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Colorado K-9 Unit #2
Tracking the Taken Child
A little girl has vanished…
Can a K-9 team find her?
Preschool teacher Lydia Caldwell’s peaceful day in the Rockies becomes her most harrowing nightmare when she’s pushed over a mountain ledge and her three-year-old daughter is abducted. Lydia must now entrust her life and her child’s fate to K-9 Officer River Jameson and his yellow Lab partner, Frankie. As the danger escalates and the trail grows colder by the second, River and Frankie work tirelessly to track down the kidnapper. Is the culprit Lydia’s ex…or is someone from her past seeking revenge? Will River’s skill and Frankie’s instincts save an innocent child—and protect Lydia from the elusive criminal targeting her?
Can a K-9 team find her?
Preschool teacher Lydia Caldwell’s peaceful day in the Rockies becomes her most harrowing nightmare when she’s pushed over a mountain ledge and her three-year-old daughter is abducted. Lydia must now entrust her life and her child’s fate to K-9 Officer River Jameson and his yellow Lab partner, Frankie. As the danger escalates and the trail grows colder by the second, River and Frankie work tirelessly to track down the kidnapper. Is the culprit Lydia’s ex…or is someone from her past seeking revenge? Will River’s skill and Frankie’s instincts save an innocent child—and protect Lydia from the elusive criminal targeting her?
208 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 28, 2026
About the author
Sharon Dunn
135 books395 followersAfter almost 27 years of marriage Sharon's beloved husband Michael passed away in 2014. Together they had a life filled with adventure, laughter and unconditional love. She considers herself blessed to have been loved that way. She has three grown children and a busy cat named Sparky.
Her love for mystery and suspense began in the fifth grade, when she found a whole set of Nancy Drew mysteries with pink covers in the school library. Sharon is the author of five humorous mysteries that were written for Christian readers. Her second book in her Ruby Taylor mystery series was voted book of the year by American Christian Fiction Writers. She has written over thirty books for Love Inspired Suspense many of which have appeared on USA Today Bestseller lists. Night Prey (Love Inspired Suspense) won the Carol Award from American Christian fiction writers.
Sharon has a bachelor's degree in film production and a master's degree in history. She loves old movies like Double Indemnity and anything by Frank Capra or Alfred Hitchcock. She enjoys reading all kinds of books but is partial to the nonfiction of C. S. Lewis. She loves to hear from readers. You can contact her and sign up for her newsletter at her website http://sharondunnbooks.net/
Her love for mystery and suspense began in the fifth grade, when she found a whole set of Nancy Drew mysteries with pink covers in the school library. Sharon is the author of five humorous mysteries that were written for Christian readers. Her second book in her Ruby Taylor mystery series was voted book of the year by American Christian Fiction Writers. She has written over thirty books for Love Inspired Suspense many of which have appeared on USA Today Bestseller lists. Night Prey (Love Inspired Suspense) won the Carol Award from American Christian fiction writers.
Sharon has a bachelor's degree in film production and a master's degree in history. She loves old movies like Double Indemnity and anything by Frank Capra or Alfred Hitchcock. She enjoys reading all kinds of books but is partial to the nonfiction of C. S. Lewis. She loves to hear from readers. You can contact her and sign up for her newsletter at her website http://sharondunnbooks.net/
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 29, 2026
This was a good read, A lot of suspense in this book.
April 15, 2026
This is the second book in the multi-author seven book series Colorado K-9 Unit. The main plot of the series is an investigation into young pregnant teen girls being kidnapped, then then killed after delivering their babies, which disappear.
Dunn focuses part of her book on that plot, and brings in the other law enforcement individuals working on that case. The main focus of the book is the abduction of Lydia's daughter and Officer River Jameson and his K-9's efforts to find the girl and catch the kidnappers.
I really enjoyed this book. You know ahead of time from the book description that three year old Elsie is going to be kidnapped, but it is still a dramatic and suspenseful moment when it happens.
The author does a great job of meshing the plot line for the whole series and the one for the book as River pushes himself to work on both crimes, getting a little help from his fellow law officers on the kidnapping.
Dunn also does very well on portraying the anguish of a mother dealing with the kidnapping of her child.
The romance angle was handled nicely, and did not seem rushed.
I admit I had my suspicions of who was behind the kidnapping, and I was correct, but the author didn't make it obvious.
Dunn did an excellent job on this second book in the series, and it left me eager to read the next book, coming out in May by Terri Reed.
Dunn focuses part of her book on that plot, and brings in the other law enforcement individuals working on that case. The main focus of the book is the abduction of Lydia's daughter and Officer River Jameson and his K-9's efforts to find the girl and catch the kidnappers.
I really enjoyed this book. You know ahead of time from the book description that three year old Elsie is going to be kidnapped, but it is still a dramatic and suspenseful moment when it happens.
The author does a great job of meshing the plot line for the whole series and the one for the book as River pushes himself to work on both crimes, getting a little help from his fellow law officers on the kidnapping.
Dunn also does very well on portraying the anguish of a mother dealing with the kidnapping of her child.
The romance angle was handled nicely, and did not seem rushed.
I admit I had my suspicions of who was behind the kidnapping, and I was correct, but the author didn't make it obvious.
Dunn did an excellent job on this second book in the series, and it left me eager to read the next book, coming out in May by Terri Reed.
April 28, 2026
TRACKING THE TAKEN CHILD by Sharon Dunn is the riveting story of Lydia Caldwell and K-9 Officer River Jameson with his partner Frankie, a yellow lab. Working together, they are desperately search for Elsie, Lydia’s 3-year-old, kidnapped daughter Elsie and maybe along the way find something neither of them was looking for.
Lydia is a pre-school teacher. She’d always dreamed of the happily-ever-after type family, but an alcoholic husband who endangered his own daughter’s life, much to her chagrin, had her marriage ending in divorced. However, she’s extremely happy to have her beautiful daughter, who the courts gave her sole custody of. When out on a school outing, Elsie left the group to follow a butterfly. Frantically, Lydia goes out and successfully finds her. However, someone with ulterior motive drastically changed their lovely mother/daughter moment by pushing Lydia over a cliff and kidnapping Elsie.
River is still reeling from his last case. Feeling they should have done more, he feels responsible for the death of the little boy they were looking for. At present, he’s working on a case of pregnant young women disappearing only to be found later without child and murdered. When he hears the transmission about an abducted little girl and being close by, he knows he and Frankie need to help any way they can. Mysteriously the K-9 following the trail, just stopped at a creek. Why? Where did they go and how did they get there without leave a trace of a scent? While working on the case, he can’t help but comfort Lydia. If it means grasping at straws, then that’s what’s what they will do – following every lead no matter how small.
After multiple attacks, both physically and being shot at, who could possible wish Lydia harm or want to take Elsie away from her mother? How will they find Elise when each clue leads to a dead end? Whatever will Lydia do if something happens to her daughter, who is all she has in this world? Can River and Lydia learn to work together as a team and alongside the other K-9 teams? Is the kidnapper a stranger or possibly someone Lydia knows? Will they find Elsie in time?
TRACKING THE TAKEN CHILD is the action packed, adrenaline pumping story of trying to quickly and safely reunite mother and daughter while trying to figure out the whodunit and why along the way. Sharon Dunn gives us a story of resilience, danger, determination, trust, family being what you make it, romance and woven with a wonderful thread of faith. TRACKING THE TAKEN CHILD is definitely a FIVE-STAR book and I highly recommend it to everyone!
While TRACKING THE TAKEN CHILD is the second book in the Colorado K-9 Unit series, it can definitely be read as a standalone book.
I received an ARC of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#TrackingtheTakenChild #ColoradoK9Unit #SharonDunn #LoveInspiredSuspense #InspirationalRomance
Lydia is a pre-school teacher. She’d always dreamed of the happily-ever-after type family, but an alcoholic husband who endangered his own daughter’s life, much to her chagrin, had her marriage ending in divorced. However, she’s extremely happy to have her beautiful daughter, who the courts gave her sole custody of. When out on a school outing, Elsie left the group to follow a butterfly. Frantically, Lydia goes out and successfully finds her. However, someone with ulterior motive drastically changed their lovely mother/daughter moment by pushing Lydia over a cliff and kidnapping Elsie.
River is still reeling from his last case. Feeling they should have done more, he feels responsible for the death of the little boy they were looking for. At present, he’s working on a case of pregnant young women disappearing only to be found later without child and murdered. When he hears the transmission about an abducted little girl and being close by, he knows he and Frankie need to help any way they can. Mysteriously the K-9 following the trail, just stopped at a creek. Why? Where did they go and how did they get there without leave a trace of a scent? While working on the case, he can’t help but comfort Lydia. If it means grasping at straws, then that’s what’s what they will do – following every lead no matter how small.
After multiple attacks, both physically and being shot at, who could possible wish Lydia harm or want to take Elsie away from her mother? How will they find Elise when each clue leads to a dead end? Whatever will Lydia do if something happens to her daughter, who is all she has in this world? Can River and Lydia learn to work together as a team and alongside the other K-9 teams? Is the kidnapper a stranger or possibly someone Lydia knows? Will they find Elsie in time?
TRACKING THE TAKEN CHILD is the action packed, adrenaline pumping story of trying to quickly and safely reunite mother and daughter while trying to figure out the whodunit and why along the way. Sharon Dunn gives us a story of resilience, danger, determination, trust, family being what you make it, romance and woven with a wonderful thread of faith. TRACKING THE TAKEN CHILD is definitely a FIVE-STAR book and I highly recommend it to everyone!
While TRACKING THE TAKEN CHILD is the second book in the Colorado K-9 Unit series, it can definitely be read as a standalone book.
I received an ARC of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#TrackingtheTakenChild #ColoradoK9Unit #SharonDunn #LoveInspiredSuspense #InspirationalRomance
April 29, 2026
Lydia Caldwell is a preschool teacher and a single mom after her recent divorce. She is doing all that she can to provide for little Elsie and to keep her safe and happy. On a field trip will her classmates, Lydia is pushed off a ledge and Elsie is abducted. As the story progresses, there are multiple suspects, and the author did a stellar job of misdirection as well as writing in valid clues. Lydia is helped in her search for Elsie by K-9 officer River Jameson and his well-trained yellow lab Frankie. I really enjoyed how the trust and relationship between Lydia and River developed slowly and in a realistic way. I also liked how Lydia bonded with Frankie so that Frankie was her protector as well as a comfort to her. I was captivated as I followed the clues and kept changing my mind as possible suspects were eliminated. This is well-crafted suspense with a good balance between romance and the mystery of what happened to little Elsie as well as the suspense over who was trying to kill Lydia. With a compelling and relevant story and plenty of action, this book kept me reading and enjoying every minute with the realistic characters and the life or death story.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
April 28, 2026
A parents worst nightmare...
But the chance at redemption for River
After he and Frankie failed to find a child in time on their last search, River is more determined than ever to succeed in the search for Elsie. He's impressed from the first moment he meets Lydia, he can see pain and fear in her eyes but she manages to keep her composure and give good information to get the search started fast. His respect only grows as they are shot at, blown up, rammed off the road, Lydia kidnapped and more than once people and vehicles just....vanish.
I really like both Lydia and River, they are strong characters, who have flaws but are relatable and likable, I LOVE Frankie and Elsie who are both incredibly sweet, and I really love the relationship and bond that forms between River and Lydia, which is then expanded with Frankie and Elsie too. I missed the first book in this series, so will go back and read/listen to this now, and I look forward to further books in the series too.
But the chance at redemption for River
After he and Frankie failed to find a child in time on their last search, River is more determined than ever to succeed in the search for Elsie. He's impressed from the first moment he meets Lydia, he can see pain and fear in her eyes but she manages to keep her composure and give good information to get the search started fast. His respect only grows as they are shot at, blown up, rammed off the road, Lydia kidnapped and more than once people and vehicles just....vanish.
I really like both Lydia and River, they are strong characters, who have flaws but are relatable and likable, I LOVE Frankie and Elsie who are both incredibly sweet, and I really love the relationship and bond that forms between River and Lydia, which is then expanded with Frankie and Elsie too. I missed the first book in this series, so will go back and read/listen to this now, and I look forward to further books in the series too.
May 20, 2026
Exciting and keeps you guessing til the end!
Lydia is on a hike with her preschool class when her 3-year-old daughter Elsie wanders away. After finding Elsie, Lydia is pushed over a cliff. When she gets back to the top, Elsie is gone! River and his K-9 Frankie are nearby and go to help search for Elsie, but she seems to have disappeared, and the search dogs can't find anything. Then someone keeps trying to kill Lydia. River and Frankie stay to help search for the little girl and try to keep het mom safe. But there are very few clues to use to search. In the meantime, River is also still working to find the missing Mia. Can he find the little girl, or Mia? Who is trying to hurt Lydia? Read this to find out!
The pace is breakneck and the tone is intense with an action and character oriented storyline that has a few kisses only. The characters are vibrant and engaging. The Christian ideals are woven into the story. This is a great addition to this continuity!
Lydia is on a hike with her preschool class when her 3-year-old daughter Elsie wanders away. After finding Elsie, Lydia is pushed over a cliff. When she gets back to the top, Elsie is gone! River and his K-9 Frankie are nearby and go to help search for Elsie, but she seems to have disappeared, and the search dogs can't find anything. Then someone keeps trying to kill Lydia. River and Frankie stay to help search for the little girl and try to keep het mom safe. But there are very few clues to use to search. In the meantime, River is also still working to find the missing Mia. Can he find the little girl, or Mia? Who is trying to hurt Lydia? Read this to find out!
The pace is breakneck and the tone is intense with an action and character oriented storyline that has a few kisses only. The characters are vibrant and engaging. The Christian ideals are woven into the story. This is a great addition to this continuity!
May 8, 2026
The emotionally charged opening scene sets the stage for the second instalment of the Colorado K-9 Unit continuity series and I loved every second of this intense mix of danger, drama and romance.
A mother’s worst nightmare, the kidnapping of her child, makes for a gripping backdrop for the suspense and an intense introduction for Lydia and River. And K-9 extraordinaire, Frankie! What follows is a gripping game of cat-and-mouse as Lydia and River dodge bullets and danger in a desperate attempt to track a kidnapper and find little Elsie. Action packed adventure with enough plot twists to keep a reader on the edge of her seat.
I listened to the audible edition of Tracking the Taken Child narrated by Megan Tusing who did a great job conveying a sense of urgency into her storytelling. A truly compulsive listening experience for me.
A mother’s worst nightmare, the kidnapping of her child, makes for a gripping backdrop for the suspense and an intense introduction for Lydia and River. And K-9 extraordinaire, Frankie! What follows is a gripping game of cat-and-mouse as Lydia and River dodge bullets and danger in a desperate attempt to track a kidnapper and find little Elsie. Action packed adventure with enough plot twists to keep a reader on the edge of her seat.
I listened to the audible edition of Tracking the Taken Child narrated by Megan Tusing who did a great job conveying a sense of urgency into her storytelling. A truly compulsive listening experience for me.
May 9, 2026
If I could rate this book more than 5 stars ✨ I would because it had everything and the story line/plot of a Preschool Teacher named Lydia Caldwell's 3 year old Daughter is abducted she ever see her Daughter again will the Search and Rescue team find her in time or will they find her dead? While all good questions you need to read the book to find the answers and trust me the book is what I consider A Must Read. So what are the reasons to read the book:
1. Keeps reader engaged from beginning to end
2. Page turning book
3. Action packed
4. The K-9's
5. The Characters
6. You hate to put the book down
I can think of many other reasons but don't want to giveaway what book is about.
GO BUY, BUY, BUY, BUY AND READ THEN REVIEW
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK & WILL READ AGAIN IN THE FUTURE
1. Keeps reader engaged from beginning to end
2. Page turning book
3. Action packed
4. The K-9's
5. The Characters
6. You hate to put the book down
I can think of many other reasons but don't want to giveaway what book is about.
GO BUY, BUY, BUY, BUY AND READ THEN REVIEW
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK & WILL READ AGAIN IN THE FUTURE
August 22, 2026
Angel and Lydia took their class on a field trip. One of the students on the trip with them was Elsie, Lydia's daughter. Elsie is a very active child and doesn't like to sit still. While the children are sitting there eating lunch Elsie goes to chase a butterfly. She disappears. Lydia goes to look for her and someone tries to push her off the cliff.
River and his K-9 partner Frankie arrive to help try and locate the missing child. One of the little boys, who is always making up stories for attention mentions that he saw a lady with white hair in the bushes. The teachers didn't pay much attention to him
This is a really good book and I just could not put it down. I think you will enjoy it too. Check it out and see what you think.
River and his K-9 partner Frankie arrive to help try and locate the missing child. One of the little boys, who is always making up stories for attention mentions that he saw a lady with white hair in the bushes. The teachers didn't pay much attention to him
This is a really good book and I just could not put it down. I think you will enjoy it too. Check it out and see what you think.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A story you don't lay down. Lydia, the Preschool teacher, was on an outing with kids she taught. All of a sudden Lydia realized Elsie, her three year old, was nowhere to be seen. Officer River Jameson has a k-9 dog named Frankie. There is lots of dangerous times while Lydia and River and his team look for Elsie. Lydia and River were shot at many times. I figured out who took Elsie before they were found. It is the last people Lydia would expect. Lydia and River gree close through all the danger. You will to enjoy this book. I highly recommend it. I've read a lot of Sharon's books and found none I didn't enjoy.
April 28, 2026
Filled with a parent's worst nightmare, multiple attacks, and a desperate search for a kidnapped child, Tracking the Taken Child was a riveting read. Lydia was determined to work alongside River, an officer, and his K-9 partner Frankie to find her 3-year-old daughter Elsie who had been kidnapped. After a failed case regarding a young boy, River was determined to bring Elsie home safely.
The characters were relatable and likable with flaws, and I enjoyed the growing relationship between River and Lydia as they worked together. While this story has its own storyline, the task force team's storyline involving missing pregnant teens continues in this story. Fantastic suspense read.
The characters were relatable and likable with flaws, and I enjoyed the growing relationship between River and Lydia as they worked together. While this story has its own storyline, the task force team's storyline involving missing pregnant teens continues in this story. Fantastic suspense read.
May 4, 2026
Tracking the Taken Child was another excellent book by Sharon Dunn.
Lydia's daughter is kidnapped and someone has tried to kill her at the same time! K9 Officer River Jameson gets to Lydia and saves her from where they had pushed her off a mountain ledge. Now they're are both trying to find her child. He is also trying to help with the baby trafficking ring that is going on in the area. The ending of this book totally blindsided me, I was shocked at who was involved.
Lydia's daughter is kidnapped and someone has tried to kill her at the same time! K9 Officer River Jameson gets to Lydia and saves her from where they had pushed her off a mountain ledge. Now they're are both trying to find her child. He is also trying to help with the baby trafficking ring that is going on in the area. The ending of this book totally blindsided me, I was shocked at who was involved.
July 14, 2026
Lydia Cladwell is a preschool teacher and while on a field trip she is pushed off a cliff and her daughter is taken! Fortunately she falls on a ledge an is able to climb out. Then the race is on to find her daughter and whoever is trying to kill her! Can she and River a K-9 officer track down who is behind this and why?
June 14, 2026
Tracking the Taken Child
A riveting read of loss and finding peace again. I couldn’t put the book down and was thrilled with the ending. I look forward to the continuing of the story of the missing babies. Thank God He is in control.
A riveting read of loss and finding peace again. I couldn’t put the book down and was thrilled with the ending. I look forward to the continuing of the story of the missing babies. Thank God He is in control.
August 1, 2026
An adventure it is! Lydia's 3 year old daughter, Elsie has been kidnapped. With the help of Officer River and his k9 partner, Frankie and the team all go for a fast paced dangerous locations to find Elsie.
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed this story. Many twists and turns to keep you guessing
April 29, 2026
Quick, easy, enjoyable even though the topics/mysteries were pretty horrible.
May 2, 2026
Tracking the Taken Child by Sharon Dunn is book 2 in the Colorado K-9 Unit. Lydia Caldwell’s little girl is taken and at every turn, someone is trying to take her life. K-9 Officer River Jameson and his yellow Lab partner, Frankie, will stop at nothing to track down the little girl and save Lydia from the one means her harm. Can he save Lydia and her daughter and trust what he's feeling?
This was a quick page-turner of a read.
This was a quick page-turner of a read.
May 9, 2026
Fantastic book! This was a fast read for me and unputdownable.
May 15, 2026
Great book! Couldn't wait to finish it to see how it ends.
May 21, 2026
Love too quickly
The story starts will the abducted little girl and the Mom aready in love with the sheriff. Seems just a lot to understand.
The story starts will the abducted little girl and the Mom aready in love with the sheriff. Seems just a lot to understand.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews