Discover this captivating read from USA Today bestselling author Valerie Hansen, part of the uplifting True Blue K-9 Unit series.
Foiling a criminal’s plans makes an officer and her K-9 partner targets.
Thwarting a kidnapping has thrust Officer Vivienne Armstrong and her K-9 partner, Hank, right into the culprit’s crosshairs. Now, even with danger stalking them at every turn, Vivienne refuses to stop working, but FBI agent Caleb Black intends to do his job and safeguard her. Together, can they stop the would-be kidnapper from striking a final, fatal blow?
From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.
True Blue K-9
Book 1: Copycat Killer by Laura Scott
Book 2: Chasing Secrets by Heather Woodhaven
Book 3: Deadly Connection by Lenora Worth
Book 4: Explosive Situation by Terri Reed
Book 5: Tracking a Kidnapper by Valerie Hansen
Book 6: Scene of the Crime by Sharon Dunn
Book 7: Cold Case Pursuit by Dana Mentink
Book 8: Delayed Justice by Shirlee McCoy
Book 9: True Blue K-9 Brooklyn Christmas by Laura Scott, Maggie K. Black
Although I have been a published author since the mid 1980s, I have been writing women's Christian fiction almost exclusively since 1999.
There is a longer, more detailed bio on my website so there's no need for me to repeat all that here. Right now, I write for all three Love Inspired lines, Romance, Suspense and Historical. I'm delighted to have been included that broadly and besides, it keeps me so busy that I stay out of trouble. Well, mostly.
You'll find me on the LI Historical blog as well as other LI features. If I try to do much more I won't have time to write my books!
I like romance. I like suspense. And I am drawn to books with dogs on the cover. What I didn’t realize was that Harlequin’s “love inspired suspense” is their euphemism for the sub-genre generally referred to as “Christian fiction.” Maybe I was not the target reader? Or could it have been the less-than-believable yet predictable plot and the cardboard characters? The beautiful cop that really wants to get married and start a family who meets the handsome FBI profiler with baggage? There is no question, however, that I was very disappointed in this book. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
4 stelle e mezza Solita piacevole e veloce lettura. In questa storia entrambi i protagonisti hanno un carattere forte, direi quasi che sono un po' testardi. La soluzione del mistero alla fine è un po' troppo affrettata, avrei voluto saperne di più, anche di cosa succede a chi viene arrestato.
I really enjoyed this crime/romance between a K-9 officer named Vivienne and an FBI agent named Ethan Black. Plus there's a really cute border collie K9 that steps in to warn Vivienne when there's trouble. The story was believable like something that could really happen in New York City.
Tracking a Kidnapper by Valerie Hansen is an action packed romantic suspense with an adorable dog. Vivienne is a K9 officer who sees a child get kidnapped while off duty. The author did an amazing job of keeping us in suspense of why the woman wanted the little boy. And why she kept coming after Vivienne. Her K9 was adorable and gave a different perspective of a working K9. Most of them look series and not lovable.
Caleb is an FBI agent in town to help with another investigation but ends up helping protect Vivienne. I truly enjoyed their banter and developing relationship. Caleb has lost someone in his past and it made him over protective and stressed as people kept coming after her. Caleb and Vivienne had to work out a balance as she was a capable cop but also make sensible choices.
Both characters were likable and I would recommend this story to anyone who likes K9s and Christian romantic suspense.
Officer Vivienne and her K-9 partner, Hank, stop a kidnapping and find themselves the target of a deranged and determined criminal. As they search for the suspect, an unexpected romance develops between FBI profiler Caleb and Vivienne. Finding the kidnapper before they exact revenge on Vivienne and Hank, keeps the whole K-9 Unit on guard.
I've read several of the K-9 Unit series and this one, with Vivienne and Hank was just as entertaining as the others. The mystery was fast-paced, the characters were interesting, the religious references enhanced the book and the romance added a nice feeling to the story. I love a good mystery and adding an animal sidekick to the story makes it even more enjoyable. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed, in this review, are my own.
Though the fifth book in the True-Blue K-9 Unit Brooklyn continuity series, Tracking a Kidnapper reads very well as a standalone. There's an over-arcing suspense plot that inches forward with each book but there's also a distinct suspense that gets solved in every book too. Each author does an amazing job of working pertinent details from previous books into the current one so no need to be worried that you'll feel lost if you pick up one of these books out of order. So a reader gets tantalizing tidbits of one mystery and the satisfactory conclusion of another. Plus...there's romance! And a dog!
And a cantankerous FBI Special Agent hero stuck in the anger stage of grief. I really felt Caleb's struggles. Unable to see God in the midst of his trauma, he's barricaded his heart and seems to be working on auto-pilot. In fact, work is all he has to distract him until Vivienne comes along. And then she's on his mind -- and in his face -- all too often. And he doesn't like it one bit...especially when he begins to realize he has feelings for the K-9 Officer. She's feisty and spunky and determined to be accepted as an equal partner when all Caleb wants to do is protect. Great clashing of wills and gnashing of teeth -- banter and huffy 'discussions' -- their combined energy crackled its way to a hard-won happily ever after.
And then there's Hank, border collie superstar. Loved the way Hansen brings out the special relationship a K-9 handler has with her partner. She's included some interesting info on training which makes the read all the more interesting. And, really, who can resist that intense border collie gaze on the front cover? That's Hank laser-focused on making sure you pick up the book and once you do, you won't be able to stop reading!
"Tracking a Kidnapper" is a Christian romantic suspense novel. It's the fifth book in a series, but each novel can be read as a stand alone. In the past, an assassin tasked to kill FBI agent Caleb ended up killing his cop wife and their baby instead. His guilt drives how he treats others, especially the attractive K-9 officer Vivienne. He feels responsible to keep her alive and wants to keep her away from any danger, but her stalker always seems to find a way around his measures. Vivienne is very understanding and patient with him, but she's a competent cop with a canine partner, and she trusts God to look after her. She's willing to follow sensible advice, but she's not willing to stop doing her job in order to stay safe. Caleb has to overcome his anger at God in order to find peace and trust if he has any chance of a future with Vivienne. The suspense stayed high as as Vivienne was attacked again and again. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this exciting suspense.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
I am a capable police officer who doesn't wanna hurt the big strong man's feelings after knowing him for *checks* 12 hours, so I'm gonna let him order me around, and get distracted by him and his tragic backstory and almost get hit by a car because the bad guy is trying to kill me. Oh, also, he's completely still in love with his dead wife, to the point he's still wearing his wedding ring 7 years after her death, but doesn't wanna leave my side.
DNF at about 55%. I think this book takes place over about 2 days? (It took til page 125 to get to the end of day 1.) No.
I have read a few books by Valerie and have enjoyed them. I really like the aspect of mystery, not graphic, yet suspenseful mixed with just enough faith and romance. Nothing over the top.
P101 This one is pretty good so far. Color me surprised. I’d about given up on this series… Viv and Caleb. Liked the depth in this one. Big on character and that’s the best part imho.
Even if I'm not interested in the religious side of this series I liked the books and this one was no exception. I found it entertaining and engrossing with a likable cast of characters and a mystery that kept me hooked. The romance was sweet and I rooted for the characters. Recommended. Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I have read many Love Inspired suspense books, and I felt that this one is a great example of an excellent Love Inspired Suspense story: A suspenseful storyline; main characters that the reader can connect with; a setting that adds interest to the story and great supporting characters. Most importantly, there’s a thread of faith that lights a path all the way through the book. I thought Valerie Hansen did a terrific job of bringing us an exciting story.
Vivienne and Caleb are both dedicated to their jobs and protecting the public. Caleb’s struggle with the tragic death of his wife and child made his story very compelling. Vivienne’s character drew me into the story, and she seemed like someone I would like to know in real life. Her canine partner, Hank, brought another sweet dimension to the book and I enjoyed reading the scenes when Hank was in action. There’s quite a bit that happens to Vivienne, and the author showed both her professional and human side as she faced the danger. She and Caleb had a fast track to romance, but it worked in this storyline. I am very interested in following this series, and thought this book was a great addition.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Vivienne Armstrong is out with her K-9 partner Hank when she hears a woman screaming. She goes to investigate and finds a very distraught mother crying because her almost three-year-old son has disappeared. She told Vivienne that she only looked away for a short minute and he was gone. Vivienne and Hank get a plush bunny/lovey belonging to the little boy from his mother and start tracking him. They finally catch up with a woman in a hoodie carrying the boy. The hooded woman starts running and leads the police duo on a merry chase. After they rescue the boy and return him to his mother Vivienne finds herself in danger. She is shot at and she, along with her comrades, aren't sure if the shootings are related to the kidnapping case or something else.
FBI agent Caleb Black was meeting with Vivienne's commanding officer Sergeant Gavin Sutherland about the copy cat murder of a mother and father where the murderer leaves the parent's little girl unharmed and gives her a stuffed animal. This happened on the twenty year anniversary of a very similar cold case murder. Sgt. Sunderland assigns Vivienne to work with Caleb. Caleb lost his wife and child when his wife who was a police officer attempted to help him thwart the man trying to assassinate Caleb. That turned Caleb's world upside down. He is attracted to Vivienne and Vivienne is attracted to him but both have doubts about any potential relationship.
Tracking A Kidnapper by Valerie Hansen is the fifth book in the Harlequin series, True-Blue K-9 Unit: Brooklyn. This is a super addition to the series. The overall arc of the series is furthered a little bit. Other members of the Brooklyn K-9 Unit appear so the reader gets to get updates about them. This story is really full of action. The danger to Vivienne is palpable. I liked how protective Caleb was with Vivienne. The mystery of who kidnapped the little boy and why was solved in a logical way. Definitely realistic. This Harlequin series is a fascinating one. The crimes and mysteries solved along the way to finding the Twentieth Anniversary killer are great reading so far. Next up is Scene of the Crime by Sharon Dunn.
Tracking a Kidnapper True Blue K-9 Unit: Brooklyn By Valerie Hansen
Right place, right time puts Officer Vivienne Armstrong in the perfect position to stop a kidnapping. While exercising her K-9 partner Hank, Vivienne all but stumbles onto a kidnapping. She and Hank set off in pursuit and manage to recover the young boy. But someone has decided that Vivienne needs to be eliminated and they are targeting her no matter where she goes.
FBI Agent Caleb Black has been called in to profile a killer for the Brooklyn PD and is asked to assist with Vivienne's case. He takes his job seriously and is determined to keep Vivienne safe. There is just one problem Vivienne reminds him of his late wife and this case is hitting too close to home.
As Caleb and Vivienne work to identify the kidnapper they have to deal with their growing attraction and deal with the other's take-charge attitude. Can they trust God to be in control Tof their lives and this case?
Tracking a Kidnapper is a clean read romantic suspense that delves into a spouse's survivor's guilt, kidnapping, and stalking. There are no graphic scenes so this book won't give you nightmares or unpleasant mental images. Overall this was a good read and several hours away from one's normal life experiences. So if you have a weekend that you want to spend in Brooklyn while enjoying the comforts of your favorite chair look no further. I have to admit the dog on the cover was all the motivation I needed to check out this book. I admit it the cover drew me in before I had even read the description. But I have no regrets for the time spent and it was a pleasant diversion to the news of the day (just saying).
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This was a good book and once I started reading I had to keep going to the end so that I could find out who did it and why for at least one of the cases discussed. Vivienne is a K-9 dog handler and her dog, Hank is a tracker and one day while they are out exercising a little boy disappears. Hank is able to track the boy's scent and he and Vivienne are able to thwart the kidnapping and save the boy, but not catch the suspect. Now the suspect is after Vivienne and Hank to get even for them putting a stop to the plan. Caleb Black is an FBI profiler who is at Vivienne's station to investigate a double homicide and decide if the same person committed the crime 20 years apart or not. He happens to be near Vivienne when the first attack against her happens and so her boss decides that Caleb can just stay with her at an FBI safe house. Vivienne has a strong faith in God and his plan for her, but she soon realizes that Caleb has lost his faith due to the circumstances surrounding the deaths of his wife and son. She prays that one day Caleb will find his way back. Just what is God's plan for Caleb and Vivienne? Can Caleb recover his faith and re-open his heart? Can Vivienne give up some of her need to control everything? This book made me laugh, think and put me on the edge of my seat more than once. I definitely recommend it. My thanks to Netgalley, Valerie Hansen and Love Inspired for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. I am freely giving this review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a good book and once I started reading I had to keep going to the end so that I could find out who did it and why for at least one of the cases discussed. Vivienne is a K-9 dog handler and her dog, Hank is a tracker and one day while they are out exercising a little boy disappears. Hank is able to track the boy's scent and he and Vivienne are able to thwart the kidnapping and save the boy, but not catch the suspect. Now the suspect is after Vivienne and Hank to get even for them putting a stop to the plan. Caleb Black is an FBI profiler who is at Vivienne's station to investigate a double homicide and decide if the same person committed the crime 20 years apart or not. He happens to be near Vivienne when the first attack against her happens and so her boss decides that Caleb can just stay with her at an FBI safe house. Vivienne has a strong faith in God and his plan for her, but she soon realizes that Caleb has lost his faith due to the circumstances surrounding the deaths of his wife and son. She prays that one day Caleb will find his way back. Just what is God's plan for Caleb and Vivienne? Can Caleb recover his faith and re-open his heart? Can Vivienne give up some of her need to control everything? This book made me laugh, think and put me on the edge of my seat more than once. I definitely recommend it. My thanks to Netgalley, Valerie Hansen and Love Inspired for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. I am freely giving this review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Tracking a Kidnapper. This is book five in the continuity series, True Blue K-9 Unit: Brooklyn. I've enjoyed this series, it's been written by some of my favorite authors. This story is full of action, faith, twists and turns. I know you are going to love it.
K-9 Officer Vivienne Armstrong and her partner Hank were at the promenade for a run on her day off. She heard a mother's scream that she couldn't find her two year old son. Hank is a search and rescue dog; she gives him a toy and he takes off. They find the child and report a description of the kidnapper. The FBI Agent sees the kidnapper taking their pictures. What is going on? Is this a human trafficking ring or just an impulsive abduction.
FBI Agent and Profiler Caleb Black is in a meeting. He is to help the K-9 Unit by profiling the Killer of a twenty year old case. He is on his way to interview one of the survivors of that case when Sergeant Gavin Sutherland gets a call about the abduction. They are on their way but Caleb couldn't help remembering the loss of his own family. He had not been able to save them. He wanted to help save this child. The K-9 officer has saved the boy. He sees the kidnapper and stops an attack. Can he keep this woman safe?
A journey of trying to stay one step ahead of a deranged kidnapper. God has a plan for these two broken hearts. A plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too, a good plan an
If you like a good mystery, clean Christian stories and romance, this is the one for you. This story centers around K-9 Officer Vivienne Armstrong, her K-9 partner Hank and FBI Profiler, Caleb Black. While Vivienne and Hank are out exercising, a child is kidnapped. Using Hank’s talents they are able to stop the kidnapping but not arrest the criminal. Little did she know that her actions would put her in the crosshair of a criminal. A criminal that will do anything to eliminate her. Caleb is a man with a tragic past that had him losing his faith. By chance he’s close by when Vivienne is attacked the first time. At that point he’s assigned to protect her and they both end up in a safe house. He wants to dictate what Vivienne has to do , but as much as she appreciates his concern , she’ll not stop doing her job. As the danger escalates, so does the attraction between Caleb and Vivienne. But will Caleb be able to find his faith? Will he be able to trust God and find that he has a second chance in life? And if he does, will they overcome the danger and find their HEA? The plot was engaging, and the characters complex. I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Harlequin. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Tracking a Kidnapper is Book #5 in the True-Blue K-9 Unit: Brooklyn series. To get the full gist of what this series is about, begin with the first book in the series, Copycat Killer, and continue in sequential order. To get an even better idea, begin with the True-Blue K-9 Unit series from 2019, a series of 9 books, I think, which happens in Queens, New York. The second series, as the series title states is in Brooklyn, New York. Some of the characters that were in the first series (2019) are now in the second series (2020).
This episode focuses on a Brooklyn PD Officer Vivienne Armstrong, her K-9 partner, Hank (a black and white border collie), and FBI agent Caleb Black. Caleb is an FBI profiler who is brought into the Brooklyn precinct to figure out if a copycat or the same killer murdered a couple from 20 years ago and another couple about 5 months ago. However, Caleb is brought into another case when he has to protect Brooklyn PD Officer Vivienne Armstrong from a would-be kidnapper. She saw the kidnapper's face and now that person is out to kill her. I was totally surprised to find out why the kidnapper tried to kidnap the 3-year-old little boy from his mother. I thought it was for some other reason, such as human trafficking or that the person lost a child of their own, but that was not the case. I won't give it away because this book is worth reading. I recommend it to anybody who likes a good suspense mystery that includes wonderful K-9 partners. Read the entire 2 series from 2019 and 2020. You'll be glad you did. I gave this book 5 stars. I hope when the Brooklyn series in finished that they make one in Manhattan and one in the Bronx.
The story jumped right into the action and mayhem. The chaotic attempted crime giving an edge to the tale, the heroic reactions shining a bright light to Vivienne and Hank. In all the disarray Vivianne meets FBI agent Caleb Black, and sparks are flying and igniting as they start to work together. I liked the story and I found it entertaining. There is an obvious connection between Caleb and Vivianne, but they do have several obstacles to work through to even get along. Caleb is struggling with his faith in God, with the loss of his family, and is shut down from any future romantic entanglements. Vivianne is a capable and strong officer, yet she has a need to prove it to Caleb again and again, to the point of stubbornness and making dangerous mistakes. A tale that detonates on all aspects, with the constant twists and turns with the suspense, with the romance that lights up instantly despite the challenges it faces, and with the inner struggles to trust for the divine guidance, to find that inner peace and deliverance of past doubts and sorrows. ~ Three Spoons and a teaspoon on the side
Vivienne and her K-9 partner find themselves in the crosshairs of a kidnapper, after foiling a previous attempt. FBI Profiler Caleb Black has been assigned to keep her safe, working together can they stop the kidnapper before it's too late.
Vivienne is a likable character, I loved her determination and passion for bringing people to justice, as well as her faith. I liked how she is relatable, she struggles with being single, and I liked how that struggle really humanized her for me.
Caleb is serious and dedicated to his job, he likes to keep to himself, and is reserved. I loved how Vivienne draws him out, and gets him to open up as the case progresses. Their differences complement each other well.
Overall, an action-packed read, with fantastic characters, they have great chemistry, and I loved their teasing rapport. Hank, is incredibly loyal, and I loved how he protects Vivienne. A fantastic addition to the K-9 series, but also can be read as a standalone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A kidnapper is now after True Blue K9 Unit specialized K9 officer, Vivienne Armstrong. She stopped the planned child abduction. Everywhere Vivienne turns there is an attempt on her life. She has a handsome FBI agent Caleb who is assigned to help protect her. It’s difficult for Vivienne she isn’t used to being in hiding and doesn’t accept it easily. Especially since this FBI agent is a broken hearted widower who’s looks turn women’s heads and seems to make her heart beat too fast. Vivienne and her K9 Hank both have a target on their backs and she uses her faith to back up her impressive police training and Hanks excellent training to stay alive. I enjoyed this book immensely and highly recommend this mystery romance that has no unsavory language and Very likable characters. Thank you NetGalley, Valerie Hansen and the publishers, Harlequin for allowing me to read this ARC I will read more by Valerie Hansen!
While Officer Vivienne was walking with her K-9 Hank she witnesses a kidnapping attempt and managed to thwart the kidnapper. Caleb is the cop in charge of figuring out who is behind this and keep Vivienne safe because its clear that someone is now out to get her.
I loved this fast paced read. There was so much going on to keep the readers busy. There was also a christian side of the book talking about god and faith and I'm not much of a faith person but it wasn't overbearing I think this book can be enjoyed by all. I loved that this book was a pretty clean book and seeing the subtle attraction that was going on clearly they cared for one another. I loved the who mystery suspense of it all. I mean there was a kidnapping so there is a case to solve but its clear the person doesn't want to get caught and will do what they can to stop the officers from getting closer to solving the mystery of who they were and why. Overall great book I really enjoyed it.
Such a cute & fun read! I read this at the beach and in my backyard!! So nice.
Although the action was unbelievable at times, and it was annoying how the cops let the bad guy get away so many times, I’m so glad I read this. The K-9, Hank, was so awesome and I really loved this quick, clean read.
The one thing I don’t get is why Vivienne didn’t just stay at the police office instead of getting a safe house.. it’s not like she couldn’t get a cot and sleep in her office or anywhere in there. 😂
This book touches a lot on loss of a spouse & family, something that many people can relate to. I enjoyed reading about how Caleb struggled immensely with this, but eventually turned to God and was able to find love again. Very satisfying!!
FBI profiler Caleb Black has losted so much, and now he's being asked to assist the Brooklyn K-9 unit with a case that is similar to a 20 year old cold case. Vivienne Armstrong a K-9 officer is giving chase to stop a would be kidnapping of a young boy. That is how the two meet. Caleb has turned away from his faith, Vivienne with all the bad things she has seen being a cop has not lost her faith, how can she get Caleb to trust and believe in God again. The kidnapper is coming after Vivienne now, and Caleb has been asked to protect her. this story as attempted murder, bomb, and kidnapping.
Who are Vivienne, Caleb, and Hank? How does the story start out? What happens when Vivienne and Hank are out for a walk at the Promenade? How does Caleb fit into the picture? Who is Tommy? What things happen that cause Vivienne to have to go into a safe house? What happens when she is there? I could not put this book down to save my life. Once I started reading it, if my apartment had caught fire or I needed to evacuate, I wouldn't have been able to I was engrossed in this story! Enjoy the romance, mystery, and suspense of it all!
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT from Netgalley FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
3.5 rating. This book was a nice change of pace for the True Blue K-9 Unit: Brooklyn series. Vivianne Armstrong and her K-9 partner Hank stop a kidnapping in progress. For her trouble, Vivianne becomes a target of the mother/daughter kidnapping team. Vivianne has a weird sense of humor that comes out when she ends up with FBI agent/profiler Caleb Black. Caleb is a workaholic that lost his family to a sniper seven years earlier. He hasn’t put their deaths behind him and his anger at God has become stronger over the years. Every time they try to get to safety our kidnappers find them. Even though this is a suspense novel I spent a lot of time laughing till the tears flowed.
K-9 officer, Vivienne Armstrong, and her partner, Hank, successfully track a little boy that was kidnapped. Now she is being stalked and shot at, is it by the kidnapper? If so, why? FBI profiler, Caleb Black, is trying to help the Brooklyn unit solve a couple of identical murders that happened 20 years apart. Caleb gets pulled in to the kidnapping case and becomes Vivienne protection detail. This story has non stop action, good characterization, and information on how K-9 officers and their dogs live and work together. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one in the series.
Tracking a Kidnapper is a action packed book, Officer Vivienne and her k-9 partner stop a kidnapping and what follows is a fast paced storyline. Add in an unexpected romance and you have a very good book. I would certainly recommend this book to others.
I received a ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, and was under no obligation to give a favorable review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Saving a Kidnapped Boy Puts K-9 Handler in Danger This wonderful novel is the fifth in a series. These are police mysteries that are heavy on K-9 handling. The is also a romance in the background. The stories are faith-filled especially in how it pertains to handing your life over to God. The story has no blood, gore, or sex, but it does involve the kidnapping of a child. I highly recommend this series.