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The Boy in the Wall
Not yet published
Expected 3 Mar 26
The discovery of a missing boy’s body uncovers cruel schemes in this twisty, fast-paced K-9 thriller series set in the Windy City of Chicago.
What if the past won’t let you go?
It was supposed to be a fun dog demo day for the students at Henry Horner Elementary School in Chicago—but when Cory Pratt’s cadaver dogs sniff out the body of a missing teenage boy wedged into the wall of the cafeteria, his family’s life is shattered.
It seems like tragedy follows the Shortridges. With the eldest son having taken his life a few years earlier, Patrick being found mutilated and murdered devastates the whole clan further. Now everyone is fearing for seven-year-old sister Charlotte.
When a kidnapping attempt on the young girl fails, Cory and his detective sister Crystal are sure someone is targeting the Shortridges. But who is behind these savage attacks and why would someone want to kill off such a seemingly unassuming family?
“A mighty impressive thriller” (Booklist on The Dead Years), perfect for fans of action-packed K-9 mystery series, such as Margaret Mizushima’s Timber Creek K-9 Mysteries, Paula Munier’s Mercy Carr Mysteries and Susan Furlong’s Bone Gap Travellers Mysteries.
What if the past won’t let you go?
It was supposed to be a fun dog demo day for the students at Henry Horner Elementary School in Chicago—but when Cory Pratt’s cadaver dogs sniff out the body of a missing teenage boy wedged into the wall of the cafeteria, his family’s life is shattered.
It seems like tragedy follows the Shortridges. With the eldest son having taken his life a few years earlier, Patrick being found mutilated and murdered devastates the whole clan further. Now everyone is fearing for seven-year-old sister Charlotte.
When a kidnapping attempt on the young girl fails, Cory and his detective sister Crystal are sure someone is targeting the Shortridges. But who is behind these savage attacks and why would someone want to kill off such a seemingly unassuming family?
“A mighty impressive thriller” (Booklist on The Dead Years), perfect for fans of action-packed K-9 mystery series, such as Margaret Mizushima’s Timber Creek K-9 Mysteries, Paula Munier’s Mercy Carr Mysteries and Susan Furlong’s Bone Gap Travellers Mysteries.
272 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication March 3, 2026
15 people want to read
About the author
Jeffrey B. Burton
23 books343 followersJeff's mystery/thriller, THE BOY IN THE WALL, comes out March 4, 2026. THE SECOND GRAVE came out in 2025 and THE DEAD YEARS came out in 2024 (all from Severn House).
Novels in Jeff's Mace Reid K-9 mystery series include THE FINDERS, THE KEEPERS, and THE LOST (St. Martin's Press, Minotaur).
Novels in Jeff's Agent Drew Cady mystery series include: THE CHESSMAN, THE LYNCHPIN, and THE EULOGIST. His short stories have appeared in dozens of magazines.
Born in Long Beach, California, Jeff grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota. He received his BA in Journalism at the University of Minnesota. He is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and the Horror Writers Association. He lives in St. Paul with his wife, and a goofball of a Beagle named Milo.
Novels in Jeff's Mace Reid K-9 mystery series include THE FINDERS, THE KEEPERS, and THE LOST (St. Martin's Press, Minotaur).
Novels in Jeff's Agent Drew Cady mystery series include: THE CHESSMAN, THE LYNCHPIN, and THE EULOGIST. His short stories have appeared in dozens of magazines.
Born in Long Beach, California, Jeff grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota. He received his BA in Journalism at the University of Minnesota. He is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and the Horror Writers Association. He lives in St. Paul with his wife, and a goofball of a Beagle named Milo.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4* A good 3rd book in this series that didn't have me adrift, despite my not having read the 2nd.
As ever, the cop-dog behaviourist duo solve a case that puts them both in danger. This was a tale particularly well done because of the twisted 'grandson' of a person who'd been wronged decades before. The twisted part was sadly believable, as was the indoctrination that led to the tragic events, as was the person doing the indoctrination. I couldn't really blame her, tbh, but she seemed willing to risk her family for her need for revenge, which made her cold-blooded and selfish. When the reveals come, it's clear that several family members and generations have suffered because of her naivety and immaturity. It wasn't all her fault but she had the chance to start life over again at 16, but chose to become emotionally unavailable to her nearest and dearest, leading to the storyline.
Her revenge was hurtful and pointless. She hurt innocents and would've taken the life of a 5yo had Dog-Boy not been around to thwart that. Yes, I got her need for revenge, but why so many generations on? Why not revel in the 'grandsons' and 'daughter' that she did have?
The dovetailing was good. The cop seemed to be getting there pretty quickly but her instincts failed her until the absence of a cat gave her the eureka! moment she needed. It wasn't badly done but I was a bit surprised she didn't see through the act in front of her. Her revenge ultimately backfired, whereas I suspect she could've found welcome, acceptance and love from the objects of her vengeance.
The books ends satisfyingly enough, and with a potential bonus for Dog-Boy 🤞🏼
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Severn House, for my reading pleasure.
As ever, the cop-dog behaviourist duo solve a case that puts them both in danger. This was a tale particularly well done because of the twisted 'grandson' of a person who'd been wronged decades before. The twisted part was sadly believable, as was the indoctrination that led to the tragic events, as was the person doing the indoctrination. I couldn't really blame her, tbh, but she seemed willing to risk her family for her need for revenge, which made her cold-blooded and selfish. When the reveals come, it's clear that several family members and generations have suffered because of her naivety and immaturity. It wasn't all her fault but she had the chance to start life over again at 16, but chose to become emotionally unavailable to her nearest and dearest, leading to the storyline.
Her revenge was hurtful and pointless. She hurt innocents and would've taken the life of a 5yo had Dog-Boy not been around to thwart that. Yes, I got her need for revenge, but why so many generations on? Why not revel in the 'grandsons' and 'daughter' that she did have?
The dovetailing was good. The cop seemed to be getting there pretty quickly but her instincts failed her until the absence of a cat gave her the eureka! moment she needed. It wasn't badly done but I was a bit surprised she didn't see through the act in front of her. Her revenge ultimately backfired, whereas I suspect she could've found welcome, acceptance and love from the objects of her vengeance.
The books ends satisfyingly enough, and with a potential bonus for Dog-Boy 🤞🏼
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Severn House, for my reading pleasure.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Jeffrey Burton’s “The Boy In the Wall” is the third book in his Chicago K-9 Thriller series. Ever since I discovered this series, I’m excited to be able to read new books early. Siblings Cory and Crystal Pratt are back, along with Cory’s dogs, Alice and Rex.
While Cory’s doing a demonstration at an elementary school, Alice and Rex alert on an area in the cafeteria. A teenage boy’s body is discovered in the wall. Patrick had been reported missing the previous summer. It’s the second tragedy that has befallen the Shortridge family. A couple years ago, the oldest son had died by suicide in his dorm room.
After an attempted kidnapping attempt on Charlotte, the youngest Shortridge child, both Crystal and Cory become convinced the Shortridge family is being targeted. They just need to figure out the reasons why and who’s behind the tragedies.
The book alternates between present day events, as well as things that occurred back in the mid 20th century. The main narrator of the book is Cory, but the reader hears from others along the way. The book had a nice pace to it and I read most of it in only a few days.
Overall, I recommend this book and hope there continue to be additional books in the series. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.
While Cory’s doing a demonstration at an elementary school, Alice and Rex alert on an area in the cafeteria. A teenage boy’s body is discovered in the wall. Patrick had been reported missing the previous summer. It’s the second tragedy that has befallen the Shortridge family. A couple years ago, the oldest son had died by suicide in his dorm room.
After an attempted kidnapping attempt on Charlotte, the youngest Shortridge child, both Crystal and Cory become convinced the Shortridge family is being targeted. They just need to figure out the reasons why and who’s behind the tragedies.
The book alternates between present day events, as well as things that occurred back in the mid 20th century. The main narrator of the book is Cory, but the reader hears from others along the way. The book had a nice pace to it and I read most of it in only a few days.
Overall, I recommend this book and hope there continue to be additional books in the series. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.
December 18, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, author Jeffrey B. Burton, and Severn House Publishing for the ARC and the opportunity to review this book.
This was a solid police procedural with an engaging premise and a clear foundation for a compelling series. While the investigation was well structured, I would have liked more depth and insight into the tracker dogs, as that element felt underdeveloped despite its potential to add a unique dimension to the story. The family connections were somewhat confusing at first, though they did come together more clearly by the conclusion.
Overall, the novel reads like an entry-level introduction to the author’s work or to the series, showcasing strong ideas and promise. With deeper character development and greater focus on its most distinctive aspects, future installments could be very strong.
Publishes March 3, 2026
3⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a solid police procedural with an engaging premise and a clear foundation for a compelling series. While the investigation was well structured, I would have liked more depth and insight into the tracker dogs, as that element felt underdeveloped despite its potential to add a unique dimension to the story. The family connections were somewhat confusing at first, though they did come together more clearly by the conclusion.
Overall, the novel reads like an entry-level introduction to the author’s work or to the series, showcasing strong ideas and promise. With deeper character development and greater focus on its most distinctive aspects, future installments could be very strong.
Publishes March 3, 2026
3⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Boy In The Wall.
Jeffrey B Burton.
fabulous read,
I loved everything minute of this book,
Alice and Rex. the canines are cadaver dogs. simply amazing Always love stories about these type of dogs.
This story has got a real twist.
Begins in the 60s
One young girl. What she goes through, sometimes the way people are treated impacts life. such a fabulous Book.
What a fabulous story this author has created for us.
this is one of my favorite authors.
Jeffrey B Burton.
fabulous read,
I loved everything minute of this book,
Alice and Rex. the canines are cadaver dogs. simply amazing Always love stories about these type of dogs.
This story has got a real twist.
Begins in the 60s
One young girl. What she goes through, sometimes the way people are treated impacts life. such a fabulous Book.
What a fabulous story this author has created for us.
this is one of my favorite authors.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Not as exciting as I thought it would be. It read more like it was just the characters thoughts/musings and not a story.
Thanks to Netgalley for the arc.
Thanks to Netgalley for the arc.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews