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Reed & Billie Mysteries #4
The Partnership
Less than a week before Christmas, Columbus Detective Reed Mattox and his K-9 partner receive a call from dispatch. The body of a young woman has been found floating in the Olentangy River, her teeth forcibly removed, her fingerprints obliterated, any chance at a positive identification residing only within the string of inexplicable tattoos inked across the bottom of her feet.
Across town, an organization has taken hold in the North End, capitalizing on the recent gentrification in the area by introducing an entirely new and exotic service that the people of Central Ohio have never seen before. Preying on a captive market, they have developed a small empire in just a short amount of time, bringing with it far more than anybody could have foreseen.
How these things might all tie together Reed is forced to uncover, working far beyond the usual scope of his jurisdiction, perhaps even much further than he’s ever gone before…
Across town, an organization has taken hold in the North End, capitalizing on the recent gentrification in the area by introducing an entirely new and exotic service that the people of Central Ohio have never seen before. Preying on a captive market, they have developed a small empire in just a short amount of time, bringing with it far more than anybody could have foreseen.
How these things might all tie together Reed is forced to uncover, working far beyond the usual scope of his jurisdiction, perhaps even much further than he’s ever gone before…
391 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2020
3045 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
Dustin Stevens
85 books313 followersI originally hail from the midwest, growing up in the heart of farm country, and still consider it, along with West Tennessee, my co-home. Between the two, I have a firm belief that football is the greatest of all past-times, sweet tea is really the only acceptable beverage for any occasion, there is not an event on earth that either gym shorts or boots can't be worn to, and that Dairy Queen is the best restaurant on the planet. Further, southern accents are a highly likeable feature on most everybody, English bulldogs sit atop the critter hierarchy, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with a Saturday night spent catfishing at the lake.
Since leaving the midwest I've been to college in New England, grad school in the Rockies, and lived in over a dozen different cities ranging from DC to Honolulu along the way. Each and every one of these experiences has shaped who I am at this point, a fact I hope is expressed in my writing. I have developed enormous affinity for locales and people of every size and shape, and even if I never figure out a way to properly convey them on paper, I am very much grateful for their presence in my life.
To sum it up, I asked a very good friend recently how they would describe me for something like this. Their response: "Plagued by realism and trained by experiences/education to be a pessimist, you somehow remain above all else an active dreamer." While I can't say those are the exact words I would choose, I can't say they're wrong. I travel, live in different places, try new foods, meet all kinds of different people, and above all else stay curious to a fault.
Here's hoping it continues to provide us all with some pretty good stories...
Since leaving the midwest I've been to college in New England, grad school in the Rockies, and lived in over a dozen different cities ranging from DC to Honolulu along the way. Each and every one of these experiences has shaped who I am at this point, a fact I hope is expressed in my writing. I have developed enormous affinity for locales and people of every size and shape, and even if I never figure out a way to properly convey them on paper, I am very much grateful for their presence in my life.
To sum it up, I asked a very good friend recently how they would describe me for something like this. Their response: "Plagued by realism and trained by experiences/education to be a pessimist, you somehow remain above all else an active dreamer." While I can't say those are the exact words I would choose, I can't say they're wrong. I travel, live in different places, try new foods, meet all kinds of different people, and above all else stay curious to a fault.
Here's hoping it continues to provide us all with some pretty good stories...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
February 3, 2017
Good book.
Enjoyed other three books more. Investigative reporter found naked and frozen. No teeth and fingers are burned, only way to identify her are tattooed Chinese markings at the bottom of her feet. Underage human trafficking from China, Reed and Billie out in the cold investigating why and who did this to her.
Hope Billie's instinct about Reed's father is wrong. But now I'm hungry for homemade cookies.
Enjoyed other three books more. Investigative reporter found naked and frozen. No teeth and fingers are burned, only way to identify her are tattooed Chinese markings at the bottom of her feet. Underage human trafficking from China, Reed and Billie out in the cold investigating why and who did this to her.
Hope Billie's instinct about Reed's father is wrong. But now I'm hungry for homemade cookies.
May 18, 2021
3.5 stars
April 29, 2017
Good book as always.
Good book as always. As always, though, it needs a proof reader to correct the punctuation. Sometimes the errors are easy to skip, other times not so much.
Good book as always. As always, though, it needs a proof reader to correct the punctuation. Sometimes the errors are easy to skip, other times not so much.
February 9, 2020
I can't fathom why so many reviews describe this book as a mystery; we know from the beginning who did the crime and why. The rest of the book pans out as a police procedural / suspense thriller, just what I like. If you've read the previous books in the series you may start to find the plot structure very similar. That is not a criticism as the plots do work and are enjoyable.
Billie, the k-9 "detective" , should be left at home considering the negligible role she plays. Admittedly, she performed admirably, if unrealistically to me, in the closing pages but I don't feel she adds anything to the plot, especially in this instalment. I find her whole presence ludicrous as a "partner". It's a dog. It's a tool. It's certainly not credible for it to be pawing through hospitals and food establishments because it's handler thinks it has rights. Importantly though, she doesn't detract from the story but don't expect fireworks from her.
Although the action isn't high octane material it isn't a slow story either. The plot proceeds at a realistic pace in what feels like an intelligent police procedural. A small gripe would be there was often a sense of extreme urgency that rarely seemed to amount to anything, however, it always keep my interest.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the series.
Billie, the k-9 "detective" , should be left at home considering the negligible role she plays. Admittedly, she performed admirably, if unrealistically to me, in the closing pages but I don't feel she adds anything to the plot, especially in this instalment. I find her whole presence ludicrous as a "partner". It's a dog. It's a tool. It's certainly not credible for it to be pawing through hospitals and food establishments because it's handler thinks it has rights. Importantly though, she doesn't detract from the story but don't expect fireworks from her.
Although the action isn't high octane material it isn't a slow story either. The plot proceeds at a realistic pace in what feels like an intelligent police procedural. A small gripe would be there was often a sense of extreme urgency that rarely seemed to amount to anything, however, it always keep my interest.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the series.
August 23, 2023
Reed and Billie are on the case of another murder, this one revealing an underlying plot bigger than one they’ve ever encountered before.
Another entertaining installment in the series, not the strongest, and the writing seemed a little different than the others, oddly over descriptive in some places. Will still be moving into the next in the series!
Another entertaining installment in the series, not the strongest, and the writing seemed a little different than the others, oddly over descriptive in some places. Will still be moving into the next in the series!
January 17, 2024
Love that dog
January 21, 2017
Another fine tale with Reed and Billie!
This is a well written crime/mystery novel, starring two endearing and fearless characters. It is the 4th novel in the series, but can also be enjoyed as a single book. I usually judge books by how much I am captured by the story and how much time I can lose myself to the writing. This is a single sitting read for me.
This is a well written crime/mystery novel, starring two endearing and fearless characters. It is the 4th novel in the series, but can also be enjoyed as a single book. I usually judge books by how much I am captured by the story and how much time I can lose myself to the writing. This is a single sitting read for me.
June 18, 2022
Another engaging entry in the series
This book varied from the earlier books in some ways. We can see Reed and Billie’s relationship evolving and deepening and we can begin to see Reed rejoining society, something that began with his working with the BCI agent in the previous book.
This book got a bit too bogged down at times, part of it being because we got POVs from two different bad guys. The book title was intriguing as it could refer to the bad guys (as other titles have) or to Reed and Billie. I liked the increased presence of other officers in the precinct as well as Captain Grimes. Also amusing that we had FBI morons again. And I loved the moniker “famous but ignorant”!😆
The end of the book, as the action picks up, had me holding my breath. I didn’t want to put it down for the last third of the book. Once again, I am disappointed in not seeing the conclusion of the case. This seems to be a pattern and I guess I like closure and comeuppance for my suspense books. I feel like there were too many possibilities for at least one of the bad guys to escape Justice here.
Looking forward to the next book.
This book varied from the earlier books in some ways. We can see Reed and Billie’s relationship evolving and deepening and we can begin to see Reed rejoining society, something that began with his working with the BCI agent in the previous book.
This book got a bit too bogged down at times, part of it being because we got POVs from two different bad guys. The book title was intriguing as it could refer to the bad guys (as other titles have) or to Reed and Billie. I liked the increased presence of other officers in the precinct as well as Captain Grimes. Also amusing that we had FBI morons again. And I loved the moniker “famous but ignorant”!😆
The end of the book, as the action picks up, had me holding my breath. I didn’t want to put it down for the last third of the book. Once again, I am disappointed in not seeing the conclusion of the case. This seems to be a pattern and I guess I like closure and comeuppance for my suspense books. I feel like there were too many possibilities for at least one of the bad guys to escape Justice here.
Looking forward to the next book.
August 13, 2021
I have read all of the books in this series. I enjoy all the characters esp. the main characters, Reed and his k9 partner Billie. In this book, Reed’s parents are visiting him, but end up initially not spending much time with him since a murder case breaks loose the day of their arrival. A young Asian woman is found in the river with nothing to ID her: fingers and teeth broken. But they find characters tattooed under her feet. Reed discovers what those characters mean and he is able to ID her which leads to the story throughout the book. The book is easy reading and keeps one engaged. You know who the bad guys are and you wonder how they’re going to be caught. There is no real action till towards the end of the book. Reed and Billie both jump into a freezing river to save a girl whose feet and hands were bound which leaves you on the edge of your seat wondering if one or all will survive! Reed becomes unconscious and ends up in the hospital. There is a book #5 and it’s waiting for me to start reading it……
January 7, 2024
Billie is Still My Favorite...
...but Reed is growing on me.
That sounds harsh, but Billie's character is open and honest- easy to get to know. She's a dog, after all. Even if she is a highly trained and intelligent dog.
Reed, on the other hand, has been a tough one to really get to know. This is the fourth book in the series and I feel like I'm just getting a handle on him. He has so much pain and survivor's guilt going on from an incident that happened in his past that he's closed out pretty much everyone, including the reader. But it's getting better. He's proven himself to be loyal, trustworthy (geez- he sounds like the dog!), and very resourceful.
I like this series quite a bit, even with the struggles to "know" the protagonist. This particular story is sharp, poignant, and all too plausible. It was well done and worthy of attention for fans of police procedurals, crime thrillers, and those like me who love a good K9 story.
...but Reed is growing on me.
That sounds harsh, but Billie's character is open and honest- easy to get to know. She's a dog, after all. Even if she is a highly trained and intelligent dog.
Reed, on the other hand, has been a tough one to really get to know. This is the fourth book in the series and I feel like I'm just getting a handle on him. He has so much pain and survivor's guilt going on from an incident that happened in his past that he's closed out pretty much everyone, including the reader. But it's getting better. He's proven himself to be loyal, trustworthy (geez- he sounds like the dog!), and very resourceful.
I like this series quite a bit, even with the struggles to "know" the protagonist. This particular story is sharp, poignant, and all too plausible. It was well done and worthy of attention for fans of police procedurals, crime thrillers, and those like me who love a good K9 story.
September 24, 2018
These books just get better!
I really enjoy the Billie and Reed books. It has been pleasant watching their relationship developing over the series. I am looking forward to more of them as well as other books by Dustin Stevens. And, being a product of my generation, it s nice to enjoy a tale without a lot of gratuitous sex and violence. I really don't need the play. by play descriptions. I also enjoy Reed's growing respect for his canine partner and his willingness to defend her from disparaging or snide remarks. He doesn't tolerate her being called an "it", insisting she is a detective and is to be treated with respect. She is quickly proving herself as a valuable member of the squad, gaining the respect and some awe for her abilities.
I really enjoy the Billie and Reed books. It has been pleasant watching their relationship developing over the series. I am looking forward to more of them as well as other books by Dustin Stevens. And, being a product of my generation, it s nice to enjoy a tale without a lot of gratuitous sex and violence. I really don't need the play. by play descriptions. I also enjoy Reed's growing respect for his canine partner and his willingness to defend her from disparaging or snide remarks. He doesn't tolerate her being called an "it", insisting she is a detective and is to be treated with respect. She is quickly proving herself as a valuable member of the squad, gaining the respect and some awe for her abilities.
May 23, 2018
Another great book
I've read most of Dustin Stevens books that feature Reed and Billie. I can't pick a favorite because they are all great. They are cop mysteries but without the gore found in some books, and no sex scenes thrown in either. All of these books have plenty of twists and keep you guessing till the end. Each one can be a stand-alone read, but references to the other books are also included. Makes me feel like I'm 'in the inner circle' 😊 I recommend everything written by Dustin Stevens. My only complaint is the problem with editing since I'm very particular about grammar but this doesn't in any way detract from the story
I've read most of Dustin Stevens books that feature Reed and Billie. I can't pick a favorite because they are all great. They are cop mysteries but without the gore found in some books, and no sex scenes thrown in either. All of these books have plenty of twists and keep you guessing till the end. Each one can be a stand-alone read, but references to the other books are also included. Makes me feel like I'm 'in the inner circle' 😊 I recommend everything written by Dustin Stevens. My only complaint is the problem with editing since I'm very particular about grammar but this doesn't in any way detract from the story
February 18, 2024
Reed and Billie to the rescue
In this next edition to the Reed and Billie series, it's almost Christmas time and Reed's parents have just flown into Columbus for a visit. Not even home from the airport and Reed and Billie are called to the scene of a mutilated young woman's body being pulled from the Olentangy River.
This is the start of a new case for Reed and Billie that includes a task force, sex trafficking, murder and more.
The author gets a little repetitive with his descriptions of landscape, interiors, and what people wear but this is still a very readable mystery thriller series. I'm now off to read the next book in the series Justice.
In this next edition to the Reed and Billie series, it's almost Christmas time and Reed's parents have just flown into Columbus for a visit. Not even home from the airport and Reed and Billie are called to the scene of a mutilated young woman's body being pulled from the Olentangy River.
This is the start of a new case for Reed and Billie that includes a task force, sex trafficking, murder and more.
The author gets a little repetitive with his descriptions of landscape, interiors, and what people wear but this is still a very readable mystery thriller series. I'm now off to read the next book in the series Justice.
March 26, 2019
I have to say I just LOVE everything Dustin Stevens writes each new book I read is just fantastic, he has a way of writing that just draws you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole way through.
Reed and Billie are fastly becoming my favorite series I seriously love reading these stories and watching their relationship unfold and grow stronger with every new story 2 detectives 1 of them K9 they truly are a perfectly matched partnership.
This current story was gripping, thrilling and a highly enjoyable read, I can't wait for more.
Reed and Billie are fastly becoming my favorite series I seriously love reading these stories and watching their relationship unfold and grow stronger with every new story 2 detectives 1 of them K9 they truly are a perfectly matched partnership.
This current story was gripping, thrilling and a highly enjoyable read, I can't wait for more.
October 8, 2020
How disappointing
I think there is a good plot somewhere in this jumble of words that are called a book . That is the only positive note .
Too many adjectives , descriptions , disgusting details that don't count toward a true story . Ugh
I don't need to know about phlegm , blood flow , gritted tteeth, adrenaline rushes . I want to read a bit of police procedural and crime solving . This is nausea producing detail . And then there are the too many typos .
I think there is a good plot somewhere in this jumble of words that are called a book . That is the only positive note .
Too many adjectives , descriptions , disgusting details that don't count toward a true story . Ugh
I don't need to know about phlegm , blood flow , gritted tteeth, adrenaline rushes . I want to read a bit of police procedural and crime solving . This is nausea producing detail . And then there are the too many typos .
December 15, 2020
Week before Christmas, his folks flew in from Oklahoma to be with him, a year since his partner Riley was killed. A call of an Asian girl frozen in the river, brutally abuse so they couldn’t identify her. The killer even contacted the press before the body was even found, to set an example for what or for whom. A girl to identify with numbers on the sole of her feet led Reed and Billie into a nightmare origination of young kids from China. Groups were called in to a warehouse what would the find. Another action filled plot to reading of Reed and Billie flying off the bridge to save someone.
September 10, 2021
Unusual stories, Satisfying read, and a great dog
The plots in this series are always interesting and varied with a lot of emphasis on proccedure of investigating a homicide, The presence of the K-9 officer (Billie) also makes things different and interesting. The characters are well defined and believable. I find it hard to put the books down, always wanting to know what happens next.Easy quick reading.
The one thing that annoys me is the poor editing with many instances of distracting typos, incorrect grammar and awkward sentences. That is why I only gave 4 stars.
The plots in this series are always interesting and varied with a lot of emphasis on proccedure of investigating a homicide, The presence of the K-9 officer (Billie) also makes things different and interesting. The characters are well defined and believable. I find it hard to put the books down, always wanting to know what happens next.Easy quick reading.
The one thing that annoys me is the poor editing with many instances of distracting typos, incorrect grammar and awkward sentences. That is why I only gave 4 stars.
February 23, 2024
Reed & Billie, perfect partners
These books are well written, the main characters likable, the stories keep your interest. The only "flaw" is a petty one, but it bothers me. Many times in each book, incorrect pronouns are used in prepositional phrases. It's just a pet peeve, but it distracts my reading. Do editors not catch these things ?
Profanity is kept to a minimum, could be rated PG if given a rating. I will continue reading the series, and recommend them highly .
These books are well written, the main characters likable, the stories keep your interest. The only "flaw" is a petty one, but it bothers me. Many times in each book, incorrect pronouns are used in prepositional phrases. It's just a pet peeve, but it distracts my reading. Do editors not catch these things ?
Profanity is kept to a minimum, could be rated PG if given a rating. I will continue reading the series, and recommend them highly .
October 27, 2024
3 1/2 Stars: I’m enjoying the Reed & Billie series overall, but this novel wasn’t quite up to the others. What I liked: the relationship and trust between Reed and Billie; being introduced to Reed’s parents; the relationship between Reed and Grimes. What I didn’t like: the plot needed more depth; the interagency conflicts were glossed over; many things were left hanging (why the reporter heard about this situation, went undercover and was left dangling; the future of the Chinese girls; why Columbus was chosen); terrible grammar, typos and incorrect use of adverbs.
June 2, 2017
A great book to read
I enjoyed every moment reading about Reed and Billie. The story line, the suspense of constantly wondering if the girls would be saved in time or if the Muscle was going to torturer them and then kill them. The suspense kept me reading when I should have been sleeping. I absolutely love Billie and his devotion to Reed. I will be looking forward to the next episode.
I enjoyed every moment reading about Reed and Billie. The story line, the suspense of constantly wondering if the girls would be saved in time or if the Muscle was going to torturer them and then kill them. The suspense kept me reading when I should have been sleeping. I absolutely love Billie and his devotion to Reed. I will be looking forward to the next episode.
July 16, 2017
Good story bad research
I really enjoy the series. This particular story was marred by the really bad research. INS has not existed for more than 13 years. Human sex trafficking is the purview of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, specifically Homeland Security Investigation. No way would there have b een any doubt about jurisdiction. Maybe the same story but not the details.
I really enjoy the series. This particular story was marred by the really bad research. INS has not existed for more than 13 years. Human sex trafficking is the purview of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, specifically Homeland Security Investigation. No way would there have b een any doubt about jurisdiction. Maybe the same story but not the details.
November 11, 2018
Desperately needs a copy editor.
Mr Stevens is an excellent story teller. That's the only thing that gets me through his books. It takes some doing, as the near -constant typos, errors in syntax, and malapropisms epeatedly jerk the reader out of the story. You pedal a bike, while you peddle something for sale. Foist is not the same as hoist. And on and on. Please get someone actually fluent to help!
Mr Stevens is an excellent story teller. That's the only thing that gets me through his books. It takes some doing, as the near -constant typos, errors in syntax, and malapropisms epeatedly jerk the reader out of the story. You pedal a bike, while you peddle something for sale. Foist is not the same as hoist. And on and on. Please get someone actually fluent to help!
December 6, 2020
Comments
As his earlier books with Reed and Billie, this was a good read. Kept me hooked all the way. Can’t wait to start the next one! Love the way he and Billie interact. I do have 1 suggestion, it might be helpful for others if, somewhere in the back of the book, national hotline numbers were listed for victims of trafficking, abuse, or whatever the topic of the book happens to be.
As his earlier books with Reed and Billie, this was a good read. Kept me hooked all the way. Can’t wait to start the next one! Love the way he and Billie interact. I do have 1 suggestion, it might be helpful for others if, somewhere in the back of the book, national hotline numbers were listed for victims of trafficking, abuse, or whatever the topic of the book happens to be.
January 23, 2021
Loved this book! This series
So much bad in the world and the rich using innocent young girls to make more money, but they had yet to come up against the determination of the CPD and Detective Reed with his loyal partner, Billie. A fast paced, sometimes gut wrenching chain of events that makes you truly root for the good guys and so want the cold hard men involved taken down..doesn't disappoint!
So much bad in the world and the rich using innocent young girls to make more money, but they had yet to come up against the determination of the CPD and Detective Reed with his loyal partner, Billie. A fast paced, sometimes gut wrenching chain of events that makes you truly root for the good guys and so want the cold hard men involved taken down..doesn't disappoint!
February 20, 2017
The partnership
Another good tale of the Columbus area and the protection forces at play there. The interplay between Reed and Billie quite entertaining and easy to believe. Just enough detail to keep you involved and not the eternal philosophy on life and death so many seem to think necessary for an action book.
Another good tale of the Columbus area and the protection forces at play there. The interplay between Reed and Billie quite entertaining and easy to believe. Just enough detail to keep you involved and not the eternal philosophy on life and death so many seem to think necessary for an action book.
June 1, 2017
Billie is the Best
Thanks, Mr Steven's, for your highly entertaining Reed & Billie series. Also enjoyed getting acquainted with Columbus, Ohio. You are a talented storyteller and gifted writer. Looking forward to continuing the cases of the 8th with Reed and wonderful Billie in the lead.....and Grimes support.
Thanks, Mr Steven's, for your highly entertaining Reed & Billie series. Also enjoyed getting acquainted with Columbus, Ohio. You are a talented storyteller and gifted writer. Looking forward to continuing the cases of the 8th with Reed and wonderful Billie in the lead.....and Grimes support.
December 1, 2017
Good book
Good book, I am liking the K9 Billie more and more with every book. I have family that are police officers and 1 that works in the K9 division. This author has done a good job with starting to show the special bond that develops between an officer and a K9 partner. Good job.
Good book, I am liking the K9 Billie more and more with every book. I have family that are police officers and 1 that works in the K9 division. This author has done a good job with starting to show the special bond that develops between an officer and a K9 partner. Good job.
April 17, 2018
Partners
The book was exciting from beginning to end. I found it hard to put down. As much as I hate to admit it, things such as this book conveys does happen. The bond between Billie and Reed continues to grow, becoming stronger with each book. I really enjoy reading the series and don't want it to end.
The book was exciting from beginning to end. I found it hard to put down. As much as I hate to admit it, things such as this book conveys does happen. The bond between Billie and Reed continues to grow, becoming stronger with each book. I really enjoy reading the series and don't want it to end.
May 28, 2018
Love her
Anyone that has ever experienced having a dog, should relate to their relationship.
I liked the writing at the end very exciting, was rooting for them.
I will continue to read this series because it entrain me.
Not a difficult plot, but it keeps wanting to know more about them.
Anyone that has ever experienced having a dog, should relate to their relationship.
I liked the writing at the end very exciting, was rooting for them.
I will continue to read this series because it entrain me.
Not a difficult plot, but it keeps wanting to know more about them.
August 26, 2018
Sinister business
Dustin Stevens is a masterful storyteller. The partnership of Reed and Billie is evolving into a great team of detectives. Columbus may be in the midwest but the seedy underbelly of the sex trade is alive and crawling there too. Oh, and just for fun, the folks are in town, too. Start reading now.
Dustin Stevens is a masterful storyteller. The partnership of Reed and Billie is evolving into a great team of detectives. Columbus may be in the midwest but the seedy underbelly of the sex trade is alive and crawling there too. Oh, and just for fun, the folks are in town, too. Start reading now.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews