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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
About the author
Bev Pettersen
32 books252 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.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 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!
April 25, 2026
I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH!!
I was SO HAPPY to have a new book in this BRILLIANTLY written series!!
I love the relationship between Nikki and her K9, Gunner, her best friend and protector. Of course I also love her and Justin together, he’s also her best friend, the man she loves and her protector (since they were kids).
The subject matter in the book made me ill to think this really happens. That anyone who stripped the heart and soul of a dog and make them a killer for hire. These are dogs they stole from families, people who loved and needed them. The horrid things they did to these dogs to flip their switch. Ugh! Makes me angry!
This investigation starts with a young girl coming to Nikki’s PI Office with her saved up babysitting money to ask her to help her veteran neighbor’s support dog, that was stolen from his own yard. Of course, Nikki and her big heart, along with her partner Gunner, took the case. It’s was quite the actioned packed, suspenseful, mystery that had some pretty surprising twists and turns.
Definitely deserves ALL the stars and HIGHLY recommended!! I look forward to the next book in the Nikki Drake K9 Mystery series!!
I was SO HAPPY to have a new book in this BRILLIANTLY written series!!
I love the relationship between Nikki and her K9, Gunner, her best friend and protector. Of course I also love her and Justin together, he’s also her best friend, the man she loves and her protector (since they were kids).
The subject matter in the book made me ill to think this really happens. That anyone who stripped the heart and soul of a dog and make them a killer for hire. These are dogs they stole from families, people who loved and needed them. The horrid things they did to these dogs to flip their switch. Ugh! Makes me angry!
This investigation starts with a young girl coming to Nikki’s PI Office with her saved up babysitting money to ask her to help her veteran neighbor’s support dog, that was stolen from his own yard. Of course, Nikki and her big heart, along with her partner Gunner, took the case. It’s was quite the actioned packed, suspenseful, mystery that had some pretty surprising twists and turns.
Definitely deserves ALL the stars and HIGHLY recommended!! I look forward to the next book in the Nikki Drake K9 Mystery series!!
April 13, 2026
Hard to put down.
A young girl hires Nikki to find a vet's service dog, Rocky. Rocky is a huge dog, just what dog thieves are looking for. They steal and then train big dogs to kill. The thieves are also not afraid to kill anyone who tries to stop them. Nikki has to track down their hiding place before they have either trained Rocky to kill or gotten rid of him if he won't kill. There were gruesome parts in this book that people might want to skim over, like I did, but it's a part of the sickening, disgusting world of dog fighting that does happen in real life. I think this is only the second book I've read by this author, but I think I'll be looking up more of her books to read in the future.
A young girl hires Nikki to find a vet's service dog, Rocky. Rocky is a huge dog, just what dog thieves are looking for. They steal and then train big dogs to kill. The thieves are also not afraid to kill anyone who tries to stop them. Nikki has to track down their hiding place before they have either trained Rocky to kill or gotten rid of him if he won't kill. There were gruesome parts in this book that people might want to skim over, like I did, but it's a part of the sickening, disgusting world of dog fighting that does happen in real life. I think this is only the second book I've read by this author, but I think I'll be looking up more of her books to read in the future.
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.
April 11, 2026
Don't let the subject matter of this book stop you from reading it. It's a well-done mystery that will leave you thinking about it a long time afterwards. Parts of it I was like awww, that touched my heart.
Well done, Ms. Pettersen.
Grab it today and enjoy!
Well done, Ms. Pettersen.
Grab it today and enjoy!
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!
April 26, 2026
OMG I love this series!!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews