Shakedown

NATO Rapid Response Team #1

by J. Gunnar Grey

War dogs don’t retire just because they’re home.

Captain Kelly Bonham, a NATO electronics officer and combat zone veteran, adopts a war dog, but when Pojo arrives he’s not at all what she expected. This German Shepherd isn’t interested in rolling over for a tummy rub; he’s a working dog, a retired bomb sniffer who saw his handler cut in half by an anti-personnel mine in Afghanistan. That’s serious trauma, and Bonnie wonders if his canine brain is still fully functional.

Now she’s shaking down a relationship with a dog that’s got more teeth than the law allows, a dog whose behavior is puzzling and maybe even unhinged. And all she can bring to the fight is electronic gadgetry and what’s left of her self-confidence.

Can she reach this war dog... or is there more to the situation than she’s seeing?

62 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 20, 2012

About the author

Hi, I’m Gunnar Grey. I write books. I’m a historian, political junkie, target shooter, and retired adventurer and equestrian. I read avidly and post reviews or at least ratings for most of the books I read. Occasionally my poor husband surfaces from beneath a pile of paperbacks, gasping for air… but I shouldn’t bore you with personal issues.

I live in Humble, Texas, just north of Houston, with four parakeets, the aforementioned husband (who’s even more entertaining than the birds), an orange betta fish with no manners, a fig tree, the lawn from the bad place, three armloads of potted plants, and a coffee maker that’s likely the most important item we own.

Reviews

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author: J. Gunnar Grey
Published by: Astraea Press LLC
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Book Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 5

Review:

"Shakedown" by J. Gunnar Grey is a wonderful short story especially if you are a 'dog lover.' This author does a well good job at delivering to the reader such a good description of this story...making you feel as if you are there with this amazing dog 'Pojo' and his new owner who is a female. How did this all begin? ....

quoted from the author...

"Captain Kelly Bonham, a NATO electronics intelligence officer and combat zone veteran, agreed to adopt a war dog, but when Pojo arrives he's not at all what she expected. This German Shepherd isn't interested in rolling over for a tummy rub; he's a working dog, a retired bomb sniffer who saw his handler cut in half by an anti-personnel mine in Afghanistan. That's serious trauma, and Bonnie wonders if his canine brain is still fully functional."


All of the characters in "Shakedown" were all well developed and rounded as if the story was happening in front of me...and the plot was good and inspiring and in the end showing its new relationship with its new owner. Even though "Shakedown" is a military theme it is a novel I would recommend to all that you pick up this excellent read.

[Eleanor Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I'd try this short tale to test the waters on a new author I thought I would like. Well...that's some fine tasting, five-star water! Fabulous writing, a tight story, and I have a lot of empathy for the two veteran heroes. Not only is the story interesting and the premise a bit terrifying, it's a good study of human (and animal) nature and character. I'll be reading the rest of the offerings from this author and look for more. The real kicker for me is that I'm completely out of my depth on the subject yet I was drawn in and taken along comfortably. The necessary technical explanations in the plot are easy to follow without being dumbed down. An added bonus is the charming description of the scenery and feel of a national park in the west. This story moved me and I'd gladly read additional books with these very memorable characters.

[Angelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is hands down one of the most exciting books I've read in a while. Once I started reading this story, I instantly fell in love with the characters as if this story was unraveling in front of me. As I was reading,I could visualize the relationship the dog Pogo had with it's new military owner which eventually lead to a beneficial relationship for both which was very inspiring. I really hope there's a sequel to this amazing story.

[Daniel Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is about soldiers but the theme is love. These are solders of different kinds but they are all after one thing. They are all seeking to love and be loved. Can you change an old adage that to only those who have seen inhumanity can fully appreciate true love. The love they seek is the kind that says you are safe and comfortable and I will keep things that way. This author gets it. The story flows smoothly and the character development is utterly superb. if you love a solider, if you a are a solider, if you love the freedom soldiers have given you then you should read this book.danieldabear@Gmail.com