Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
A killer’s out for vengeance…

unless this K-9 sniffs him out first.

When a plane carrying dangerous convicts crashes in the Colorado Rockies, Deputy Sierra Young and her search-and-rescue K-9, Samson, race to help—and discover they’re after her! With one survivor vowing revenge, Sierra’s former coworker turned PI, Bryce Elliott, is determined to protect her. But can Bryce, Sierra and Samson track down the fugitive before he succeeds in taking their lives?

K-9 Mountain Guardians

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2020

183 people are currently reading
195 people want to read

About the author

Elizabeth Goddard

132 books1,551 followers
Elizabeth Goddard is the PW, ECPA, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of over sixty novels, including the Missing in Alaska and Rocky Mountain Courage series. Her books have sold more than 1.5 million copies. She is a Christy Award, Carol Award and Reader's Choice Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award and HOLT Medallion finalist. When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books, visit her website.



To get book news sign up for her newsletter at her website: http://elizabethgoddard.com
Follow her on Bookbub! https://www.bookbub.com/authors/eliza...
You can connect with Elizabeth on Facebook: http://facebook.com/elizabethgoddarda...
or Twitter: http://twitter.com/bethgoddard
Read less
.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
156 (49%)
4 stars
104 (33%)
3 stars
47 (14%)
2 stars
4 (1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,879 reviews209 followers
June 10, 2020
Fugitive Trail was an action packed adventure with a truly creepy bad guy who just wouldn’t quit! I kept wondering how this villain was surviving in the cold and always capable of getting away from the authorities. All questions were satisfyingly answered by the end of this novel.

I enjoyed seeing Sierra and Bryce’s relationship begin to rebuild as Bryce worked to protect Sierra. It was clear that they still had feelings for each other, yet Sierra had allowed fear to control her life for too long. She anxiously worried about anyone she cared about, including her SAR dog, Samson, and was unwilling to open her heart to Bryce again. I understood why she was so fearful, yet it sure did take awhile for her to push past that fear and learn to live and love again.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Profile Image for Carol.
1,642 reviews67 followers
May 25, 2020
A small plane goes down the mountains
in Crescent Springs, Colorado. Deputy
Sheriff Sierra Young and her K-9 partner,
Samson are called upon for search and
rescue mission.
Who would be out in a plane in such
abhorrent weather?? Sierra will soon discover.
When she tries to save person alive in the plane,
she discovers escaped convict, Damien Novack.
Sierra had put Damien behind bars when she
worked for the Boulder, Colorado Police. Raul
tried to kill her in Boulder. Raul has escaped
from the plane wreck and is on the lose. He
has her in sites as a target.
Sampson, Sierra’s K-9 partner was trained to
be a K-9 police officer. But after one of the
force’s K-9 dogs was killed in action, Sierra
packed up and left Boulder. She returned to
Crescent Springs to help her father in his
toy store. She then trained Sampson to be
a K-9 search and rescue dog. A much safer
way to help survivors and keep Sampson safe.
PI Bryce Elliott and Sierra had something
going on between them. Then poof she was
gone!!!
After hearing of the convicts escape Bryce
goes to Crescent Springs to help protect her.
Will he be welcome?? Will he be able to keep
her safe??
Deadly intrigue, action and adventure with
multifaceted characters and a fur baby,
K-9 Sampson as the star of the book.
The talent descriptive writing will pull the
reader right into the story. Enjoy the annual
frozen waterfall climbing and the town
events associated with this feat.
The plot twists and turns giving the reader
a titillating story. Plus the reader will learn
about the K-9 work force in various helping
situations.This is a real page turner with
a surprise ending.
This is book # 3 in the K-9 Mountain Guardians
series. It can be read as a stand alone.
A Highly Recommended Read!!
I volunteered to read Fugitive Trail. Thanks to
the author for the opportunity. My opinion
is voluntary and my own.
Profile Image for Heather Pickett.
384 reviews27 followers
May 19, 2020
Sierra and Bryce worked together previously in law enforcement, but there was a terrible attack. Too hard to work through in Boulder, Sierra and her K-9 partner, Sampson, leave to move in with her dad back home. Bryce also eventually resigns and turns to private investigation work.
Sierra’s attacker and his brother have escaped prison and are after her. He was already on a mission, but when Raul’s brother dies trying to kill Sierra, Raul will now stop at nothing for payback.
Bryce immediately comes to help, whether Sierra wants it or not. A gripping, fast-pacer read full of action and suspense, Elizabeth Goddard again does not disappoint. It’s also a tale of love, trust, and faith, as Sierra and Bryce find their way to one another’s hearts with the Lord’s help.
Profile Image for Patrizia.
1,944 reviews42 followers
March 19, 2020
Bella storia e quasi fino alla fine mi sono domandata come facesse il cattivo a sparire sempre in un ambiente ostile (cittadina in una montagna innevata) a lui sconosciuta...
1,760 reviews33 followers
March 24, 2020
Sierra and Bryce are wonderful characters. They are broken and real and just trying to do the best they can with the talents that God gave them. They are law enforcement people and served together in Boulder, Colorado where they were both detectives but one case tore them apart. Sierra was attacked in her home and it was too difficult to get over so she resigned and went to live with her father in her home town. Bryce got her a fantastic dog, Sampson, that Sierra trained to be a search & rescue dog. Bryce eventually left the force also and became a PI. However, Sierra's attacker has escaped prison and he's after her again. Bryce rushes to her side to help and together they are going to put him away for good. Neither one realizes how difficult this is going to be! This evil guy is so good at finding them wherever they go and hurting them! I constantly wondered what would happen next! It was a fast-paced book with a lot of action. The ending will surprise you and you will cheer for Sampson through the whole book! I love dogs that are trained for anything amazing!
Profile Image for Melissa Henderson.
Author 8 books190 followers
March 23, 2020
Fast paced, full of heart stopping suspense and action. With a dog named Samson playing a key role in the story, this is another great one by author Elizabeth Goddard. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.
Profile Image for Stella Potts.
516 reviews10 followers
March 22, 2020
This is a gripping suspense as Sierra, Sampson (her K-9 dog) and Bryce hunt for an escaped convict who is out to kill Sierra because she helped put his brother in prison. This story is full of danger and close calls for the three of them. I got a little frustrated with Sierra though. Her being a Deputy and being so afraid didn’t really jell. It was a little hard to connect with her. But all in all a very good suspense with a shocker at the end. I enjoyed it very much. I won this book in a drawing.
Profile Image for Kara.
812 reviews
March 8, 2020
my rating is 3.5 stars

I always enjoy Goddard books and even though this one wasn't my favorite, it still had me cheering Sierra and Samson on. Sierra is such a great character, but I just didn't connect with her as I would have liked to. She is so full of fear because of past traumas, which I totally get, but it just seemed for most of the story to pass by before she gained a little faith and courage in catching a psychopath.

God bless these SAR dogs, ANY service dog in real life are truly my heroes and Samson was truly something special (even though this is fiction). Your heart will NOT know the difference as you read this canine dangerous adventure!

Fave character in this one is probably, John, Sierra's Dad. Normally the parents are not around to help their grown children in LIS books, but this guy was helpful and determined to be there as needed. Also loved the sheriff's wife, think her name was Barbara, but she only has a few important scenes in this one. Her dogs were well described and adorable. The close call in their home at one point had my heart speeding up, EEK!

Had NO IDEA who the culprit was and the beginning was creepy as Sierra faces off with a dying villain in a plane crash. Who flies in such a crazy snow storm? Crazy escaped convicts, that's who. The cold is SO WELL WRITTEN in this setting, it was tangible, and I live in a tropical environment in south Florida so I don't relate to THAT kind of cold. Someone falls through a frozen lake and just being around so much snow, yeah I would have been shivering even if I WASN'T nervous and just reading it made me nervous. Lots of good action in this one and way too many gunshots happening, but a really good book.

I was provided with a free copy. I was not required to write a positive review, the thoughts and comments are my own.

Profile Image for Chanel Sharp.
225 reviews1 follower
July 31, 2020
Mom wanted to read this series because she has two service dogs, one is retiring, and the other is coming to be mom's full time service dogs and was interested in some romance books that had that kind of relationship between a dog a person and this series scratched that itch. Mom has very much loved this series and in excited to read the other series that this was a spin off of.
Any how enough about why we read this series lets get into the review of this book.
We meet Sierra and Samson as they are out on a Search and rescue mission. A plane was downed and Sierra and Samson have come out to rescue the people in the crash, but as the get to the plane they find that the occupants in the plane are old enemies of Sierra and out to get her.
Sierra finding herself in danger goes home to her father and the toy shop he runs, back to the police unit she to work for in hopes of finding some safety and taking down the old enemy, but of course Sierra also finds that her old flame Bryce also is in town and he intends to keep her safe; but what will keep them safe as the start to grow close again and learning why they didn't start something the first time around.
Mom loved how Sierra was very level head and had deep emotional connection with Samson. Sierra seemed to have the closes relationship with her dog than all the other heroines in the series. Buzz and Sarah, would come in second, and Zoe and Romeo, would come in third, but the is because Romeo is Jack's dog and not Zoe's.
Sierra is constantly worried about Samson and cares if he gets hurt in their line of work. She also struggles with letting him do his job and keeping him safe. This is a very real issues that mom deals with working with us and is what made this relationship stand out so much to mom and really resonate with her. Bryce also gave Samson to Sierra and give them a very interesting connection and again added detail that mom really like.
Mom also like Bryce's and Samson's relationship. Bryce likes Samson, but comes to care about him greatly through Sierra, and Sierra makes him come to care about Samson being shot and getting hurt doing his job.
It truly was a amazing book and was a great ending? to this series.
Profile Image for Melissa.
351 reviews36 followers
May 26, 2020
The story starts out with a search and rescue in the mountains. Sierra and her dog Samson are searching for a plane that went down. When they find it, Sierra's nightmares become reality. Years ago she and her former partner Bryce were almost killed by Raul Novak. He was put away in prison, but now he has escaped. His brother Damien and him were in the plane that crashed in the mountains near Sierra's home where she lives with her father. Damien has died, but Raul escapes and the only thing on his mind is to kill Sierra. Luckily Bryce shows up. Can he and Sierra along with Samson finally put Raul away so they can both get on with their lives?

I love this story. I admit I love stories about K-9s and their handlers or just dogs in general. I love dogs! LOL. This is story has it all. It has suspense. It has romance. It has mountains and blizzards. It has a lovable dog named Samson. I loved learning about how Sierra commands Samson to search and rescue. It was so very interesting. It was a good plot and the story just keeps you on your toes. The end is a shocker & I won't spoil it for you. You'll just have to read it to find out what happens. =). I wish this had been in a series(I guess it was in a series, but not the kind that I like). I really loved the little mountain town with the ice festival.
Profile Image for Glenda Parker.
Author 14 books21 followers
March 2, 2020
My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Fugitive Trail. This is one of the K-9 Mountain Guardians Series. I'm always thrilled to get one of Elizabeth's books. I really enjoy her work. This story is well written, action packed, and full of adventure. I know you are going to love it.

Deputy Sheriff Sierra Young has a K-9 partner, Sampson for when she's needed for search and rescue. She trained him to be a K-9 police officer but fears to have him out there; not after her friend's partner, Jackson was killed. She goes on a rescue but the man she rescues is the man she put in prison. He and his is brother escaped prison and are after her. She finds the wreckage, Damien tries to shoot her before falling to his death but his brother Raul is loose and is now after her with even more vengeance.

PI Bryce Elliott was in love with Sierra but after she is attacked by Damien and puts him in prison she takes off and returns to her home town. Bryce hears Damien and Raul have escaped and he heads out to protect Sierra. It doesn't matter that she's law enforcement and can handle herself. This is what friends do. He must protect her without loosing his heart again.

A terrifying journey as a killer chases them over the mountains. Can she let go and trust God to care for Bryce, Samson, and her dad? God has a plan for these two, a plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too; a good plan and not for evil. Give Him your heart and watch Him work in your life.
Profile Image for Debora Wilder.
562 reviews2 followers
Read
June 2, 2020
This is a wonderful romantic suspense novel!

I thoroughly enjoyed both of the main characters. It was great to see how they interacted with each other. They had a past relationship that left them uncertain how to proceed in the current situation.

The plot of the story is very intricate. The danger is palpable and kept me focused on the story. I was tied up emotionally with the safety of the characters, and that includes Samson, the search-and-rescue dog.

I was fascinated with the details about how Samson was trained and then commanded in different situations. I loved finding out that his official commands were given in German so that he wouldn’t be confused by regular conversations. I knew that some police dogs are commanded in German but I didn’t know the reason why.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.
43 reviews1 follower
April 13, 2022
Last book in the series. Deputy Sierra Young and her search/rescue K-9, Samson, are called to duty when a plane crashes in the mountains in Crescent Springs, Colorado. Arriving at the plane, she finds dead escaped convict, Damien Novack, who she put behind bars when she was a former police officer in Boulder, Colorado. His brother, Raul, was suppose to be on the plane and has escaped. Raul tried to kill her in Boulder and now he is free to seek his revenge and finally kill her. Sierra’s friend, former cop and now PI, Bryce Elliott, will help her and Samson stay alive. Can he keep her safe? Will they catch Raul? Action packed non stop heart pounding suspense make you not want to put this book down til the last page. Will there be a romance between Sierra and Bryce? Read to find out all the answers. I enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Toth Jo-Ann.
675 reviews14 followers
June 13, 2020
Talk about fascinating this book was. Its a story of a second chance love. Sierra Young and Bryce Elliot knew each other in the past. Then a crashed plane 's occupants bring them back together for a fight of survival of a different kind. Elizabeth draws you into the story right from the start with the suspense and mystery of the story. I love Sampson the k-9 rescue dog who is Sierra's work dog and companion. He does steal the show at times. I like how she leave out a central part of the mystery til the end. Boy does it surprise you when it comes to light. Its well written and definitely worth a read. I like the ending as well. I'm hoping for k-9 mountain guardians for they are unique and have been a great read to date! J
Profile Image for Kayleen Reusser.
Author 41 books16 followers
May 13, 2022
A really good suspense novel with a Christian romance emphasis. Every level was aptly represented of these. Some books I've read were heavier on one than the other. This was obviously not the author's first book. I can see why she has won awards.
The heroine who is in law enforcement wants to safeguard her life, but trouble pursues her in the form of a felon who wants revenge after she put him in prison years ago. He evades capture time after time. Her former colleague arrives to help. Their feelings almost get in the way, although each is careful not to muddy the waters. I guessed the secret as to why the evader was so successful. Otherwise, this was a fine book. I'll look for more from this author.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,189 reviews
March 29, 2020
Fugitive Trail ( K-9 Mountain Guardians #3)
By: Elizabeth Goddard
Fugitive Trail is book three in the series K-9 Mountain Guardians . This is a Love Inspired Suspense Inspiration Romance. Fast paced story filled with action , suspense , and romance. Deputy Sierra Young and her search-and-rescue K-9, Sampson, race to get to a plane crashed. Sampson plays a big roll in this story. This is another great suspense story by author Elizabeth Goddard that you do not want to miss.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book , but was not told that I had to give a positive review. All opinions are mine are mine.
Profile Image for Joan Arning.
1,767 reviews29 followers
May 9, 2020
I love anything written by Elizabeth Goddard and Fugitive Trail is no exception! I admired Deputy Sierra Young who is determined to catch an escaped convict who wants her dead! Her K-9, Samson, has been trained to protect her but Sierra doesn't want to let him do his job because she is afraid Samson will be harmed. Sierra and her former coworker, Bryce Elliott, have both lost someone they loved and are afraid to love again. They take another look at their feelings when the killer taunts Sierra and their lives are in danger. If you like action and suspense, you do not want to miss Fugitive Trail! I won a copy of Fugitive Trail from Tina Radcliffe. This is my honest opinion.
338 reviews1 follower
November 8, 2022
When Bryce Elliott hears that 2 dangerous convicts have escaped prison, he immediately heads to Sierra Young's home in order to offer his protection. Those 2 convicts nearly killed Sierra and Bryce nearly a year ago, and she ran from him because she couldn't stand the idea of another person that she loved getting killed. In the small mountain town where Sierra lives, she is a part of a search and rescue team. When the team hears of a plane crash in the mountains, she and her dog, Samson, head out to search. She finds the plan...only to discover that it's the convicts and they are determined to find and kill her.
Profile Image for Michelle Morgan.
254 reviews3 followers
March 15, 2020
Elizabeth Goddard
Fugitive Trail
Another 5 star book by Elizabeth Goddard, Fugitive Trail is part of the K-9 Mountain Guardians series. It is a fantastic fast paced read with action at every turn. Samson the K-9 star of this book was a perfect example of a well trained SAR dog. I fell in love with him and his humans as they fought to survive evil intentions of a criminal. As with every book I have read from author Elizabeth Goddard this one proved to be a page turner that kept me glued to the pages.
211 reviews2 followers
January 25, 2021
After reading this book - I'd want an English mastiff if it wasn't for the grocery bill. I loved Samson!

This is the third (and unfortunately last) of Love Inspired Suspense's K-9 Mountain Guardians series. Excellent stories with plenty of action and romance and twists and a 200 lb. dog as well.

I mentioned this was a series. I've read part 2, and I noticed no connection between the two except they're both in the mountains and they both have wonderful dogs. In other words, if you want to read them out of order, it wouldn't make any difference.

I highly recommend this novel.
Profile Image for Susan.
394 reviews2 followers
May 6, 2020
The action never stops in this page turner! It was quite enjoyable to me with the danger, suspense and love angst between Sierra and Bryce. Having a search and rescue dog added to the mix made it a fast and entertaining read. This author is good at the suspense and keeping you guessing as to who is the culprit. I got this book from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Kathy .
1,303 reviews3 followers
June 26, 2021
Faith-based suspense novel

I have liked the pre.ise of these stories which have SAR dogs as a main component. I'm so impressed with the work they do. I like how Sierra was so concerned about her dog and former love interest Bryce. It got a little tiresome after a while. The conclusion was a surprise and I appreciate the resolution.
Profile Image for Susan Snodgrass.
2,002 reviews273 followers
March 5, 2020
If you enjoy inspirational suspense, then give this author a try. Her books are populated by well thought out characters with plenty of suspense to satisfy every suspense lover. Recommended.


*My thanks to the author for a copy of this book.
2,237 reviews3 followers
April 21, 2020
Ebook

She and her dog come home after her life is threatened by a convict. He escapes and tracks her down. He arrives to help and protect her. They are both hurt before and afraid to admit they are in love. She almost dies before they do.
305 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2020
Always a good read put K9 dogs on a mission and you are sure to enjoy the book to the very en

Bryce comes to help his former love only to find love is still in the picture. Only a huge dog is in the mix along with a dangerous criminal !!
Profile Image for Barbara Carter.
454 reviews18 followers
January 14, 2023
I love my canine buddies!

Dogs truly are man (and woman’s) best friends. They love us unconditionally, and these specially trained breeds do even more! Great story, kept me questioning and hoping for the best.
Profile Image for Harlequin Books.
18.4k reviews2,804 followers
Read
March 1, 2020
Categories
Inspirational Suspense, Wholesome Romance, Animal Fiction, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
K-9 Mountain Guardians (Book #3)
Profile Image for Judy Morris.
1,319 reviews30 followers
March 27, 2020
Thank Elizabeth. That was such a edge of the seat thriller. You such had a lots of twists and turns. I loved this book. Great job.
Profile Image for Deb Whitney.
164 reviews1 follower
March 28, 2020
Awesome book! Enjoyed the various twists in this book with all the suspense and emotions! Elizabeth Goddard is an awesome author! Any book of hers is well worth reading!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.