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Ryder Creed #2
Silent Creed
Hot on the heels of Breaking Creed comes the next action-packed series featuring Ryder Creed, ex-marine turned K9 rescue dog trainer from New York Times– and internationally bestselling author Alex Kava.
Most of them were asleep in their beds when the ground gave way. . . .
When Ryder Creed responds to a devastating mudslide in North Carolina, he knows the difference between finding survivors and the dead—is time. Heedless of the dangers, Creed and his best search-and-rescue dog Bolo frantically wade through the chaos of twisted tree limbs, crumbled cement, and unrecognizable debris, when a second slide catches up with Ryder. And he is buried alive.
Bolo makes it out, though, and leads the heroic rescue of his master. What they get when they pull Ryder out from the mud is much more than they bargained for. The secrets in the mud around Creed run deep, pointing to a possible serial killer and unexpectedly dredging up painful, hushed-up pieces of Creed’s own past.
The mysteries unearthed will bring Ryder Creed face-to-face with his past loyalties, deeply embedded survivor’s guilt, and a powerful figure from his past. He’ll have to rely on his dogs if he wants to make it through alive.
Most of them were asleep in their beds when the ground gave way. . . .
When Ryder Creed responds to a devastating mudslide in North Carolina, he knows the difference between finding survivors and the dead—is time. Heedless of the dangers, Creed and his best search-and-rescue dog Bolo frantically wade through the chaos of twisted tree limbs, crumbled cement, and unrecognizable debris, when a second slide catches up with Ryder. And he is buried alive.
Bolo makes it out, though, and leads the heroic rescue of his master. What they get when they pull Ryder out from the mud is much more than they bargained for. The secrets in the mud around Creed run deep, pointing to a possible serial killer and unexpectedly dredging up painful, hushed-up pieces of Creed’s own past.
The mysteries unearthed will bring Ryder Creed face-to-face with his past loyalties, deeply embedded survivor’s guilt, and a powerful figure from his past. He’ll have to rely on his dogs if he wants to make it through alive.
326 pages, Hardcover
First published July 28, 2015
689 people are currently reading
2065 people want to read
About the author
Alex Kava
51 books2,585 followersALEX KAVA IS A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR of the critically acclaimed Maggie O’Dell series and a new series featuring former Marine, Ryder Creed and his K9 dogs. Her stand-alone novel, One False Move, was the 2006 One Book One Nebraska. Published in over thirty countries, Kava’s novels have made the bestseller lists in the UK, Australia, Germany, Japan, Italy and Poland. Her novel Stranded was awarded both a Florida Book Award and the Nebraska Book Award. She is a member of the Nebraska Writers Guild and International Thriller Writers. Kava divides her time between Omaha, Nebraska and Pensacola, Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 496 reviews
July 28, 2022
This series is perfect for fans of working dog stories. Kava gives multiple, detailed examples of dogs working searches. She also makes sure to outline the relationship between Creed and his two dogs.
This time, Creed has been called to the site of a mudslide in North Carolina that has taken out a federal lab. We know early on that the lab was conducting nefarious human experiments. And that one of their two legged lab rats has survived. As Creed and Bolo work, they find two bodies in a car. People that didn’t die from the mud, but from being shot.
The story would seem far-fetched except for the numerous times our government has actually covered up human experiments or refused medical treatment for those harmed while serving their country.
The story is fast paced, with short chapters that bounce between various POVs. There was an instance of a story point being dropped, which irritated me. And then, that ending! What the h***. I literally thought my audio had blanked out. It was that abrupt. I mean, there are cliffhangers, but this took it to a whole different level. A whole star deduction for that.
Graham Hinton does a good job narrating this series.
This time, Creed has been called to the site of a mudslide in North Carolina that has taken out a federal lab. We know early on that the lab was conducting nefarious human experiments. And that one of their two legged lab rats has survived. As Creed and Bolo work, they find two bodies in a car. People that didn’t die from the mud, but from being shot.
The story would seem far-fetched except for the numerous times our government has actually covered up human experiments or refused medical treatment for those harmed while serving their country.
The story is fast paced, with short chapters that bounce between various POVs. There was an instance of a story point being dropped, which irritated me. And then, that ending! What the h***. I literally thought my audio had blanked out. It was that abrupt. I mean, there are cliffhangers, but this took it to a whole different level. A whole star deduction for that.
Graham Hinton does a good job narrating this series.
July 19, 2015
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life.
I thought that this was another solid book by Alex Kava. I have been a longtime fan of this author and have read every single book of hers that I have been able to get my hands on so it was no surprise that I was incredibly excited to get my hands on an early copy of this book. I am happy to report that this book lived up to my expectations which were admittedly high.
This book is listed as the second book in the Ryder Creed series but I feel like it should probably also be listed as being a part of the Maggie O'Dell series since her character plays a pivotal role in the story. This book could probably be read as a stand alone novel but readers of both of these series will probably get a little more out of the book since they will know the backgrounds of these characters. Most of the characters from the Maggie O'Dell and Ryder Creed series are at least mentioned in this book.
Ryder Creed is a wonderful character. He is a dog handler who trains and works with a variety of dogs and is often called in to work in tragic situations, such as after a natural disaster, finding someone who is lost, finding cadavers, and even to search for drugs. In this case, he is working a landslide in very dangerous conditions. Creed's dogs are really well developed characters as well. I just loved Gracie and Bolo in this book. This book looks a little deeper into Creed's past with the military which gives a little more insight into his character.
Maggie O'Dell has worked with Ryder Creed on several prior cases and when Maggie gets called to look into a government research facility murder that occurred in the landslide area the pair work well together. In this story, we see Maggie working alone, Creed working alone, and them working together almost equally. While there has been some hint of romantic feeling between the pair in previous books and some mention of it in this one, I didn't feel any sparks or chemistry between them. Of course, Creed is pretty beat up for a lot of this installment and I didn't pick this book up hoping for any kind of romance.
I liked the pacing of the story and found myself reading most of the book in one sitting simply because I didn't want to put it down. The story did take a few twists but nothing that was really unexpected. It was a fast paced novel and there were a few scenes that really made me think. The descriptions and the details really put me in the middle of the story. There was a little bit of unfinished business at the end of the book but nothing that felt like a cliffhanger.
I would recommend this book to mystery fans. I think that long time readers of the Maggie O'Dell and the newer Ryder Creed series will be pleased with this newest installment. I definitely plan to continue reading Alex Kava's work and am already looking forward to her next book.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Penguin Group - G.P. Putnam's Sons via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.
I thought that this was another solid book by Alex Kava. I have been a longtime fan of this author and have read every single book of hers that I have been able to get my hands on so it was no surprise that I was incredibly excited to get my hands on an early copy of this book. I am happy to report that this book lived up to my expectations which were admittedly high.
This book is listed as the second book in the Ryder Creed series but I feel like it should probably also be listed as being a part of the Maggie O'Dell series since her character plays a pivotal role in the story. This book could probably be read as a stand alone novel but readers of both of these series will probably get a little more out of the book since they will know the backgrounds of these characters. Most of the characters from the Maggie O'Dell and Ryder Creed series are at least mentioned in this book.
Ryder Creed is a wonderful character. He is a dog handler who trains and works with a variety of dogs and is often called in to work in tragic situations, such as after a natural disaster, finding someone who is lost, finding cadavers, and even to search for drugs. In this case, he is working a landslide in very dangerous conditions. Creed's dogs are really well developed characters as well. I just loved Gracie and Bolo in this book. This book looks a little deeper into Creed's past with the military which gives a little more insight into his character.
Maggie O'Dell has worked with Ryder Creed on several prior cases and when Maggie gets called to look into a government research facility murder that occurred in the landslide area the pair work well together. In this story, we see Maggie working alone, Creed working alone, and them working together almost equally. While there has been some hint of romantic feeling between the pair in previous books and some mention of it in this one, I didn't feel any sparks or chemistry between them. Of course, Creed is pretty beat up for a lot of this installment and I didn't pick this book up hoping for any kind of romance.
I liked the pacing of the story and found myself reading most of the book in one sitting simply because I didn't want to put it down. The story did take a few twists but nothing that was really unexpected. It was a fast paced novel and there were a few scenes that really made me think. The descriptions and the details really put me in the middle of the story. There was a little bit of unfinished business at the end of the book but nothing that felt like a cliffhanger.
I would recommend this book to mystery fans. I think that long time readers of the Maggie O'Dell and the newer Ryder Creed series will be pleased with this newest installment. I definitely plan to continue reading Alex Kava's work and am already looking forward to her next book.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Penguin Group - G.P. Putnam's Sons via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.
August 7, 2015
3,5*
I have read quite a few books in the Maggie O’Dell Series, which I have really liked.
I read this book, Silent Creed, the 2nd in her Ryder Creed Series before the 1st book, but still found it fascinating and exciting. I will go back and read the 1st one later. What I liked about this story was that Maggie O’Dell makes plays quite a big part in the story.
Let me begin by saying that I was totally into Ryder Creed…what an amazing character. There is so much about this man that makes you like him. A dog handler who works with finding bodies, with a rather sad and lonely past life, he just pulled me in….
I loved the way the dogs are such well-developed characters and form such a huge part in the story. I fell in love with Grace and Bolo instantly!!!
Well written, well paced story of experiments by the military gone wrong during a storm and landslide, murders and lots of twists and turns….
There seems to be a romantic connection between Ryder and Maggie which I would love to see progress to something more.
The ending of the book leaves us with a bit of a mystery which I am sure will continue with the next book in this series.
Another good read by Alex Kava.
I have read quite a few books in the Maggie O’Dell Series, which I have really liked.
I read this book, Silent Creed, the 2nd in her Ryder Creed Series before the 1st book, but still found it fascinating and exciting. I will go back and read the 1st one later. What I liked about this story was that Maggie O’Dell makes plays quite a big part in the story.
Let me begin by saying that I was totally into Ryder Creed…what an amazing character. There is so much about this man that makes you like him. A dog handler who works with finding bodies, with a rather sad and lonely past life, he just pulled me in….
I loved the way the dogs are such well-developed characters and form such a huge part in the story. I fell in love with Grace and Bolo instantly!!!
Well written, well paced story of experiments by the military gone wrong during a storm and landslide, murders and lots of twists and turns….
There seems to be a romantic connection between Ryder and Maggie which I would love to see progress to something more.
The ending of the book leaves us with a bit of a mystery which I am sure will continue with the next book in this series.
Another good read by Alex Kava.
August 6, 2019
Great book. Honestly not as good as the first in this series, but still a great read. Read this in one sitting, as I did with the first in the series:
Breaking Creed. Can't wait to see what's in store for Ryder Creed and his K-9 family. There are some interesting loose ends leading into the next book:
Reckless Creed
Breaking Creed. Can't wait to see what's in store for Ryder Creed and his K-9 family. There are some interesting loose ends leading into the next book:
Reckless Creed
March 20, 2016
There are some good ideas and important issues at the heart of this sequel to the successful Ryder Creed premiere Breaking Creed. Kava's exploration of the varied work of detection dogs is both informative and heart-warming. The core issue in this second instalment of the series is the deeply concerning matter of secret testing of biological agents by the US Defence forces and research facilities on unsuspecting members of the public and on military personnel. While many of those experiments were conducted during the Cold War, this novel purports that secret research centres continue to work on biological warfare agents, like anthrax and nerve gas, to name but two. A second, equally important aspect of this research is the quest by victims to gain US Government recognition that they were affected and thus entitled to medical assistance and compensation.
A natural disaster in North Carolina devastates one of these secret facilities, and, separately, Ryder Creed's K9 CrimeScents company, and Maggie O'Dell, FBI special agent, are sent to the area to investigate. My interest in those important issues was the only thing that kept me reading to the end of this appallingly mediocre book.
The writing is poor, the plot lines are a mishmash, the editing is non-existent, and the entire novel lacks both structure and direction. It is a real stinker, and a stain on the reputation of Alex Kava. As an established writer with a dozen or so best-sellers, I would expect a bit more quality, and quality control from her. If I were in her shoes, I'd be ashamed to launch this clunker onto my loyal readership. I also feel very aggrieved that her shoddy writing diminishes the significance of the important issues she has touched on. Because it is real - there ARE civilians and defence force staff who have been badly impacted by the secret experiments of military establishments and their stories deserve to be better treated by any author.
A grudging 1 ★ is all I can give this pile of doggy do-do, and I'm going to ensure I remove any other Alex Kava novels from my 'To Be Read' list. There are too many other, better quality authors out there to be bothered with this one.
A natural disaster in North Carolina devastates one of these secret facilities, and, separately, Ryder Creed's K9 CrimeScents company, and Maggie O'Dell, FBI special agent, are sent to the area to investigate. My interest in those important issues was the only thing that kept me reading to the end of this appallingly mediocre book.
The writing is poor, the plot lines are a mishmash, the editing is non-existent, and the entire novel lacks both structure and direction. It is a real stinker, and a stain on the reputation of Alex Kava. As an established writer with a dozen or so best-sellers, I would expect a bit more quality, and quality control from her. If I were in her shoes, I'd be ashamed to launch this clunker onto my loyal readership. I also feel very aggrieved that her shoddy writing diminishes the significance of the important issues she has touched on. Because it is real - there ARE civilians and defence force staff who have been badly impacted by the secret experiments of military establishments and their stories deserve to be better treated by any author.
A grudging 1 ★ is all I can give this pile of doggy do-do, and I'm going to ensure I remove any other Alex Kava novels from my 'To Be Read' list. There are too many other, better quality authors out there to be bothered with this one.
May 31, 2015
WOW! What a hang-on-by-the-tips-of-your-fingernails kind of book! So much action ...so much suspense.
Although this is a Ryder Creed novel, Maggie O'Dell plays a large role. In North Carolina, a huge landslide has caused countless problems, not the least being a government researach facility being buried under tons of dirt and mud and muck.
Ryder and his dogs are called in to locate bodies .. dead or alive. Maggie's government friend asks her to get to the site in order to make sure things are done correctly. That's when she's told there have been a couple of bodies already found ... but the mudslide didn't kill them ... bullets did.
So many secrets ... so many lies ... so much classified information. Ryder and O'Dell are walking into a danger that goes back 50 years.
Excellent book! I made sure to read the first Creed book, mainly because I've been reading Alex Kava for years and hve never been disappointed. And secondly because I wanted to make sure I didn't miss anything. This one can stand alone ... but I would highly recommend reading Breaking Creed first. It's not a continuing story, but you pick up all the intrumental personal nuances that flow through both books.
This one won't be available until 7/15 and I'm already psyched to get the next one. I won this digital ebook from First-To-Read. My many thanks to the publisher!
August 14, 2015
While I'd recommend all of Alex Kava's books, if you lack time to read her entire backlist, the Ryder Creed series is the most recent. Only two books so far have been published, with a third set for early 2016.
We first met Ryder Creed in Stranded, the "last" book in the Maggie O'Dell series. But Maggie's still alive and kicking so fear not. Silent Creed references Exposed, but while it may be beneficial to catch up on Maggie's books, you should still be able to keep up with the Creed ones without the backlist.
Ah, the military - they can be shady as hell, even to their own. While Senator Ellie Delanor is fighting to get medical benefits for veterans exposed to pathogens, Creed and Maggie are trying to recover bodies and a medical research facility from the debris of a landslide.
As for the dogs, Grace is again the star, but with a good showing from Bolo, too. Young veteran Jason Seaver was a worry early on in the book, but a new dog friend could be his reason to live.
Fans of thrillers and dogs alike will find Alex Kava's combination a winner. The story trots along, and never outstays its welcome. Another great read in this author's arsenal.
We first met Ryder Creed in Stranded, the "last" book in the Maggie O'Dell series. But Maggie's still alive and kicking so fear not. Silent Creed references Exposed, but while it may be beneficial to catch up on Maggie's books, you should still be able to keep up with the Creed ones without the backlist.
Ah, the military - they can be shady as hell, even to their own. While Senator Ellie Delanor is fighting to get medical benefits for veterans exposed to pathogens, Creed and Maggie are trying to recover bodies and a medical research facility from the debris of a landslide.
As for the dogs, Grace is again the star, but with a good showing from Bolo, too. Young veteran Jason Seaver was a worry early on in the book, but a new dog friend could be his reason to live.
Fans of thrillers and dogs alike will find Alex Kava's combination a winner. The story trots along, and never outstays its welcome. Another great read in this author's arsenal.
August 16, 2019
This is a GREAT series and another fabulous installment! Fingers crossed for Rye + Maggie
April 26, 2018
A 3 star reading and adding 1/2 a star more for Bolo- the dog! Breaking Creed was the first in this series- and it was a really good and enjoyable book- Silent Creed which is the second in this series, was a fast and enjoyable read. If you love dogs, especially rescue dogs that work with our amazing law enforcement agencies and our military you will enjoy this series! I'm so looking forward to reading more Ryder Creed books!!
January 1, 2018
RELEASE DATE: July 28, 2015
RATING: 4 Stars Definitely a book worth reading…
GENRE: Fiction / Action & Adventure
AUDIENCE: Fans of Robert Crais and Lisa Gardner will really enjoy Alex Kava’s new series featuring Ryder Creed and Maggie O’Dell.
SERIES: A Ryder Creed Novel
REVIEW: I really enjoyed “meeting” Ryder Creed in Kava’s first book featuring him, “Breaking Creed”. She’s kept him ferociously yummy in the second book of the series.
Ryder is not only a disciplined, kind and smart K-9 searcher, he’s also dedicated to going wherever his help is needed. This book takes him into North Carolina, where massive amounts of rain have caused a nightmarish mudslide. His search-and-rescue dog, Bolo, is front and center to assist with locating any survivors as well as recovering well, you know, bodies. He’s been called to the scene by an old military contact with whom he’s not lost a lot of love. Between the physical dangers of the search, the web of lies he’s been operating under, and his growing attraction to FBI agent Maggie O’Dell, it’s hard to fathom how Ryder will come out of it alive. In the midst of the action, a bit of a side story with minor character Jason made me want to cry as he continues to work through his issues as an injured ex-soldier returning from war.
I enjoyed “Silent Creed” as much, if not more, than I did “Breaking Creed”. Ryder has a huge heart; the family of two- and four-legged creatures is always entertaining and sometimes heartbreaking.
*Tremendous thanks to Edelweiss ¬¬¬¬¬¬and Putnam Hardcover for an ARC
FYI: You can find all of Alex Kava’s books here: AlexKava.com
RATING: 4 Stars Definitely a book worth reading…
GENRE: Fiction / Action & Adventure
AUDIENCE: Fans of Robert Crais and Lisa Gardner will really enjoy Alex Kava’s new series featuring Ryder Creed and Maggie O’Dell.
SERIES: A Ryder Creed Novel
REVIEW: I really enjoyed “meeting” Ryder Creed in Kava’s first book featuring him, “Breaking Creed”. She’s kept him ferociously yummy in the second book of the series.
Ryder is not only a disciplined, kind and smart K-9 searcher, he’s also dedicated to going wherever his help is needed. This book takes him into North Carolina, where massive amounts of rain have caused a nightmarish mudslide. His search-and-rescue dog, Bolo, is front and center to assist with locating any survivors as well as recovering well, you know, bodies. He’s been called to the scene by an old military contact with whom he’s not lost a lot of love. Between the physical dangers of the search, the web of lies he’s been operating under, and his growing attraction to FBI agent Maggie O’Dell, it’s hard to fathom how Ryder will come out of it alive. In the midst of the action, a bit of a side story with minor character Jason made me want to cry as he continues to work through his issues as an injured ex-soldier returning from war.
I enjoyed “Silent Creed” as much, if not more, than I did “Breaking Creed”. Ryder has a huge heart; the family of two- and four-legged creatures is always entertaining and sometimes heartbreaking.
*Tremendous thanks to Edelweiss ¬¬¬¬¬¬and Putnam Hardcover for an ARC
FYI: You can find all of Alex Kava’s books here: AlexKava.com
March 1, 2017
I absolutely love this series. It's filled with character you just love though the bad guys can be more baddy lol. Another fast pace story that builds more for the next chapter of this series. While I didn't like it as much as the first book I still think it's great and that ending. I can't wait to see what happens next.
February 7, 2017
I loved this book. I detest Ben Pratt. I never liked him in the Maggie O'Dell series and feelings have not changed. Maggie deserves better.
September 2, 2020
3 stars for the detection dogs, 2 stars for the book. This is my 2nd Ryder Creed and my 2nd book by Alex Kava.
Grace needed to stay home, let Bolo have his day to shine. Ryder needs to be the star of these books. To me they are Maggie O'Dell continuations, half or more about her than they are about Creed and the dogs. And neither of them are ever solving any mysteries, everything just sort of comes out by itself again. Not satisfying for a mystery. More cohesive plot is needed, and less jumping around.
I'm left again, after this 2nd installment feeling like I've started a series in the middle with the Senator, Dr. Platt, Maggie & other old characters the readers have apparently met already.
I had such high hopes for some real adventures of a detection dog handler and his dogs. I devour the details of their training. But the books are short and shallow to me. Way better than anything I could ever write for sure.
Grace needed to stay home, let Bolo have his day to shine. Ryder needs to be the star of these books. To me they are Maggie O'Dell continuations, half or more about her than they are about Creed and the dogs. And neither of them are ever solving any mysteries, everything just sort of comes out by itself again. Not satisfying for a mystery. More cohesive plot is needed, and less jumping around.
I'm left again, after this 2nd installment feeling like I've started a series in the middle with the Senator, Dr. Platt, Maggie & other old characters the readers have apparently met already.
I had such high hopes for some real adventures of a detection dog handler and his dogs. I devour the details of their training. But the books are short and shallow to me. Way better than anything I could ever write for sure.
November 1, 2024
I’ve been a longtime fan of Alex Kava’s books. It has been awhile since I had read any of the Creed books, so wanted to make my way through them again.
This time a mudslide devastates. A government lab is part of the area damaged. As Creed and his dog Bolo search, they find a car with bodies inside, but they weren’t mudslide victims- they were shot.
I love the short chapters that get you wanting to keep reading. She puts so much reality and real possibilities into her work. Recommend!
This time a mudslide devastates. A government lab is part of the area damaged. As Creed and his dog Bolo search, they find a car with bodies inside, but they weren’t mudslide victims- they were shot.
I love the short chapters that get you wanting to keep reading. She puts so much reality and real possibilities into her work. Recommend!
February 17, 2025
I think this would have been a great beach read! Not typically a book I would pick up but it was a captivating plot. In my heart this is a five star because it was a gift :)
March 29, 2022
Great Read
This is the second book in a wonderfully thrilling series. I couldn't put it down, I always look forward to what the author will come up with next.
This is the second book in a wonderfully thrilling series. I couldn't put it down, I always look forward to what the author will come up with next.
February 6, 2021
2nd in the Ryder Creed series and just as good as the first. I wasn’t sure about this at the start, but then I got sucked in to an interesting, but partly predictable story.
March 4, 2018
I’ve been very pleased reading this series and while not absolutely critical, I do wish I had read them in the proper order. The main characters seem to grow with each book and the dog’s personalities comes through with each book. Great theme to combine dogs, a dog handler, and a female (and a totally skilled, competent) FBI agent solving crimes. My only regret is that there are only three books thus far, and a three month wait for the next one.
October 26, 2018
Wow, great read. Strong lead into the 3rd book in the series. Great cast of characters! Dog lovers delight.
October 9, 2017
A very enjoyable thriller. I hope there are more novels coming in this series.
September 12, 2016
***May contain some teeny tiny spoilers***
This is a quick "beach read" with multiple story lines connected by a large cast of characters, some of which cross over from one of the author's other series. In a nutshell, you have:
Ryder Creed, war vet & canine search/rescue expert, is called to the scene of a huge landslide in North Carolina. Complicating the whole mess, a secret government research facility was destroyed by the slide & no one is really sure what was stored in its labs.
Maggie O'Dell, FBI agent, is asked to discretely investigate after one of the first bodies pulled from the mud is a scientist from the facility. Closer inspection reveals he actually died from lead poisoning (aka bullet wound).
Daniel Tate, a vet with PTSD & one of the facility's "lab rats", survives the slide but is having hallucinations after being injected with an experimental substance.
Senator Ellie Delanor is worried about her chances of re-election after her rat bastard husband was arrested & charged with drug trafficking. She is currently part of a congressional investigation into the DoD's use of biologics on unknowing army personnel during the 60's & 70's.
There are many more peripheral characters that flesh out the plot lines. While the immediate action centres on rescue efforts around the disaster area, it's clear procedures at the research lab are tied to what the DoD has done in the past. It's a good ol' fashioned government conspiracy & careers hang in the balance. But no one covers their ass faster than a politician & they have shadowy men at the ready to "deal" with anyone who may get a little chatty about what's found in the ruins of the landslide. In the meantime, they're chanting their favourite mantra....deny, deny, deny.
The story takes place over several days in the immediate aftermath. Creed & Maggie team up & quickly suspect they've not been given all the facts. No one will say what the lab was used for, some people have failed to show up & conversely, others have disappeared.
It's action packed, written in short chapters that fly by. I particularly enjoyed passages dealing with the dogs & their training so Grace & Bolo became my favourite (furry) characters. It would have been a perfect "guilty pleasure" type of read except for the author's need to dilute what should have been a straight up thriller by inserting a romance into the mix. (My own conspiracy theory is authors are told they must do this to appeal to the masses.)
The result here is awkward & amusingly inappropriate, probably not what she was aiming for. Example: Maggie & Creed have spent the day slogging through mud & toxic waste while searching for bodies. Only the God of Periodic Tables knows what they've been exposed to & they just survived a suspicious "accident". As a forensic expert with the FBI, Maggie is deep in thought about...
a. Holy crap, did someone just try to kill us by diverting the flood waters?!
b. Why wasn't I told the (destroyed) lab contained agents of chemical warfare?
c. "Those 6 pack abs...to feel the scrape of his bristled jaw against my skin..."
Yep, you guessed it. The correct answer should have been "a" or "b". Everyone knows the chances of "c" happening go down significantly once your skin starts to erupt in boils following an exposure to "b".
And so the character of Maggie O'Dell takes a deep, deep dive in terms of credibility & almost takes the whole book with her. But it's not her fault, she's just doing what the author told her to. All I can say is if you're looking for an easy read with great action sequences & dogs (bonus points), give this a go. Just flip over the pages drenched in hormones.
This is a quick "beach read" with multiple story lines connected by a large cast of characters, some of which cross over from one of the author's other series. In a nutshell, you have:
Ryder Creed, war vet & canine search/rescue expert, is called to the scene of a huge landslide in North Carolina. Complicating the whole mess, a secret government research facility was destroyed by the slide & no one is really sure what was stored in its labs.
Maggie O'Dell, FBI agent, is asked to discretely investigate after one of the first bodies pulled from the mud is a scientist from the facility. Closer inspection reveals he actually died from lead poisoning (aka bullet wound).
Daniel Tate, a vet with PTSD & one of the facility's "lab rats", survives the slide but is having hallucinations after being injected with an experimental substance.
Senator Ellie Delanor is worried about her chances of re-election after her rat bastard husband was arrested & charged with drug trafficking. She is currently part of a congressional investigation into the DoD's use of biologics on unknowing army personnel during the 60's & 70's.
There are many more peripheral characters that flesh out the plot lines. While the immediate action centres on rescue efforts around the disaster area, it's clear procedures at the research lab are tied to what the DoD has done in the past. It's a good ol' fashioned government conspiracy & careers hang in the balance. But no one covers their ass faster than a politician & they have shadowy men at the ready to "deal" with anyone who may get a little chatty about what's found in the ruins of the landslide. In the meantime, they're chanting their favourite mantra....deny, deny, deny.
The story takes place over several days in the immediate aftermath. Creed & Maggie team up & quickly suspect they've not been given all the facts. No one will say what the lab was used for, some people have failed to show up & conversely, others have disappeared.
It's action packed, written in short chapters that fly by. I particularly enjoyed passages dealing with the dogs & their training so Grace & Bolo became my favourite (furry) characters. It would have been a perfect "guilty pleasure" type of read except for the author's need to dilute what should have been a straight up thriller by inserting a romance into the mix. (My own conspiracy theory is authors are told they must do this to appeal to the masses.)
The result here is awkward & amusingly inappropriate, probably not what she was aiming for. Example: Maggie & Creed have spent the day slogging through mud & toxic waste while searching for bodies. Only the God of Periodic Tables knows what they've been exposed to & they just survived a suspicious "accident". As a forensic expert with the FBI, Maggie is deep in thought about...
a. Holy crap, did someone just try to kill us by diverting the flood waters?!
b. Why wasn't I told the (destroyed) lab contained agents of chemical warfare?
c. "Those 6 pack abs...to feel the scrape of his bristled jaw against my skin..."
Yep, you guessed it. The correct answer should have been "a" or "b". Everyone knows the chances of "c" happening go down significantly once your skin starts to erupt in boils following an exposure to "b".
And so the character of Maggie O'Dell takes a deep, deep dive in terms of credibility & almost takes the whole book with her. But it's not her fault, she's just doing what the author told her to. All I can say is if you're looking for an easy read with great action sequences & dogs (bonus points), give this a go. Just flip over the pages drenched in hormones.
October 4, 2015
I love this series! Read this in one sitting because I couldn't stand to put it down! This time Ryder is called to the site of a mudslide when a man he served with in Afghanistan asks for his help. A government research facility has been buried, along with its staff. Ryder thinks he's going to help with rescue and recovery - of people! - However, when one of the staff if found with a bullet wound to the head and FBI agent Maggie O'Dell is called to the scene, it quickly becomes apparent that something more is going on. At the same time, Maggie's on again/off again boyfriend is involved in Congressional hearings about the government using innocent civilians as guinea pigs for their biological experiments without their knowledge. It was Benjamin who asked Maggie to look into the dead body discovered in the mudslide but the more Maggie investigates, the more she has to wonder just how much Benjamin knows and isn't telling her. And there's that strange attraction she seems to feel for Ryder every time they're thrown together on a case.
Fast-paced, enthralling thriller that's made even more entertaining by Ryder' s work with his dogs. I've already gotten attached to Grace. Whether she's sniffing out dead bodies, illegal drugs, or just hanging out with Ryder, her personality and lively spirit have me captivated. She's as big a draw to these books as the main characters themselves and Ryder' s feelings for her are far more involved than just dog and owner. Of course the reason for this is explained in the book.
I was so looking forward to reading this and now that I have I'm sorry it's over. Can't wait to see what's going to happen next time.
Fast-paced, enthralling thriller that's made even more entertaining by Ryder' s work with his dogs. I've already gotten attached to Grace. Whether she's sniffing out dead bodies, illegal drugs, or just hanging out with Ryder, her personality and lively spirit have me captivated. She's as big a draw to these books as the main characters themselves and Ryder' s feelings for her are far more involved than just dog and owner. Of course the reason for this is explained in the book.
I was so looking forward to reading this and now that I have I'm sorry it's over. Can't wait to see what's going to happen next time.
August 5, 2015
Ryder Creed has been asked by a former colleague to help in a search and rescue mission after a deadly mudslide in North Carolina. What he finds in North Carolina raises a variety of questions about the true purpose of his mission. Silent Creed is the second book in the Ryder Creed series. Ryder is a dog handler/trainer based in Florida. His dogs have been trained to sniff out contraband as well as search-and-rescue. Knowing that he'll be facing dangerous circumstances due to the mudslide, Ryder chooses to bring one of his larger dogs, Bolo, on this mission. Unfortunately for Ryder and Bolo, they are caught in a second slide shortly after their arrival in North Carolina. Fortunately for Ryder, Bolo leads the rescue. The story becomes even more twisted when Maggie O'Dell enters the picture at the behest of a friend. Ryder and Maggie are unwittingly put in a situation that appears to be more of a cover-up than a search for bodies and the truth.
I found Silent Creed to be a fast-paced and enjoyable read. The story takes quite a few twists and turns, and because of a migraine episode I found it difficult to keep track of the story. However, once I got the migraine under control I was able to backtrack and pick up the threads of the different storylines. Ms. Kava takes a natural disaster scenario, a search and rescue mission, weaves it with a government conspiracy involving government-sponsored bioterrorism, and finishes things off with a cliff-hanger ending. If you enjoy thrillers then you'll definitely want to add Silent Creed to your TBR list. I look forward to reading the next book in the Ryder Creed series.
I found Silent Creed to be a fast-paced and enjoyable read. The story takes quite a few twists and turns, and because of a migraine episode I found it difficult to keep track of the story. However, once I got the migraine under control I was able to backtrack and pick up the threads of the different storylines. Ms. Kava takes a natural disaster scenario, a search and rescue mission, weaves it with a government conspiracy involving government-sponsored bioterrorism, and finishes things off with a cliff-hanger ending. If you enjoy thrillers then you'll definitely want to add Silent Creed to your TBR list. I look forward to reading the next book in the Ryder Creed series.
September 26, 2015
There were many times that I found myself holding my breath while reading this one. The situation that Ryder was called in to help was a dangerous one and the elements bested him a couple of times. Once again I really felt like the dogs stole the show, a close second was how Ryder and Jason interacted with the dogs. I think it is telling how they both are more comfortable with the dogs than people. I loved how Ryder let Jason know the big responsibility that came along with getting a dog from Ryder. I have a feeling that the talk, along with the dog will have the impact Ryder hopes for.
The odd junior high dance that Ryder and Maggie keep doing makes me want to snort with laughter. They are so awkward, neither wanting to put their feelings out there.
At first I wasn't sure why the part with the Senator was there, it didn't seem to have any connection to the mudslide. I did like how Eleanor managed to manipulate those that were trying to do the same to her and came out on top.
The odd junior high dance that Ryder and Maggie keep doing makes me want to snort with laughter. They are so awkward, neither wanting to put their feelings out there.
At first I wasn't sure why the part with the Senator was there, it didn't seem to have any connection to the mudslide. I did like how Eleanor managed to manipulate those that were trying to do the same to her and came out on top.
July 2, 2015
ARC/Thriller: I got this as a advanced copy so no spoilers here.
Did I like this book? Yes, it was….okay. It was a light enough to read on my breaks at work.
Should it have been a hardback for $13 bucks? No, this is more a paperback kind of book. It was campy with the secret lab. Maggie O’Dell shows up and still has the secret hots for Creed.
The best parts are the working dogs. Since this is part of an on-going series, there were parts of the book that ended without any sort of conclusion. The parts with what was going on in D.C. were inconclusive, in my opinion. If you liked Ben in other books, you won’t be rooting for him in this book. The dogs don’t even find but three people. Every time Creel sets foot off of his cot, he’s caught in a landslide. BTW, if you’re out for more than a minute, you have a severe head injury. I really didn’t feel anything for the chemistry of Creed and O’Dell.
Did I like this book? Yes, it was….okay. It was a light enough to read on my breaks at work.
Should it have been a hardback for $13 bucks? No, this is more a paperback kind of book. It was campy with the secret lab. Maggie O’Dell shows up and still has the secret hots for Creed.
The best parts are the working dogs. Since this is part of an on-going series, there were parts of the book that ended without any sort of conclusion. The parts with what was going on in D.C. were inconclusive, in my opinion. If you liked Ben in other books, you won’t be rooting for him in this book. The dogs don’t even find but three people. Every time Creel sets foot off of his cot, he’s caught in a landslide. BTW, if you’re out for more than a minute, you have a severe head injury. I really didn’t feel anything for the chemistry of Creed and O’Dell.
October 20, 2019
I liked the first book in this series enough that I wanted to read this one.
Sadly, it didn’t quite measure up.
Being a dog lover, I find the interaction between Ryder Creed and his dogs interesting. I also like the way Kava is growing the relationship between Creed and Maggie O’Dell. It’s much more realistic than having them jump into bed hours after they meet. That’s the good of the book.
The bad is: the story felt incomplete, as if Kava dashed it off to get another Creed story to the public while the iron was still hot. The biggest problem was too many storylines – both major and minor – were left unresolved. In fact, the book ended on a bit of a cliffhanger. That, to me, cheats the reader out of seeing justice done. Seeing the bad guys get their comeuppance is one of the main reasons we read mysteries and thrillers.
I’ll read more books in this series but if Kava doesn’t resolve those unfinished storylines soon, I’m done.
Sadly, it didn’t quite measure up.
Being a dog lover, I find the interaction between Ryder Creed and his dogs interesting. I also like the way Kava is growing the relationship between Creed and Maggie O’Dell. It’s much more realistic than having them jump into bed hours after they meet. That’s the good of the book.
The bad is: the story felt incomplete, as if Kava dashed it off to get another Creed story to the public while the iron was still hot. The biggest problem was too many storylines – both major and minor – were left unresolved. In fact, the book ended on a bit of a cliffhanger. That, to me, cheats the reader out of seeing justice done. Seeing the bad guys get their comeuppance is one of the main reasons we read mysteries and thrillers.
I’ll read more books in this series but if Kava doesn’t resolve those unfinished storylines soon, I’m done.
December 6, 2017
*Source* Edelweiss
*Genre* Mystery, Thriller
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Silent Creed is the second installment in author Alex Kava's Ryder Creed series. Ryder Creed is a former marine who was a K-9 handler who served in Afghanistan. For dogs and their handlers, they are the first out, and the first to die. For the past 7 years, Ryder and his partner Hannah Washington have run a company called K9 Crime Scents (Search & Rescue dogs). Ryder and Hannah love to rescue dogs from bad situations and train them to be S&R dogs. They've also made a name for themselves by being available at a moments notice to help in disaster areas.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Genre* Mystery, Thriller
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Silent Creed is the second installment in author Alex Kava's Ryder Creed series. Ryder Creed is a former marine who was a K-9 handler who served in Afghanistan. For dogs and their handlers, they are the first out, and the first to die. For the past 7 years, Ryder and his partner Hannah Washington have run a company called K9 Crime Scents (Search & Rescue dogs). Ryder and Hannah love to rescue dogs from bad situations and train them to be S&R dogs. They've also made a name for themselves by being available at a moments notice to help in disaster areas.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
July 3, 2015
This is the second book in tis series about Ryder and his dog, Bolo. I was first introduced to both of them in Breaking Creed. Instantly I shared a connection with Ryder and Bolo. They shared a deep connection that only a true animal lover can understand. Yet, despite this I was not as invested in the story and the events taking place in it as I was the first book. Even with the addition of Maggie, she could not help me become more excited. Although there were some intense moments. The relationship between Ryder and Maggie is growing strong as each book progresses. I am curious to see where it leads. As I said before, even though I did not like the story as much, I still found this book to be a quick read and look forward to reading book three.
August 16, 2015
This was a great story that I thoroughly enjoyed until the last page. Then it became a "2" rating because it never resolved the plot and the reader is left hanging during a continuing crisis. It reminds me of unprofessional and money grubbing authors like Patterson. You too Alex?? I am so disappointed in you. Why would you do that? I and all your fans would have bought your next Rider Creed book in a hot minute. NOT NOW. Where is your sense of responsibility to your loyal fans/readers? I am very disappointed.
March 25, 2023
This is Alex Kava’s second book in the Ryder Creed series. I wanted more with Grace doing her rescue work 🐾! The dogs are my favorite part! And, of course, the chemistry between Ryder and Maggie. The underlying story was a bit confusing and it didn’t all connect together at the end, thus the 3 stars.
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