What do you think?
Rate this book
Scent #1
Scent of Fear
For Haley Richardson, fear does have a smell. So do hate and happiness.
A head injury as a child gave Haley an extraordinary sense of smell. Her gift allows Haley and her German shepherd, Jax, to be one of the most successful search and rescue teams in the Midwest. Her gift is also a curse as she detects people’s feelings. For her sanity, she’s reclusive until each time she’s called on to find the lost.
When girls begin disappearing with tragic results in her hometown, Haley teams with the county’s new sheriff, Dane Campbell, to find the killer.
Haley is drawn to the outgoing sheriff, whose daughter is emotionally damaged. After a lifetime of feeling like an outsider, though, Haley is reluctant to get involved with the child, whose melancholy threatens to overwhelm Haley.
As the murders test Haley’s gift and skills, she learns that sometimes a search and rescue can be about the heart, and the heart can lead the way home.
A head injury as a child gave Haley an extraordinary sense of smell. Her gift allows Haley and her German shepherd, Jax, to be one of the most successful search and rescue teams in the Midwest. Her gift is also a curse as she detects people’s feelings. For her sanity, she’s reclusive until each time she’s called on to find the lost.
When girls begin disappearing with tragic results in her hometown, Haley teams with the county’s new sheriff, Dane Campbell, to find the killer.
Haley is drawn to the outgoing sheriff, whose daughter is emotionally damaged. After a lifetime of feeling like an outsider, though, Haley is reluctant to get involved with the child, whose melancholy threatens to overwhelm Haley.
As the murders test Haley’s gift and skills, she learns that sometimes a search and rescue can be about the heart, and the heart can lead the way home.
318 pages, Paperback
Published November 8, 2018
790 people are currently reading
1404 people want to read
About the author
N.J. Litz
7 books68 followers NJ Litz is a former journalist and communications director. (Litz is a college nickname.)
She writes mysteries with a touch of romance that feature strong women who get justice for those who can't get it for themselves.
A member of Thrillers International, Romance Writers of America, and League of Romance Writers, her stories finaled in numerous writing contests.
Not surprisingly, given her books, she is both an avid gardener and an animal lover. She always adopts rescue animals. She lives with her family in Missouri.
She writes mysteries with a touch of romance that feature strong women who get justice for those who can't get it for themselves.
A member of Thrillers International, Romance Writers of America, and League of Romance Writers, her stories finaled in numerous writing contests.
Not surprisingly, given her books, she is both an avid gardener and an animal lover. She always adopts rescue animals. She lives with her family in Missouri.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
November 5, 2025
Good solid writing and story. I think maybe worthy of a lower overall rating than what Goodreads seems to indicate but people have different preferences. Elements of the story seem to be common with others, flawed characters, search and rescue dog trainer who will fall for the law enforcement officer. Series of killings, in this case young girls.
I notice when the author is a woman the heroine is often not written to be overly pretty. Not a big deal, just an observation. Here is Mike, the Sherriff thoughts on her in the beginning of them working together:
‘He watched her fire up her vehicle and pull out onto | the road. Haley had more steel in that tiny body that most people would guess. Haley Richardson certainly didn’t fit his usual type. He liked his women taller, curvier and who understood make-up. Haley was none of those, and God knew she wasn't the warm fuzzy type of a mother that Danica would need. Haley was all wrong for him. She would be a valuable professional ally, though. Strictly business between them.’
As I mentioned, young nine year old girls are the victims. I find it interesting to note different ways for stories to say ‘there’s been another killing.’ Here is a bit of a description related to one missing girl:
'Mike turned into them, keeping his voice low. "We started where Emma was last seen about four-thirty this afternoon, Her playmate’s mom watched her ride down the driveway on her pink bike. Then, poof. Girl disappears."
‘Poof' rarely had a happy ending. . . '
I enjoyed the story. I didn’t find the relationship details cringe worthy. There may have been a little spat or disagreement but at least not one of the long drawn out sequences where a contrived misunderstanding meant to build sexual tension becomes really annoying.
Ok, now my negatives. It was never explained well why the dog couldn’t find a scent to follow the killer from where they find bodies. I didn’t like who they pinned it on and didn’t buy it. And the end wrap of the relationship was just way too rushed for me. And oh yeah, for those who want to know if Kleenex is needed at the end of the book – yes, or maybe not. So good book but not great compared to some others. As I bought the first three books together, I won’t mind reading more in this series but won’t be in a hurry to read them.
I notice when the author is a woman the heroine is often not written to be overly pretty. Not a big deal, just an observation. Here is Mike, the Sherriff thoughts on her in the beginning of them working together:
‘He watched her fire up her vehicle and pull out onto | the road. Haley had more steel in that tiny body that most people would guess. Haley Richardson certainly didn’t fit his usual type. He liked his women taller, curvier and who understood make-up. Haley was none of those, and God knew she wasn't the warm fuzzy type of a mother that Danica would need. Haley was all wrong for him. She would be a valuable professional ally, though. Strictly business between them.’
As I mentioned, young nine year old girls are the victims. I find it interesting to note different ways for stories to say ‘there’s been another killing.’ Here is a bit of a description related to one missing girl:
'Mike turned into them, keeping his voice low. "We started where Emma was last seen about four-thirty this afternoon, Her playmate’s mom watched her ride down the driveway on her pink bike. Then, poof. Girl disappears."
‘Poof' rarely had a happy ending. . . '
I enjoyed the story. I didn’t find the relationship details cringe worthy. There may have been a little spat or disagreement but at least not one of the long drawn out sequences where a contrived misunderstanding meant to build sexual tension becomes really annoying.
Ok, now my negatives. It was never explained well why the dog couldn’t find a scent to follow the killer from where they find bodies. I didn’t like who they pinned it on and didn’t buy it. And the end wrap of the relationship was just way too rushed for me. And oh yeah, for those who want to know if Kleenex is needed at the end of the book – yes, or maybe not. So good book but not great compared to some others. As I bought the first three books together, I won’t mind reading more in this series but won’t be in a hurry to read them.
July 25, 2019
I enjoyed this book, but I did think there were too many ‘threads’ running through the story, some of which were left unresolved. I won’t spoil it for any new reader though by listing them, but it seemed to have everything thrown in which diluted the real ‘meat’ of the plot which I was expecting to focus on Haley’s ability. This was not explored as much as I would have liked and, at times, seemed to be almost an ‘add-on’.
The overall structure of the story flowed well and there was enough tension to keep me reading, but I would have liked more character development. The ending was a tad too easy – everything all hunky-dory and a HEA - whereas in fact it would have been utterly traumatic for all concerned. And the cover isnt great. Trust me.
Four stars. It was good (could have been better) but I read right through to the end which earns an extra star. I’ll certainly look for more books by this author.
The overall structure of the story flowed well and there was enough tension to keep me reading, but I would have liked more character development. The ending was a tad too easy – everything all hunky-dory and a HEA - whereas in fact it would have been utterly traumatic for all concerned. And the cover isnt great. Trust me.
Four stars. It was good (could have been better) but I read right through to the end which earns an extra star. I’ll certainly look for more books by this author.
September 7, 2025
Dogs to the Rescue
Haley was happy with her place in life she raised German Sheppard dogs for rescue, law enforcement and other places their special training was needed. She and her own special dog Jax worked rescue.
When a young girl on vacation with her family goes missing in her home town, Haley and Jax go to work doing what they do best searching for the lost, the missing hoping to find them before they run out of time.
When she meets the new sheriff and feels an attraction she knows she better keep her focus on work. She was a loner, just her and her dogs that life worked best for her.
When Haley and Jax find the missing girl dead by what looks like natural causes, she can go back to her sanctuary from the world. Then she gets a call, another girl is missing. What brings this closer to home is this girl is a local.
The longer Sheriff Dane and Haley work together the attraction goes both ways. Danes young 8 year old daughter Danica has already faced trauma in her life and she pulls herself into her own little world, she reminds Haley to much of herself at that age and Haley is afraid she won't be able to connect with the girl. The girl responds to the dogs though, especially Jax.
Dane and Haley have the serial killer of little girls on their hands, when another girl goes missing and is found dead, and the killer is leaving an angel figurine with each body.
When Haley's dogs are poisoned and Megan a teen girl who works for Haley and Danica go missing it looks like they have been kidnapped. Haley has to save the girls but that means leaving her dogs, can Haley rescue the girls, will Dane make it in time to save them all?
I hope you enjoy reading this story, and finding out people are not always who you believe.
Haley was happy with her place in life she raised German Sheppard dogs for rescue, law enforcement and other places their special training was needed. She and her own special dog Jax worked rescue.
When a young girl on vacation with her family goes missing in her home town, Haley and Jax go to work doing what they do best searching for the lost, the missing hoping to find them before they run out of time.
When she meets the new sheriff and feels an attraction she knows she better keep her focus on work. She was a loner, just her and her dogs that life worked best for her.
When Haley and Jax find the missing girl dead by what looks like natural causes, she can go back to her sanctuary from the world. Then she gets a call, another girl is missing. What brings this closer to home is this girl is a local.
The longer Sheriff Dane and Haley work together the attraction goes both ways. Danes young 8 year old daughter Danica has already faced trauma in her life and she pulls herself into her own little world, she reminds Haley to much of herself at that age and Haley is afraid she won't be able to connect with the girl. The girl responds to the dogs though, especially Jax.
Dane and Haley have the serial killer of little girls on their hands, when another girl goes missing and is found dead, and the killer is leaving an angel figurine with each body.
When Haley's dogs are poisoned and Megan a teen girl who works for Haley and Danica go missing it looks like they have been kidnapped. Haley has to save the girls but that means leaving her dogs, can Haley rescue the girls, will Dane make it in time to save them all?
I hope you enjoy reading this story, and finding out people are not always who you believe.
February 15, 2024
First time listening to this author and I'm sorry there is no more on audible.
It's a fantastic storyline and I really enjoyed puzzling it out.
There were a few holes in the plot that I kept asking out loud why didn't she do this or he guess that so I got a bit frustrated .
The H was hard to like, he was difficult to empathise with and the author wrote little about his past to give me some emotional insight.
The h was clever but missed some basic clues, both professionally and personally.
There was almost no steam or romance but I enjoyed the book nonetheless.
The final scenes took me by suprise, I was pretty shocked at the outcome. I didn't see it at all, although I was close.
I loved the gift the author created around the heroine and the sad motive behind the outcome.
The narrator wasn't all that great. And I think a better rendition would have made a world of difference.
All in all it was a great story and paralleled strongly with real life issues.
It's a fantastic storyline and I really enjoyed puzzling it out.
There were a few holes in the plot that I kept asking out loud why didn't she do this or he guess that so I got a bit frustrated .
The H was hard to like, he was difficult to empathise with and the author wrote little about his past to give me some emotional insight.
The h was clever but missed some basic clues, both professionally and personally.
There was almost no steam or romance but I enjoyed the book nonetheless.
The final scenes took me by suprise, I was pretty shocked at the outcome. I didn't see it at all, although I was close.
I loved the gift the author created around the heroine and the sad motive behind the outcome.
The narrator wasn't all that great. And I think a better rendition would have made a world of difference.
All in all it was a great story and paralleled strongly with real life issues.
July 5, 2021
Great characters, both human and canine!
by Barbara Kelley
This is one if the best books I have ever read! I fell in love with Haley, Jax, Dane and Danica. Zac was a really good teenage character, too. There were only a few grammatical errors and they did not detract from the storyline. This book was very sad because it was about a serial killer murdering little girls, all nine-year-olds. The climax and the killer were both total surprises to me. I usually figure out who the killer is, and sometimes I figure out the why, but this one totally threw me. I gave this book 5 stars and would have given it more stars, if I could have. I hope there will be a sequel because I have never read a story about a woman with a super sense of smell; a smell uncannily similar to that of Search and Rescue dogs, and because I want to see what happens with the above mentioned characters.
by Barbara Kelley
This is one if the best books I have ever read! I fell in love with Haley, Jax, Dane and Danica. Zac was a really good teenage character, too. There were only a few grammatical errors and they did not detract from the storyline. This book was very sad because it was about a serial killer murdering little girls, all nine-year-olds. The climax and the killer were both total surprises to me. I usually figure out who the killer is, and sometimes I figure out the why, but this one totally threw me. I gave this book 5 stars and would have given it more stars, if I could have. I hope there will be a sequel because I have never read a story about a woman with a super sense of smell; a smell uncannily similar to that of Search and Rescue dogs, and because I want to see what happens with the above mentioned characters.
June 23, 2025
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!
Haley is such a GREAT character. Her abilities can be helpful or a hindrance. When she was lost in the woods as a child for days, she hit her head and had some brain damage that made her able to smell the scents of human emotion, which can make being around a lot of people very hard. She trains K9 Shepards for different kinds of police work, but she and her dog Jax do search and rescue.
When children keep going missing and found dead, the Sheriff, Dane, starts looking for a murderer. Haley is helpful in the search. But at the same time she still deals with PTSD and Dane has his own problems with a little girl who won’t talk after her mother died. So this is a Mystery, but so much more than just a Mystery! I really loved it!! It had a few shocking twists and turns. I’m excited to read book two, which I ordered right away!
Haley is such a GREAT character. Her abilities can be helpful or a hindrance. When she was lost in the woods as a child for days, she hit her head and had some brain damage that made her able to smell the scents of human emotion, which can make being around a lot of people very hard. She trains K9 Shepards for different kinds of police work, but she and her dog Jax do search and rescue.
When children keep going missing and found dead, the Sheriff, Dane, starts looking for a murderer. Haley is helpful in the search. But at the same time she still deals with PTSD and Dane has his own problems with a little girl who won’t talk after her mother died. So this is a Mystery, but so much more than just a Mystery! I really loved it!! It had a few shocking twists and turns. I’m excited to read book two, which I ordered right away!
April 30, 2025
Very different premise…intriguing
This first book by an author new to me has an interesting premise. I’ve been trying several different K9 series lately and when this one was recommended I figured I’d give it a try. It starts out kind of slowly and the story arc definitely could have a speedier pace. Neither MC really grabbed my attention and made me want to root for their HEA, especially the sheriff who I thought was a jerk. But his daughter did grab me so I wanted to get her story.
The crisis point is gripping though it was obvious to me who the villain was and I had suggested that person earlier. When the crisis hits it is so obvious to me and I can’t believe it never occurs to Haley. The ending is sweet. I’m curious where the series goes from here.
This first book by an author new to me has an interesting premise. I’ve been trying several different K9 series lately and when this one was recommended I figured I’d give it a try. It starts out kind of slowly and the story arc definitely could have a speedier pace. Neither MC really grabbed my attention and made me want to root for their HEA, especially the sheriff who I thought was a jerk. But his daughter did grab me so I wanted to get her story.
The crisis point is gripping though it was obvious to me who the villain was and I had suggested that person earlier. When the crisis hits it is so obvious to me and I can’t believe it never occurs to Haley. The ending is sweet. I’m curious where the series goes from here.
May 3, 2025
Loved this book. Very different from other S&R books I've read with a good twist to the lead character Haley. She owns a pack of German Shepherd Dogs [Oh I'm so jealous] and trains them for whatever the official body of people wants them for. Haley also suffers from a very strange medical problem, brought about by trauma when she was a child. She almost has the same sense of smell as her family of canines has and at times it can become overwhelming, especially if she is in a crowded environment.
She is called upon in her capacity as an experienced person in Search & Rescue, by the new Police Commander, to help with a few of her dogs, in looking for a child who has gone missing, and that is where it all starts for her..........
She is called upon in her capacity as an experienced person in Search & Rescue, by the new Police Commander, to help with a few of her dogs, in looking for a child who has gone missing, and that is where it all starts for her..........
July 10, 2025
I liked it, there were a few moments that I did not like Haley. I almost stopped reading because there is a 3rd act break up that had me scratching my head. I absolutely HATE 3rd act break ups when adults are the main characters to me that is so juvenile and this one was the absolute worst. I had no clue what happened or why they broke up. Then once they got back together I was just had confused as I was when they broke up. I went back and forth between 2 and 3… because I truly hate the unnecessary break ups. I ended up choosing three because I did not see that coming on who the killer was. I guessed twice and was wrong both times.
That is why I’m giving the next book a go, because they are really together now and I hope all that is behind them.
That is why I’m giving the next book a go, because they are really together now and I hope all that is behind them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2019
Goodreads Win Copy
When Haley Richardson was a child, she had a serious head injury which left her with an extraordinary sense of smell. She uses this to help train dogs for rescue work as an adult.
A string of young girls start to disappear and soon found dead in tow. She must find the killer before more girls end up in the same state with the new handsome sheriff.
Haley finds herself drawn to him and his emotionally damaged daughter but afraid to get close to her feeling her pain. Can they all get past their past and find the killer and even find love? It is a fast paced storyline that keeps you guessing.
When Haley Richardson was a child, she had a serious head injury which left her with an extraordinary sense of smell. She uses this to help train dogs for rescue work as an adult.
A string of young girls start to disappear and soon found dead in tow. She must find the killer before more girls end up in the same state with the new handsome sheriff.
Haley finds herself drawn to him and his emotionally damaged daughter but afraid to get close to her feeling her pain. Can they all get past their past and find the killer and even find love? It is a fast paced storyline that keeps you guessing.
March 19, 2019
What a fabulous captivating book!
I won this softcover mystery in a Goodreads' giveaway but wasn't sure what to expect based on the write-up describing Haley's extraordinary sense of smell. What a wonderful surprise! The "gift" was not overemphasized and Haley was a character that connected with me. She loves dogs, has overcome difficult circumstances, works hard, and cares about others.
There's something for everyone in this book: mystery, romance, animals, children, action, suspense, atmosphere.
I'm definitely going to look for the next book by this author (No Bed of Roses) coming out in April on the Goodreads' giveaways.
I won this softcover mystery in a Goodreads' giveaway but wasn't sure what to expect based on the write-up describing Haley's extraordinary sense of smell. What a wonderful surprise! The "gift" was not overemphasized and Haley was a character that connected with me. She loves dogs, has overcome difficult circumstances, works hard, and cares about others.
There's something for everyone in this book: mystery, romance, animals, children, action, suspense, atmosphere.
I'm definitely going to look for the next book by this author (No Bed of Roses) coming out in April on the Goodreads' giveaways.
March 10, 2025
Haley and her dogs get mixed up with Dane, the Sheriff, and a serial killer of nine year old girls.
Haley is doing search and rescue with her dog Jax,but they are too late to save the girls. This is affecting Haley in terrible ways and keeps throwing her into flash backs of the younger her who went missing for three days. Dane is fighting not to get involved with Haley as his daughter keeps getting closer to her and her dogs. As sheriff he is totally involved in trying to find the monster that is loose in his territory. But nothing is coming together and leaves the town and county in turmoil.
Haley is doing search and rescue with her dog Jax,but they are too late to save the girls. This is affecting Haley in terrible ways and keeps throwing her into flash backs of the younger her who went missing for three days. Dane is fighting not to get involved with Haley as his daughter keeps getting closer to her and her dogs. As sheriff he is totally involved in trying to find the monster that is loose in his territory. But nothing is coming together and leaves the town and county in turmoil.
July 19, 2025
Scent of Fear
Haley trains police dogs with the part time help of two teenagers, Zac and Megan. As a child Haley was lost for three days and injured which left her with an exceptional sense of smell and very vulnerable. The new sheriff, Dane Campbell has an eight year old daughter, Danica, that has been traumatized and doesn't speak. Haley invites her to her property to interact with her twenty one dogs. Here nine year old girls are kidnapped and killed and another drugged. The killer turns out to be a very disturbed Megan. Thanks to Haley Danica is rescued and Megan arrested.
Haley trains police dogs with the part time help of two teenagers, Zac and Megan. As a child Haley was lost for three days and injured which left her with an exceptional sense of smell and very vulnerable. The new sheriff, Dane Campbell has an eight year old daughter, Danica, that has been traumatized and doesn't speak. Haley invites her to her property to interact with her twenty one dogs. Here nine year old girls are kidnapped and killed and another drugged. The killer turns out to be a very disturbed Megan. Thanks to Haley Danica is rescued and Megan arrested.
July 27, 2019
K9 mystery
This is an interesting story involving a K9 handler who has special gifts. She has her own problems from childhood that make dealing with people difficult. She does search and rescue and meets Dane the new police chief at a missing child search. Dane has his own problems with the biggest being his daughter Danica. Danica does not speak although there is nothing preventing her from doing it. There is someone killing young girls and they have to find that person. A mystery I didn't quite solve which is why I gave it high marks. Suspense keeps you reading
This is an interesting story involving a K9 handler who has special gifts. She has her own problems from childhood that make dealing with people difficult. She does search and rescue and meets Dane the new police chief at a missing child search. Dane has his own problems with the biggest being his daughter Danica. Danica does not speak although there is nothing preventing her from doing it. There is someone killing young girls and they have to find that person. A mystery I didn't quite solve which is why I gave it high marks. Suspense keeps you reading
July 9, 2020
Scent of Fear
Haley has a way with dogs and a unique gift that in her line of work is definitely giving her an edge when it comes to find people when she has to do a Search and Rescue. The dogs that she trains are the best and highly sought after it's just that Haley has problems being around people so she lives happily with her dogs. She works hard and tries to make a life for herself and to be ready to drop everything at a moment's notice, you never know when someone is going to get lost and need help to find their way home. GREAT 👍 READ!!!!
Haley has a way with dogs and a unique gift that in her line of work is definitely giving her an edge when it comes to find people when she has to do a Search and Rescue. The dogs that she trains are the best and highly sought after it's just that Haley has problems being around people so she lives happily with her dogs. She works hard and tries to make a life for herself and to be ready to drop everything at a moment's notice, you never know when someone is going to get lost and need help to find their way home. GREAT 👍 READ!!!!
October 25, 2020
Magnificent
I loved,loved this book. This book is fast moving, edge-of-your-seat suspense and a twist you don't see coming. There is supernatural powers that you will find unique and beautiful. The characters are well developed, compassion, vulnerable yet strong in their loving of other. The storyline setting is beautiful and majestic. The lovemaking was spicy and passionate. You will not be disappointed by selecting this books. Also if enjoy reading about the amazing bravery, unconditional love and benefit of dogs, then you will love this book.
I loved,loved this book. This book is fast moving, edge-of-your-seat suspense and a twist you don't see coming. There is supernatural powers that you will find unique and beautiful. The characters are well developed, compassion, vulnerable yet strong in their loving of other. The storyline setting is beautiful and majestic. The lovemaking was spicy and passionate. You will not be disappointed by selecting this books. Also if enjoy reading about the amazing bravery, unconditional love and benefit of dogs, then you will love this book.
March 26, 2025
Scent of Fear had a different twist on search and rescue. The story was interesting, and the plot and storyline kept me guessing until the end. There were several unexpected twists. I enjoyed this book, and while normally I would be happy to know it was the first in a series, it had a problem I'm not sure I can get past. There were a lot of grammatical errors along wth missing words and random numbers at the end of sentences. I could figure out the intent easily, but it detracted from the flow of the story.
April 28, 2019
This book is such a page turner! I am not typically a mystery reader, but I’ve been trying to branch out, and the cover of “Scent of Fear” caught my attention. I was hooked from the very beginning, and could scarcely put the book down long enough to do essential daily tasks. There were surprises and twists ...and some gasps! Loved the personalities of the characters and the creativity of the premise. I can’t wait to read Ms Litz’s next book...now that I am a confirmed mystery reader.
July 22, 2019
A great book about K-9's
Enjoyed this book a lot. I love reading about K-9's, service dogs, and their handlers. Even though it may be fiction doesn't mean there isn't some truth thrown in. In this one some one is killing nine year old little girls. There are few clues to go on. On one hand they suspect a couple different persons, but on the other hand they don't make good suspects. I didn't know who it was and was surprised when the killer was revealed.
Enjoyed this book a lot. I love reading about K-9's, service dogs, and their handlers. Even though it may be fiction doesn't mean there isn't some truth thrown in. In this one some one is killing nine year old little girls. There are few clues to go on. On one hand they suspect a couple different persons, but on the other hand they don't make good suspects. I didn't know who it was and was surprised when the killer was revealed.
August 17, 2019
A mystery till the end
Dane and Haley are new to the area where Dane has to be in the public due to his role in the sheriff haley is terrified to go outside her property. HALEY HAS A SPECIAL GIFT that no one knows about but when dane revealed about his daughter she knew she had to help. knowing her German Shepard's was the answer. Bewtween helping Danica there is also a murderer around killing 7yr old. girls.
Dane and Haley are new to the area where Dane has to be in the public due to his role in the sheriff haley is terrified to go outside her property. HALEY HAS A SPECIAL GIFT that no one knows about but when dane revealed about his daughter she knew she had to help. knowing her German Shepard's was the answer. Bewtween helping Danica there is also a murderer around killing 7yr old. girls.
July 29, 2020
Very good
This is a very fast-paced book. Grabs you in and moves rapidly until the end. Good depth of characters. Keeps you guessing, and you're probably wrong each time. This could have been a great beginning of a series, but that doesn't seem to be the author's intent. More tying up of loose ends would have been appreciated, but it is fiction, so I suppose we can each write our own outcomes.
This is a very fast-paced book. Grabs you in and moves rapidly until the end. Good depth of characters. Keeps you guessing, and you're probably wrong each time. This could have been a great beginning of a series, but that doesn't seem to be the author's intent. More tying up of loose ends would have been appreciated, but it is fiction, so I suppose we can each write our own outcomes.
February 14, 2021
Very well written !!! Lots of twist & turns !!! Total surprise ending !!!Great 👍👍👍👍 character development !!! Awesome story !!!! Unique story line of Hailey 's " gift " to e
discern people's smells coming off them & she could tell their emotions . The stronger emotion the stronger the physical reaction ( is : headaches , weakness , wiped out , pain , uneasiness & many more . )
r her response would be ( is : anger , hate , concern , fear , love , peace , etc. )All
discern people's smells coming off them & she could tell their emotions . The stronger emotion the stronger the physical reaction ( is : headaches , weakness , wiped out , pain , uneasiness & many more . )
r her response would be ( is : anger , hate , concern , fear , love , peace , etc. )All
October 14, 2024
What we don’t expect
Jax is the mvp and I think everyone would love him. The romantic angle is not surprising, but the scent ability was. How overwhelming that would be in real life to smell emotions. I was rooting for Zac, so I loved his role. The deaths were sad and disturbing. I was surprised by the villain, but once I reflected on the book it seemed very clear! Excited for more of this series.
Jax is the mvp and I think everyone would love him. The romantic angle is not surprising, but the scent ability was. How overwhelming that would be in real life to smell emotions. I was rooting for Zac, so I loved his role. The deaths were sad and disturbing. I was surprised by the villain, but once I reflected on the book it seemed very clear! Excited for more of this series.
October 25, 2024
Love it! Characters are so real!
What a great read. The characters are so real and so believable and could not put it down until the last page. What a great combination of characters, I love the dogs part in the storyline. Search and rescue is such an important part to help find those who are lost. It takes a lot on both of those who train the dogs and the dogs themselves to do the special task in which they perform.
What a great read. The characters are so real and so believable and could not put it down until the last page. What a great combination of characters, I love the dogs part in the storyline. Search and rescue is such an important part to help find those who are lost. It takes a lot on both of those who train the dogs and the dogs themselves to do the special task in which they perform.
December 4, 2024
This book has the great scent love, human and dog!
I really enjoyed this book and I’m so glad that it is the beginning of a series. The title is unusually meaningful to the plot of the story. You’ll enjoy finding out why. Some unusual characters, but very enjoyable to learn about. It was great seeing the characters grow and evolve, as well as their relationships I also really enjoyed all the dogs in the story. Read this book, you WILL be VERY glad that you did! :)
I really enjoyed this book and I’m so glad that it is the beginning of a series. The title is unusually meaningful to the plot of the story. You’ll enjoy finding out why. Some unusual characters, but very enjoyable to learn about. It was great seeing the characters grow and evolve, as well as their relationships I also really enjoyed all the dogs in the story. Read this book, you WILL be VERY glad that you did! :)
August 6, 2025
Dane and Haley ❤
All the drama and action my heart could stand! Haley's unique "gift" was successfully woven into the story. I frequently found myself sifting through the clues and pondering just who is this mysterious killer of little girls? 🕵 Took me quite a while to figure it out. Dane and Haley were hiding secrets that impacted their feelings and complicated their romance. Took them quite a while to figure that out. 🤔 Highly recommend this story! Enjoy!
All the drama and action my heart could stand! Haley's unique "gift" was successfully woven into the story. I frequently found myself sifting through the clues and pondering just who is this mysterious killer of little girls? 🕵 Took me quite a while to figure it out. Dane and Haley were hiding secrets that impacted their feelings and complicated their romance. Took them quite a while to figure that out. 🤔 Highly recommend this story! Enjoy!
November 6, 2025
Good Read!
Give me a book that Centers around dogs any day!
When the dogs are working dogs, that's Even better!
I found this To be a very well written and believable story.
I don't want to share anything specific because I think it is better for The reader To simply enjoy what is being presented at that moment.
I have already purchased other books in the set, And expect to quickly devour them, as I did this first book in the series.
Give me a book that Centers around dogs any day!
When the dogs are working dogs, that's Even better!
I found this To be a very well written and believable story.
I don't want to share anything specific because I think it is better for The reader To simply enjoy what is being presented at that moment.
I have already purchased other books in the set, And expect to quickly devour them, as I did this first book in the series.
November 14, 2025
No dogs die
Just a bit of a spoiler alert that no dogs die, but it is something I would be appreciative of in a review. Haley has a unique ability to smell much like a dog's sense of smell. She trains dogs for SAR and police work. When little girls are killed, her ability is put to the test. Haley has 2 young people working for her, and she works with the new sheriff, whose daughter doesn't speak.
Just a bit of a spoiler alert that no dogs die, but it is something I would be appreciative of in a review. Haley has a unique ability to smell much like a dog's sense of smell. She trains dogs for SAR and police work. When little girls are killed, her ability is put to the test. Haley has 2 young people working for her, and she works with the new sheriff, whose daughter doesn't speak.
January 16, 2019
Scent of Fear was fresh and intriguing. It was so rich in plot, sub plot and characters. There wasn’t a one dimensional being in the the cast. Although Haley’s “gift” was so unique, the author really made the burden of it so clear I could feel how she suffered for it. And the dogs... when they were poisoned I thought I’d have to throw the book across the room— now that was a dark moment! Most books of this genre lately have been cookie cutter and flat. Not Scent of Fear. I for one was kept guessing until the final chase.
July 18, 2020
Scent of Fear
This is the first book I have read from this author! It was fantastic!! The characters were well thought out. They fit together so awesomely. You will love the thrill of the ride as you try to figure out how this story ends. I'm usually good at figuring out 'who did it's, but this one totally shocked me! You will love it!
This is the first book I have read from this author! It was fantastic!! The characters were well thought out. They fit together so awesomely. You will love the thrill of the ride as you try to figure out how this story ends. I'm usually good at figuring out 'who did it's, but this one totally shocked me! You will love it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews