Scent of Sabotage

by Dana Mentink

To track down the truth,
they’ll need to unravel the clues

Detective Beth Wolfe’s reunion with investigative journalist Jack St. James is a matter of life or death—and when a masked assailant attacks them, a severe blow leaves Jack with amnesia. Beth and her K-9, Arthur, are determined to keep Jack safe while he regains his lost memories. Was he targeted due to a case he was working on…or does it have something to do with the son they placed for adoption decades ago? When their investigations lead them inside a booby-trapped amusement park, it’s a race against the clock to put all the pieces together and uncover the park owners’ nefarious plot…or die trying.

From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.

Security Hounds Investigations

Book 1: Tracking the Truth
Book 2: Fugitive Search
Book 3: Hunted on the Trail
Book 4: Following the Clues
Book 5: Detecting Concealed Evidence
Book 6: Scent of Sabotage

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

272 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published December 30, 2025

About the author

USA TODAY bestseller Dana Mentink enjoys writing in many different capacities. She currently writes for Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense and Poisoned Pen Press.

Dana is the recipient of a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, two ACFW Carol Awards as well as a Holt Medallion.

Dana loves feedback from her readers. Contact her via her website at www.danamentink.com. and be sure to follow her on Bookbub!
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/dana-...

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a perfect way to end this wonderful series - with a focus on Beth Wolfe, the owner of the Security Hounds Detective Agency and the martiarch of the Wolfe family!

This story might be my favourite one of the series. There was a perfect balance between the love and support of the Wolfe family and their pack of dogs, with the tension that Jack St. James’ return brought to the story, a well-plotted and unpredictable mystery, a light yet impactful faith thread, and the pulse-pounding, race-against-time factor.

Mentink held my attention from cover to cover, and I was absorbed in a great mystery that demanded my attention.

This may be the final book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone. If you haven’t discovered the Wolfe family and their Security Hounds Detective Agency, consider this a gentle nudge to investigate for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I read this one in a single sitting!

Here’s what you can expect from this story:
->A detective and investigative journalist duo
->A heartfelt second chance romance
->A loyal K9 helper named Arthur
->Amnesia
->Family secrets
->A suspenseful amusement park rescue
->Nonstop, page turning suspense

I’ve read a few of the other books in this series (though not all), and now I definitely need to go back and catch up on everyone’s stories. But if there was ever a perfect series finale, this is it. Even reading out of order didn’t take away from my experience; if anything, it made me eager to dive into the rest of the Wolfe family’s stories now that I’ve read Beth’s.

When Beth gets a text from Jack, her first instinct is to ignore it. Thankfully, she decides to meet him, and what she learns changes everything. Jack has been in contact with their son, the baby they gave up for adoption decades ago.But is Adam hurt or needs her, what was Jack contacting her for? And why were Jack and Adam in contact and for how long? But before Beth can learn more, Jack is attacked and loses his memory.

Now a widow and (somewhat) empty nester, Beth feels drawn to uncover the truth about Adam, their son, and about Jack, the man she once loved deeply. As Jack and Beth work to recover his memories and piece together the danger surrounding them, they find themselves at risk, not just physically but emotionally. Could they get a second chance at love and a chance to truly know the son they once gave away? And why was Jack attacked....was it related to their son?!

This story was an absolute page turner! The mystery kept me guessing until the end, and the romance was perfectly balanced, sweet, emotional, and beautifully woven through the suspense. I loved how the story explored adoption, guilt, healing, and long buried secrets with so much heart.

The fact that I read it from start to finish in one sitting says it all...I couldn’t put it down!

I gave this 4.5 stars rounded up to 5!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. This review reflects my honest opinion.

[DevotedToHope · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amusement park after hours is a strange place.
Bright structures built for joy stand silent.
Metal groans in the wind.
Paths meant for laughter become places where life and death hang in the balance.

This is the kind of attraction you choose knowingly, then realize survival requires more than you were ready to give.

This story moves once the machinery is engaged, like an old ride that lurches forward with a jolt. Past and present collide mid-motion. Memory surfaces at the worst possible time. Faith is lived out here, under pressure.

What unfolds carries urgency and weight. Years of faithfulness prove themselves when danger arrives. Love reveals its cost. There is something deeply honest in watching a life shaped by obedience suddenly asked to face what was long set aside. The tension here is physical, emotional, and spiritual all at once, like navigating a darkened midway where every step matters and missteps carry serious, lasting consequences.

Grace appears as Scripture describes it, freely given and unearned, beautiful, blessing us beyond measure when everything has been placed in God’s hands.

The writing carries depth, momentum, and faith with confidence, and the audiobook elevates the experience even further. Abby Craden delivers a narration that is fully engaged, emotionally grounded, and perfectly paced. The tension holds. The quieter moments matter. Nothing is rushed or overstated. The listening experience matches the strength of the story itself.

By the time the ride slows and the lights come back on, there is gratitude in the air, the kind that comes from finishing a long journey well. Characters have been loved deeply. Lessons have been learned honestly. Seasons have closed with blessing. You step off aware that every turn mattered, every risk shaped something lasting, and none of it unfolded outside God’s design.

This story will resonate with readers drawn to faith-anchored suspense, grace that carries real weight, and an ending that lets you step off the ride knowing the journey mattered.

I received a digital ARC from Celebrate Lit Publicity Group and the audiobook from the publisher via 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 great writing and the story’s wonderful content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, wow, wow!. What a high adrenaline rush! Excellent from start to finish. I almost cried at one point I was so invested in the story. That saying...saved the best for last? True in this series. While I totally enjoyed the other stories, this was my favorite and I'm sad to see it end.
While you could read it as a stand alone, you'd miss out on the meeting of other characters and canines. Each story is brilliantly written.
Well done. Definitely reccommend reading.

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Second Chance Romantic Suspense, and this is the 6st book in the Security Hounds Investigations series. I have read some of the other books in this series before picking up this book. I read this book by listening to the audiobook, and I found the narrator was not my favorite. I did not have a problem understanding the audiobook, and I did listen to the whole audiobook. I just did not love the narrator. I got pulled into this book at first, but I felt the middle was boring at times. I just wanted more action or drama or something because it felt like the same things kept coming up over and over. I did enjoyed the ending. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner in the Security Hounds series. Scent of Sabotage is a wonderful end to the series. I was kept on the edge of my seat many times throughout the story, holding my breath before I even realized it. The story kept me guessing from one twist to another.

It has nonstop action and is a page-turner that will keep you wondering what will happen next. The addition of the bloodhound, Arthur, and a pup called Poe stole the show a few times. The closed-down amusement park made for an exciting cat-and-mouse chase to try and stay alive. I loved the ending, which wrapped everything up nicely. I highly recommend Scent of Sabotage.

I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

[Becky Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A wound she’d carried for thirty-eight years had broken open, and she wasn’t sure how to bind up the ragged edges.”

Aw, the final chapter ( book) in the Security Hounds Investigation series by Dana Mentink. How bittersweet! Scent of Sabotage is a welcome and fast-paced addition to the series, featuring matriarch Beth Wolfe, who has been the backbone of the family and their bloodhound team leader. A widow of several years, Beth is shocked to get a text out of the blue from Jack, a man she hasn’t seen in 30 years.

Jack’s sudden request to see her brings to the surface a multitude of unwelcome memories and emotions. None of Beth’s family are aware of this part of her past, except her deceased husband . Before Jack can confirm Beth’s fears, though, the attacks begin and Jack and Beth begin to run for their lives.

One reason Beth and Jack are largely on their own, is Beth’s reluctance to let go of her hidden past. She has many talented adult children who are people seekers along with their bloodhound counterparts, yet Beth keeps them out of the loop. “…maybe because she didn’t want them to have a chance to ask him too many questions about their past? Her scars were deep. His too.”

So many times, my heart ached for the help that could have been theirs with a little more forthcoming with Beth’s family. But don’t we act like that in real life sometimes? Trying to find our way on our own, without the help of others, because of fear of what they may think of us?

I give Jack points for being wise. Although he originally tells Beth, “…I don’t need a wingman,” he quickly realizes he is not going to dissuade Beth from joining his investigation. At that point, he doesn’t waste a lot of time trying. When Beth gets upset at him over matters, he doesn’t take it personally, but realizes that her reaction is normal. This patient man will go far!

And the requisite goofy bloodhound. Meet old, arthritic Arthur. He could only be a liability, right? But no, this elderly dog is an unexpected hero to both canine and people alike. I was amazed.

The mystery is well-plotted. I loved the amusement park setting and the twists certainly surprised me. I would not have survived this adventure, pure and simple!!
And, of course, Mentink made me feel like I was in the middle of the action with Beth and Jack. Fortunately for me, the reader, Mentink inserts some humor and witty comebacks that break the tension. Otherwise, this story will really cause the blood pressure to skyrocket!

I received a copy of the book from the author and from Celebrate Lit via BookFunnel. I also pre-ordered my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“God has a way of growing people up, doesn’t He?” - Jack

“She wasn’t his. She never was and never would be, but during occasional sleepless nights, he allowed himself to stray to the “what could have beens.” Deadly and depressing. God didn’t want him to dwell in the past.” (Jack)

“…everyone’s an enemy until we’re shown otherwise.” - Jack

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This riveting story, brimming with suspense and danger, brings the Security Hounds Investigations series to a powerful, rewarding close. The intricately woven plot seized my attention immediately and held me tight through every twist and turn. In a harrowing, high-stakes quest, private investigator Beth Wolfe and investigative reporter Jack St. James must untangle the web of clues to bring to justice those responsible for an attack on Jack and a kidnapping. Arthur, an amazing, aging K-9 bloodhound, steals the scene on more than one occasion! The vividly described Northern California mountain setting, featuring an abandoned amusement park in the path of a raging wildfire, encases the action heightening the suspense and escalating the danger. Heart-tugging second chance romance enriches the story adding tension and depth. I appreciate the light but stirring faith thread woven through the narrative. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it and the series. NOTE: Although this book is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone.
I read an early copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC with no expectations of a positive review. WOW! I loved the conclusion of he Security Hounds Investigation series. This is Beth, the Mom's, story. Her high school and college boyfriend, Jack, contacts her after all these years. He had information about the son they had given up. Not a day had gone by that Beth had not thought about that precious baby boy. Join Beth and Jack as they had into a mystery of their son's missing girlfriend, Tess. The last that Tess was seen was at Meadowlands Amusement Park. Join Beth, Jack and Arthur, Beth's aging bloodhound, as they work to unravel this case.

This book kept me on the edge of my seat. It is a must read for all suspense fans.

[Pianosue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good story! Detective Beth Wolfe meets investigative journalist Jack St. James to see what he feels is important. They haven't seen each other in years. Their meeting turns into a time of terror as someone attacks Jack and leaves him with short-term amnesia! Beth is determined to help him uncover what is going on and keep him safe until his memory returns. Who is trying to kill him and now her? What is going on?

I received this book from the publisher but was under no obligation to give a favorable review. I honestly enjoyed reading this book. I read it in two days. It was a riveting story.

[Christine B · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a second chance romance with rescue dogs and action give this one a try! Beth works with her search and rescue dog alongside her grown children. When she receives a message from her ex, Jack, her world spins. He comes into her life after 30 years telling her his current case might have to do with their son they gave up for adoption all those years ago. They start working together as danger ensues. This book was a great second chance at love. There was action and sweet rescue dogs! I enjoyed this read! I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in trade for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fast-paced and absorbing book that it was hard to put down. I really loved that the main characters got a second chance at love and also that they were older and still actively engaged in life and helping others. The bloodhound Arthur is a favorite canine now, since he is older, heroic and an intrepid investigator on his own. Arthur discovered some real twists in the story all on his own and it was a pleasure to read about his tenacity in tracking and finding victims and truth. The story centered around Beth and Jack who had a relationship in high school and are just now being reintroduced to each other as they search for their son’s missing girlfriend. The setting of an amusement park was perfect, creepy and with lots of places to move the action around. The plot was well written with surprising twists as well as clues all along the way about who the real villain was. I loved reading about characters from previous books in the series and the closeness of the family and how much they cared for each other was heartwarming. This is a realistically told suspense tale with plenty of action, some romance developing and a dog that is absolutely adorably intelligent.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the different setting of this book. I thought it was an interesting way to go when the majority of the book takes place in a closed down amusement park. I love that each of the books in this series focuses on a different person from the Wolfe family. Beth and Jack’s story was so good, and I definitely loved every minute as they navigated their investigation! I would definitely recommend this book!

**I received a copy of this book as part of the CelebrateLit blog team. I was not required to write a positive review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Ethelann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an ending to Dana Mentink's Security Hounds Investigation series. I absolutely loved how this story was totally about the mom, Beth. It's a story that started with a run in with her old love, Jack. And then it takes you to bad guys who are targeting Jack and now she's in their sights.
But Jack also opens old wounds from her past that only her deceased husband knows about. Now things are coming to a head. Beth and Jack must work together to bring the bad guys down and protect others.
This book was a real page-turner!!

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent end to Dana's Security Hounds series. While I hated to see the series end already because I loved meeting each character and their bloodhound I enjoyed all of the characters in each book of the series. Of course I wanted Beth to have her own happy ending and was glad when she got her own happy ending in the last book of the series with Jack. I felt it was the perfect ending for such an excellent series of books. I also loved how Arthur took to little Poe. And to see Poe get a happy ending too was great as well.

[Sheila · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not care for this book like the other books in this series. i did not like Jack, and I did not like Beths decisions.

[Alyssa Amey Madjeski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upon requesting this book, I didn’t realize it was the last book in a series I hadn’t read… but it didn’t matter! It took me just a minute to get my bearings but I was able to dive right in and really enjoyed this quick romantic suspense escape with an older heroine and her trusty K9! Arthur the dog was such a great character!

I enjoy second chance romances, and this one is a doozy. Beth and Jack have quite this history, but it was so long ago. When Jack reaches out, is this widow brave enough to find out what he needs to tell her about the son they gave up for adoption? But then Jack is attacked- is it related? How long will it take for him to regain his memories to help the case?

A great suspense ride! This story kept me turning pages. I also would love to get the opportunity one day to go back and read the rest of the series, because this finale was really well done.

I received a complementary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. I was not asked to leave a positive review and my opinions are my own.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! This was such a unique story! Here's some of the things that stood out to me in a good way. Both the MMC and the FMC are older (both older then 50) which is something I don't see often and it gave a really interesting dynamic to the story. I also loved how something in their shared past that was so horrible, turned out for good! (Reminding me that God ALWAYS has a plan! Even when we don't see it) The book is a perfect blend of suspense and mystery,with a dash of romance. Highly recommend it and give it 5 stars!

I was given this book to read by the author - all thoughts are my own.

[Sheri Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very fitting end to this wonderful series.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! It is very realistic. It also has a wonderful storyline. Beth has moved on in her life. Jack never really did. Loaded with action and you want to keep turning the pages.

[Deana Dick]

Another great story from a very talented author that gives readers thrills and chills. There is nothing better than reading a story with K-9s. I love how the characters seem realistic and the intrigue is paced perfectly. The setting of an amusement park adds definition to the book and increases the danger to our main characters. The author creates a story filled with faith, intrigue and relatable characters.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart-pounding suspense with a compelling second chance romance.

After reading the other books in the series, I loved that this book was about Beth and her bloodhound, Arthur. There is a lot going on, with a lot of action, and a heartfelt story of faith and family. Jack and Beth make a great team, they do a great job working together, and have good interaction. Secrets from the past threatened the future, but can the truth set them free?

The story has all sorts of twists and turns, set in an abandoned and booby-trapped amusement park that is the stuff of nightmares. Engaging storytelling, strong faith, with wonderful characters and a compelling storyline.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Inspirationalfictionreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to hear we were getting a story centered around Beth in the Security Hounds series! Her character has been such a steady presence throughout the rest of the books, and seeing her step into the spotlight was great! I especially loved that this was a second-chance romance—the emotional history between Beth and Jack added so much depth to this story, and it made their journey all the more meaningful.

Arthur, Beth’s bloodhound, absolutely stole my heart. His role wasn’t just cute or convenient; he was truly essential to the plot, and Dana Mentink did a wonderful job showcasing the intelligence, loyalty, and personality of these incredible working dogs.

The suspense was exceptionally well done. Mentink has a real talent for blending danger, mystery, and heart, and Scent of Sabotage delivered all of that in spades. The pacing kept me fully engaged.

I’ve genuinely enjoyed each and every story in the Security Hounds series, and this final installment wrapped things up beautifully. Scent of Sabotage is an exciting, heartfelt, and satisfying conclusion to a fantastic series. I’ll miss these characters—and their heroic hounds—so much! 5 stars!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is light.

[Susan Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story
! I'm so glad Beth got her own book. This is the sixth book in the Security Hounds Investigations Series but can easily be read as a stand-alone. The plot moves fast from the very beginning, and characters are so believable you will feel like you know them. Dana Mentink expertly combines elements of suspense, romance, and faith. I very highly recommend this book!

[Misty Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dynamic ending to the series! Nonstop danger and intrigue from the opening pages. It captured me with heart pounding suspense, and I was completely shocked at the twists in the book that I never guessed or saw coming.

This book could be read as a stand alone, but do yourself a favor and read the entire series! It contains all the best parts of a great book/ series with suspense, danger, and fantastic characters. This final book did not disappoint, but I am sad to see this wonderful series end.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It was full of family who sticks together, kidnapping and suspense. Beth and Jack were high school sweethearts until an unplanned pregnancy ends with the choice to give up the baby for adoption. Thirty eight years later, Jack reaches out to Beth with an urgent message. He is in contact with their son and is looking for his son's missing girlfriend. Beth and Jack team up and search a closed amusement park and find brothers bent on keeping them out. It is a dangerous maze with wildfires nearby and time for rescue is growing slim. They rely on the help of Beth's bloodhound and it was a heart pounding race to freedom.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action packed ending to the Security Hounds series (6 books total) .. I loved the dogs (mostly bloodhounds).
Only missed one in this series .. hope to read it .. the preview was good :)
I bought my copy at “Wally World”.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several books by this author and she is on my must read list. This book started out with the suspense beginning within the first two chapters. It also had a really good mystery that started in chapter two when the main male character has amnesia. I think it is really cool that the main characters in the novel are both older than a lot of books have them be. There were several twists and turns that made the book so good until the very end. I highly recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. The opinions in this review are my own.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A smooth read and you’ll be done reading it in no time. Sadly, this is the last book of this series, but no worries there are new stories coming. This book had hidden danger, exploration and clues, it reminded me of my hidden mystery game. Beth is a widow who owns the Security Hounds Detective Agency with her supportive children.
Beth receives an urgent unexpected message one day from her ex-boyfriend Jack. She is basically forced to come to terms with a sensitive decision she made many years ago and decides to meet him. Danger follows Jack as he tries to find out what happened to their son’s girlfriend. Together, Jack and Beth, and her dear K-9, Arthur, are soon enveloped in a perilous search that has some twists and turns. How will they be able to solve this mystery as Jack’s memory slowly returns? Will they be able to get out of the amusement park in their fatigued and injured bodies as the killers and fires close in? I always look forward to reading more from this author. This book can be read as a standalone, and I’m sure you will enjoy it over a nice cup of coffee. I received this e-book for free from Celebrate Lit Tour and the opinions I express are honest and my own.

[Rosemarie Grainer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb finale for an action packed series!

Jack had texted his high school girlfriend Beth, who came to meet him with her aging bloodhound K-9 Arthur. He tells her this is about the son they put up for adoption many years ago and then gets attacked. After the attack, he doesn't remember what is going on. Just that there is trouble and he wants Beth far from it! But Beth is not about to let that happen. As they piece things together, they start remembering how things had been between them. Can they figure out what is going on and get them all out alive? Read this to find out!

The pace is breakneck and the tone us intense with an action and character oriented storyline that has a few kisses only. The characters are vibrant and endearing. The Christian ideals are woven into the story. This is the final book in the series, but you don't have to read the others first. However, I think you will get more out of it if you do! If you like heart-pounding action, no steam and intriguing mysteries, then this series is for you! Enjoy!