What do you think?
Rate this book
BITE FORCE
The dogs are trained to kill. The handlers are ghosts. And Nikki Drake just became their next target.
Private investigator Nikki Drake doesn't usually accept cases from fourteen-year-olds whose life savings come from babysitting. But the girl's desperate plea to find her neighbor's stolen service dog, the only thing keeping a traumatized veteran anchored to the world, is impossible to refuse.
The simple case turns deadly when Nikki's K9 partner Gunner uncovers evidence linking the theft to a sophisticated murder-for-hire operation. Wealthy clients pay top dollar to have "problems" eliminated by attack dogs, and the body count is rising.
Nikki infiltrates the brutal training facility where stolen dogs are tortured into killers. But when her cover is blown, she's trapped with the teen who hired her, surrounded by animals trained to tear them apart.
There’s only one way out. Fight back with a dog trained to kill.
Private investigator Nikki Drake doesn't usually accept cases from fourteen-year-olds whose life savings come from babysitting. But the girl's desperate plea to find her neighbor's stolen service dog, the only thing keeping a traumatized veteran anchored to the world, is impossible to refuse.
The simple case turns deadly when Nikki's K9 partner Gunner uncovers evidence linking the theft to a sophisticated murder-for-hire operation. Wealthy clients pay top dollar to have "problems" eliminated by attack dogs, and the body count is rising.
Nikki infiltrates the brutal training facility where stolen dogs are tortured into killers. But when her cover is blown, she's trapped with the teen who hired her, surrounded by animals trained to tear them apart.
There’s only one way out. Fight back with a dog trained to kill.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 16, 2026
18 people are currently reading
763 people want to read
About the author
Bev Pettersen
30 books251 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling Author Bev Pettersen writes K9 mystery thrillers and romantic suspense that blend pulse-pounding action with unforgettable animal characters. Her Nikki Drake K9 Mystery Series features a private investigator, her loyal German Shepherd partner, and cases that test the bonds between humans and their dogs.
After establishing herself as an award-winning romantic suspense author, Bev has found her true passion in mystery thriller writing—stories where dogs are heroes, danger is real, and justice always has teeth.
A three-time National Readers Choice Award nominee, she's won numerous honors including a Kirkus Recommended Read, HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, and Reader Views Reviewer's Choice Award.
Bev competed on the Alberta Thoroughbred race circuit and is an Equine Canada certified coach, expertise she weaves into her animal-centered thrillers. She lives in Nova Scotia with her family and their four-legged companions.
Want to know more about her next K9 mystery or receive special offers? Visit https://www.BevPettersen.com and sign up for her newsletter.
After establishing herself as an award-winning romantic suspense author, Bev has found her true passion in mystery thriller writing—stories where dogs are heroes, danger is real, and justice always has teeth.
A three-time National Readers Choice Award nominee, she's won numerous honors including a Kirkus Recommended Read, HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, and Reader Views Reviewer's Choice Award.
Bev competed on the Alberta Thoroughbred race circuit and is an Equine Canada certified coach, expertise she weaves into her animal-centered thrillers. She lives in Nova Scotia with her family and their four-legged companions.
Want to know more about her next K9 mystery or receive special offers? Visit https://www.BevPettersen.com and sign up for her newsletter.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 2, 2026
Thanks to the Author for this Goodreads Giveaway!
I rarely do reviews since I read A LOT. But this story deserves attention. The plot tore at my heart since I'm an animal lover, but I couldn't stop reading because it was so well written! I definitely want to read more of this Authors work!
I rarely do reviews since I read A LOT. But this story deserves attention. The plot tore at my heart since I'm an animal lover, but I couldn't stop reading because it was so well written! I definitely want to read more of this Authors work!
March 18, 2026
wow
This book went to a dark place beyond dog fighting. The Michael Vick dogs come to mind and how so many were able to live out their lives with loving families. Using a dog as a weapon is pure evil. Thank you for the ending you wrote.
This book went to a dark place beyond dog fighting. The Michael Vick dogs come to mind and how so many were able to live out their lives with loving families. Using a dog as a weapon is pure evil. Thank you for the ending you wrote.
March 25, 2026
Nikki and Gunner are Great! The characters and animals have so much personality.
The characters and animals have so much personality. The plot is well developed with some surprises along the way. If you like a good dog story or a good mystery, you should enjoy it.
The characters and animals have so much personality. The plot is well developed with some surprises along the way. If you like a good dog story or a good mystery, you should enjoy it.
March 26, 2026
what a shock this was
It was very difficult for me t lolo read. I was so sad when Rocky was stolen. Emma never gave up hope that Nikki would find him. I was relieved that Coco was with him. I knew some people did dog fighting but the cold facts really bothered me.
It was very difficult for me t lolo read. I was so sad when Rocky was stolen. Emma never gave up hope that Nikki would find him. I was relieved that Coco was with him. I knew some people did dog fighting but the cold facts really bothered me.
March 18, 2026
GREAT SERIES!
If you like dogs and PI's/police
stories, you will love the Nikki Drake series! All of them are excellent! I highly recommend them.
If you like dogs and PI's/police
stories, you will love the Nikki Drake series! All of them are excellent! I highly recommend them.
March 20, 2026
A very good and satisfying addition to this series
March 26, 2026
Great Story
I read this book straight through in one afternoon and evening. Another five star story from Bev.
I read it so fast, I might have to read it again!
I read this book straight through in one afternoon and evening. Another five star story from Bev.
I read it so fast, I might have to read it again!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews