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Reed & Billie Mysteries #7
The Bear
Working in law enforcement imparts certain things in a man. The smell of gunpowder in the air. The sight of blood spatter at a crime scene.
And the amount of trouble a woman is in by the pitch of her scream.
Six weeks prior, on the heels of the most hellish case he could ever remember, Detective Reed Mattox and his K-9 partner, Billie, were placed on administrative leave from the Columbus Police Department. Fearful of what the media might say, the brass decided to put them at arm’s length, allowing the aftermath of that fateful night to settle. Not used to being placed on the sidelines, and no good at sitting still for long, the decision was made to travel west to his native Oklahoma and help his parents begin the long process of unpacking their new home.
A process that lasted but a single afternoon before the duo found themselves within earshot of a scream too pointed to ignore.
Acting on pure instinct, the two give chase, unknowingly pulling themselves into something much bigger happening across the plains for the better part of a decade. Young women with seemingly nothing in common disappear, held for months or years before turning up, while some are never found at all.
Pulled in against their better judgment, but unable to ignore their true natures, Reed and Billie join with local law enforcement in search of a killer the likes of which they have never encountered…
And the amount of trouble a woman is in by the pitch of her scream.
Six weeks prior, on the heels of the most hellish case he could ever remember, Detective Reed Mattox and his K-9 partner, Billie, were placed on administrative leave from the Columbus Police Department. Fearful of what the media might say, the brass decided to put them at arm’s length, allowing the aftermath of that fateful night to settle. Not used to being placed on the sidelines, and no good at sitting still for long, the decision was made to travel west to his native Oklahoma and help his parents begin the long process of unpacking their new home.
A process that lasted but a single afternoon before the duo found themselves within earshot of a scream too pointed to ignore.
Acting on pure instinct, the two give chase, unknowingly pulling themselves into something much bigger happening across the plains for the better part of a decade. Young women with seemingly nothing in common disappear, held for months or years before turning up, while some are never found at all.
Pulled in against their better judgment, but unable to ignore their true natures, Reed and Billie join with local law enforcement in search of a killer the likes of which they have never encountered…
426 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2019
4497 people are currently reading
379 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 161 reviews
April 24, 2019
Unbelievable story. Suspenseful all the way to keep you intrigued. Definitely ready for another book by this talented writer
April 1, 2019
The Bear is a well crafted and taut detective novel - Dustin Stevens’ most recent in the Reed and Billie series. Reed Mattox is a driven detective and Billie his Belgian Malinois K9 partner. The Bear reads well as a standalone novel, but will have a deeper hold on anyone who has read previous adventures of this K9 team (as have I).
Stevens has mastered building a low level tension that envelops the reader. It really is difficult to put the book down, or in the Kindle world turn off the screen. Time is the enemy in The Bear as clues emerge and pieces come together - or not. I found the window into investigative technique and the role of the K9 officer both integral and informative - and part of the magnet that pulls me in every time. Stevens explores the bond between Reed and Billie on many levels - dealing with working partnership, emotional symbiosis, and nonverbal communication.
On forced administrative leave, Reed and Billie arrive in rural Oklahoma to assist Reed’s parents settle into their new house after a sudden move from Ohio. Stressed from travel and not yet in sync with the rhythm of the small town, Reed witnesses an attempted abduction. Instinct and training kick in as Reed and Billie jump in to prevent the crime - but are just seconds and yards too late. They will learn that the abducted woman was Serena Gipson a well liked waitress at the town diner.
Reporting the kidnapping to the local police is greeted with neither warmth nor appreciation. Stevens is adept, also, at touching on larger issues in the unfolding narrative. The choking bureaucracy of procedure and the toxic ego of a lifetime small town police chief put the victim at risk. Reed and the original responding officer, Todd Wyatt, bond with their shared need for justice. The stage is set for tension as the good guys race the clock against both internal politics and the emerging terror of what the kidnapper intends.
An accidental discovery of a body in a farmer’s field establishes a relationship between the Darcy Thornton cold case and the current abduction. Frightening physical similarities between the deceased and Serena ramp up the urgency. Officer Wyatt asks Reed and Billie to team up to find Serena, but it means working around the Chief’s denial that a crime has occured in “his town”. Reed and Billie are all in even though they lack jurisdiction, equipment, support, and weapons - they have experience and the drive to do what is right.
Fairly quickly the Chief learns of the “off the books” investigation and Officer Wyatt is remanded to desk duty. Reed connects with Thad Martin an old friend of his father’s and an officer in the next town over. Martin adds some local insight and a much needed assist with the shoe leather. Reed also reaches out to his hacker buddy, Deke, to dive into forensic analysis of background data on the emerging players - dead and alive.
I was totally absorbed as the team pieced together the situational minutia and made sense of the investigative clues in The Bear. Tension builds as several similar cold cases going back years emerge. The who, when, and where start to fall into place and Reed, Billie, and Thad Martin make up what they hope is a rescue mission. Real evil exists and often resources that can be marshaled against it are limited. Stevens treats this with a realism that makes his novels all the more compelling.
Stevens has mastered building a low level tension that envelops the reader. It really is difficult to put the book down, or in the Kindle world turn off the screen. Time is the enemy in The Bear as clues emerge and pieces come together - or not. I found the window into investigative technique and the role of the K9 officer both integral and informative - and part of the magnet that pulls me in every time. Stevens explores the bond between Reed and Billie on many levels - dealing with working partnership, emotional symbiosis, and nonverbal communication.
On forced administrative leave, Reed and Billie arrive in rural Oklahoma to assist Reed’s parents settle into their new house after a sudden move from Ohio. Stressed from travel and not yet in sync with the rhythm of the small town, Reed witnesses an attempted abduction. Instinct and training kick in as Reed and Billie jump in to prevent the crime - but are just seconds and yards too late. They will learn that the abducted woman was Serena Gipson a well liked waitress at the town diner.
Reporting the kidnapping to the local police is greeted with neither warmth nor appreciation. Stevens is adept, also, at touching on larger issues in the unfolding narrative. The choking bureaucracy of procedure and the toxic ego of a lifetime small town police chief put the victim at risk. Reed and the original responding officer, Todd Wyatt, bond with their shared need for justice. The stage is set for tension as the good guys race the clock against both internal politics and the emerging terror of what the kidnapper intends.
An accidental discovery of a body in a farmer’s field establishes a relationship between the Darcy Thornton cold case and the current abduction. Frightening physical similarities between the deceased and Serena ramp up the urgency. Officer Wyatt asks Reed and Billie to team up to find Serena, but it means working around the Chief’s denial that a crime has occured in “his town”. Reed and Billie are all in even though they lack jurisdiction, equipment, support, and weapons - they have experience and the drive to do what is right.
Fairly quickly the Chief learns of the “off the books” investigation and Officer Wyatt is remanded to desk duty. Reed connects with Thad Martin an old friend of his father’s and an officer in the next town over. Martin adds some local insight and a much needed assist with the shoe leather. Reed also reaches out to his hacker buddy, Deke, to dive into forensic analysis of background data on the emerging players - dead and alive.
I was totally absorbed as the team pieced together the situational minutia and made sense of the investigative clues in The Bear. Tension builds as several similar cold cases going back years emerge. The who, when, and where start to fall into place and Reed, Billie, and Thad Martin make up what they hope is a rescue mission. Real evil exists and often resources that can be marshaled against it are limited. Stevens treats this with a realism that makes his novels all the more compelling.
April 29, 2023
A different venue for Reed and Billie’s skills
4.5 stars…This was another tense and suspenseful book in the series. The continual switch in POV helped to ratchet up the tension…from Reed, to victim, to villain and on an on. Towards the end the story was so fraught I’m pretty sure I held my breath for the entirety of the climactic moments.
This book is different as Reed and Billie are in Oklahoma visiting Reed’s parents and helping with their move. It’s been a month since they were put on administrative leave after their last high profile case and Reed is beyond frustrated and sick of being sidelined. That whole element never made any sense to me and it appears we might finally get more information on what is behind it soon.
Reed and Billie get tangled up in a kidnapping as witnesses who try to stop it. When the local police chief unbelievably decides to ignore what happened Reed and Billie end up invested in helping to find the missing girl. The story is tightly written and maintains the high level of concern and tension.
We’re kind of left hanging at the end. We know Reed is on his way home in a couple of days but we don’t know what’s coming after a strange phone call with his boss. We never get a full explanation or closure on the police chief issue which is a huge hole in the story. It’s a major part of the plot and it would be a HUGE news story and PR nightmare but it is never even mentioned. That was a big disappointment and I think a major oversight in the storytelling. I really needed a comeuppance there.
Looking forward to the next book and what lies ahead for these partners.
4.5 stars…This was another tense and suspenseful book in the series. The continual switch in POV helped to ratchet up the tension…from Reed, to victim, to villain and on an on. Towards the end the story was so fraught I’m pretty sure I held my breath for the entirety of the climactic moments.
This book is different as Reed and Billie are in Oklahoma visiting Reed’s parents and helping with their move. It’s been a month since they were put on administrative leave after their last high profile case and Reed is beyond frustrated and sick of being sidelined. That whole element never made any sense to me and it appears we might finally get more information on what is behind it soon.
Reed and Billie get tangled up in a kidnapping as witnesses who try to stop it. When the local police chief unbelievably decides to ignore what happened Reed and Billie end up invested in helping to find the missing girl. The story is tightly written and maintains the high level of concern and tension.
We’re kind of left hanging at the end. We know Reed is on his way home in a couple of days but we don’t know what’s coming after a strange phone call with his boss. We never get a full explanation or closure on the police chief issue which is a huge hole in the story. It’s a major part of the plot and it would be a HUGE news story and PR nightmare but it is never even mentioned. That was a big disappointment and I think a major oversight in the storytelling. I really needed a comeuppance there.
Looking forward to the next book and what lies ahead for these partners.
April 1, 2019
Reed and Billie are back…. I'm excited because Billie is back…lol she is such a loveable character.
This story had me gripped from the start, as I'm reading I'm thinking many times 'put it down and walk away, just do it' lol but I couldn't because even though I knew bad stuff was coming I couldn't stop reading. I had to know what happened. Does the find Serena? Do they capture The Bear? Do Reed and Billie go back to Ohio? Do Reed and Billie get to be detectives again? So, so many questions had to be answered and the only way forward was to keep reading even though the mad stuff, you know the scenes you generally cover your face for during a horror movie…lol yes those ones but with this story I couldn't turn away I just couldn't this is how thrillingly addictive Dustin Stevens writing!
Talk about anxiety-inducing, seriously.
I have to say what I love most about any of Dustin's books but especially this one is the information he packs into each story, his attention to detail and research it really brings the story more to life for me.
I absolutely love the relationship Reed and Billie have built up each book has brought them so much closer with such an awesomely tight bond.
The ending was AMAZING I loved Reed's indecision to race in or go for back-up it really made the story and I have to say I'm kinda hoping Reed and Billie eventually move to Warner or Muskogee near his parents they both really seemed to fit into the area, it felt right.
This story had me gripped from the start, as I'm reading I'm thinking many times 'put it down and walk away, just do it' lol but I couldn't because even though I knew bad stuff was coming I couldn't stop reading. I had to know what happened. Does the find Serena? Do they capture The Bear? Do Reed and Billie go back to Ohio? Do Reed and Billie get to be detectives again? So, so many questions had to be answered and the only way forward was to keep reading even though the mad stuff, you know the scenes you generally cover your face for during a horror movie…lol yes those ones but with this story I couldn't turn away I just couldn't this is how thrillingly addictive Dustin Stevens writing!
Talk about anxiety-inducing, seriously.
I have to say what I love most about any of Dustin's books but especially this one is the information he packs into each story, his attention to detail and research it really brings the story more to life for me.
I absolutely love the relationship Reed and Billie have built up each book has brought them so much closer with such an awesomely tight bond.
The ending was AMAZING I loved Reed's indecision to race in or go for back-up it really made the story and I have to say I'm kinda hoping Reed and Billie eventually move to Warner or Muskogee near his parents they both really seemed to fit into the area, it felt right.
July 7, 2020
The Best (Reed & Billie #7)
Having been placed on leave by his Police boss, Reed & Billie find themselves in Oklahoma helping Reed's parents unpack and reestablish their new home in the Oklahoma countryside, away from the big city problems of crime and dangerous neighborhoods. Reed and Billie went to fill has cans for the next day's outside chores, when they are witness to a kidnapping of a young lady in the alley across from the gas station. Giving chase on foot, they lose the van as it barrels down the alley and disappear into the night. Reed calls 911 and runs into a Police Chief from hell! Knowing what he and Billie witnessed, he and the local officer start an investigation with help from a computer whiz that Reed has worked with and the nightmare begins. First, his boss tells him to walk away, then the local Chief grounds his local help, and then refused to put out a missing person alert because that won't look good in the upcoming election. Reed, not giving up, knows the 48 hour clock is running, so he, officers from another small town and Zeke his computer geek keep digging for info. Their digging reveals 15 missing women within a 45 mile radius of the kidnapping Reed witnessed. Checking for something to connect these missing women puts Reed and Billie on their latest problem, finding this woman before the clock runs out. This is another great read and page turner. Don't miss this one.
Having been placed on leave by his Police boss, Reed & Billie find themselves in Oklahoma helping Reed's parents unpack and reestablish their new home in the Oklahoma countryside, away from the big city problems of crime and dangerous neighborhoods. Reed and Billie went to fill has cans for the next day's outside chores, when they are witness to a kidnapping of a young lady in the alley across from the gas station. Giving chase on foot, they lose the van as it barrels down the alley and disappear into the night. Reed calls 911 and runs into a Police Chief from hell! Knowing what he and Billie witnessed, he and the local officer start an investigation with help from a computer whiz that Reed has worked with and the nightmare begins. First, his boss tells him to walk away, then the local Chief grounds his local help, and then refused to put out a missing person alert because that won't look good in the upcoming election. Reed, not giving up, knows the 48 hour clock is running, so he, officers from another small town and Zeke his computer geek keep digging for info. Their digging reveals 15 missing women within a 45 mile radius of the kidnapping Reed witnessed. Checking for something to connect these missing women puts Reed and Billie on their latest problem, finding this woman before the clock runs out. This is another great read and page turner. Don't miss this one.
January 7, 2022
This is the 7th book i the series and I have read all 7. I enjoy the characters Reed and his k9 partner Billie very much. In this book, Reed and Billie travel to OK to help his parents unpack and settle into their new home. The house had been vacant over a month b4 Reed’s parents moved in. So one of the first chores was to trim the overgrown landscaping. Reed goes to the local gas station to fill up the gas cans to prepare for the next day. While filling up, he hears a scream. Both Reed and Billie know what that scream means. They run to where the sound came from but only see a van pull out in the dark. He goes back to the gas station and tells the attendant to call 911. It seems forever b4 a deputy arrives . Reed tells him everything that happened. The next day when Reed goes to the police station to give a briefing, he meets the police of chief. There the plot thickens: the Chief says there is no kidnapping and Reed is to back off…….The deputy who took the deposition asked Reed for help. The deputy knew a girl was missing despite what the Chief said. The story goes on from there. Reed’s father has an old college friend who is a detective in a nearby town. Together they work to find the missing girl and the culprit. Reed discovers with the help from his Tech friend there are other girls missing…….This book is very enjoyable and will keep the reader engaged til the end. There is lots of action especially towards the end. There is a book #8 !
April 1, 2019
After being placed on leave from his job in Columbus, Ohio for an unknown reason, Reed and Billy, his black Belgian Malinois canine partner, are going to Warner, Oklahoma to visit his parents. In the meantime, The Bear is an unknown individual who has been staking out a 25-year old waitress and otherwise all-around helper in the restaurant that she works. Then he kidnaps the girl right in front of Reed and Billie.
Follow Reed and Billie as the two of them, a cadre of his friends, and new-found fellow law enforcement officials, attempt to find the girl.
As you progress more into the story, you will find the interaction between The Bear and others so explicit, it’s as though you are actually watching the events on a TV. I don’t recall ever seeing this kind of story-telling before. It’s almost scary.
One thing is for sure: this was one of the most exciting books I’ve read in a long time and very difficult to put down once you’ve started reading it. You too will certainly be enthralled. In fact, this is the best book written by Stevens I’ve read to date.
If you haven’t read any of Dustin Stevens’ books, you will find each of his stand-alone novels totally different, enough so that you will want to read more of them.
Follow Reed and Billie as the two of them, a cadre of his friends, and new-found fellow law enforcement officials, attempt to find the girl.
As you progress more into the story, you will find the interaction between The Bear and others so explicit, it’s as though you are actually watching the events on a TV. I don’t recall ever seeing this kind of story-telling before. It’s almost scary.
One thing is for sure: this was one of the most exciting books I’ve read in a long time and very difficult to put down once you’ve started reading it. You too will certainly be enthralled. In fact, this is the best book written by Stevens I’ve read to date.
If you haven’t read any of Dustin Stevens’ books, you will find each of his stand-alone novels totally different, enough so that you will want to read more of them.
April 1, 2019
Taking place in a tiny town near an Indian reservation, while on leave from his position as a police detective, Reed and his canine partner, Billie, are witnesses to a young woman’s abduction. Finding the towns police chief thoroughly unconcerned, uncooperative and unwilling to consider what Reed has witnessed, Reed pairs with a local police officer that respects the solve rate Reed and Billie have achieved in multiple crimes.
From the beginning of the story until its final pages The Bear kept a good level of suspense throughout. With strong character development, highly detailed writing, and interesting story line, I enjoyed this book.
The five star rating I’m giving this is for a fresh and interesting story. I’m also going to be very honest in saying I thought some of the sentences were overly descriptive to almost the point of run-on and I found some word choices to be incorrect. For the editing I’d give this a three star.
If this book is a first read for you in Dustin Steven’s Reed and Billie series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone, and may have you wanting to read the series from the beginning, as well as other Dustin Stevens books.
From the beginning of the story until its final pages The Bear kept a good level of suspense throughout. With strong character development, highly detailed writing, and interesting story line, I enjoyed this book.
The five star rating I’m giving this is for a fresh and interesting story. I’m also going to be very honest in saying I thought some of the sentences were overly descriptive to almost the point of run-on and I found some word choices to be incorrect. For the editing I’d give this a three star.
If this book is a first read for you in Dustin Steven’s Reed and Billie series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone, and may have you wanting to read the series from the beginning, as well as other Dustin Stevens books.
February 8, 2021
Dustin Stevens does it again. After reading the 7th in the series, I am still entertained. While there is a bit of a formula, the story itself unfolds as the detective learns more. The reader learns as the detective learns, but of course we have the insight into the crime itself, and Stevens keeps you involved as the story plays out. I feel Mattox's frustration and anxiety. I have enjoyed seeing the bond between Mattox and Billie develop. Stevens builds the story toward the resolution and he always gives you the cookies afterward, which as a reader I appreciate. There is a lack of character development overall, except for how they act/respond to situations, and I do wish there were more insight into the protagonist's story/emotions. Also, I would love to see Mattox happy, relaxed and content at least a bit. All the sadness and angst, though understandable, casts a grey tone to the character. Overall, with descriptive scenes and the element of the K-9 which brings another dimension to the series, I have enjoyed reading it.
July 6, 2020
This is my first Reed & Billie book, and I really enjoyed it! Reed is a detective "on leave" from Cleveland PD with his K-9, Billie. Loved the interaction between the two! Good police procedural work to try to find a woman Reed saw snatched off the street. Local police chief pooh-poohs it and reminds Reed he's on leave and it's clearly none of his business; girl will come home. However, the policeman who responded to the 911 call asks Reed to help, and that help results in uncovering several related missing women who all share a striking resemblance to the missing Selena - one turned up dead. Because this all takes place in small towns in Oklahoma, no one has tied the missing women together until now. Told in part from the kidnapper, from the victim, and from the detective, it's a good ride!
December 25, 2020
Reed and Billie still on leave go to Oklahoma to help his folks settle in their new country side home, ,with his dad having retired now,
He see’s a woman being kidnapped while getting gas, the young cop who comes to investigate, feels he is out of his element to investigate and asks him for help. Bringing down the wrath of Wyatt’s boss for both of them, the Chief feeling there was no case.
This was my least favorite in this good series, it seemed repetitive, and lacked the action and the other characters like Chief Grimes, even Billie was against his leg, or in car. Reed was working it alone. Wyatt was put on desk duty. Then another lashing for Reed, the woman who had put him on leave, had been called by Wyatt’s Chief, and why was he working.
Even the description of what the killer did to the woman was to much.
Would put it at 3 1/2 for rating.
He see’s a woman being kidnapped while getting gas, the young cop who comes to investigate, feels he is out of his element to investigate and asks him for help. Bringing down the wrath of Wyatt’s boss for both of them, the Chief feeling there was no case.
This was my least favorite in this good series, it seemed repetitive, and lacked the action and the other characters like Chief Grimes, even Billie was against his leg, or in car. Reed was working it alone. Wyatt was put on desk duty. Then another lashing for Reed, the woman who had put him on leave, had been called by Wyatt’s Chief, and why was he working.
Even the description of what the killer did to the woman was to much.
Would put it at 3 1/2 for rating.
February 6, 2024
So Good!
I've read all 7 Reed & Billie novels and loved every single one of them. I am always in a hurry to get to the next novel so this is my first review for them. 😉
I love the characters so much, especially Billie! Reed's ok too. ( jk ) the books are full of wonderful characters and gripping storylines. I've thoroughly enjoyed every book. I'm so happy to have found this series and I'm thankful that Amazon had the first book of this series in the list of suggestions for me.
Dogs have been a part of my life since I was a baby and I can't imagine life without a dog. This series of novels has everything I love in a book!! Thank you Dustin Stevens for writing this series and creating the characters, Reed & Billie. They're beginning to feel like friends of mine 😉. Well it's on to book 8.
I've read all 7 Reed & Billie novels and loved every single one of them. I am always in a hurry to get to the next novel so this is my first review for them. 😉
I love the characters so much, especially Billie! Reed's ok too. ( jk ) the books are full of wonderful characters and gripping storylines. I've thoroughly enjoyed every book. I'm so happy to have found this series and I'm thankful that Amazon had the first book of this series in the list of suggestions for me.
Dogs have been a part of my life since I was a baby and I can't imagine life without a dog. This series of novels has everything I love in a book!! Thank you Dustin Stevens for writing this series and creating the characters, Reed & Billie. They're beginning to feel like friends of mine 😉. Well it's on to book 8.
Read
September 8, 2019Excellent!
I fumbled across this book and saw the cop and his K9, good ratings and figured why not. At the end, I realized it’s book seven(?)! I noticed references to previous moments I wished I knew the full story to, but as a stand alone book it was well worth a read and save for future reread! The author is an excellent story teller whose writing would leave no tv/movie director confused about each characters every (single solitary) move thought and feeling which for me makes it drag a little. But that said, it’s not too often or to long until excitement and anticipation makes you forget it happened. Ive just bought the whole series and will read others by him as well.
I fumbled across this book and saw the cop and his K9, good ratings and figured why not. At the end, I realized it’s book seven(?)! I noticed references to previous moments I wished I knew the full story to, but as a stand alone book it was well worth a read and save for future reread! The author is an excellent story teller whose writing would leave no tv/movie director confused about each characters every (single solitary) move thought and feeling which for me makes it drag a little. But that said, it’s not too often or to long until excitement and anticipation makes you forget it happened. Ive just bought the whole series and will read others by him as well.
April 2, 2019
Reed and Billie are put on administrative leave 'for their own safety'. They go to a small town in Oklahoma to help his parents unpack after moving. Reed witnesses a kidnapping and that is where things start going south. Seems the Cheif of Police of this podunk town doesn't want to need his help. Reed's own Supervisor isn't happy with his meddling in the kidnapping. This is something Reed can not help but do. There is a serial kidnapper out there and they are going to find him no matter what anyone says. A very good story that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next! I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book.
April 2, 2019
Reed Mattox and his partner Billie, dog detective, are on leave for basically solving too many cases. They travel from Ohio to Oklahoma to help his parents. While he is pumping gas, he sees a young lady get pushed into a van and it drives away. He tries to get the local police to get involved, but the police chief wants nothing to do with it. He is retiring soon and wants his record clean. But deputy Wyatt offers to help in his time off. When the chief finds out he puts him on duty for two shifts. It is up to Reed and Billie to find the missing person before she is killed.
I could not put this novel down. It keep me on the edge of my seat. A real thrill ride.
I could not put this novel down. It keep me on the edge of my seat. A real thrill ride.
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November 13, 2019Great plot
I really wanted to give 5 stars however, as much as I love the series the writing sometimes is far too descriptive and takes away from the exciting police procedural . A young woman is kidnapped in front of Reed and Billie . They are unable to get to her fast enough to prevent it. Since they are visiting Oklahoma to help his parents get settled , Reed has no jurisdiction . He does the right things , calls 911 and gives the report . He ends up in the chief's office and is chewed out. He is determined to find her. What happened to the incompetent chief ? That is not addressed.
I really wanted to give 5 stars however, as much as I love the series the writing sometimes is far too descriptive and takes away from the exciting police procedural . A young woman is kidnapped in front of Reed and Billie . They are unable to get to her fast enough to prevent it. Since they are visiting Oklahoma to help his parents get settled , Reed has no jurisdiction . He does the right things , calls 911 and gives the report . He ends up in the chief's office and is chewed out. He is determined to find her. What happened to the incompetent chief ? That is not addressed.
July 9, 2020
Detective Reed Mattox and his K-9 partner, Billie, were placed on administrative leave from the Columbus Police Department. So Reed & Billie head out to help Reed's Mom & Dad settle in to their newly purchased home in his native Oklahoma. Thinking he was there to help them unpack and then relax- well the universe had other plans. He is filling up gas cans and he hears one scream. He has been a cop long enough to recognize the terror in that scream. This then leads him to see a pattern in missing Native American women from this and a small surrounding area. The hunt is on to try to save this young woman from whoever took her..
July 30, 2020
Gripping
I have said it all in other reviews on this series, but here goes. This book grabbed me at page one and didn't let go of me to the end. The plot is exciting and gripping. The characters are complex. The villains (including the police chief and his son) are people you love to hate. The bond between Billie and Reed is an integral part of the story and is one more reason to root for the good guys. The only thing I missed was winding up what happened with the police chief, his son and the deputy. I don't like to see evil win in any form and I wanted to see the deputy recognized and rewarded for his caring and efforts. A dangling thread......
I have said it all in other reviews on this series, but here goes. This book grabbed me at page one and didn't let go of me to the end. The plot is exciting and gripping. The characters are complex. The villains (including the police chief and his son) are people you love to hate. The bond between Billie and Reed is an integral part of the story and is one more reason to root for the good guys. The only thing I missed was winding up what happened with the police chief, his son and the deputy. I don't like to see evil win in any form and I wanted to see the deputy recognized and rewarded for his caring and efforts. A dangling thread......
April 3, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. Although this book is the seventh book in the series, it does work well as a standalone novel. The author again hits out of the park with a unique story full of suspense and intrigue. I was hooked from the beginning and had a hard time putting this book down. Sharp writing and a strong, complex and compelling plot keep the suspense building and the tensions high. A number of twists throughout the story kept me guessing until the very end and the gripping action kept me on the edge of my seat. Great addition to a wonderful series!
April 3, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. Although this book is the seventh book in the series, it does work well as a standalone novel. The author again hits it out of the park with a unique story full of suspense and intrigue. I was hooked from the beginning and had a hard time putting this book down. Sharp writing and a strong, complex and compelling plot keep the suspense building and the tensions high. A number of twists throughout the story kept me guessing until the very end and the gripping action kept me on the edge of my seat. Great addition to a wonderful series!
April 3, 2019
A suspended detective and his K9 partner are helping in parents move into a new home in another city when he sees an abduction take place. Being a cop he gets involved in the small town only to find out the sheriff there does not play nice. As he and his partner work with a few other local LEO’s they figure out a string of murders and bring it to an end. Excellent cast of characters, non stop intrigue/action and a very well written story line keeps you reading non stop. Very hard to put this book down.
September 25, 2020
A book to send chills through you. When young women go missing from very small towns the local police are not able to investigate them or choose to believe they just decided to leave on their own. Our hero arrives to help his parents move into a new home when he see one of the young women being kidnapped. A city policeman and his dog just cannot walk away. A book full of suspense and cruelity. You will keep turning pages into the night to make sure the torture will end and the women will escape the Bear.
August 13, 2021
Swing and a miss. Seventh book in series is set in Oklahoma. Reed and Billie work for the Columbus Ohio P.D. and are in Oklahoma to help out Reed's parents in their moving. This one goes off the tracks early and never recovers. It also leaves several loose ends at it's conclusion. At just over 400 pages Kindle this one twists into the wind far too long. Since I've enjoyed this series quite a bit I'm giving this one three stars out of five possible. (2.49 stars rounded...) On to the next book of series.
November 19, 2023
The Bear
Reed and Billie have been sidelined so they head to Oklahoma to help his parents with their move to a small town in the country. He goes to the gas station to fill up the gas cans for the mowers when they see a woman kidnapped. The case ignore by the chief of police who refuses to file a report he enlists anyone who can help, local law enforcement, Deke and the families of other missing girls in the area. With help he and Billie rescue the 10th victim of Edward Gaines over a 7 year period. They are on their way back to Ohio.
Reed and Billie have been sidelined so they head to Oklahoma to help his parents with their move to a small town in the country. He goes to the gas station to fill up the gas cans for the mowers when they see a woman kidnapped. The case ignore by the chief of police who refuses to file a report he enlists anyone who can help, local law enforcement, Deke and the families of other missing girls in the area. With help he and Billie rescue the 10th victim of Edward Gaines over a 7 year period. They are on their way back to Ohio.
April 1, 2019
Reed and Billie Take a Break...
And when the do they can’t catch a break from non-stop action.
On an enforced leave from Ohio, Reed and Billie head to Oklahoma to help move his parents into their new home. Reed witnesses an abduction, alienates the local police chief, and puts all his personal resources to work as uncovers a situation far worse than he thought. A great addition to a very special series.
And when the do they can’t catch a break from non-stop action.
On an enforced leave from Ohio, Reed and Billie head to Oklahoma to help move his parents into their new home. Reed witnesses an abduction, alienates the local police chief, and puts all his personal resources to work as uncovers a situation far worse than he thought. A great addition to a very special series.
April 4, 2019
I am new to reading Dustin's books and was really happy I was given the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review. I loved the book from the start and it kept my attention throughout. Twists made it that much more exciting! The main character (Reed) has a dog (Billie) and I absolutely love books with dogs that are part of the main story! Loved the book from start to finish and look forward to reading more of Dustin's books!
April 8, 2019
this is what I love the most, a good plot that sets the scenes and builds the story around you and then before you know it you are amongst some gripping storyline.
I also love stories with a dog as a main character and is much needed to support Detective Reed Mattox.
Reed and Billie are pulled in to help the local police dept and I think its great when this happens.
all in all a great read and look forward to the next.
I also love stories with a dog as a main character and is much needed to support Detective Reed Mattox.
Reed and Billie are pulled in to help the local police dept and I think its great when this happens.
all in all a great read and look forward to the next.
January 28, 2020
Can't wait for the next Billie & Read case!
Since starting this series, I have fallen in love with both detectives! Being a dog loved also, I find the descriptions of Billie working excellent. Any one who likes a good working detective novel can't miss with these. Be sure to read them all and in series Order although each can stand alone. But don't miss the progression and growth of the characters!
Since starting this series, I have fallen in love with both detectives! Being a dog loved also, I find the descriptions of Billie working excellent. Any one who likes a good working detective novel can't miss with these. Be sure to read them all and in series Order although each can stand alone. But don't miss the progression and growth of the characters!
July 10, 2020
This book really dragged on. When you know who did it from the get go, there is no big surprise to look forward to. It was also told from two points of view, with each chapter alternating between the two, a tedious way to tell the story. While it was nice to have a dog always present, "Billie" actually did not add much to the narrative, as she did not really interact with anyone but the main character, who was not a very interesting person to base a book around.
November 9, 2020
Unfortunately I have not read the books prior to this in the series. But it is written so you don't really need to know much background.
The role of Billie is relatively small.
There are lots and lots of detail, which can be good but sometimes just too much. The story itself is very good I thought. How the detective goes about to find the killer. It is told very well. I did enjoy this story and I recommend it.
The role of Billie is relatively small.
There are lots and lots of detail, which can be good but sometimes just too much. The story itself is very good I thought. How the detective goes about to find the killer. It is told very well. I did enjoy this story and I recommend it.
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