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FBI K-9 #10
Deadly Trade
FBI K-9 handler Meg Jennings can never walk away from her job, even amid her Hawaiian Islands honeymoon, where she and her search-and-rescue black Lab encounter a double threat from wildlife poachers and Mother Nature.
After a difficult assignment and the excitement of her wedding to firefighter Todd Webb, Meg is more than ready for two weeks of sun, sea, and gorgeous Hawaiian scenery. Her K-9 partner, Hawk, accompanies Meg and Todd to their resort, reveling in his celebrity status with both staff and guests. After a week of relaxation, all three are ready to get out into nature on the Big Island, where Meg and Hawk can practice search strategies.
In the remote fern forest of Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve, Hawk’s senses are on high alert. When Meg lets him leave the path, they encounter two men trapping bright birds. The poachers escape, leaving their bounty behind, and when agents from the FBI and US Fish and Wildlife arrive, they confirm that the birds are all endangered species near extinction. Super-wealthy collectors acquire them for private zoos, with no regard for the birds’ survival. Alive or dead, these beautiful creatures are merely trophies.
Meg, Todd, and Hawk join an official search using a local conservation dog to pinpoint vulnerable nesting grounds in an attempt to protect trafficked wildlife and to stop the poachers in their tracks. But beyond the threat posed by determined poachers lurks another danger—Mauna Loa, one of the island’s active volcanoes, has been grumbling, and is poised to turn this mission into their most terrifying yet.
After a difficult assignment and the excitement of her wedding to firefighter Todd Webb, Meg is more than ready for two weeks of sun, sea, and gorgeous Hawaiian scenery. Her K-9 partner, Hawk, accompanies Meg and Todd to their resort, reveling in his celebrity status with both staff and guests. After a week of relaxation, all three are ready to get out into nature on the Big Island, where Meg and Hawk can practice search strategies.
In the remote fern forest of Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve, Hawk’s senses are on high alert. When Meg lets him leave the path, they encounter two men trapping bright birds. The poachers escape, leaving their bounty behind, and when agents from the FBI and US Fish and Wildlife arrive, they confirm that the birds are all endangered species near extinction. Super-wealthy collectors acquire them for private zoos, with no regard for the birds’ survival. Alive or dead, these beautiful creatures are merely trophies.
Meg, Todd, and Hawk join an official search using a local conservation dog to pinpoint vulnerable nesting grounds in an attempt to protect trafficked wildlife and to stop the poachers in their tracks. But beyond the threat posed by determined poachers lurks another danger—Mauna Loa, one of the island’s active volcanoes, has been grumbling, and is poised to turn this mission into their most terrifying yet.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2025
95 people are currently reading
3637 people want to read
About the author
Sara Driscoll
17 books925 followersSara Driscoll is the pen name of Jen J. Danna, coauthor of the Abbott and Lowell Forensic Mysteries and author of the FBI K-9s and the NYPD Negotiators. After over thirty years in infectious diseases research, Jen hung up her lab coat to concentrate on her real love—writing “exceptional” thrillers (Publishers Weekly). She is a member of the Crime Writers of Canada and lives with her husband and four rescued cats outside of Toronto, Ontario. You can follow the latest news on her books, including the FBI K-9s, at www.saradriscollauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
October 11, 2025
Readers of the FBI K-9 series by Sara Driscoll (pen name for Jen J. Danna) are in for a treat with the tenth book in the series,
Deadly Trade.
The book features Meg Jennings and her Labrador K-9 partner Hawk as well as her new husband, Washington D. C. firefighter and paramedic Todd Webb. Meg is a civilian employee of the FBI’s Human Scent Evidence Response Team.
They’re ready for two weeks on Hawaii for their honeymoon and Hawk accompanies them. After a week of relaxation, the three are ready to go hiking on the Big Island, where Meg and Hawk can practice search strategies. They decide to go to a natural area reserve on the northeast flank of Mauna Loa that contains important habitat for some of Hawaii’s rarest birds as well as several rare plants. They encounter two men trapping birds. The poachers escape, leaving behind several birds in bags. Agents from the local FBI and US Fish and Wildlife arrive and confirm that the birds are all endangered species.
Meg, Todd, and Hawk are asked to join an official search that also includes a local conservation dog to pinpoint vulnerable nesting grounds to attempt to stop the poachers. However, there’s another threat. Mauna Loa, one of the island’s active volcanoes has been grumbling and seems to be getting more active.
Meg is compassionate, friendly, wants to help others, and has a keen sense of justice. Hawk loves the rescue life. He’s steadfast, determined, and full of drive. He also loves and trusts Meg as she does him. Todd has a larger role in this novel. He’s extremely perceptive, but also strong and quick to react to dangerous situations. Both Meg and Todd understand the other’s unpredictable schedule and the dangers they face. There are a few characters from prior books that help with continuity and a sense of visiting friends as well as the introduction of some new colleagues.
Dynamic characters and fantastic world-building combined with a great plot, intense scenes, and excellent pacing are a standard expectation with this author. She has once again delivered that in this excellent and intense novel. I always learn something new in each book in the series. This one has a volcano related word or phrase and their definition at the beginning of each chapter. I also learned more about conservation dogs and how they are used in environmental research as well as wildlife management and enforcement.
The author’s writing style continues to hook me quickly with a story that is intriguing and had the right amount of tension. The prose is well-written and engaging. Readers can tell she did a lot of research to get the details right regarding the habitat and the dangers encountered in this novel. The atmosphere is tense and serious throughout most of the novel and it has more technical details than usual in this type of book without slowing the pace. There are a few threads that could lead to the next book in the series. Time will tell.
Overall, this tense, engaging, and suspenseful mystery gripped me from the beginning with its multiple types of danger and great characterization. It was difficult to put down. I’m a fan of the series and looking forward to reading the next book. Enthusiasts of crime mystery and detective stories featuring K-9s will likely enjoy this book.
Kensington Publishing - Kensington and Sara Driscoll provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for October 28, 2025. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.49 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
They’re ready for two weeks on Hawaii for their honeymoon and Hawk accompanies them. After a week of relaxation, the three are ready to go hiking on the Big Island, where Meg and Hawk can practice search strategies. They decide to go to a natural area reserve on the northeast flank of Mauna Loa that contains important habitat for some of Hawaii’s rarest birds as well as several rare plants. They encounter two men trapping birds. The poachers escape, leaving behind several birds in bags. Agents from the local FBI and US Fish and Wildlife arrive and confirm that the birds are all endangered species.
Meg, Todd, and Hawk are asked to join an official search that also includes a local conservation dog to pinpoint vulnerable nesting grounds to attempt to stop the poachers. However, there’s another threat. Mauna Loa, one of the island’s active volcanoes has been grumbling and seems to be getting more active.
Meg is compassionate, friendly, wants to help others, and has a keen sense of justice. Hawk loves the rescue life. He’s steadfast, determined, and full of drive. He also loves and trusts Meg as she does him. Todd has a larger role in this novel. He’s extremely perceptive, but also strong and quick to react to dangerous situations. Both Meg and Todd understand the other’s unpredictable schedule and the dangers they face. There are a few characters from prior books that help with continuity and a sense of visiting friends as well as the introduction of some new colleagues.
Dynamic characters and fantastic world-building combined with a great plot, intense scenes, and excellent pacing are a standard expectation with this author. She has once again delivered that in this excellent and intense novel. I always learn something new in each book in the series. This one has a volcano related word or phrase and their definition at the beginning of each chapter. I also learned more about conservation dogs and how they are used in environmental research as well as wildlife management and enforcement.
The author’s writing style continues to hook me quickly with a story that is intriguing and had the right amount of tension. The prose is well-written and engaging. Readers can tell she did a lot of research to get the details right regarding the habitat and the dangers encountered in this novel. The atmosphere is tense and serious throughout most of the novel and it has more technical details than usual in this type of book without slowing the pace. There are a few threads that could lead to the next book in the series. Time will tell.
Overall, this tense, engaging, and suspenseful mystery gripped me from the beginning with its multiple types of danger and great characterization. It was difficult to put down. I’m a fan of the series and looking forward to reading the next book. Enthusiasts of crime mystery and detective stories featuring K-9s will likely enjoy this book.
Kensington Publishing - Kensington and Sara Driscoll provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for October 28, 2025. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
--------------------------------------
My 4.49 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
October 17, 2025
(3.5 stars)
Deadly Trade is the tenth book in Sara Driscoll’s interesting FBI K-9 series but only the third one I’ve read. This can definitely be read as a standalone.
The series focuses on FBI K-9 handler Meg Jennings and her dog Hawk, along with her brand-new husband, firefighter and paramedic Todd Webb. The setting is Hawaii, where they are on their honeymoon. Hawk is with them, because of the bond between Meg and Hawk. After a week of relaxation, Meg and Todd feel the need for some strenuous exercise and so they head off to hike in a nature preserve. Hawk senses something odd at one point in their hike, and Meg goes with him to see what he’s sensed. They wind up interrupting something illegal - two men trapping rare birds. And so their restful honeymoon turns into something very different.
I’ve always wanted to visit Hawaii and this book gave me a real picture of the land and its vegetation, not just what you find in a resort. I learned a lot of very interesting things through this book. One of the most fascinating to me was the existence of “conservation dogs” who can pinpoint vulnerable nesting grounds by scent! I had no idea there were dogs who could do that, as opposed to Hawk and his dog friend Lacey, who are trained to track human scents. As with the other books in this series, the author provides A LOT of information along the way. To be honest, I thought it was a bit too much, making parts of the book rather slow and read more like non-fiction, but I did learn a lot, mainly about birds and about volcanoes. Driscoll obviously did a ton of research in order to write this book.
In addition to Meg and Todd, we get to meet local Hawaiian experts, and then Meg’s partner, Brian and his dog Lacey arrive to help with the investigation and search, along with Clay McCord, another recurring character in the series. McCord is an investigative reporter with the Washington Post and proves extremely helpful in the effort to discover who these wildlife traffickers are and how they are planning to get the birds out of Hawaii.
Thank you to the author, Kensington, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Deadly Trade is the tenth book in Sara Driscoll’s interesting FBI K-9 series but only the third one I’ve read. This can definitely be read as a standalone.
The series focuses on FBI K-9 handler Meg Jennings and her dog Hawk, along with her brand-new husband, firefighter and paramedic Todd Webb. The setting is Hawaii, where they are on their honeymoon. Hawk is with them, because of the bond between Meg and Hawk. After a week of relaxation, Meg and Todd feel the need for some strenuous exercise and so they head off to hike in a nature preserve. Hawk senses something odd at one point in their hike, and Meg goes with him to see what he’s sensed. They wind up interrupting something illegal - two men trapping rare birds. And so their restful honeymoon turns into something very different.
I’ve always wanted to visit Hawaii and this book gave me a real picture of the land and its vegetation, not just what you find in a resort. I learned a lot of very interesting things through this book. One of the most fascinating to me was the existence of “conservation dogs” who can pinpoint vulnerable nesting grounds by scent! I had no idea there were dogs who could do that, as opposed to Hawk and his dog friend Lacey, who are trained to track human scents. As with the other books in this series, the author provides A LOT of information along the way. To be honest, I thought it was a bit too much, making parts of the book rather slow and read more like non-fiction, but I did learn a lot, mainly about birds and about volcanoes. Driscoll obviously did a ton of research in order to write this book.
In addition to Meg and Todd, we get to meet local Hawaiian experts, and then Meg’s partner, Brian and his dog Lacey arrive to help with the investigation and search, along with Clay McCord, another recurring character in the series. McCord is an investigative reporter with the Washington Post and proves extremely helpful in the effort to discover who these wildlife traffickers are and how they are planning to get the birds out of Hawaii.
Thank you to the author, Kensington, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
July 11, 2025
I was completely ‘wowed’ by my first introduction to this author!
Author Sara Driscoll’s vivid and insightful storytelling allowed me to engage deeply with the challenges and rewards of wildlife preservation on the Big Island, Hawaii. Driscoll took me to a remote old-growth fern forest, Pu’u Maka’ala Natural Area Reserve, and alerted me to the dangers of wildlife traffickers and poaching. The author’s ability to capture the pulse of the pressing issues, helped me to understand this wildlife area’s emotional and ethical challenges, and gave me insight into the scope of protecting this wild place and the creatures within.
Meg, Tod and Hawk became immediate friends and I was along for the quest for justice. The danger of discovery and retrieval was paramount and the threat of Mauna Loa erupting added to an already intense recovery mission.
I jumped into this series late, but it didn’t hamper my enjoyment. It can be read as a standalone. If you love dogs (Hawk is a black Labrador with the FBI Forensic Canine Unit), enjoy Hawaiian settings, have a deep connection to wildlife and/or love to see justice and truth triumphing, this is one read you’ll want on your list.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Author Sara Driscoll’s vivid and insightful storytelling allowed me to engage deeply with the challenges and rewards of wildlife preservation on the Big Island, Hawaii. Driscoll took me to a remote old-growth fern forest, Pu’u Maka’ala Natural Area Reserve, and alerted me to the dangers of wildlife traffickers and poaching. The author’s ability to capture the pulse of the pressing issues, helped me to understand this wildlife area’s emotional and ethical challenges, and gave me insight into the scope of protecting this wild place and the creatures within.
Meg, Tod and Hawk became immediate friends and I was along for the quest for justice. The danger of discovery and retrieval was paramount and the threat of Mauna Loa erupting added to an already intense recovery mission.
I jumped into this series late, but it didn’t hamper my enjoyment. It can be read as a standalone. If you love dogs (Hawk is a black Labrador with the FBI Forensic Canine Unit), enjoy Hawaiian settings, have a deep connection to wildlife and/or love to see justice and truth triumphing, this is one read you’ll want on your list.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
November 5, 2025
3.5 rounded to a 4
I did enjoy this book. Definitely a lot of action and good characters. The K9 aspect is fascinating to me, especially learning what all things they are used to track. The one thing that took away a little bit is that the story was very predictable. You definitely knew what was going to be coming next. But, it was enjoyable.
Thank you to Net Galley and Kensington Publishing for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I did enjoy this book. Definitely a lot of action and good characters. The K9 aspect is fascinating to me, especially learning what all things they are used to track. The one thing that took away a little bit is that the story was very predictable. You definitely knew what was going to be coming next. But, it was enjoyable.
Thank you to Net Galley and Kensington Publishing for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 27, 2025
Deadly Trade is another page-turner in the FBI K-9 series. FBI dog handler Meg and her DC firefighter/paramedic husband Todd, along with Meg's K-9 partner Hawk, are in Hawaii on the couples's honeymoon. While the three are on a training mission, Meg stumbled on a pair of men who are apparently working in a wildlife trafficking scheme and Meg gets shot in the arm in the process. This is the beginning of FBI and US Fish and Wildlife officers along with Meg's partner Brian and his K-9 Lacey getting involved. Even friend, Washington Post journalist, Clay joins the group. Not only human danger, but a possible earthquake and volcano eruption are thrown into the mix. Suspense, danger, and time urgency make this an edgy read. The author always writes with knowledge and obvious research to bring her stories to life with information and fullness.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
October 7, 2025
Meg and Todd are on their honeymoon. Meg's last case was only a couple weeks ago so it's safe to say she is really looking forward to this alone time with her new husband in Hawaii. Not people to be idle for long though, they decide to go hiking in Pu'u Maka'ala Natural Area Reserve.
Hawk also needs some activity. When Meg lets him off leash she stumbles upon two men trapping birds. Unfortunately they manage to escape. Meg and Todd can't let things go and they are asked to help search for the poachers and find them before any more damage is done to vulnerable wildlife. At the same time a volcano appears to be ready to blow.
This is a great series and really stands out to me. The author includes a lot of facts and information about Hawaii, wildlife trafficking, and endangered birds. It gives a lot of depth to the story. It also pleases the nerd in me when Meg and the team discuss and strategize. They come across as true professionals and the story is quite believable. This does mean there are periods of "down time" for this but it's all very interesting.
The setting is great. Descriptions of the nature reserve are wonderfully atmospheric. It feels like I'm surrounded by nature in those scenes.
It's always great to see Hawk and Lacey in action. There is a little less of it this time, There is still action and danger though and it's not just from the poachers. The threat of the volcano adds a nice touch.
I highly recommend Deadly Trade and the series. The characters talk briefly about previous cases which serves to make me excited to read the books I've missed!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a chance to read! All opinions are my own.
Hawk also needs some activity. When Meg lets him off leash she stumbles upon two men trapping birds. Unfortunately they manage to escape. Meg and Todd can't let things go and they are asked to help search for the poachers and find them before any more damage is done to vulnerable wildlife. At the same time a volcano appears to be ready to blow.
This is a great series and really stands out to me. The author includes a lot of facts and information about Hawaii, wildlife trafficking, and endangered birds. It gives a lot of depth to the story. It also pleases the nerd in me when Meg and the team discuss and strategize. They come across as true professionals and the story is quite believable. This does mean there are periods of "down time" for this but it's all very interesting.
The setting is great. Descriptions of the nature reserve are wonderfully atmospheric. It feels like I'm surrounded by nature in those scenes.
It's always great to see Hawk and Lacey in action. There is a little less of it this time, There is still action and danger though and it's not just from the poachers. The threat of the volcano adds a nice touch.
I highly recommend Deadly Trade and the series. The characters talk briefly about previous cases which serves to make me excited to read the books I've missed!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a chance to read! All opinions are my own.
October 5, 2025
Deadly Trade, by Sara Driscoll, is the tenth book in the FBI K-9 series, starring FBI handler Meg Jennings and her brilliant K-9 partner, Hawk, a black Labrador.
Sara and her new husband, Todd, are on their honeymoon for two glorious weeks in Hawaii. And, of course, Hawk is with them. After an unexpected encounter with poachers of endangered wild birds, it seems Sara and Hawk take their work with them everywhere they go! Before you know it, the other K-9 handler (Brian) and his dog (Lacey) have joined them, as has that reporter/investigator extraordinaire, McCoy. Meg, Todd, and Hawk join an official search using a local conservation dog to pinpoint vulnerable nesting grounds in an attempt to protect trafficked wildlife and to stop the poachers in their tracks.
Adding to the danger, Mauna Loa, one of the island’s active volcanoes, has been grumbling and is poised to turn this mission into the most terrifying yet.
The only thing that kept this from being a five-star book for me was the extraneous details that made the book lose cohesiveness in the first half, such as details of what the characters were eating and drinking, or even the description of Sara washing Hawk's collar and placing it on a square of folded wash cloth to dry. I was happy when things picked up the pace in the second half. Other than that, Deadly Trade was a white-knuckle read!!
Even before reading Deadly Trade, I had been following the plight of the beautiful 'I'iwi birds (AKA scarlet honey creepers). There has been a heartbreaking 98% decrease in its population documented during the past century.
I really enjoy these books about the FBI K-9 dogs!
BIG thanks to #Kensington, for providing this book for review and consideration via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Deadly Trade has an expected publication date of Oct 28 2025.
#Crime #Hawaii #Volcano #Mystery #FBI #K9 #WildBirdPoaching #Suspense #Series
Sara and her new husband, Todd, are on their honeymoon for two glorious weeks in Hawaii. And, of course, Hawk is with them. After an unexpected encounter with poachers of endangered wild birds, it seems Sara and Hawk take their work with them everywhere they go! Before you know it, the other K-9 handler (Brian) and his dog (Lacey) have joined them, as has that reporter/investigator extraordinaire, McCoy. Meg, Todd, and Hawk join an official search using a local conservation dog to pinpoint vulnerable nesting grounds in an attempt to protect trafficked wildlife and to stop the poachers in their tracks.
Adding to the danger, Mauna Loa, one of the island’s active volcanoes, has been grumbling and is poised to turn this mission into the most terrifying yet.
The only thing that kept this from being a five-star book for me was the extraneous details that made the book lose cohesiveness in the first half, such as details of what the characters were eating and drinking, or even the description of Sara washing Hawk's collar and placing it on a square of folded wash cloth to dry. I was happy when things picked up the pace in the second half. Other than that, Deadly Trade was a white-knuckle read!!
Even before reading Deadly Trade, I had been following the plight of the beautiful 'I'iwi birds (AKA scarlet honey creepers). There has been a heartbreaking 98% decrease in its population documented during the past century.
I really enjoy these books about the FBI K-9 dogs!
BIG thanks to #Kensington, for providing this book for review and consideration via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Deadly Trade has an expected publication date of Oct 28 2025.
#Crime #Hawaii #Volcano #Mystery #FBI #K9 #WildBirdPoaching #Suspense #Series
June 29, 2025
This is one of my favorite authors. Everything she writes is on my must read list. Hawaii is a great setting, one I don’t know much about, but the facts and folklore were interesting. This book was not as intense as the others in the series and I missed that a little, but it was still a great read and I can’t wait to see what the next adventure will be.
October 11, 2025
4.25 stars
The book is part of the FBI K-9 series but works well as a standalone. It's easy to get to know the main characters - Meg Jennings from the FBI Forensic Science Unit and her K-9 partner Hawk, her new husband Todd Webb a paramedic/firefighter, and Meg's colleague Brian and his K-9 Lacey. I love the close bond between Meg and Hawk and the close friendships between the other main characters.
This story begins with Meg and Todd on their honeymoon in Hawaii. They end up involved in trying to catch members of an endangered bird trafficking ring, and the information about that illegal and horrible practice was very informative. It's a suspenseful book since Meg and the others are in danger from dangerous criminals as well as an impending volcano! Each chapter begins with facts about volcanoes, so there is a nice mix of outdoors thriller and procedural mystery. Meg, Brian, Todd, and their team are certainly braver than I am, risking being caught in a volcano eruption to save endangered birds! The final showdown is very dramatic with a fitting ending.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author for review consideration, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
The book is part of the FBI K-9 series but works well as a standalone. It's easy to get to know the main characters - Meg Jennings from the FBI Forensic Science Unit and her K-9 partner Hawk, her new husband Todd Webb a paramedic/firefighter, and Meg's colleague Brian and his K-9 Lacey. I love the close bond between Meg and Hawk and the close friendships between the other main characters.
This story begins with Meg and Todd on their honeymoon in Hawaii. They end up involved in trying to catch members of an endangered bird trafficking ring, and the information about that illegal and horrible practice was very informative. It's a suspenseful book since Meg and the others are in danger from dangerous criminals as well as an impending volcano! Each chapter begins with facts about volcanoes, so there is a nice mix of outdoors thriller and procedural mystery. Meg, Brian, Todd, and their team are certainly braver than I am, risking being caught in a volcano eruption to save endangered birds! The final showdown is very dramatic with a fitting ending.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author for review consideration, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
October 22, 2025
"Any man who would partner with her had to understand the importance of her dog in her life, had to understand that Hawk was her canine soulmate--her heart dog."
Reading Sara Driscoll's FBI K-9 series is an absolute pleasure! Though this is a series, each book is an adventure in of itself and can be read as a standalone, but of course, why not read them all? This time Meg and Hawk are in Hawaii and stumble into a rare and endangered bird trafficking operation. Todd is there also because well...it was supposed to be his and Meg's honeymoon! Soon Meg's partner Brian and his dog Lacey show up to help, as well as a local K-9 unit Kai and his dog Makoa. While Hawk and Lacey are trained in human scent, Makoa is trained to identify birds. As they set off to find the traffickers, they may have another obstacle to face, an active volcano!
One of the things I love about this series is Sara Driscoll's immersive and informative writing with a focus on a specific topic. In this case it's volcanoes, with related terminology at the start of each chapter. I also learned quite a bit about the Hawaiian islands AND the birds that call Hawaii home. When I can learn something, while being completely engaged in a captivating story at the same time? That's a huge WIN!
The pacing ebbs and flows due to investigative and planning aspects involved but this also provides moments of lighthearted team camaraderie. Every character feels authentic and believable, including the dogs, which builds a high emotional investment in their outcome. Driscoll's depiction of the relationship between a K-9 handler and their dog is descriptively written in just the right way, that I had no trouble picturing the dogs' behaviors (tail wagging and thumping etc.) or their little faces in any given scene. I LOVE that!
DEADLY TRADE is a suspenseful criminal investigation mixed with adventure and a touch of romance. For a thrilling, yet heartwarming and wholesome feel good time, you'll want to jump into this series ASAP!
____
4.5⭐️
Thank you Kensington Books for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Reading Sara Driscoll's FBI K-9 series is an absolute pleasure! Though this is a series, each book is an adventure in of itself and can be read as a standalone, but of course, why not read them all? This time Meg and Hawk are in Hawaii and stumble into a rare and endangered bird trafficking operation. Todd is there also because well...it was supposed to be his and Meg's honeymoon! Soon Meg's partner Brian and his dog Lacey show up to help, as well as a local K-9 unit Kai and his dog Makoa. While Hawk and Lacey are trained in human scent, Makoa is trained to identify birds. As they set off to find the traffickers, they may have another obstacle to face, an active volcano!
One of the things I love about this series is Sara Driscoll's immersive and informative writing with a focus on a specific topic. In this case it's volcanoes, with related terminology at the start of each chapter. I also learned quite a bit about the Hawaiian islands AND the birds that call Hawaii home. When I can learn something, while being completely engaged in a captivating story at the same time? That's a huge WIN!
The pacing ebbs and flows due to investigative and planning aspects involved but this also provides moments of lighthearted team camaraderie. Every character feels authentic and believable, including the dogs, which builds a high emotional investment in their outcome. Driscoll's depiction of the relationship between a K-9 handler and their dog is descriptively written in just the right way, that I had no trouble picturing the dogs' behaviors (tail wagging and thumping etc.) or their little faces in any given scene. I LOVE that!
DEADLY TRADE is a suspenseful criminal investigation mixed with adventure and a touch of romance. For a thrilling, yet heartwarming and wholesome feel good time, you'll want to jump into this series ASAP!
____
4.5⭐️
Thank you Kensington Books for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
September 10, 2025
I had the privilege of reading an ARC and as per usual I loved this book! This is the classic story we’ve come to expect from Meg and the team in a whole new area. I loved getting to explore Hawaii throughout the book and be introduced to a new type of working dog! Finished the book in one afternoon and I’m already excited to see what comes next for the team! I think the setting of this book is what really made it unique and fun to read! I would definitely recommend for all fans of the series.
November 3, 2025
Another exciting, captivating book in this wonderful series! FBI Canine agent Meg and her firefighter husband Todd are on their honeymoon in Hawaii, and they are having a romantic and relaxing time. Meg's K9 search dog, Hawk, has traveled with them. After a week of relaxation, the 3 venture to a remote natural reserve area, where Meg and Hawk discover two men who are in the process of capturing endangered birds. The poachers flee, and Meg and Todd rescue the birds from the mist net they are captured in, but they realize this is part of a much larger operation. Meg and Todd contact local authorities and are soon joined in their search for the criminals behind the capture of the endangered birds by officials from the FBI and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Agency in pursuit of whoever is behind the operation. They soon find themselves surrounded by danger, both from the criminals and rumbling of both an earthquake and the Volcano. I love the way Sara Driscoll combines a heart-pounding, thrilling mystery with the beauty and the forces of nature into a book that is hard to put down! She starts each chapter with the scientific facts behind what the characters will be experiencing. I always learn so much from her books! Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy! The opinions of my review are my own.
September 16, 2025
I love a good K-9 story and this series certainly doesn’t disappoint! When you pick up a Sara Driscoll novel, you are not only guaranteed an action packed adrenaline fueled story, but you also have the opportunity to learn something. In this installment, the storyline involves the illegal trafficking of rare exotic birds and the heading of each chapter gives information about volcanoes. The thorough research, attention to detail, well developed characters, interesting storylines, descriptive writing that makes the settings come alive, edge of your seat action and the K-9s, make this a thoroughly enjoyable, not to be missed series!
August 8, 2025
Deadly Trade takes us on an intriguing and intense trip into the rain forested volcano lands of the big island of Hawaii. At times, the threat posed by possible natural disaster was greater than that posed by the wildlife traffickers, but always the way was paved by engrossing and detailed descriptions of the area and the real threat of those intent on capturing endangered birds for financial gain. It was both intense and terrifying, interspersed with information about the endangered bird species of Hawaii and the earthquake and volcano possibilities that are ever present. It was a fascinating and nail-biting adventure as Meg and Todd’s honeymoon was interrupted when they stumbled on nefarious activity. Hawk was only too ready to get back to tracking the bad guys! As always with their endeavors, I found this book hard to put down.
August 10, 2025
I’m late to the party as I started with book 7 in this series. I have enjoyed every one that I have read.
Amazing circumstances for a honeymoon caper. Meg and Todd are on their honeymoon and stumble across a poaching operation on the Big Island. Brian & Lacy, McCord, Fish & Game and other FBI are called in.
This isa tense suspense novel. Keeping me on my toes the entire time. I could feel the characters’ weariness as the days progressed.
Another knock out novel by Sara Driscoll.
I was given an ARC and these are my opinions.
Amazing circumstances for a honeymoon caper. Meg and Todd are on their honeymoon and stumble across a poaching operation on the Big Island. Brian & Lacy, McCord, Fish & Game and other FBI are called in.
This isa tense suspense novel. Keeping me on my toes the entire time. I could feel the characters’ weariness as the days progressed.
Another knock out novel by Sara Driscoll.
I was given an ARC and these are my opinions.
June 30, 2025
Talk About a Hot Pursuit!
Deadly Trade puts honeymooners Meg and Todd in the middle of a wildlife trafficking operation in Hawaii when they should be enjoying sun, sand, and sex. Of course FBI K-9 handler Meg has her partner Hawk with her when, during a wilderness hike, they stumble across two men illegally trapping rare birds.
Time is critical and the local FBI agent and a Fish and Wildlife agent enlist Meg and Hawk’s help to hunt the traffickers, with Meg insisting that Todd is part of the team. Meg’s human partner Brian and his K-9 Lacey are recruited, and of course the intrepid reporter McCord joins the hunt.
Jenn J. Danna, writing as Sara Driscoll, provides wonderfully descriptive and detailed background on the serious threat to Hawaiian wildlife, in this case specifically rare and endangered bird species, posed by illegal trafficking. This information is woven into a thrilling hunt for both the men trying to trap the birds, and also for the organization running the operation.
To make matters more complicated, the hunt takes place during the buildup to a volcanic eruption. This escalates the situation from a dangerous hunt to a potentially deadly disaster, with the team caught right in the middle. The author builds tension expertly, and keeps the reader on the edge of seat until the very end, making this book another excellent addition to the FBI K-9 series.
Deadly Trade puts honeymooners Meg and Todd in the middle of a wildlife trafficking operation in Hawaii when they should be enjoying sun, sand, and sex. Of course FBI K-9 handler Meg has her partner Hawk with her when, during a wilderness hike, they stumble across two men illegally trapping rare birds.
Time is critical and the local FBI agent and a Fish and Wildlife agent enlist Meg and Hawk’s help to hunt the traffickers, with Meg insisting that Todd is part of the team. Meg’s human partner Brian and his K-9 Lacey are recruited, and of course the intrepid reporter McCord joins the hunt.
Jenn J. Danna, writing as Sara Driscoll, provides wonderfully descriptive and detailed background on the serious threat to Hawaiian wildlife, in this case specifically rare and endangered bird species, posed by illegal trafficking. This information is woven into a thrilling hunt for both the men trying to trap the birds, and also for the organization running the operation.
To make matters more complicated, the hunt takes place during the buildup to a volcanic eruption. This escalates the situation from a dangerous hunt to a potentially deadly disaster, with the team caught right in the middle. The author builds tension expertly, and keeps the reader on the edge of seat until the very end, making this book another excellent addition to the FBI K-9 series.
November 7, 2025
This was a fun book to read, Meg and Hawk's adventures usually are, but this time the setting in Hawaii made it more so. You could tell the author did a lot of research. I found I loved the jungle like setting where most of the action took place, loved learning about the birds and volcanoes. All of it added to the story and made it seem like it's own separate character in the book.
It was crazy how Meg and Todd stumbled upon what they did. I loved how they jumped in to help the birds they could and then also to get those that needed to, out there to help more. I know they were given the choice to not continue with things, but you knew, despite them being there on their honeymoon, they were not going to step away.
It was fun to see how the team worked, loved seeing the locals accept McCord right from the start and for them to see and acknowledge how much help he was.
Things got dicey towards the end on so many levels, but I'm glad that they got their bad guy and were able to enjoy the time they had in Hawaii!
It was crazy how Meg and Todd stumbled upon what they did. I loved how they jumped in to help the birds they could and then also to get those that needed to, out there to help more. I know they were given the choice to not continue with things, but you knew, despite them being there on their honeymoon, they were not going to step away.
It was fun to see how the team worked, loved seeing the locals accept McCord right from the start and for them to see and acknowledge how much help he was.
Things got dicey towards the end on so many levels, but I'm glad that they got their bad guy and were able to enjoy the time they had in Hawaii!
October 28, 2025
“Deadly Trade” by Sara Driscoll is a gripping and suspenseful crime thriller that keeps you on edge from start to finish. While on their honeymoon in Hawaii, Meg and Todd stumble upon a dangerous web of poachers—and an active volcano ready to erupt. With danger lurking in every shadow, the tension builds perfectly, making this a fast-paced, high-stakes read you won’t want to put down.
September 26, 2025
Deadly trade.
Sarah driscoll
# police procedural.
Intriguing, for sure, what began as a honeymoon ended on a whole nother level.
Volcanoes poachers. Sometimes there's no time for romance or honeymoons.But somehow you get it slipped in there.
Todd and meg newly married. Love what they do. taking care of the bad guy, making sure everyone is where they should be and safety is the first thing in line.
No, one knew about what was fixing to erupt.Or who was in the path. Danger lurks around every corner. and sometimes the ground rumbles .
Simply a fantastic story.
This one was fantastic.But this author writes books that hold your attention super intriguing.I definitely recommend her work.
Sarah driscoll
# police procedural.
Intriguing, for sure, what began as a honeymoon ended on a whole nother level.
Volcanoes poachers. Sometimes there's no time for romance or honeymoons.But somehow you get it slipped in there.
Todd and meg newly married. Love what they do. taking care of the bad guy, making sure everyone is where they should be and safety is the first thing in line.
No, one knew about what was fixing to erupt.Or who was in the path. Danger lurks around every corner. and sometimes the ground rumbles .
Simply a fantastic story.
This one was fantastic.But this author writes books that hold your attention super intriguing.I definitely recommend her work.
November 12, 2025
4 1/2 Stars ✨
Wow! This 10th in the series was a winner. It starts with a slow burn and builds to an incredible explosion of action that you won’t be able to put down. The plot it different from previous books in the series, involving endangered avian wildlife, one of my favorites happening in the wilderness area of the Big Island of Hawaii. And, Hawk and Lacey are prominent throughout. Everything is best with dog characters. Highly recommended. Now to wait anxiously for the next in the series. Bravo Jen Danna aka Sara Driscoll. Keep on writing, quickly please.
Wow! This 10th in the series was a winner. It starts with a slow burn and builds to an incredible explosion of action that you won’t be able to put down. The plot it different from previous books in the series, involving endangered avian wildlife, one of my favorites happening in the wilderness area of the Big Island of Hawaii. And, Hawk and Lacey are prominent throughout. Everything is best with dog characters. Highly recommended. Now to wait anxiously for the next in the series. Bravo Jen Danna aka Sara Driscoll. Keep on writing, quickly please.
November 22, 2025
I love a dog sidekick. And this story gives us three!
DEADLY TRADE drops us into a nature reserve on the Hawaiian Islands. We have poachers willing to use violence to escape with their prey, conservationists fighting to save the wildlife, and the K-9 team hunting down the bad guys.
Add treacherous mountain land, the danger of earthquakes and the threat of a volcano eruption, and the stakes ramp up to life or death.
This is book 10 in the FBI K-9 series, but I had no trouble reading it as a stand alone.
*Thanks to Kensington Books (#Thrillfluencer) for the free copy!*
DEADLY TRADE drops us into a nature reserve on the Hawaiian Islands. We have poachers willing to use violence to escape with their prey, conservationists fighting to save the wildlife, and the K-9 team hunting down the bad guys.
Add treacherous mountain land, the danger of earthquakes and the threat of a volcano eruption, and the stakes ramp up to life or death.
This is book 10 in the FBI K-9 series, but I had no trouble reading it as a stand alone.
*Thanks to Kensington Books (#Thrillfluencer) for the free copy!*
December 6, 2025
Very different from prior books
I LOVE this series and anxiously awaited the arrival of Deadly Trade. The author spent so much time talking about the birds, topography of Hawaii, and lava flow/ volcanos, she spent little time discussing the dogs. Their efforts in the search were brief (although important). Just really missed the style and typical plots of prior books.
I LOVE this series and anxiously awaited the arrival of Deadly Trade. The author spent so much time talking about the birds, topography of Hawaii, and lava flow/ volcanos, she spent little time discussing the dogs. Their efforts in the search were brief (although important). Just really missed the style and typical plots of prior books.
September 21, 2025
As a very lucky winner of an ARC copy of Deadly Trade, I wish to send a huge thank you to the wonderful Sara Driscoll. I truly treasure this personalized copy and will keep it always.
I dearly love this series, Hawk & Lacy, Meg & Brian, with my devotion to canine deep in my bones, in my soul. I initially picked up Still Waters randomly at the library and was completely hooked. I learned so much I couldn't stop! Then, I read them all in order. An evolution on display throughout, to where we are today...quality novels. And for anyone who loves these as much I do, you will be pleased to know that this one picks up a couple of weeks after the prior. Hawk simply must out live me! I'm 61, it's quite possible. Jen & Kensington, please make it happen.
Deadly Trade is quite different from the others as there are not dozens or 100's of human lives at stake. The tension doesn't exist in the same way but the relevance and importance very present making this a great book. The stakes still high with so much value, it kept me engaged and curious. After the dogs, McCord is my fav. And once again, he is written perfectly! The amount of research and knowledge that went into this novel is clear. And like the others, I loved it and highly recommend Deadly Trade. All lives really do matter! All books, not so much. But this one does matter.
Fingers crossed for more adventures with Hawk and his gang of humans. In the mean time, I'll be at the book store on August 26 (my birthday) for a copy of her latest release Shadow Play. That will be my first Jen book outside of Hawk series and I'm looking forward to it.
I dearly love this series, Hawk & Lacy, Meg & Brian, with my devotion to canine deep in my bones, in my soul. I initially picked up Still Waters randomly at the library and was completely hooked. I learned so much I couldn't stop! Then, I read them all in order. An evolution on display throughout, to where we are today...quality novels. And for anyone who loves these as much I do, you will be pleased to know that this one picks up a couple of weeks after the prior. Hawk simply must out live me! I'm 61, it's quite possible. Jen & Kensington, please make it happen.
Deadly Trade is quite different from the others as there are not dozens or 100's of human lives at stake. The tension doesn't exist in the same way but the relevance and importance very present making this a great book. The stakes still high with so much value, it kept me engaged and curious. After the dogs, McCord is my fav. And once again, he is written perfectly! The amount of research and knowledge that went into this novel is clear. And like the others, I loved it and highly recommend Deadly Trade. All lives really do matter! All books, not so much. But this one does matter.
Fingers crossed for more adventures with Hawk and his gang of humans. In the mean time, I'll be at the book store on August 26 (my birthday) for a copy of her latest release Shadow Play. That will be my first Jen book outside of Hawk series and I'm looking forward to it.
July 28, 2025
I’ve avidly read books since I was a preteen. As I grew older, I migrated to mysteries and thrillers and particularly serials where you have continuing main characters that you grow to admire. It also helps that the FBI K-9 series has lovable, smart and talented dogs.
In this 10th entry into the series, Meg and Todd are on their honeymoon, with Meg’s canine partner, Hawk, accompanying them. During the second week of the honeymoon, they decided to take Hawk on a training session by hiking into protected federally protected land in a tropical rain forest. What could possibly go wrong????
The answer to that is anything criminals bent on enriching themselves and Mother Nature can provide. After stumbling into trouble with smugglers trafficking in rare and endangered birds, Meg & Todd manage to scare the bad guys off and rescue some of the birds. They are joined by an FBI agent and one from the US Fish and Wildlife.
The Hawaiian federal agents then request Meg’s continuing participation. She and Todd agree, if Meg’s management will send Meg’s human partner and his canine Lacy. They join them in Hawaii with the erstwhile Washington Post reporter and extraordinaire researcher the next day and the adventure is off and running. Meg, Todd, Brian and their dogs along with the federal agents in tracking the smugglers through natural elements and natural disasters in seeking justice for the endangered birds.
I truly enjoy these books. They are entertaining to read and extremely informative about the criminal activity causing the FBI Canine Team to be engaged whether it is terrorism, murder, sex trafficking or in this case, trafficking in rare animals. In this book, the ecological elements in Hawaii were also detailed. I can hardly wait for book 11 in this series.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Publishers for the DRC copy of Deadly Trade for my honest review. The opinons are my own.
In this 10th entry into the series, Meg and Todd are on their honeymoon, with Meg’s canine partner, Hawk, accompanying them. During the second week of the honeymoon, they decided to take Hawk on a training session by hiking into protected federally protected land in a tropical rain forest. What could possibly go wrong????
The answer to that is anything criminals bent on enriching themselves and Mother Nature can provide. After stumbling into trouble with smugglers trafficking in rare and endangered birds, Meg & Todd manage to scare the bad guys off and rescue some of the birds. They are joined by an FBI agent and one from the US Fish and Wildlife.
The Hawaiian federal agents then request Meg’s continuing participation. She and Todd agree, if Meg’s management will send Meg’s human partner and his canine Lacy. They join them in Hawaii with the erstwhile Washington Post reporter and extraordinaire researcher the next day and the adventure is off and running. Meg, Todd, Brian and their dogs along with the federal agents in tracking the smugglers through natural elements and natural disasters in seeking justice for the endangered birds.
I truly enjoy these books. They are entertaining to read and extremely informative about the criminal activity causing the FBI Canine Team to be engaged whether it is terrorism, murder, sex trafficking or in this case, trafficking in rare animals. In this book, the ecological elements in Hawaii were also detailed. I can hardly wait for book 11 in this series.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Publishers for the DRC copy of Deadly Trade for my honest review. The opinons are my own.
November 10, 2025
Deadly Trade by Sara Driscoll
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and Goodreads for my gifted book.
Let me just say, I knew Meg Jennings wouldn’t get a normal honeymoon. This is book ten in the FBI K-9 series, and by now, you’d think Meg and her canine partner, Hawk, would be allowed two weeks of sandy beaches, fruity drinks, and zero felonies. Think again. Turns out, Hawaii isn’t just volcanoes and ukuleles—it’s got poachers, endangered birds, and lava bombs, and Meg is magnetically drawn to every ounce of trouble like she’s got FBI-coded GPS.
The setup is deceptively breezy. Meg, Todd (her shiny new husband/firefighter/paramedic), and the ever-faithful Hawk are finally getting some R&R on the Big Island. Meg’s convinced she can keep work at bay for just a little while. Then, of course, Hawk catches a scent while on a hike in Puʻu Makaʻala Natural Area Reserve and BAM—honeymoon over. They stumble on two men trapping rare, endangered birds, and within minutes Meg is bleeding, Todd is triaging, and Hawk is ready to put all those training hours to use. Again.
The rest of the book is a glorious, adrenaline-laced mix of conservation crime, search-and-rescue operations, and natural disaster drama. FBI agents, U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials, and even a local Conservation K-9 team join forces to track down the traffickers. If you’ve ever wanted a wildlife procedural where search dogs, endangered birds, and volcanic eruptions all collide in one big eco-thriller—well, hi, welcome to your new favorite book.
And let’s talk about that volcano for a second. Mauna Loa is grumbling in the background the entire time like a sleeping beast. The tension simmers with every minor quake, and when it finally blows, the plot kicks into high gear like someone yanked the emergency brake off a speeding car. Sara Driscoll doesn’t just use the volcano as a backdrop—it’s an active, living threat that raises the stakes in a way that feels both cinematic and scarily plausible.
There’s also a solid emotional thread woven through all this chaos. Meg and Todd are newly married, trying to hold onto a sliver of intimacy and normalcy while dodging poachers and dodging lava. The inclusion of Brian (Meg’s K-9 handler partner), Lacey (his search dog), and journalist Clay McCord (aka walking research machine) gives us that “found family” feel this series does so well. These characters know each other inside and out, and the way they click—professionally and personally—adds so much depth.
And then there’s Hawk. Honestly, Hawk deserves his own spin-off. He’s the emotional anchor of the series, fiercely intelligent, deeply bonded to Meg, and absolutely fearless. Watching him work alongside another K-9, this time trained specifically to locate bird nesting sites, was fascinating. The level of detail Driscoll puts into how these dogs work—right down to how scent travels in dense forests—is so immersive. If you’re a dog lover or a fan of working animal stories, this series scratches that itch in the best way.
Driscoll also continues her tradition of starting each chapter with a scientific or cultural fact that ties into what’s coming next—something I’ve come to look forward to with each book. It’s subtle, it’s smart, and it gives the reader that little bit of “insider knowledge” before diving back into the action.
Pacing-wise, this one moves fast. We get chased through forests, shot at by traffickers, nearly swallowed by lava flows, and raced to extract injured birds—all within a few days. But the real trick is how Driscoll manages to make every scene feel earned. Nothing is thrown in for cheap thrills. Every challenge the team faces is rooted in real-world issues: wildlife trafficking, conservation enforcement, emergency response in isolated areas. And yet it never feels preachy. It’s thrilling with purpose.
Quote that stuck with me:
“We’re not here for vacation anymore. We’re here to stop this.”
That line pretty much sums up Meg’s entire ethos—and what makes her such a compelling lead. She’s not flashy, she’s not reckless, but she’s always going to do the right thing, no matter the personal cost.
By the end, I needed a nap, a cold drink, and a Google search on “How dangerous is Mauna Loa really?” The story left me sweaty-palmed, emotionally invested, and frankly a little angry that I now have to wait another year for the next book. Deadly Trade is Driscoll at her absolute best—merging pulse-pounding action with real heart and a clear-eyed look at the fragile ecosystems we’re all responsible for protecting.
If you’re new to the series, you can jump in here (though I guarantee you’ll want to binge the rest after). If you’re a longtime fan, just buckle up. You’re in for one of the wildest rides Meg, Todd, and Hawk have ever had.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (And a flaming lava rock for good measure.)
#DeadlyTrade #SaraDriscoll #NetGalley #KensingtonPublishing #FBIK9Series #K9Thriller #WildlifeCrimeFiction #ConservationCrime #SearchAndRescueFiction #HawkTheHero #VolcanoThriller #MegJenningsSeries #MysteryBookReview #EcoThriller #BooksWithDogs #ThrillersWithHeart #Bookstagram #NewRelease2025 #AmReadingMystery #StrongFemaleLead
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and Goodreads for my gifted book.
Let me just say, I knew Meg Jennings wouldn’t get a normal honeymoon. This is book ten in the FBI K-9 series, and by now, you’d think Meg and her canine partner, Hawk, would be allowed two weeks of sandy beaches, fruity drinks, and zero felonies. Think again. Turns out, Hawaii isn’t just volcanoes and ukuleles—it’s got poachers, endangered birds, and lava bombs, and Meg is magnetically drawn to every ounce of trouble like she’s got FBI-coded GPS.
The setup is deceptively breezy. Meg, Todd (her shiny new husband/firefighter/paramedic), and the ever-faithful Hawk are finally getting some R&R on the Big Island. Meg’s convinced she can keep work at bay for just a little while. Then, of course, Hawk catches a scent while on a hike in Puʻu Makaʻala Natural Area Reserve and BAM—honeymoon over. They stumble on two men trapping rare, endangered birds, and within minutes Meg is bleeding, Todd is triaging, and Hawk is ready to put all those training hours to use. Again.
The rest of the book is a glorious, adrenaline-laced mix of conservation crime, search-and-rescue operations, and natural disaster drama. FBI agents, U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials, and even a local Conservation K-9 team join forces to track down the traffickers. If you’ve ever wanted a wildlife procedural where search dogs, endangered birds, and volcanic eruptions all collide in one big eco-thriller—well, hi, welcome to your new favorite book.
And let’s talk about that volcano for a second. Mauna Loa is grumbling in the background the entire time like a sleeping beast. The tension simmers with every minor quake, and when it finally blows, the plot kicks into high gear like someone yanked the emergency brake off a speeding car. Sara Driscoll doesn’t just use the volcano as a backdrop—it’s an active, living threat that raises the stakes in a way that feels both cinematic and scarily plausible.
There’s also a solid emotional thread woven through all this chaos. Meg and Todd are newly married, trying to hold onto a sliver of intimacy and normalcy while dodging poachers and dodging lava. The inclusion of Brian (Meg’s K-9 handler partner), Lacey (his search dog), and journalist Clay McCord (aka walking research machine) gives us that “found family” feel this series does so well. These characters know each other inside and out, and the way they click—professionally and personally—adds so much depth.
And then there’s Hawk. Honestly, Hawk deserves his own spin-off. He’s the emotional anchor of the series, fiercely intelligent, deeply bonded to Meg, and absolutely fearless. Watching him work alongside another K-9, this time trained specifically to locate bird nesting sites, was fascinating. The level of detail Driscoll puts into how these dogs work—right down to how scent travels in dense forests—is so immersive. If you’re a dog lover or a fan of working animal stories, this series scratches that itch in the best way.
Driscoll also continues her tradition of starting each chapter with a scientific or cultural fact that ties into what’s coming next—something I’ve come to look forward to with each book. It’s subtle, it’s smart, and it gives the reader that little bit of “insider knowledge” before diving back into the action.
Pacing-wise, this one moves fast. We get chased through forests, shot at by traffickers, nearly swallowed by lava flows, and raced to extract injured birds—all within a few days. But the real trick is how Driscoll manages to make every scene feel earned. Nothing is thrown in for cheap thrills. Every challenge the team faces is rooted in real-world issues: wildlife trafficking, conservation enforcement, emergency response in isolated areas. And yet it never feels preachy. It’s thrilling with purpose.
Quote that stuck with me:
“We’re not here for vacation anymore. We’re here to stop this.”
That line pretty much sums up Meg’s entire ethos—and what makes her such a compelling lead. She’s not flashy, she’s not reckless, but she’s always going to do the right thing, no matter the personal cost.
By the end, I needed a nap, a cold drink, and a Google search on “How dangerous is Mauna Loa really?” The story left me sweaty-palmed, emotionally invested, and frankly a little angry that I now have to wait another year for the next book. Deadly Trade is Driscoll at her absolute best—merging pulse-pounding action with real heart and a clear-eyed look at the fragile ecosystems we’re all responsible for protecting.
If you’re new to the series, you can jump in here (though I guarantee you’ll want to binge the rest after). If you’re a longtime fan, just buckle up. You’re in for one of the wildest rides Meg, Todd, and Hawk have ever had.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (And a flaming lava rock for good measure.)
#DeadlyTrade #SaraDriscoll #NetGalley #KensingtonPublishing #FBIK9Series #K9Thriller #WildlifeCrimeFiction #ConservationCrime #SearchAndRescueFiction #HawkTheHero #VolcanoThriller #MegJenningsSeries #MysteryBookReview #EcoThriller #BooksWithDogs #ThrillersWithHeart #Bookstagram #NewRelease2025 #AmReadingMystery #StrongFemaleLead
October 11, 2025
Every novel in this series, one of my favorites, promises exciting hours of suspense, breathtaking action, and life and death encounters. The regular characters are highly engaging, knowledgeable, and teachable. Deadly Trade exceeded my expectations!
Even on their Hawaiian honeymoon, Todd and Meg stumbled into an intriguing case! They had one week alone on another island before going to Hawaii, the Big Island. Meg’s K-9 partner and heart dog, Hawk, was with them. Meg and Hawk work in the Human Scent Evidence Team of the FBI. Todd is a firefighter and paramedic; they live and work in DC.
Eager for activity, Meg and Todd went to Pu’u Maka’ala Natural Area Reserve to do parkour with Hawk. It was dense with trees and ferns, and a faint path. Mostly hidden birds sang overhead. Suddenly, after a moment of complete silence, there was an earthquake!
Hawk alerted to nearby danger, and Meg carefully entered the thicket. She found a huge cleared area, and two men across the clearing saw her. She ran, dove, and hit the ground when one pulled a gun. A bullet deeply grazed her arm without entering. Todd treated and wrapped it.
Despite her pain, they searched the clearing, and gently worked a bird out of a net it was trapped in. Meg gently opened hanging bags and freed more, keeping others that seemed injured. Todd documented her and the birds on video.
Meg contacted Craig, her boss in DC, to get advice on what was potentially trafficking in endangered birds. Brian, the K-9 handler she was most often partnered with, and his K-9, Lacey, were in the office and heard their discussion. Craig made arrangements for agents from the local offices of the FBI office and the US Fish and Wildlife service, to meet them as soon as they could get there.
Jeremy Hale and Maeve Byrne, special agents from the FBI office and the wildlife service, arrived. They had extensive knowledge regarding both trafficking and Hawaii’s endangered birds. Maeve left with the birds that needed immediate medical care.
That night, they talked with McCord, a friend and the partner of Cara, Meg’s sister. As an investigative reporter, he had worked with Meg and Brian on several cases. They discussed the volcanoes and what they found. He has been their best source of information through his incredible research skills, providing enough knowledge that helped solve cases. The author outlined the workings of volcanoes in a fascinating manner. Mauna Loa, a volcano under Hawaii, was past due to erupt.
Brian and his K-9 Lacey arrived the next day with a surprise. McCord, a recent recipient of a Pulitzer for his work on a case he helped with, arrived with Brian. Brian and Lacey would go out with Meg, Todd, and the locals. McCord sought how the men would leave the island with the birds while watching for volcano alerts. Maeve and Jeremy arrived with a local K-9 handler whose dog could locate nesting places of the birds. They knew the poachers would have to replace the birds they left behind yesterday.
The search was an adventure, especially as the volcano warned of impending danger. It was a horrifying sight to imagine as the earth shook and the forest roared with fire from the eruptions. At least one wouldn’t survive that day… I highly recommend this thriller and the rest of the series, especially to those who appreciate K-9 teams and edge of the seat suspense.
Many thanks to the publisher, Kensington, who provided a pre-publication copy of this novel through NetGalley. This is my honest review.
Even on their Hawaiian honeymoon, Todd and Meg stumbled into an intriguing case! They had one week alone on another island before going to Hawaii, the Big Island. Meg’s K-9 partner and heart dog, Hawk, was with them. Meg and Hawk work in the Human Scent Evidence Team of the FBI. Todd is a firefighter and paramedic; they live and work in DC.
Eager for activity, Meg and Todd went to Pu’u Maka’ala Natural Area Reserve to do parkour with Hawk. It was dense with trees and ferns, and a faint path. Mostly hidden birds sang overhead. Suddenly, after a moment of complete silence, there was an earthquake!
Hawk alerted to nearby danger, and Meg carefully entered the thicket. She found a huge cleared area, and two men across the clearing saw her. She ran, dove, and hit the ground when one pulled a gun. A bullet deeply grazed her arm without entering. Todd treated and wrapped it.
Despite her pain, they searched the clearing, and gently worked a bird out of a net it was trapped in. Meg gently opened hanging bags and freed more, keeping others that seemed injured. Todd documented her and the birds on video.
Meg contacted Craig, her boss in DC, to get advice on what was potentially trafficking in endangered birds. Brian, the K-9 handler she was most often partnered with, and his K-9, Lacey, were in the office and heard their discussion. Craig made arrangements for agents from the local offices of the FBI office and the US Fish and Wildlife service, to meet them as soon as they could get there.
Jeremy Hale and Maeve Byrne, special agents from the FBI office and the wildlife service, arrived. They had extensive knowledge regarding both trafficking and Hawaii’s endangered birds. Maeve left with the birds that needed immediate medical care.
That night, they talked with McCord, a friend and the partner of Cara, Meg’s sister. As an investigative reporter, he had worked with Meg and Brian on several cases. They discussed the volcanoes and what they found. He has been their best source of information through his incredible research skills, providing enough knowledge that helped solve cases. The author outlined the workings of volcanoes in a fascinating manner. Mauna Loa, a volcano under Hawaii, was past due to erupt.
Brian and his K-9 Lacey arrived the next day with a surprise. McCord, a recent recipient of a Pulitzer for his work on a case he helped with, arrived with Brian. Brian and Lacey would go out with Meg, Todd, and the locals. McCord sought how the men would leave the island with the birds while watching for volcano alerts. Maeve and Jeremy arrived with a local K-9 handler whose dog could locate nesting places of the birds. They knew the poachers would have to replace the birds they left behind yesterday.
The search was an adventure, especially as the volcano warned of impending danger. It was a horrifying sight to imagine as the earth shook and the forest roared with fire from the eruptions. At least one wouldn’t survive that day… I highly recommend this thriller and the rest of the series, especially to those who appreciate K-9 teams and edge of the seat suspense.
Many thanks to the publisher, Kensington, who provided a pre-publication copy of this novel through NetGalley. This is my honest review.
September 18, 2025
DEADLY TRADE by Sara Driscoll is the edge-of-your-seat, suspenseful story of FBI K-9 handler Meg Jennings and Lieutenant Todd Webb, firefighter and paramedic, on their two-week honeymoon in Hawaii. With a long, happy marriage in mind, they begin to wonder if they will survive their honeymoon.
Never separated from her K-9 and thanks to a very understanding husband, Hawk accompanies Meg and Todd on their honeymoon. After a fun and relaxing first week, both humans and dog, who are use to a very active lives, are ready to get out and explore. They just didn’t expect to be using their working skills while trying to stay alive. Hawk catching a scent had them exploring thinking it might be hiker in need of help. Instead, they encounter poachers of exotic birds. Meg ends up shot in the upper arm and running for her life.
After contacting the authorities, they find out what a corrupt business bird poaching is. With no concern to low census of species, federally protected birds or damage to natural resources these birds need to survive, all they are thinking about is padding their pockets with high dollar profits these beauties of nature can bring on the black market. Meg and Todd agree to use their skills, their team’s skills, alongside the local authorities and U.S. Fish and Wildlife to try to catch these criminals, to bring them to justice and to save these endangered fauna and flora. They all greatly benefit from the help of Clay McCord, who works for the Washington Post. Using his expertise in research and computers, he’s worked alongside Meg’s team successfully numerous times for the rights at first crack of the story once it’s been resolved. His ability to find information can save them many hours of time and energy, pinpoint where they need to go in the vastness of the area and help keep them safe.
Days of hiking miles in and out of the jungle searching while maneuvering the hazards of the jungle gave them the exercise they thought they’d wanted. Evenings are spend trying to regroup, plan for the next day and to refuel the body. With such a vast area, will they zone in on the correct area or be way off base? Will they be able to catch these people before they get off with the prize(s)? With the stakes high, will they all make it out alive?
DEADLY TRADE is an astonishing, suspense filled story that grabs you on page one and takes you on a read all in one sitting ride. Sara Driscoll gives us a story of suspense, romance, camaraderie, nature, danger, and mystery. DEADLY TRADE is emphatically FIVE STAR reading and I highly recommend it to everyone!
While the tenth book in the FBI K-9 series, DEADLY TRADE can most definitely be read as a standalone book.
I receive an ARC of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#DeadlyTrade #FBIK9 #SaraDriscoll
Never separated from her K-9 and thanks to a very understanding husband, Hawk accompanies Meg and Todd on their honeymoon. After a fun and relaxing first week, both humans and dog, who are use to a very active lives, are ready to get out and explore. They just didn’t expect to be using their working skills while trying to stay alive. Hawk catching a scent had them exploring thinking it might be hiker in need of help. Instead, they encounter poachers of exotic birds. Meg ends up shot in the upper arm and running for her life.
After contacting the authorities, they find out what a corrupt business bird poaching is. With no concern to low census of species, federally protected birds or damage to natural resources these birds need to survive, all they are thinking about is padding their pockets with high dollar profits these beauties of nature can bring on the black market. Meg and Todd agree to use their skills, their team’s skills, alongside the local authorities and U.S. Fish and Wildlife to try to catch these criminals, to bring them to justice and to save these endangered fauna and flora. They all greatly benefit from the help of Clay McCord, who works for the Washington Post. Using his expertise in research and computers, he’s worked alongside Meg’s team successfully numerous times for the rights at first crack of the story once it’s been resolved. His ability to find information can save them many hours of time and energy, pinpoint where they need to go in the vastness of the area and help keep them safe.
Days of hiking miles in and out of the jungle searching while maneuvering the hazards of the jungle gave them the exercise they thought they’d wanted. Evenings are spend trying to regroup, plan for the next day and to refuel the body. With such a vast area, will they zone in on the correct area or be way off base? Will they be able to catch these people before they get off with the prize(s)? With the stakes high, will they all make it out alive?
DEADLY TRADE is an astonishing, suspense filled story that grabs you on page one and takes you on a read all in one sitting ride. Sara Driscoll gives us a story of suspense, romance, camaraderie, nature, danger, and mystery. DEADLY TRADE is emphatically FIVE STAR reading and I highly recommend it to everyone!
While the tenth book in the FBI K-9 series, DEADLY TRADE can most definitely be read as a standalone book.
I receive an ARC of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#DeadlyTrade #FBIK9 #SaraDriscoll
October 23, 2025
A Hawaiian honeymoon leads to a deadly investigation
On the heels of a dangerous mountaintop rescue full of fraught moments Meg Jennings, a K-9 handler with the FBI's Forensic Canine Unit, is finally able to relax as she and her new husband Todd embark on their Hawaiian honeymoon. After a week of taking it easy, though, Meg and Todd are both looking to incorporate some conditioning work into their vacation time and set off for a hike in a natural reserve with Meg's canine partner Hawk. When they stumble upon what looks like a wildlife trafficking site aimed at avian endangered species, it isn't something from which either can turn away. Soon they are working with local representatives of the FBI and US Fish and Wildlife, with colleagues from back in DC flying in to round out the group. In the shadowy world of trafficking animals there is a great amount of money to be had for those who can procure unique and often endangered animals for collectors with a great deal of money but few if any scruples about the harm being done to the species in question. Its the kind of money people are willing to kill over, but it isn't the only danger facing the investigation...one of the Big Island's active volcanoes is long overdue for an eruption, and tremors signaling a pending eruption have already begun.
Deadly Trade is the tenth installment in the series featuring Meg and Hawk, and is another engaging law enforcement procedural featuring human/canine teams whose training and skills help both prevent crimes and track down those who perpetrate them. It can certainly be read as a standalone, although those who have read others in the series will have a greater understanding of the individual characters' story arcs. The relationship between Meg and Hawk is as always key to the successful solving of the mystery. Here the setting moves far beyond the usual DC area/East Coast backdrops of earlier stories, featuring instead the exotic Hawaiian landscape. It is a quick read, and an interesting look at the unusual world of wildlife trafficking, in this case not what most people think of (ivory tusks, animal parts used in Eastern medicines, etc) but rather the crimes committed so that people with enough money to do or have whatever they want can have a collection of unique animals to show off. Fans of the series as well as readers of Alex Kava, C. J. Box and Nevada Barr will enjoy this latest chapter in the FBI Canine saga, a solid 4 ⭐️ +. My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for allowing me access to this entertaining read in exchange for my honest review.
On the heels of a dangerous mountaintop rescue full of fraught moments Meg Jennings, a K-9 handler with the FBI's Forensic Canine Unit, is finally able to relax as she and her new husband Todd embark on their Hawaiian honeymoon. After a week of taking it easy, though, Meg and Todd are both looking to incorporate some conditioning work into their vacation time and set off for a hike in a natural reserve with Meg's canine partner Hawk. When they stumble upon what looks like a wildlife trafficking site aimed at avian endangered species, it isn't something from which either can turn away. Soon they are working with local representatives of the FBI and US Fish and Wildlife, with colleagues from back in DC flying in to round out the group. In the shadowy world of trafficking animals there is a great amount of money to be had for those who can procure unique and often endangered animals for collectors with a great deal of money but few if any scruples about the harm being done to the species in question. Its the kind of money people are willing to kill over, but it isn't the only danger facing the investigation...one of the Big Island's active volcanoes is long overdue for an eruption, and tremors signaling a pending eruption have already begun.
Deadly Trade is the tenth installment in the series featuring Meg and Hawk, and is another engaging law enforcement procedural featuring human/canine teams whose training and skills help both prevent crimes and track down those who perpetrate them. It can certainly be read as a standalone, although those who have read others in the series will have a greater understanding of the individual characters' story arcs. The relationship between Meg and Hawk is as always key to the successful solving of the mystery. Here the setting moves far beyond the usual DC area/East Coast backdrops of earlier stories, featuring instead the exotic Hawaiian landscape. It is a quick read, and an interesting look at the unusual world of wildlife trafficking, in this case not what most people think of (ivory tusks, animal parts used in Eastern medicines, etc) but rather the crimes committed so that people with enough money to do or have whatever they want can have a collection of unique animals to show off. Fans of the series as well as readers of Alex Kava, C. J. Box and Nevada Barr will enjoy this latest chapter in the FBI Canine saga, a solid 4 ⭐️ +. My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for allowing me access to this entertaining read in exchange for my honest review.
November 29, 2025
📚Deadly Trade
✍🏻Sara Driscoll
Blurb:
FBI K-9 handler Meg Jennings can never walk away from her job, even amid her Hawaiian Islands honeymoon, where she and her search-and-rescue black Lab encounter a double threat from wildlife poachers and Mother Nature.
After a difficult assignment and the excitement of her wedding to firefighter Todd Webb, Meg is more than ready for two weeks of sun, sea, and gorgeous Hawaiian scenery. Her K-9 partner, Hawk, accompanies Meg and Todd to their resort, reveling in his celebrity status with both staff and guests. After a week of relaxation, all three are ready to get out into nature on the Big Island, where Meg and Hawk can practice search strategies.
In the remote fern forest of Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve, Hawk’s senses are on high alert. When Meg lets him leave the path, they encounter two men trapping bright birds. The poachers escape, leaving their bounty behind, and when agents from the FBI and US Fish and Wildlife arrive, they confirm that the birds are all endangered species near extinction. Super-wealthy collectors acquire them for private zoos, with no regard for the birds’ survival. Alive or dead, these beautiful creatures are merely trophies.
Meg, Todd, and Hawk join an official search using a local conservation dog to pinpoint vulnerable nesting grounds in an attempt to protect trafficked wildlife and to stop the poachers in their tracks. But beyond the threat posed by determined poachers lurks another danger—Mauna Loa, one of the island’s active volcanoes, has been grumbling, and is poised to turn this mission into their most terrifying yet.
My Thoughts:
While on their Hawaiian honeymoon, Todd and Meg with her K-9 partner, Hawk, stumble upon two men trapping endangered birds. Meg was shot in the arm and the ensuing fallout leads to the opening of a large scale investigation and the end of the honeymoon. Jam-packed with interesting facts on the terrain and the business of poaching rare and endangered species, the story careens on to the simultaneous attempt to capture the poachers and the eruption of the volcanoes. I would classify this well written and exciting story more as action/adventure rather than a straight mystery.. Of Course I loved this story a dog 🐶 and a firefighter 🧑🚒. I am married to a firefighter so that added more to me enjoying this book 😊
Thanks NetGalley, Kensington Publishing Corp and Author Sara Driscoll for the advanced copy of "Deadly Trade" I am leaving my honest review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#KensingtonPublishingCorp
#SaraDriscoll
#DeadlyTrade
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warnings Animal cruelty,: Fire/Fire injury
✍🏻Sara Driscoll
Blurb:
FBI K-9 handler Meg Jennings can never walk away from her job, even amid her Hawaiian Islands honeymoon, where she and her search-and-rescue black Lab encounter a double threat from wildlife poachers and Mother Nature.
After a difficult assignment and the excitement of her wedding to firefighter Todd Webb, Meg is more than ready for two weeks of sun, sea, and gorgeous Hawaiian scenery. Her K-9 partner, Hawk, accompanies Meg and Todd to their resort, reveling in his celebrity status with both staff and guests. After a week of relaxation, all three are ready to get out into nature on the Big Island, where Meg and Hawk can practice search strategies.
In the remote fern forest of Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve, Hawk’s senses are on high alert. When Meg lets him leave the path, they encounter two men trapping bright birds. The poachers escape, leaving their bounty behind, and when agents from the FBI and US Fish and Wildlife arrive, they confirm that the birds are all endangered species near extinction. Super-wealthy collectors acquire them for private zoos, with no regard for the birds’ survival. Alive or dead, these beautiful creatures are merely trophies.
Meg, Todd, and Hawk join an official search using a local conservation dog to pinpoint vulnerable nesting grounds in an attempt to protect trafficked wildlife and to stop the poachers in their tracks. But beyond the threat posed by determined poachers lurks another danger—Mauna Loa, one of the island’s active volcanoes, has been grumbling, and is poised to turn this mission into their most terrifying yet.
My Thoughts:
While on their Hawaiian honeymoon, Todd and Meg with her K-9 partner, Hawk, stumble upon two men trapping endangered birds. Meg was shot in the arm and the ensuing fallout leads to the opening of a large scale investigation and the end of the honeymoon. Jam-packed with interesting facts on the terrain and the business of poaching rare and endangered species, the story careens on to the simultaneous attempt to capture the poachers and the eruption of the volcanoes. I would classify this well written and exciting story more as action/adventure rather than a straight mystery.. Of Course I loved this story a dog 🐶 and a firefighter 🧑🚒. I am married to a firefighter so that added more to me enjoying this book 😊
Thanks NetGalley, Kensington Publishing Corp and Author Sara Driscoll for the advanced copy of "Deadly Trade" I am leaving my honest review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#KensingtonPublishingCorp
#SaraDriscoll
#DeadlyTrade
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warnings Animal cruelty,: Fire/Fire injury
July 8, 2025
A gunshot wound, rare bird poachers, treks through dense jungle foliage—and an angry volcano. Is this any way to spend a honeymoon? It is if you're FBI K-9 handler Meg Jennings, firefighter/paramedic Todd Webb, and canine extraordinaire Hawk.
For Meg and her new husband Todd, along with Meg’s remarkable dog Hawk, a week of poolside relaxation in Hawaii seemed like the perfect honeymoon. Ha! We know that too much relaxation isn’t in their DNA so they decide to head into Hawaii’s big island wilderness for a long run to challenge their skills at navigating unknown territory and to re-boot their energy. It all changes when Hawk alerts to human activity off the trail. As Meg moves closer, she sees two men stringing netting between the trees. Investigating closer still, she is discovered and is shot in the arm. The men take off running, leaving behind evidence of their activities.
After Todd stabilizes her injury, the couple quickly realizes they’ve stumbled upon an illegal trafficking ring smuggling rare birds to wealthy buyers. They mutually decide that they must follow up and now their romantic getaway immediately becomes a high-stakes investigation. Despite her wound, Meg calls in her FBI team and joins forces with local authorities to bring the smugglers down before they can disappear with their valuable cargo.
The team assembles with approval from DC headquarters and Brian, his K-9 Lacy, a local K-9 conservation team, and investigative reporter Clay McCord join the hunt. The clock is ticking however—not just because the birds are in danger, but because the island’s dormant volcano is showing signs it’s about to erupt. It is apparent that now the team must not only stop the traffickers—they must do it under the shadow of possible volcanic eruption.
Deadly Trade takes a slightly different tack than previous entries in the series, leaning more into strategy and suspense than nonstop action but all the emotional intensity and momentum we've come to expect is still there. As in the other books, ‘place’ is central. While most visitors to Hawaii never travel in such remote locations, Meg and her team must navigate the dense forest and stark volcanic landscape in order to make sense of the poaching scheme. You’ll want to pull up Google Earth and follow along.
We know these characters well by now and with Meg, Todd, and Hawk, even a honeymoon can turn into a mission—and this is one you won’t want to miss.
I received an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
For Meg and her new husband Todd, along with Meg’s remarkable dog Hawk, a week of poolside relaxation in Hawaii seemed like the perfect honeymoon. Ha! We know that too much relaxation isn’t in their DNA so they decide to head into Hawaii’s big island wilderness for a long run to challenge their skills at navigating unknown territory and to re-boot their energy. It all changes when Hawk alerts to human activity off the trail. As Meg moves closer, she sees two men stringing netting between the trees. Investigating closer still, she is discovered and is shot in the arm. The men take off running, leaving behind evidence of their activities.
After Todd stabilizes her injury, the couple quickly realizes they’ve stumbled upon an illegal trafficking ring smuggling rare birds to wealthy buyers. They mutually decide that they must follow up and now their romantic getaway immediately becomes a high-stakes investigation. Despite her wound, Meg calls in her FBI team and joins forces with local authorities to bring the smugglers down before they can disappear with their valuable cargo.
The team assembles with approval from DC headquarters and Brian, his K-9 Lacy, a local K-9 conservation team, and investigative reporter Clay McCord join the hunt. The clock is ticking however—not just because the birds are in danger, but because the island’s dormant volcano is showing signs it’s about to erupt. It is apparent that now the team must not only stop the traffickers—they must do it under the shadow of possible volcanic eruption.
Deadly Trade takes a slightly different tack than previous entries in the series, leaning more into strategy and suspense than nonstop action but all the emotional intensity and momentum we've come to expect is still there. As in the other books, ‘place’ is central. While most visitors to Hawaii never travel in such remote locations, Meg and her team must navigate the dense forest and stark volcanic landscape in order to make sense of the poaching scheme. You’ll want to pull up Google Earth and follow along.
We know these characters well by now and with Meg, Todd, and Hawk, even a honeymoon can turn into a mission—and this is one you won’t want to miss.
I received an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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