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Colorado K-9 Unit #7
Uncovering Explosive Secrets
A killer wants revenge.
A K-9 team stands in his way.
FBI Agent Austin Drake is ambushed at a fall fair moments before a bomb detonates. For Austin, this is no random act—it’s a personal message, especially since the attacks mirror the work of a criminal he put away years ago. Detective Melody Rust and her K-9 partner are on the scene to help, but it quickly becomes clear this is just the beginning of a targeted assault. With a toddler son to protect, Austin must work with Melody to unmask an enemy with a lethal agenda, before everyone becomes collateral damage.
A K-9 team stands in his way.
FBI Agent Austin Drake is ambushed at a fall fair moments before a bomb detonates. For Austin, this is no random act—it’s a personal message, especially since the attacks mirror the work of a criminal he put away years ago. Detective Melody Rust and her K-9 partner are on the scene to help, but it quickly becomes clear this is just the beginning of a targeted assault. With a toddler son to protect, Austin must work with Melody to unmask an enemy with a lethal agenda, before everyone becomes collateral damage.
208 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 29, 2026
About the author
Maggie K. Black
133 books114 followersMaggie K. Black is an award-winning journalist with a thirst for adventure. She's lived in the American South, Europe and Middle East, and left a piece of her heart in each. She now makes her home in Canada, where she writes stories that make her heart race, chases her dog around the park and shares her adventures with her one true love and and their two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75 Stars ⭐️
This is the 7th book in a series set in Colorado. This storyline has Detective Melody Rust and her K-9 Partner teaming up with FBI Agent Austin Drake. It starts when Austin is at a county fair with his dad and his young son when there is an explosion. Was it on purpose and if so, was he the target?
That is how these two end up working together and it just may be related to another case where pregnant woman are being kidnapped, the murdered after the birth of the children. The two of them pretend to be a married couple looking to adopt a child with the hopes of rescuing one pregnant mother who has just been kidnapped.
The story is a quick and easy read/listen. While the narrator - Maggie Hickman - was not my particular favorite, she still delivered an enjoyable story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio | Love Inspired Suspense for the opportunity to listen to and review this ALC. This book will be out for publication on September 29, 2026.
This is the 7th book in a series set in Colorado. This storyline has Detective Melody Rust and her K-9 Partner teaming up with FBI Agent Austin Drake. It starts when Austin is at a county fair with his dad and his young son when there is an explosion. Was it on purpose and if so, was he the target?
That is how these two end up working together and it just may be related to another case where pregnant woman are being kidnapped, the murdered after the birth of the children. The two of them pretend to be a married couple looking to adopt a child with the hopes of rescuing one pregnant mother who has just been kidnapped.
The story is a quick and easy read/listen. While the narrator - Maggie Hickman - was not my particular favorite, she still delivered an enjoyable story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio | Love Inspired Suspense for the opportunity to listen to and review this ALC. This book will be out for publication on September 29, 2026.
October 7, 2026
Love these books and can't wait to read more by this author.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Christian Romantic Suspense
Written in a way that it could be read as a standalone.
Some of the characters and storyline overlaps with other books in the series written by multiple authors.
His plan is to finish this last case and retire.
She's assigned to be his partner.
Undercover agents
Missing pregnant women
Black market babies
Second chances
Written in a way that it could be read as a standalone.
Some of the characters and storyline overlaps with other books in the series written by multiple authors.
His plan is to finish this last case and retire.
She's assigned to be his partner.
Undercover agents
Missing pregnant women
Black market babies
Second chances
September 21, 2026
I've enjoyed the continuity series and Covering Explosive Secrets is a fantastic addition. FBI Agent Austin Drake wants to keep his son safe, but he's being targeted. He's going undercover with detective Melody Rust to bust the undercover illegal adoption ring. Of course, the danger is relentless and the bad guys will stop at nothing to stop them from uncovering the truth.
Maggie K Black's books are always chock full of action, suspense and complex characters. Of course, I love the explosion detective K-9, the fast paced plot, and the theme of hope woven throughout. Melody needs to heal from a broken relationship, and Austin needs to determine what is most important to him. I loved the audio book version of this story. Fantastic narrator!
I received an ebook/audiobook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own
Maggie K Black's books are always chock full of action, suspense and complex characters. Of course, I love the explosion detective K-9, the fast paced plot, and the theme of hope woven throughout. Melody needs to heal from a broken relationship, and Austin needs to determine what is most important to him. I loved the audio book version of this story. Fantastic narrator!
I received an ebook/audiobook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own
October 11, 2026
Well, Maggie K. Black has done it again! Uncovering Explosive Secrets grabbed my attention right from the beginning and refused to let go.
I love a good romantic suspense, and this one delivered everything I wanted: explosions, a killer with a personal vendetta, an investigation full of twists and turns, an undercover operation, and two people who have a whole lot more to worry about than their growing feelings for each other.
Austin and Melody were such a great pairing. Austin is an FBI agent trying to balance his dangerous career with being a single father, and I really appreciated that his concerns about protecting his son felt like a genuine part of his character rather than just another plot device. He’s dedicated to his job, but he’s also a dad who knows that every dangerous decision could affect the little boy who depends on him.
Melody was another highlight for me. She’s capable, determined, and absolutely holds her own in an investigation where the stakes couldn’t be higher. I loved seeing her work alongside Austin, and their chemistry developed in a way that felt natural despite everything happening around them.
And can we talk about the K-9 partner?! I will never get tired of a talented working dog being part of an action-packed suspense story. The bond between Melody and her K-9 added another layer to the investigation, and I loved seeing just how important that partnership was to solving the case.
The suspense was fantastic. What starts with an explosive attack quickly turns into something much bigger, with connections to past crimes, dangerous criminals, and an investigation involving missing pregnant women and an illegal baby-selling operation. There was so much happening, but I was invested in finding out how all the pieces connected. Every time I thought the characters might finally be getting somewhere, another complication came along.
I also really enjoyed the undercover aspect of the story. Having Austin and Melody pose as a couple while trying to get close to dangerous criminals added tension to an already high-stakes situation. They had to trust each other, work together, and keep their emotions in check while knowing that one wrong move could put innocent lives in danger.
What made this more than just an action-packed thriller for me was the emotional side of the story. Both characters have difficult decisions to make about their futures, their relationships, and what matters most to them. I appreciated the way the story explored the personal cost of working in law enforcement while still weaving in hope, faith, and romance.
The pacing kept me hooked, the danger felt constant, and I genuinely enjoyed watching Austin and Melody work together. I also loved how the story contributes to the larger mystery throughout the Colorado K-9 Unit series. It makes me even more eager to see how everything comes together!
If you love romantic suspense, FBI investigations, bomb-detecting K-9s, undercover operations, protective single dads, capable heroines, high-stakes rescues, and plenty of twists, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
Five stars from me! Maggie K. Black knows how to deliver an exciting suspense story with characters worth rooting for, and Uncovering Explosive Secrets was another fantastic addition to the series.
I love a good romantic suspense, and this one delivered everything I wanted: explosions, a killer with a personal vendetta, an investigation full of twists and turns, an undercover operation, and two people who have a whole lot more to worry about than their growing feelings for each other.
Austin and Melody were such a great pairing. Austin is an FBI agent trying to balance his dangerous career with being a single father, and I really appreciated that his concerns about protecting his son felt like a genuine part of his character rather than just another plot device. He’s dedicated to his job, but he’s also a dad who knows that every dangerous decision could affect the little boy who depends on him.
Melody was another highlight for me. She’s capable, determined, and absolutely holds her own in an investigation where the stakes couldn’t be higher. I loved seeing her work alongside Austin, and their chemistry developed in a way that felt natural despite everything happening around them.
And can we talk about the K-9 partner?! I will never get tired of a talented working dog being part of an action-packed suspense story. The bond between Melody and her K-9 added another layer to the investigation, and I loved seeing just how important that partnership was to solving the case.
The suspense was fantastic. What starts with an explosive attack quickly turns into something much bigger, with connections to past crimes, dangerous criminals, and an investigation involving missing pregnant women and an illegal baby-selling operation. There was so much happening, but I was invested in finding out how all the pieces connected. Every time I thought the characters might finally be getting somewhere, another complication came along.
I also really enjoyed the undercover aspect of the story. Having Austin and Melody pose as a couple while trying to get close to dangerous criminals added tension to an already high-stakes situation. They had to trust each other, work together, and keep their emotions in check while knowing that one wrong move could put innocent lives in danger.
What made this more than just an action-packed thriller for me was the emotional side of the story. Both characters have difficult decisions to make about their futures, their relationships, and what matters most to them. I appreciated the way the story explored the personal cost of working in law enforcement while still weaving in hope, faith, and romance.
The pacing kept me hooked, the danger felt constant, and I genuinely enjoyed watching Austin and Melody work together. I also loved how the story contributes to the larger mystery throughout the Colorado K-9 Unit series. It makes me even more eager to see how everything comes together!
If you love romantic suspense, FBI investigations, bomb-detecting K-9s, undercover operations, protective single dads, capable heroines, high-stakes rescues, and plenty of twists, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
Five stars from me! Maggie K. Black knows how to deliver an exciting suspense story with characters worth rooting for, and Uncovering Explosive Secrets was another fantastic addition to the series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A blockbuster, action-packed opening scene sets the tone for this exhilarating read. I enjoyed the fall setting too – the story takes place in October – and it’s always fun to have your fictional friends enjoying the same season you are!
Austin and Melody come together at the crucial time in an exhaustive investigation into a villainous baby selling ring. Only something doesn’t jive at their first explosive meeting and they soon begin to suspect that another criminal has them on his radar which complicates things no end.
The suspense unique to this 7th Colorado K-9 Unit book is full of twists and nail-biting scenarios as well as expertly woven into the series suspense plot which is rapidly coming to a grand finale in book 8 — eep, I can’t wait! As with all the books in this series, ‘Uncovering Explosive Secrets’ can be read as a standalone. Black does an excellent job of bringing new readers up to speed with the nearly year long investigation details without burdening Austin and Melody’s story in any way.
Loved the way their romance developed – hesitant, wary, both with reasons to resist their attraction. I especially appreciated Austin’s personal struggles. The author shines a light on the immense emotional toll fighting crime can take on dedicated law enforcement personnel.
I listened to the audio edition of this book and enjoyed Angie Hickman’s narration. She did a great job balancing the emotion and tension in the story. It’s amazing how much a narrator’s performance plays into creating an atmosphere that matches the author’s storytelling style.
My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.
Austin and Melody come together at the crucial time in an exhaustive investigation into a villainous baby selling ring. Only something doesn’t jive at their first explosive meeting and they soon begin to suspect that another criminal has them on his radar which complicates things no end.
The suspense unique to this 7th Colorado K-9 Unit book is full of twists and nail-biting scenarios as well as expertly woven into the series suspense plot which is rapidly coming to a grand finale in book 8 — eep, I can’t wait! As with all the books in this series, ‘Uncovering Explosive Secrets’ can be read as a standalone. Black does an excellent job of bringing new readers up to speed with the nearly year long investigation details without burdening Austin and Melody’s story in any way.
Loved the way their romance developed – hesitant, wary, both with reasons to resist their attraction. I especially appreciated Austin’s personal struggles. The author shines a light on the immense emotional toll fighting crime can take on dedicated law enforcement personnel.
I listened to the audio edition of this book and enjoyed Angie Hickman’s narration. She did a great job balancing the emotion and tension in the story. It’s amazing how much a narrator’s performance plays into creating an atmosphere that matches the author’s storytelling style.
My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
We are back in Colorado where the authorities are still trying to find out who is responsible for the disappearance of pregnant young women who are later found dead and their babies missing.
But now there seems to be more going on, or is it?
While attending a fair with his father and young son, single dad , FBI Agent Austin Drake, finds himself ambushed right before a bomb explodes. Was it an accident, or is it connected to an old case?
Meanwhile, K-9 Detective Melody Rust arrives to help and these two end up teaming up in what appears to be related to the kidnapping of pregnant mothers and Austin’s old case.
As they work together, feelings develop. But each one has made a vow to themselves. One doesn’t want her value and profession to be minimized, while the other is questioning his future in a profession that puts this single dad in danger.
This is a faith filled , action packed, suspense Christian romance that will keep the listeners on the edge of their seats. The characters are well developed and likable.
The narrator, Maggie Hickman, managed to keep the characters real and there is never a doubt as to who was speaking.
This was definitely another winner in this engaging series.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook by Netgalley, Harlequin Audio and HarperCollins.
The opinions expressed are solely my own.
But now there seems to be more going on, or is it?
While attending a fair with his father and young son, single dad , FBI Agent Austin Drake, finds himself ambushed right before a bomb explodes. Was it an accident, or is it connected to an old case?
Meanwhile, K-9 Detective Melody Rust arrives to help and these two end up teaming up in what appears to be related to the kidnapping of pregnant mothers and Austin’s old case.
As they work together, feelings develop. But each one has made a vow to themselves. One doesn’t want her value and profession to be minimized, while the other is questioning his future in a profession that puts this single dad in danger.
This is a faith filled , action packed, suspense Christian romance that will keep the listeners on the edge of their seats. The characters are well developed and likable.
The narrator, Maggie Hickman, managed to keep the characters real and there is never a doubt as to who was speaking.
This was definitely another winner in this engaging series.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook by Netgalley, Harlequin Audio and HarperCollins.
The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is part of the Colorado K-9 Unit series but can definitely be read as a standalone as well. Maggie Black does a wonderful job at creating a suspense filled story with plenty of explosive scenes.
I enjoyed the characters of Austin and Melody and felt like the author does a great job at painting the picture of the setting for this one. Her word choices made me feel like I was transported there and like I was watching a movie with all of the action.
I'm a dog lover so I also need to mention Dusty. This is a skilled K-9 who can detect bombs and is also very in tune with its handler. The focus on the importance of the close bond between a handler and her K-9 was a highlight for me in this story.
I was totally engaged in the relationship between the main characters and the storyline. It started to develop early but the romance itself was not rushed. It was perfectly paced behind the scenes of the suspense story. I also liked how realistic it was showing how being in the law enforcement profession can affect personal relationships.
I enjoyed the narrator of the audiobook. She did a good job with the pacing and the voices and did justice to the exciting story she was presenting.
I'm looking forward to reading more suspense books from Maggie Black and to reading the next book in the series.
I enjoyed the characters of Austin and Melody and felt like the author does a great job at painting the picture of the setting for this one. Her word choices made me feel like I was transported there and like I was watching a movie with all of the action.
I'm a dog lover so I also need to mention Dusty. This is a skilled K-9 who can detect bombs and is also very in tune with its handler. The focus on the importance of the close bond between a handler and her K-9 was a highlight for me in this story.
I was totally engaged in the relationship between the main characters and the storyline. It started to develop early but the romance itself was not rushed. It was perfectly paced behind the scenes of the suspense story. I also liked how realistic it was showing how being in the law enforcement profession can affect personal relationships.
I enjoyed the narrator of the audiobook. She did a good job with the pacing and the voices and did justice to the exciting story she was presenting.
I'm looking forward to reading more suspense books from Maggie Black and to reading the next book in the series.
October 2, 2026
Enjoy this fast paced addition to the Colorado K-9 Unit series!
Austin is with his father and toddler son at the Fall Fair when he spots a suspicious looking men casing the place. Then his new undercover partner Melody and her explosive detecting K-9 Dusty show up and a car drives by and tries to shoot them. When Dusty alerts to explosives in that car, they chase after it. This is just the exciting start to an action packed adventure that has gunshots and explosions in plenty! Can they find Mia before she has her baby and is killed? Will their undercover mission posing as a wealthy couple wanting to adopt a baby be successful or will they be too late? Read this to find out!
The pace is breakneck and the tone is intense with an action and character oriented storyline that has a few kisses only. The characters are vibrant and engaging. The Christian ideals are woven into the story and move it along. The overarching mystery is almost concluded. I can't wait to read the finale and then the Christmas one! Read this series in order as the mystery builds from beginning to end!
Austin is with his father and toddler son at the Fall Fair when he spots a suspicious looking men casing the place. Then his new undercover partner Melody and her explosive detecting K-9 Dusty show up and a car drives by and tries to shoot them. When Dusty alerts to explosives in that car, they chase after it. This is just the exciting start to an action packed adventure that has gunshots and explosions in plenty! Can they find Mia before she has her baby and is killed? Will their undercover mission posing as a wealthy couple wanting to adopt a baby be successful or will they be too late? Read this to find out!
The pace is breakneck and the tone is intense with an action and character oriented storyline that has a few kisses only. The characters are vibrant and engaging. The Christian ideals are woven into the story and move it along. The overarching mystery is almost concluded. I can't wait to read the finale and then the Christmas one! Read this series in order as the mystery builds from beginning to end!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An action-packed suspense, full of high stakes, strong faith, and the start of something new.
Detective Melody Rust is partnered with FBI agent Austin Drake to pose as a couple willing to broker a deal for a baby on the dark web, into order to catch human traffickers. But when a bomb goes off at a Fall Fest, with a targeted victim, they know they are in a race against time to find out who is behind the attack and save a missing girl and her baby.
A fast-paced read, with a lot going on, and great characters that you can cheer for throughout. Melody and Austin make a great team, complimenting each other's strengths, and playing their parts well. The plot is gripping and engaging, I liked that we got some major progress towards the overarching story that connects the series.
Overall, a highly entertaining read, with high action, suspense, but breathing room for humor to cut the tension. Great chemistry, likable characters and faith. Highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Detective Melody Rust is partnered with FBI agent Austin Drake to pose as a couple willing to broker a deal for a baby on the dark web, into order to catch human traffickers. But when a bomb goes off at a Fall Fest, with a targeted victim, they know they are in a race against time to find out who is behind the attack and save a missing girl and her baby.
A fast-paced read, with a lot going on, and great characters that you can cheer for throughout. Melody and Austin make a great team, complimenting each other's strengths, and playing their parts well. The plot is gripping and engaging, I liked that we got some major progress towards the overarching story that connects the series.
Overall, a highly entertaining read, with high action, suspense, but breathing room for humor to cut the tension. Great chemistry, likable characters and faith. Highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 18, 2026
Uncovering Explosive Secrets by Maggie K. Black is book #7 in the Colorado K-9 Unit series. Maggie K. Black has a great way of weaving together a read that has you hanging on every word and draws the reader in with imagery that allows the reader to feel as if you are watching the story unfold.
In this read, FBI Agent Austin Drake is ambushed at a fall fair moments before a bomb detonates and this is a personal attack on him or is it with a case he's working? Detective Melody Rust and her K-9 partner are on the scene to help, however could a killer be targeting her too? Austin and Melody must work together to stop a killer, and find a missing pregnant teen before the killer takes them out for good.
In this read, FBI Agent Austin Drake is ambushed at a fall fair moments before a bomb detonates and this is a personal attack on him or is it with a case he's working? Detective Melody Rust and her K-9 partner are on the scene to help, however could a killer be targeting her too? Austin and Melody must work together to stop a killer, and find a missing pregnant teen before the killer takes them out for good.
September 29, 2026
Explosive but so good!
Austin steals my heart from the first interaction with his son, he is a fantastic father, even if he frequently doubts himself. He is also very good at his job, but is totally burnt out, which leaves him torn between doing everything he can to find and save the missing girls, and protecting his family.
Whilst Austin steals my heart, Melody earns my respect with her no nonsense attitude, whilst keeping a calm and caring attitude with the public. Between the two of them and their K9 sidekick they rescue numerous people, saving many lives but they struggle with the race against the clock to find and rescue the one person they have all been hunting for....the missing girl that started it all.
I love this series and look forward to the final book in the series.
Austin steals my heart from the first interaction with his son, he is a fantastic father, even if he frequently doubts himself. He is also very good at his job, but is totally burnt out, which leaves him torn between doing everything he can to find and save the missing girls, and protecting his family.
Whilst Austin steals my heart, Melody earns my respect with her no nonsense attitude, whilst keeping a calm and caring attitude with the public. Between the two of them and their K9 sidekick they rescue numerous people, saving many lives but they struggle with the race against the clock to find and rescue the one person they have all been hunting for....the missing girl that started it all.
I love this series and look forward to the final book in the series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a Christian Romantic Suspense, and this is the seventh book in the Colorado K-9 Unit series. I have read several of the other books in this series before picking up this book, but I do think you can read this book as a standalone. I read this book by listening to the audiobook, and I enjoyed the audiobook. This book is fast paced action packed with a little bit of romance. I loved all the crazy twists and turns. This book is filled with drama and craziness. I enjoyed this book. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
September 30, 2026
Uncovering Explosive Secrets starts off with a bang and doesn't let go. Someone is targeting Austin. Does it have to do with his FBI agent job tracking criminals down on the dark web or does it have to do with Austin and Melody's undercover assignment posing as a married couple for the task force's case? This fast-paced read has suspense, action, explosive moments, and twists and turns. I couldn't put this down.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An explosive addition to the Colorado K-9 series! This story is full of fast paced suspense with a side of romance! The narrator did a fantastic job bringing this story to life!
I received an audio ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.
I received an audio ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.
September 30, 2026
A very enjoyable read. I would really like to peek in on this family in future books to see what they've been up to.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Uncovering Explosive Secrets by Maggie Black is book 7 in the Colorado K-9 series. Narration done by Angie Hickman …wasn’t a fan. Sometimes while switching between characters, she would still be using a robotic voice. Overall, I liked the plot and have been enjoying this series. Thank you to #NetGalley and #Harlequin Audio for this eArc. This is my honest review. Releases Sept 29,2026
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews