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Raine Stockton Dog Mystery #9
Home of the Brave
The Fourth of July in the Smoky Mountain community of Hanover County, North Carolina means parades, picnics and fireworks. For dog trainer Raine Stockton and her high-spirited golden retriever Cisco it also means a chance to show off their repertoire of tracking, agility and obedience skills at Camp Bowser Wowser, a weekend retreat for dogs and kids less than an hour from home. But there’s a new dog in town, and Raine and Cisco find themselves unexpectedly upstaged by a flashy K-9 addition to the sheriff’s department. Belgian Malinois Nike and her handler, Jolene, are part of a new government-funded program for law-enforcement agencies, and though Raine admires Nike’s talent almost as much as she resents Jolene’s arrogance, she can’t help wondering why the Department of Homeland Security would send such an expensive gift to their sleepy little mountain community. Sheriff Buck Lawson has his hands full with an upcoming election, a bizarre murder, and a special appearance by a celebrity politician at the Fourth of July parade, and he is not about to look a gift horse—or dog—in the mouth. But when things go horribly wrong at Camp Bowser Wowser, the scattered puzzle pieces begin to form a terrifying picture. In a desperate battle against an enemy whose face they can’t even see, Raine, Jolene, Cisco, Nike and Buck must work together and reach for depths of courage they never knew they had to defend their way of life, and save the lives of those they love.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2014
334 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 15, 2014
This one's a real tear jerker and a great continuation of the Raine Stockton series. I downloaded this book early this morning and just finished it. I literally did not want to put it down, even when my cold medicine made me sleepy.
While reading the Raine books, I'm usually quite caught up in the story and do worry about some of the characters, but this book made me cry. I mean really. made. me. cry. Not just for a page or two, but in a few places for a few pages each. It tugged at my heartstrings in several places, made me proud of the job that police and other public servants do to protect our country, persons and property and really got to me as a parent and grandparent.
It would be so easy to give away the plot line or details that would spoil the suspense for others and I'm trying not to do that. Suffice it to say that Cisco shines in Home of the Brave, as always and of course, he's naughty too as Cisco does so well. Miles and Melanie are in the book again and what would a Raine Stockton book be without Buck? The last several books have made me feel for Buck and Wyn and this one was no different.
If you haven't read any of the Raine Stockton series this might not be the one to start with because there isn't quite as much backstory in this as in the others, but after reading one of the earlier books, I'd definitely recommend that you come back and read this one. If you're already familiar with Raine and the gang, scoop this one up and clear your schedule because you won't want to put it down.
While reading the Raine books, I'm usually quite caught up in the story and do worry about some of the characters, but this book made me cry. I mean really. made. me. cry. Not just for a page or two, but in a few places for a few pages each. It tugged at my heartstrings in several places, made me proud of the job that police and other public servants do to protect our country, persons and property and really got to me as a parent and grandparent.
It would be so easy to give away the plot line or details that would spoil the suspense for others and I'm trying not to do that. Suffice it to say that Cisco shines in Home of the Brave, as always and of course, he's naughty too as Cisco does so well. Miles and Melanie are in the book again and what would a Raine Stockton book be without Buck? The last several books have made me feel for Buck and Wyn and this one was no different.
If you haven't read any of the Raine Stockton series this might not be the one to start with because there isn't quite as much backstory in this as in the others, but after reading one of the earlier books, I'd definitely recommend that you come back and read this one. If you're already familiar with Raine and the gang, scoop this one up and clear your schedule because you won't want to put it down.
November 26, 2017
The ninth book of the Raine Stockton series.
Cisco, the golden, is still virtually untrained. Since the main character, his owner, Raine Stockton, makes a living as a dog trainer, it seems that Cisco should be improving by now.
A real police dog, a Malinois named Nike, is introduced in this book. Her owner is a rather unlikeable veteran. Nike is the opposite of Cisco: so well behaved as to almost be unbelievable.
The dog psychic of the prior books is blessedly absent in this one.
If you like dogs and playing with dogs in obedience or agility, you'll mostly like this book. It's a nice "clean" book: safe to listen to without earphones at work or in the presence of children (no graphic sex or violence), which I appreciate.
Cisco, the golden, is still virtually untrained. Since the main character, his owner, Raine Stockton, makes a living as a dog trainer, it seems that Cisco should be improving by now.
A real police dog, a Malinois named Nike, is introduced in this book. Her owner is a rather unlikeable veteran. Nike is the opposite of Cisco: so well behaved as to almost be unbelievable.
The dog psychic of the prior books is blessedly absent in this one.
If you like dogs and playing with dogs in obedience or agility, you'll mostly like this book. It's a nice "clean" book: safe to listen to without earphones at work or in the presence of children (no graphic sex or violence), which I appreciate.
April 11, 2025
This was OK until Raine called the police dog off for no discernable reason. I'm not impressed with her ability to train her own animals let alone give instruction to others.
The last several chapters are choppy, switching from past tense description of the events that happened and then back to present tense.
Otherwise this book had promise.
The last several chapters are choppy, switching from past tense description of the events that happened and then back to present tense.
Otherwise this book had promise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2022
The plot of this one is difficult for me. It triggered a lot of real life anxieties. As a former elementary school teacher, any plot involving children in danger triggers all the fears, and nightmares, I had for my kid when I was teaching. I also got really frustrated with Melanie and her failure to obey Raine. I wanted a scene where Raine and Miles sat her down and pointed out to her the consequences of her actions, but it never happened. As a dog lover, the pointing of guns at the dogs was as heart stopping as the threats to the people. I realize this is the start of a trilogy. I'm not sure I want to read the next two books. Maybe if I had read it before January 6, 2021, it would have been a bit less triggering for me, but post that date the subject matter is even more alarming than it would have been on January 5, 2021..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2020
These books are great, absolutely great. Each has a uniquely formulated plot, so while the humans and dogs are the same in each, the criminals and bit characters are all different and convincing in the roles they have to play. They're a little too short sometimes--I want more, more more! And they're extremely fast moving, so they just don't last long enough for me.
I can only think of one tiny suggestion for the author--don't telegraph the bad stuff with little one-line teasers. You know the sort--if only I had known then.... Little did I know that might be my last chance. Blah. They're irritating and purposeless. Frankly, she writes too well to need that sort of nonsense. Luckily, she only does it once per book that I've noticed.
I can only think of one tiny suggestion for the author--don't telegraph the bad stuff with little one-line teasers. You know the sort--if only I had known then.... Little did I know that might be my last chance. Blah. They're irritating and purposeless. Frankly, she writes too well to need that sort of nonsense. Luckily, she only does it once per book that I've noticed.
December 1, 2022
I very much enjoy these books in the Raine Stockton Dog Mysteries series because of the great depiction of the love of dogs and how to train them. For instance, "Here's the thing about dogs. They are dogs. Not children with fur, not miniature humans, not mindless robots we can control. They are an entirely separate species, with a culture, language and agenda all their own. They may choose to share our lives with us, cooperate with us, and even, occasionally, obey us. But they are dogs, and the minute we forget that is the moment they will remind us they have minds, and wills, of their own." I love that realism that many times is lacking in stories about dogs and their loving owners (though I like those books too!). The action and suspense in this story revolves around a group of home-grown patriotic terrorists.
August 7, 2024
WOW! Where do I start with this book? Absolutely amazing. The storyline of this book had me on the edge of my seat for nearly the entire book! I was left guessing until the very end. This is by far one of Donna Ball's BEST books in her series, and part of a trilogy (#9, #10, #11). I cannot applaud this book enough. The new characters really add depth and richness to this Smoky Mountain Community and the mystery of this one left me questioning everything up until the very last chapter. If you read any of the Raine Stockton Dog Mysteries series, let it be this one! Highly recommend.
March 16, 2024
I absolutely love Donna Ball’s Raine Stockton series!
They are always well written and well thought out. This book was one of her best stories and downright scary in parts when you really think it through that that is what’s really going on right now in places.
I love the elements of the relationships with the characters too as they aren’t over the top in the boyfriend/girlfriend aspect.
Very well done!
They are always well written and well thought out. This book was one of her best stories and downright scary in parts when you really think it through that that is what’s really going on right now in places.
I love the elements of the relationships with the characters too as they aren’t over the top in the boyfriend/girlfriend aspect.
Very well done!
December 28, 2016
Home of the brave
I always love books that involves dogs being a dog lover I always stories with a dog when I can this was especially good
I always love books that involves dogs being a dog lover I always stories with a dog when I can this was especially good
July 31, 2017
I love Donna Ball's books, in general. This particular book was good, but it seemed to end too abruptly. Other than that, I thought it was interesting.
November 23, 2018
Her books just get better and better. I couldn't put this one down!
February 22, 2019
Great plot, good sense of place, believable characters--what's not to love? Also good grammar, spelling, appropriate word usage and good editing!
July 5, 2020
This was a quick read. Enjoyed it but I'll forget about it in a couple of weeks.
If you love dogs and mysteries it's a good escape novel.
If you love dogs and mysteries it's a good escape novel.
May 2, 2021
I love this series!!!! I love dogs and I love mysteries!!! Love all the characters, both human and canine!!
August 25, 2025
WOW!! What a page-turner!!
February 21, 2017
This wasn't a bad read, for this genre, which is not my favorite. But it kind of annoyed me because there was a lot of build-up and then whenever anything interesting was about to happen there would be a time skip and the narrator would just summarize what happened instead of us actually seeing it happen. Show, don't tell! Usually I think that rule is over-applied and mis-applied, but this time I wish the author had remembered it.
April 11, 2016
I've read all of Donna Ball's Raine Stockton and Cisco books. I always enjoy the book more when the old characters are brought into the new novel plus new characters. That was the case with this book. There definitely was a murder mystery to be solved which involved the FBI which meant the victim wasn't local. There was intrigue and danger to people in this case children and dogs too. This is a book you don't want to put down til the end and its not only enjoyable it's easy reading. Almost towards the ending, the danger is averted or you think it is then something else happens which could lead to very devastating ending. The new character and her dog decides to stay in town so one hopes in the next Raine Stockton book she'll be in it.
Donna Ball has other books she's written. I'll have to try reading her other books while waiting for another Raine Stockton book.
Donna Ball has other books she's written. I'll have to try reading her other books while waiting for another Raine Stockton book.
October 21, 2016
I think that this has been my favorite book in Donna Ball's Raine Stockton series. Story is filled with lots of information for dog-lovers, along with her usual training tips. The plot line, as usual, is filled with lots of action and introduces a new character (Jolene and her Belgian Malinois, Nike, a bomb-sniffing dog) who promises interesting potential. Highly recommend that you read the books in series order to get the benefit of character progression. Great series--I'm definitely enjoying this one but am so sad that I'm almost at the end.
September 19, 2014
The latest in the Raine Stockton "Dog Mysteries." I love this series! I love Raine and her dog Cisco. I love the setting of the Great Smoky Mountains. Mostly I love someone writing southern characters who actually resemble real southerners! A decent mystery story with a cast of characters this reader has grown to care about as the series has progressed. A great way to spend a rainy afternoon. I'm already anxious for the next book.
September 21, 2014
2014-09-21. Loved this one. Raine's introduction to the new k9 handler was priceless. You'd have thought she knew better but Jo definitely had an attitude issue as well. Hope we see more of her and Nike in future stories. In this one, Raine is helping at a week long camp for youngster and their dogs. Loved how this all played out. Cisco was great, as usual. Glad to see more of Mischief and Magic as well.
October 1, 2014
Loved it. The Raine Stockton dog mysteries by Donna Ball are my favorite kind of cozies--warm & fuzzy but with some bite to them (literally in the case of those canines, though hers are totally adorable and wouldn't hurt a fly). I highly recommend you start with Book #1 and work your way through the series. If you love cozy mysteries but have a low tolerance for sugar-and-sweet, this one's for you. If you're a dog lover, even better.
January 21, 2025
I love Donna Ball, i cant remember any really unlikeable charachters in this series, up to now. Jolene Smith is a full blown bully, arrogant insecure, with rather violet tendencies.
Considering that in the other series, blood river, she gets together with Buck (the external cheat), it must be karma. While Buck is a weak man, he is kind. I dont think there is any kind of redemption for Jo. Not sure there is a cure for extreme bitchiness.
Considering that in the other series, blood river, she gets together with Buck (the external cheat), it must be karma. While Buck is a weak man, he is kind. I dont think there is any kind of redemption for Jo. Not sure there is a cure for extreme bitchiness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2015
Great addition to the series
I have been a fan of Donna Ball for quite a few years. I love Raine's dogs and can appreciate her life. This entry in the series is outstanding. Not wanting to give to much of the plot away, I have to say NC was the perfect place to set the scene for the least half of the book. The villains, who look like the rest of us, are straight out of the headlines. Keep up the good work. I cannot wait for the next book!
I have been a fan of Donna Ball for quite a few years. I love Raine's dogs and can appreciate her life. This entry in the series is outstanding. Not wanting to give to much of the plot away, I have to say NC was the perfect place to set the scene for the least half of the book. The villains, who look like the rest of us, are straight out of the headlines. Keep up the good work. I cannot wait for the next book!
November 12, 2014
In Memory of my Annie
My beautiful 10 year old Golden lost her four year battle with cancer on October 6, 2014. This latest book in the Raine/Cisco series was the perfect antidote for the sadness that comes with losing a loved one. Donna Ball has incredible insight to all the characteristics of a Golden Retriever.
My beautiful 10 year old Golden lost her four year battle with cancer on October 6, 2014. This latest book in the Raine/Cisco series was the perfect antidote for the sadness that comes with losing a loved one. Donna Ball has incredible insight to all the characteristics of a Golden Retriever.
July 13, 2015
It's always a fun time hanging with Raine and her dog Cisco, and I learn something new about dog training. And of course, they always run into some kind of dangerous situation, despite their best intentions. Humor, suspense, and developing relationships within the cast of characters are all present, a very enjoyable read.
July 6, 2015
4th of July, 2015
How coincidental is that? I had no idea that July 4th would be the dominant day in this book! I have loved ever second I have spent reading this series. I hope it doesn't stop, but, if it does, I know a wonderful writer who will continue to be one very special lady in my life. Hope she keeps me entertained for many years more!
How coincidental is that? I had no idea that July 4th would be the dominant day in this book! I have loved ever second I have spent reading this series. I hope it doesn't stop, but, if it does, I know a wonderful writer who will continue to be one very special lady in my life. Hope she keeps me entertained for many years more!
May 16, 2015
Best Yet!!!
I have enjoyed every book in the series. This plot is the most adventurous and when I have enjoyed most. It's still keeps the same charming fun of a woman and her golden retriever.
I have enjoyed every book in the series. This plot is the most adventurous and when I have enjoyed most. It's still keeps the same charming fun of a woman and her golden retriever.
September 24, 2016
Gotta love dogs
Great fleshed out characters. Crazy number of dogs. Talk about crazy - how about those men in camp gear....... Cisco still saves the day, even with Nike running with him!
Great fleshed out characters. Crazy number of dogs. Talk about crazy - how about those men in camp gear....... Cisco still saves the day, even with Nike running with him!
September 22, 2014
Love this series. There is a new dog in town! more later
November 23, 2014
Loved it
Lots of dogs and lots of action. I have enjoyed the books in this series.
There are a couple of authors I really like and Donna Ball is one of them.
Lots of dogs and lots of action. I have enjoyed the books in this series.
There are a couple of authors I really like and Donna Ball is one of them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews