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Dogleg Island Mystery #4
Pieces of Eight
From the award- winning author of FLASH…
A deadly explosion at an archaeological dig on Dogleg Island plunges police chief Aggie Malone and her canine partner Flash into a dark mystery from the past.
On the other side of the bridge, Deputy Sheriff Ryan Grady, still reeling from the brutal assassination of his ex-partner, stumbles onto the site of a mass murder.
In the midst of a state-wide manhunt for a desperate fugitive, Aggie deals with a new island administrator who threatens the future of police department, while a mysterious stranger with an agenda of his own stalks Grady.
As the pieces of the investigations fall into place, Aggie and Grady begin to see that their cases, though separated by fifty years, are more alike than they are different… but only Flash knows how they are connected. And by whom.
When a family tragedy is traced back to the elusive Ghost Syndicate, the fight for justice turns fiercely personal for Aggie, Grady, and Flash. And this time it’s a fight they can’t afford to lose.
Don’t miss this exciting sequel to Flash of Brilliance, nominee for Dog Writers of America’s Best Fiction Book of the Year!
A deadly explosion at an archaeological dig on Dogleg Island plunges police chief Aggie Malone and her canine partner Flash into a dark mystery from the past.
On the other side of the bridge, Deputy Sheriff Ryan Grady, still reeling from the brutal assassination of his ex-partner, stumbles onto the site of a mass murder.
In the midst of a state-wide manhunt for a desperate fugitive, Aggie deals with a new island administrator who threatens the future of police department, while a mysterious stranger with an agenda of his own stalks Grady.
As the pieces of the investigations fall into place, Aggie and Grady begin to see that their cases, though separated by fifty years, are more alike than they are different… but only Flash knows how they are connected. And by whom.
When a family tragedy is traced back to the elusive Ghost Syndicate, the fight for justice turns fiercely personal for Aggie, Grady, and Flash. And this time it’s a fight they can’t afford to lose.
Don’t miss this exciting sequel to Flash of Brilliance, nominee for Dog Writers of America’s Best Fiction Book of the Year!
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Published November 21, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 18, 2019
The 4th book in the Dogleg Inland series is a new author to me. I had no trouble placing the characters. I will read this author again. Aggie Malone is the police chief of 2 man force which includes her. She has sidekick Flash, a service dog who has special talents. Some of the story is told from Flash view. A fast moving and exciting story.
She is married the Chief deputy, Ryan Grady of the county. He is looking for answers to a mass murder the killer the victims all the family except one. Aggie and Flash are exploring a blast at an archeology dig. There is a car jacking that has a surprise in the back seat. These 2 themes are skillfully brought together. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.
She is married the Chief deputy, Ryan Grady of the county. He is looking for answers to a mass murder the killer the victims all the family except one. Aggie and Flash are exploring a blast at an archeology dig. There is a car jacking that has a surprise in the back seat. These 2 themes are skillfully brought together. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.
February 25, 2020
Great book. I love the Dogleg Island Mystery series and the Raine Stockton series. I recommend both!
November 27, 2020
I am sad that there are no more books written at this time in the series. I really like the strong depictions of family support and love in the books. And I've gotten more comfortable with Flash doing some of the narrating, especially since he brings up interesting insights about how odd people are at times. One of the things he mused about was how "remembering things was almost the same as being in two places as once. It was like leaving a door open to what once had been." As a dog, Flash tends to live in the moment but he noted that Aggie and Brady liked talking about things that had happened in the past. Flash is one of the most interesting characters in the books. And my fun favorite guy JC, spouting scripture verses, is back too, although he didn't come across as well this time. Having him always add the actual scripture chapter and verse seemed awkward to me in conversation. So with JC involved, you know the story was about drugs and the drug organization running the trade. Like the open door Flash was interested in, this story deals with past drug dealings on the island and the current drug traffic.
March 21, 2021
I suspected I was going to like these mysteries since I've like everything else she's written--so far. And I was right. She also has a few books of the "western" genre--I might try those next.
She tried an experiment in this series--nearly killing her main character in the very beginning. (That's not a spoiler; you'd know it from the cover) Oddly, the experiment worked--having the detective nearly die in the first episode left all sorts of problems for her to deal with. Very interesting.
Also she branched out in her dog characterization, letting the main dog have thoughts that we don't normally think of dogs having. It made me chuckle a time or two. But I like her writing well enough to give her a little "poetic license", if you will.
So to sum up, I loved them all. The plots are good, too, and none of the police people are total idiots.
She tried an experiment in this series--nearly killing her main character in the very beginning. (That's not a spoiler; you'd know it from the cover) Oddly, the experiment worked--having the detective nearly die in the first episode left all sorts of problems for her to deal with. Very interesting.
Also she branched out in her dog characterization, letting the main dog have thoughts that we don't normally think of dogs having. It made me chuckle a time or two. But I like her writing well enough to give her a little "poetic license", if you will.
So to sum up, I loved them all. The plots are good, too, and none of the police people are total idiots.
December 4, 2020
The author's latest installment of Dogleg Island Mystery, #4 is a winner. While I loved the plot action--the author does a great job of crafting stories that keep you reading, her knack for creating believable characters is exceptional. Grady and Aggie are so real, we ache with their pain and whoop with their triumphs. Definitely recommend this book, especially if you're a canine-lover. Flash is to die for. So much fun!
January 27, 2023
Best One Yet
The development of the whole series has been great! Each book is a chapter in a larger plot that keeps me looking forward to the next book. This individual plot of this novel in the series has been my favorite thus far. The author developed several storylines at a fun pace with great twists. As usual Flash offers a viewpoints all of us could learn a lot from; why do humans make it so complicated?
The development of the whole series has been great! Each book is a chapter in a larger plot that keeps me looking forward to the next book. This individual plot of this novel in the series has been my favorite thus far. The author developed several storylines at a fun pace with great twists. As usual Flash offers a viewpoints all of us could learn a lot from; why do humans make it so complicated?
June 29, 2021
OMG, what a breath stealing book
Holy m.oly. I'm hooked o. This series for sure. I never pay that much money for a series. I always get the free kindle unlimited. But....I've already spent $25 and will continue to read these books. I think the preacher is Angel, but maybe not. Guess I'll find out sometime😀😉
Holy m.oly. I'm hooked o. This series for sure. I never pay that much money for a series. I always get the free kindle unlimited. But....I've already spent $25 and will continue to read these books. I think the preacher is Angel, but maybe not. Guess I'll find out sometime😀😉
November 16, 2021
A perfectly delightful, not overly cerebral mystery with interesting and fairly well developed characters that have built now over 4 volumes. The author did a good job of weaving the plots and leaving a cliff-hanger of sorts. Sure, the dog is a bit of a super-human and not a dog, but who cares? A fun, light read.
October 29, 2025
Dogleg Island is doggone good,
I enjoy books that have a dog or pet involved. Border collies are my absolute favorite breed of dogs. Donna writes a superb story using a border collie’s point of view, while solving crime with his favorite human Aggie Malone. Her stories are well written and enjoyable, and I’m fixing to read book 5.
I enjoy books that have a dog or pet involved. Border collies are my absolute favorite breed of dogs. Donna writes a superb story using a border collie’s point of view, while solving crime with his favorite human Aggie Malone. Her stories are well written and enjoyable, and I’m fixing to read book 5.
July 21, 2020
Wonderful series
Anyone who loves dogs will especially love this series. Flash, a border collie, is part of the Island police department and is as smart as anyone. Great characters.
Anyone who loves dogs will especially love this series. Flash, a border collie, is part of the Island police department and is as smart as anyone. Great characters.
October 26, 2021
As always Donna Ball does not disappoint. You learn more about characters of Dog Leg Island and some history of the island itself. And in this book you have several mysteries going on plus a pain in Aggie's butt. Great read.
May 29, 2025
excellent
I enjoy these books tremendously. Sometimes I have trouble remembering which character is which and there are many characters. The main ones are not the problem but all the supporters get confusing
I enjoy these books tremendously. Sometimes I have trouble remembering which character is which and there are many characters. The main ones are not the problem but all the supporters get confusing
April 30, 2020
Good story! Characters are likeable, and, of course, Flash is a genius. Looking forward to book 5.
Read
July 5, 2021another pleasant Donna Ball read
October 1, 2021
I LOVE this series! All the characters are great, and the books get better and better.
May 16, 2023
Love these books - an outstanding series!
Want to read
December 17, 2025(E) Joe gave me this for my birthday in 2025.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2019
I have read many of Donna Ball’s books and I have read all three of th Dogleg Island Mystery series. This book stands on its own. I don’t think you need to read the first three to understand book 4. I love all the characters. I’m glad Grady’s parents are in this book. I like them very much. Many of the other characters from previous books are in this book and there are two new characters. One may just be in this book but the other will be in book #5. Of course, there is Flash, Ryan and Aggie’s dog. He understands a lot and things that he desn’t understand bothers him. He had a very bonded relationship with Aggie. They know how to read read each other w/o much spoken words. This book has several cases that intertwine and you don’t know how they fit til the end. there is intrigue and excitement and danger too. The ending is unique and I’m not sure how that will play out in book #5.
This book will hold your interest to the very end. It’s easy reading and very enjoyable.
This book will hold your interest to the very end. It’s easy reading and very enjoyable.
September 18, 2019
Not her best
I have read and enjoyed all the Raine Stockton mysteries and the dogleg Island mysteries but not this one. It was full of unsavory characters, gruesome murder scenes , and unnecessary fill-ins like how the coffee came out of the coffee machine. In addition the pot didn’t even start to unfold until I was 20% into the novel.
I have read and enjoyed all the Raine Stockton mysteries and the dogleg Island mysteries but not this one. It was full of unsavory characters, gruesome murder scenes , and unnecessary fill-ins like how the coffee came out of the coffee machine. In addition the pot didn’t even start to unfold until I was 20% into the novel.
September 23, 2019
3.5★ I liked the previous books in the series better. This didn’t hold my interest.
October 12, 2019
Love Donna Ball's books. Pieces of Eight is great read. Flash, Aggie and Ryan solve another crime.
January 18, 2020
Love it
Great story for those who love dogs and a good mystery. Love the characters; their strengths and flaws keep me coming back.
Great story for those who love dogs and a good mystery. Love the characters; their strengths and flaws keep me coming back.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews