indicate a second grave. From then on, the story goes backwards by 30 years and a bank robbery that went down to the tune of 4 million dollars. At first I wasn't sure I liked the switch back and forth between 1994 and the current time, but it drew me in and I found the backstory very interesting, especially the development between Tom and Connor and how these two good people became involved in a bank robbery. I did enjoy this book and if there's a third book, I'll definitely be reading it.
It all started with a wellness check. The kind, friendly, elderly woman hadn't been seen in a few days and Cory, along with Alice and Rex, is called in to check out the woman's house. She's not there, so Cory decides to check out the forest behind her house, just to make sure. He does find her body and she'd definitely been murdered. It comes as a big surprise when Alice and Rex indicate they've found another gravesite not too far away from her body. It's an even bigger surprise when they indicate a second grave. From then on, the story goes backwards by 30 years and a bank robbery that went down to the tune of 4 million dollars. At first I wasn't sure I liked the switch back and forth between 1994 and the current time, but it drew me in and I found the backstory very interesting, especially the development between Tom and Connor and how these two good people became involved in a bank robbery. I did enjoy this book and if there's a third book, I'll definitely be reading it.
December 21, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
I'm a fan of this author's Mace Reid series and thought I'd give this series a second try. I didn't like the first book and I'm sorry to say this one wasn't much better. It didn't hold my attention, and there was too much repetition in the "past" chapters of a dual timeline story. I like the idea of the brother-sister duo solving crimes but Cory seems very immature and Crystal, for being a detective, seems to be a lone wolf with no police team to back her up. I found myself skimming too much and probably won't read more of this series.
I'm a fan of this author's Mace Reid series and thought I'd give this series a second try. I didn't like the first book and I'm sorry to say this one wasn't much better. It didn't hold my attention, and there was too much repetition in the "past" chapters of a dual timeline story. I like the idea of the brother-sister duo solving crimes but Cory seems very immature and Crystal, for being a detective, seems to be a lone wolf with no police team to back her up. I found myself skimming too much and probably won't read more of this series.
October 27, 2025
This is the second book in the k9 series and I enjoyed it as much as the first.
February 2, 2025
As a big fan of Burton's Mace Reid K9 series, I was annoyed with myself for not noticing he has a new series until book 2 is about to come out! Cory Pratt and his cadaver dogs Alice and Rex are in the woods to find a sick, elderly man who wandered off but, instead, they find two old graves. Cory's sister Crystal, a Chicago Police detective, is assigned to the case and helps make a connection between the bodies and an infamous, unsolved crime from the 90's. The killer is keeping tabs on the case and making sure nobody connects them to the old crime or the murders, even if it means adding to the body count. Burton has crafted another thriller with likeable, interesting characters, smart dogs, and a strong plot that hooked me immediately and kept my interest through to the end. This is the second book in the "Chicago K-9" series but easily read as a standalone.
April 19, 2025
Couldn't put id down-loved it
January 19, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This is the second in the series but it didnt seem to matter, with back story not being too important. The primary plot here is a 30 year old unsolved bank heist that ended in a mass gave- 3 bodies in one and another body in the other. The graves are discovered while searching the woods for a missing sr citizen. The story switches back and forth between the events leading up to and immediately following the heist, with current day police work to solve the case.
Honestly , I marked DNF at the 40% mark. Below are my challenges with this story;
* We didn’t spend enough time with the MC Cory Pratt and his dogs. That’s the whole hook- cadaver dogs, right? Its almost like this was spin off series- and the MC is only a cameo.?? Cory 20 something lives with his older sister Crystal, a police offer. Their parents died when Cory was in HS, so his sister moved back home. Cory goes to community college to study computers, and Crystal obsesses about police work. In his spare time he uses his trained dogs to help the police find human remains. Perhaps this is where reading the first book would have been helpful- maybe the character development was covered then. In this edition, their characters were only thinly developed , and I never really got a sense of who they were, enough to care about them.
* The two timelines as a plot device didn’t work-The story spends way too much time in the past, and it really slowed the story down. What happened is never as exciting as real peril NOW.
* I had a hard time keeping track of all the baddies. One of them was the nephew of a mafia boss with numerous “associates” ( so adding more baddies to keep/lose track of). We also have numerous scenes with the various police officers and agencies ( more names to keep track) and plotting criminals. The big mystery of the story is who was the puppet master. Im sure he/she was revealed via clues, but the characters were a muddled mess.
All in all, I normally love this authors writing, I rated his Mace Reid stories 4 and 5 ⭐️ but this story just didn’t work for me. I wont be reading more of this series.
This is the second in the series but it didnt seem to matter, with back story not being too important. The primary plot here is a 30 year old unsolved bank heist that ended in a mass gave- 3 bodies in one and another body in the other. The graves are discovered while searching the woods for a missing sr citizen. The story switches back and forth between the events leading up to and immediately following the heist, with current day police work to solve the case.
Honestly , I marked DNF at the 40% mark. Below are my challenges with this story;
* We didn’t spend enough time with the MC Cory Pratt and his dogs. That’s the whole hook- cadaver dogs, right? Its almost like this was spin off series- and the MC is only a cameo.?? Cory 20 something lives with his older sister Crystal, a police offer. Their parents died when Cory was in HS, so his sister moved back home. Cory goes to community college to study computers, and Crystal obsesses about police work. In his spare time he uses his trained dogs to help the police find human remains. Perhaps this is where reading the first book would have been helpful- maybe the character development was covered then. In this edition, their characters were only thinly developed , and I never really got a sense of who they were, enough to care about them.
* The two timelines as a plot device didn’t work-The story spends way too much time in the past, and it really slowed the story down. What happened is never as exciting as real peril NOW.
* I had a hard time keeping track of all the baddies. One of them was the nephew of a mafia boss with numerous “associates” ( so adding more baddies to keep/lose track of). We also have numerous scenes with the various police officers and agencies ( more names to keep track) and plotting criminals. The big mystery of the story is who was the puppet master. Im sure he/she was revealed via clues, but the characters were a muddled mess.
All in all, I normally love this authors writing, I rated his Mace Reid stories 4 and 5 ⭐️ but this story just didn’t work for me. I wont be reading more of this series.
April 10, 2025
I have loved the two thrillers in the Chicago K-9 series. Hope for many more.
December 4, 2024
A dangerous secret buried for 30 years deep in a forest
Corey Pratt and his human remains detection (HRD) dogs are searching for an elderly gentleman lost in a large state park. While hunting for the lost senior, Corey’s K-9 companions Alice and Rex alert to 2 separate spots in the forest. They have found the graves of 4 people murdered 30 years ago. Crystal Pratt is a Chicago PD detective and Corey’s sister. She takes the case as one of the bodies is that of a missing Chicago native.
The bodies tie into an unsolved high-profile crime. The killer wants it to remain that way and will go to great lengths to stay hidden. As the brother and sister get closer to the truth so is the killer getting closer to them. Add a Chicago mob connection and the excitement and danger build. Now it is a race against time for them to finish the case before it finishes them!
This is the second in the Chicago K-9 series and I love the dynamic between the siblings. Their parents died in a car accident and now they share their parent’s house. Corey is a young man in his early twenties still figuring out what he wants to do. He is taking college computer courses but is well-suited to HRD work and owns a dog training academy. Adorably, he thinks of his dogs as goofballs, except when they are working. When working they are all business. He has an endearing addiction to junk food and a habit of stumbling over dead bodies.
Flips back and forth between the present day and the events leading to the crime in 1994. It is fast-paced and twisty-turny to keep you on the edge of your seat! Recommend for readers who like the author’s Mace Reid K-9 mysteries, Sara Driscoll’s FBI K-9 series, or Alex Kava’s Ryder Creed series.
Thanks to Severn House for access to a digital advance review copy on NetGalley.
Corey Pratt and his human remains detection (HRD) dogs are searching for an elderly gentleman lost in a large state park. While hunting for the lost senior, Corey’s K-9 companions Alice and Rex alert to 2 separate spots in the forest. They have found the graves of 4 people murdered 30 years ago. Crystal Pratt is a Chicago PD detective and Corey’s sister. She takes the case as one of the bodies is that of a missing Chicago native.
The bodies tie into an unsolved high-profile crime. The killer wants it to remain that way and will go to great lengths to stay hidden. As the brother and sister get closer to the truth so is the killer getting closer to them. Add a Chicago mob connection and the excitement and danger build. Now it is a race against time for them to finish the case before it finishes them!
This is the second in the Chicago K-9 series and I love the dynamic between the siblings. Their parents died in a car accident and now they share their parent’s house. Corey is a young man in his early twenties still figuring out what he wants to do. He is taking college computer courses but is well-suited to HRD work and owns a dog training academy. Adorably, he thinks of his dogs as goofballs, except when they are working. When working they are all business. He has an endearing addiction to junk food and a habit of stumbling over dead bodies.
Flips back and forth between the present day and the events leading to the crime in 1994. It is fast-paced and twisty-turny to keep you on the edge of your seat! Recommend for readers who like the author’s Mace Reid K-9 mysteries, Sara Driscoll’s FBI K-9 series, or Alex Kava’s Ryder Creed series.
Thanks to Severn House for access to a digital advance review copy on NetGalley.
February 2, 2025
Jeffrey B. Burton's "The Second Grave" is a gripping addition to the mystery genre. I missed the first book in the Chicago K-9 Thriller series, but I had no difficulty jumping into the story as the books are written as standalone plots. the author seamlessly blends intriguing characters with a well-crafted plot that kept me thoroughly engaged. The narrative revolves around the complexities of crime and the profound nuances of the human experience.
One of the standout aspects of Burton's writing is his accessible yet deeply engaging style, which allows for a smooth and immersive reading experience. His ability to create vivid and evocative settings, combined with his talent for developing multi-dimensional characters, is brilliant. The protagonists of the story, with their unique quirks and relatable struggles, serve as a solid anchor for the narrative. I thoroughly enjoyed Crystal and Cory as individual characters as well as their sibling relationship.
The novel’s pacing is particularly effective, featuring a well-balanced mix of action sequences and reflective moments that expertly build tension. The mystery unfolds at a satisfying pace, revealing carefully placed clues and unexpected twists that consistently kept me engaged. Burton’s plotting showcases his skill at intertwining various storylines in a cohesive and compelling manner, resulting in a very satisfying story.
Jeffrey B. Burton has again demonstrated his knack for crafting thoughtful and entertaining police-procedural mysteries. Overall, I found "The Second Grave" to be a standout and engaging read.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at
www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
One of the standout aspects of Burton's writing is his accessible yet deeply engaging style, which allows for a smooth and immersive reading experience. His ability to create vivid and evocative settings, combined with his talent for developing multi-dimensional characters, is brilliant. The protagonists of the story, with their unique quirks and relatable struggles, serve as a solid anchor for the narrative. I thoroughly enjoyed Crystal and Cory as individual characters as well as their sibling relationship.
The novel’s pacing is particularly effective, featuring a well-balanced mix of action sequences and reflective moments that expertly build tension. The mystery unfolds at a satisfying pace, revealing carefully placed clues and unexpected twists that consistently kept me engaged. Burton’s plotting showcases his skill at intertwining various storylines in a cohesive and compelling manner, resulting in a very satisfying story.
Jeffrey B. Burton has again demonstrated his knack for crafting thoughtful and entertaining police-procedural mysteries. Overall, I found "The Second Grave" to be a standout and engaging read.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at
www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
November 10, 2024
In Jeffrey Burton's second book in the Chicago K9 Thriller series, The Second Grave, Cory Pratt's cadaver dogs, Alice and Rex, are called out on what should be a routine find-a-missing-elder who wandered into the woods, at night, in the cold. The dogs should have no problem tracking him, and in fact, they don't. What they also find are two more graves with four bodies, all three decades old. Cory is excellent with working dogs, but he's young, in school to learn IT, and still finding his way in life. His sister Chrystal, though, has a passion for this sort of cold case. She manages to see connections others might have missed, despite that the bodies have no ID and little to indicate who they are or why they were buried in the middle of a forest. Are they related? Or is this coincidence? One clue leads to another until it seems all were involved in a long unsolved bank robbery with unproven connections to organized crime. Though it is a cold case, the killer doesn't seem to know that because as soon as the graves are opened, s/he begins to attempt to cover his/her tracks.
This is a good story with unique characters and a sense of humor to keep the murders and threats from getting too dark. It is told as a dual timeline, from Cory and Crystal's present day and the events leading up to the three decades old murder. I enjoyed it, though some plot spots left me scratching my head. I think --IMHO--the author took a few too many liberties with the privileges of writing fiction and mixing the timelines for me to get completely lost in the book although with dogs, detectives, funny guy for a character, I really wanted to. I give this a shaky4/5, but probably won't pick up Book 3 in the series.
This is a good story with unique characters and a sense of humor to keep the murders and threats from getting too dark. It is told as a dual timeline, from Cory and Crystal's present day and the events leading up to the three decades old murder. I enjoyed it, though some plot spots left me scratching my head. I think --IMHO--the author took a few too many liberties with the privileges of writing fiction and mixing the timelines for me to get completely lost in the book although with dogs, detectives, funny guy for a character, I really wanted to. I give this a shaky4/5, but probably won't pick up Book 3 in the series.
December 20, 2024
I am not sure I have read any books where the K9 team was more than a passing mention despite reading a lot of police procedurals so this was a nice change. Although they are not really a K9 unit, more cadaver/human detection dogs that occasionally help out the police. It is also the second in the series but I did not find I was missing any context by skipping the first book.
We start off with a simple search for an elderly man who wandered away from his family lunch but while calling in that find, Cory's dogs start alerting to the ground and they are rarely wrong. Then they find a second grave site too. The bodies have been missing for decades and someone will kill to keep the secrets that died with them.
It becomes even more complicated when one of them turns out to be the nephew of the head of the Chiacgo crime family. Only his side of the family are supposed to be on the straight and narrow, so how did he end up in a long hidden grave with two ex cons?
This one is hard to do without some minor spoilers but I am happy that the dogs and Cory survive all that is thrown at them and the "mastermind" gets what they deserve. The families finally get some closure on their decades old missing persons cases too.
A decent read if a little repetitive in places as it tells the story from multiple points of view. The person behind the deaths reveals themselves well before the end, so less of a mystery and more if they will get away with it. Plus how many people they will harm trying to keep their secret buried.
Thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for the copy for review.
We start off with a simple search for an elderly man who wandered away from his family lunch but while calling in that find, Cory's dogs start alerting to the ground and they are rarely wrong. Then they find a second grave site too. The bodies have been missing for decades and someone will kill to keep the secrets that died with them.
It becomes even more complicated when one of them turns out to be the nephew of the head of the Chiacgo crime family. Only his side of the family are supposed to be on the straight and narrow, so how did he end up in a long hidden grave with two ex cons?
This one is hard to do without some minor spoilers but I am happy that the dogs and Cory survive all that is thrown at them and the "mastermind" gets what they deserve. The families finally get some closure on their decades old missing persons cases too.
A decent read if a little repetitive in places as it tells the story from multiple points of view. The person behind the deaths reveals themselves well before the end, so less of a mystery and more if they will get away with it. Plus how many people they will harm trying to keep their secret buried.
Thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for the copy for review.
February 11, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
In "The Second Grave" by Jeffrey B. Burton, the reader is once again plunged into the gritty world of Chicago, where dog trainer Cory Pratt and her cadaver dogs, Alice and Rex, unearth more than just buried bones. This time, it's a mass grave, a chilling echo of past crimes, and a single, older grave that whispers of a cold case.
Burton's strength lies in his ability to weave a complex narrative and the plot is a masterclass in suspense, skillfully balancing the present-day investigation with the lingering shadows of a decades-old crime. As Cory and her sister, Detective Crystal, delve deeper into the mystery, the stakes rise, and the danger becomes increasingly palpable.
What sets "The Second Grave" apart is the seamless integration of the K-9 element. Alice and Rex integral characters, their unique skills and instincts playing a crucial role in unraveling the truth. The bond between Cory and her dogs is palpable, adding an emotional layer to the story that resonates deeply.
Burton's writing is crisp and engaging, his descriptions painting a vivid picture of the urban landscape and the dark secrets it holds. The pacing is relentless, with clever twists and turns. But beneath the thrilling surface lies a deeper exploration of themes like justice, family, and the enduring power of the past.
"The Second Grave" is a must-read for fans of crime thrillers and K-9 mysteries. It's a gripping tale (tail, ha) that is a testament to Burton's skill as a storyteller and his understanding of the enduring appeal of our canine best friends.
In "The Second Grave" by Jeffrey B. Burton, the reader is once again plunged into the gritty world of Chicago, where dog trainer Cory Pratt and her cadaver dogs, Alice and Rex, unearth more than just buried bones. This time, it's a mass grave, a chilling echo of past crimes, and a single, older grave that whispers of a cold case.
Burton's strength lies in his ability to weave a complex narrative and the plot is a masterclass in suspense, skillfully balancing the present-day investigation with the lingering shadows of a decades-old crime. As Cory and her sister, Detective Crystal, delve deeper into the mystery, the stakes rise, and the danger becomes increasingly palpable.
What sets "The Second Grave" apart is the seamless integration of the K-9 element. Alice and Rex integral characters, their unique skills and instincts playing a crucial role in unraveling the truth. The bond between Cory and her dogs is palpable, adding an emotional layer to the story that resonates deeply.
Burton's writing is crisp and engaging, his descriptions painting a vivid picture of the urban landscape and the dark secrets it holds. The pacing is relentless, with clever twists and turns. But beneath the thrilling surface lies a deeper exploration of themes like justice, family, and the enduring power of the past.
"The Second Grave" is a must-read for fans of crime thrillers and K-9 mysteries. It's a gripping tale (tail, ha) that is a testament to Burton's skill as a storyteller and his understanding of the enduring appeal of our canine best friends.
December 16, 2024
4* Good intro to this series, and it didn't matter that I'm late to the party.
This is an engrossing and engaging tale, partly because of the dynamics of the brother-sister duo, partly because of the brother's telling of the tale, partly because of the storyline but mostly because there are dogs in it, dogs that save the day, literally, and that don't get hurt.
It's easy to start and there's enough told that I didn't find myself wondering about the previous book. It's quite fast paced and Cory is unaffected and literal and his 'voice' is youthful and believable and carries the tale well. The storyline is sad at the start, but that's just a facilitator for the plot, which is a good one. A sad one for some of the people involved, and boy is it good that justice of a sort, the type I find satisfying when someone's gotten away with something for too long, got done. 'Al' definitely deserved what they got. But those involved in the decades-old crime should've known better, and because of them, their families suffered, not knowing what'd happened to them.
What I liked is that the dogs didn’t get harmed unnecessarily in this just to up the horror factor. Brit here, and that matters hugely.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Severn House, for my reading pleasure.
This is an engrossing and engaging tale, partly because of the dynamics of the brother-sister duo, partly because of the brother's telling of the tale, partly because of the storyline but mostly because there are dogs in it, dogs that save the day, literally, and that don't get hurt.
It's easy to start and there's enough told that I didn't find myself wondering about the previous book. It's quite fast paced and Cory is unaffected and literal and his 'voice' is youthful and believable and carries the tale well. The storyline is sad at the start, but that's just a facilitator for the plot, which is a good one. A sad one for some of the people involved, and boy is it good that justice of a sort, the type I find satisfying when someone's gotten away with something for too long, got done. 'Al' definitely deserved what they got. But those involved in the decades-old crime should've known better, and because of them, their families suffered, not knowing what'd happened to them.
What I liked is that the dogs didn’t get harmed unnecessarily in this just to up the horror factor. Brit here, and that matters hugely.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Severn House, for my reading pleasure.
January 16, 2025
Jeffrey Burton’s “The Second Grave” is the second book in his Chicago K-9 Thriller series. I was excited to be able to read it early since I had read the first book in the series last month. The story in “The Second Grave” again follows siblings Cory and Crystal Pratt, along with Cory’s dogs, Alice and Rex.
The book’s description does a good job of giving an overview of the book’s plot. While searching for a missing man, two graves are found near each other. One is a mass grave with three bodies in it and the second one has a single body. The bodies have been buried for three decades. As Crystal and others begin identifying the remains, they are linked to an infamous crime, a bank heist, that was never solved.
The book alternates between present day events, as well as things that occurred back in 1994. The main narrator of the book is Cory, but the reader hears from others along the way. The book had a nice pace to it and I read most of it in one day.
Overall, I recommend this book and hope there’s at least another book in the series. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.
The book’s description does a good job of giving an overview of the book’s plot. While searching for a missing man, two graves are found near each other. One is a mass grave with three bodies in it and the second one has a single body. The bodies have been buried for three decades. As Crystal and others begin identifying the remains, they are linked to an infamous crime, a bank heist, that was never solved.
The book alternates between present day events, as well as things that occurred back in 1994. The main narrator of the book is Cory, but the reader hears from others along the way. The book had a nice pace to it and I read most of it in one day.
Overall, I recommend this book and hope there’s at least another book in the series. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.
February 24, 2025
The Second Grave is the very entertaining second book of Jeffrey B. Burton’s Chicago K-9 Thriller series. While I enjoyed the first book, The Dead Years, a lot, I think the author has stepped it up a notch this time.
While searching for a missing person, Cory Pratt’s cadaver dogs, Alice and Rex, discover two decades-old graves deep in the woods of an Illinois state park—graves that may contain answers to an unsolved bank robbery. Cory’s sister, Crystal, a Chicago PD detective, digs into the case, and soon she and Cory find themselves targeted by some unsavory types who want the cold case to remain forever cold. To complicate matters, a prominent Chicago underworld figure does want the case solved, and as both parties take matters into their own hands, with deadly results, no one is safe—not even Cory’s dogs.
I enjoyed the sibling dynamic between Cory and Crystal, which is entertaining while also moving the story along. And, of course, the loveable, heroic canines are instrumental to the plot. The Second Grave is quite the satisfying read. If we’re lucky, Burton has more Pratt sibling adventures up his sleeve.
While searching for a missing person, Cory Pratt’s cadaver dogs, Alice and Rex, discover two decades-old graves deep in the woods of an Illinois state park—graves that may contain answers to an unsolved bank robbery. Cory’s sister, Crystal, a Chicago PD detective, digs into the case, and soon she and Cory find themselves targeted by some unsavory types who want the cold case to remain forever cold. To complicate matters, a prominent Chicago underworld figure does want the case solved, and as both parties take matters into their own hands, with deadly results, no one is safe—not even Cory’s dogs.
I enjoyed the sibling dynamic between Cory and Crystal, which is entertaining while also moving the story along. And, of course, the loveable, heroic canines are instrumental to the plot. The Second Grave is quite the satisfying read. If we’re lucky, Burton has more Pratt sibling adventures up his sleeve.
February 6, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Severn House for the chance to read The second grave by Jeffrey B. Burton. This is the 2nd book in the Chicago K-9 thriller series, but it can be read as a standalone. When Cory is called out with his K-9's Alice and Rex to find a missing senior, they not only find him, but the dogs alert Corey to two graves, which have been there for 30 years. Cory and his dogs are pulled in when his sister Crystal, is assigned to the case and as they identify the bodies, it leads them to an unsolved crime from the 90's. Told in two timelines, present day, and the 90's with plenty of action, and twists. I enjoyed reading The second grave just as much as the first book in the series. Recommended for those who like police procedurals, and K-9 series.
February 9, 2025
This story caught my eye because dogs were involved and I love that. I was hooked from the very first pages and the discovery of the two graves. I liked how the past and present timelines were used in the telling of the story as well because it kept the true criminals shrouded for a bit longer.
Overall, this was an engaging mystery / thriller. I adored the dogs and their part in the story. I'll be looking for more from this series.
Overall, this was an engaging mystery / thriller. I adored the dogs and their part in the story. I'll be looking for more from this series.
December 31, 2025
If you're a Chicago native, you'll love this book and the way the author weaves the Chicagoland area into the story as a character. Great murder mystery about a CPD detective and her civilian brother who trains cadaver dogs to solve crimes. Eager to see where this series goes from here.
November 19, 2025
About the same as the first book in this series. Starts out slow, but gets better about 1/2 way in.
December 11, 2025
I love this series. Cory and his sister are great and believable.
Plus the added bonus of the dogs and their antics. Loved it.
Plus the added bonus of the dogs and their antics. Loved it.
December 31, 2025
well worth the time to read
December 4, 2025
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I am enjoying this series more than the previous one. The Second Grave starts with a search for an elderly man who wondered off from a family picnic in a state park. They do find him. But the dogs find much more. They turn up two more graves with bodies which are not recent. Unfortunately, the killer is still around and doesn't want anyone to find any answers.
Crystal and Cory both face danger, as well as the relatives of the victims who might know something. There is another interested party who is also a big danger to the killer. Luckily, Alice and Rex are smart and help protect Crystal and Cory even though they are cadaver dogs not protection dogs. I would have appreciated their role to be a bit bigger with more showing than telling. Dogs are important to me and their personalities.
Crystal is smart and catches on to the killer without enough evidence but she and Cory work towards gathering more information, along with more in-depth background of their suspect. They do this with each suspect but finally hit on the actual killer. It's a very sad story and the current events aren't pretty either.
I enjoyed their work and skills. Cory had some personal growth and I hope he will develop, along with his dog handling in future stories. He is still so young and not quite on a solid path. Yet. We don't know much about Crystal's life and friends and I'd enjoy more insight on her character too. There's plenty of details to flesh out along with the police cases here.
Narration:
The narrator has been the one for the series. I appreciate the continuity. The character voices were comfortable and familiar enough for me to know them. The tones were neutral enough to leave me completely in the story and not distracted by the narration. I listened at my newer speed of 1.75x.
Listen to a clip: HERE
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I read Burton's unrelated Mace Reid K-9 Mystery series and liked it. The Dead Years starts off the Chicago K-9 Thriller series. We have a brother and sister team who lost their parents in a car crash. Crystal was old enough to assume a quasi parental role for her almost adult brother, Cory. Crystal is a Chicago police detective, and Cory has a dog training business. Their father was a veterinarian. We get mostly Cory's perspective.
I am enjoying this series more than the previous one. The Second Grave starts with a search for an elderly man who wondered off from a family picnic in a state park. They do find him. But the dogs find much more. They turn up two more graves with bodies which are not recent. Unfortunately, the killer is still around and doesn't want anyone to find any answers.
Crystal and Cory both face danger, as well as the relatives of the victims who might know something. There is another interested party who is also a big danger to the killer. Luckily, Alice and Rex are smart and help protect Crystal and Cory even though they are cadaver dogs not protection dogs. I would have appreciated their role to be a bit bigger with more showing than telling. Dogs are important to me and their personalities.
Crystal is smart and catches on to the killer without enough evidence but she and Cory work towards gathering more information, along with more in-depth background of their suspect. They do this with each suspect but finally hit on the actual killer. It's a very sad story and the current events aren't pretty either.
I enjoyed their work and skills. Cory had some personal growth and I hope he will develop, along with his dog handling in future stories. He is still so young and not quite on a solid path. Yet. We don't know much about Crystal's life and friends and I'd enjoy more insight on her character too. There's plenty of details to flesh out along with the police cases here.
Narration:
The narrator has been the one for the series. I appreciate the continuity. The character voices were comfortable and familiar enough for me to know them. The tones were neutral enough to leave me completely in the story and not distracted by the narration. I listened at my newer speed of 1.75x.
Listen to a clip: HERE
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews