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Tracking Jane #1
Shadow-7
Army canine trainer and handler Jane McMurtry served in Afghanistan with her dog Shadow until an IED blew her legs away. Now, after learning to walk again, alongside a new canine companion, Jane is tracking the scent of kidnapped children in the Colorado high country when her past, her inner turmoil, and her current case collide.
Though Jane thought she’d have to wait two more years, Shadow returns home when he himself suffers injuries. Now two dogs and one woman will struggle to redeem and get on with their lives. In this struggle, Jane partners with a police officer who will make her face the choice between self-loathing and accepting someone’s patient, unconditional love.
Though Jane thought she’d have to wait two more years, Shadow returns home when he himself suffers injuries. Now two dogs and one woman will struggle to redeem and get on with their lives. In this struggle, Jane partners with a police officer who will make her face the choice between self-loathing and accepting someone’s patient, unconditional love.
264 pages, Paperback
First published September 16, 2014
477 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
About the author
Eduardo Suastegui
24 books78 followersEduardo Suastegui has loved to daydream since he was a child. With formal education in math and science, affirmed through hands-on engineering experience in designing, building, and integrating gadgets of varying complexity, that daydreaming fed technological innovation. On the side, it also fueled artistic expression.
Of late that daydreaming has engendered stories about hackers, rogue AIs, and space travel, with more than a few stories about a dog trainer and her military K9s sprinkled in. Rumor has it he may even have a Western or two in him.
Eduardo loves to dive into fast-flowing, character-driven stories. With each of the books he reads or writes, he hopes to continue that adventure. For him, a great story is one that moves ahead, but which also moves you. More than anything, through his writing he hopes to connect with readers and so share a piece of himself with those who pick up all that daydreaming turned into written words.
Of late that daydreaming has engendered stories about hackers, rogue AIs, and space travel, with more than a few stories about a dog trainer and her military K9s sprinkled in. Rumor has it he may even have a Western or two in him.
Eduardo loves to dive into fast-flowing, character-driven stories. With each of the books he reads or writes, he hopes to continue that adventure. For him, a great story is one that moves ahead, but which also moves you. More than anything, through his writing he hopes to connect with readers and so share a piece of himself with those who pick up all that daydreaming turned into written words.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 9, 2014
Let me get the negatives out of the way first, there's really only one. The author needs a good editor. I noticed several instances of misspelled words (one on the very first page) or perhaps they were just typos, and the occasional run-on sentence. Then I deliberately quit looking for them to concentrate on the story.
Mr. Suastegui is a fine, fine storyteller. He had me at page one, and my interest never flagged. The main character, Jane McMurtry, is a returned veteran with PTSD. She's damaged both physically - both lower legs blown off by an IED - and mentally, and she knows it. On one level, the story is about her using her dog-handling skills to track and find kidnap victims, both dead and alive. More important are the companion themes of Jane's internal struggle to conquer the personal demons that accompanied her home from Afghanistan, and her relationship with her dogs as she tries to fit herself back into civilian society.
I don't usually like stories written in first person present tense, but Mr. Suastegui makes it work for me. His style is both direct and descriptive at the same time, and his handling of interior dialogue is excellent.
A final note. I don't know the author's background, but if he isn't writing from personal experience with military-trained working dogs, then he is as good a researcher as he is a writer. I'm looking forward to reading more of his work.
Mr. Suastegui is a fine, fine storyteller. He had me at page one, and my interest never flagged. The main character, Jane McMurtry, is a returned veteran with PTSD. She's damaged both physically - both lower legs blown off by an IED - and mentally, and she knows it. On one level, the story is about her using her dog-handling skills to track and find kidnap victims, both dead and alive. More important are the companion themes of Jane's internal struggle to conquer the personal demons that accompanied her home from Afghanistan, and her relationship with her dogs as she tries to fit herself back into civilian society.
I don't usually like stories written in first person present tense, but Mr. Suastegui makes it work for me. His style is both direct and descriptive at the same time, and his handling of interior dialogue is excellent.
A final note. I don't know the author's background, but if he isn't writing from personal experience with military-trained working dogs, then he is as good a researcher as he is a writer. I'm looking forward to reading more of his work.
October 21, 2014
Since I'm a compulsive editor, the many typos got in the way of my full concentration on the storyline. There's a lot to be liked here, and I already have the prequel book and will read it.
The overall idea of a physically and mentally damaged Iraq veteran dog handler is really original (to me) and I believed handled very well.
I would have given this 4 stars if not for the high number of errors. I assume Mr. Suastegui has done the cleanup this book needs. I'd hate to see him lose readers because of the editing problems.
The overall idea of a physically and mentally damaged Iraq veteran dog handler is really original (to me) and I believed handled very well.
I would have given this 4 stars if not for the high number of errors. I assume Mr. Suastegui has done the cleanup this book needs. I'd hate to see him lose readers because of the editing problems.
November 29, 2021
This is the first book in the series and my first book to read by this author. The main character, Jane is an Afghanistan survivor. She returned a double legged amputee and had to leave her k9 partner, Shadow behind. Needless to say, Jane returned to the US with many issues. She is given a k9 Shady and the two bond together as trackers. Jane gets a surprise as Shadow is returned to her. Shady and Jane are asked to seek a brother sister lost or kidnapped and taken to the mountains. Then Jane, Shady and Shadow are asked to return and more intrigue develops. Jane is a very interesting character: strong, opinionated, educated yet speaks with southern slang. The book was easy to read and keep my interest to the very end. I found it interesting that the author is a male writing about a female main character. I will read book #2
February 16, 2022
good start spoiler alert
I know this was not the first in this series if you count the intro book that I’ve not read. I started reading this episode and wondering why all the bad grammar which I found distracting and then, the protagonist turns out to be the bionic woman and so does her dog. Then she’s not remotely feminine which is ok I guess, so I figured I was going to put this book in a hole somewhere and forget it but I got caught up in the story and I’m going to read the next episode. I liked this one and hope I enjoy the next one but definitely find the grammar off putting and the protagonist rougher than she needs to be.
I know this was not the first in this series if you count the intro book that I’ve not read. I started reading this episode and wondering why all the bad grammar which I found distracting and then, the protagonist turns out to be the bionic woman and so does her dog. Then she’s not remotely feminine which is ok I guess, so I figured I was going to put this book in a hole somewhere and forget it but I got caught up in the story and I’m going to read the next episode. I liked this one and hope I enjoy the next one but definitely find the grammar off putting and the protagonist rougher than she needs to be.
May 1, 2021
Interesting story. The protagonist, a veteran whose legs were shot off, with understandable PTSD., is a grumpy woman with much care for her dogs, one also an injured survivor of war.
As I previously noted, the deliberate use of poor grammar, from a person who has a degree in English, is just annoying. Also here, as in too many books, the incorrect use of "honing in on" rather than "homing in on".
I do plan to read more of the books in this series, and just deal with my grouchy grammarian issues.
As I previously noted, the deliberate use of poor grammar, from a person who has a degree in English, is just annoying. Also here, as in too many books, the incorrect use of "honing in on" rather than "homing in on".
I do plan to read more of the books in this series, and just deal with my grouchy grammarian issues.
February 21, 2022
ok story - until the homophobia
Story was ok. I was interested enough in it to keep reading, but won’t read any more because of the homophobia in the scene right before we meet the vet. It’s phrased as “I don’t judge, but I wasn’t raised with that” and “I brought her to church”.
Seriously? It left the impression that main character believes homosexuality is a sin, and that you need church to better your soul.
People can choose whatever they like- the main character says. I choose not give my money or time to books that continue to hate on the LGBTQIA+ community.
Story was ok. I was interested enough in it to keep reading, but won’t read any more because of the homophobia in the scene right before we meet the vet. It’s phrased as “I don’t judge, but I wasn’t raised with that” and “I brought her to church”.
Seriously? It left the impression that main character believes homosexuality is a sin, and that you need church to better your soul.
People can choose whatever they like- the main character says. I choose not give my money or time to books that continue to hate on the LGBTQIA+ community.
June 2, 2023
Shadow-7
This author intrigues me, a pretty good storyteller. His style is fluid, easily read and followed. Jane is a war vet who lost both legs below the knee and sent home without her canine Shadow but given a washout, Shady, for her emotional support dog. Shady is no Shadow but seems to get some things right with SAR. She is reunited with Shadow when he's retired due to a bomb. He's better than she expected. There's a cast of characters that she deals with and she is great with her dogs at finding missing kids.
This author intrigues me, a pretty good storyteller. His style is fluid, easily read and followed. Jane is a war vet who lost both legs below the knee and sent home without her canine Shadow but given a washout, Shady, for her emotional support dog. Shady is no Shadow but seems to get some things right with SAR. She is reunited with Shadow when he's retired due to a bomb. He's better than she expected. There's a cast of characters that she deals with and she is great with her dogs at finding missing kids.
October 6, 2022
Interesting series.
The book started out slow, and I almost stopped reading it. Glad I didn't though. Characters are relatable and real. Deals with PTSD from Afghanistan, injuries and a K-9 that came home from her injuries. 2 'messed up physically and mentally" war heroes unite to get strong physically and mentally to do some good back home by helping law enforcement in locating missing people.
The book started out slow, and I almost stopped reading it. Glad I didn't though. Characters are relatable and real. Deals with PTSD from Afghanistan, injuries and a K-9 that came home from her injuries. 2 'messed up physically and mentally" war heroes unite to get strong physically and mentally to do some good back home by helping law enforcement in locating missing people.
July 9, 2017
I thought this was a great book. The books about K-9's are always interesting. There is always truth mixed with fiction. I cried several times. Very moving. Jane is reunited with Shadow a K-9 she worked with during the war. But shadow is not 100% anymore. But then neither is Jane. This is a very moving book about loss and how you try to work thru it the best way you can.
October 16, 2022
Great Read!
My first Suastegui book, but there will be many more! This book was very good. A tender story about a warrior and her k9 partners told with an intriguing plot that was hard to put down! I am going to get book 2 immediately. I appreciate the way the author keeps the focus on Jane and her amazing k9s. My only criticism is that I found 3 typos.
My first Suastegui book, but there will be many more! This book was very good. A tender story about a warrior and her k9 partners told with an intriguing plot that was hard to put down! I am going to get book 2 immediately. I appreciate the way the author keeps the focus on Jane and her amazing k9s. My only criticism is that I found 3 typos.
January 1, 2023
Great
I really liked this book. I love k-9 books anyway, but this one delt with so many things, but also had several twists to it. Looking forward to reading book 2. One negative, there were several misspelled words and repeated word's which jumps you out of the story for a bit. Just irritating.
I really liked this book. I love k-9 books anyway, but this one delt with so many things, but also had several twists to it. Looking forward to reading book 2. One negative, there were several misspelled words and repeated word's which jumps you out of the story for a bit. Just irritating.
December 5, 2019
Mysterious
Nice paced, well written book. The characters are very believable . Unfortunately the book just ends, stops almost in !is sentence. It wasn't like a cliff hanger the whole story just stopped. I will probably read more of this series as I like the story.
Nice paced, well written book. The characters are very believable . Unfortunately the book just ends, stops almost in !is sentence. It wasn't like a cliff hanger the whole story just stopped. I will probably read more of this series as I like the story.
December 5, 2019
Awesome Read‼️
I fell in love from the beginning. Can’t wait for the next read. Jane’s character is so real I feel like she’s not just in a fictional story, but she it’s her real life.
I fell in love from the beginning. Can’t wait for the next read. Jane’s character is so real I feel like she’s not just in a fictional story, but she it’s her real life.
June 22, 2021
Teaching about Veterans Struggles
Brings PTSD and Amputee to life in the Heroine. Very educational in a manner not previously experienced. Gives a depth to the acronym and the word that explanation cannot convey.
Brings PTSD and Amputee to life in the Heroine. Very educational in a manner not previously experienced. Gives a depth to the acronym and the word that explanation cannot convey.
June 29, 2021
Interesting
Shadow 7 is an injured military dog. His handler suffered from PTSD and has two prosthetic legs. She is helping law enforcement with missing children cases similar to ones in Afghanistan.
Shadow 7 is an injured military dog. His handler suffered from PTSD and has two prosthetic legs. She is helping law enforcement with missing children cases similar to ones in Afghanistan.
October 15, 2021
Whoa! What a storyline!
This one really captures you into not putting it down! Love Dan and of course Shadow! Felt horrible for Jane over the gang rape and how they set up the sites. Got to read the next book!
This one really captures you into not putting it down! Love Dan and of course Shadow! Felt horrible for Jane over the gang rape and how they set up the sites. Got to read the next book!
April 17, 2022
Shadow-7
Excellent story and characters. The characters seem so real, as they can walk off the pages. Loved Jane and Dan characters, and their work ethic. It is refreshing how honorable they are. Good book.
Excellent story and characters. The characters seem so real, as they can walk off the pages. Loved Jane and Dan characters, and their work ethic. It is refreshing how honorable they are. Good book.
June 5, 2022
Great start to a new series
I like the fast pace of this story about Jane and her two dogs. I look forward to my binge read of this series. Will be looking into Eduardo Shady echo other stories also.
I like the fast pace of this story about Jane and her two dogs. I look forward to my binge read of this series. Will be looking into Eduardo Shady echo other stories also.
November 26, 2022
Interesting read but I found myself re- reading parts to try and figure out what was happening. The story just abruptly ends leaving so many unanswered questions so now onto book 2 to hopefully get some clarity and answers.
March 5, 2025
Love war dogs and their handlers? I believe you will love this series!
Someone is killing kids! Mainly boys! She and her two dogs are in! Secrets abound! She works with a police officer! Enjoy this story!
Someone is killing kids! Mainly boys! She and her two dogs are in! Secrets abound! She works with a police officer! Enjoy this story!
May 20, 2018
good story, I think it continues in the next book, she has 2 military provided legs and is a tracker with her dogs. if you like suspense and mysteries you will like the book.'
June 10, 2018
Good
this book is one brings many questions about how much do we know and how much of this book is fiction.
this book is one brings many questions about how much do we know and how much of this book is fiction.
March 16, 2021
Wonderful read.
June 18, 2021
Jane's intentional use of poor grammar is more than I can take!
July 19, 2021
Disturbing
After returning from Afghanistan minus her two legs and k9 partner, Jane has to learn to live with her new normal.
After returning from Afghanistan minus her two legs and k9 partner, Jane has to learn to live with her new normal.
August 16, 2021
Suspense..dog partner story
Very well written. Kept my attention and look forward to the next book in this series. Would recommend to mystery readers.
Very well written. Kept my attention and look forward to the next book in this series. Would recommend to mystery readers.
February 14, 2022
Awesome!
This book will draw you into Jane's world.. Its very emotional and you will actually feel her pain. I really liked the story and look forward to reading more.
This book will draw you into Jane's world.. Its very emotional and you will actually feel her pain. I really liked the story and look forward to reading more.
February 16, 2023
Great story!
I am surprised at how much I enjoyed this as I have tried to read some dog training books to much disappointment. But this book, not so, really enjoyed it!
I am surprised at how much I enjoyed this as I have tried to read some dog training books to much disappointment. But this book, not so, really enjoyed it!
March 18, 2022
I had problems with all the editing errors. The characters are different and the story needs fleshing out in places, but I finished it.
July 21, 2019
Jane is reunited with Shadow, the dog she trained during the war. Both have injuries, both emotional and physical. Can Shadow regain his tracking skills even though his vision is impaired?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews