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Jo Gunning #9
Gunning for Danger
Former Army Civil Affairs specialist Jo Gunning isn’t looking for trouble in Savannah, Georgia. But when she crosses paths with a troubled veteran, she stumbles into a world of hidden agendas and unanswered questions surrounding those who’ve already sacrificed too much.
Walking away isn’t in Jo’s nature—not after years of service where leaving someone behind was never an option. The deeper she digs, the more tangled the trail becomes. And when the unexpected reappearance of someone from her past complicates the truth she’s chasing, she realizes that among Savannah’s shaded squares and forgotten backstreets, nothing—and no one—can be taken at face value.
With every step, Jo edges closer to a danger hidden in plain sight. But some truths are deadlier than silence.
Gunning for Danger will release in October 2025, not the date Amazon shows.
Walking away isn’t in Jo’s nature—not after years of service where leaving someone behind was never an option. The deeper she digs, the more tangled the trail becomes. And when the unexpected reappearance of someone from her past complicates the truth she’s chasing, she realizes that among Savannah’s shaded squares and forgotten backstreets, nothing—and no one—can be taken at face value.
With every step, Jo edges closer to a danger hidden in plain sight. But some truths are deadlier than silence.
Gunning for Danger will release in October 2025, not the date Amazon shows.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2025
81 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Renee Pawlish
115 books347 followersFrom the time she was ten and tried to write her own detective series in the fashion of the Hardy Boys, Renée Pawlish has been developing her craft. Along with creative writing classes, Renée studied great writers like Dashiell Hammett, Rex Stout, Stephen King, Sue Grafton and many more. Once Renée graduated from college, she began her first novel. Now, all these years later, she has penned numerous books in a variety of genres.
Renée was born in California, but has lived most of her life in Colorado. When she's not hiking, cycling, or chasing ballplayers for autographs, she is writing mysteries and thrillers. She also has some middle grade novels waiting to be published.
Renée loves to travel and has visited numerous countries around the world. She has also spent many summer days at her parents' cabin in the hills outside of Boulder, which was the inspiration for the setting of Taylor Crossing in her novel Nephilim: Genesis of Evil.
The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series
This Doesn't Happen In The Movies
Reel Estate Rip-off
The Nephilim Trilogy
Nephilim Genesis of Evil
Books Two and Three soon to be released
The Noah Winter YA Adventure Series
The Emerald Quest
Take Five
A short story collection that includes a Reed Ferguson tale.
The Sallie House: Exposing the Beast Within
A non-fiction book about one of the most haunted houses in America.
To learn more you can follow her on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/reneepawlish....
on her blog:
http://tobecomeawriter.wordpress.com/
on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/reneepawlish
Renée was born in California, but has lived most of her life in Colorado. When she's not hiking, cycling, or chasing ballplayers for autographs, she is writing mysteries and thrillers. She also has some middle grade novels waiting to be published.
Renée loves to travel and has visited numerous countries around the world. She has also spent many summer days at her parents' cabin in the hills outside of Boulder, which was the inspiration for the setting of Taylor Crossing in her novel Nephilim: Genesis of Evil.
The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series
This Doesn't Happen In The Movies
Reel Estate Rip-off
The Nephilim Trilogy
Nephilim Genesis of Evil
Books Two and Three soon to be released
The Noah Winter YA Adventure Series
The Emerald Quest
Take Five
A short story collection that includes a Reed Ferguson tale.
The Sallie House: Exposing the Beast Within
A non-fiction book about one of the most haunted houses in America.
To learn more you can follow her on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/reneepawlish....
on her blog:
http://tobecomeawriter.wordpress.com/
on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/reneepawlish
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 22, 2025
I am a fan of Ms. Pawlish and her writing. She gives interesting stories that are well written and worth the time of anyone who reads. I recommend this book for a few reasons.
First off, this story is about veterans and what some have to experience after leaving the military. The story appears to be well researched and gives the reader an impression of the problems veterans have trying to receive the benefits that they have earned. Sometimes the bureaucracy can be maddening and Ms. Pawlish makes it clear that sometimes veterans have little alternative but to seek help.
Second, the story continues the adventures of Jo Gunning, one of Ms. Pawlish's better characters in my opinion. If able, I recommend a read of all the books in the Jo Gunning series in order, or just enjoy this one as a stand alone. It works both ways.
Third, I am a veteran and can attest to some of the issues mentioned by Ms. Pawlish in her writing. Anything that brings the issue of what the veteran of our country goes through sometimes is to be applauded. Well Done Ms. Pawlish. As a veteran, I am proud of you.
First off, this story is about veterans and what some have to experience after leaving the military. The story appears to be well researched and gives the reader an impression of the problems veterans have trying to receive the benefits that they have earned. Sometimes the bureaucracy can be maddening and Ms. Pawlish makes it clear that sometimes veterans have little alternative but to seek help.
Second, the story continues the adventures of Jo Gunning, one of Ms. Pawlish's better characters in my opinion. If able, I recommend a read of all the books in the Jo Gunning series in order, or just enjoy this one as a stand alone. It works both ways.
Third, I am a veteran and can attest to some of the issues mentioned by Ms. Pawlish in her writing. Anything that brings the issue of what the veteran of our country goes through sometimes is to be applauded. Well Done Ms. Pawlish. As a veteran, I am proud of you.
November 5, 2025
The ninth book in the Jo Gunning series is just as riveting as the first 8. Jo has to go to Savannah to the VA to sort out a problem with her service record. While there she sees a young vet having problems with the system. She encounters him again at a diner and he is becoming very agitated going over an envelope of paperwork. She offers to help and he seems calmer and tells her he'll meet her later. Jo realizes that he has not come home the same man.
The story takes the reader through the young man's story; his getting involved with the wrong people and not having the ability to mentally or emotionally handle the situation.
The story is riveting and it takes the reader to rough homeless encampments, and the plight of many of our veterans.
There is, if course, there are bad guys - the unscrupulous users who take advantage of these men and women when they have no one to turn to for help.
No spoilers. This is a wonderful series, but if reading the books in order isn't possible, each book can stand alone. I don't have an author that I would recommend more highly.
The story takes the reader through the young man's story; his getting involved with the wrong people and not having the ability to mentally or emotionally handle the situation.
The story is riveting and it takes the reader to rough homeless encampments, and the plight of many of our veterans.
There is, if course, there are bad guys - the unscrupulous users who take advantage of these men and women when they have no one to turn to for help.
No spoilers. This is a wonderful series, but if reading the books in order isn't possible, each book can stand alone. I don't have an author that I would recommend more highly.
October 22, 2025
Gunning for Danger (A Jo Gunning Thriller Book 9), my seventy-third read from prolific author Renee Pawlish and the eighth involving Jo Gunning. Great character, great storyline, another must-read! If you like Lee Child's Jack Reacher you'll love these books! It's no wonder with the popularity of Jack Reacher in book, movies & TV that an author with the character creation abilities of Pawlish would take the concept and improve on it. As Pawlish expands her writings over five primary characters it has improved all five but Jo Gunning is hands down her best character yet! A Renee Pawlish book is like a visit with an old friend. “I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to the next book in this series as well as anything written by her. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
October 21, 2025
Gunning for Danger is a suspenseful return for Jo Gunning that kept me glued to my seat reading it right through to the end!
While in Savannah to check in with the VA, Jo stops at a diner for a meal and witnesses a veteran experiencing obvious emotional distress. Jo's compassion and intuition for people in dire circumstances has her reaching out to the vet to help calm him, and try to discover what has him breaking down.
There are sinister forces at work, preying on this veteran and Jo does what she does best, investigate and dig into the situation by observation, talking to people and putting all the pieces together.
A very satisfying Jo Gunning read.
While in Savannah to check in with the VA, Jo stops at a diner for a meal and witnesses a veteran experiencing obvious emotional distress. Jo's compassion and intuition for people in dire circumstances has her reaching out to the vet to help calm him, and try to discover what has him breaking down.
There are sinister forces at work, preying on this veteran and Jo does what she does best, investigate and dig into the situation by observation, talking to people and putting all the pieces together.
A very satisfying Jo Gunning read.
October 22, 2025
When Jo Gunning sees a problem, she does her best to resolve it and bring the bad guys to justice, especially in this case, when it involves a fellow veteran. While there is no 'explicit' language or violence (those scenes are left to the readers' imaginations), there is plenty of suspense and multiple plot twists. I also loved getting to 'know' another character from Jo's past. This series deals with very real issues and reads like current events, only better... because Jo Gunning always comes through!
October 30, 2025
Fast Paced Thriller
This book is the 9th in a series that would be best enjoyed if read in order. Our heroine is former Army and quite formidable. She is always getting sucked into situations because she can't bear to see the underdog kicked down. These are clean stories with no foul language, no gore, little violence, and no open intimacy. She has made some enemies and always keeps a low profile, and that can be an issue. I love the way the author can paint a word picture that brings the reader into the heart of the situation.
This book is the 9th in a series that would be best enjoyed if read in order. Our heroine is former Army and quite formidable. She is always getting sucked into situations because she can't bear to see the underdog kicked down. These are clean stories with no foul language, no gore, little violence, and no open intimacy. She has made some enemies and always keeps a low profile, and that can be an issue. I love the way the author can paint a word picture that brings the reader into the heart of the situation.
October 21, 2025
Renee Pawlish has done it again with this Jo Gunning thriller - I didn’t want to put it down! Jo is traveling through Savannah, GA and needs to make a stop at the Veteran’s Administration. She encounters a very troubled vet and, typical for Jo, she wants to help a person in need. Things get complicated and dangerous with people disappearing and deceit at every turn. This book is well written and gives the reader insight to life in Savannah, both for the homeless and the wealthy.
October 21, 2025
Gunning for Danger is the 9th book in Renee Pawlish’s Jo Gunning series. Jo is on her way to visit family in Florida when she makes a stop in Savannah, Georgia to clear up some matters with the Veterans Administration. Jo comes across a distressed Veteran suffering from PTSD. When Jo starts to assist the man to get the help he so needs, things in Savannah get very strange and mysterious As usual Jo comes to the rescue. Cozy up with Jo for a great fall reading.
October 22, 2025
Each Jo Gunning novel gets better. From start to finish this book kept me engrossed. Jo is an awesome character who is always there for the underdog. She seems to get drawn into things but even if they are scary and dangerous she hangs in till the end. She never gives up! This book kept me on the edge of my seat and was a nail biter till the very end. With so many unexpected surprises throughout the book you can’t help but hope the next book comes out quickly. Loved this book!!
October 22, 2025
This is only one of my favorite series by Renée Pawlish. This delves into some problems faced by veterans and Jo Gunning can’t walk away and leave one in crises. This kept me engrossed for hours waiting for the story to unfold. I’m a big fan of this author and , as always , can’t wait for the next one.
October 25, 2025
Jo is finally on her way to meet up with her dad & sister when she is drawn toward a troubled vet she meets. Her helping hand & concern soon leads her into tracking down her new friend & then trying to figure out who would want him silenced & murdered. Trouble & Jo seem to go hand in hand. A great read!!
October 28, 2025
Gotta love Jo
Another great Jo Gunning book. I think you can read each as a standalone, but to really get a feel for the character, I recommend starting at the beginning. I wish these came out faster, I love reading a series about someone like Jo, and it seemed like I was waiting forever for this. Sarah Spillman books by this author fall into the same category.
Another great Jo Gunning book. I think you can read each as a standalone, but to really get a feel for the character, I recommend starting at the beginning. I wish these came out faster, I love reading a series about someone like Jo, and it seemed like I was waiting forever for this. Sarah Spillman books by this author fall into the same category.
December 14, 2025
Jo has arrived in Savannah to sort out a problem at the VA concerning her record. She had a run in with another Vet and then, as usual, it all kicks off. When the disturbed Vet turns up murdered, Jo cannot just walk away.
Another fast moving story from Renee Pawlish, therefore a good read.
Another fast moving story from Renee Pawlish, therefore a good read.
January 17, 2026
Jo has a heart for helping others, even strangers. When she sees a VET with traumatic brain Injury is in need, she jumps in. The story is action packed, yet still very plausible. The pages turn quickly. Like most of Jo's adventures, there is a kind local who tries to help. Another great book.
January 20, 2026
Not as good as the others.....
This Gunning adventure wasn't as good as previous books. The ending just plain is lacking any resolution. I suppose it will be continued in the next book.
This Gunning adventure wasn't as good as previous books. The ending just plain is lacking any resolution. I suppose it will be continued in the next book.
October 26, 2025
good series !
Been loving this series ! So well written.
Add it to your reading list. You’ll enjoy reading it. Have fun!
Been loving this series ! So well written.
Add it to your reading list. You’ll enjoy reading it. Have fun!
December 20, 2025
Always a good read
January 19, 2026
For me, this book was uninteresting and quite lack luster. If you're reading this series, you can skip this book!
January 26, 2026
Riveting!
This whole series is outstanding. Each book has been a page turner. They are highly recommended. Clean reading! Looking forward to #10.
This whole series is outstanding. Each book has been a page turner. They are highly recommended. Clean reading! Looking forward to #10.
October 21, 2025
Jo is biding time, waiting to finally meet with her father and sister, when she runs across a troubled veteran that needs help. When he doesn't show back up to meet with her she gets very concerned and starts digging into the situation.
I enjoyed this story, like I have all the other Jo Gunning books.
I especially liked that another person from Jo's past comes into play.
I definitely recommend this and the others too, if you haven't already read them.
An exciting, riveting series.
I enjoyed this story, like I have all the other Jo Gunning books.
I especially liked that another person from Jo's past comes into play.
I definitely recommend this and the others too, if you haven't already read them.
An exciting, riveting series.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews