Deadly Showdown - Mary Alford FBI Special Agent Ava Blake has spent years trying to outrun the past and the serial killer who nearly destroyed her. But when a woman’s body is found encased in wax near Glacier National Park, Ava knows the “Wax Saint” has returned. Teaming up with Shadow, a scarred military K-9 who is part of the FBI’s new Redeemed K-9 Unit, and Caleb Ward, the man she once loved, Ava must face her deepest fears to stop a predator who’s turned murder into ritual. As the killer’s twisted game closes in, Ava realizes his ultimate target isn’t just another victim…it’s her.
Three Fine Days - Katy Lee When a brutal murder shatters the serenity of a private North Carolina island resort, manager Jerard Buchanan will do anything to protect his billionaire boss’s reputation by keeping the press out. But when Eden Hartwell, a compassionate dog trainer he forgot he hired to help with his rambunctious retired K-9 arrives, he can't turn her away, especially as the murder has increased his PTSD symptoms. Quickly, Eden becomes a bright light in his dark world of secrets, both business and personal. For three perfect days, they share laughter, trust, and unexpected love. Then the story leaks. The press descends. Lies unravel. And the killer isn’t finished. Were their three fine days just an illusion? Who is she really? And is she worth fighting for?
Bullets - Terry Toler Bullets is a gripping romantic suspense about redemption, loyalty, and second chances. When former Navy SEAL Peter Lawson reaches the end of his rope, his suicide attempt is interrupted by Maddie, a woman with her own secrets, and her newly adopted retired police K9, Bullet. Drawn together by fate and danger, Maddie’s compassion and Bullet’s unshakable devotion pull Peter back from the brink. As threats close in and secrets unravel, the three form a bond that would be tested to its core. In a story where healing comes through love, trust, and courage, Bullets proves that sometimes the ones we save end up saving us.
Mary Alford is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author who loves giving her readers the unexpected, combining unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots that result in stories the reader can’t put down. Her books have garnered several awards and nominations. Mary lives deep in the heart of Texas with her husband, two cats, and a dog. Discover more about Mary and her books at www.maryalford.net.
Packed with action, suspense, and K-9s that will grab your heart while taking you for a ride full of twists and turns! All three stories will tug at your heartstrings as both the dogs and their new handlers/owners work to overcome their pasts. Each book has its own characters and settings, the stories are not linked to each other except through the fact they’ve adopted a former service dog through the rescue. I enjoyed reading all the stories and I believe you will too! I received an advanced copy of the book, all thoughts and opinions in this review are honest and my own.
Three very different suspenses in one book! The stories are well written with lots of suspense, non stop action, strong characters with a little added romance!
Hunting Truth by Mary Alford, Katy Lee, Terry Toler
A Christian Romantic Suspense Collection Book 1 of 2: Scent of Justice Deadly Showdown - Mary Alford FBI Special Agent Ava Blake has spent years trying to outrun the past and the serial killer who nearly destroyed her. But when a woman’s body is found encased in wax near Glacier National Park, Ava knows the “Wax Saint” has returned. Teaming up with Shadow, a scarred military K-9 who is part of the FBI’s new Redeemed K-9 Unit, and Caleb Ward, the man she once loved, Ava must face her deepest fears to stop a predator who’s turned murder into ritual. As the killer’s twisted game closes in, Ava realizes his ultimate target isn’t just another victim…it’s her.
Three Fine Days - Katy Lee When a brutal murder shatters the serenity of a private North Carolina island resort, manager Jerard Buchanan will do anything to protect his billionaire boss’s reputation by keeping the press out. But when Eden Hartwell, a compassionate dog trainer he forgot he hired to help with his rambunctious retired K-9 arrives, he can't turn her away, especially as the murder has increased his PTSD symptoms. Quickly, Eden becomes a bright light in his dark world of secrets, both business and personal. For three perfect days, they share laughter, trust, and unexpected love. Then the story leaks. The press descends. Lies unravel. And the killer isn’t finished. Were their three fine days just an illusion? Who is she really? And is she worth fighting for?
Bullets - Terry Toler Bullets is a gripping romantic suspense about redemption, loyalty, and second chances. When former Navy SEAL Peter Lawson reaches the end of his rope, his suicide attempt is interrupted by Maddie, a woman with her own secrets, and her newly adopted retired police K9, Bullet. Drawn together by fate and danger, Maddie’s compassion and Bullet’s unshakable devotion pull Peter back from the brink. As threats close in and secrets unravel, the three form a bond that would be tested to its core. In a story where healing comes through love, trust, and courage, Bullets proves that sometimes the ones we save end up saving us. Deadly Showdown by Mary Alford Three Fine Days by Katy Lee Bullets by Terry Toler A Christian Romantic Suspense Collection 3 books by 3 different authors. Three romantic suspense stories. Three stories that feature dogs. I liked all of these mysteries involving K-9’s. Suspenseful stories that keeps you turning the pages to the end. I recommend this book. Hunting Truth by Mary Alford, Katy Lee, Terry Toler is a 5-star book. I am looking forward to reading more books by Mary Alford, Katy Lee, Terry Toler. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
I loved all three stories. Each author wrote stories that really intrigued me. And I couldn’t say it better than they did with their blurbs so I decided to just add them to my review. I’m a huge fan of Mary’s this was my first read for Katy and Terry and I really enjoyed both of them. Five stars is not enough!
Deadly Showdown - Mary Alford FBI Special Agent Ava Blake has spent years trying to outrun the past and the serial killer who nearly destroyed her. But when a woman’s body is found encased in wax near Glacier National Park, Ava knows the “Wax Saint” has returned. Teaming up with Shadow, a scarred military K-9 who is part of the FBI’s new Redeemed K-9 Unit, and Caleb Ward, the man she once loved, Ava must face her deepest fears to stop a predator who’s turned murder into ritual. As the killer’s twisted game closes in, Ava realizes his ultimate target isn’t just another victim…it’s her.
Three Fine Days - Katy Lee When a brutal murder shatters the serenity of a private North Carolina island resort, manager Jerard Buchanan will do anything to protect his billionaire boss’s reputation by keeping the press out. But when Eden Hartwell, a compassionate dog trainer he forgot he hired to help with his rambunctious retired K-9 arrives, he can't turn her away, especially as the murder has increased his PTSD symptoms. Quickly, Eden becomes a bright light in his dark world of secrets, both business and personal. For three perfect days, they share laughter, trust, and unexpected love. Then the story leaks. The press descends. Lies unravel. And the killer isn’t finished. Were their three fine days just an illusion? Who is she really? And is she worth fighting for?
Bullets - Terry Toler Bullets is a gripping romantic suspense about redemption, loyalty, and second chances. When former Navy SEAL Peter Lawson reaches the end of his rope, his suicide attempt is interrupted by Maddie, a woman with her own secrets, and her newly adopted retired police K9, Bullet. Drawn together by fate and danger, Maddie’s compassion and Bullet’s unshakable devotion pull Peter back from the brink. As threats close in and secrets unravel, the three form a bond that would be tested to its core. In a story where healing comes through love, trust, and courage, Bullets proves that sometimes the ones we save end up saving us.
Three amazing stories by three amazing authors! I enjoyed each one with a different high intrigue. And each one with amazing characters and with the most incredible dogs. 1 Deadly Showdown: FBI Agent Ava Blake survived once but when the threat comes back, she knows he won’t stop until he gets what he wants. Because she knows more about him than anyone else, her and her K9 partner, Shadow is the best ones to take the case. But when she finds out that Caleb Ward will be assisting, it reminds her of what the monster took away from her. And she knows that she is the only one that can bring justice not only for what she lost but for what his other victims went through. 2 Three Fine Days: Jerald Buchanan is proud of his hometown and is proud that he works for a man that brought it back from the brink of being a ghost town. Jerald and his dog Phoenix both have issues stemming from their time in the military and the results are meltdowns but they do their best. Eden Hartwell is the daughter of a very rich man, and she has become the scapegoat when things went bad. Now she is ready to escape the high rise prison that her Daddy has kept her in her whole life. When the wife of Patrick Joyce , the owner of the resort, hires her to help train Phoenix to behave, she thinks it is the perfect place to be. The perfect place to hide, until she realizes she has been followed and the intention is not good. 3 Bullets: This one is very emotional but real in so many ways. Full circle. Maddie and her ex-police dog Bullet are in the right place at the right time when Peter is ready to end it all. Instincts kick in and Bullet does what he was trained to do. As Peter, Maddie and Bullet begin to get closer, and they truly begin to care for each other, things go horribly wrong and they both realize that the other have secrets that they are not ready to reveal, and that they can trust one another. But when Maddie’s life is in danger, Peter feels like he has to do whatever he can to save her. Each of these stories are edge of your seat intriguing, and the characters may be wounded but they fight for life and fight for strength that they didn’t think they had
Hunting Truth is an amazing collection of 3 suspense stories.
Deadly Showdown by Mary Alford FBI Special Agent Ava Blake has spent years trying to outrun her past and the serial killer who almost killed her. But when a woman’s body is found all in wax near Glacier National Park, she knows the serial killer know as “Wax Saint” has returned. But now she's got Shadow, a military K-9 with his own scars, who is part of the FBI’s new Redeemed K-9 Unit. And she's teamed up with Caleb Ward, the man she once loved and still does but she feels she's too damaged now. Ava must face her deepest fears to stop a killer who’s turned murder into ritual. As the killer’s twisted game closes in on them, Ava realizes she's the one he wants.
Three Fine Days by Katy Lee A brutal murder shatters the serenity of a private North Carolina island resort, and manager Jerard Buchanan will do anything to protect his boss’s reputation by keeping the press out. But when Eden Hartwell, a dog trainer he hired to help with his out of control retired K-9 arrives, he can't turn her away, especially since the murder has also increased his PTSD symptoms. Quickly, Eden becomes a ray of sunshine in his dark world of PTSD. For three days, all is going so well and they are falling in love. Then the story leaks to the press. And lies come to light. And the killer isn’t finished. But why? And is their love even real or just a lie too.
Bullets by Terry Toler Bullets is a gripping romantic suspense about redemption, loyalty, and second chances. When former Navy SEAL Peter Lawson reaches the end of his rope, his suicide attempt is interrupted by Maddie and her newly adopted retired police K9, Bullet. Drawn together by danger, Maddie’s compassion and Bullet’s unshakable devotion pull Peter back from the brink. But Maddie has a threat too, a stalker As threats close in, the three form a bond that would be tested to its core.
Five hundred and sixty-four pages of pursuit, pressure, and prayer … resolve refusing to be extinguished in the shadows of evil. Hunting Truth gathers three authors beneath one banner, following wounded hearts, scarred veterans, and faithful K-9s as they run straight toward danger with Scripture stitched into their strength.
Each novella carries its own distinct atmosphere. One leans into the psychological terror of a predator whose presence feels suffocating. Another unfolds in a setting that should feel safe yet quietly fractures under pressure. The third steps into the fragile space where despair and intervention meet face to face. Different landscapes. Different wounds.
What did I love most? The emotional depth.
These characters are courageous, yet unmistakably human. Trauma lingers. PTSD is handled with care. Regret carries weight. Fear is not avoided; it is walked through with trembling resolve. Strength grows slowly. Trust is rebuilt carefully.
The K-9 partners are companions, guardians, and at times catalysts for healing. Loyal. Protective. Unwavering. Necessary. They heighten the danger and love fiercely through it all.
Hunting Truth moves quickly and strikes with purpose. Evil casts long shadows, but it does not get the final word.
I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and was not compensated in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own and reflect my honest evaluation of the writing, content, and narration.
This trilogy by three different authors covers several hard subjects like PTSD, stalkers, past trauma and suicide. In Deadly Showdown by Mary Alford, FBI agent Ava Blake is hunting a killer,the Wax Saint, that she escaped from years ago and the memories still haunt her. She has to find and arrest this killer before he strikes again. He abducts one of her team and she knows what will happen to her unless she gets to her first. In 3 Fine Days by Katy Lee, Eden Hartwell just wants to train a former military dog how to relax but still help his owner with PTSD. Jerard Buchanan needs to find a killer on the resort island he grew up on and has been brought back to life by his billionaire boss. Eden's past wants to stop both of them. Bullets by Tery Toler addresses the issue of suicide among form soldiers who have seen terrible things in battle and it's life changing effect on their lives. Maddie stops Peter Lawson from committing suicide and along with her dog Bullets, helps Peter decide to live again. Maddie has a stalker but is afraid to include Peter in the drama because of his PTSD. These stories all cover subjects that are hard to understand and talk about. Really recommend this book if you love deeper books with some laughter and mystery thrown in. I was given an advance copy by the publisher, but these are my own words and thoughts.
Deadly Showdown by Mary Alford: Wow, what an intense read! Ava has been through it and has a K9 partner, Shadow assigned to her. They've both seen and been though bad stuff and are there to help one another keep moving forward. Ava was taken captive by a serial killer called Wax and escaped a few years back. However, he's back and killing again. Ava joins up with her ex, Caleb and they work together to try to solve the puzzle and figure out his identity before she becomes his last victim. Super fast-paced! Great read Mary!
Three Fine Days by Katy Lee: I can feel the heat now. Jerard is the manager of a high end resort when a murder takes place on the beach and his PTSD kicks in. Eden shows up to train K9 Phoenix for civilian life. However, little does she know that she'll also be helping Jerard open up and navigate his PTSD. This book is full of twists and turns and feels like a game of chess to stay one step ahead of the evil. Good read Katy!
Bullets by Terry Toler: Peter and Maddie are both battling things unseen and alone. Little do they know how they will help one another. Maddie is being stalked and is constantly looking over her shoulder. Peter is ready to end it all and is in the middle of trying to when Maddie and her K9 Bullet interrupt his attempt. This book is a good read and shows that you never know what someone is battling privately.
I loved reading Hunting Truth. In Deadly Showdown by Mary Alford, Ava, a FBI agent on the Redeemed K-9 team, endured trauma from being abducted by a serial killer, the Wax Saint. She escaped, and he fled. Now along with her K-9 partner Shadow, her ex Caleb, her team, and the park rangers, Ava searches for Wax once it becomes apparent that Wax has killed another woman. Alford crafted an intense suspense story with twists and turns, heart-pounding danger, and a serial killer with sick rituals who has ties to Ava. Three Fine Days by Katy Lee is fast-paced featuring a dead body, tension, dogs, a quick romance, PTSD, false accusations, and danger. I enjoyed the chemistry between Jerard and Eden and how they worked together on clearing her name when evidence points to her as the murderer. Terry Toler tackles some hard issues that veterans face in Bullets. Bullets by Terry Toler is of Peter, a former Navy SEAL, and Maddie, a bookstore owner and owner of a retired police dog named Bullet. This story has a stalker, secrets, trauma, fears, PTSD, personal struggles, and an undeniable attraction between Peter and Maddie. They have to overcome some obstacles. I received a complimentary copy of this anthology. All books and opinions are my own.
Talk about your heart beating out of your chest! The suspense, mystery, danger, terror written on the pages of Deadly Showdown will definitely summon that reaction! The author can pen a narrative like no other, making me a fan after discovering her! And the way she seamlessly integrates God’s faithfulness is a testament to her God-given gifting!
Hoping to escape her father’s control and the negative publicity after being framed and fired from her job as a K-9 trainer, Eden fled to Royal Bay Beach along with her ever present canine, Daisy. But peace was not to be nor escape from her past. Maybe, just maybe, a good looking manager for the resort could come to her rescue, but at what cost? Grab your copy of Three Fine Days and find out!
Stalking, fear so real even the shadows moved, was this to be Maddie’s life now, her future? Demons of failure, padded with guilt, was life worth living or should Peter just end it? Could Bullet, the K-9 rescue, be a healing balm to both as well as the fierce protector he was trained to be? You will feel the emotions so creatively described, the intensity of each plot, but also the consistency of God’s grace throughout…Bullets, a story you’ll read in one sitting, not wanting to put it down!
One of the best collections I have read. Mary Alford is a favorite author for me abd Deadly Showdown was another example of her brilliant writing. Deadly Showdown is an eerie, thriller that is somehow creepy without being too creepy. I loved it. So well written, it had my adrenaline flowing and my heart rate speeding. Evil abounds and touches even those of us who are His. Light can always erase even the shadows. I adored the creation of the Redeemed Unit. Katy Lee is an author whose books I've read and thoroughly enjoyed. With Three Fine Days, I found myself immediately drawn to both main characters and their K9's. This was an emotional and impact full story that kept me turning the pages. I've read few Terry Toler books (but will be looking to read more now). Bullets pulled at my heart from the "get-go". It reminded me to be more aware of and prayerful for our veterans and others with ptsd. Well written, great characters and terrific plot. I found myself "yelling" at Maddie. Lol. Broken doesn't mean disposable and what we may see as broken, Father sees as worthy. "Maybe the joy of living outweighs the heartache" (Peter). Kudos to all three authors. Getting a paperback version to keep.
Scent of Justice Anthology, Hunting Truth consists of three excellent novellas by Mary Alford, Katy Lee, and Terry Toler. In each novella strong faith threads woven throughout with realistic spiritual battles that the characters face. I liked all of these mysteries involving K-9’s and their humans. This anthology is a great way to enjoy a story by a favorite author or find a new favorite.
First off is Deadly Showdown by Mary Alford which involves FBI Special Agent Ava Blake, Caleb Ward and K-9 Shadow who go after a serial killer. A suspenseful story that keeps you turning the pages as quickly as you can read when the killer decides to go after the agent.
Next is Three Fine Days by Katy Lee has North Carolina island resort, manager Jerard Buchanan, dog trainer Eden Hartwell, and a K-9 with PTSD. An island murder and a culprit to be caught.
Last is Bullets by Terry Toler has a retired Navy SEAL, Peter Lawson, Maddie, and her adopted former police K9, Bullet in a story that touches your heart. Secrets, mental struggles and danger for all. This has the element of suicide but is dealt with compassion and honesty.
Deadly Showdown - Mary Alford Lord, be my light in this darkness. He’s only just beginning. Abused as a child, losing the only thing that brought meaning to his life, ‘Wax Saint’ becomes a killer. Will he be found and stopped before more people die?
Three Fine Days - Katy Lee If you forget who people are and who God is, you worship the wrong thing. A retired soldier and his retired K-9, both suffering from PTSD. Can an island and a dog whisperer show them how to live again?
Bullets - Terry Toler You never know what God can do if you don’t give up too soon. A Navy Seal, so scarred from war that he feels he is done living. A yong lady that is being stalked and only feels safe with her retired police K-9. Can two broken people ignore the world, believe what the Lord has for their lives and continue to fight?
If you’re craving heart-pounding suspense with a faith-filled thread woven through every chapter, Hunting Truth delivers in the best way. Featuring authors Mary Alford, Katy Lee, and Terry Toler, this collection offers three full-length Christian romantic suspense stories that are both gripping and deeply uplifting. Each story brings danger, mystery, and tender romance together seamlessly - but the real scene-stealers are the four-legged heroes. Loyal, brave, and often the key to uncovering the truth, these canine companions add both heart and high-stakes intensity to every plotline. Perfect for a cozy weekend (coffee optional but recommended), Hunting Truth is an engaging escape that will keep you reading late into the night - and maybe hugging your dog a little tighter.
Hunting Truth is the first book in the Scent of Justice series. Deadly Showdown by Mary Alford was exhilarating and terrifyingly chilling. This Christian romantic suspense was hauntingly disturbing and you didn’t want to put it down! Just wow! Deadly Showdown by Katy Lee was an ex military romantic suspense. Bullets by Terry Toler is another ex Military romantic suspense with ex K-9 officer, German Shepard Bullets. PTSD, military suicide, stalker and finding your home wraps this book up nicely. Thank you to Author Katy Lee and Mary Alford for this Arc. This is my honest review. Releases Feb 13, 2026
Do you love suspense stories with K-9s? Then this collection is for you. Three stories that feature dogs with their own personalities - and of course the people who love them. From serial killers to an exclusive resort murder to a former SEAL who has reached the end of hope, you will be drawn in to each story - and you get all three stories in one book!! I have read many Mary Alford and Katy Lee books but this was my first story by Terry Toler, but it won't be my last. If you like suspense stories, K-9s, and visiting with familiar authors or discovering new ones, this is a great book for that. I received an advance copy from the authors and publisher but all opinions are my own.
This is book#1 I the Scent of Justice series. It contains 3 books in 1 written by 3 different authors.
I have read books by Mary Alford before but Katy and Terry are both new authors to me. This is one reason why I love reading anthologies Lots of suspense and danger, each had a K-9 as one of the main characters. Had some late nights reading to find out what happens.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book which I received from one of the authors. The review expressed here is my honest opinion.
Hunting Truth is book one of the Scent of Justice three book compilations with Mary Alford’s Deadly Showdown, Katy Lee’s Three Fine Days and Terry Tyler’s Bullets. I’ve long been a fan of Mary Alford and Katy Lee but haven’t read anything by Terry before. I do love these books with multiple authors because you find some new authors.
You’ll want to read the Scent of Justice books as the stores are page turning with some surprises.
I received this book from the publisher and was not required to leave a review. The opinion is my own.
This contains 3 standalone books by 3 different authors. They do not interconnect with each other but may have characters that overlap with other books by the individual author. All 3 have canines that have been working dogs at one time. Murder Kidnapping Suicidal thoughts PTSD Stalking Opposites attract Instant connection Reinventing oneself Family drama Learning forgiveness and trust
This anthology was incredible. Every book so different but so so good! I especially loved the last one, Bullets, because it dug deep into military heroes and the struggles they have when they come home. Every story had me from the first word to the last. I was so anxious a few times that I had to read ahead to make sure everything was ok! These authors have a way of grabbing you with their stories and keeping you engaged. It is definitely worth reading.
This is three stories in one book and all three were fantastic! I love suspense and dogs so this was everything I enjoyed and more! Every story had its own twist, excitement, situations that had my heart pounding, and mouth dropping endings I definitely did not see coming! Deserves all five stars and more!
Although each story was different, there were also common elements that made them exciting reads. There were characters who had flaws that were relatable, who found healing through God and each other. There was action and danger, twists and turns and romance. And of course the dogs, whose presence richly added to each story. What a great collection!
Hunting Truth Mary Alford, Katy Lee, Terry Toler Three romantic suspense stories that will have you hooked from the beginning to the end. Several late night reads of Christian romantic suspense from 3 authors you won’t be able to put down.
What a fantastic novel. I found it heart pounding and a can’t put down read. I actually finished it in one setting. Hunting Truth has just the right level of suspense to keep you on the edge of you seat but not scare you to death.
All three of these stories were amazing. It took me by surprise that they were clustered together. I didn't get it at first. I enjoy books that include dogs! Bullet was the best!
Hunting Truth is 3 books in 1!! All 3 books are page turners and full of suspense. The books were written by Mary Alford, Katy Lee and Terry Toler. All three books are hard to put down and deal with different issues. I thoroughly enjoyed this book
These three talented authors have written this terrific collection that, while the stories are each different, they bring so much joy, suspense and show faith in living. And the K-9s are each very special.
I really enjoyed the first two stories but Maddie in the 3rd book rubbed me the wrong way. She may have valid reasons but she jumped to the worse conclusions more than once and never really listened to the explanation.
At first I wasn't sure if I could read about a vet trying to kill himself but I'm so glad I did. It's a great story with edge of your seat situations, love and a big lovable dog.