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Reed & Billie Mysteries #2
The Good Son
Six months have passed since the first murder investigation Detective Reed Mattox and his K-9 partner worked together, finding them in the throes of a steamy Midwestern summer, dealing with the usual increase in low-level crime that the hottest months tend to bring, when something unexpected happens.
A body is found, and then another, and soon Reed and Billie are on the trail of a potential serial killer whose only pattern for his crimes seems to be no pattern at all.
Battling against the heat and the clock, the K-9 team must sort through the crimes to identify a common thread that ties them all together. If they can, they may be able to stop the murders.
If they can’t, there’s no telling how many more people will become victims before the dog days of summer end…
A body is found, and then another, and soon Reed and Billie are on the trail of a potential serial killer whose only pattern for his crimes seems to be no pattern at all.
Battling against the heat and the clock, the K-9 team must sort through the crimes to identify a common thread that ties them all together. If they can, they may be able to stop the murders.
If they can’t, there’s no telling how many more people will become victims before the dog days of summer end…
274 pages, ebook
First published April 12, 2016
5719 people are currently reading
634 people want to read
About the author
Dustin Stevens
84 books312 followersI originally hail from the midwest, growing up in the heart of farm country, and still consider it, along with West Tennessee, my co-home. Between the two, I have a firm belief that football is the greatest of all past-times, sweet tea is really the only acceptable beverage for any occasion, there is not an event on earth that either gym shorts or boots can't be worn to, and that Dairy Queen is the best restaurant on the planet. Further, southern accents are a highly likeable feature on most everybody, English bulldogs sit atop the critter hierarchy, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with a Saturday night spent catfishing at the lake.
Since leaving the midwest I've been to college in New England, grad school in the Rockies, and lived in over a dozen different cities ranging from DC to Honolulu along the way. Each and every one of these experiences has shaped who I am at this point, a fact I hope is expressed in my writing. I have developed enormous affinity for locales and people of every size and shape, and even if I never figure out a way to properly convey them on paper, I am very much grateful for their presence in my life.
To sum it up, I asked a very good friend recently how they would describe me for something like this. Their response: "Plagued by realism and trained by experiences/education to be a pessimist, you somehow remain above all else an active dreamer." While I can't say those are the exact words I would choose, I can't say they're wrong. I travel, live in different places, try new foods, meet all kinds of different people, and above all else stay curious to a fault.
Here's hoping it continues to provide us all with some pretty good stories...
Since leaving the midwest I've been to college in New England, grad school in the Rockies, and lived in over a dozen different cities ranging from DC to Honolulu along the way. Each and every one of these experiences has shaped who I am at this point, a fact I hope is expressed in my writing. I have developed enormous affinity for locales and people of every size and shape, and even if I never figure out a way to properly convey them on paper, I am very much grateful for their presence in my life.
To sum it up, I asked a very good friend recently how they would describe me for something like this. Their response: "Plagued by realism and trained by experiences/education to be a pessimist, you somehow remain above all else an active dreamer." While I can't say those are the exact words I would choose, I can't say they're wrong. I travel, live in different places, try new foods, meet all kinds of different people, and above all else stay curious to a fault.
Here's hoping it continues to provide us all with some pretty good stories...
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April 27, 2024
2.5-Stars ^ 3.0-Stars ... "I Liked It, but not a lot"
When the first book in a series was appealing, as well as being an Audible freebie, I looked forward in anticipation to book 2. When book 2 was somewhat disappointing and I purchased it with an Audible credit, I find it difficult to express much enthusiasm about the result.
My late GR friend Pat, in her 2017 review, summed up my thoughts about The Good Son: "While I really enjoyed the first book, The Boat Man, I found this to be quite slow and a bit plodding."..."I'll try the next book for sure but it better be better!"
The narration was OK, save for some mis-pronounciations - see the comment below in my Reading Activity @34%. There are twelve books in the "Reed & Billie" series and if I decide to purchase/acquire any of the remaining ten, my nebulous apathy towards Scott R Smith's narration will be a deciding factor.
The narrator of #1, The Boatman, was Charles Constant and his narration was very good. His replacement, Scott R Smith was a disappointment.
Dustin Stevens - Reed & Billie #2 - The Good Son
(Scott R Smith, 07.17 hrs) 2017 [Audible Direct] 2024
From my Reading Activity:
March 17, 2024 @34%: I'm not quite as interested as I was when listening to #1, The Boatman, at about the same stage. Patience might be a virtue, but hearing the narrator pronounce "similarities" as "sim-u-larities", three times in succession, was aurally quite grating!🙄"
March 19, 2024 @42%: "No comment - *yawn*"
March 29, 2024 @77%: "I should have finished this audiobook days ago, but the story has lacked the inspiration for me to do so. Only two hours to go, maybe I can knock it off tonight😇!"
April 24, 2024 @99%: "Today, 24 April, '24, I returned from my three weeks "health hiatus" during which I was disinclined to hear or read anything. I have finished this book today. My rating and review willarrive be done shortly."
When the first book in a series was appealing, as well as being an Audible freebie, I looked forward in anticipation to book 2. When book 2 was somewhat disappointing and I purchased it with an Audible credit, I find it difficult to express much enthusiasm about the result.
My late GR friend Pat, in her 2017 review, summed up my thoughts about The Good Son: "While I really enjoyed the first book, The Boat Man, I found this to be quite slow and a bit plodding."..."I'll try the next book for sure but it better be better!"
The narration was OK, save for some mis-pronounciations - see the comment below in my Reading Activity @34%. There are twelve books in the "Reed & Billie" series and if I decide to purchase/acquire any of the remaining ten, my nebulous apathy towards Scott R Smith's narration will be a deciding factor.
The narrator of #1, The Boatman, was Charles Constant and his narration was very good. His replacement, Scott R Smith was a disappointment.
Dustin Stevens - Reed & Billie #2 - The Good Son
(Scott R Smith, 07.17 hrs) 2017 [Audible Direct] 2024
From my Reading Activity:
March 17, 2024 @34%: I'm not quite as interested as I was when listening to #1, The Boatman, at about the same stage. Patience might be a virtue, but hearing the narrator pronounce "similarities" as "sim-u-larities", three times in succession, was aurally quite grating!🙄"
March 19, 2024 @42%: "No comment - *yawn*"
March 29, 2024 @77%: "I should have finished this audiobook days ago, but the story has lacked the inspiration for me to do so. Only two hours to go, maybe I can knock it off tonight😇!"
April 24, 2024 @99%: "Today, 24 April, '24, I returned from my three weeks "health hiatus" during which I was disinclined to hear or read anything. I have finished this book today. My rating and review will
November 5, 2017
This was the second outing for Detective Reed Mattox and his canine partner, Billie. While I really enjoyed the first book, The Boat Man, I found this to be quite slow and a bit plodding.
The plot was good. People dying, some in good health and others on the brink of death already, with no discernible pattern have the police stumped. Then Mattox notices a crucial clue that brings it all together. Can he Billie catch the perp before more people die? The perp was an unusual choice which I liked. He was not your usual crazed/evil serial killer but driven by a more altruistic motive. So the story itself was different and interesting. I just felt it lacked drama. The delivery was a bit flat and I couldn't get all that excited about it. I'll try the next book for sure but it better be better!
The plot was good. People dying, some in good health and others on the brink of death already, with no discernible pattern have the police stumped. Then Mattox notices a crucial clue that brings it all together. Can he Billie catch the perp before more people die? The perp was an unusual choice which I liked. He was not your usual crazed/evil serial killer but driven by a more altruistic motive. So the story itself was different and interesting. I just felt it lacked drama. The delivery was a bit flat and I couldn't get all that excited about it. I'll try the next book for sure but it better be better!
April 17, 2019
Enjoyable and engaging
Police drama with twists in the murder that kept me reading. I love the 🐶 dog. Clean and well written, without incongruities. My 1st for author but I’ll read more of this series.
Police drama with twists in the murder that kept me reading. I love the 🐶 dog. Clean and well written, without incongruities. My 1st for author but I’ll read more of this series.
January 8, 2026
This book is about sweat. Oh sorry, I mean, this book about a detective and his dog was boring. Reed doesn’t have a personality, the dog doesn’t have a personality, no one has a personality. But don’t worry, you’ll always know whether the dog is on a short lead or not, and who is sweating and when.
May 28, 2016
The Good Son by Dustin Stevens
Detective Reed and his K-9 partner, Billie take on the case of all cases, murdered individuals whose death makes no sense, because the autopsies indicated that in spite of being in good health, one supposedly was having a heart attack and the actual COD was suffocation, while the other was similar, an apparent suicide was reported as a domestic. Hang on, the cases keep coming, all strangers, None making sense, until one dies from a broken neck, but his liver is totally gone. How that info leads Reed to concluding that organ donors are being targeted, you'll have to read and follow Stevens' reasoning behind his writings to see where it ends. Thanks for another great read.
Detective Reed and his K-9 partner, Billie take on the case of all cases, murdered individuals whose death makes no sense, because the autopsies indicated that in spite of being in good health, one supposedly was having a heart attack and the actual COD was suffocation, while the other was similar, an apparent suicide was reported as a domestic. Hang on, the cases keep coming, all strangers, None making sense, until one dies from a broken neck, but his liver is totally gone. How that info leads Reed to concluding that organ donors are being targeted, you'll have to read and follow Stevens' reasoning behind his writings to see where it ends. Thanks for another great read.
July 16, 2017
Another very well written, exciting thriller!
I can't express how much I've enjoyed this second Reed & Billie novel. Stevens' style is so good. Seems low key but so pulls you into his story. Please let there be a book 3 and many more. One of the most enjoyable aspects of this book is the relationship between Reed & his dog Billie. I don't have a dog, but have many friends who do. He provides an insight into how they communicate with each other that seems real. I am looking forward to reading every book by Stevens that I can find & only wish I could find the words to describe his writing style. The very best ever!
I can't express how much I've enjoyed this second Reed & Billie novel. Stevens' style is so good. Seems low key but so pulls you into his story. Please let there be a book 3 and many more. One of the most enjoyable aspects of this book is the relationship between Reed & his dog Billie. I don't have a dog, but have many friends who do. He provides an insight into how they communicate with each other that seems real. I am looking forward to reading every book by Stevens that I can find & only wish I could find the words to describe his writing style. The very best ever!
April 30, 2019
Well, I really liked the idea of a dog being a partner in investigations, but this book just turned into a bore and I could not get through it. Too much time was spent describing what he had to do to accommodate the dog's needs, such as chaining him in the shade instead of leaving him in the car while going to an interview. Then...the dog turns out to have zero personality and is of practically no use as a partner. The investigation was too slow and I just, in the end, had to abandon the book, something I rarely do once I've invested hours in it.
Read
December 12, 2018I've really enjoyed reading about Detective Reed and his partner Billie. The story moves right along. I found myself a good new author.
April 19, 2019
A new original storyline, really good. Enjoying the Reed and Billie series. They work well together.
This was well written and again, an original storyline - love when the author can give you a new different murder mystery.
Will be reading more in this series!
This was well written and again, an original storyline - love when the author can give you a new different murder mystery.
Will be reading more in this series!
February 24, 2019
I love Reed and Billie and The Good Son was a great thriller I can't wait to read more.
August 11, 2019
Love reading this author. The Who done it factor is fun!
June 13, 2020
I've enjoyed two of Stevens' Reed & Billie books. They are slow to get started but interesting enough to keep me going and of course they get very exciting toward the end. Being a huge animal lover, I would like to read more about Billie's personality. Right now, she seems sort of like a robot, but I really enjoy the book overall.
June 19, 2023
This second installment picks up about six months after the end of the first installment. For most of the story, the relationship between Reed and Billie doesn’t seem all that different than the first installment. This was an issue I had with the previous installment. I like doggie detective duos where the partnership is really strong and the K9 partner is an integral part of the story. Billie is basically nothing more than an accessory that Reed must feed and water and make sure she doesn’t get overheated. It isn’t until the end that Stevens actually put her to work.
The book summary is pretty vague as well as misleading. I don’t know about anyone else, but crappy book summaries are a bit of a pet peeve of mine. So many readers depend on book summaries before making a decision on whether or not to read a book. While I am well aware that authors have no control over GR book summaries, I would think that publishers do because GR pulls these book summaries off the publisher’s websites. Publishers need to make sure that their book summaries are correct. Then again, what do I know. I’m not a publisher; I’m just an avid reader.
Anyway, the story does not begin with the discovery of a “body part” but rather a whole dead body. The story flips back and forth between Reed and the killer, The Good Son, a local hardware store employee and primary caregiver for an abusive mother. As the murders continue, it’s not a coincidence that all the victims are mothers, and good mothers according to their children. The Good Son appears to be targeting good mothers, until he doesn’t.
Somewhere, around the halfway point, I had to set the book aside to read something else. I do that sometimes when I am struggling with maintaining my interest in a book, but only if I really want to finish the book. If I flat out don’t like the story, I’ll just DNF it. However, I really wanted to like this story/series, so I took a break. A few days later, I picked it back up, and well into the second half, around the 70% mark, the story along with Reed’s investigation finally started to get more interesting. The best part about this story was the end, where Billie took down the killer. She kind of reminded me of Spencer Quinn’s Chet from his Chet & Bernie series, where the investigation is solved with Chet taking down the perp.
For me, most of this story was pretty much a 2-2.5star read. However, the ending was this installment’s saving grace, hence, the 3star rating. For me, a great ending can be the difference between a 2star and a 3star rating. I’m debating about whether I will continue with this series; both installments were 3star reads. There are just way too many great series on my to-read list just waiting to be read for me to spend my precious free time reading mediocre series.
The book summary is pretty vague as well as misleading. I don’t know about anyone else, but crappy book summaries are a bit of a pet peeve of mine. So many readers depend on book summaries before making a decision on whether or not to read a book. While I am well aware that authors have no control over GR book summaries, I would think that publishers do because GR pulls these book summaries off the publisher’s websites. Publishers need to make sure that their book summaries are correct. Then again, what do I know. I’m not a publisher; I’m just an avid reader.
Anyway, the story does not begin with the discovery of a “body part” but rather a whole dead body. The story flips back and forth between Reed and the killer, The Good Son, a local hardware store employee and primary caregiver for an abusive mother. As the murders continue, it’s not a coincidence that all the victims are mothers, and good mothers according to their children. The Good Son appears to be targeting good mothers, until he doesn’t.
Somewhere, around the halfway point, I had to set the book aside to read something else. I do that sometimes when I am struggling with maintaining my interest in a book, but only if I really want to finish the book. If I flat out don’t like the story, I’ll just DNF it. However, I really wanted to like this story/series, so I took a break. A few days later, I picked it back up, and well into the second half, around the 70% mark, the story along with Reed’s investigation finally started to get more interesting. The best part about this story was the end, where Billie took down the killer. She kind of reminded me of Spencer Quinn’s Chet from his Chet & Bernie series, where the investigation is solved with Chet taking down the perp.
For me, most of this story was pretty much a 2-2.5star read. However, the ending was this installment’s saving grace, hence, the 3star rating. For me, a great ending can be the difference between a 2star and a 3star rating. I’m debating about whether I will continue with this series; both installments were 3star reads. There are just way too many great series on my to-read list just waiting to be read for me to spend my precious free time reading mediocre series.
February 11, 2017
THE GOOD SON
Another great book. I'm enjoying this series so far and looking forward to next book. Please keep them coming. Love Billie!
Another great book. I'm enjoying this series so far and looking forward to next book. Please keep them coming. Love Billie!
February 16, 2018
Second Detective Reed Mattox and Billie leaves wanting M O R E!
this late at night and will be short. The development of the main character (detective Reed Mattox) and his evolving relationship with his partner (Billie a military trained Belgian Mullois, a wolf like dog). Excellent study in the ability of dogs and humans working together and the way dogs are drawn to humans and become loyal to a master. Also this second book shows a change in the way Mattox and Billie move from working together to being partners. The plot developers a little slower than the first book but still delivers a powerfully thundering end. Like Dustin Stevens writing craft. I want more.
this late at night and will be short. The development of the main character (detective Reed Mattox) and his evolving relationship with his partner (Billie a military trained Belgian Mullois, a wolf like dog). Excellent study in the ability of dogs and humans working together and the way dogs are drawn to humans and become loyal to a master. Also this second book shows a change in the way Mattox and Billie move from working together to being partners. The plot developers a little slower than the first book but still delivers a powerfully thundering end. Like Dustin Stevens writing craft. I want more.
April 18, 2016
Excellent story.
Read many books written by this author, every one touched my heart. Reed character and his partner Billie doing their job. But don't like the Billie's diet. In this story mother is diagnosed with Hepatitis C, son is trying to get her the kidney she needs. That makes him the Good Son? Small police department in Ohio, trying to figure out why all these killings and who is responsible.
Read many books written by this author, every one touched my heart. Reed character and his partner Billie doing their job. But don't like the Billie's diet. In this story mother is diagnosed with Hepatitis C, son is trying to get her the kidney she needs. That makes him the Good Son? Small police department in Ohio, trying to figure out why all these killings and who is responsible.
August 25, 2018
Twisted love crimes
Dustin Stevens continues to enchant readers with his breakneck speed thrillers. This novel about detective Reed Mattox and his partner Billie, a retired Marine bomb sniffing dog are on the trail of a serial killer with no distinct M O. The deaths, random at first look, appear to be centered around a nearby hospital. Could it be medical? And why? What did the victims have in common, anything? Follow Reed and Billie as they chase clues.
Dustin Stevens continues to enchant readers with his breakneck speed thrillers. This novel about detective Reed Mattox and his partner Billie, a retired Marine bomb sniffing dog are on the trail of a serial killer with no distinct M O. The deaths, random at first look, appear to be centered around a nearby hospital. Could it be medical? And why? What did the victims have in common, anything? Follow Reed and Billie as they chase clues.
November 23, 2016
The good son
As with the others of Stevens that I've read, the story was well told and continually on the move with logical transitions as the need came. Unique reason for the crimes was revealed over time as he kept me with him. Look forward to others in the future.
As with the others of Stevens that I've read, the story was well told and continually on the move with logical transitions as the need came. Unique reason for the crimes was revealed over time as he kept me with him. Look forward to others in the future.
December 17, 2016
Good guys overcome
Another good read from Stevens. Thoroughly enjoyed this tale. Billie makes the right fit for a partner. Hope you enjoy.
Another good read from Stevens. Thoroughly enjoyed this tale. Billie makes the right fit for a partner. Hope you enjoy.
July 17, 2020
Loved this taught, action packed police procedural.
This is the second book in the series about Reed, a detective for the Columbus Police Department and Billie, his K9 Detective partner. The story stands alone but book one does contain some good background info on each character and how they ended up together, working how they work.
This story is a unique one. A quick series of seemingly unrelated murders in a particular area of Columbus. If you enjoy the investigative part of books like this you’ll really enjoy The Good Son. The work Reed and Billie do to ultimately zero in on the connections, the motive and the suspect is great. The author does a great job of dropping clues so the reader can play along. I figured out the motivation pretty quickly thanks to them but there were a couple I kicked myself for missing.
Another unique aspect of the book is that I kind of felt a bit of sympathy for the killer. The author does some interesting character development for him too. He knows what he is doing is wrong. He feels awful about it but feels like he has no choice. And once again horrible parenting rears it’s ugly head!
The secondary characters, most of whom we met in book one, play significant roles in advancing the story arc which moves at a great pace.
I am really enjoying the detective and his four legged partner. This is a series I will definitely stay invested in.
This is the second book in the series about Reed, a detective for the Columbus Police Department and Billie, his K9 Detective partner. The story stands alone but book one does contain some good background info on each character and how they ended up together, working how they work.
This story is a unique one. A quick series of seemingly unrelated murders in a particular area of Columbus. If you enjoy the investigative part of books like this you’ll really enjoy The Good Son. The work Reed and Billie do to ultimately zero in on the connections, the motive and the suspect is great. The author does a great job of dropping clues so the reader can play along. I figured out the motivation pretty quickly thanks to them but there were a couple I kicked myself for missing.
Another unique aspect of the book is that I kind of felt a bit of sympathy for the killer. The author does some interesting character development for him too. He knows what he is doing is wrong. He feels awful about it but feels like he has no choice. And once again horrible parenting rears it’s ugly head!
The secondary characters, most of whom we met in book one, play significant roles in advancing the story arc which moves at a great pace.
I am really enjoying the detective and his four legged partner. This is a series I will definitely stay invested in.
March 7, 2022
The Good Son prologue takes us back to a time before The Boat Man, book one in the series, took place, to a time when Riley Poole, Reed’s human partner, was still alive. Before she was murdered in cold blood during a routine traffic stop. Before they partnered Reed with Billie, a K-9. By the time we reach chapter one, Riley is dead and Billie is Reed Maddox’s new partner. I have to confess that it threw me for a minute.
One of the first things that caught my attention about Dustin’s style is not just the lack of gratuitous vulgarity, but the way the book title becomes a defining character trait and the term used as a name for the antagonist. Well, at least he has used this approach in The Boat Man, and The Good Son, the first two books in the series. The two that I have read so far. It works well too because these stories are told through the eyes of two POV characters, Reed Mattox and the antagonist.
It isn’t until the end of chapter 17 that we get a glimpse of who “The Good Son” is and get an idea of what he’s trying to do with all the killing. The suspense for the reader continues to build at a whirling dirvish pace as the bodies continue to pile up. In chapter 25, we find out who is the driving force behind “The Good Son’s” murder rampage. By the end of chapter 39, I had figured out what “The Good Son” was trying to accomplish by his murderous actions. The ending.... No, I’m not telling you. Go read the book!!!
One of the first things that caught my attention about Dustin’s style is not just the lack of gratuitous vulgarity, but the way the book title becomes a defining character trait and the term used as a name for the antagonist. Well, at least he has used this approach in The Boat Man, and The Good Son, the first two books in the series. The two that I have read so far. It works well too because these stories are told through the eyes of two POV characters, Reed Mattox and the antagonist.
It isn’t until the end of chapter 17 that we get a glimpse of who “The Good Son” is and get an idea of what he’s trying to do with all the killing. The suspense for the reader continues to build at a whirling dirvish pace as the bodies continue to pile up. In chapter 25, we find out who is the driving force behind “The Good Son’s” murder rampage. By the end of chapter 39, I had figured out what “The Good Son” was trying to accomplish by his murderous actions. The ending.... No, I’m not telling you. Go read the book!!!
October 9, 2023
Finally Getting a Feel for the Characters
I'm not sure why it seems like the character development in this series is a little slow. Basically, a series about a cop and his/her K-9 is catnip for me. I tend to binge on them like they're candy at Halloween. I like the characters here, but the main characters seem hooded- enigmatic. I suspect that's intentional on the author's part since the main characters are damaged by their pasts and are, indeed, very secretive and shadowy. So I should probably quit whining and enjoy it.
As this is the second book in the series, it seems the readers are just starting to get a feel for who both Reed and Billie really are (although the dog is much more open than the detective). I enjoyed this book. The storyline is creepily good and the pacing is great. It was definitely a chilling read, almost more of a psychological thriller this time than a suspense read. But the antagonist is definitely someone you don't want to live next door to. I'm still in for the full series.
I'm not sure why it seems like the character development in this series is a little slow. Basically, a series about a cop and his/her K-9 is catnip for me. I tend to binge on them like they're candy at Halloween. I like the characters here, but the main characters seem hooded- enigmatic. I suspect that's intentional on the author's part since the main characters are damaged by their pasts and are, indeed, very secretive and shadowy. So I should probably quit whining and enjoy it.
As this is the second book in the series, it seems the readers are just starting to get a feel for who both Reed and Billie really are (although the dog is much more open than the detective). I enjoyed this book. The storyline is creepily good and the pacing is great. It was definitely a chilling read, almost more of a psychological thriller this time than a suspense read. But the antagonist is definitely someone you don't want to live next door to. I'm still in for the full series.
September 8, 2018
Banality of evil
There are two people in this book, both women, who personify the malignancy of narcissism and pure evil. I did not like these people. They did not commit the crimes, but their behavior and greedy narcissistic belief that their desires are of utter importance and the lives they destroy are nothing more than minor impediments, to be removed expeditiously. No thought is given to them at all. As much as I disliked the murderer, I also deeply pitied him. He was victimized and exploited by a monster his entire life. I did not want to spend time with these people but I couldn't put the book down, either. Well done, Mr Stevens. Narcissistic personality disorders are insidious and wreak havoc in their wake... and they do not notice or care, so long as their desires are met. Unfortunately, we have a POTUS like that.
There are two people in this book, both women, who personify the malignancy of narcissism and pure evil. I did not like these people. They did not commit the crimes, but their behavior and greedy narcissistic belief that their desires are of utter importance and the lives they destroy are nothing more than minor impediments, to be removed expeditiously. No thought is given to them at all. As much as I disliked the murderer, I also deeply pitied him. He was victimized and exploited by a monster his entire life. I did not want to spend time with these people but I couldn't put the book down, either. Well done, Mr Stevens. Narcissistic personality disorders are insidious and wreak havoc in their wake... and they do not notice or care, so long as their desires are met. Unfortunately, we have a POTUS like that.
January 15, 2021
I don't often write a negative review but I didn't enjoy this book. I like books about dogs and police procedural books are one of my favorite genres. Since this has both, I expected to like it. I read the first in the series and, although it wasn't great, I thought I'd give the author a second chance. In my opinion the main characters never developed. I didn't learn anything new about either of them. They both seemed very wooden and I got no sense that they ever bonded. Billie seemed like an afterthought and never felt central to the plot.
The last straw was the incessant subject of the weather. There was hardly a paragraph that didn't have the word heat, sweat, humidity, hot sunshine, presperation, panting, or other reference to the weather! Once I started paying attention to the repetitiveness, i was so distracted I didn't enjoy the book.
The last straw was the incessant subject of the weather. There was hardly a paragraph that didn't have the word heat, sweat, humidity, hot sunshine, presperation, panting, or other reference to the weather! Once I started paying attention to the repetitiveness, i was so distracted I didn't enjoy the book.
January 16, 2018
I really liked the book when it was about the storyline or character development. It seemed that over half the book was talking about how hot it was and the sweat that the characters were generating. No this is not a spoiler because it had nothing to do with the storyline.
The concepts is a good one and the use of canine and the love of animals keeps me coming back to the book series and probably will at least one more time. I am glad to see the author is going to go and tag along with a K-9 unit. Having been in and retired from law enforcement I think some further experience would be helpful.
I love the writing and development but this book caught me at times wishing I was reading something that moved along a little quicker.
The concepts is a good one and the use of canine and the love of animals keeps me coming back to the book series and probably will at least one more time. I am glad to see the author is going to go and tag along with a K-9 unit. Having been in and retired from law enforcement I think some further experience would be helpful.
I love the writing and development but this book caught me at times wishing I was reading something that moved along a little quicker.
January 3, 2020
Glorious story of a cop & his canine partner!
It’s a genuinely good story of an officer with good morals torn after losing his female partner/bestie and deciding to continue the job in a new location by accepting a canine partner. The dynamics of the dog and him learning one another and handling the job with completely different skills is thrilling to read about. The author has realistic story telling abilities who reveals a quality of research done to tell the story right. With a cop who isn’t some super hero, but a realistic dude who makes mistakes yet perform well with his new partner to solve serious crimes, made it even better. I enjoyed the story, plan to start number three immediately, and will continue to read the entire series!
It’s a genuinely good story of an officer with good morals torn after losing his female partner/bestie and deciding to continue the job in a new location by accepting a canine partner. The dynamics of the dog and him learning one another and handling the job with completely different skills is thrilling to read about. The author has realistic story telling abilities who reveals a quality of research done to tell the story right. With a cop who isn’t some super hero, but a realistic dude who makes mistakes yet perform well with his new partner to solve serious crimes, made it even better. I enjoyed the story, plan to start number three immediately, and will continue to read the entire series!
November 3, 2016
A second very good procedural!
I'm so pleased to find this series. It's well written and I am enjoying the development of the characters. The plots have been suspenseful and the dialogue is believable. I am especially pleased at the emphasis on the process of solving the crimes, and that there is no unnecessary gore, vulgarity, or sensuality. I look forward to reading the next book in this series, and after that I plan to check out the author's other work. My only criticism, and it should be viewed as constructive criticism, would be that I think the books would benefit from a bit more detail and daily life. Continue to flesh out the characters.
I'm so pleased to find this series. It's well written and I am enjoying the development of the characters. The plots have been suspenseful and the dialogue is believable. I am especially pleased at the emphasis on the process of solving the crimes, and that there is no unnecessary gore, vulgarity, or sensuality. I look forward to reading the next book in this series, and after that I plan to check out the author's other work. My only criticism, and it should be viewed as constructive criticism, would be that I think the books would benefit from a bit more detail and daily life. Continue to flesh out the characters.
April 12, 2019
Another very interesting read in this series. I love all books featuring K-9s. Fiction or non fiction. Billie is the star of this series. You can tell Mr. Stevens has done his homework on these type of working dogs. Just amazing! I would hate to see the plot of this story come to life, but... I think it could happen. Pray it doesn't. You really don't know how far you would go to help a loved one in their hour of need. Especially if you were constantly told all your life their disease was your fault. The Good Son is doing what he needs to do to save his mother, even though his childhood wasn't the best.
April 17, 2019
This is the 1st book in the series that I have read.
The story as it was laid out kept you in the dark up until almost the very end. The murders which Reed was trying to solve did not leave a lot of clues and it was only with the help of the Medical Examiner that he was able to get a lead which broke the case wide open. His partner Billie was instrumental in leading Reed to the last party that the murderer was trying to finish.
The co-operation between Reed, Billie, the beat officers and others working as a unit brought the case to an end.
The story was well written and I highly recommend it.
The story as it was laid out kept you in the dark up until almost the very end. The murders which Reed was trying to solve did not leave a lot of clues and it was only with the help of the Medical Examiner that he was able to get a lead which broke the case wide open. His partner Billie was instrumental in leading Reed to the last party that the murderer was trying to finish.
The co-operation between Reed, Billie, the beat officers and others working as a unit brought the case to an end.
The story was well written and I highly recommend it.
October 23, 2024
The author has a great imagination and his plots are full of action. I really love the partnership between Reed and his canine partner, Billie. This is the second book in the series and it’s wonderful to see their relationship deepening. Overall, it was a good novel. However, the reasoning behind the plot made no sense to me.
As I’ve said after reading his books, this man needs an editor. There are so many mistakes, in grammar, in using the correct words, and in his frequent lack of proper use of adverbs. I wish I could tell him to stop using the word tight (correctly, it would be tightly) as he overuses this word. Even a thesaurus by his side would help him.
As I’ve said after reading his books, this man needs an editor. There are so many mistakes, in grammar, in using the correct words, and in his frequent lack of proper use of adverbs. I wish I could tell him to stop using the word tight (correctly, it would be tightly) as he overuses this word. Even a thesaurus by his side would help him.
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