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Bloodhound in Blue: The True Tales of Police Dog JJ and His Two-Legged Partner
He was born in rural Missouri, and it was immediately clear that he was different from the rest. He caught his first criminal when he was just two years old. By his sixth birthday, he had located burglars, missing children, drug dealers, rapists, and murderers—including Utah’s most wanted criminal. Known to friends as JJ, to law enforcement as Michael Serio’s partner, and to captured criminals as “that damned dog,” Jessie Jr., an exceptionally talented bloodhound, bayed like a sea lion that had swallowed a fog horn.
Before JJ, few police departments in the West used bloodhounds, and none in Utah. But just when JJ was finally convincing naysayers, he and Officer Serio ran into something worse than the despair of failure amid high hope. JJ had been tracking Brian David Mitchell, the man who abducted Elizabeth Smart, when he was pulled off the track. Elizabeth later told investigators that on the day she was kidnapped she heard a dog baying in the woods behind her.
In almost nine years of service, JJ helped apprehend nearly 300 criminal suspects in the Salt Lake City area. Here is his remarkable story, fleas and all.
Click here to view the trailer for Bloodhound in Blue.
Before JJ, few police departments in the West used bloodhounds, and none in Utah. But just when JJ was finally convincing naysayers, he and Officer Serio ran into something worse than the despair of failure amid high hope. JJ had been tracking Brian David Mitchell, the man who abducted Elizabeth Smart, when he was pulled off the track. Elizabeth later told investigators that on the day she was kidnapped she heard a dog baying in the woods behind her.
In almost nine years of service, JJ helped apprehend nearly 300 criminal suspects in the Salt Lake City area. Here is his remarkable story, fleas and all.
Click here to view the trailer for Bloodhound in Blue.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
10 people are currently reading
1396 people want to read
About the author
Adam David Russ
2 books3 followersAdam David Russ is assistant editor of the Blue Moon Literary & Art Review. His short stories have appeared in Paradigm, The Battered Suitcase, and the collection All in the Game. They have garnered awards from Writer’s Digest, The Baltimore Review, and New Millennium Writings and have been performed at Stories on Stage.
He lives in Northern California with his wife and son.
He lives in Northern California with his wife and son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 1, 2024
I love Police dog books but usually they are about a German Shepherd or Malinois type dog. Books with those dogs love to talk about the dogs biting foes or sometimes friends which can be very funny from a black humor perspective. Bloodhounds still get their criminal, and in one sense better than the shepherd dogs, but without the bite drama.
The real drama in the book came from having to convince people in the department to accept having a bloodhound on the team, and earning the respect of the other K9 officers who thought there Shepherds who can do it all were better. I will provide some quotes from the book on examples of actions that earned the respect of others, but first a nice bit on the breed:
'Eight weeks old, ten pounds of wrinkled skin and soft fur, JJ had a face that any mother could love—but only a select few would want in their home. In the category of best pets recommended for families, bloodhounds don’t make the list. Although good-natured and gentle to a fault—tolerating all manner of abuse from children—bloodhounds are large and powerful dogs that are slow to mature, slow to obey, and quick to chew and swallow things that make emergency trips to the veterinarian a common excursion.'
Then a little further he provides some examples:
'But the puppy soon discovered a favorite activity. He jumped on top of Lisa, distracted her with slobbery kisses, grabbed her hair scrunchy, and ran. Fast and nimble though he was, he eventually got caught and had to give up his prize. Combining both crafty intelligence and colossal stupidity, JJ quickly learned that the only way to Keep his treasure was to swallow it. JJ applied this logic to pantyhose, wild mushrooms, an empty beer can used to capture grease drippings from the grill, telephone wires, a coaxial cable for the TV, the wire harness for an air conditioning unit, and a flytrap with thousands of dead flies, along with the rancid hamburger meat used to attract them. It wasn’t pretty.'
I love the cops and robbers part of Police dog books, and in this book some of the best recollections are from those who needed to be convinced:
'"As Richey described it, “He handed me Josie, and she took the scent and just took off like a rocket. It was all I could do to hang onto her leash. She was on the track just exactly as it was jaid, but I felt absolutely useless to the dog. Whereas with a German shepherd, I felt like I needed to help the dog reacquire the track when it was lost and play a big part in the running of the track. When I handled Josie, she didn’t let me influence her with the leash. She knew exactly what she was doing. That's the day I became sold on the bloodhound.”'
'Richey pulled out his spreadsheets of patrol dog and bloodhound statistics to support his aims, but so far he hadn’t had much luck. But seeing is believing. The Salt Lake County field commander, K9 sergeant, and all those who had influence in the sheriff's office happened to be at the scene the night that JJ tracked two and a half miles through difficult urban terrain right to the apartment complex where their stabbing suspect was hiding.
“You can hear a story like that, and it’s neat,” Richey said, “but it doesn’t have near the impact that it does when you watch it. When you watch it happen, it’s absolutely incredible.”
Soon after, the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office asked Richey to start a bloodhound program for their department.'
This bit was the funniest:
If the first time seeing JJ at work didn’t convince Gleason another one did. Gleason showed up to a crime scene, blocks away from where Serio and JJ had already started tracking a suspect. He got out of his car to look around. A guy on foot ran toward the back end of a cheap hotel, reeking of eau de crook.
“Don’t move,” said Gleason.
“Well, I was just—’”
“No, sit down.” Gleason could hear JJ baying blocks away but getting closer. “Did you just happen to rob a store back there?”
“No,” the guy said, “that wasn’t me.”
“Do you hear that dog?” asked Gleason. “Yeah.”
“Well, I’m betting in, like, three minutes that dog is gonna run right into you."
Sure enough, a few minutes later, JJ came into view pulling Serio behind him, ran up, and bayed right in the guys face.'
The way that the dog JJ and bloodhounds bay is mentioned often. What was funny how criminals would fear the sound:
'Captured criminals often told Serio that JJ's baying terrified them as they were fleeing and haunted them when they went into hiding and heard the noise getting closer. Cynophobia is the abnormal fear of dogs, but that’s not what these guys had. They feared the unknown. Some had it more than others.'
So I enjoyed the book, but missed the biting from other Police dog books.
The real drama in the book came from having to convince people in the department to accept having a bloodhound on the team, and earning the respect of the other K9 officers who thought there Shepherds who can do it all were better. I will provide some quotes from the book on examples of actions that earned the respect of others, but first a nice bit on the breed:
'Eight weeks old, ten pounds of wrinkled skin and soft fur, JJ had a face that any mother could love—but only a select few would want in their home. In the category of best pets recommended for families, bloodhounds don’t make the list. Although good-natured and gentle to a fault—tolerating all manner of abuse from children—bloodhounds are large and powerful dogs that are slow to mature, slow to obey, and quick to chew and swallow things that make emergency trips to the veterinarian a common excursion.'
Then a little further he provides some examples:
'But the puppy soon discovered a favorite activity. He jumped on top of Lisa, distracted her with slobbery kisses, grabbed her hair scrunchy, and ran. Fast and nimble though he was, he eventually got caught and had to give up his prize. Combining both crafty intelligence and colossal stupidity, JJ quickly learned that the only way to Keep his treasure was to swallow it. JJ applied this logic to pantyhose, wild mushrooms, an empty beer can used to capture grease drippings from the grill, telephone wires, a coaxial cable for the TV, the wire harness for an air conditioning unit, and a flytrap with thousands of dead flies, along with the rancid hamburger meat used to attract them. It wasn’t pretty.'
I love the cops and robbers part of Police dog books, and in this book some of the best recollections are from those who needed to be convinced:
'"As Richey described it, “He handed me Josie, and she took the scent and just took off like a rocket. It was all I could do to hang onto her leash. She was on the track just exactly as it was jaid, but I felt absolutely useless to the dog. Whereas with a German shepherd, I felt like I needed to help the dog reacquire the track when it was lost and play a big part in the running of the track. When I handled Josie, she didn’t let me influence her with the leash. She knew exactly what she was doing. That's the day I became sold on the bloodhound.”'
'Richey pulled out his spreadsheets of patrol dog and bloodhound statistics to support his aims, but so far he hadn’t had much luck. But seeing is believing. The Salt Lake County field commander, K9 sergeant, and all those who had influence in the sheriff's office happened to be at the scene the night that JJ tracked two and a half miles through difficult urban terrain right to the apartment complex where their stabbing suspect was hiding.
“You can hear a story like that, and it’s neat,” Richey said, “but it doesn’t have near the impact that it does when you watch it. When you watch it happen, it’s absolutely incredible.”
Soon after, the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office asked Richey to start a bloodhound program for their department.'
This bit was the funniest:
If the first time seeing JJ at work didn’t convince Gleason another one did. Gleason showed up to a crime scene, blocks away from where Serio and JJ had already started tracking a suspect. He got out of his car to look around. A guy on foot ran toward the back end of a cheap hotel, reeking of eau de crook.
“Don’t move,” said Gleason.
“Well, I was just—’”
“No, sit down.” Gleason could hear JJ baying blocks away but getting closer. “Did you just happen to rob a store back there?”
“No,” the guy said, “that wasn’t me.”
“Do you hear that dog?” asked Gleason. “Yeah.”
“Well, I’m betting in, like, three minutes that dog is gonna run right into you."
Sure enough, a few minutes later, JJ came into view pulling Serio behind him, ran up, and bayed right in the guys face.'
The way that the dog JJ and bloodhounds bay is mentioned often. What was funny how criminals would fear the sound:
'Captured criminals often told Serio that JJ's baying terrified them as they were fleeing and haunted them when they went into hiding and heard the noise getting closer. Cynophobia is the abnormal fear of dogs, but that’s not what these guys had. They feared the unknown. Some had it more than others.'
So I enjoyed the book, but missed the biting from other Police dog books.
February 20, 2014
When one thinks of a ‘police dog’ or ‘K-9’, a ferocious German Shepard naturally comes to mind. Although less commonly used, Bloodhounds are actually better used as long-scent trailing dogs. One such talented dog was JJ, the four-legged partner to Salt Lake City Officer Michael Serio. Adam David Russ reveals their story in, “Bloodhound in Blue: The True Tales of Police Dog JJ and his Two-Legged Partner”.
Having read several memoirs and books concerning service dogs, I had some expectations set for “Bloodhound in Blue”. The initial let-down is that the work is not a memoir and is instead a straddle between a portrait format and journalistic coverage. Granted, Russ’s writing style is quite entertaining with a strong pace, quirky humor, and yet thick with heavy research and intelligence; but it also fails to capture the inner-psyche of Serio and his experiences which a memoir would have done more powerfully.
Similarly, one doesn’t truly get to know Serio or JJ as the book is precisely what the title states: tales. Although mostly chronological, Russ basically tells individual stories of JJ’s service versus one long, cohesive stream. The stories are indeed interesting and well-written but overall, “Bloodhound in Blue” is somewhat choppy and not what a reader generally expects from a human/animal interest story.
Even though the detailed personal elements of Serio and JJ’s relationship are absent; Russ successfully narrates the tales in both a fascinating and informative voice where the reader will learn several facts regarding police dogs. This, along with supplemental photos throughout the text (black and white), makes “Bloodhound in Blue” an enjoyable read (even though it should be noted that the book has a short-story feel which exemplifies Russ’s fictional-writing background).
As “Bloodhound in Blue” progresses, the intimate element is STILL missing. Readers learn little about Serio or JJ’s home life, nothing of the emotional ups and downs of training, and basically there is no bond with the characters. Instead, “Bloodhound in Blue” is essentially an oral resume of Serio and JJ’s accomplishments. The chapters become repetitive and tedious as each follows the same format: “Here is a crime that happened. This is how JJ found the scent and followed it. Now, here is the conclusion”. Even with a chapter on the Elizabeth Smart case (which JJ sniffed on); this becomes boring.
The buildup of the mandatory animal book ending of the animal star becoming sick and/or passing away is very choppy with Russ struggling to cohesively build the tension. The climax does induce emotion which for me was tears but honestly, not because the writing is strong but because all animals books do so (generally). The conclusion is abrupt with Russ attempting to summarize the book with a notable epilogue but it is simply weak.
“Bloodhound in Blue” contains a thorough source listing for each chapter which is satisfying for those seeking more research on the topic.
Although JJ was a cute and successful pup and “Bloodhound in Blue” is well-written in terms of narrative flow; the personal essence and emotion of the story is hugely absent and lacks inspiration. Again: even though Russ is a life-long friend of Serio’s, the book would have been stronger written as a memoir instead. “Bloodhound in Blue” is not bad, but also not the best dog book. It is recommended though for Bloodhound or crime-fighting/police dog lovers searching or a quick, but enjoyable read.
Having read several memoirs and books concerning service dogs, I had some expectations set for “Bloodhound in Blue”. The initial let-down is that the work is not a memoir and is instead a straddle between a portrait format and journalistic coverage. Granted, Russ’s writing style is quite entertaining with a strong pace, quirky humor, and yet thick with heavy research and intelligence; but it also fails to capture the inner-psyche of Serio and his experiences which a memoir would have done more powerfully.
Similarly, one doesn’t truly get to know Serio or JJ as the book is precisely what the title states: tales. Although mostly chronological, Russ basically tells individual stories of JJ’s service versus one long, cohesive stream. The stories are indeed interesting and well-written but overall, “Bloodhound in Blue” is somewhat choppy and not what a reader generally expects from a human/animal interest story.
Even though the detailed personal elements of Serio and JJ’s relationship are absent; Russ successfully narrates the tales in both a fascinating and informative voice where the reader will learn several facts regarding police dogs. This, along with supplemental photos throughout the text (black and white), makes “Bloodhound in Blue” an enjoyable read (even though it should be noted that the book has a short-story feel which exemplifies Russ’s fictional-writing background).
As “Bloodhound in Blue” progresses, the intimate element is STILL missing. Readers learn little about Serio or JJ’s home life, nothing of the emotional ups and downs of training, and basically there is no bond with the characters. Instead, “Bloodhound in Blue” is essentially an oral resume of Serio and JJ’s accomplishments. The chapters become repetitive and tedious as each follows the same format: “Here is a crime that happened. This is how JJ found the scent and followed it. Now, here is the conclusion”. Even with a chapter on the Elizabeth Smart case (which JJ sniffed on); this becomes boring.
The buildup of the mandatory animal book ending of the animal star becoming sick and/or passing away is very choppy with Russ struggling to cohesively build the tension. The climax does induce emotion which for me was tears but honestly, not because the writing is strong but because all animals books do so (generally). The conclusion is abrupt with Russ attempting to summarize the book with a notable epilogue but it is simply weak.
“Bloodhound in Blue” contains a thorough source listing for each chapter which is satisfying for those seeking more research on the topic.
Although JJ was a cute and successful pup and “Bloodhound in Blue” is well-written in terms of narrative flow; the personal essence and emotion of the story is hugely absent and lacks inspiration. Again: even though Russ is a life-long friend of Serio’s, the book would have been stronger written as a memoir instead. “Bloodhound in Blue” is not bad, but also not the best dog book. It is recommended though for Bloodhound or crime-fighting/police dog lovers searching or a quick, but enjoyable read.
November 24, 2013
I bought this book for for my middle school aged daughter who loves to read stories about dogs. I was disappointed when I read it and discovered a fair amount of R-rated language. The narrative is interesting though account after account of how JJ the bloodhound apprehends criminals (every situation is almost identical) gets a bit monotonous after a while.
August 16, 2013
"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend.
Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read."
— Groucho Marx
Then again, why not have a passion for both and read a book about a dog.
I'd won this on Goodreads, and found it a pleasure to read.
This is the life-story of JJ and his life as a police-dog.
It paints a positive image of the police department, without failing to
mention some of its downfalls.
It's written in a very touching way, in that I actually got attached to JJ and was rooting for him and his trainer, Serio, thru their integration into a somewhat predjudiced police force.
And yes... I did shed a couple of tears towards the end.
Well writen, well researched, great subject matter.
It made me laugh, it made me cry, it managed to keep me in suspense... not an easy task when writing about "real-life" events.
Thank you Adama David Russ for writing this and giving me the opportunity to read it.
5 well-earned stars.
Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read."
— Groucho Marx
Then again, why not have a passion for both and read a book about a dog.
I'd won this on Goodreads, and found it a pleasure to read.
This is the life-story of JJ and his life as a police-dog.
It paints a positive image of the police department, without failing to
mention some of its downfalls.
It's written in a very touching way, in that I actually got attached to JJ and was rooting for him and his trainer, Serio, thru their integration into a somewhat predjudiced police force.
And yes... I did shed a couple of tears towards the end.
Well writen, well researched, great subject matter.
It made me laugh, it made me cry, it managed to keep me in suspense... not an easy task when writing about "real-life" events.
Thank you Adama David Russ for writing this and giving me the opportunity to read it.
5 well-earned stars.
December 8, 2013
I got this book as some kind of deal on Amazon and hadn't expected to fall in love with it but I did. This is not only an amazing insight into K9 police officers, but the journey of a bloodhound trying to get accepted in a rather exclusive German Shepherd occupation. I was shocked that it seemed so elitist. Why not have bloodhounds in police departments all over the country if they can scent better than German shepherds? This is also the story of JJ who worked in Salt Lake City and his many cases including the Elizabeth Smart case. I laughed and cried. This book was a great welcome surprise.
July 24, 2019
A nonfiction book, about a dog, on the Salt Lake City police force? I was hooked as soon as I read the Goodreads synopsis. I have lived and/or worked in the Salt Lake City area since 1952; how was it that I had never heard of JJ the bloodhound? Naturally I HAD to read the book!
In my opinion, this is an excellent double biography of JJ and Officer Mike Serio, his partner. It also documents Serio's efforts to get acceptance for a bloodhound in the SLC K9 program, where German shepherds were the dog of choice. In his more than eight years career, JJ was credited with over 250 successes at finding his quarry (whether criminal or missing person).
JJ's legacy lives on with several bloodhounds now active in the SLC police force.
In my opinion, this is an excellent double biography of JJ and Officer Mike Serio, his partner. It also documents Serio's efforts to get acceptance for a bloodhound in the SLC K9 program, where German shepherds were the dog of choice. In his more than eight years career, JJ was credited with over 250 successes at finding his quarry (whether criminal or missing person).
JJ's legacy lives on with several bloodhounds now active in the SLC police force.
August 27, 2019
I now have a new respect for bloodhounds!
November 1, 2019
Jó kis könyv. Szépirodalmi csúcsokra ugyan nem tör… De lelkesen követi végig Mike Serio rendőr és társa, Jessie Junior (avagy JJ) útját; azt a hosszú és bizonyítással teli utat, melynek során a család kedvencéből ünnepelt rendőrkutya válik. Igazi sikersztoriról van itt szó, ezáltal kárpótol a kicsit egyszerű stílusért is.
October 25, 2013
Quite a good read.
I won this book in a goodreads first reads giveaway. I love animal true stories and, on receiving this book really quickly, I couldn't wait to read it. The edition I received was the hardback variety and it has a very inviting cover showing a lovely colour photo of JJ, the beautiful bloodhound who is the book's main concern. There are lots of photos included in the book and I found it helpful that they are throughout the book as the action is occurring rather than a clump of pictures just in the middle of the book as so often happens or at the end of the book as is the norm for most kindle editions-it's handy to see pictures as each thing occurs in the book than having to flick to a certain area. Having said that, I didn't feel that the photos were displayed to the best of their ability; this is because they were just on normal, thin book pages, not glossy paper, but they were better than newspaper photos. I don't know the cost restrictions/ processes involved in producing a book so this might have had something to do with it but maybe it would have been better to have had better quality photos but compromised on just a paperback edition? So, I was reading another book at the time but had a scan through this one and was raring to go with it but it quickly disappeared and my partner ended up reading it first while I finished my current book. He read it in one day and thought it was well written, couldn't put it down and a really good read. He said he would give it five stars rating. I was expecting great things. I thought it was quite good but I just couldn't connect with it. I found it rather repetitive-it seemed most days Serio would get a call, JJ would go sniff the one to be found out and then bay and then the same would happen again. I would have liked to have known more home detail, aside from Mike and JJ's police work so I could get more of a feel of the character that was JJ, his little quirks etc. I suppose this might be because it wasn't the dog's owner who wrote this book, it was one of his friends. I believe Adam Russ has long been a friend of Serio but, all the time I was reading the book, I felt a distance there, a barrier, I just didn't feel like I could totally lose myself in the pages. It's a pity and, don't get me wrong, there are some good moments in this book. The final chapters were dealt with more sensitively, and I did feel the emotion better here. I do like to read a lot of true crime and books about forensics and how they catch criminals so this did provide a new slant on this-ie. a dog being able to sniff a criminal out so I would probably read more on this subject. What a wonderful dog JJ was, this book is well worth a read to find out about him.
I won this book in a goodreads first reads giveaway. I love animal true stories and, on receiving this book really quickly, I couldn't wait to read it. The edition I received was the hardback variety and it has a very inviting cover showing a lovely colour photo of JJ, the beautiful bloodhound who is the book's main concern. There are lots of photos included in the book and I found it helpful that they are throughout the book as the action is occurring rather than a clump of pictures just in the middle of the book as so often happens or at the end of the book as is the norm for most kindle editions-it's handy to see pictures as each thing occurs in the book than having to flick to a certain area. Having said that, I didn't feel that the photos were displayed to the best of their ability; this is because they were just on normal, thin book pages, not glossy paper, but they were better than newspaper photos. I don't know the cost restrictions/ processes involved in producing a book so this might have had something to do with it but maybe it would have been better to have had better quality photos but compromised on just a paperback edition? So, I was reading another book at the time but had a scan through this one and was raring to go with it but it quickly disappeared and my partner ended up reading it first while I finished my current book. He read it in one day and thought it was well written, couldn't put it down and a really good read. He said he would give it five stars rating. I was expecting great things. I thought it was quite good but I just couldn't connect with it. I found it rather repetitive-it seemed most days Serio would get a call, JJ would go sniff the one to be found out and then bay and then the same would happen again. I would have liked to have known more home detail, aside from Mike and JJ's police work so I could get more of a feel of the character that was JJ, his little quirks etc. I suppose this might be because it wasn't the dog's owner who wrote this book, it was one of his friends. I believe Adam Russ has long been a friend of Serio but, all the time I was reading the book, I felt a distance there, a barrier, I just didn't feel like I could totally lose myself in the pages. It's a pity and, don't get me wrong, there are some good moments in this book. The final chapters were dealt with more sensitively, and I did feel the emotion better here. I do like to read a lot of true crime and books about forensics and how they catch criminals so this did provide a new slant on this-ie. a dog being able to sniff a criminal out so I would probably read more on this subject. What a wonderful dog JJ was, this book is well worth a read to find out about him.
September 26, 2014
Another book about a police dog and his handler, but this book distinguishes itself from the beginning by focusing on the dog; the handler is important, but as the book traces the career of Officer JJ, a Bloodhound in the K-9 Unit of the Salt Lake City Police Department, his partner, Mike Serio, takes on the mantle of protector, advocate and sidekick to the canine manhunter. An early focus of the book is the prejudice JJ encountered as a non-biting dog in a world of aggressive canines. The police department brass, ever mindful of a limited budget, were reluctant to introduce a dog known for tracking, not attacking, and the other officers of the K-9 Unit, at least the two-legged ones, jealously guarded their own positions and status, putting their own interests above public safety, an all-too-common situation in politically oriented police administrations everywhere. JJ knocked down their arguments and sometimes even overcame their prejudices by succeeding, not just where others had failed but after they had given up. He tracked down and apprehended more miscreants than all the other K-9 dogs, and his success rate (in the high 90th percentile) in finding those couldn't be found (lost kids) and didn't want to be found (crooks and losers) was embarrassing to the department's human officers. JJ is shown in the book to not only be the first and best of the police department's Bloodhounds, but the dog who pioneered the way for all the others who followed. The story is uplifting and inspiring, and as you read along, you will come to value JJ's companionship, so much so, that you will feel true pain and distress when his health begins to fail after years of serving the public. I'm not giving anything away when I tell you the ending is both tearful and inspirational, for it's only in books like "Grayfriar's Bobby" and "Lassie" that the dog outlives the master and weeps by the human's grave. In the gray vale in which we exist, it is the human who too often weeps as he receives a small cedar box and a paw-print preserved in plaster. This book is an excellent read for those interested in policing and public safety, as well as those who value the companionship and service of our four-legged friends and yearn for a reunion at the Rainbow Bridge.
March 16, 2015
Terrific book about a real 4 legged hero
This was a wonderful book about a courageous hero dog and his loving partner Mike Serio. Knowing the capabilities of Bloodhounds, Mike fought for years to gain the acceptance of Bloodhounds in police work in Utah. JJ the dog not only proved himself, but gained the love and respect of all who came in contact with him, except the crooks of course. The author Adam Russ did an outstanding job of bringing JJ and Mike alive. The writing was at times humorous, making me laugh out loud at JJ's antics and exploits. I also cried so deeply for a great loss that I will not discuss in this review. If you are an animal lover, you will love this book. I was so enchanted with JJ, I even discussed getting a Bloodhound with my husband, but he said 3 house dogs, and 5 horses are enough pets......LOL
This was a wonderful book about a courageous hero dog and his loving partner Mike Serio. Knowing the capabilities of Bloodhounds, Mike fought for years to gain the acceptance of Bloodhounds in police work in Utah. JJ the dog not only proved himself, but gained the love and respect of all who came in contact with him, except the crooks of course. The author Adam Russ did an outstanding job of bringing JJ and Mike alive. The writing was at times humorous, making me laugh out loud at JJ's antics and exploits. I also cried so deeply for a great loss that I will not discuss in this review. If you are an animal lover, you will love this book. I was so enchanted with JJ, I even discussed getting a Bloodhound with my husband, but he said 3 house dogs, and 5 horses are enough pets......LOL
November 18, 2013
This was a very inspiring book and not at all what I imagined it would be before I started. The author has a great sense of humour and gives the reader all the elements of a great story - suspense, action, tears and laughter.
It was also a great chance to learn about the history of the Bloodhound, which I was not expecting.
Very enjoyable read!
It was also a great chance to learn about the history of the Bloodhound, which I was not expecting.
Very enjoyable read!
September 3, 2013
I was amazed at the way the book drew me in. And also by the deep devotion between dog and handler that led them to make a real breakthrough for the good guys at times when all hope seemed lost. The story was a classic tale of greatness emerging when unlikely heroes buck the system, told with a fresh voice, compelling wit, and edge-of-your-seat pacing.
October 9, 2015
Interesting story, lots of facts but not too heavy. I wish I'd had more time to know JJ and Mike, they seem like a great team. Surprised about the difference in the handling of Bloodhounds vs German Shepherds. I didn't know that Bloodhounds were considered a non-biting police dog.
Learned something new and hope you do also.!
Recommended
Learned something new and hope you do also.!
Recommended
October 3, 2014
What an amazing story. I loved the story of JJ and Officer Serio who handled him. I was so impressed with this officer who wanted to serve above all else and was given awards for the unselfish service he gave along with his dog. What an inspiring story! I have a whole new respect for bloodhounds. What beautiful and intelligent animals...
August 7, 2015
What a delightful book! If you love dogs and police stories, this is the book for you. JJ is the most lovable dog and he always gets his man. I didn't know much about Bloodhounds before, but now I wonder why every police department doesn't have one.
July 23, 2013
This is a really interesting and fun book about the first bloodhound police dog in Salt Lake City. I didn't know what to expect, so I was pleasantly surprised when I laughed and cried. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves dogs and police work - this book has them both.
November 23, 2013
I got this book free from Goodreads in return for an honest review!
This book was enjoyable.
It was very nicely written with very good photographs that illustrated the story very well.
I love dogs and this book brought a lump to my throat in several places.
This book was enjoyable.
It was very nicely written with very good photographs that illustrated the story very well.
I love dogs and this book brought a lump to my throat in several places.
October 8, 2013
This book was great I got to a few things in a new way personally for me. I love how the book throws you straight in to the action of what JJ and Serio have to go through. I recommend this book to people who want to learn about the works of a police officer and his police dog partner.
December 14, 2013
I'm a sucker for animal stories, and this one was also interesting to me because it is set in Salt Lake so I knew some of the events and places. I really enjoyed the information about how tracking dogs are trained. It is competently written, and makes a strong case for bloodhounds as police dogs.
January 3, 2015
Very interesting. I love dogs and didn't know anything about Bloodhounds. What a great dog and terrific for Police work. Every police department should have several in addition to the Shepherds.
I got all teared up when JJ passed.
I got all teared up when JJ passed.
June 20, 2022
well written and a joy to read
Mike and JJ had a remarkable careers. Thanks to Mike bloodhounds have been proven as a tool in the hands of Police. The love and passion Mike brought to this Police Dept has opened doors for many more.
Mike and JJ had a remarkable careers. Thanks to Mike bloodhounds have been proven as a tool in the hands of Police. The love and passion Mike brought to this Police Dept has opened doors for many more.
December 14, 2014
Lots of cute pictures of the bloodhound, but the writing was not great and the story was really padded to make it longer. Really only recommended for serious dog lovers.
October 8, 2013
This book was very well written. It informed me in greater detail of the importance of a police K-9 unit. It was funny, sad, and entertaining.
Want to read
November 17, 2013Being an animal lover,i enjoyed this book very much...well written!
August 30, 2014
Good look at using bloodhounds to track suspects and lost children.a police asset.
Read
July 15, 2015(E) Joe saw this advertised on BookBub, so I bought it for $.99.
October 28, 2015
I’m a dog lover, so of course I enjoyed this book. It was an extremely fast read. I enjoyed learning about bloodhound and how police dogs play a role in solving crime.
October 24, 2014
Really good story about a very impressive police dog. Dog stories always attract me.
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