Witness Safeguard Mission

by Carol J. Post

A family in a killer’s crosshairs.
A K-9 determined to defend.

When Nicole Woodard and her young sister witness their father’s murder by an unknown assailant, Nicole knows they’re next on the killer’s hit list. Now they must rely on Officer Braydon Feldman and his K-9 partner, Caesar, for protection. The killer will stop at nothing to silence the sisters and keep the crime hidden. But what could their father have been involved in that got him killed? With attacks coming from all sides and dangerous family secrets being exposed, can Braydon and Nicole stay alive long enough to uncover the truth before the killer strikes again?

From Love Inspired  Courage. Danger. Faith.

Canine Defense

 Book 1: Searching for Evidence
Book 2: Sniffing Out Justice
Book 3: Uncovering the Truth
Book 4: Witness Safeguard Mission

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 28, 2026

About the author

From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special events decorating company, my resume reads as if I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up. But one thing that has remained constant through the years is my love for writing. I currently pen fun and fast-paced inspirational romance and romantic suspense stories. My books have won several awards and been nominated for two RITA® awards and an RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Award.

After spending most of my life in Florida, a few years ago, I moved to the mountains of North Carolina, where I write my stories outside on the back deck in the summertime and inside in front of the fireplace in the wintertime. When I’m not writing or doing writerly things, I enjoy hiking, camping, kayaking—almost anything outdoors. My two grown daughters and grandkids live too far away for my liking, so I now pour all that nurturing into taking care of two sassy black cats.

Reviews

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've come to expect excellence from this author and this book is no exception! What I didn't expect was the opening scene to grab my attention and never let up! I should have though because that's how this author works. We meet Nicole and Maddy, her much younger sister just taking a walk through the woods on their property. What could be more innocent that that? However, at the conclusion of their walk, their life changes forever. They are now on the run for their lives.
Braydon and his K-9 police dog, Caesar, are enjoying some R&R in a national park when they find Nicole and Maddy running for their lives. Thankfully, Braydon is a police officer and knows what to do.
Braydon's sister, Brandi, was great. She added a lot to the story as did the other secondary characters. Braydon's past is a huge part of his makeup and he's lost faith. Nicole is new to faith, but she tries to share it with Braydon. Maddy is written as a typical young child which I very much appreciated because many times in books, young children are written as "older" than they actually are! She's sweet, bratty, emotional, and throws temper tantrums but she sure loves Caesar! I loved the connection between her and the K-9! Caesar was an amazing dog as are all K-9s! This is a fantastic book with so much action and realistic situation with great characters!

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was quickly drawn into Witness Safeguard Mission by Carol J. Post. The story was filled with action right from the outset and maintained that momentum all the way through. I appreciated the unpredictability, as it kept me guessing about what might unfold next. Meeting Nicole Woodard, her younger sister Maddy, Officer Braydon Feldman, and his K9 companion Caesar was a highlight. Caesar showed intelligence, loyalty, and affection, and he played an important role in apprehending criminals. Nicole and Braydon had chemistry, but survival is essential for their relationship to progress. There is a thread of faith woven through the story, and the epilogue provided a satisfying conclusion that made me smile. Witness Safeguard Mission is the fourth Canine Defense book, but it works as a standalone. Witness Safeguard Mission is a suspenseful story with a murdered dad, a clever K-9, a scared sister, resolute killers, a protective officer, children’s church, and, hopefully, a happily ever after.

[Lori Parrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent story that will leave you holding your breath as the clock ticks or does it?
A story featuring my two favorite states that I very much enjoyed to the fullest. Florida and Kentucky
Lots of action with all the twisty turns and some great guessing too!
A bit of romance thrown in what more could one want?!
I savored this one. It was so hard not to devour it lol
My heart went out to Maddy who got caught in the middle of it all. I kept rooting for her.
Maddy is my favorite character because of how the author described her personality. She hit Maddy spot on as being a true child character.
Nicole and Braydon are excellent characters too. I know that you'll love them as well.
We can't forget Ceaser! He's the bravest dog ever and he's a great protector. He's a smart dog too. I just loved him.
I liked the fast action all the way through which I absolutely loved.
5 stars for a job well done!
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review! I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

[Joy Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story starts out with a bang, literally. Nicole is out walking in the woods on their property with her sister, Maddie. When she hears a man in an argument with her Dad, then she sees her Dad get stabbed. They take off running and run into Braydon who is out hiking, who is in law enforcement. Every which way they turn, someone is trying to kill them. Why was her Dad stabbed and how are the sisters going to stay safe? Get ready for an action-packed story that will have you on the edge of your seat up until the last page. Even when you think everything is fine, just keep reading. The suspense is never-ending. Who doesn't love a K-9 named Caesar, who takes down some bad guys? I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions expressed are what I thought of the book.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC with no expectations of a a positive review. This book grabbed me from the beginning. How could a simple walk change the lives of two sisters? This book finds two sisters out for a walk on their families property as they hear an arguement between their father and another man. Suddenly, the other man shoots their father. Nicole who has just graduated from college with a degree in psychology tries to shield her seven year old sister Maddy from seeing the murder. Suddenly, they are on the run trying to get away from the killer. As they are running, they enounter Braydon who is backpacking with his K-9 parter, Caesar. Join the four of them as they try to stay one step ahead of the killers who always seems to know where to find them. This book will keep you glued to the pages as you pulled into the book.

[Jane Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicole Woodard is only home in Kentucky for a visit after graduating college. She and her 7-year-old sister witness the death of their father and now they are on the run. Officer Braydon Feldman and his K-9 Caesar were camping in the area and happened to meet up with Nicole and her sister. He feels an obligation to keep them safe even if it means cutting his vacation short and returning home to Florida with the two girls. Somehow the killers keep finding them. Add another twist because Nicole's mom is undergoing cancer treatment and she's not sure if she'll still be alive when they get to return home. I highly recommend this book because you won't believe who the culprit is. I was given an advance copy of this book by the publisher, but these are my own words and thoughts.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabs you in the first chapter and keeps you in suspense until the very end! What begins as a normal day with Nicole taking her little sister for a walk suddenly turns into a murder, a race for their lives and a rescue by a vacationing K-9 officer (Brayden) and his partner Caesar. As they continue to be found at each place they hide, it seems like their circle of safety is getting smaller and smaller. Can they find the answers before Nicole and her little sister pay the ultimate price?! If you like action, suspense and K-9s, this book is for you. I received an advance copy from the author but all opinions are my own.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book I have read by this author. The suspense in this novel starts from the very beginning. This story revolves around Nicole and Braydon, but also includes the little sister of Nicole, Maddy. I felt so bad for Maddy because she is so young and having to deal with so much. I really enjoyed the interactions between all the characters in this novel. This book was so well written. I did actually figure out one of the people involved but I did not figure out the reason why. I definitely recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. The opinions in this review are my own.

[Rhondia Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Witness Safeguard Mission, author Carol Post has done what few seem to accomplish. She’s taken a highly condensed format and written a story that isn’t short on details and doesn’t have an abrupt ending. The opening scene grabbed my attention and never let go. The action continued until the story reached a happily ever after conclusion. I truly enjoyed the well-articulated hope found in Christ alone. The characters were flawed and relatable, making the book interesting for many readers. I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[Rick Molitor · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Nicole sees her father killed and the killer spots her and her sister, she runs. Braydon, a K-9 officer finds them hiding from the killer and decides to help them. This is full of action as they try to evade the ruthless killers. there is also romance as the longer Nicole and Braydon are together, the more they want to be together. When Nicole's sister, Maddy, goes missing, things they fear the worst as Nicole is summoned to come het her by herself. This is a good read that will have you reading late into the night.

[Kimberly Heck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book. It was action packed from the very beginning and full of mystery, suspense, and intrigue. Nicole and Braydon were great characters as were all the characters. Carol did a great job of portraying a little sister that was a lot spoiled. I loved the way she showed how Jesus is always there no matter what and that we have a huge hole in our hearts that only He can fill. This was definitely a book worth reading.
“I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.”

[Elaine. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read