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Reed & Billie Mysteries #6
The Scorekeeper
I don’t even know if the call is real. All I know is there is some girl on the line saying her name is Della Snow and that she is trapped inside a box right now.It started as a quiet night, a much needed reprieve for the overworked team of Detective Reed Mattox and his K-9 partner Billie. With just a single phone call from dispatch, both are plunged into a nightmare they could have never imagined.
Somewhere in the greater Columbus area, a young twenty-something is sealed away inside a coffin. With no recollection of how she got there or who might have put her there, she is desperate. Armed only with a dying cellphone and a waning oxygen supply, her hours on earth are limited.
Calling on every resource imaginable, Reed and Billie sprint headlong into the search, embarking on a twisted path that proves to be so much larger than they could have ever imagined.
Bit by bit, their search takes them across the entire west side of the city, each stop building toward an explosive conclusion that could alter their partnership forever.
Somewhere in the greater Columbus area, a young twenty-something is sealed away inside a coffin. With no recollection of how she got there or who might have put her there, she is desperate. Armed only with a dying cellphone and a waning oxygen supply, her hours on earth are limited.
Calling on every resource imaginable, Reed and Billie sprint headlong into the search, embarking on a twisted path that proves to be so much larger than they could have ever imagined.
Bit by bit, their search takes them across the entire west side of the city, each stop building toward an explosive conclusion that could alter their partnership forever.
556 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2018
3422 people are currently reading
474 people want to read
About the author
Dustin Stevens
84 books311 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 152 reviews
April 25, 2018
Good story.
Have read all the books in this series, know how Billie reacts with Reed on the job, but detailed descriptions again and again was boring for me. But still Billie is my favorite character. They have a great team of investigators behind them, but saving a life and being good detectives should be rewarded.
Have read all the books in this series, know how Billie reacts with Reed on the job, but detailed descriptions again and again was boring for me. But still Billie is my favorite character. They have a great team of investigators behind them, but saving a life and being good detectives should be rewarded.
November 10, 2019
This was a really good story, Stevens has picked it up a notch after a few solid but underwhelming instalments. This story takes place over one night as Reed and Billie (his wonderful partner/dog) race against the clock to save a girl who has been buried alive and has only a dying cell phone to communicate her growing distress. It was a nail-biting story with a pretty dramatic ending.
April 13, 2018
Great series!
I've read and enjoyed all 6 books in this series (looking forward to many more!) Great writing and characters. A nice mix of crime/mystery story and character development story (unfortunately missing in so many police suspense books.) I feel like I would know Reed and Billie if I met them and that's what I love in a book. These books would make a great TV series! Thanks to the author for having them in Kindle Unlimited as well.
I've read and enjoyed all 6 books in this series (looking forward to many more!) Great writing and characters. A nice mix of crime/mystery story and character development story (unfortunately missing in so many police suspense books.) I feel like I would know Reed and Billie if I met them and that's what I love in a book. These books would make a great TV series! Thanks to the author for having them in Kindle Unlimited as well.
April 1, 2018
WOW
Though I have been a fan of this author's Reed and Billy books since the very first title, this one was the most amazing of all!
I simply could not put it down and read it in only two sittings. I sincerely hope that we're going to see a lot more of this pair.
The writing is tight and you can almost feel the adreleline of the two very likeable heros.
Since my husband is a retired police officer, I've seen canine units in action, and they are the real thing.
This book will keep you up and reading well into the night!
Can't wait for this duo's next case.
The best thing is, you don't have to have read the preceding books in this series, but if you haven't, you'll want to!
Keep up the wonderful work Mr. Stevens, and please don't let us wait too long for more adventures from this pair.
Also, can there actually be a little romance in the cards for officer Mattox?
Though I have been a fan of this author's Reed and Billy books since the very first title, this one was the most amazing of all!
I simply could not put it down and read it in only two sittings. I sincerely hope that we're going to see a lot more of this pair.
The writing is tight and you can almost feel the adreleline of the two very likeable heros.
Since my husband is a retired police officer, I've seen canine units in action, and they are the real thing.
This book will keep you up and reading well into the night!
Can't wait for this duo's next case.
The best thing is, you don't have to have read the preceding books in this series, but if you haven't, you'll want to!
Keep up the wonderful work Mr. Stevens, and please don't let us wait too long for more adventures from this pair.
Also, can there actually be a little romance in the cards for officer Mattox?
November 1, 2018
The book was good until the Epilogue where it seemed to end so abruptly that I was a little bit confused. It wasn't the outcome that I didn't like, but considering the rest of the book and how detailed it was, the end seemed rushed and not well thought out.
October 31, 2018
Luv-ed it
Scary thriller with twists and twisted baddies. Love the dog! Gonna read more on this series. Recommended but not a Halloween read - daytime and ‘with company’ read (and with a knife handy if you aren’t sure about your neighbors or your company). 🙃👍
Scary thriller with twists and twisted baddies. Love the dog! Gonna read more on this series. Recommended but not a Halloween read - daytime and ‘with company’ read (and with a knife handy if you aren’t sure about your neighbors or your company). 🙃👍
November 5, 2018
Difficult to put down mystery.
Well written mystery novel kept me on pins and needles. The plot development is unique and silent prayers were used to pray for the victim. Reed and Billie are my favorite K-9 unit. CE Williams from Bookbub
Well written mystery novel kept me on pins and needles. The plot development is unique and silent prayers were used to pray for the victim. Reed and Billie are my favorite K-9 unit. CE Williams from Bookbub
June 10, 2021
Really good read. Really good series.
March 10, 2022
Edge of your seat drama,you cannot put the book down.
I started reading the first Reed and Billie book, The Boatman, on 2th Feb, and could not stop. I became so into Reed and Billie I just had to continue on, until I just finished book #6. I'm on to book 7, The Bear. The books are exciting,the partnership of Reed and Billie become real and you are drawn into their personalities. There are very few books that drawn me as much as these have.
I started reading the first Reed and Billie book, The Boatman, on 2th Feb, and could not stop. I became so into Reed and Billie I just had to continue on, until I just finished book #6. I'm on to book 7, The Bear. The books are exciting,the partnership of Reed and Billie become real and you are drawn into their personalities. There are very few books that drawn me as much as these have.
April 4, 2021
A good novel
I thought the story was true to the spirit of prior books and glad Billie had more of a role early on this time. The novel moved along nicely and the villain was quite devious. But the ending sort of fizzled. Won't mention the ending of course but left too many things hanging. I already read the Bear. Think its better than this book. Enjoy them all though. it's a good series. Thanks to the author
I thought the story was true to the spirit of prior books and glad Billie had more of a role early on this time. The novel moved along nicely and the villain was quite devious. But the ending sort of fizzled. Won't mention the ending of course but left too many things hanging. I already read the Bear. Think its better than this book. Enjoy them all though. it's a good series. Thanks to the author
November 2, 2018
Intriguing!
Dustin, while I appreciated a new story line very much, it was just tooo long & repetitious for me! If course I had to see it through! 😊 Loved your take on the Southwest..Dairy Queen & tea. I am from Texas.
Dustin, while I appreciated a new story line very much, it was just tooo long & repetitious for me! If course I had to see it through! 😊 Loved your take on the Southwest..Dairy Queen & tea. I am from Texas.
June 26, 2018
The Scorekeeper: by Dustin Stevens
Reed Matrix and his K-9 partner, Billie, are pulled into this case by a phone call from a woman who is calling thru 911 dispatch to ask to be rescued from wherever she is buried under ground. Though Reed and all his associates, including Deke, are chasing every lead possible, nothing seems to lead anywhere. Time is running out because the burner phone is dying, just one bar of power left. As the night unfolds, lead after lead, clue after clue all point to a man who is currently in prison. Reed & Billie check out locations after locations based on clues at each scene, and just as Reed is ready to admit failure, they arrive at the home of what they believe belongs to the Scorekeeper. The twists and turns to the end will have you as tired and out of breath as Reed & Billie after the rescue. You'll have to read for yourself to figure out how this comes out! Can't wait to see what happens next with Reed and Billie!
Reed Matrix and his K-9 partner, Billie, are pulled into this case by a phone call from a woman who is calling thru 911 dispatch to ask to be rescued from wherever she is buried under ground. Though Reed and all his associates, including Deke, are chasing every lead possible, nothing seems to lead anywhere. Time is running out because the burner phone is dying, just one bar of power left. As the night unfolds, lead after lead, clue after clue all point to a man who is currently in prison. Reed & Billie check out locations after locations based on clues at each scene, and just as Reed is ready to admit failure, they arrive at the home of what they believe belongs to the Scorekeeper. The twists and turns to the end will have you as tired and out of breath as Reed & Billie after the rescue. You'll have to read for yourself to figure out how this comes out! Can't wait to see what happens next with Reed and Billie!
September 4, 2021
This is the 6th book in the series and I’ve read them all. I LOVE characters Reed and his k9 partner Billie. There’s lots of action in this book. You are kept wondering was is the suspects motives in all of his killings. It starts out with a young lady is buried in a box but is able to call 911. Reed and his boss Grimes try to find this young lady and the person who did it. The young lady is found but it’s not the end of the story as the bad guy is no where to be found. Of course, Reed with the help of Grimes figures out where the suspect is. The ending has a rather surprising and very different ending. Reed solved the crime but because the PD made errors prior to this crime the higher ups felt that Reed and Billie need to take a leave of absence…….The suspect is jailed , but what is in the future for Reed? Hopefully the answer is in book #7 which is already loaded on my Kindle.
April 6, 2023
Amazing!
I have read the series so far up to this one #6 and I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed this one! Packed with action and suspense as are all his books. A small critique is that each of his novels take a bit of time to get through in the beginning. Its like trying to go through a maze hoping you won't get lost. When you come to the middle or almost three quarters of the way through, the ah ha moments finally arrive and you start to put the pieces together and then the action revs up and you get a sense of where its going. The books are a bit of a puzzle but one worth getting through. He would do well to get to the point of the maze sooner rather than later so that the reader gets to enjoy more of the ride rather than trying to decipher the map. Otherwise its a very satisfying read and I can't wait to read what may happen in the next one.
I have read the series so far up to this one #6 and I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed this one! Packed with action and suspense as are all his books. A small critique is that each of his novels take a bit of time to get through in the beginning. Its like trying to go through a maze hoping you won't get lost. When you come to the middle or almost three quarters of the way through, the ah ha moments finally arrive and you start to put the pieces together and then the action revs up and you get a sense of where its going. The books are a bit of a puzzle but one worth getting through. He would do well to get to the point of the maze sooner rather than later so that the reader gets to enjoy more of the ride rather than trying to decipher the map. Otherwise its a very satisfying read and I can't wait to read what may happen in the next one.
June 6, 2020
You've just got to read it!
I read this terrific book in one sitting! I just couldn't put it down. I recommend that you do the same as soon as possible! The characters are very real and the story twists and turns into an amazing plot! Mr Steven's books are not gory or filled with bad language - they don't need to be. He gets your attention immediately without resorting to such cheap tactics! I recommend that you start with the first one in this series and read them all, but you don't have to. In my personal opinion, doing so in this case just helped me get to know and understand the characters better. Also, each one is so good, but also, each one seems better than the last! Go for it!
I read this terrific book in one sitting! I just couldn't put it down. I recommend that you do the same as soon as possible! The characters are very real and the story twists and turns into an amazing plot! Mr Steven's books are not gory or filled with bad language - they don't need to be. He gets your attention immediately without resorting to such cheap tactics! I recommend that you start with the first one in this series and read them all, but you don't have to. In my personal opinion, doing so in this case just helped me get to know and understand the characters better. Also, each one is so good, but also, each one seems better than the last! Go for it!
July 24, 2020
The best Billie and Reed yet
Wow! This book had me engrossed from the first page. It also hit one of the most primal fears that we have which made parts of it both impossible to read and impossible not to read. I haven't reviewed all of the books in the series as I should have done but I highly recommend each and every one.
There have been a few things that editors should have caught. It is fun to find those. There were some things I thought should have been addressed by the detectives sooner but it is better to have a hero who is not perfect. Read this series. You will love it!!!
Wow! This book had me engrossed from the first page. It also hit one of the most primal fears that we have which made parts of it both impossible to read and impossible not to read. I haven't reviewed all of the books in the series as I should have done but I highly recommend each and every one.
There have been a few things that editors should have caught. It is fun to find those. There were some things I thought should have been addressed by the detectives sooner but it is better to have a hero who is not perfect. Read this series. You will love it!!!
February 3, 2023
Tense and riveting!
This is a great thriller! I was so sucked in and the writing was so well done in order to maintain the tension that I could not put the book down. I read it in one sitting which is why I’m sitting here at 2:15 am writing this review.
This 6th book in the series has Reed and Billie chasing all over the Columbus area in an effort to figure out a case and rescue a girl buried alive in a coffin underground. The man responsible is acting like a puppet master pulling everyone’s strings.
The action is well paced, the resolution exciting and the aftermath is beyond words. I’m interested to see where the next book goes.
This is a great thriller! I was so sucked in and the writing was so well done in order to maintain the tension that I could not put the book down. I read it in one sitting which is why I’m sitting here at 2:15 am writing this review.
This 6th book in the series has Reed and Billie chasing all over the Columbus area in an effort to figure out a case and rescue a girl buried alive in a coffin underground. The man responsible is acting like a puppet master pulling everyone’s strings.
The action is well paced, the resolution exciting and the aftermath is beyond words. I’m interested to see where the next book goes.
July 31, 2020
Gripping Story
The Reed & Billie books always keep you on the edge of your seat wanting to find out what happens next. Great storyline and characters. Even Deke seems to be more “normal “ in this book, actually leaving his home to meet a girl he helped save. The connection between Reed & Billie is undeniably strong and Mr. Stevens portrays Billie so well. Much imagination goes into these books. It’s hard to believe what humans can do to each other. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
The Reed & Billie books always keep you on the edge of your seat wanting to find out what happens next. Great storyline and characters. Even Deke seems to be more “normal “ in this book, actually leaving his home to meet a girl he helped save. The connection between Reed & Billie is undeniably strong and Mr. Stevens portrays Billie so well. Much imagination goes into these books. It’s hard to believe what humans can do to each other. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
October 4, 2020
Another Thriller from Dustin Stevens
This book is another story that I hated to start as I know, from reading some of his other books that I will find it difficult to lay it down each night.
It didn't take me very long to figure out how the title fit the story. Mr. Stevens has a unique way of fitting each chapter to the previous one. For me
this style makes the flow of the story very enjoyable, even though often making me more anxious to see what is going to happen. With that I'll
close and download the Bear.
This book is another story that I hated to start as I know, from reading some of his other books that I will find it difficult to lay it down each night.
It didn't take me very long to figure out how the title fit the story. Mr. Stevens has a unique way of fitting each chapter to the previous one. For me
this style makes the flow of the story very enjoyable, even though often making me more anxious to see what is going to happen. With that I'll
close and download the Bear.
December 19, 2020
Reed gets a hysterical call from Jackie at dispatch, she didn’t know what to make of it. Woman said she was in a box with a burner phone, was it real or a hoax. Now having Della Snow call every 20 minutes, he is on the fast track to find out where she is at. With the Captain pulling in other officers to help. How was she doing an officer asked, in two hours she has gone thru three different stages, fear, hatred, to numbness.
The action is at a fast clip, with deadly decoys as they search.the outcome will surprise you. How this all plays out with the media looking good is what counts,
The action is at a fast clip, with deadly decoys as they search.the outcome will surprise you. How this all plays out with the media looking good is what counts,
February 5, 2021
Heart pounding novel
I love this series, but this particular book kept me up til I couldn't keep my eyes open until the end.
The victim, an innocent 24 year old abducted and buried alive for past sins of people she knew nothing about. You feel her confusion, fear and terror. Then the detective trying to find her before it's too late, racing against time and a bazaar game of clues, you feel his frustration and fear along with sheer determination to find her alive.
Reed and Billie and fellow law enforcement struggling to put together all the clues makes for a gripping story!
I love this series, but this particular book kept me up til I couldn't keep my eyes open until the end.
The victim, an innocent 24 year old abducted and buried alive for past sins of people she knew nothing about. You feel her confusion, fear and terror. Then the detective trying to find her before it's too late, racing against time and a bazaar game of clues, you feel his frustration and fear along with sheer determination to find her alive.
Reed and Billie and fellow law enforcement struggling to put together all the clues makes for a gripping story!
October 7, 2021
Reed and Billie books
I really enjoy reading the Reed and Billie books. Reed is a police detective and Billie is his very intelligent partner. Did I mention Billie is a beautiful black police dog and former k9 in the service. The stories are fast past, suspenseful and with enough action and twists to keep pages turning very fast. Pick up any one-off these books. You’ll enjoy and be glad you pick up the copy. Pick them all up. Presently there are 6 stand alone stories books. Hope Mr Stevens writes more about Reed and Billie.
I really enjoy reading the Reed and Billie books. Reed is a police detective and Billie is his very intelligent partner. Did I mention Billie is a beautiful black police dog and former k9 in the service. The stories are fast past, suspenseful and with enough action and twists to keep pages turning very fast. Pick up any one-off these books. You’ll enjoy and be glad you pick up the copy. Pick them all up. Presently there are 6 stand alone stories books. Hope Mr Stevens writes more about Reed and Billie.
April 3, 2018
Another Maddening Case for Reed and Billie
As with the other five novels in the Reed and Billie series our protagonist is pitted against a criminal mind that requires intense police work, intuition and even technological assistance to solve. Dustin Stevens is a gifted writer with a penchant for the unusual crime and criminal mind. I have enjoyed all six books in this series as well as others of his works. I highly recommend his books.
As with the other five novels in the Reed and Billie series our protagonist is pitted against a criminal mind that requires intense police work, intuition and even technological assistance to solve. Dustin Stevens is a gifted writer with a penchant for the unusual crime and criminal mind. I have enjoyed all six books in this series as well as others of his works. I highly recommend his books.
December 31, 2018
Excellent
Dustin Stevens has wrote a terrific story.. Meeting Reed and his K9 partner Billie was astounding. This story kept the reader unable to put down. The police force and Reed s friends who helped Dave the life of an innocent young woman. This.book was so powerful it taught the reader about sick people who have lots of hate but.Detective Reed hard work made this book another winner from this talented author
Dustin Stevens has wrote a terrific story.. Meeting Reed and his K9 partner Billie was astounding. This story kept the reader unable to put down. The police force and Reed s friends who helped Dave the life of an innocent young woman. This.book was so powerful it taught the reader about sick people who have lots of hate but.Detective Reed hard work made this book another winner from this talented author
March 1, 2019
Excellent series
Detective Reed and his K-9 partner, Billie in an intense case. Unlike some other novels this one is all about searching and investigating every minute. Be prepared to read the book through to the end once you start it. The story begins with a woman buried alive and the frantic search to find her before it is too late. The Reed and Billie series are all good books and keep your interest throughout. I'm looking forward to the next book.
Detective Reed and his K-9 partner, Billie in an intense case. Unlike some other novels this one is all about searching and investigating every minute. Be prepared to read the book through to the end once you start it. The story begins with a woman buried alive and the frantic search to find her before it is too late. The Reed and Billie series are all good books and keep your interest throughout. I'm looking forward to the next book.
November 10, 2019
This story just didn't slow down!
I love reading Reed and Billie books. They're all really good and I won't like it when Dustin Stevens stops writing them. This one though interfered with life. It was tense all the way through. Not wanting to give anything away, just read it!! I have seen other reviews that pick at some grammar and spelling, yeah there are a few issues. Minor. Don't waste your time looking to criticize. The story is darn good. Enjoy it.
I love reading Reed and Billie books. They're all really good and I won't like it when Dustin Stevens stops writing them. This one though interfered with life. It was tense all the way through. Not wanting to give anything away, just read it!! I have seen other reviews that pick at some grammar and spelling, yeah there are a few issues. Minor. Don't waste your time looking to criticize. The story is darn good. Enjoy it.
August 3, 2020
I so enjoy reading this series. I don't want it to end. Detective Reed's character is so good you really get into his personality and how he feels about the case and the people that he is after as well as the people he works with and Billie what can I say. Billie is, his friend, his protector and his canine detective partner. I hold my breathe every time Billie has to enter a crime scene first, praying nothing hurts him. Gotta go off to book #7
August 22, 2020
Good series.
I've read all 6 books so far. Getting ready to read #7. I like the series, but I would like to see Billie more active. We know he can get in and out of car on command, get up and lay down on command and clear a room. I was glad to see Billie locate Della and help dig her out in the last book. I like the series but would just like to see Billie attack and chew the heck out of the bad guy.
I've read all 6 books so far. Getting ready to read #7. I like the series, but I would like to see Billie more active. We know he can get in and out of car on command, get up and lay down on command and clear a room. I was glad to see Billie locate Della and help dig her out in the last book. I like the series but would just like to see Billie attack and chew the heck out of the bad guy.
October 24, 2021
Reed & Billie 6
I can’t really Imagine living the life of a police person in a medium sized area. They are get a bad rap for being in the lookout for the bad guys. Then they work days without having a decent meal or even a long (or short) nap. We expect them to be super human but manage to treat them as if they have done something wrong instead! Can NOT believe we even have any good cops, can you?
I can’t really Imagine living the life of a police person in a medium sized area. They are get a bad rap for being in the lookout for the bad guys. Then they work days without having a decent meal or even a long (or short) nap. We expect them to be super human but manage to treat them as if they have done something wrong instead! Can NOT believe we even have any good cops, can you?
Read
May 31, 2022Each book in this series just gets better. The building suspense is my favorite thing about the stories. The only reason that I can't give it 5 stars is the inaccurate geography described by the author. Living in the city represented in this series, the author is geographically inaccurate. I know it is a minor thing but it is irritating to people living in this city that the author didn't do more research and represent it accurately.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews