Bite Back

by George Prior

Genres: Amazon, Mystery

408 pages, Paperback

Published June 19, 2026

About the author

Armed with an invaluable degree in English literature, a long study of the world's cheapest hotels, the chronic maladies typically resulting from extreme sports, and an interesting career in Hollywood, George Prior writes about contemporary crime and the Los Angeles Police Department.

The author of the Casey Stafford Series and forthcoming standalones, Prior lives in Los Angeles with some very morally questionable family members. He enjoys reading and writing, espresso and Thai food, wing foiling and snowboarding--because, hey, without the literature, and family, and sports, and caffeine, what remains becomes as ephemeral and useless as a ghost.

Reviews

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bite Back is an excellent, fast-paced thriller, written with humor even when the story couldn't be any darker. A journalist is found stabbed to death and Casey is asked to be the lead investigator to the case. There'll be plenty of resources as the Police wants to keep a good relationship with the midia and the team will work relentlessly to find the culprit. They'll also reveal a ring of dog fighting linking the US and Mexico and all the cruelty involving the animals. Casey will be at his best, will wear his exquisite tailored suits and will find out he likes to have a dog.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Deborah Chavez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite the fun series about an LA detective. Each story has its own focus; each one engaging for the reader. Hoping for a fourth novel in the series.

[Ganesh Subramanian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bite Back is a gripping and well-written crime thriller that keeps the readers engrossed from beginning to end. The investigation moves at a steady pace and reveals a shocking world of illegal dog fighting and organised crime. Casey Stafford is a detective who works systematically and whose intelligence and determination make him easy to identify with.
The author deals with the subject of illegal dog fighting with humour, creating a story that never feels too heavy. The police procedures add realism without slowing the action, and the plot is full of surprises that keep the pages turning. Though the story includes some upsetting scenes involving animals, they are handled in a subtle way that should reassure most dog lovers.
Fans of crime fiction and police procedurals will find this an exciting and rewarding read. It is an excellent addition to the Casey Stafford series and leaves readers eager for the next instalment.
Suggested Titles
Thank you, Booksirens, for sharing an advance copy of the book for review.

[Teresa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure how I was going to like Bite Back because I am a HUGE dog fan, and I knew I'd lose my cool if any of the dogs were killed. So, rest assured, other dog fans. There are a few scenes that may get your dander up, but it'll be ok. Hang in there. Having read 78 Degrees and Bloody, the first book in the Casey Stafford series, I was even more encouraged to read Bite Back, and I'm very glad I did. The story is gritty, multifaceted, realistic, and full of tense, suspenseful moments; all the things that keep us crime fans turning the pages. I will be going back to read Book 2 in the series, Dead Safe, and waiting impatiently for Book 4. If you enjoy crime thrillers and police procedurals, check out this series. I don't think you will be disappointed.

I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens, and this review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.

[Katrina Freckleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bite Back is aptly named, giving us multiple views involving many crime facets including animal cruelty, murder, gangs etc but I especially enjoyed the view of Gray. There was a deep and many layered dive into the world of dog fighting, while hinting at cruelty I was glad that the author did not graphically describe what could be terrible circumstances. The author showed us, that at any level, the love of animals can be rewarding.

The detectives were relatable and I enjoyed reading about their interactions but found that towards the end, while I understand part of the story, the ending scenario detracted from the connection with the main characters. Never the less, enjoyed overall.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jackie Martello · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking forward to the release of the book since last year, and it exceeded expectations.
Another absolutely incredible book from George Prior! This is the best series going in the genre right now, and the best book I read so far this year (78 degrees and Bloody was the best book I read last year). Vivid and likable protagonists, menacing and realistic villains, and a brilliant and compelling heart wrenching story that was so thrilling and suspenseful that it felt like my hair was on fire at the end! I read the whole book on Father’s Day, and irritated my whole family because I couldn’t put it down to go eat dinner. I don’t have enough superlatives- just read the book!

[Texas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Casey Stafford Novels:
BITE BACK, #3 - Every book of this series has been interesting and entertaining. This story took a little bit to get rolling after the introductions, but did well in picking up and running. A variety of interesting and some likeable characters, along with plenty of action. Rather dark material but there are good bits that come out of it. Yay, Gray! Source: NetGalley and BooksGoSocial. 4*

78 DEGREES AND BLOODY, #1 - Interesting. Intriguing. Intense. Humorous. A good variety of characters. Good story lines. Fast paced. Plenty of twists. Tons of pages that just flew by but still required two days to finish. Source: BookSirens; My Kindle library. 5*

DEAD SAFE, #2 - Man, this book is a trip. Another Prior worth reading. See the review for 78 Degrees, it applies to this book, too. I think the writing improved, if that's possible. Source: BookSirens; My Kindle library. 5*

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Just when I didn’t think this series could get any better…I was so wrong. This one was a nail biter right from the start. Absolutely loved it. Looking forward to many more in the series.

[Jackie Simons]

Read 8/26

[Gregory L Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it!