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Gideon and Sirius #5
L.A. Woman
LAPD detective Michael Gideon, his K-9 partner, Sirius, and pit bull rescue Emily try to outmaneuver not one but two serial killers, while investigating the suspicious death of a woman who belonged to a cult.
When a woman in Bel Air dies of a rattlesnake bite, the case doesn’t seem to fit the usual purview of LAPD’s Special Cases Unit. But Carrie Holder was no ordinary LA woman. She was a member of the city's latest cult, the Church of the Gate, which counts Hollywood's movers and shakers among its devotees.
Investigating the cult's secrets takes Detective Michael Gideon, his German shepherd K-9 partner, Sirius, and pit bull adoptee Emily across Los Angeles's canyons, neighborhoods, and movie studio lots—but all the while, an even darker threat looms closer. The All-In Killer has left a trail of victims across the Southwest, but he's no longer content to couch his threats in poker clues—the latest crime scene leaves no doubt that he's coming for Gideon, and Sirius, too. With the FBI pressuring Gideon to visit Ellis Haines, aka the Weatherman, for insights on the case, can Gideon outwit not one but two serial killers?
When a woman in Bel Air dies of a rattlesnake bite, the case doesn’t seem to fit the usual purview of LAPD’s Special Cases Unit. But Carrie Holder was no ordinary LA woman. She was a member of the city's latest cult, the Church of the Gate, which counts Hollywood's movers and shakers among its devotees.
Investigating the cult's secrets takes Detective Michael Gideon, his German shepherd K-9 partner, Sirius, and pit bull adoptee Emily across Los Angeles's canyons, neighborhoods, and movie studio lots—but all the while, an even darker threat looms closer. The All-In Killer has left a trail of victims across the Southwest, but he's no longer content to couch his threats in poker clues—the latest crime scene leaves no doubt that he's coming for Gideon, and Sirius, too. With the FBI pressuring Gideon to visit Ellis Haines, aka the Weatherman, for insights on the case, can Gideon outwit not one but two serial killers?
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2019
359 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Alan Russell
24 books290 followersFollow Alan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/alanrussellmysteryau...
Alan Russell is the author of The Last Good Dog, the sixth book in the #1 bestselling series featuring LAPD detective Michael Gideon and his K-9 partner, Sirius.
In 1990 Walker & Company published Alan's first book, No Sign of Murder, which received positive reviews, including a standalone rave from The New York Times. The work was followed up by The Forest Prime Evil and comedic mysteries The Hotel Detective and The Fat Innkeeper, which won him the Lefty Award, given to the best humorous mystery of the year, and a Critics’ Choice Award. His novel Multiple Wounds, a psychological thriller, earned him a nomination for both an Anthony Award and the Macavity Award for best novel of the year. Russell then published Shame, a novel of psychological suspense. His novels Exposure, Political Suicide, A Cold War, and The Homecoming, have been categorized as suspense novels. Alan is also the author of St. Nick, a Christmas Cop Novel, and the Gideon & Sirius novels, which include Burning Man, Guardians of the Night, Lost Dog, Gideon's Rescue, L.A. Woman, and The Last Good Dog.
Alan Russell is the author of The Last Good Dog, the sixth book in the #1 bestselling series featuring LAPD detective Michael Gideon and his K-9 partner, Sirius.
In 1990 Walker & Company published Alan's first book, No Sign of Murder, which received positive reviews, including a standalone rave from The New York Times. The work was followed up by The Forest Prime Evil and comedic mysteries The Hotel Detective and The Fat Innkeeper, which won him the Lefty Award, given to the best humorous mystery of the year, and a Critics’ Choice Award. His novel Multiple Wounds, a psychological thriller, earned him a nomination for both an Anthony Award and the Macavity Award for best novel of the year. Russell then published Shame, a novel of psychological suspense. His novels Exposure, Political Suicide, A Cold War, and The Homecoming, have been categorized as suspense novels. Alan is also the author of St. Nick, a Christmas Cop Novel, and the Gideon & Sirius novels, which include Burning Man, Guardians of the Night, Lost Dog, Gideon's Rescue, L.A. Woman, and The Last Good Dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
December 15, 2019
I’ve enjoyed this series and feel it’s gotten better over time. It is definitely a series where it pays to start at the beginning and read them in order. That’s because there are two continuing storylines involving serial killers.
The new story involves a female member of a cult that dies from rattlesnake bites. On his own time, Gideon is also investigating the poisoning of several dogs.
These stories are very dog oriented and Sirius and Emily are two of the loveliest dogs you could hope to meet.
There’s a great dry humor to this book as well as numerous cultural references. (Be prepared for lots of earworms as Russell tosses out one song’s lyrics after another’s. It’s a great audio book - just complicated enough to engage without being overly convoluted. A lot of things get wrapped up at the end of this book but Russell tells us there will be another book.
July 31, 2019
I really like this series. It's as much about dogs as it is about crime / police procedural.
This is the 5th book and while it can be read as a stand alone, I recommend they be read in order as they contain the main protagonist (Gideon) in his ongoing cases and relationships. Gideon reminds me of Robert Crais' Elvis Cole with his attitudes and mouth but is perhaps a little more self-aware. A very likeable character as are many others. Even the characters that are not so likeable are credible, they all present as human. This was a fast read with at least three different story lines running throughout, but not so complex that I needed a spreadsheet to keep up. Having read this series from the beginning, they just keep getting better. And I'm thrilled to see that Mr. Russell intends to continue (though I wish he wrote faster).
This is the 5th book and while it can be read as a stand alone, I recommend they be read in order as they contain the main protagonist (Gideon) in his ongoing cases and relationships. Gideon reminds me of Robert Crais' Elvis Cole with his attitudes and mouth but is perhaps a little more self-aware. A very likeable character as are many others. Even the characters that are not so likeable are credible, they all present as human. This was a fast read with at least three different story lines running throughout, but not so complex that I needed a spreadsheet to keep up. Having read this series from the beginning, they just keep getting better. And I'm thrilled to see that Mr. Russell intends to continue (though I wish he wrote faster).
January 6, 2021
I've grown awfully tired of books about serial killers in my years of reading mysteries (I'm fond of police procedurals and they seem to rely heavily on those plots, probably for good reason, but still.) But when I already enjoy a series, I'm willing to give them a try. I've enjoyed all the books about LAPD police detective Gideon and his canine partner Sirius. In the first book of the series, we learn that they have both survived a dreadful experience while trapping and arresting a serial killer. Gideon still has nightmares as well as physical scars from those events.
In L.A. Woman, Gideon and his now two canine partners, Sirius and Emily (her story was in the preceding book) have two cases to work on. One is the death of a woman from a rattlesnake bite -- she is part of a mysterious and well-funded cult, but was the death accidental or a murder? And they are also investigating the All-In Killer, who leaves clues related to poker with his seemingly random victims -- and may be coming for Gideon.
If you like dogs, you will almost certainly enjoy this series. The dogs are realistic, although perhaps smarter than average (Gideon also is an expert dog trainer, which helps). Gideon has friends and a girlfriend, but they do not intrude excessively on the story. I recommend this book and the others in the series.
In L.A. Woman, Gideon and his now two canine partners, Sirius and Emily (her story was in the preceding book) have two cases to work on. One is the death of a woman from a rattlesnake bite -- she is part of a mysterious and well-funded cult, but was the death accidental or a murder? And they are also investigating the All-In Killer, who leaves clues related to poker with his seemingly random victims -- and may be coming for Gideon.
If you like dogs, you will almost certainly enjoy this series. The dogs are realistic, although perhaps smarter than average (Gideon also is an expert dog trainer, which helps). Gideon has friends and a girlfriend, but they do not intrude excessively on the story. I recommend this book and the others in the series.
August 1, 2019
All over too soon but, as they say, “all good things must come to an end”. Some writers just seem to click when you read their work and that was very much the case when I read my first book by this author. I liked his writing style, he is educated and articulate, has great taste in music and is obviously a big fan of our four legged friends. If you don’t like dogs much this book may have less appeal.
Crime novels can be something of a Goldilocks problem, all too often being unnecessarily gruesome at one end of the spectrum, or nauseatingly twee at the other, but for me these are just right. This book can be read as a stand-alone but I suspect I enjoyed it all the more because I had read the others.
Crime novels can be something of a Goldilocks problem, all too often being unnecessarily gruesome at one end of the spectrum, or nauseatingly twee at the other, but for me these are just right. This book can be read as a stand-alone but I suspect I enjoyed it all the more because I had read the others.
August 1, 2019
An entertaining mystery
I enjoy Alan Russell's Gideon and Sirius books. They are filled with mystery, adventure, and devotion. His humor and angst play well together. What a busy cop, he always seems to have more than one case going on. It's fun to see if I can solve them before he does. I didn't, but I had my suspicion over the dog incident. Sirius is a favorite, loyal, clever, faithful. It's interesting to learn how K-9's are trained. Gideon isn't the standard tall dark and handsome hero, and I find that refreshing. I was really feeling for his relationship with Lisbet. She was good for him.
I enjoy Alan Russell's Gideon and Sirius books. They are filled with mystery, adventure, and devotion. His humor and angst play well together. What a busy cop, he always seems to have more than one case going on. It's fun to see if I can solve them before he does. I didn't, but I had my suspicion over the dog incident. Sirius is a favorite, loyal, clever, faithful. It's interesting to learn how K-9's are trained. Gideon isn't the standard tall dark and handsome hero, and I find that refreshing. I was really feeling for his relationship with Lisbet. She was good for him.
August 1, 2019
Memory lane plus educational
There are many reasons that make an Allan Russell book so thoroughly enjoyable to read. Starting with the mystery behind the story, the easy way he has of involving the reader, his amazing love for his four legged friends. For me the points that stand out the most are the song titles that bring old memories and the simple way he has of incorporating a teaching moment in the story. Sorry there will be such a long wait for book 6 of the Gideon series.
There are many reasons that make an Allan Russell book so thoroughly enjoyable to read. Starting with the mystery behind the story, the easy way he has of involving the reader, his amazing love for his four legged friends. For me the points that stand out the most are the song titles that bring old memories and the simple way he has of incorporating a teaching moment in the story. Sorry there will be such a long wait for book 6 of the Gideon series.
August 8, 2019
Satisfying. May contain Spoilers for Some
Everything is almost all wrapped up. I’m slightly confused about the would-be killer in Las Vegas. The minor subplot about Cricket had the BEST resolution. I’m glad the situation with Lisbet wasn’t what I had conjured up. It sounds like this MIGHT be the next-to-the-last Gideon and Sirius novel, but I hope not. I really enjoy the way the dogs are part of the story.
Everything is almost all wrapped up. I’m slightly confused about the would-be killer in Las Vegas. The minor subplot about Cricket had the BEST resolution. I’m glad the situation with Lisbet wasn’t what I had conjured up. It sounds like this MIGHT be the next-to-the-last Gideon and Sirius novel, but I hope not. I really enjoy the way the dogs are part of the story.
October 17, 2019
I Love Sirius & Gideon!!
So very sad that this is the last of their series. But, how can it be when we have just found out about Lizbet? Maybe there will be more? I have just caught up on their series. Just discovered Alan Russell & have fallen rapidly for these dog mysteries!! He writes like someone who definitely has a dog for a friend that he loves deeply. Please enjoy his writing. He is so worth it!!!
So very sad that this is the last of their series. But, how can it be when we have just found out about Lizbet? Maybe there will be more? I have just caught up on their series. Just discovered Alan Russell & have fallen rapidly for these dog mysteries!! He writes like someone who definitely has a dog for a friend that he loves deeply. Please enjoy his writing. He is so worth it!!!
August 3, 2019
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Gideon/Sirius series so far and this book is no exception. I am not including any spoilers since the book is so newly released. Alan Russell continues with his ability to weave a good detective yarn while maintaining will and humor among his engaging main characters. I highly recommend both the book and the entire series!
August 20, 2019
This was a wonderful read, Gideon's relationships are well developed, the three storylines interacted perfectly and I loved the dogs. Even coming into this series at Book 5, I was able to read the book from the start and not feel I'd missed too much.
Well written, well executed, and very heartwarming.
Well written, well executed, and very heartwarming.
August 3, 2019
Book 5
I've enjoyed this series very much. The dogs, especially Sirius, are the stars this series. I'll read the next book in this series when it is available.
I've enjoyed this series very much. The dogs, especially Sirius, are the stars this series. I'll read the next book in this series when it is available.
October 23, 2019
The more books I read in this series the more I like it. It reminds me a lot of the Sydney Parnell series by Barbara Nickless.
January 2, 2022
This is book #5 in the series and I’ve read all five. I LOVE the characters and the story the author tells. I normally read books that have a woman as a main character, but I really like Gideon in this series; he’s kind and gentle yet he can be tough and rough. Above all he loves his dog a made a home for a dog fighting bait dog. In this book found the woman he loves. He has a compassionate heart found as an orphan by a Catholic priest. He was adopted by a Catholic family and has a strong faith. He’s knowledgeable about many things one being music lyrics.Along with all of that he is a police detective.
In this book Gideon his case is a woman who died by a rattlesnake bite. Also he helps an elderly man whose one dog died from poisoning; his other dog is in a dog hospital for poisoning and he’s in the hospital too. Combined with all of the above, Gideon has to visit the killer Haines housed in San Quentin and to catch the All-Killer. This book has intrigue, action, and a good story. It’s easy reading and will keep one’s attention from beginning to the end. Can’t wait to start book #6 which I believe is the last in the series.
In this book Gideon his case is a woman who died by a rattlesnake bite. Also he helps an elderly man whose one dog died from poisoning; his other dog is in a dog hospital for poisoning and he’s in the hospital too. Combined with all of the above, Gideon has to visit the killer Haines housed in San Quentin and to catch the All-Killer. This book has intrigue, action, and a good story. It’s easy reading and will keep one’s attention from beginning to the end. Can’t wait to start book #6 which I believe is the last in the series.
June 2, 2020
All 5 Gideon & Serius books, starting with BURNING MAN, then GUARDIANS OF THE NIGHT, LOST DOG, GIDEONS RESCUE and the one I just finished, L.A. WOMAN are great.
Good main "characters", the dogs and their handler, Gideon . Wrap them all in a good couple of mysteries and you have a might fine read.
Russell also tosses in tiny tid-bits of "stuff". For example...NEVER substitute honey for sugar in a hummingbird feeder. It forms a mold and rots on the birds long, thin tongue. Since the bird can't feed, it dies of starvation.
Now apple seeds? Each contain a tiny bit of cyanide. Eat a lot of apples. Get several hundred seeds and you can commit the perfect murder because no one has ever died from apple seeds.
Gideon is conpassionate, his dogs are the smartest and I like his extra stuff. Shame this is the last in the series.
September 1, 2021
Gideon is my favorite K9 cop. While K9 Sirius now has some competition from pittie Emily, the two manage to share the limelight and, through the warm bond between K9 and handler, show a side of Gideon that would otherwise stay hidden. The dogs keep Gideon grounded in an unstable world dominated by threats from serial killers and exhausting overtime at a job that never ends. Add to that a troubled love life that needs to be resuscitated after toxic exposures from the first two elements. As the tension ratchets up for Gideon, he definitely needs dogs plural to keep his equilibrium. On to the 6th (and currently last) book in the series and hoping there will be more.
September 29, 2020
I love this series. I am a dog person and can relate to the love between man and his dog(s). I have followed Gideon's journey from hell to happiness.
Definitely great reads from one thru five, can't wait for #6!
Gideon won't give up on a case he believes is murder and not an accidental snake bite death, nor does he give up on his elderly "neighbor" when his dogs are poisened. Nor does he give up on the love of his life.
Definitely great reads from one thru five, can't wait for #6!
Gideon won't give up on a case he believes is murder and not an accidental snake bite death, nor does he give up on his elderly "neighbor" when his dogs are poisened. Nor does he give up on the love of his life.
December 31, 2020
Gideon & Sirius Novels
I have read all these books to date as I so enjoy K9 novels. I can hardly wait for the finale coming spring 2021. Every single novel has been awesome to read. Spring 2021 can't come soon enough. Detective Gideon is a remarkable character and his music to get him through his trips as well as how he relates to Sirius kept me turning the pages. Thank you for your style of writing to keep the reader enthralled.
Judy
I have read all these books to date as I so enjoy K9 novels. I can hardly wait for the finale coming spring 2021. Every single novel has been awesome to read. Spring 2021 can't come soon enough. Detective Gideon is a remarkable character and his music to get him through his trips as well as how he relates to Sirius kept me turning the pages. Thank you for your style of writing to keep the reader enthralled.
Judy
September 10, 2025
I always enjoy the Gideon and Sirius books. In this installment, Gideon helps the FBI get a step closer to the 1-2-3 Killer. He makes a wrong assumption that almost costs a friend their life. A young woman is found dead in her backyard. Rattlesnakes are suspected since she had 3 snake bites. Gideon investigates because he doesn't trust that assumption since snake bites aren't usually lethal. The last case he investigates focuses on some neighborhood dogs getting poisoned.
May 7, 2020
Another suspenseful and lovely read with Gideon and his canine partners. Again, we get three cases, all equally interesting. I'm heartbroken to hear that the next book will be the last one in the series. I just have a bone to pick with Alan Russell: the feline characters are not very nice. I'm joking, the whole book had me smiling throughout, when I was not worried sick. Loved the ending.
July 11, 2021
Wonderful
This story is about a story that is bound up in another mystery
That Gideon and Sirius work it reminds the reader that the police rarely work on just one case. Solving the case is always a win for the officer and for the people those cases are paramount to the victims and their families.
This story is about a story that is bound up in another mystery
That Gideon and Sirius work it reminds the reader that the police rarely work on just one case. Solving the case is always a win for the officer and for the people those cases are paramount to the victims and their families.
September 6, 2020
I love these books!
These characters are like friends. The pups are fun to read about and Sirius’ genius beats all! Some creepy, some laughs, some horror, for me, and more this time around.
These characters are like friends. The pups are fun to read about and Sirius’ genius beats all! Some creepy, some laughs, some horror, for me, and more this time around.
November 12, 2020
Delightful
Loved this one just like the previous ones. His stories are really good and especially wonderful to a dog lover like me. You can feel the love. This series has been a beautiful gift. I hope it goes on and on.
Loved this one just like the previous ones. His stories are really good and especially wonderful to a dog lover like me. You can feel the love. This series has been a beautiful gift. I hope it goes on and on.
April 1, 2021
Great read!
Gideon & Sirius never disappoints. I absolutely love them in all 5 books so far! Anxiously awaiting for the next. Highly recommended for those who appreciate great reads!
Gideon & Sirius never disappoints. I absolutely love them in all 5 books so far! Anxiously awaiting for the next. Highly recommended for those who appreciate great reads!
October 30, 2021
Great Read
Am enjoying this Series and looking forward to the next in series. As a “dog person” l especially enjoy the time spent building the story of the dogs, thanks for a great read.
Am enjoying this Series and looking forward to the next in series. As a “dog person” l especially enjoy the time spent building the story of the dogs, thanks for a great read.
August 2, 2020
A real page-turner.
July 31, 2021
Great read
As usual, Mr. Russell has given us another great read! He includes a wide variety of characters and plots. Looking forward to Book 6!!
As usual, Mr. Russell has given us another great read! He includes a wide variety of characters and plots. Looking forward to Book 6!!
August 1, 2021
A good read
I am thoroughly enjoying this series of books. I am looking forward to the 6th book in this series soon.
I am thoroughly enjoying this series of books. I am looking forward to the 6th book in this series soon.
November 5, 2021
I've lost any interest I might have had in this series
March 10, 2024
Repetitive dialog with repetitive plots. Lost all spark of wonder and mystery for me.
February 14, 2025
As good as the prevt
Good continuation of the saga. Looking forward to the next book
Characters including dog's have developed as the series progresses
Good continuation of the saga. Looking forward to the next book
Characters including dog's have developed as the series progresses
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews