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Ryder Creed #4

Lost Creed

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Fifteen years ago Ryder Creed's sister, Brodie disappeared from an interstate rest stop. She was only eleven and Creed was fourteen. Since then her disappearance has haunted him, so much so that Creed has dedicated his life to his K9 business. He rescues abandoned dogs and trains them for scent detection. Together they search for the lost and missing.

A thousand miles away during a police raid, FBI special agent Maggie O'Dell stumbles upon a clue that may explain what happened to Brodie Creed all those years ago. The search and scavenger hunt that follows will be as gut-wrenching for Creed, as are the answers he discovers.

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 3, 2018

1214 people are currently reading
1388 people want to read

About the author

Alex Kava

51 books2,587 followers
ALEX KAVA IS A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR of the critically acclaimed Maggie O’Dell series and a new series featuring former Marine, Ryder Creed and his K9 dogs. Her stand-alone novel, One False Move, was the 2006 One Book One Nebraska. Published in over thirty countries, Kava’s novels have made the bestseller lists in the UK, Australia, Germany, Japan, Italy and Poland. Her novel Stranded was awarded both a Florida Book Award and the Nebraska Book Award. She is a member of the Nebraska Writers Guild and International Thriller Writers. Kava divides her time between Omaha, Nebraska and Pensacola, Florida.

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5 stars
2,944 (55%)
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1,803 (34%)
3 stars
471 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 426 reviews
Profile Image for  Li'l Owl.
398 reviews275 followers
May 27, 2019
Book Four in the Brilliant, Heart Pounding Ryder Creed (and his dogs) series!

Ryder
Creed followed Jason and Scout deeper into the woods. The canister he’d hidden wasn’t much farther. He’d left it in an elbow of a tree. The second test would be for Jason. Would he believe his dog when Scout told him the target was above them?
But the dog was straining at the end of the leash. Scout’s nose twitched, and he was starting to pant from pulling so hard. Creed quickened his pace to catch up with the pair. He could see the hair on the back of the dog’s neck standing up. Before he could tell Jason to slow down, the kid came to a sudden stop. He was reigning in Scout, adding his prosthetic so he could reel in the dog despite Scout’s dancing and growling.
“I hope this isn’t your surprise,” Jason said.
That’s when Creed finally saw what had Scout so worked up. Less than fifty feet away, a black bear stared at them from between the trees.


Maggie
Although he was the local head of the task force, the FBI was running the show tonight. Both Pakula and Maggie were part of a nationwide sweep called Operation Cross Country. Tonight’s raid was one of dozens going on across the country. But it was Maggie who brought them to this farmhouse in southeast Nebraska. And she hoped like hell it wouldn’t be a bust.
Maggie O’Dell had garnered a reputation for putting together profiles of serial killers, serial arsonists, even a terrorist or two. This was her first human trafficker profile. In the back of her mind, a tad of skepticism nagged at her. Elijah Dunn didn’t have the rapsheet to match the suspicion. And this quiet little farmhouse, with the closest neighbor eight miles away, certainly didn’t look like a place a trafficker would keep his merchandise.
Or maybe it was the perfect place.


********

Book four in the dynamic Ryder Creed series is another pulse pounding ride with Ryder, his dogs, and Maggie! Lost Creed by Alex Kava is a combination that never dissapionts!
If you haven't read the previous books in this series - stop right now - and start at the beginning with book one, Breaking Creed! This series builds on events that take place in each book so to understand and enjoy them, they should be read in order.
As a result, I won't spoil the suspence by giving anything away. So I'll leave you with this thought....

Do you love dynamic characters with loads of personality?
Storylines that will keep you up reading long after the sun goes down?
How about accurate stories revolving around a dog training facility and a man who puts the safety and love of dogs before anything else? And I mean ANYTHING! Even himself!

If you do .... READ THIS SERIES!

Profile Image for Eliece.
294 reviews7 followers
January 9, 2019
I really like all these books featuring Ryder Creed. Can't wait to get my hands on "Desperate Creed" which is due to be published in 2019. I must say, though, that Ms Kava's publisher needs to buckle down on proofreading. Numerous errors in spelling; eg., bare instead of bear, passed instead of past; plus many, many cases of leaving words out or superfluous repetition. The most egregious error I found was this on page 320: "Dunn had never even met Timmons until the day of the raid on his farm, but Timmons was worried the man would somehow implement him." Surely, this penultimate word was meant to be "implicate".
Over the last few years, I have noticed a marked increase in these types of mistakes in almost all the books I read. Sorry, but it does bother me. I guess I will always be an English teacher/Librarian.
Profile Image for KC.
2,615 reviews
June 22, 2018
Former Marine Ryder Creed runs and operates K9 Crimescents, training dogs to do the most difficult work; finding lost, injured, or possibly dead humans. Once again, he and his dogs team up with FBI Agent Maggie O'Dell but this time it's personal for Ryder. He and Maggie are in the midst of uncovering a human trafficking ring that may lead them to the whereabouts of Creed's little sister, who has been missing for over 15 years. This fast paced thrill ride is a quick read, leading readers to its stunning conclusion.
Profile Image for Diane.
677 reviews30 followers
May 16, 2018
Liked this book from cover to cover: Ryder Creed rescues abandoned dogs and turns them into heroes. But this time, it’s Creed who may need rescuing when a madman leads him and Agent Maggie O’Dell on a gut-wrenching scavenger hunt (blurb from the cover).

Sixteen years ago, Ryder's younger sister was taken from a rest stop and never seen again. No clues as to who took her, where they took her, or even if she is still alive. Maggie O'Dell and Ryder Creed have really good chemistry and in this book are put into some very dangerous situations.

Human trafficking is a plight on our society and seems to be growing at a rapid rate. Alex Kava has done her research on this topic and did a very good job of incorporating that research into this latest book in the Ryder Creed Series.

Two thumbs up and 4.5 stars.
Profile Image for Pam.
474 reviews14 followers
April 3, 2024
Maggie O’Dell is on a case involving human trafficking in Nebraska. There are similarities of young girls being taken at rest areas, like what happened with Ryder Creed’s sister. Could there be a link?
Profile Image for Donna.
2,370 reviews1 follower
June 8, 2018
If you love dogs as much as I do, the Creed books will be a fantastic series for you to read.

Ryder Creed just returned from a search and rescue operation and he's continuing his training of Jason and black Lab, Scout, both of whom are about ready to go out on searches of their own. Ryder receives a call from FBI agent Maggie O'Dell concerning his sister Brodie who disappeared from a rest stop 16 years ago. While busting a suspect for human trafficking, Maggie finds a Polaroid picture of Brodie and Ryder in the house. The hunt is on to figure out if Brodie's remains are in the backyard or other places the suspect wants to lead them to in exchange for a deal.

This is one of those books that leaves me with a really good and happy feeling. This series had me at book 1 as Ryder began saving dogs that no one else wanted. Having two rescue dogs myself, the core story doesn't get any better. Add in Maggie O'Dell and that ramps up the action. I like seeing Jason blossom under Ryder's tutelage. I enjoyed the first search that Jason and Scout went on. The introduction of Ryder's mom and the addition of his sister's story gives the series ample room to grow in future books. YAY for me!
Profile Image for D. Harley Jean .
121 reviews1 follower
May 12, 2018
Very good - but..

I would say it was close to as great as the previous books in series. However, it just didn’t feel “put together”. I got bored several times (unusual for me!) and the ending just wasn’t enough; I was left feeling like there should have been 3 or more chapter at minimum. I recommend, but do warn the reader of this. Truly I’d give it 3 1/2-3 3/4 stars, but I love Ms. Alex’s books so I gave the rating a slight bump (glass half full..) 😋
Profile Image for Tez.
859 reviews229 followers
June 26, 2018
THE DOGS AND KITTEN ALL REMAIN ALIVE.

As for the story, the foreshadowing was too obvious in both Creed's case and Jason's case. Did this book not get developmental care? BEFORE EVIL was self-published (in the US and Canada only - traditionally-published elsewhere), too, but a better read than this. Just disappointing. Still a decent read, but only worth three stars instead of the usual four or five for this author.
Profile Image for Darlene.
846 reviews6 followers
December 14, 2024
An excellent addition in the continuing Ryder Creed series. Ryder trains rescued and abandoned dogs to be search and rescue and scent tracking dogs. If a dog can’t be trained for this use, Ryder keeps them and loves them all, ‘No dog is abandoned or left behind’. Ryder loves all his dogs and has built a huge and successful compound with the help of his partner, Hannah. As Hannah has said, “We rescue abandoned and discarded dogs and turn them into heroes”.
Ryders sister, Brodie, disappeared 16 years ago and Ryder has never stopped wondering what happened to his sister. Ryders friend, FBI Agent Maggie, specializes in catching serial killers, and when she stumbles upon a clue that may possibly involve Brodie she contacts Ryder. Could this finally lead to some answers as to what happened to Brodie all those years ago?
Lots of fast moving action as the excitement builds and the ending is filled with hope.
623 reviews25 followers
April 26, 2023
I still like this series, but this wasn’t my fav. This just felt bogged down with the Ryder story, which was the main story. I enjoyed the part of the book featuring Jason and his dog better.
Profile Image for Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich.
1,528 reviews201 followers
October 3, 2018
Lost Creed by Alex Kava is the 4th in the Ryder Creed Series.

Series Background (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books):
When Ryder was 14, his 11-year old sister was kidnapped from an interstate rest area. He still hopes to find her. Ryder Creed is a war veteran. As a Marine, he was in Afghanistan, working with his dog Rufus, when his world exploded, literally. Back in the U.S. he formed K9 Crimescents, where he trains dogs to locate missing persons, human remains, drugs and viruses. He is based in the Florida Panhandle, but works where he is needed. His friend and partner, Hannah, runs the business end of things. Jason, an army vet, is his new dog handler. Ryder and FBI Profiler Maggie O’Dell (who has her own series by Alex Kava), have worked a number of cases together, and there seems to be some romantic interest.

My Synopsis:
Maggie is working a case of Human Trafficking in Nebraska. When she spots a picture on the suspect’s wall of two kids, she does a double-take. The names on the bottom of the Polaroid are Ryder and Brodie. Against her better judgement, she calls Ryder.

Ryder is stunned. He immediately contacts his estranged mother, and asks for a DNA sample, and asks her to send him the box that she has kept containing Brodie’s hairbrush, her baby teeth, and other items that could be used to identify her remains if they are found. Then he heads to Nebraska with his best scent dog, a Jack Russell named Grace. Uninvited, Maggie questions his judgement, but allows him to stay.

Olivia, Ryder’s Mom, heads to K9 Crimescents, also uninvited, to deliver the box in person. There she meets Hannah and Jason.

Jason and his dog Scout, are out on their first missing person’s case, alone. Ryder assures him that he is ready, but Jason is nervous. He will have to overcome his fears, and trust his dog.

My Opinions:
This was another great book in the series. An easy, fast read, with a good plot, and interesting characters. I like that Kava is bringing two individuals from different series together. They make a good match, and keep both series alive and current.

Kava researches every book, and the Afterward in this one deals with Human Trafficking. This statement floored me. “According to a study funded by the Women’s Fund of Omaha, there are 900 people for sale online every month in Nebraska.” Just scary.

Anyway, as always, I enjoyed the book, and am enjoying the series. I’m not sure you have to read all the books, as most things are explained within this one, but I’d recommend them all.

Profile Image for Shelley.
5,598 reviews489 followers
January 12, 2019
*Source* Library
*Genre* Thrillers
*Rating* 3.5-4

*Thoughts*

Lost Creed is the fourth installment in author Alex Kava's Ryder Creed series. 16 years ago, Brodie Creed, younger sister of Ryder Creed, disappeared without a trace from a rest stop on the Georgia/Alabama border. For 16 years, Ryder has never once given up hope of finding the reason why she disappeared, or the hope that she may still be alive. In the meantime, Ryder lost his father, and his mother when he choose to enlist in the Marines.

*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*

https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
Profile Image for Suzanne.
1,241 reviews18 followers
September 9, 2018
What a excellent book. Once again Alex Kava has grabbed this story and turned it on its end. I wonder if there will be another one in this series. To finish it off. Loved the characters and the dogs and the awesome work they do. I hope there are facilities like these all
Over the place. What a beautiful situation that would be.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
May 18, 2018
This was a really good book in many ways and so hard to talk about without spoiling the best part.

While so big things were going on with Ryder, Jason had his own epiphanies. I liked how Ryder talked to Jason and got him to listen to what his dog was telling him, maybe even what he knew was there all along. It was tough to learn but both will be a better team in the long run.

Now on to Ryder. I liked seeing things with his mother and just how his sister going missing changed their lives. I was glad that Maggie called Ryder when there was even a hint of Brodie showing up and happier still when she let Ryder help her with the case. I was stunned with what they found out and really wonder how things will got for Ryder and his family from here. Also wondering what, if anything, will happen with Maggie and Ryder due to their interlude.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Elvan.
696 reviews2 followers
August 4, 2018
You can’t go wrong with an Alex Kava novel. Profiler Maggie O’Dell and scent dog handler Ryder Creed work together to hunt down the victims and villains in a human trafficking ring in Nevada. Ryder and his terrier Grace have a personal interest in the search and emotions run high throughout the investigation. It helps to have read the other books in the series but enough is explained about our mains that this could be read as a stand-alone novel.
Enjoyed this page turner and need to read more of Kava’s books. Well done.
Profile Image for Valleri.
1,011 reviews43 followers
May 16, 2018
I was surprised I didn't like this book more than I did. I've LOVED the previous books and I was wildly excited to read this one. I found the canine underwater search and recovery fascinating to read about. Backstory details about Ryder's sister, Brodie, and his mom, Olivia, were interesting, too. I'm not a romance novel reader, however, and Lost Creed was too sappy for me in places. I'm all about the SAR. Give me Ryder and Grace rather than Ryder and Maggie, lol! Does this mean I won't be reading anymore of the Ryder Creed series? Oh, heck no. I'm not giving up, yet!!
Profile Image for Brett.
7 reviews
May 23, 2018
Gripping story following clues which may help determine what happened to Creed's sister Brodie after she went missing all those years ago. I hate spoilers, so I'll stick to that synopsis. I was extremely pleased with characters brought back and learning more about what has happened to them since he Maggie O'Dell series... and Maggie FINALLY doing something we've been waiting 4 books for!
Long weekend, I barely put it down until it was done.. now I have to wait for Ryder Creed #5

Profile Image for Catherine Mihm.
83 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2018
I found this to be one of my favorite in the series. As typical of Kava there are 2 storylines in the book and Creed has a major roll in place. Each chapter shifts scenes in the book.
This book closes a chapter in Creed's personal journal and opens the door for another. It will be interesting to see what path Kava will take Creed down next both personally and professionally.
I recommend the book & hope you enjoy it.
Profile Image for Janine.
2,569 reviews77 followers
May 31, 2018
Another great book by Alex Kava. I found it very hard to put down and even a few obvious clues early on didn’t detract from the suspense.
307 reviews2 followers
July 15, 2018
This is a wonderful series dealing with rescue dogs. The subject matter of this one is about human traffiing of children in Nebraska. Not an easy subject. However the ending makes it worth while.
Profile Image for Alma (retirement at last).
750 reviews
August 25, 2020
I absolutely love this series and this is definitely the best one yet.
So easy to read I finished in 2 days
I love both Ryder and Jason as these 2 characters have had a lot to contend with in life and Jason is just learning to be a K9 search and rescue handler but he needs to believe in himself and, according to Ryder, trust his dog.
Lot of emotions in this book, but certainly not chiclit emotions.
Hannah plays a good counselling role and Maggie O’Dell features prominently in it.
There are a couple of surprising characters that are added to the list but it’s up to you to read the book to find out who they are.
No clues here😄
Enjoy.
Profile Image for Sandra.
3,341 reviews12 followers
July 16, 2018
fast easy entertaining read. And rescue dogs! In this one Maggie is hunting human traffickers and comes across a clue linking the traffickers to the disappearance of Ryder's sister Brodie 16 yrs ago. Cue Ryder and Grace's arrival to help with the search. Even tho
4 reviews
September 21, 2024
This was definitely a "good read"! It never lost my interest & I enjoyed the bouncing around from one scenario to the next. If you're planning on giving it a read, keep in mind that it does discuss human trafficking.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 426 reviews

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