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What do you do when somebody targets one of your own?

Alone on the couch one night, Reed and his partner are both summoned to the hospital to find two of their colleagues have been viciously attacked, left for dead on the side of the road with very little evidence to go on. With emotions high and the entire department vowing revenge, Captain Grimes assigns the case to Reed and Billie, offering them any resources available in finding the culprit.

What was at first seems just an isolated incident soon begins to spiral as more bodies are found, strewn across the greater Columbus area from Grove City to New Albany. Each victim appears to be somehow linked to the law enforcement community, though how or why they have been chosen continues to elude Reed as he is joined on the case by Cassidy Glenn from the state's Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Together they work their way from one scene to the next, piecing together what seems to be driving this perpetrator in their vendetta, hoping to bring things together enough to get out ahead of them before anybody else falls victim.

296 pages, ebook

Published September 25, 2016

3534 people are currently reading
288 people want to read

About the author

Dustin Stevens

84 books313 followers
I 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...

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5 stars
3,273 (61%)
4 stars
1,623 (30%)
3 stars
335 (6%)
2 stars
52 (<1%)
1 star
20 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
Profile Image for Tulay.
1,202 reviews2 followers
October 4, 2016
Couldn't put it down.

Enjoy every book Dustin Stevens wrote, this was the third book in this series. Love the understanding between the Billie and Reed. Hope one day Billie will have bullet proof vest too. After two police officers, very close to retirement shot, Reed starts the hunt for the shooter. There are many people around them to help, couldn't close the cover of my Kindle and walk away, enjoyed this story. Thank you, Dustin Stevens.
132 reviews3 followers
October 11, 2021
This has got to be the most gritty of the series so far. As the opening scenes are centred on a couple of Maddox's colleagues who were never very amiable, it's advisable to read the previous books to appreciate the bond between them and Maddox. The seemingly random and senseless crime, and an investigation without a clear direction had me totally engrossed. I truly found this instalment a real page turner.
Profile Image for Jim A.
1,267 reviews82 followers
September 22, 2018
Another very good police procedural from Dustin Stevens. This time Reed and Billie, with the help of an investigator from the Ohio BCI, are searching for a killer targeting law enforcement.

While there are references to previous novels, this one can be read without regard to the earlier books. However, the series is written well enough that those who enjoy the genre will want to read them all, and in order.
346 reviews14 followers
November 17, 2016
I like his style!

You might wonder if I'm talking about Reed Mattox, the main character of the Reed & Billie books, or if I'm meaning the author, Dustin Stevens. To answer that, I say, yes! If you think about, it all comes back to the author since Reed is his creation!

By his style, I mean the way his stories are constructed, also the clarity of his writing. He takes a straight forward approach most of the time, yet, still holding back, subtly building suspense and mystery, painting the picture a stroke at a time. His characters, including, Billie, have been infused with life! Personally, I truly appreciate the sparks of growing respect and appreciation of Billie's abilities, as well as the growing respect, understanding and acceptance of the other.

Dustin Stevens' writing has very justly deserved the recognition he has received! If you want action, suspense, mystery and skilled story telling -- it's all in there and you've come to the right place!
64 reviews1 follower
December 21, 2016
To Dustin

I must tell you first how much I love the Zoo Crew. That said, I also love the Reed and Billie books. Reed is someone I kinda wish was real, he has it tough thinking of Riley, but he is tough, not to much, a great friend from a distant, but will be there if you need him. I like his personality. Good man. Thank you for letting me especially enjoy the Crew and Reed in their lives. Great reads.
30 reviews
January 29, 2022
A TRULY ENGAGING PAIRING OF DETECTIVES

Reed and Billie grace the pages of this series in a way that I find very touching. As a former Protestant Chaplain in a maximum security, men's prison, I have dealt with many on both sides of law enforcement. Most of them were those who made the profession necessary, but, at the same time, those who kept the former felons from getting back "on the streets."
During the last few years of my time in Corrections, California introduced K9 Officers to the mix. They were the same breed as Billie. I had never heard of this breed before. After watching them work, I decided that, if I were to get a dog again, that's what I would get.
On a regular basis a K9 and his/her partner would tell me to stay in my office where I would be able to watch them work the chapel, inmate office (each Chaplain is allowed an inmate clerk to assist in the day to day management of the chapel), the library and associated rooms. Inmates are masters of manipulation and of finding places to hide contraband, (homemade weapons (shanks) and drugs). Nothing seemed to get by these teams. I was often surprised by what they would find and where they would find it.
In addition, I saw many Inmates in arguments with officers, some of the officers much less "buff" than the men that challenged them. However, not once did I witness an inmate, no matter how big, strong, intimidating or "buff", get in the face of one of those dogs.
Dustin Stevens has done a very credible job of portraying the relationship of a law enforcement K9 and their partner/handler. His portrayal of Billie working a scene or scent brought back great memories of my time working within the fences, walls and towers of a state prison. As well as a feeling of thanksgiving that I was never the subject of a K9's attention.
Profile Image for Beth.
2,916 reviews27 followers
June 15, 2022
Suspenseful and tense

Any book that starts with the bad guy’s POV as he carries out a crime has got my attention. And given that I already know I like Reed and Billie I was pretty sure I was in for good read. The book did not disappoint.

Things are changed up a little bit here as Reed works with a partner aside from Billie for the first time in ten months. It brings up memories of Riley, especially as he works with computer genius Deek on the case as well. As more revelations come Reed begins piecing things together. We kind of know all along what is going on so it’s not a great mystery, more like a how are they finally going to figure out and catch up to the bad guy.

There are some parts that are frustrating and some story holes. There is a significant encounter that really needed a follow up at the end. (Can’t say more without spoilers. Suffice to say someone in authority is a complete tool and I really wanted a come to Jesus moment at the end.)

Looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for M.
1,576 reviews
July 15, 2018
Quick Read Mystery and Thriller

I enjoyed this fast-paced thriller of a police procedural that features Detective Reed Mattox and his partner Billie, a canine detective. The characters are fully developed, including those of the many police officers. I love the Reed & Billie team, including the vivid descriptions of how Billie “goes to work” sniffing for clues and charging through police-breached doors ahead of Reed.
The well-conceived and executed storyline—about brutal multiple murders—is complex with relevant side stories that add depth to the book. I enjoyed reading and riding along with Reed and Billie to discover exactly WHO killed and why he killed.
Most of the book is third person limited from Reed’s POV, but some chapters are omniscient third person in the killer’s POV, which makes his sections more sinister and even claustrophobic.
I’ll be looking for other books written by this author. Hopefully, the author will get a better editor.
4 reviews
June 28, 2020
Good stories, technical difficulties

So far I like this series but there are annoying errors. It's 9mm, not .9mm. He's obviously talking about hollow point rounds but calls them Parabellum. Parabellum is just a certain type of 9mm round, also referred to as 9mm Luger or 9x19. A couple of the nits but if you're going to write these stories... Hopefully they go away in the later books.

On other thing. Almost all military working dogs are trained at the 341st Training Squadron at Lackland AFB, TX. During a tour the squadron commander stated that working dogs are never retrained into another speciality. So Billie should have been a patrol dog, not a bomb dog, before being retired.
Profile Image for Cindy .
265 reviews9 followers
July 8, 2020
I discovered Dustin Stevens books with his Hawk Tate series which I promptly read straight through. His Reed and Billie series is just as enjoyable to read. The writing draws me right in and I don't want to put it down. The interaction between Reed Mattox and his K-9 partner Billie is fun to read. Gives a little insight to how K9 teams must operate. So far all of the characters have been pretty likeable. Can't wait to read the next in the series.

The only negative for me is that the author seems to be fascinated with writing about people sweating as he includes it a lot in his books, both series. It does get a little tiresome reading about it.

For those interested, both series have small amounts of cussing, no sex, but there are some violent/gory scenes described at times.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
2,426 reviews68 followers
February 17, 2024
Payback is a b***h!

Everything really came together in this third book of the Reed and Billie series. Excellent!

Detective Reed Mattox and his partner, Belgian Malinois Billie are called to investigate when two of the officers from their precinct are shot during a traffic stop. But the mayhem doesn't end there when it seems more law enforcement officials soon are targeted in the Columbus area.

Reed and Billie soon are working jointly with Investigator Cassidy Glenn of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation on the case. I hope we see more of her in the future - I enjoyed her input.

I highly recommend this book and this series. I am now off to read the fourth book in the series The Partnership.
Profile Image for William Van der Ven.
5 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2024
another winner

I can’t seem to get enough of Mr Steven’s wonderful stories of Detective Reed and his partner “Billie” the K-9 Officer. Stevens’ writing covers the intricacies of police craft and mannerisms without bogging the reader with ego grating technical jargon or overpowering macho behaviors. Reed displays his technical police skills with underrated expertise and professional understatement. Billie his partner a solid black Belgian Malinois, as Reed have been assigned together after both having lost a previous partner. The books are as much about their healing while working together as it is about the solving of each crime. I would love to read a series about the former Billie as an IED Dog and her Marine partner as well.
155 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2024
Yes, another Maddox and Billie murder mystery. Gotta love the K-9 detective and how crucial she is to the story. I certainly enjoy these books. My comments only being that while I understand why Maddox is a “loner” in life, he seemingly solves these complicated crimes only with Billie and sometimes help from an outsider and the computer genius. Odd that his fellow officers come into play usually at the very end or only in a superficial way. Seems a bit stubborn (?) and unrealistic as is. Also, I found errors in the writing where words were omitted or a verb tense wrong. Someone should be catching this. And it would sure help with the reading comprehension to use a comma now and then. Still a solid novel and I will continue to read this series!
13 reviews
September 12, 2017
Another well written novel, but too much attention is paid to the "feelings" of the main character and how much more he puts into solving the mystery. A little less time spent on the background without leaving it completely out. After all one need to recognize some things about the way he views things. Billie is excellent. Not many lines from her, but when she speaks, everyone listens.

Dustin Stevens series are, so far, winners. I am looking forward to reading more of what he has to offer and meet new characters.
212 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2018
Good book

It's interesting to read a book where my sympathies lie with the killer as well as the detectives. I was appalled at his methods of revenge, but after awhile, it began to make a macabre kind of sense. One side of me thinks he could have chosen another way and the other side recognizes that he tried, yo jo avail. If the person he is avenging had come from wealth or position, he would not have been ignored. And that is a sad reality of our culture. Makes me think and take a longer look at what drives our culture.
381 reviews2 followers
April 24, 2020
I really wish that you could give half stars. 3.5 stars for this book. I stumbled on this series as free with Kindle Unlimited and decided to give it a try. It is better than I expected it to be however I don't really understand the back story of anger and distrust from coworkers aimed at the main character. Maybe it is a cop thing or something they will get into as the series continues? Regardless, the stories are interesting and fast paced so it makes for a quick read and a nice break from some of the "heavier" books I have been reading.
4 reviews
May 3, 2020
Interesting Storyline

This is my third in this series.
I’d never read this author before.
To me each could be read as a stand alone novel but I’m enjoying the series.
I’ve read quite a few police procedural murder mysteries but Stevens really surprised me with believable plots that I had never considered before.
Really nice to read a whole new take on the plot.
The first three surprised me so much with the interesting plot lines that I went ahead and purchased all of the books in the series.
488 reviews
April 30, 2021
This is the third book in the series. I love the characters in these books especially Billie, Detective Reed’s k9. This book is jam packed with action! Two shootings then two deaths. Detective Reed with the help of Officer Glenn from another precinct and especially with the help of Reed’s Geek friend! As the deaths start to add, you hope the killer will be found before others are killed. Finding the killer has finally earned Reed the respect he should have had from the fellow officers at his precinct. There are more books in this series and I’m anxious to get started on #4!
145 reviews1 follower
July 26, 2021
Disappointed…

There were so many things in this book that upset me, between inaccuracies, characters acting out of their established personality, and things that just could not be – such as some conclusions that were drawn. I really enjoyed books,one and two, but the premise of this one for me was just too thin in too many places. I still rated it a generous three stars because I enjoy the characters of Reed and Billie very, very much! And I am going to give book four a chance, hopefully with results more like the first couple in the series.
24 reviews2 followers
April 22, 2017
Wonderful work

I found this novel an excellent read - engrossing and surprisingly moving in its portrayal of the close bond between law enforcement when one of their own is violently attacked. Including the dog Billie as partner to the lead detective Reed, is masterful and manages to make all the characters more dimensional. I highly recommend this novel and look forward to reading more by this very active and award winning writer.
Profile Image for Gary Webster.
337 reviews
June 7, 2019
The Kid is a riveting read. Stevens walks you through these novels from the perspective of the bad guy, here The Kid, and the good guy, here Detectives Reed and Billie. Gripping and fast paced with just enough human storyline to keep you interested. The Kid is on a mission. So are Reed and Billie. The question is, can the Detectives stop The Kid before he’s done. First they have to figure out who the hell this person is...
Profile Image for Jennifer Black.
99 reviews
January 30, 2020
Gritty and Suspenseful Genius!

The author of this series is doing a great job, which a lot don’t after the first one hit wonder! Keeps up the suspense in each book, great gritty details and I never ever have to skip ahead due to boredom!
The connection between cop and canine is wonderful. The story in this one has relentless revenge, a new face, glory, torture, and band for your buck!
Can’t wait to start the next one!
288 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2020
Well, as usual

I was super engrossed in this book! As usual, I loved it!!! No complaints from me. I think this book, may have had more action, than Dustin's previous books. Maybe even more murders. Can't remember. Either way, this is my new favorite, of Dustin's books. But, I have to admit, I say that after each of his books I read! I definitely recommend this and all of Dustin Steven's books. You won't be sorry.
Profile Image for PWA Allen .
423 reviews6 followers
August 7, 2021
I'm really enjoying this series. Billie and Reed are so good for each other. Two cops are shot, then others. Reed and his colleagues have to break down the clues to find out why. Those clues lead to corruption and more murder. The story is interesting and moves along at a nice pace. This author knows how to connect with the reader and keep the interest til the end. I love to read and am glad there are more books in this series.
Profile Image for Andi Monhollen-hart.
23 reviews6 followers
May 24, 2022
Story was great! The only issue that I am having with this series are the geographical inconsistencies. This series thakes place in the city where I live and his geography isn't accurate. If the author is going to be specific with landmarks and towns, he should have done more research and been accurate. Since most of the people reading this series don't know the city, it is probably no big deal. However, those who live here, these will be apparent mistakes.
999 reviews23 followers
November 29, 2016
The kid

True suspense novel in every sense of the word. Detailed without boredom, and always able to swiftly zero in on the next phase of the tale without missing a beat. The dog, Billie, provided more than enough opportunity for the first time reader to get the background and reason behind the drive to a solution.
271 reviews
April 14, 2018
Kids

I couldn't believe how suspenseful it was nor how well written. It moved along at just the right speed. The pace was right and made me feel a little unsafe to be at home. I'm glad Billie had a bigger part in this one. I really like her. Can't wait until I read the next one.
109 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2018
What a team!

Another excellent read featuring this great team. So glad to read a book featuring a man and dog detective team. I have actually had the privilege of meeting two such teams and have been able to talk to the human part of the team and find that these books are on track with what I learned. I intend to continue reading each Reed and Billie book that comes out.
7 reviews
January 28, 2019
I'm enjoying the Reed & Billie series. Each has been very imaginative but believable. There are references to the preceding books in all but the first one, but there's no need to read the entire series or read them in order to enjoy them. Protagonists and antagonists are equally interesting and well-developed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews

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