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A kid in a hole leads to more as Jessie's dogs scour the wilds of Bitterroot County. Against impossible odds, Jessie's dogs never give up.

It’s high summer when, after a SAR dog trial, Jessie’s pack mascot, Duchess, goes missing, and, in finding Duchess, Jessie’s dogs discover a child lodged in a hole deep below ground. Then Jessie’s dogs find evidence of another …and another.

Thus begins a desperate race against the odds to find them all when Bitterroot County Sheriff’s Office uncovers origin and cause. There are at least four kids out there, and Sheriff Landon Reid orders any available members from their entire multi-county, multi-state SAR group into the Bitterroots in an emergency search for bodies, alive or dead.

The story of a woman and her dogs who never give up, despite impossible odds.


Chances are this book will be released this summer, but that depends on 'life', which is presently throwing a lot of nasty wrenches at my husband. -D. L. Keur

Clean, safe reading. No sex, gore, or profanity, and NO DOGS DIE. No AI content and no ghostwriters, guaranteed. All original D. L. Keur.

259 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 26, 2025

177 people are currently reading
20 people want to read

About the author

D.L. Keur

23 books60 followers
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: An author, an artist, a musician, a web designer and more, some call her a Renaissance woman. Her friends just call her Dawn.

Publishing since the 20th Century, she usually writes under pen names, because she writes, not just cross-genre fiction, but across a broad scope of genres, including paranormal, mainstream, horror, Western family saga/romance, and science fiction. Since the turn of the Millennium, she’s chosen to independently publish five, now six, books, two as E. J. Ruek, two as C. J. “Country” James, plus a two volume science fiction epic, published under the name, Aeros.

You can find her at www.DLKeur.com.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
285 reviews7 followers
December 29, 2025
Love this author

Can not wait for next book! This plot was ingenious and very fun to read! All your books have great plots. Please write fast!
1 review
December 28, 2025
I’ve loved all of the books in this series … except for this one. The story was good and definitely kept me reading, needing to know what happened next! BUT the way it was written was bad! The short, incomplete sentences drove me crazy! I even looked back at previous books and none of them were written in this same “style”. For instance, here are two “complete” paragraphs, as written in the book:

Turned on the mics on both dogs’ collars and tried to hear.

Realized she was hungry. No time now.

These are just two examples I picked from random pages. To me, both should have had “She” or “Jessie” at the beginning. The second example would have been SO much better as “She realized she was hungry, but there was no time now.” THAT’S a complete sentence!

The whole book was like this. I felt like it was written by someone different than the other ten books I’d already read. And, unfortunately, this is enough to turn me completely away from this author and this series. I will NOT be anxiously awaiting book 12, like I have every other new release! For me, this series is done.
1 review
December 27, 2025
Me And Jessica Anderson....

I have read the whole Jessie Anderson series over and over. The dogs are great, the people are great, and the stories are great. I count the days waiting for the next one, then the hours. I always hope to live long enough to read the next one, age 82. I have so far, so keep up the excellent work. I have read every book at least 3 times and a couple of them more than that.this last one I read in one sitting and will now read it again only slower. We have at present time a Dutch /Malinois cross, A working GSD/Malinois mine, and Great Pyrenesse/ Anatolian 7week old puppy.Yes we live out and have always had big dogs for work and companionship. At my age Liam takes very good care of me. He is a rescue and considering, is very kind and gentle. Most of my life I have adopted dogs from the Humane Society, the dog pound ,and shelters. The local dog pound even called me to take an Irish Wolfhound. It took me less than half an hour to get to town. I had Clancy for almost 12years. As you can read, I relate to the dogs in these wonderful books. READ THEM and think about what you just learned. So many good dogs go to waste. We have 8 dogs at present time, all but one are rescues.

Yes we also have cats, horses,chickens, guineas, and even an African Grey parrot,no cows at present. Animal lover,Ellen Crane
1 review
January 5, 2026
Un-put-downable read

This is DL's best JA book, yet, in my opinion. I was riveted. I had promised myself to not keep reading the evening I started but just couldn't stop.

She has her own style of writing. You like it or don't but because of the strength of the characters, including the dogs, some of us keep coming back for more.

I never like giving away the plot in a review but I will say this was fast paced, deep, insightful as DL always is, and it ended in a cliff hanger. I sure hope the next book uses DL's plotting skills to make her readers happy.

Finally, the dogs. I'm not sure why it's taken me all the way to book 11 to really dig into Jessica's theories on SAR training and dog/human mentality in general. Every book I ask myself how DL knows how to write Jessica's philosophy and dog communications so perfectly but I never follow up and research. I was ready to finally dig into this topic post book finish when I read to the very last page of this book where I saw my answer. Thank you, DL for being true to your beliefs around SAR and dogs and using Jessica as a vehicle for us to learn and grow, and be entertained, of course.
2 reviews1 follower
December 29, 2025
I don’t generally take the time to write reviews because I read on my Kindle or my phone. Neither are conducive to writing a review. However, with that being said, I find it ridiculously unacceptable that this particular author is not more well known.
Unique writing style. Really knows and understands dogs. Great plot twist, genuine characters and fantastic pace. So why? Apparently I prefer a good story over smut and aberrated sexual practices. I’m far from being a prude.

These stories aren’t just good but fantastic. My other favorite author is Barry Eisler. Yup, very different. Am only giving you some understanding about loving a good story.


I wish there were more. I wish they lasted longer. I work 15 hours p/day Monday thru Friday and 10-13 hours Sat & Sunday. So when do I have time to read? When not working, not doing chores. Kindle unlimited to the rescue.

These stories aren’t outstanding!! Want/need more please! And yes, I do re-read them. They only take a couple of days on my schedule.
Profile Image for Carrie.
211 reviews
January 1, 2026
yikes

There is so much going on in this story. The scenes and behind scenes antics are undeniable. Just the logistics of finding where the kids went and personnel needed to search for them is almost hidden beneath the people drama. Dogs are uncomplicated.

I could feel the pressure building but I wasn’t sure why. I don’t know if she can share Landon with the county. He is duty bound to protect above all else. Jessica seems to want both worlds- one where she is commander and chief over SAR and over the Sheriff. She’s on top of her world and can’t enjoy the fruits of her labor’s because Landon out ranks her. How do they move forward when she is bereft at the loss of power/ control and he can’t get passed duty and doesn’t see that he is doing harm. How do 2 strong personality live and work together in their dangerous jobs!
Do hurry with the next book. I don’t like losing the tempo of the story waiting, but I know you will create a great next story line!
Profile Image for Pam Bales.
2,539 reviews12 followers
December 28, 2025
Another great read with a lovely disclaimer by the author that no dog dies!
Wild Bitterroot Mountains, a little girl down a hole, accidentally discovered by a budding SAR puppy, while finishing up a failed qualifying trial for four trainers and their dogs all lead to a complicated puzzle. An escaped criminal, a bounty hunter, a survivalist group out training all become mired in a daring search and rescue. Landon, the sheriff and his new bride Jessica are in the thick of things. She and her dogs, and then all the rest of their seventeen county SAR groups are called out to aid in the rescue. Meanwhile Landon is the law enforcement component. Lots of tension, danger, a few misunderstandings, and great work by all those involved - two legged and four four legged help to rise to the occasion.
Highly, highly recommend!
Profile Image for Marva.
Author 28 books72 followers
January 5, 2026
Wow! 11 books in this series and I've read and enjoyed every one.

In this book, the mystery is a child found in a hole in the ground. How did she get there? Why? What the hell? That's all you need to get you going. As usual, Jessie and Landon are at the center of what becomes more complicated. First, the child in the hole, then a dead man with a live but injured boy at the bottom of a cliff, then adults and children having a nice time at a camp. Just what the heck is going on is the biggest mystery. Anyway, read the book to follow the twists and turns as Jessie and Landon discover what's behind these strange things.

The hero of the book? Little pup Duchess manages to rescue the kid in the hole. You go, pup! Such a good girl!

No need to describe every twist and turn. Discover all this by reading the book, another sterling volume in the continuing Jessica Anderson K-9 Mysteries.
Profile Image for Amm.
3 reviews
December 30, 2025
I love this series and the developing relationships...between both the humans and the K-9s. However, I was very disappointed in this installment. I felt like everyone was angry and there was too much infighting to be enjoyable. I'm not saying that I don't appreciate some conflict and resolution, but we only got the conflict, no resolution in this book. I think that was mostly due to the fact that all the main characters were off on parallel investigations and only conversed via the phone. Hopefully, the next adventure brings everyone together so that resolution can happen and relationships grow stronger.
230 reviews
December 29, 2025
A good, long and compelling story

I enjoy these books quite a bit. Mostly, I think, because of the mountains, the dogs, the whole environment in them. This one is more extensive in the descriptions and more detailed. I got invested in the story and felt like I wanted to help them, somehow. So I suppose this one was more emotional for me. It was also nice and long. It continued as long as I wanted it to, which was unexpected and gratifying. I like all the characters and the scenery was beautiful, as usual.
149 reviews
January 2, 2026
An enjoyable K-9 series

This is a series about a woman training dogs to track and rescue as a pack rather than as a single dog with a handler. It's a very different way to run dogs, and a very different sort of story. And strongly suggest starting with the first one and reading them all the way through, although you could start in the middle but you're probably going to be confused about the character arcs. These are tough Idaho people, and they're all very stubborn. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I have. I will definitely read the next book in the series.
71 reviews
January 2, 2026
Wow! Another great ride! Hard to put down!

I didn't plan to read it all in one day..... but I sure did! Each character is so very well written that you can see this in your mind while reading it. Each of Jesse's dogs and other SAR teams dogs are an amazing and important part of this story. Their horses also play an important role as well. I'm thrilled that we can still look forward to another story with these great characters. It's really nice to enjoy a book that the author can successfully tell you a great story without profanity or sex. Please keep up your good work!
258 reviews4 followers
December 28, 2025
Bad police work

I keep getting sucked into these books because of the plot, but end up aggravated. I don't like either of the main characters, especially Sheriff Landon Reid. He's what we would call badge heavy, as are the men under him. Jessie, on the other hand, is bound and determined to be independent and disobey any order she disagrees with. With that combination, they manage to solve the problem by mainly sheer luck.
Profile Image for Susan.
2,476 reviews13 followers
December 30, 2025
I love this book (and this series)! I love the way the author describes things - the landscape, the people, the dogs, the hunt. This story has lots of mystery and a large scale hunt for missing kids and adults. I do have to say I am upset about the trouble between Jessica and Landon (the Sheriff and her husband). I hope and trust that that will be resolved in the next book! This is a very entertaining book.
Profile Image for Angela.
3,397 reviews33 followers
December 30, 2025
Another fantastic story

The title says it all.... what began as a rescue was turned into an all out, all hands on deck situation. It seemed like everything was working against all of them from the beginning, but very slowly, with everyone working as one, they began piecing it together. It's certainly not a story or series to be missed.
I can't wait for the next release, especially after that ending!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
10 reviews
January 1, 2026
Publication needs an editor!

I have loved this series, and these characters. I waited excitedly for this latest publication. BUT the writing seems to be disconnected. Words are left out, paragraphs are fragmented. A new paragraph starts mid sentence so I was constantly going back trying to figure out who was saying what. I actually told a friend it seemed as if a working draft was published rather than the final work. Hopefully someone will figure it out.
Profile Image for Cynthia  Mello.
159 reviews4 followers
January 4, 2026
As usual excellent book.

I was waiting for this book and it didn't disappoint. The characters are familiar after reading the series. That little dog just sounds so darn adorable. Of course they all have great qualities in her pack. Well written and intense at times. I knew the mood was off, and now I know why. Glad to hear there's another on the horizon, so please stay away from trains. A fond follower of your books and talent. May 2026 be a wonderful year for you.
21 reviews
December 27, 2025
Another great Jessica Anderson Novel

This latest book in the Jessica Anderson series is so good. The books are always exciting and somewhat nerve-wracking. The dogs are so much the heroes of the books, with some romance thrown in. I highly recommend this series. The storyline is progressive in nature so I suggest starting from the first book.
8 reviews
December 27, 2025
Cannot wait for next book

Keur does not disaappoint with this latest Jessica Anderson story line. The writing keeps you riverted with its fast paced urgency of the plot while drawing you into the question of whether current training practices utilised in SAR dog are accurate and whether there are better ways.
Only critism is it is way to short and can't wait for the next one.
2 reviews
December 29, 2025
Stay

I surely hope this isn't the end of you two. I have followed you from the beginning of your books and would not like this to be over. I'm looking forward to book number twelve especially with you being pregnant. You're a great author and I look forward to every book you write. So stay together and make this reader very happy.
43 reviews1 follower
December 31, 2025
Not a favorite

Too much angst and strife among what were my favorite characters. Storyline was repetitive as the plot was revisited continually scene by scene. If this is your first read by this author, skip it or you won't want to read another. If you are a fan, do what I did, choke it down and hope the next one is her usual gem.
12 reviews
January 2, 2026
Sorry to finish this book.

I could do nightly reading about Jessie, Landon, Tom etc and her marvelous pack of dogs. The author takes you where the actions are be they human interaction , animal abilities, bad people doing bad things. You can hear the squeak of saddle leather, smell the forest, almost taste that fresh trout cooking. This author is that good.
7 reviews
January 3, 2026
Review of urgent track

I love this book and this series. D.L. Keur is one of my favorite authors! Each time I finish a book I wish the next one was available. Please keep writing this series. I think it's your best series. Oh and please please keep Jessie and Landon together.
Profile Image for Brenda.
217 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2026
intriguing and provocative

Jessie and Landon are at it again. Jessie finding trouble and Landon, his S.O. helping to resolve that trouble. This story kept me pulled into it from the first sentence to the very end. I was on pins and needles throughout all of it. The cliffhanger had me gasping and crying. When will this young couple get a break?
493 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2026
What happened in this story?

This was another great opportunity to see how K-9 work to help solve missing people. But this was so much more intense with all the people running to find the missing kids. Add into this and the really emotional state on Jessie. We find out why the very last page.
Profile Image for Wanda.
502 reviews
Read
January 14, 2026
If the end was meant to be a surprise, it...

Wasn't. I guessed that many chapters ago.

Jesse is overwrought, but understandably so. However, Landon is going to be out if his depth. This is one more thing that he has to prioritize.

Dutchess was the only dog to pick up on the child in the hole. Why is that? Will she be more of a tracker, better than Queenie?



6 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2026
Intense with intrigue,

This book was pretty interesting, I
enjoyed it quite a bit I loved the twist and turns to keep us guessing . The animals are amazing, and all the egotistical males crack me up. But ole Jesse, she's right in the thick of things
Super Ending Bring on Book 12!!! ❤️
318 reviews
January 16, 2026
Lots of twists in the end

Good surprises. The usual power struggle with Jessie. The usual problem when one character is excellent at the job and finds it hard waiting for others to catch up. While there were lost children, the extent of the call out for help seemed a little excessive.
14 reviews
December 26, 2025
Book 11 Excellent

I just love this series. I got up extremely early to download and read Urgent Track. I never set the book down until I finished it. Can't wait for the next one.
15 reviews
December 28, 2025
love this series

Always waiting for the next installment. FMC and MMC and flawed and struggling to make work and their love for each other work with their high stress jobs. Throw in packs of dogs for all the animal lovers and insider knowledge of SAR work.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews

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