Justice Mission

True Blue K-9 Unit #1

by Lynette Eason

Police officers fight for justice with the help of their brave K-9 partners in the True Blue K-9 Unit series.

After K-9 unit administrative assistant Sophie Walters spots a suspicious stranger lurking at the K-9 graduation, the man kidnaps her—and she barely escapes. With Sophie’s boss missing and someone determined to silence her, NYPD officer Luke Hathaway vows he and his K-9 partner will guard her. But he must keep an emotional distance to ensure this mission ends in justice…not cold-blooded murder.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Suspense, Romance, Mystery, Love Inspired Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Fiction

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 18, 2019

About the author

Lynette Eason grew up in Greenville, SC. She graduated from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, and then obtained her masters in education from Converse College. Author of twenty inspirational romantic suspense books, she is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). In 1996, Lynette married "the boy next door" and now she and her husband and their two children make their home in Simpsonville, South Carolina."

Series:
. Amazon Adventure
. High Stakes
. Women of Justice

Reviews

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

When K-9 Unit administrative assistant, Sophie Walters, sees something she shouldn’t, she is kidnapped. She manages to escape but she has one persistent kidnapper who’s not letting up. When her boss is later discovered murdered, she wonders if this is connected to the man who is after her. NYPD Officer Luke Hathaway along with his K-9 partner, Bruno, is on hand to investigate and to also protect Sophie. This was a very enjoyable story. It had plenty of action, a romance between likable lead characters, a wonderful dog Bruno, and I liked that it’s set in New York City. The mystery surrounding Sophie’s pursuer is solved in this book, but the storyline of her boss’s murder is still unsolved and will continue on throughout the 8-book series.

["Avonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

JUSTICE MISSION (True Blue K-9 Unit #1) by Lynette Eason is a gripping, action-packed Christian romantic suspense and the first book in a new multi-author series featuring NYPD K-9 police officers and their furry partners. While the criminal threat to the heroine is solved in this book and there is a HEA, there is an over-arcing plot to find a murderer that is left unsolved. I am glad I enjoyed this book because I now need to continue to future books in the series for more answers.

K-9 unit administrative assistant Sophie Walters is setting up early for the K-9 officer graduation day when she discovers a man disturbing the podium. He attempts to kidnap her, but she gets away and returns to discover a suicide note left in her boss’ graduation day speech. A massive search begins for Sophie’s boss with Sophie being guarded by officer Luke Hathaway and his K-9 partner.

NYPD K-9 officer Luke Hathaway and his K-9 partner, Bruno, are assigned to protect Sophie, but someone is determined to silence her. As Luke and Sophie continue to dodge attempts on her life, they find they are developing feelings for each other, but Luke is fearful of not being the right man for Sophie.

Luke and Sophie are both well developed and believable main characters. The action/suspense plot in this story does not slow down and kept me turning the pages. The investigation into Sophie’s missing boss and the constant threat to her life make this a thrilling and suspenseful read. This is a Christian romantic suspense so there are no sex scenes and only a few kisses and comforting hugs, which I excepted, especially with the short amount of time covered in this story, which is also why I was surprised by the proposal ending. I must confess, I am attracted to books with canine buddies and this series pulled me in with the variety of K-9s. They are as different as their handlers.

Overall, this is an engaging and fast paced Christian romantic suspense read and I am intrigued enough with the remaining mystery to continue on in this series.

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Christian Romantic Suspense, and this is the first book in the True Blue K-9 Unit series. I read this book by listening to the audiobook for this book, and I did like the narrator. I liked getting to know all the characters in this book. The big mystery in this book is an ongoing mystery that will be throughout this series, so it does not get solved during this book. The other mystery in this book was not good, and I did not really care by the time it was solved. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

First off, I'm sorry, but this book had some serious issues, in my opinion.

Sophie is the personal assistant to the chief of the K-9 unit, Jordan. The start of the book has her setting things up for the graduation ceremony they are about to conduct when she interrupts a strange man who is going through her boss's speech at the podium. She draws attention to herself by asking him what he's doing and promptly gets herself kidnapped.

Luke just so happens to be pulling in as Sophie is dragged into the perps car. A car chase ensues and when the guy crashes he shoves Sophie into Luke in order to by time for his getaway, which he obviously succeeds in doing or this books wouldn't keep going. Just to make things a bit more interesting, Sophie's boss is missing and the mystery perp was actually slipping a fake suicide note into Jordan's speech. The first 81 pages is pretty much Luke hauling Sophie around, her house getting broken into, etc until on my copy's 81st page where they find her boss. Dead.

So there goes one of the mysteries. Now they are no longer looking for him, but redoubling their efforts to find the mysterious perp. Who slips through their fingers no less then one, two three, four times. Four. At one point there were something like an entire room full of cops...yeah.

The author is obviously setting up an overlaying mystery for all the books that follow. Basically a 'who done it" about Jordan's murder.

All in all I'm pretty disappointed. Lynette Eason usually swings one of two ways with me; she hits it out of the ball park or she misses completely. This was a complete miss. It was aiming for midfield until it wasn't...

I did not enjoy this one. I found the writing stilted and unnatural. People's reactions are off in certain events. Sophie was a doormat. Luke has emotional problems stemming from two places that effect their 'relationship' (can you call it that when they only know each other for a week or two?). Namely, his mother dying with his dad being an asshole and blaming him for it and his only serious girlfriend telling him he's not relationship material. The first one I can see messing with someone, but a girlfriend of not that long saying that...I don't believe it.

That ending....ugh. I do not understand how anyone can LIKE the idea of someone actually only knowing someone for 2 weeks or so (and I mean, finally actually talking to them and giving them the time of day) to PROPOSING MARRIAGE!!! 2 WEEKS, PEOPLE!!!! What the actual ___?!?!?! That is not natural or okay. And the whole office coming out and cheering???? Seriously? Ugh.

In Conclusion
This book was riding a shaky 2.5 star rating until that ending came along and completely ruined everything. Now it's more like a 1.5 and that's seriously because I am feeling guilty about giving it only 1 star...

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an action packed introduction to this great romantic suspense series this proved to be - I thoroughly enjoyed it!

K-9 unit administrative assistant Sophie Walters spotted a stranger messing with items on the podium she had been setting up for the K-9 graduation ceremony. When he sees she's spotted him he kidnaps her, driving away. Fortunately she manages to escape, only to discover her boss is missing and a note purporting to have been written by him has been left on the podium. As the K-9 officers start the search for him, Sophie is guarded by Luke Hathaway and his K-9 partner, Bruno. This is the start of a dangerous investigation where it becomes clear that someone is out to silence Sophie. With multiple attempts to kidnap or kill her, Luke and Bruno are determined to thwart them and keep her safe. As the two get to know more about each other, they fight their developing feelings but sometimes love just has to conquer fear.

There are many great characters in this thrilling story, some are human and others are their K-9 partners. I found it an enthralling, engaging story that had me on the edge of my seat. I acknowledged initially that this is part of a series, so it isn't surprising that some things aren't concluded in this book. There's more to come and I'm really looking forward to reading future books  to discover what happens next! I have no hesitation in highly recommending this to anyone who enjoys K-9 team stories and romantic suspense.

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.

[Big Joe Rossi · Rating 2 out of 5]

The ending. WTF? Really?

Sophie Walters is the assistant to the Chief of NYPD's K9 school/unit. On graduation day she is setting
up, hears something gets kidnapped. Luckily K9 office Luke Hathaway is pulling up and the kidnapper is dragging Sophie away and gives chase only to let him get away while saving her after a crash.

From here we get a little a who done it? Cause not only was Sophie almost kidnapped but the Chief is missing. While I like the story there are so many things I couldnt love. Sophie is in trouble numerous times and the bad guy is chased at least 3-4 times and NOT caught, the worse being at a funeral where almost everyone is a cop.

Then the ending....what? Sophie and Luke had chemistry but were friends before, more than a heloo type coworker friendship, they kiss a hand full of times and the book ends with a proposal? WHAT?

Loved the chase, hated the escapes, hate hate hated the ending.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Justice Mission was a nice one-time read. I loved the K-9 aspect and how brilliant the dogs were. The mystery was okay, but not very memorable.

I didn't care all that much about the romance and I had a difficult time connecting to the characters. I felt like the story had moments that were just not very believable (at least to me).

All in all, I liked the book, but it is not something I plan on rereading.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.* 

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a lover of dogs, and this is an author I have always enjoyed reading.
With non-stop action and a lot of attempted murders, some answers come, but be aware this book becomes a cliff hanger, and although I have my guess to whom the culprit is, you won’t have the ending you have been looking forward to.
With dogs everywhere, wonderful animals, and more arriving, they have their work cut out for them, and one is missing!
The story has a bit of sweet romance, but the grief is almost over whelming here.
There are more books to come in this K-9 series, and then all will be revealed.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

No resolution and no good writing. No more continuities for me!

[Carole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unsophisticated writing at times. I am also not sure the author has done enough research on Police Procedurals and/or K9 units. There were some pretty stupid decisions made as someone kept targetting the Heroine and these were pretty inept Police Officers. I also think the dog was allowed to be too familiar with others, and was treated as a pet rather than a working dog and typical K9 skills were not used in apprehending criminals.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first in a new series of K-9 adventures!



When Sophie sees a strange man lurking at while she is setting up for the K-9 graduation. She questions the man and gets kidnapped, she escapes but now her boss is missing and someone is still after Sophie.



NYPD Luke Hathaway and his K-9 partner Bruno are on the case, Luke is determined to keep Sophie safe and uncover what is going on.



Sophie is very close to her family, she grew up fast, almost solely responsible for raising her younger brother after the death of their mother. She is very responsible and organized, she is a good friend and comforter in the wake of the turmoil.



Luke has been burned by love in the past, and has never really talked to Sophie before this happened. Luke is a fair man, consistently aloof, he doesn't like to get close to people. He has a strong bond with his dog, Bruno, struggles to break free of his own self-imposed rules.



Actioned-packed from the start, with great tension that had me not wanting to put it down, I almost read it in one sitting! I really liked Luke and Sophie, they get to know each other and work well as a team. They are a good example of opposites attracting, in the ways that they relate to people and are respected, and how they grow in their faith. This book sets up well for the rest of the series, and I can't wait to read the next installment!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Justice Mission" is a romantic suspense novel. It appears that this series will have a ongoing murder that they're trying to solve since the murder case was still open at the end of this novel. Sophie witnesses a stranger putting something on the podium right before the NYPD K-9 graduation. When she asks what he's doing, he grabs her as a hostage. She manages to get free, but the man is intent on killing her from that point forward. Luke is a police officer with a cadaver detection dog, so obviously he finds a body. He's also determined to be Sophie's bodyguard until they stop the man who is after her.

While the story was suspenseful due to the urgent search for a missing man and the danger to Sophie and Luke, some parts didn't seem realistic to me. For example, they had access to ballistic vests yet no one gave one to Sophie. Luke simply used his body as a shield. (Bullets can go through people, and we're not told that he's wearing a ballistic vest, so I wondered just how useful and how safe he was each time he did this maneuver.)

Sophie and Luke are kind, caring people and competent at their jobs. I understood why they were attracted to each other, though the romance was rushed. They barely knew each other at the beginning of the story and fell in love over a matter of days, ending with a marriage proposal. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this suspense novel to fans of K-9 stories.

I received an e-book review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

READER BEWARE: This book is the first in a series of continuity! I was not aware of this until the end of book in a message from the author, so loose ends are not tied up. This maybe a turn off for other readers who like HEA.

Author has a terrible habit of writing her characters dialog where they are constantly ask each other if they're okay (35 times in this book !!!). So annoying and unnecessary. Story badly needed editing. In one instance Luke's tells Sophie 'Let's get back to headquarters. Sophie would you be willing to go through Jordan's office and see if anything strikes you as off?' But then two pages later 'Luke pulls from the parking lot and headed for Sophie's home in Woodside.' without them ever going into Jordan's office. Another blunder was when Sophie is staying at Luke's house in protective care it says on one page 'they'd had very little time to talk about anything not related to the case' and two pages later it says 'Although the days had passed in a blur of work, the evenings had been spent talking. About everything and nothing. Bad disconnects from such a seasoned writer.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eeeep!!!! It's finally here -- the newest K-9 continuity series from Love Inspired Suspense. I've been anxious to start the reading adventure and Lynette Eason did a marvelous job both with setting the stage for the entire series and starting things off in a nail-biting fervor.

There's lots of heart-in-throat action and a puzzling mystery -- some of which is solved in Justice Mission and some that will be carried over throughout the course of the series...which has left me on tenterhooks because I have a ton of questions! And absolutely no answers at this point. (I thought I had figured out a 'why' but that didn't pan out so now I'm mulling over what clues we have while I wait for the next book to wing its way to me.

Love the New York City setting. That's unusual for this line -- Love Inspired Suspense favors small town settings as a rule -- but I love this break from the norm. Can't wait to see how the authors use the intricacies of a big city in their stories.

And then there's Bruno -- the strong, silent protector type -- my favourite kind of hero! :-) And his two-legged partner isn't too shabby either! But there were points in this suspense that I really needed a Bruno hug! Eason managed to not only surprise me...but shock me! I'm still reeling. Hence the need for a canine warm fuzzy.

Awesome start to what promises to be a compelling new series.

[Andrea Guy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always impressed with Love Inspired's Suspense line, but never as much as when I read Justice Mission. There was something about this story that really grabbed me.

Sophie is kidnapped before the K-9 graduation and her boss, Jordan Jameson is missing. That's a lot of excitement to start a book on.

Sophie was such a great heroine. I loved her devotion both to the NYPD and to her own family. I really identified with her when it came to her feelings for her family. I also liked that she wasn't perfect. A heroine with a learning disability is definitely something unique in romance. I liked that she overcame that too.

Luke was also fabulous, though his misguided feelings of inadequacy when it came to love were a bit far-fetched for me. That didn't stop me from loving him, especially in his desire to keep Sophie safe, when it became obvious someone was after her too.

I wish the love that was blossoming between the two would have taken up more of the story, because this is a series where the mystery isn't going to be completely solved, so with all the unanswered questions that are left, I would have liked a more solid romance between these two.

The mystery however was very front and center and gripping, as well. This was a story that had me on the edge of my seat, wondering about the kidnapper and the killer and a host of other things. Oh and the dog!! Seriously for me, the reason to keep reading is to find out what might have happened to Jordan's police dog.

I can't wait to continue on with this series!

[Hallie (Hallie Reads)]

3.5

The start to a new multi-author suspense series, Justice Mission kept me on my figurative toes. It was a fun story to read (even though I didn’t get all the answers I wanted).

With a missing boss, an attempted kidnapping, and lurking danger, Sophie Walters and Luke Hathaway have a lot on their plate. As they work together, in pursuit of justice, naturally, their story fills with action, mystery, suspense, and romance, of course. The pair is easy to cheer on through it all.

This book definitely left me eager to pick up the next one, Act of Valor. In the meantime, if you’re in need of a quick, sweet, suspenseful story, Justice Mission could be perfect for you.

This review is also posted on Hallie Reads.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[JaneReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't start this at night as it starts out a little scary with Sophie feeling like she's being watched. Shortly after Sophie, a K-9 Unit administrative assistant, is kidnapped. Thankfully she quickly gets away, but her kidnapper is determined to silence her. NYPD K-9 Officer Luke and his dog Bruno become her protection detail. Then their respective boss goes missing and the hunt begins for him. Is the kidnapping attempt and the disappearance linked? This story is full of action and romance. While one mystery is solved the other remains unresolved and I assume will continue throughout the series. I plan to continue the series because I need to know.

[Patrizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avrei anche dato mezza stella in più a questo libro perché mi è veramente piaciuto, ma ci sono troppe incongruenze durante il racconto: un avvenimento accaduto poche ore prima che in un dialogo viene detto accaduto il giorno prima, personaggi che stando alla storia si trovano a km di distanza che di punto in bianco sono accanto ai protagonisti, ecc. Insomma, il libro aveva bisogno di un po' di editing. Peccato perché la storia e i due protagonisti mi avevano presa.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 4 out of 5]

So begins a new series of K-9s and their handlers. Lynette Eason is a fine suspense writer and in this one she succeeds admirable at the kick off of this series with the murder of a police chief and now his dog is missing. We will follow this in the upcoming novels in the series, all by different authors. Quite good.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.6 stars

[Lilkadykitty :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the way the story went.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all the Harlequin K-9 series to date but I am starting to find them formulaic. However, if this is your first time to read one of the books or series you're in for fun. The location is New York but not the tourist spots.

As in previous series set in different locations, a murder of a police officer occurs and a police dog vanishes. This is the recurring thread which will be in each book of the series, while each author concentrates on a separate couple with the K9 squad and a separate criminal as part of a gang.

Again I found it predictable that a woman is endangered because she can perhaps identify a criminal, and her home is broken into, and an officer with a dog offers to open his home to her so she is safe. The criminal could be caught on CCTV, and is putting his face in front of more cameras every time he tries to come near the lady, but he still does it again.

I like the characters and their motivations, I like the police dogs, and the police work is well described. The developing romance is reasonable, positive and suitable for family reading. So as an individual book this works well.
I downloaded an e-ARC from Fresh Fiction and Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.

[Sarita · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fast paced action packed romantic suspense. But I would expect nothing less from Lynette Eason.

I was hoping for a different outcome, but appreciated that the author let the characters experience a loss. It added to the danger level and high stakes at risk.

Loved the canine characters and how the humans interacted with them.

[Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had so much potential, and some parts were brilliantly done. There's plenty of action sequences to keep things moving, and the police officer's funeral was a stand out moment in the story. There are other things going on at the time, including officers watching for Sophie's stalker, but the funeral is the focus and it's a scene that is absolutely heartbreaking. That said, I did have some problems with this one. The biggest being the ending, and not because we don't get all the answers. I'm okay with that. What I don't get is why this guy in the hat was so hell bent on killing Sophie, and for me, the explanation at the end is sorely lacking. It seemed to me that he went through an awful lot to tie up a loose end who couldn't identify him any better than she did, especially when he gets repeatedly noticed only because of the hat! For all the action and intrigue, I just felt disappointed once our hatted villain finally gets to speak. The romance also falls into the problem category for me. I didn't buy this pair as a romantic couple. We're told throughout that there's an attraction, but Luke and Sophie go from work acquaintances to friends to crazy in love in a matter of days. I get that they've known each other a long time, but this is the first chance for them to really get to know each other. It's a bit too much like instalove for me. On a positive note, the story is clean with a passionate kiss being as racy as it gets, and I did like that faith and prayer plays a role in the characters' lives. In the end, the pros and cons were about equal for me, leaving me smack in the middle range. As I understand it, this series will be written by various authors with the continuing arc of who killed Jordan. Given my mixed feelings with this one, I'm still on the fence about whether or not I'll continue with the series.

[Caitlyn Santi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowza! What a fabulous start to the True Blue K-9 Unit series! If you know me at all then you know that Lynette Eason is one of my all time favorite authors, so it goes without saying that as soon as I heard about this book I immediately added it to my wish list! Justice Mission drew me in from the first page and I hated to stop reading it. I immediately liked Luke and Sophie, I really appreciated that they were flawed and realistic characters who were both very kind and never stopped putting others ahead of themselves. I also loved Luke's bond with his K-9 Bruno, it was obvious how much they loved each other, and all the moments when Bruno seemed to be trying to communicate with Luke through his body language and facial expressions were spot on and so much fun to read about! I love that this series is following NYPD K-9 Officers, and can't wait to read the next book in the series!
Overall, I loved this book so much! It's one of my very favorites of Lynette's Love Inspired Suspense titles! I highly recommend Justice Mission, it's going on my keeper shelf, and I definitely envision that I will be reading it again in the future!


I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justice Mission by Lynette Eason is the first book in the True Blue K-9 Unit series. The book starts with an action packed opening scene. Sophie’s boss is missing and she walks in on a suspisious stranger who ends up trying to kidnap her.
Luke is one of the K-9 officers and is protecting Sophie while also trying to figure out what is going on. Has their boss committed suicide, has he ran off or has he been kidnapped?
Several of his relatives are involved in the search and you are not sure if they are involved. His wife just found out she is pregnant. The action and suspense were well done.
The relationship between Luke and Sophia developed naturally. Luke had always assumed she was too young for him so he had not given her much notice. As he gets to know her their feelings start developing for each other.
I enjoyed the romance and suspense. I am thrilled to see the next books in the series.

I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book is exactly in the love inspired formula and probably what didn't totally work for me, will work for others. This is a well known author and I've always loved her books. To me, the romance didn't work in this one. It just distracted from the suspense which was so engaging and full . I know there's romance in this line and had to be, but I wouldn't have minded no romance in this!
I found it almost offensive how against Sophie was against her brother joining the military. No reason for it and that along with her feeling the need to do her grown brothers and fathers laundry etc didn't endear her to me. She seriously questioned if her dad would run out of clean clothes and food without her 🙄 say what?
Not a spoiler, but she was rescued in the end. Please harlequin more heroines who don't need saving!!!!!! I do look forward to seeing how this ultimately ends.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

review coming soon...

[Vena Van Mil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Number of stars: 4 out of 5 stars

Genre: Christian romantic suspense

Best for ages: 14+

Warnings: murder. kidnapping, assault

Favorite quote: 'He laughed. "I guess what I'm trying to say in my bumbling, awkward way is that life is short. Too short not to grab hold of something when it's right. And I think you and I together are very, very right."

Back cover summary: 'After K-9 administrative assistant Sophie Walters spots a suspicious stranger lurking at the K-9 graduation, the man kidnaps her- and she barely escapes. With Sophie's boss missing and someone determined to silence her, NYPD officer Luke Hathaway vows he and his K-9 partner will guard her. But he must keep an emotional distance to ensure this mission ends in justice... not cold-blooded murder.'

My initial thoughts: Justice Mission was a great start to the True Blue K-9 Unit series that I think will get better and better. Readers are sure to get their money's worth with this book, as Lynette Eason blows readers out of the water. In Justice Mission, she mixes high speed intensity, suspense, mystery, drama, and even romance all between 2 covers. Basically what you expect from any of her books:) What an incredible first book in a series that readers will be sure to fall in love with!

My positive thoughts: Firstly, before I even opened the book, I spent a good 5 minutes gazing at the gorgeous front cover. It was nice knowing what Bruno (the K9 hero of the book) looked like. Anyways, even before reading the book, I set high expectations for the quality of the writing as soon as I saw Lynette Eason's name. She's a powerhouse writer, with a knack of writing action-packed scenes that leave readers at the edge. She especially does this at the end of the book, as we are left with a cliff-hanger…

As I said before, Justice Mission sets up the series that will have 9 books by the end. I like how the author introduces the members of the K9 unit so we may become familiar with them. Apart from main characters Sophie and Luke, we are introduced to some of the handlers and their pups.

I always love reading any suspense scene written by Lynette Eason as she writes so descriptively and at a fast rate. Justice Mission certainly doesn't have a shortage of these suspenseful scenes! Well done overall!

The final thing I loved about the book was the character's faith. Whether they were working through moments of grief or opening up about their pasts, all the characters held some sort of faith. Especially for Sophie and Luke, trying to deal with difficult situations throughout the book, whether trying to protect Sophie, looking for a killer or even dealing with their own relationship, they held faith. Faith in their friends, faith in each other and faith in God.

My negative thoughts: I basically had no complaints about the book. The only minor thing was the pace of the book and perhaps the characters. At some points in the book, I felt it was going really slow, and I struggled to keep on reading. Another minor issue I had was the portrayal of some of the characters. For example, Luke seemed really aloof and even a jerk at some parts and I struggled to comprehend why Sophie would even like him...

My final thoughts: Overall a solid 1st book in a series about K9 handlers and their dog heroes, carrying out justice. It was a really good read, as it was suspenseful, had a good mystery and plot, and had characters you couldn't help but love. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery. Thank you to the real-life handlers and law enforcement!

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Justice Mission is a great start to the True Blue K-9 Unit series! With an intriguing mystery, a rapid-fire pace, and stakes that feel real, the book is completely captivating. I really enjoyed trying to figure out the identity of Sophie's kidnapper and his motivation ... and that leads me to my one real complaint about the novel. This is a series (each installment written by a different author), and the "bad guy" won't be revealed until later on in the series, which I didn't expect. So the end of this book feels incomplete, as the hunt for the bad guy will continue in later books. Had I known going in that the mystery wouldn't be resolved at the end of the book, I would've been OK with it, but I just found myself a bit annoyed to reach the end and unexpectedly find no resolution!

I also noticed a couple continuity errors; as I read an ARC, these errors may be fixed before the final version is released in April.

All that said, I really did enjoy the novel. For me, the best part (no contest) was a police officer's funeral. Of course, I've watched police funerals on TV and in movies, but I don't think I'd ever read about one before, and the "end of watch" had me basically sobbing into my Kindle.

I definitely would enjoy continuing this series—I need to know if I've correctly identified the killer! 3-1/2 stars.

Disclosure of material connection: I received an ARC from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.