Hunting a Killer: A Love Inspired K-9 Suspense Romance

K-9 Search and Rescue #17

by Sarah Varland

Digging up past secrets puts a K-9 team in the line of fire.


During an investigation into a series of homicides, FBI agent Finn McDaniel is unexpectedly attacked, and a blow to the head leaves him with amnesia. Left for dead, he’s discovered by cadaver dog Cipher and her handler, search and rescue specialist Jordyn Williams — who is also Finn’s missing sister’s best friend. As Finn and Jordyn work to recover his crucial memories, they unearth evidence that links his sister’s disappearance to the killings. When the body of the latest victim is found, can they stop the murderer from striking again...or will their pursuit place them directly in the enemy’s crosshairs?



Mills & Boon Love Inspired Suspense — Courage. Danger. Faith.

Genres: Suspense, Christian Fiction

368 pages, Paperback

Published January 27, 2026

Reviews

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

SO GOOD!! I have loved every audio book, I have recieved from the Love Inspired Suspense line.

Hunting a Killer was a great book! With love, & twists you didn't see coming (my favorite!). I figured out who the killer was but I loved the twist! I have a mix breed of husky, & could totally see my dog searching for remains!

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too slow, repetitive, not believable (plot holes indeed as another reviewer noted). Skip read to the end.

[January · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hunting a Killer by Sarah Varland (2026)
K-9 Search and Rescue #17
5h 51m narrated by Cindy Kay, 368 pages

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Rating as a movie: PG-13 for scenes of violence

Featuring: Epigraph, Anchorage, Alaska FBI Agent, Serial Killer, Murders, Excessive Exposition, Human Remains Detection (HRD) Dog/Cadaver Dog - Siberian Husky; Cold Case - Shared Missing Person, Best Friend's Brother, Amnesia Trope, SAR - Search and Rescue, Faith, Letter From Author, Author Contacts

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½⛰️🐕✝️

My thoughts: I was told this was gonna be a Christian Romance but it is definitely Romantic Suspense I think even more Mystery Thriller than Romance. I did not love it, but it was a good story especially the last quarter. It took me a minute to get adjusted to the writing style. I would read more from this author. Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Audio, and Love Inspired Suspense for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Recommend to others: Yes. If you enjoy cozy mysteries but you want something a little more complex and serious this is the book for you.

K-9 Search and Rescue (multiple authors)
1. Desert Rescue (2021) Lisa Phillips
2. Trailing a Killer (2021) Carol J. Post
3. Mountain Survival (2021) Christy Barritt
4. Search and Defend (2021) Heather Woodhaven
5. Following the Trail (2022) Lynette Eason
6. Dangerous Mountain Rescue (2022) Christy Barritt
7. Wilderness Hunt (2022) Lisa Phillips
8. Alaskan Mountain Search (2023) Sarah Varland
9. Alaskan Avalanche Escape (2023) Darlene L. Turner
10. Tracking Stolen Treasures (2023) Lisa Phillips
11. Alaskan Wilderness Rescue (2024) Sarah Varland
12. Lethal Mountain Pursuit (2024) Christy Barritt
13. Tracking the Missing (2024) Sami A. Abrams
14. K-9 Alaskan Defense (2025) Sarah Varland
15. Searching for Justice (2025) Connie Queen
16. Detecting Deadly Threats (2025) Carol J. Post
17. Hunting a Killer (2026) Sarah Varland
18. Tracing a Kidnapper's Trail (2026) Katy Lee

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a cautious fan of the amnesia trope because — love it when thoughtfully plotted and abhor it when the story relies on trite cliches. Happy to say Sarah Varland did an amazing job incorporating Finn’s amnesia into this story. Believable, intriguing and whoa, but did it ever add to the suspense! That opening scene when he…ack, I can’t say what happens but…yikes, I was on tenterhooks for the rest of the read. Well played, Sarah Varland, well played indeed.

I love a good K-9 story and cadaver dog Cipher is a devoted floof with stellar instincts. Her human search-and-rescue partner is pretty nifty too. And brave. Searching the wilderness for human remains takes grit and stamina and Jordyn has both in spades. But a routine search morphs into chaos when Cipher leads her to an unconscious Finn. And then things get really complicated.

Loved the edginess to both the suspense and the romance. Finn and Jordyn have both struggled in the aftermath of his sister’s (her best friend’s) disappearance and that makes for a messy reunion. So lots of emotional stuff to work out while they try to figure out if the current missing person is related to their cold case. Absolutely riveting from start to finish!

I listened to the audio edition of ‘Hunting a Killer’ expertly narrated by Cindy Kay. I’ve added her to my ‘must listen’ narrator list. I love the way she breathes life into a story and conveys emotional tension with her voice. Makes for an incredibly great listening experience!

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

https://kavsbestreads.ca/2026/01/06/h...

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an action packed suspense story about FBI Agent Finn and a SAR (search and rescue) specialist named Jordyn. A serial killer is on the loose and is hunting down women. Finn knows that someone on the inside has something to do with it. His sister and Jordyn's best friend went missing years ago. Is it possible there is a connection? Finn and Jordyn need to team up to find out and put the past aside.

I especially love that this story used a Husky to show the talents of a SAR dog. Huskies are not the typical choice for stories like this and that made this one stand out for me. The author does a great job showing us the difference in the alerts the dog gives for a cadaver vs an injured person who is still alive.

Great pacing and an intriguing story. I really liked the author's writing style and the setting in Alaska. It can be tricky when a storyline has amnesia as a component but this author delivered it perfectly and weaved it into the storyline very well.

I chose the audiobook version and I really felt like the narrator did a good job voicing the characters and adjusting to the most suspenseful parts of the story. It definitely brought the words on the page to life and I would enjoy hearing more stories read by this narrator.

I am looking forward to reading more from this author and I would love to learn more about SAR dogs in another story from her.

I received this audiobook for free from HarperCollins and am grateful to have had the chance to review it.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Hunting a Killer" is a Christian romantic suspense. Finn discovered an important, overlooked clue to the killer's habits and identity and didn't tell anyone those details or apparently write it down anywhere. In an attempt to keep the latest missing woman from dying, he searched in the deep woods by himself, witnessed the murder, saw the killer, got hit over the head, and was left for dead. Happily, Jordyn followed her cadaver dog straight to him while searching for the missing woman. He didn't remember the important clues or whodunit but insisted that he needed to hide because he's certain he can't trust someone on the FBI team.

The main characters were likable, honorable, and reacted realistically to events. Finn and Jordyn both had a long-standing crush on each other that they never acted upon when they were younger. They got to know each other in the couple days that they worked the case together and came to admire each other. They worked well together. Both struggled with trusting God with their future when he let a loved one die despite their prayers. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting novel.

The narrator of the audiobook did a good job of saying the text in a way consistent with the text (with surprise if surprised, etc.) and spoke in a way that kept my interest. It was easy to follow who was talking and what was going on.

I received a free audiobook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hunting a Killer by Sarah Varland
(K-9 Search and Rescue, 17)

Book 17 of 18: K-9 Search and Rescue
Digging up past secrets
puts a K-9 team in the line of fire.

During an investigation into a series of homicides, FBI agent Finn McDaniel is unexpectedly attacked, and a blow to the head leaves him with amnesia. Left for dead, he’s discovered by cadaver dog Cipher and her handler, search and rescue specialist Jordyn Williams—who is also Finn’s missing sister’s best friend. As Finn and Jordyn work to recover his crucial memories, they unearth evidence that links his sister’s disappearance to the killings. When the body of the latest victim is found, can they stop the murderer from striking again…or will their pursuit place them directly in the enemy’s crosshairs?
My favorite quote is
If he hurried, he just might get there in time, Finn McDaniel told himself as he pressed down on the accelerator, navigating the winding mountain road. The window was open, and the Alaskan summer air was cool today, the sky overcast, and it was one of those days where Finn didn’t think he’d miss it at all when he finally got out.
I recommend this book.
Hunting A Killer by Sarah Varland is a -star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Sarah Varland.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This clean suspense romance begins as FBI Special Agent Finn McDaniel is investigating the latest homicide which seems connect to others in the area. When someone hits him in the head with the intend to kill, he is found by Cipher, a cadaver dog, and his handler Jordyn Williams.
Jordyn was Finn sister’s best friend and she has never given up in finding out what happened to her friend, who disappeared years ago.
As Finn comes to, he is experiencing partial amnesia from the attack. He is also suspected to have something to do with the killings, as he has not reported back to his job.
Determined to find the killer of this latest and other homicides, Finn and Jordyn are wondering if they are also connected to the disappearance of Finn’s sister.
This action packed story will have the listeners on the edge of their seats, guessing who is the murderer. A big surprise awaits them.
Bringing the story to life is the narrator Cindy Kay.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook by Netgalley and Harlequin Audio. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Wenona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunting a Killer is book #17 in the K-9 Search and Rescue Series and is written by Sarah Varland.

FBI agent Finn McDaniel is tracking down a serial killer and based on evidence, another murder is about to occur and could be located in a certain area, in the wilderness. Searching for clues, he comes upon the killer and their next victim and before he can act, the world goes dark.

Search and Rescue specialist Jordyn Williams and her cadaver dog Cipher are on the look for victims of the serial killer when her dog brings her to FBI agent Finn, the big brother to her childhood best friend and the first victim of this serial killer, out cold with blood on his head. Jordyn wants to take him in to be checked and not knowing what happened to him, all he can remember is, "You can't trust law enforcement".

Jordyn and Finn now must get to answers before they become the next victims. This was a non-stop quick action pact read!

[Hannah's Biblioblurbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.
I really enjoyed this one! It's a Christian romance with just the right amount of mystery and suspense woven in. Sarah Varland did a great job pulling out all the emotions without making it feel heavy.

The pacing is great - super easy to follow, even while listening. It's definitely on the lighter, surface-level side, which honestly made it a perfect quick read (or listen) for me.

I did the audiobook, and the narrator was fantastic. Clear character distinctions, great pacing, and really solid delivery during the more intense scenes.

Overall, its a sweet, clean romance with a fun little twist at the end. A very easy, enjoyable read for when you want something cozy with a touch of suspense.

Thanks to Netgalley, Sarah Varland, and Harlequin Audio for the ALC and the chance to give my honest opinion!

[Shawnee · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Hunting a Killer" is a clean Christian romantic suspense. I am generally not a fan of the amnesia trope, but I felt the author handled it very well without it feeling forced, though the timing of Finn remembering things was very convenient. Overall, it is a decent story one would expect from the Love Inspired side of Harlequin. This book had some plot holes that had me scratching my head a bit. I also felt that the danger Finn and Jordyn were in and close calls they experienced were not taking seriously and no steps were taken to protect themselves?

Since this was part of the K-9 Search and Rescue grouping, I was hoping for some more action around the doggo, but I felt her part was pretty small.

Overall, a decent read/listen if you are a fan of the Love Inspired books!

Thank you to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you for the ALC NetGalley!

🎧 - single narrator

The narrator did a good job with pacing and character switches and did bring the characters to life.

This was the first book I’ve read from this author. I didn’t realize it was a Christian book, and the discussion on faith bit was not my thing, but overall, it was a well written and well paced book.

I found the story premise to be interesting (who doesn’t love a furry sidekick?) but it fell a little flat for me in the character chemistry. I personally did not feel the connection between the FMC and the MMC.

I am not sure how SAR works in Alaska, but I found the FMC annoying. If she had been a police dog handler, her over zealous investigating personality would have made more sense to me. Just my opinion though.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunting a Killer by Sarah Varland is her 17th book in the K-9 Search & Rescue series. This love inspired suspense will keep you guessing. Finn is FBI and Jordyn is a rescue specialist and handler for Cipher, both ended up in jobs because of the disappearance of Jordyn’s best friend and sister to Finn. Great suspense with a romantic flare, enjoy. Thank you to #NetGalley and #Harlequin Audio for this Arc. This is my honest review.
Releases Jan 27, 2026

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A serial killer preying on women in a small Alaskan town and deposing their bodies in shallow graves or along a section of trails. Can Jordyn and her dog, Cipher, help Finn locate the killer?
And might they find the remains of her best friend and Finn’s sister in the process. It took me till just before the killer’s identity reveal to figure who the killer was.

[Laramee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast paced inspires suspense. Tracking a serial killer gets intense in a hurry! Featuring a K-9 search and rescue dog. The narrator does a good job bringing this story to life!

I received an audio ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of an interconnected series with overlapping characters. Can be read as a standalone but is best read in order.
Best friend's older brother
High school crush
Serial killer
Dirty officer
Secret identity
Amnesia
SAR K-9

[Bookish Venturess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that they use a search dog. This was an amazing mystery and I couldn’t believe who actually did it. I was completely dumbfounded by what happened. The ending was not only heartbreaking but also stressful. I loved this mystery so much.

[Becky Steinhauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay I gonna start this off on how I found this book. There I was in the "Dude where is my shirt? section" which is next to the spicy cowboy books. I feel this book was misplaced or I did not realize I was in the Christian section. Since I was looking in those sections for those kinds of books. I picked this up think it was that kind of book. It isn't if you can't tell but honestly it was really good. I think I will be reading more from this series.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read! I couldn't put this one down.

[Sheri Jesse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick easy read

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Christian Romantic Suspense, and this is the 17th book in the K-9 Search and Rescue series. I have read most of the other books in this series before picking up this book. I read this book by listening to the audiobook, and I really enjoyed the audiobook. I really got totally pulled into this book for the first page, and I could not put this book down. I really loved all the action and suspense in this book. I also loved having a dog in the book, and I found the K-9 in this book was worked into this story really well. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.