Chasing Creed

Ryder Creed #9

by Alex Kava

Summer 2025

Genres: Mystery Thriller

Unknown Binding

First published August 31, 2026

About the author

Alex Kava is the New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon bestselling author of twenty-three novels, including the award-winning Ryder Creed K-9 mystery thrillers and the international bestselling Maggie O’Dell series. She is the recipient of two Nebraska Book Awards, the Florida Book Award and the Mari Sandoz Award. Published in thirty-seven countries, her novels have sold over seven million copies and have made the bestseller lists across the world. When she’s not writing, Kava enjoys spending time with her pack of three Westies and one Jack Russell terrorist. They definitely are not as well-behaved as Ryder Creed’s dogs.

Reviews

[Mark W · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

After nearly three years, Alex Kava returns with the 9th book in the Ryder Creed series - Chasing Creed

Accused child kidnapper Iris Malone is set to go on trial, with Ryder’s sister Brodie set to testify as the prosecution’s key witness. Although imprisoned, Iris is leveraging others in an attempt to eliminate any and all potential witnesses.

As the trial date approaches, the story alternates between the latest Search and Rescue effort of Ryder’s team in Mississippi, FBI agent Maggie O’Dell on assignment in Nebraska leading up to the trial, and a traveling antagonist with directions from Iris.

With the three story threads, this installment was slower to develop than I recall from prior books in the series. But the payoff was excellent!

I highly recommend this series. This book can be read as a standalone as Kava provides background on the characters here, but the story is enriched by knowing the characters and their dogs from prior installments.

If you enjoy K9 related mystery/thrillers, this series is top notch.

[Jack Hance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like books about dogs. It’s that simple. The Ryder Creed books have strong characters as well, but the strength, or Abigail part of it comes from their love for their dogs. This book was better than previous ones, though the plot got a little chaotic at times. A nice mystery about Sara, several good twists and a satisfying ending. These books focus on Ryder and his dogs, especially Gracie, but that has shifted toward Brodie, who is in many ways a more interesting character. I would expect that to continue.

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one wraps things up on Brodie's end. We learn more of what happened to the Charlotte's, past and present and how they all are endanger now. It's interesting, because you aren't sure who is the bad guy and don't really find out until the end for sure. I liked how things ended up for the girls and the support they have for each other. That will help them going forward in life.

The case that Ryder was brought into to work at the start was so screwy! You knew something bad was up, it wasn't until they were getting someplace you realized what it was. I liked how Ryder was able to out smart the bad guy.

[Shelly Turula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Alex Kava and look forward to when she publishes a new book! Chasing Creed is the 9th book in the Ryder Creed series and it picked back up with the story of Brodie and the trial of Iris fast approaching. Lots of action! Highly recommend Alex as an author! Please be writing the next one! :) Rating: 5 stars

[Mary Donegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

CHASING CREED (BK 9) (‘26 - 4 STARS) BY ALEX KAVA

DESCRIPTION : Over a year ago, Creed found the sister he thought he'd lost forever. Now someone wants her gone for good. This killer has a list, and Brodie Creed may be next. It'll be up to Creed, along with his K9 team and FBI profiler Maggie O'Dell, to stop an assassin whose mission is to silence survivors like Brodie. In Chasing Creed, Alex Kava ratchets up the stakes in this award-winning K9 mystery series. After sixteen years of captivity, Brodie Creed is finally rebuilding her life. Working alongside her brother Ryder and his K9 team, she's reclaiming a confidence she never thought possible. That is until a routine search on an abandoned Mississippi farm threatens to unravel all her progress. Their K9 team stumbles upon something they were never meant to find. And it couldn't have happened at a worse time. The trial of Brodie's captor, Iris Malone, is fast approaching. Iris is accused of abducting other girls, but no one other than Brodie has come forward to testify. Then suddenly, bodies of other young women start turning up. Maggie O'Dell believes they're all connected. Are these Iris' other victims? One thing appears certain. A killer has a list and is making sure there are no survivors.

REVIEW :

The first 8 books of the K9 Ryder Creed series were all great reads (4 stars) with the books 5&6&8 receiving 5 stars from me. Always great to be back with the Ryder Creed crew, like coming home! You definitely need to start with book 1 to get connected to all the characters. I’ve been reading the Ryder Creed series since 2015 !!!

I’ve also read 7 books in the Maggie O’Dell series (Stranded #11 ‘13, Hotwire #9 ‘11, Black Friday #7 ‘09, Exposed #6 ‘08, A Necessary Evil #5 ‘06, At The Stroke of Madness #4 ‘03 & A Perfect Evil #1 ‘00). Plus a stand-a-lone novel, Whitewash ‘07. I guess I’m an Alex Kava fan and LOVE receiving a Christmas card from her every year !

Book 9 jumps right into all the action. Trying to put the characters and their dogs together in my mind so I can concentrate on the storyline. It felt a little chaotic to me for the first 25% of the book. The last 50% of the book was a lot better than the first half. The different storylines started to come together. Wish the ending was a little bit longer. I stuck with 4 stars because I LOVE THE DOGS !

[Ricki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ryder Creed finally found his missing sister Brodie over a year ago and the abductor Iris Malone is coming up for trial. That said, I thought this unpleasant storyline was over when it rears it's ugly head again in this book.

Ryder, Brodie, Jason and friends are still running the K9 search & rescue business in Florida when they are called to find a missing man in Mississippi. The site itself is booby-trapped, the sheriff & deputy at the location seem sketchy and the only thing found is the body of a woman who also happened to have been kidnapped by Iris. As Ryder continues his search, he finds there are a lot of connections to Brodies disappearance and he plans on protecting his sister from this new threat.

Ryder's now girlfriend, FBI Agent Maggie O'Dell is also on the same trail hoping to find more victims to testify in the trial but fails to share with Ryder that there is a list of girls being targeted by Iris's assassins which would have been helpful information to protect his sister before the assassins come for her.

I am hoping any new installments in this series leave this dismal kidnapping scenario behind.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this book early from Amazon. Although I rated this book as a 5-star novel, this will be the last one I will read in this series because Kava writes a lot of repetitive sections so that the each of the novels is a stand-alone. It's also basically the same story line in each book---different bad guys but Ryder Creed, the K-9 handler and Maggie O'Dell, FBI agent go racing in to solve the crime. Nonetheless I recommend this series. It's especially interesting for dog lovers who will go crazy reading all of the interesting focus on the K-9 dogs and their handlers.

[Violette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in one setting. I couldn't put it down. It was a little bit predictable for my taste, but that could be because I have read so many mysteries and or thriller. I did enjoy the ending. It could be taken as an acceptable ending to the series. I sure hope it's not the last book, but if it were, I could live with it. I'll still read the next book it there is though. I need move adventures with the dogs, more interactions with Ryder and Maggie, also with Brodie and Jason!

[Connie P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Satisfying.

Someone is killing the Charlotte's and Brodie is on the hit list. Ryder is determined to keep her alive. Together with Grace, Jason, Maggie, old friends and a couple new friends, they fight to keep her and as many Charlottes as possible alive until they can put the evil Iris away for life. This book kept my attention from beginning to end. I hope there's another soon.

[꧁ᙏᗣᙃⱿꙆᗣ꧂ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just noticed that now you can award stars in quarters. "Half and quarter stars are now available" from 0.25 / 0.5 / 0.75 etc. 🤩👍 GREAT! Thanks Goodreads!
This new book by Alex Kava deserves a full 5 ⭐.
I recommend the entire series, as well as the one featuring Maggie O'Dell as an FBI profiler.
Both are FANTASTIC! 🥰👍
P.S.
I’m looking forward to the next installments and hope it won’t take as long as the three years it took this time. But it was worth it anyway.

[Dana Webster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long awaited.

It’s a bit of Brodie’s story. More like her backstory. I hope this is the springboard to her healing.

Overall, I enjoyed the story. It was fast paced but when it slowed it was really important and interesting information that moved the story along. You really don’t know until the end who is the good guy.

[PAULINE BENNETT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing.

Always look for an Alex Kava book in the Creed series. This book flows really nicely. Would have liked to have heard a bit more of Maggie,hopefully in the next instalment. Always love reading about the dogs. Hopefully the next book will not be long in coming. Love Creed and Grace.

[Marilyn Slusher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! There are some unexpected twists! Iris Malone is coming to trial, and several “Charlottes” have ended up dead. There are two hit lists and Brodie is on at least one.
Ryder, Grace and the rest of the gang are back!

[Halle Carrillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

I love stories with dogs. U love dogs and especially Ryder.
I hope the next book will include the trial and Maggie and Ryder.
This series is my favorite out of all
Series I read.

[Kim Lehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent series

I absolutely love this series! There are 9 books in this series and it just gets better and better, book to book. Alex Kava is an amazing author and I look forward, eagerly, await book 10.

[Becliss · Rating 3 out of 5]

A longstanding favourite series but this one fell a bit flat for me. The pacing was off with too much time spent setting up a storyline that was then resolved in a few short chapters. Still enjoyable and I'll look forward to the next installment.

[Lynita conaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex Kava has done it again

Lots of twists and turns. I love how Alex continues to put Maggie and Creed together in the same book. I love the Maggie O'dell stories
The only negative I can give is it is too short

[Barry Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to put down

Action filled, character driven, fast paced and attention grabbing. So much to love. I hope Ryder and his dogs, friends and family return again soon. I must know more. Highly recommended.

[Diane Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting

As always, a riveting story. Beautifully done! I love this series and sincerely hope there will be more. I highly recommend!

[(NurseLisa) Square Granny from Ohio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ADORE this author and this series! I’m already (patiently!) eagerly anticipating our next journey (:
Cheers, Alex (and Deb, obvi) and your k9 crew; so good. X~An Ohio VIR

[Sarah Beneke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read this whole series and enjoy the mystery and the dogs that are always part of the story. This one wasn’t my top pick of the series but definitely readable.

[Paula Huot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

A great story with a few twists and turns. Hope the next book sorts out Ryder and Maggie. They’re good together.

[Mary Johns · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Another stellar addition to this series! I've been waiting for more about Brodie, Creed's sister. Did not disappoint. Twisty. Spooky. Mystery and thriller combined.

[Richard Becker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very suspenseful and interesting volume in the Ryder Creed series. We get to see more of what happened to Brodie and how Ryder and his friends need to protect her against a wiley group of criminals. As Brodie prepares for her captor and tormenter Iris's trial, Iris is trying to cover her tracks.

The dogs help track down a missing man and find clues leading to Iris's people and an infamous list they are using to hunt down the Charlottes, other girls held captive and now free. There is much intrigue. A young woman named Sara shows up on Creed's radar and his group don't know which side she is on. The reveal on this is masterful and makes the story much better. Maggie O'dell also does her part to help Ryder. This may be the best in the series.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book in a great series! Kava never disappoints. Mystery, intreque, interesting characters and dogs! A nice wrap up of what happened to Brodie too.

[MELISSA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another outstanding book by Alex Kava. Ryder Creed owns and runs a kennel of dogs he and his crew train to track to find lost people. He also tracks with his K-9 Grace. The 9th book in this K-9 mystery series can be read as a standalone but please start from book one because you are missing out if you do not. I will not summarize here but simply note it is all about bringing a child stealer to justice. Great read with so many pieces of the puzzle from so many angles it kept me going even when life allowed me only a few pages at a time over a week. Soooo very satisfying in every good book way.

[Pam Bales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #9 in Alex Kava's Award-Winning Ryder Creed, K-9 Handler series is great for anyone who enjoys the following: K9 adventures, evil people being caught and dealt with and for animal lovers everywhere who can't stand how people frequently treat their animals.
Characters are awesome, actual family, chosen family, law enforcement, veterinarians, military veterans and on the other side of the ledger - horrible villains who need to be stopped.
All nine of the Ryder Creed books are a pretty quick read, which sadly means you have to wait for what seems like forever for the next in the series. I was able to pre-order this one from Alex's website so got it read before most people even got a copy.
Ryder, an ex-Marine who was a K-9 handler runs a search and rescue facility and when called upon by law enforcement or whoever needs his help works tirelessly to rescue or recover. He takes in every animal that he come across that needs a new home and the love that all animals deserve. He takes in people as well who need a new chance at life.
Alex also writes the Maggie O'Dell FBI Profiler series which started in 2000. There are 12 books, a prequel, and several short stories. Maggie appeaars in the Ryder Creed series.
Highly recommend!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Creed is the 9th book in Alex Kava’s Ryder Creed K-9 Mystery series. It’s been a few years since the last book but this one jumped right back in with all the suspense and action expected in her books. It captured me from the very beginning, so much fast-paced action, suspense, and danger. There are some uncomfortable topics with childhood abductions and human trafficking. There are definitely some unexpected twists and turns, too. Although you can read any of them in any order, there is more continuity if you are able to read them in order. I have enjoyed the entire series and recommend all the books.

[Kristin Keahey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Creed series is one of my favorites and this latest one did not disappoint. As always, I was hooked and invested from the first page. The only downside is that now that I’m finished, I have to wait for the next one! So glad I ordered directly from AlexKava.com and didn’t have to wait any longer

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series & I hate how fast I devour each book because then I have to wait for the author to create another fascinating book. The plot is always interesting & the fact that dogs are always major players in each book is an extra bonus. If you haven't read any of Ms Kava's books, run, don't walk to your nearest bookseller & grab them all up. You won't be disappointed. Thank you, Ms Kava for another amazing addition to this series. Have you written the next one yet? I am waiting impatiently.