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Reed & Billie Mysteries #15
The Leader
“
Six quarts is way more than necessary for something like that,” Reed said. “It’s not just overkill...
”
Letting his voice trail off, he blinked several times, bringing himself back into the moment with the realization that it was a statement.
Of what, he had not a clue.
The call was not unlike several others that Columbus Police and state Bureau of Criminal Investigation Detective Reed Mattox and his K-9 partner Billie had received over the years. A domestic squabble involving a man armed with liquid courage from a night at the bar, convinced that his girlfriend was having an affair with her boss. Unable to be talked down, he had grabbed a gun from the nightstand and stormed off, intent on meting out his own form of justice.
Desperate and verging on hysterics, his girlfriend had phoned the police, asking them to keep him from doing something stupid and finishing what he set out to do.
An ultimate goal that someone had already beaten him to, all parties arriving to find her boss’s body battered, soaked in motor oil, and hoisted into the air in the barn behind his home.
A titan in the local business community, he had been targeted in a crime so heinous Reed and Billie set off to unravel both the culprit and their motive. Questions they barely begin to answer when a second murder occurs, staged in an equally macabre way.
And then a third.
Performative acts meant to create a spectacle, clearly building toward something larger. An impending finale that sends Reed and Billie sprinting across much of central Ohio in a desperate attempt to end the rampage before it can claim its ultimate goal.
Or even one of their own.
“ What do the owner of a car dealership, the president of a paper company, and a lobbyist all have in common? ”
Considering the question for only a moment, she asked, “ Besides sounding like the opening for a bad joke? ”
“ Starting to feel more like a bad dream. ”
Letting his voice trail off, he blinked several times, bringing himself back into the moment with the realization that it was a statement.
Of what, he had not a clue.
The call was not unlike several others that Columbus Police and state Bureau of Criminal Investigation Detective Reed Mattox and his K-9 partner Billie had received over the years. A domestic squabble involving a man armed with liquid courage from a night at the bar, convinced that his girlfriend was having an affair with her boss. Unable to be talked down, he had grabbed a gun from the nightstand and stormed off, intent on meting out his own form of justice.
Desperate and verging on hysterics, his girlfriend had phoned the police, asking them to keep him from doing something stupid and finishing what he set out to do.
An ultimate goal that someone had already beaten him to, all parties arriving to find her boss’s body battered, soaked in motor oil, and hoisted into the air in the barn behind his home.
A titan in the local business community, he had been targeted in a crime so heinous Reed and Billie set off to unravel both the culprit and their motive. Questions they barely begin to answer when a second murder occurs, staged in an equally macabre way.
And then a third.
Performative acts meant to create a spectacle, clearly building toward something larger. An impending finale that sends Reed and Billie sprinting across much of central Ohio in a desperate attempt to end the rampage before it can claim its ultimate goal.
Or even one of their own.
“ What do the owner of a car dealership, the president of a paper company, and a lobbyist all have in common? ”
Considering the question for only a moment, she asked, “ Besides sounding like the opening for a bad joke? ”
“ Starting to feel more like a bad dream. ”
526 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2025
310 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Dustin Stevens
84 books311 followersI originally hail from the midwest, growing up in the heart of farm country, and still consider it, along with West Tennessee, my co-home. Between the two, I have a firm belief that football is the greatest of all past-times, sweet tea is really the only acceptable beverage for any occasion, there is not an event on earth that either gym shorts or boots can't be worn to, and that Dairy Queen is the best restaurant on the planet. Further, southern accents are a highly likeable feature on most everybody, English bulldogs sit atop the critter hierarchy, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with a Saturday night spent catfishing at the lake.
Since leaving the midwest I've been to college in New England, grad school in the Rockies, and lived in over a dozen different cities ranging from DC to Honolulu along the way. Each and every one of these experiences has shaped who I am at this point, a fact I hope is expressed in my writing. I have developed enormous affinity for locales and people of every size and shape, and even if I never figure out a way to properly convey them on paper, I am very much grateful for their presence in my life.
To sum it up, I asked a very good friend recently how they would describe me for something like this. Their response: "Plagued by realism and trained by experiences/education to be a pessimist, you somehow remain above all else an active dreamer." While I can't say those are the exact words I would choose, I can't say they're wrong. I travel, live in different places, try new foods, meet all kinds of different people, and above all else stay curious to a fault.
Here's hoping it continues to provide us all with some pretty good stories...
Since leaving the midwest I've been to college in New England, grad school in the Rockies, and lived in over a dozen different cities ranging from DC to Honolulu along the way. Each and every one of these experiences has shaped who I am at this point, a fact I hope is expressed in my writing. I have developed enormous affinity for locales and people of every size and shape, and even if I never figure out a way to properly convey them on paper, I am very much grateful for their presence in my life.
To sum it up, I asked a very good friend recently how they would describe me for something like this. Their response: "Plagued by realism and trained by experiences/education to be a pessimist, you somehow remain above all else an active dreamer." While I can't say those are the exact words I would choose, I can't say they're wrong. I travel, live in different places, try new foods, meet all kinds of different people, and above all else stay curious to a fault.
Here's hoping it continues to provide us all with some pretty good stories...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
September 4, 2025
Detective Reed Mattox and his K-9 partner, Billie, are dispatched to investigate a possible homicide. What they discover is gruesome—a body, battered, drenched in motor oil, and strung up in the barn behind the victim’s home. Before Reed and his team can begin piecing together the crime, a second murder is reported—staged with the same twisted precision. Then comes a third.
As the body count rises, a disturbing pattern begins to emerge, one that sends Reed, Billie, and fellow investigators racing across Ohio in pursuit of a killer whose macabre signature grows bolder with each strike. With time running out and the murders escalating, Reed must unravel the mystery before the madness reaches its terrifying peak.
A chilling, fast-paced thriller, this case will test Reed and Billie like never before.
As the body count rises, a disturbing pattern begins to emerge, one that sends Reed, Billie, and fellow investigators racing across Ohio in pursuit of a killer whose macabre signature grows bolder with each strike. With time running out and the murders escalating, Reed must unravel the mystery before the madness reaches its terrifying peak.
A chilling, fast-paced thriller, this case will test Reed and Billie like never before.
September 13, 2025
The Leader is yet another thrilling, can’t-put-it-down, super-intriguing, investigative novel from the preternaturally prolific mind of Dustin Stevens.
Reed and Billie are back, the best dynamic crime fighting duo since Batman and Robin.
A structure familiar to readers of this awesome series, a phone call acts as a starter’s pistol, rocketing R and B off on another seemingly impossible case. This time out, a particularly grisly display of overkill on an unlikely victim leaves very little for our intrepid heroes to work with as they try to solve the mystery before more killings can occur.
Although we see the perpetrator at work, their identity remains a mystery not only to Reed and Billie, but to the reader as well. With no obvious connections between victims, and some forensic red herrings by the killer, identifying the criminal seems virtually impossible. It will require a lot of shoe and paw leather, crisscrossing the familiar Ohio environs, running down every possible lead.
The heart of the novel, as with all R and B novels, is the relationship between the two detectives. Billie is more than just a detective partner; she is also Reed’s emotional support animal—and Reed is hers. Stevens clearly understands the deep bond between man and dog, a subtle but moving undercurrent underpinning the adventure.
The sneaky emotional layer, as with all of Steven’s novels, adds depth to the story and makes for a fully satisfying read.
Lending support is the usual eclectic group of specialists, not only helping Reed and Billie work on the investigation, but adding humor and additional emotional connection.
It is truly the subtle infusion of emotional depth that is the hallmark of Stevens which really sets him apart from others in the genre. It’s more than just an awesome detective story, which it is, but another thrilling adventure alongside old friends.
Reed and Billie are back, the best dynamic crime fighting duo since Batman and Robin.
A structure familiar to readers of this awesome series, a phone call acts as a starter’s pistol, rocketing R and B off on another seemingly impossible case. This time out, a particularly grisly display of overkill on an unlikely victim leaves very little for our intrepid heroes to work with as they try to solve the mystery before more killings can occur.
Although we see the perpetrator at work, their identity remains a mystery not only to Reed and Billie, but to the reader as well. With no obvious connections between victims, and some forensic red herrings by the killer, identifying the criminal seems virtually impossible. It will require a lot of shoe and paw leather, crisscrossing the familiar Ohio environs, running down every possible lead.
The heart of the novel, as with all R and B novels, is the relationship between the two detectives. Billie is more than just a detective partner; she is also Reed’s emotional support animal—and Reed is hers. Stevens clearly understands the deep bond between man and dog, a subtle but moving undercurrent underpinning the adventure.
The sneaky emotional layer, as with all of Steven’s novels, adds depth to the story and makes for a fully satisfying read.
Lending support is the usual eclectic group of specialists, not only helping Reed and Billie work on the investigation, but adding humor and additional emotional connection.
It is truly the subtle infusion of emotional depth that is the hallmark of Stevens which really sets him apart from others in the genre. It’s more than just an awesome detective story, which it is, but another thrilling adventure alongside old friends.
September 26, 2025
Remember when everybody thought environmentalist were just a bunch of hippies . . . . . ? That's a line from deep in this book after much of the action is over and done with. But it's much like the way things are today.
As the book opens we see Reed Maddox and Billie just starting their day as an ordinary day but it soon turns into anything but ordinary. They get a call about a gruesome murder that, upon their arrival, is decidedly much more than gruesome; little can he know what is in store. As time passes the bodies start dropping and the causes of death become more varied but just as extreme. They may be trying to convey a message but what that message may be is not at all clear.
Reed and Billie and a Detective from the Franklin Country Sheriff's Department, Elle Fenton, who comes onboard with the second murder, team up to try to discover who would commit such terrible crimes. These are severe injuries inflicted that most folks would not be able to control the reflexive responses of their bodies. The main thing that this group of so-called "environmentalists" didn't take into consideration? The team of Reed, Billie and Deek. The dark web is indeed dark but it is not so dark there is not a way to find one's way through it; no one can hide and no one is beyond being found and his, or her, deeds can be found. And the leader's deeds were. and his fortress was found and his foolish followers were found.
This was a spellbinder that more than once had me holding my breath and I had to force my self to take a breath. The mind bending aspects of the way the Leader and his chief minions and the degree of physical was diabolical. The start, albeit a bit slow for the first few chapters, picked up quickly and trapped me until I couldn't stop!
As the book opens we see Reed Maddox and Billie just starting their day as an ordinary day but it soon turns into anything but ordinary. They get a call about a gruesome murder that, upon their arrival, is decidedly much more than gruesome; little can he know what is in store. As time passes the bodies start dropping and the causes of death become more varied but just as extreme. They may be trying to convey a message but what that message may be is not at all clear.
Reed and Billie and a Detective from the Franklin Country Sheriff's Department, Elle Fenton, who comes onboard with the second murder, team up to try to discover who would commit such terrible crimes. These are severe injuries inflicted that most folks would not be able to control the reflexive responses of their bodies. The main thing that this group of so-called "environmentalists" didn't take into consideration? The team of Reed, Billie and Deek. The dark web is indeed dark but it is not so dark there is not a way to find one's way through it; no one can hide and no one is beyond being found and his, or her, deeds can be found. And the leader's deeds were. and his fortress was found and his foolish followers were found.
This was a spellbinder that more than once had me holding my breath and I had to force my self to take a breath. The mind bending aspects of the way the Leader and his chief minions and the degree of physical was diabolical. The start, albeit a bit slow for the first few chapters, picked up quickly and trapped me until I couldn't stop!
September 10, 2025
I recently had the honor of reading an Advanced Reader copy of this book by Dustin Stevens, one of my favorite authors for the last several years. He has a wonderful stable of characters and this novel showcases our friends Detective Reed Mattox and Billie the Belgian Malinois K9 he has been working with. This is now the 15th entry in the series, beginning with The Boatman which has won all sorts of awards and got me hooked! A murky figure, The Leader, has emerged and is orchestrating a series of macabre murders, each one more graphic than the last, several days in a row. Our heroes race against the clock to find a pattern and try to stop the killing. But they also start to realize that a far greater threat is at play. No spoilers. Working with a Detective Fenton, Reed and Billie consult their computer genius friend Deek to try to unravel the case, risking their own lives as things take a darker turn. When it all clicks and a pattern emerges, a few vital clues finally point to the culprit. A maddening heart pounding race ensues as the book culminates in a desperate race against time and really bad guys. Will Billie help save his partner and the ultimate target? Read the book and see. I enjoyed this entry very much, and because this is a 15 book series now, I suggest going back at least 4-5 books if you want a deeper immersion experience, although it reads very well as a standalone. Enjoy.
September 19, 2025
They’re back! Series fans are always eager for Reed and Billie’s next adventure - The Leader does not disappoint.
Dustin Stevens has built a loyal following over the years with strong story arcs, twisting plots, larger than life characters, and actual page turning excitement. With Stevens, you don’t just read about the action - you are in the car with Reed and Billie or ducking for cover behind a tree next to them.
My embrace of the Reed and Billie series is due to the strong,multi-dimensional characters and Stevens’ deft treatment of relationships. Reed, of course, is the hub of the intersections: between humans and canines, humans and humans, good and evil. While each adventure in the series can stand alone, there is a richness and understanding that comes with the origin story and journey.
The Leader is a well crafted novel and seamless evolution of Reed and Bille holding the forces of evil at bay. Some parallels to the leader in The Leader are found, all too frequently, in the headlines. With only minor tweaks Stevens could have been crafting a documentary - The Leader is that well done. Highly recommend.
Dustin Stevens has built a loyal following over the years with strong story arcs, twisting plots, larger than life characters, and actual page turning excitement. With Stevens, you don’t just read about the action - you are in the car with Reed and Billie or ducking for cover behind a tree next to them.
My embrace of the Reed and Billie series is due to the strong,multi-dimensional characters and Stevens’ deft treatment of relationships. Reed, of course, is the hub of the intersections: between humans and canines, humans and humans, good and evil. While each adventure in the series can stand alone, there is a richness and understanding that comes with the origin story and journey.
The Leader is a well crafted novel and seamless evolution of Reed and Bille holding the forces of evil at bay. Some parallels to the leader in The Leader are found, all too frequently, in the headlines. With only minor tweaks Stevens could have been crafting a documentary - The Leader is that well done. Highly recommend.
September 2, 2025
I had the privilege to preview this latest Reed and Billie adventure, courtesy of the author, in exchange for my honest review. I've always had a soft spot in my heart for an action adventure featuring a determined detective combined with man's best friend, and this latest volume didn't disappoint.
As always, Stevens is a master at giving us just enough details surrounding the antagonist - The Leader - to keep us in suspense while trying to figure out what drives their motivation. He paints the scenes with vivid imagery that heighten the emotions, angst and frustration behind the namesake's actions, as well as the dogged detective team trying to literally get a bead on what's coming next.
The plot builds to a crescendo as Reed and Billie, with help from other detectives and his cybersnoop Deek, finally put the puzzle pieces together. A nail-biting race to the finish to avert a potential disaster is exactly what the ending is, and it will have you on the edge of your seat.
Hats off to this dynamic detective duo, and the series that remains fresh 15 books in!
As always, Stevens is a master at giving us just enough details surrounding the antagonist - The Leader - to keep us in suspense while trying to figure out what drives their motivation. He paints the scenes with vivid imagery that heighten the emotions, angst and frustration behind the namesake's actions, as well as the dogged detective team trying to literally get a bead on what's coming next.
The plot builds to a crescendo as Reed and Billie, with help from other detectives and his cybersnoop Deek, finally put the puzzle pieces together. A nail-biting race to the finish to avert a potential disaster is exactly what the ending is, and it will have you on the edge of your seat.
Hats off to this dynamic detective duo, and the series that remains fresh 15 books in!
September 21, 2025
In this 15th book of the Reed & Billie series, we find Reed and Billie working to solve a series of brutal murders of apparently random people. These are occurring once per day, which adds pressure to Reed and Billie to figure out who or why these are occurring. The tension in the book builds from the start putting more and more pressure on the team. This is a fast paced book, with interesting characters and excellent writing as expected from Dustin Stevens. I would call this one a page turner so set some time aside to spend on this book. The chapters are short which makes finding a stopping point (and you won’t want to stop reading) fairly easy.
If you have read and enjoyed the previous books in the series, You will enjoy this one. Reading the previous books is not required to enjoy this book, as Dustin Stevens does an excellent job of providing background without too much repetition. That being said, reading in sequence will fill in some of the backstory.
All in all, an excellent and enjoyable read.
If you have read and enjoyed the previous books in the series, You will enjoy this one. Reading the previous books is not required to enjoy this book, as Dustin Stevens does an excellent job of providing background without too much repetition. That being said, reading in sequence will fill in some of the backstory.
All in all, an excellent and enjoyable read.
September 18, 2025
The latest in what fast became my favorite book series a few years ago, delivers AGAIN a fresh story, with new characters and favorites from previous books!
The Leader begins with Reed and Billie enjoying a relatively quiet return to their normal work in the city's 8th District, when they get a call to head across the city and out into the county to handle a potentially jealous boyfriend going after his girlfriend's boss and are able to quickly arrest the guy on scene. Things quickly turn out to not be as straightforward as it seems. Basically sounding the starting gun for another all-out chase, including unlikely suspects, putting them both in danger! Hang on and enjoy the ride as these two detectives, along with help from their team, uncover much worse than jealous boyfriends! Will they figure out the truth in time? You'll have to read it to find out.
Another story full of unexpected twists that will leave you unable to put the book down!
The Leader begins with Reed and Billie enjoying a relatively quiet return to their normal work in the city's 8th District, when they get a call to head across the city and out into the county to handle a potentially jealous boyfriend going after his girlfriend's boss and are able to quickly arrest the guy on scene. Things quickly turn out to not be as straightforward as it seems. Basically sounding the starting gun for another all-out chase, including unlikely suspects, putting them both in danger! Hang on and enjoy the ride as these two detectives, along with help from their team, uncover much worse than jealous boyfriends! Will they figure out the truth in time? You'll have to read it to find out.
Another story full of unexpected twists that will leave you unable to put the book down!
September 20, 2025
Someone totally misjudged Billie and Reed!!!
Another great read by Mr. Stevens and very hard to put down so expect little sleep. Definitely not for the faint of heart so if you have a weak stomach be prepared to go on a ride that will twist and turn you inside and out.
Are our heroes dealing with eco terrorists, psychopaths or just plain
dedicated peeps? Or maybe a bunch of hippies, or something more sinister. You will have to read to find out and make up your own mind.
Return of numerous characters plus some newbies. A lot of characters to remember especially if haven't read all or recent books but no problem as this will not deter from the plot and you will still be able to enjoy. So, if this is your first into the adventures of Reed and Billie enjoy and go back and read all their previous and fantastic journeys.
Another great read by Mr. Stevens and very hard to put down so expect little sleep. Definitely not for the faint of heart so if you have a weak stomach be prepared to go on a ride that will twist and turn you inside and out.
Are our heroes dealing with eco terrorists, psychopaths or just plain
dedicated peeps? Or maybe a bunch of hippies, or something more sinister. You will have to read to find out and make up your own mind.
Return of numerous characters plus some newbies. A lot of characters to remember especially if haven't read all or recent books but no problem as this will not deter from the plot and you will still be able to enjoy. So, if this is your first into the adventures of Reed and Billie enjoy and go back and read all their previous and fantastic journeys.
September 19, 2025
Dustin Stevens has written another winner. A series of very grotesque murders get Reed and Billie involved in one of their most frustrating investigations. Diverse citizens are being targeted seemingly for no apparent reason. A mysterious character, The Leader, and his two henchmen are behind it all.
Reed and Billy, along with another local detective, carefully investigate each of four murders and come up empty each time until a breakthrough near the end. Billie continues to do his remarkable dog search and takedown work and plays a significant role. It was only near the end of the book, that it starts to come together. The ending took place in two locations with a lot of action. Very exciting and satisfying because everything final gets resolved. A must read by Dustin Stevens.
Reed and Billy, along with another local detective, carefully investigate each of four murders and come up empty each time until a breakthrough near the end. Billie continues to do his remarkable dog search and takedown work and plays a significant role. It was only near the end of the book, that it starts to come together. The ending took place in two locations with a lot of action. Very exciting and satisfying because everything final gets resolved. A must read by Dustin Stevens.
September 23, 2025
Dustin Stevens has created another superb edition with Reed and Billie!
Per his usual practice, Stevens introduces the lead character to the reader. And, of course, the criminal in this book is as bad as they come, both individually as well as his unusual means of their method of killing his victims.
As our crime-fighting duo gets to the first of the Leader's crimes, they find no clues, no leads, and the story just draws you in. It's almost like Reed and Billie are not going to find
this killer.
In the mean time as you continue reading The Leader, you will find Dustin Stevens has provided you in one great thrilling ride due to unexpected surprises Indeed, after you finish reading this book, you will find it difficult waiting for the next edition of Reed and Billie!
Per his usual practice, Stevens introduces the lead character to the reader. And, of course, the criminal in this book is as bad as they come, both individually as well as his unusual means of their method of killing his victims.
As our crime-fighting duo gets to the first of the Leader's crimes, they find no clues, no leads, and the story just draws you in. It's almost like Reed and Billie are not going to find
this killer.
In the mean time as you continue reading The Leader, you will find Dustin Stevens has provided you in one great thrilling ride due to unexpected surprises Indeed, after you finish reading this book, you will find it difficult waiting for the next edition of Reed and Billie!
September 17, 2025
Dustin Stevens is a true master of the crime novel. In his latest book Detective Reed Mattox and his K-9 partner Billie are pulled into a series of gruesome murders throughout the Columbus Ohio area, each murder more brutal than the last. The question is who will be next and how will our dynamic duo stop the killings. Reed and Billy race to uncover the connection between all these murders and stop a killer who’s is escalating the tension in Columbus area police and Sherrif departments.
Dustin’s story telling will keep you on the seat of your pants in this page turner that you will not want to put down. This is a must read.
Dustin’s story telling will keep you on the seat of your pants in this page turner that you will not want to put down. This is a must read.
September 19, 2025
I just LOVE Billie and Reed!! There's so much connection between them that has developed into a deep love and loyalty between man and K9.
This particular novel is an adrenaline fueled sprint that never seems to stop! Gripping page turner that I didn't want to put down. I particularly loved the characters and their drives and impulses in this book. Dustin does such a good job of sharing the motivations of the "bad guy". I never agree with them, but it makes it more authentic and a better reading experience.
You can't go wrong if you decide to check this novel out. Billie is the best!!
This particular novel is an adrenaline fueled sprint that never seems to stop! Gripping page turner that I didn't want to put down. I particularly loved the characters and their drives and impulses in this book. Dustin does such a good job of sharing the motivations of the "bad guy". I never agree with them, but it makes it more authentic and a better reading experience.
You can't go wrong if you decide to check this novel out. Billie is the best!!
September 22, 2025
Someone is making a statement. From the first scene at the barn tot he cemetery and what appears to be decoys with staged 9-1-1 calls, the chase is on. Reed and his partner team up with Detective Elle Fenton as the bodies and clues start to pile up. the chase is on and running the team to what appears unrelated locations. what connects them and what is the meaning of the three inventions found at the scene.
Dustin does a great job blending all the characters and events in this book, building toward the conclusion where you can't turn the pages fast enough. Danger strikes very close to home, pressure building and....guess you will need to read the book!
Dustin does a great job blending all the characters and events in this book, building toward the conclusion where you can't turn the pages fast enough. Danger strikes very close to home, pressure building and....guess you will need to read the book!
September 26, 2025
Fast, fast action!
This book was the most complicated one of his that I think I have ever read. So many horror stories tied up in one book! I just might have to read this one again, just a little slower this time around. I usually read too fast and sometimes miss something important. This time I read too fast to keep up mentally with so many twists and turns. I might have been overwhelmed by all the awful things that this book jumped right into from the beginning and didn’t stop. All I can really say is definitely read this one, but take your time to let your brain keep up with Billie, Reed and the rest of the crew. If you’re like me, remember to take your time.
This book was the most complicated one of his that I think I have ever read. So many horror stories tied up in one book! I just might have to read this one again, just a little slower this time around. I usually read too fast and sometimes miss something important. This time I read too fast to keep up mentally with so many twists and turns. I might have been overwhelmed by all the awful things that this book jumped right into from the beginning and didn’t stop. All I can really say is definitely read this one, but take your time to let your brain keep up with Billie, Reed and the rest of the crew. If you’re like me, remember to take your time.
September 19, 2025
WOW! Reed and Billie Adventures keep getting better!
This time Dustin Stevens has really written a page turning, suspense that keeps you guessing almost until the end, the motive behind some of the most heinous crimes imaginable.
4 totally despicable murders, seemingly unrelated, that have a common goal that keeps you guessing the "why" thru out the novel.
Reed is a detective and Billie is his K-9 partner. Each of their adventures are "must read" and thoroughly enjoyable for anyone who likes murder mysteries.
This time Dustin Stevens has really written a page turning, suspense that keeps you guessing almost until the end, the motive behind some of the most heinous crimes imaginable.
4 totally despicable murders, seemingly unrelated, that have a common goal that keeps you guessing the "why" thru out the novel.
Reed is a detective and Billie is his K-9 partner. Each of their adventures are "must read" and thoroughly enjoyable for anyone who likes murder mysteries.
September 20, 2025
My favorite dynamic duo is back in action, taking on The Leader, someone who has gained a cult following.
Reed and Billie aren't just tracking one unscrupulous person, but a horde of unlawful people willing to go to extremes to carry out an unlawful mission.
Can Reed and Billie catch The Leader before his real intentions come to fruition? Or will the band of followers make sure to cause chaos and disrupt the capture of The Leader?
Find out in another fast-paced, epic tale by Dustin Stevens
Reed and Billie aren't just tracking one unscrupulous person, but a horde of unlawful people willing to go to extremes to carry out an unlawful mission.
Can Reed and Billie catch The Leader before his real intentions come to fruition? Or will the band of followers make sure to cause chaos and disrupt the capture of The Leader?
Find out in another fast-paced, epic tale by Dustin Stevens
September 25, 2025
The Leader: A Reed and Billie Novel, my first read from author Dustin Stevens. An enjoyable 526-page read that reads longer than the page count. The premise of the story is good, what's delivered better. “I received a complementary Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author with The Boat Man (Reed and Billie #1): A Mystery Suspense Thriller high on my TBR list! (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
September 2, 2025
This was a compelling read, that I found I did not want to put down! Great, multi-faceted characters. Very interesting plot. Vivid descriptions. Suspenseful and thrilling. I felt every emotion. Kept me intrigued from the first page to the last. Simply a GREAT read!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
September 14, 2025
Reed & Billie are chasing an elusive bad guy. With the uncanny ability to have his minions do whatever he says, they stage more elaborate murders. Each one leading up to the final "stand".
This book grabs your imagination and takes you to murder scenes that are straight out of a Hollywood horror movie.
I recommend this latest installment of the Reed & Billie series. It will keep you turning pages as fast as possible, to see what happens next.
This book grabs your imagination and takes you to murder scenes that are straight out of a Hollywood horror movie.
I recommend this latest installment of the Reed & Billie series. It will keep you turning pages as fast as possible, to see what happens next.
September 19, 2025
Reed and Billie are at it again! Dustin Stevens latest thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat as our favorite detectives try and figure out the identity of The Leader. Join them as they race around the Central Ohio landscape in pursuit of The Leader. You’ll think you have it figured out but you really won’t until Steven’s fills you in during a thrilling climax to this book. Another winner for Stevens!!!
September 19, 2025
The Leader is very adept at keeping his real identity hidden while having his followers do his dirty work, leaving no clues for Reed and Billie to discover. Billie has plenty of opportunity to follow scents and take down some of The Leader’s henchmen and helping Reed and other detectives gradually piece together snippets of information to foil The Leader and his plans. There is plenty of excitement and suspense in this novel.
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September 20, 2025Reed and Billie have another head scratcher in Dustin Steven’s new book, The Leader. Reed finds one roadblock after another in trying to track down the source of finding seemingly unrelated dead bodies. When evidence leads to the suspicion of the deaths being videoed, things become more complicated. If you like the unexpected, this book has the unexpected of the unexpected—another suspenseful thriller by Dustin Stevens.
September 22, 2025
When I pick up a novel to read I expect certain criteria to be met. Spelling accuracy and grammar is paramount and the storyline needs to keep me intrigued from the very first chapter. Dustin has nailed all of my needs with another prime example of the continuing journey of Reed and Billie. I believe that “The Leader” has the strength to be seen as a movie / series on the likes of Amazon or Netflix & my fingers are crossed. Well done Dustin, I truly love and recommend your style of writing.
September 22, 2025
Once again Dustin Stevens has created another page turning thriller that you can’t put down! The partnership between Reed and Billie grows closer and and making them a force to be reckoned with. So as they pair up with Detective Fenton to solve heinous murders. As you reach the last page, you are left with your jaw hanging open wondering what direction Reed and Billie’s personal life is going to take….cant wait for next Billie and Reed thriller to find out!
October 13, 2025
Worst of the Series
I’m a huge fan of the Reed and Billie novels. I will set aside other books to read a new release. This one was easily the worst of the series. I love Billie and read these in great part because of her. Other than a scene at the beginning, she is virtual absent through the first two thirds of this book. The story centers around a mysterious Leader and his followers committing horrible acts. Fine. But why is this book so devoid of action? The last part of the book finally brings Billie back into action, and the rest reads like a typical Reed and Billie novel. Hopefully Stevens never writes another book like this one.
I’m a huge fan of the Reed and Billie novels. I will set aside other books to read a new release. This one was easily the worst of the series. I love Billie and read these in great part because of her. Other than a scene at the beginning, she is virtual absent through the first two thirds of this book. The story centers around a mysterious Leader and his followers committing horrible acts. Fine. But why is this book so devoid of action? The last part of the book finally brings Billie back into action, and the rest reads like a typical Reed and Billie novel. Hopefully Stevens never writes another book like this one.
October 28, 2025
Another captivating Billie & Reed
Are environmentalists crazy? A saga of ONE such group set on torturing ppl one Leader felt created too much negative environmental impact..but taken to the extreme.
Reed & Billie are on that list, simply for what they do.
Online calls to arms and out of control people thinking they want to be a part of something big & positive for nature, not realizing they are being manipulated.
Are environmentalists crazy? A saga of ONE such group set on torturing ppl one Leader felt created too much negative environmental impact..but taken to the extreme.
Reed & Billie are on that list, simply for what they do.
Online calls to arms and out of control people thinking they want to be a part of something big & positive for nature, not realizing they are being manipulated.
September 4, 2025
What an amazing story. Another fantastic Reed & Billie story. Dustin Steven’s just grabs you in from the beginning. I really liked this book because it was full of mystery & suspense but also had you thinking about the world around you. I’ll never tire of Reed & Billie. Get out there & pre-order this book right now. You won’t be sorry. And enjoy the thrills.
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September 14, 2025As ever fast paced from start to finish with twists and turns along the way to keep you engaged and guessing. This series has progressed as it has aged and always keeps me on the edge of my seat as it unfolds to a, not going to give anything away so I will say no more. Buy it, read it you will not be sorry I promise you.
September 15, 2025
Stevens has done it again!
Reed and Billie are on a never ending run to solve a complicated case. With the help of Deek, detectives from other areas in Ohio and info from other states, they were able to solve the case!
I never wanted to put this book down!
It is confusing as to why each victim was chosen and an intensity that evokes different emotions throughout!
Just a great read!
Reed and Billie are on a never ending run to solve a complicated case. With the help of Deek, detectives from other areas in Ohio and info from other states, they were able to solve the case!
I never wanted to put this book down!
It is confusing as to why each victim was chosen and an intensity that evokes different emotions throughout!
Just a great read!
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