Tracing Killer Evidence

Dakota K-9 Unit #5

by Jodie Bailey

A string of unsolved kidnappings…

A K-9 team out for justice…

Forensic artist Isabella Whitmore narrowly escapes an abduction attempt in the Dakota Badlands, only to find herself targeted by a mysterious assailant. With the help of FBI special agent Liam Barringer and his K-9, Guthrie, Isabella must uncover the identity of her would-be murderer. Is the culprit the elusive kidnapper turned serial killer who’s targeting Isabella because she matches his victim profile? Or has her secret past finally caught up with her? As the attacks escalate, Isabella and Liam must find the truth and stop the danger before it’s too late.

From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.

Dakota K-9 Unit

Book 1: Chasing a Kidnapper by Laura Scott
Book 2: Deadly Badlands Pursuit by Sharee Stover
Book 3: Standing Watch by Terri Reed
Book 4: Cold Case Peril by Maggie K. Black
Book 5: Tracing Killer Evidence by Jodie Bailey
Book 6: Threat of Revenge by Jessica R. Patch
Book 7: Double Protection Duty by Sharon Dunn
Book 8: Final Showdown by Valerie Hansen

Genres: Christian Fiction, Suspense, Romance, Animals, Romantic Suspense, Love Inspired Suspense

205 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2025

About the author

Jodie Bailey is the author of Quilted by Christmas, as well as two suspense novels, Freefall and Crossfire and a novella in Holiday Defenders. Her devotions have appeared in Fighting Fear: Winning the War at Home and Sweet Freedom with a Slice of Peach Cobbler. She is also a contributor to PWOC International’s e100 Bible study for military wives. Her memberships include American Christian Fiction Writers.

When not at the keyboard, Jodie is a former middle school literature teacher and yearbook adviser who is convinced a camping trip to the beach with her family, a good cup of coffee, and a great book can cure all ills. Jodie lives in North Carolina with her husband, her daughter, and two dogs.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book in a good series.

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Second Chance Romantic Suspense, and this is the Dakota K-9 Unit Book series. I have read some of the other books in this series before picking up this book, but I do feel you can read this book as a standalone without any problems. I read this book by listening to the audiobook, and I liked the narrator. I loved getting to know these characters, and I enjoyed all the suspense and action in this book. I loved how the second chance romance was handled. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Rosemarie Grainer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great continuation of a fast paced series

Isabella is checking out the scene of a crime when she us attacked. Fortunately for her, FBI K-9 agent Liam is there with his cadaver scent dog Guthrie, and they save her. But who can save them both from the memories of her leaving him on the day of their wedding? But someone is out to kill her and the hits keep coming, so Liam does his best to protect her without falling for her again. Can he manage both? Read this to find out.

The pace is breakneck and the tone is intense with an action and character oriented storyline that has a few kinds sees only. The characters are vivid and engaging. The Christian ideals are a part of the story. This is part of the overarching mystery of the gun runners. You need to read this series in order, so you can fully understand it. I have lived all the K-9 Unit series, and this one is no exception. Enjoy!

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cold and heartless or protecting him the best she can?

There is so much history and mystery between Isabella and Liam, he is understandably carrying hurt and frustration, she is drowning under heartbreak, grief and guilt. When they finally see each other again it is when they are in a life and death battle with a serial killer, he has them cornered, not the ideal time to reconnect and catch up or to discuss what really happened three years ago. But neither can they stay apart, you can see the chemistry and the sizzle between them, it may be dampened by hurt and mistrust, but it never actually goes out.
The relationship between Isabella and Liam is both heartbreaking and beautiful, outside forces ripped them apart and crushed both their hearts, fate is offering them a second chance....but only if they can move forward without tripping over the past.
The Team are still chasing the gunrunners and are slowly closing in, this case has a slight crossover before veering off but it's enough to pull Liam in. They gain more puzzle pieces but they don't easily fit the pieces they already have, leaving them frustrated and needing to hunt some more.

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great installation to this series. Tracing Killer Evidence is a fast-paced, action-packed suspense read with drama, pain, secrets, and angst. Isabella, a forensic sketch artist, is almost abducted by a serial kidnapper but is rescued by Liam, a FBI agent and her former fiancé. Things are rocky between them. Liam has a myriad of emotions he has to work through after seeing Isabella again. As the story unfolds, readers will discover why things are so tense between Liam and Isabella. Tracing Killer Evidence has twists and turns and a couple of shocking revelations. Can't wait for the next installment.

[Ethelann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tracing Killer Evidence catches you up in the story right from the first page.
This story starts with an almost abduction of Isabella who's a forensic artist who's shocked when her ex-fiance shows up to solve the case of the kidnapper turned serial killer.
This story was so good, but the ending, wow I didn't see that coming.

[Sheri Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! The mystery was a good one and kept me guessing who the culprit was. I did not figure it out at all.

[Megan Rang · Rating 5 out of 5]

***** I received this audiobook free from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely love stories with service dogs. This one had it all. A serial killer is on the loose. Law enforcement with support from a cadaver dog are in his trail. A woman who barely escaped is doing what she can to help track the suspect down. An old romance between 2 characters has some unexpected revelations. A very enjoyable read

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love fast-paced suspense, serial killer plotlines, lots of relationship drama, and working police dogs, look no further than Tracing Killer Evidence by Jodie Bailey. Isabella Whitmore is a forensic artist who becomes a victim in an attack by a serial killer. Who comes to her rescue? Her former fiancé Liam Berringer. Together they need to figure out who the killer is before he strikes again.

I loved the storyline on this one. At first I thought the "meet-cute" might be too coincidental in the beginning, but the author wove all the the couple's past issues into their current predicament and I liked the way it all unfolded. Lots of drama, unexpected twists, and characters with heart made the story a must-read for me! 

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tracing Killer Evidence by Jodie Bailey, narrated by Cindy Clay, is #5 in her Dakotah K-9 unit. Can be read as a stand-alone. If you have read the others, it’s great to see them enter into this book. A kidnapper turned serial killer and an Ex finance FBI special agent and his ex Isabella who is a forensic Artist. Team up in this fast paced, second chances, suspenseful mystery after Isabella is almost the next victim. Thank you to #NetGalley and #Harlequin Audio for this Arc. This is my honest review. Releases July 29, 2025

[Laramee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun fast paced inspirational suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat from the first page!

I received an audio ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isabella's story

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

An angsty second chance romance gets off to a rocky start in an intense opening scene that sets the stage for this compelling page-turner. And, mercy, this couple’s back story! There’s lots to unpack and I really felt for Liam – torn between duty and all that emotional turmoil! The suspense is full of plot twists including a few gasp-out-loud moments. Relentless pursuits, desperate attacks and danger at every turn. Makes for a winning combination that is sure to keep avid readers on high alert until the very end!

This is the fifth book in the multi-authored continuity ‘Dakota K-9 Unit’ series and things are heating up with the over-arcing suspense plot which is really exciting. We still have three more books to go before that case will be solved though. I’m so impatient! No worries if you aren’t current with this series, each book reads well as a standalone with a unique romance and suspense plot that are both resolved by the end. And the authors do a great job of catching readers up on team antics and investigations so you won’t feel lost jumping in here.

I listened to the audio edition of ‘Tracing Killer Evidence' and really enjoyed Cindy Kay’s narration. She did a great job conveying all the emotions and tension in the characters and plot. So happy that Love Inspired Suspense is making some of their books available in audio format now!

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tracing Killer Evidence by Jodie Bailey
Book 5 of 6: Dakota K-9 Unit
A string of unsolved kidnappings…
A K-9 team out for justice…
Forensic artist Isabella Whitmore narrowly escapes an abduction attempt in the Dakota Badlands, only to find herself targeted by a mysterious assailant. With the help of FBI special agent Liam Barringer and his K-9, Guthrie, Isabella must uncover the identity of her would-be murderer. Is the culprit the elusive kidnapper turned serial killer who’s targeting Isabella because she matches his victim profile? Or has her secret past finally caught up with her? As the attacks escalate, Isabella and Liam must find the truth and stop the danger before it’s too late.
This is Forensic artist Isabella Whitmore's story.
This is FBI special agent Liam Barringer and his K-9, Guthrie's story.
She just survived a kidnapping.
The Dakota K-9 Unit needs to know why someone wanted to kidnap her.
Is the kidnapping related to a case the unit has been working on for months.
Together they need to figure out who the killer is before he strikes again.
This book has Suspense, Courage, Danger and Faith.
I recommend this book.
Tracing Killer Evidence by Jodie Bailey is a 4 star book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Jodie Bailey .

[DevotedToHope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tracing Killer Evidence by Jodie Bailey, narrated by Cindy Kay, delivers a gripping mix of danger, second chances, and steadfast faith. The Dakota Badlands are as rugged as the case at hand: a serial kidnapper whose shadow looms over every scene. Forensic artist Isabella Whitmore knows the danger is personal when she narrowly escapes an abduction, and FBI agent Liam Barringer, her former fiancé, steps in with his K-9 partner, Guthrie.

I loved how Bailey layered suspense with authentic spiritual depth. One moment you’re holding your breath in a tense chase, the next you’re catching the quiet heartbeat of prayer, courage, and the decision to trust God when the past feels like a trap. Cindy Kay’s narration brings it all to life … capturing both the grit of the investigation and the tender, unspoken emotions between Liam and Isabella.

Perfect for listeners who want romantic suspense with vivid settings, a faithful K-9, and a reminder that danger cannot dim, heartbreak cannot break, and silence cannot silence the steadfast presence of God.

I received a digital version of this audiobook from the publisher and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing, the narration, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are back with the Dakota K-9 unit one in which FBI special agent Liam Barringer is part of. Whom he never expected to see in the middle of the road in the Dakota Badlands was Isabella Whitmore. Years ago they were about to get married when she not only broke his heart but also disappeared.
Nowadays Isabella is a forensics artist and has secrets as to why she had to leave Liam. But most importantly, she has just survived a kidnapping and the Dakota K-9 Unit needs to know why someone wanted to kidnap her and if it’s related to a case the unit has been working on for months.
Between someone wanting to get hold of Isabella, bodies being found likely victims of a serial killer, and the revelation of Isabella’s secrets and actions, the story is full of twists and turns as well as good guys and bad ones.
Will they survive the danger? Will Isabella and Liam find their way back?
This was an clean action packed, Christian suspense story.
The narration by Cindy Kay brought the story to life.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook by Netgalley and Harlequin Audio. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella escapes an abduction attempt, but now being stalked and she isn’t sure why. With FBI agent Liam and his K-9 Guthrie are there to help her and keep her safe. Has she caught the eye of a serial killer that has been in the area and she looks the part, or is it something to do with her past, but can she and Liam solve this before someone gets seriously hurt, and can Isabella’s forensic art help them find the person?
No use hiding the fact that I am a fan if all of these K-9 books. They are so much fun and the authors have taken to knowing how K-9’s work and their plots and characters express all of this so well. The narrator, Cindy Kay, of this book is a wonderful audiobook narrator that made all the characters her own. She brought the story the author painted to life. This book is just as wonderful as the others in the series.
This audio review copy was provided by netgalley

[Wenona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tracing Killer Evidence by Jodie Bailey is book #5 in the Dakota K-9 Unit series. This is what I describe as a cozy mystery type of read that grabs you from the very beginning.

Forensic artist Isabella Whitmore is out in the Badlands trying to "dive" deeper into the serial kidnapper/killer when she is attacked by a mysterious assailant. Could it be who she's been helping to capture for law enforcement? FBI special agent Liam Barringer and his K-9, Guthrie happen to be in the Badlands when they hear a "pop" sound and then a scream. Running to help whoever is in need, Liam wasn't prepared for who he found - Isabella, his "Run-Away" left at the alter bride.

From that moment on, he vows to protect her and find the truth of why she broke his heart. Even though parts of the story were considered, a little far fetched and typical, the author did a great job of holding your interest and had me wanting to keep reading/listening to and not stopping. I thoroughly enjoyed the read!

[Elaine Applebury · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Tracing Killer Evidence,” is the fifth book in the continuity series, Dakota K-9 Unit. The Dakota task force is trying to track down weapon smuggling in North and South Dakota. While looking for the smugglers they get drawn into a kidnapping and serial killer case in the Badlands. Ms. Bailey has a well written story full of action and suspense. It is a real page turner and had me guessing up until the end!
Forensic artist, Isabella Whitmore, is about to be abducted in the Badlands by a serial killer, when she is rescued by FBI special agent Liam Barringer. They were once engaged and Isabella left Liam the night before their wedding. No explanations. Can they put their differences aside to solve this case? Isabella has a secret past. Will it bring them together, or pull them further apart?
This story can be read as a stand alone, but do yourself a favor and start with book one and read them all in order so you know the characters and their dogs.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Dakota K-9 Unit series is really descriptive of the Dakotas and the Badlands. It’s definitely not somewhere I would want to be in the summertime.
Isabella Whitmore is a talented forensic artist who has a secretive past that influences her every day.
She is also blond and just the type of woman that has been disappearing from the area.
Liam Barringer is part of the task force looking for gun runners. His k-9 Guthrie can find dead bodies.
Liam and Isabella have a past, and it’s very difficult for Liam to be around Isabella to keep her safe when she is nearly taken by the kidnapper.
The suspense is high octane and a bit dark. The romance is bittersweet.
I enjoyed listening to the book. The narrator did a good job.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Audio for the opportunity to read this book.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Booktrovert and Harlequin Audio books for the ARC copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. The thoughts and opinions are all my own.

I'm unsure where Harlequin Inspired authors come from or how they're selected, but I love them, and Jodie Bailey is no exception.

I was captivated by this story from the very beginning. Tracing Killer Evidence is a fast-paced, action-packed suspenseful read that includes drama, pain, and secrets. As the story unfolds, you'll learn why Liam and Isabella's relationship is tense. Tracing Killer Evidence is full of twists, turns, and mystery that will keep you guessing all the way through.

I listened to the audio version, and Cindy Kay did a good job of switching her voice between characters.

[Denise Schenk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella Whitmore forensic artist is almost kidnapped when she is in the badlands checking out the site of previous abductions. FBI special agent Liam Barringer and his K-9, Guthrie are close by doing a search and hear her screams. Liam and Isabella were engaged until she ghosted him right before the wedding so being together is comfortable for either of them.
As the kidnapper turned serial killer is now after Isabella they have to work together. Isabella has a jaded past that Liam didn't know about and it seems it's time to come clean.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of the characters overlap with books written by multiple authors. Reading in order recommended but can be read as a standalone.
The last person he expected to see is the girl that disappeared years ago. Having her become part of the case may prove awkward. Has he found her only to lose her again? What happens when the truth comes out? Be prepared for a major twist in the series storyline.

[sharon m. moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

each one gets better!

Love reading about each team member. Each book has new characters mingled with old ones. Carrying the story line forward makes it interesting and entertaining! Just hope I’ve read them all!!!!

[Brenda Bumford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed it cover to cover

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I loved that even though it was coming to an end there was another twist. The characters were relatable and the storyline was twisting. I highly recommend this book and the author.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book! I loved it from the opening pages. The action and suspense pulled me right into the story. Isabella and Liam's book is just amazing.

[Harlequin Books]

Inspirational Suspense, Wholesome Romance, Animal Fiction, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Dakota K-9 Unit (Book #5)

[Harlequin Books]

Inspirational Suspense, Wholesome Romance, Animal Fiction, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Dakota K-9 Unit (Book #5)

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read. Loving this series

[Sara MG · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very exciting installment in the Dakota K9 series! There were some darker themes than I’m used to in the LIS books so just FYI if you are really sensitive.