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Gil Mason #2
Hair of the Dog
Gil Mason is a simple guy with complex problems. Cross Phillip Marlow with Ceasar Milan, The Dog Whisperer, and you create a new bread of private eye: courage of a Pitbull, heart of a Labrador. The second book in the Gil Mason series. Gil and Max are hired by a high-ranking politician to find a kidnapped little girl. But things take a deadly twist when the kidnapper turns out to be an assassin for a sect of the notorious Bloods street gang. The action is fast and the characters real as Gil races from Aurora to Chicago, fighting villains and time, praying that he can save the child and unravel the strange reasons for her abduction, all while keeping his K9 partner Max from eating him.
244 pages, Paperback
Published March 15, 2020
160 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Gordon Carroll
18 books74 followershttps://www.facebook.com/pg/OfficialG...
Gordon Carroll is the author of GUNWOOD USA. Gordon was raised at the foot of the great Rocky Mountains in Colorado. He joined the United States Marine Corps at eighteen and served for seven years achieving the rank of sergeant (selected for staff sergeant). After that he became a police officer in a small (wild) city nestled snugly in the middle of Denver Colorado before moving on to become a sheriff’s deputy. Because of his love for dogs he became a K9 handler, training and working three separate dogs over two decades (a hundred and twenty pound German Shepherd named JR, a ninety pound Belgian Malinois named Max and a fifty-six pound Belgian Malinois named Thor.
After years of telling stories to his children and friends his wife insisted he start writing some of them down. After that he was bitten by the dreaded writing bug and started sending stories to different publications. He was quickly published in several magazines in genres ranging from Sci-Fi to horror to mainstream and Christian before writing GUNWOOD USA, a fictionalized compilation of real life scenarios that he has seen, heard of or been involved with over his years in law enforcement and military service.
Gordon is a member of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers (RMFW) and served on speaking panels for three years as well as performing K9 demos at the annual conferences.
Gordon Carroll is the author of GUNWOOD USA. Gordon was raised at the foot of the great Rocky Mountains in Colorado. He joined the United States Marine Corps at eighteen and served for seven years achieving the rank of sergeant (selected for staff sergeant). After that he became a police officer in a small (wild) city nestled snugly in the middle of Denver Colorado before moving on to become a sheriff’s deputy. Because of his love for dogs he became a K9 handler, training and working three separate dogs over two decades (a hundred and twenty pound German Shepherd named JR, a ninety pound Belgian Malinois named Max and a fifty-six pound Belgian Malinois named Thor.
After years of telling stories to his children and friends his wife insisted he start writing some of them down. After that he was bitten by the dreaded writing bug and started sending stories to different publications. He was quickly published in several magazines in genres ranging from Sci-Fi to horror to mainstream and Christian before writing GUNWOOD USA, a fictionalized compilation of real life scenarios that he has seen, heard of or been involved with over his years in law enforcement and military service.
Gordon is a member of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers (RMFW) and served on speaking panels for three years as well as performing K9 demos at the annual conferences.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
May 17, 2020
A great read. Had to finish it straight through. That’s how good these 2 books were. You can tell the author knows about canines and how to train them. He also knows that these dogs are just one step away from trying to take over the pack. this is know as rank. The dog thinks he should be the Alpha. So when Gil says he relies on Max, as long as Max doesn’t eat him. So far Max obeys Gil and is becoming to trust and love him. Yes, you get into the mind of the dog and even into the senior dog, Pilgrim, who is retired. So, Gil is sitting on his porch when three SUVs pull up in front on his house. The front and back are filled with security. The middle is where the power is. Senator Marsh gets out and asks if he and Gil can talk. The Senator wants to hire Gil to find a missing girl. The girl was kidnapped and has not been seen in over two years. Her kidnapper was tracked to Colorado. Gil accepts the job but when he gets into locating the kidnapper and the girl, he senses there is something else going on. Every time he finds the kidnapper, a bunch of Blood gang members from Chicago show up. It appears they are trying to kill Gil to get to the kidnapper. The action gets hot and heavy and winds up back in Chicago when the girl is kidnapped again but this time by the Senator. Hmm. That seems strange to Gil so he and he first kidnapper set off to Chicago to find out what the Bloods have to do with the Senator and why so interested in the little girl. It is a well written mystery with lots of dog scenes and lots of violence so if you are squeamish about bloody scenes be warned. But, the story is excellent. Now on to Book 3 Feral Instincts.
August 12, 2020
This reads like an action thriller movie with non-stop action. There are moments of reflection for the warrior hero, anti-hero, and K9 to rest, recuperate and have inner cogitations and for my reader brain to pause. Gangster shootout in Denver and Chicago. Chicago is described as a war zone, with strict anti-guns, yet lawlessness running amok. I just could not put it down and read it in one day. I kept wondering when the physical stamina would ever give out! Awesome scenting descriptions of K9 Max working, attacking, developing a bond as a pack animal. Those of us who know nothing about drug addict behavior; underworld characters; guns; ammo; battle tactics outdoors and inside buildings; hand to hand combat; accessing a building using zip lines; and men in black suits and ear pieces, will get a good dunking in that world. There are other tactics that are more subtle: the power of the press and DNA and other trace evidence. All I can say is I am thankful that there are warriors like that who believe in justice and honor and use their awesome skills to protect and rescue the innocent. This is just a modern tale of the samurai and the lone gunslinger figures.
I do have a question: how did Gil manage to fix or replace the back window of the Escalade in a very short amount of time after Max blew out of it? I figured he only had a matter of hours before he started driving on the trip to Chicago.
I do have a question: how did Gil manage to fix or replace the back window of the Escalade in a very short amount of time after Max blew out of it? I figured he only had a matter of hours before he started driving on the trip to Chicago.
January 30, 2026
This book was a very quick and engaging read. Better than the first book. I ate up the storyline of finding the little girl to the many battles he had with Jerome and the gang members. Some parts were confusing (like how he would compare each conversation with the senator to a different Morgan freeman movie) since I haven’t seen most of them, but entertaining in how he would make those connections. I can’t wait for the story of him and Sarah. I get more and more intrigued by her story and hope they do get together. It was very fast paced, kept me on the edge of my seat and captivated. My only complaint is the last few chapters. After he passed out in the hall with Max standing guard and Clyde and Jerome going at each other what happened between then and the time he gets to the press conference? He had his dog bite his arm but we don’t get an update on that? At times he reminds me of Jack Reacher in his abilities but I do have Marine friends and special ops friends who can do all the crazy stuff he talks about so it does make it believable. Overall this series is very engaging, I like the style of writing. It is very unique. I like max and can’t imagine the strength that dogs have (which is scary in its own right) so I won’t dwell on that long. But can’t wait to continue this series to see where it goes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2023
i finished reading the second book in the Sheep Dog series by Gordon Carroll last night.
i enjoyed it as much as the first in the series.
the writing is clear and the action is intense. the point of view shifts between Gil and Max and even sometimes Ziggy the addict who has a habit of speaking in the third person.
the stakes are high; a little girl's life, lies in the balance. a good guy is shown to be the bad guy, and a bad guy is shown to be a good guy; an anti-hero at least.
i like that Gil and the bad guy turned good guy have an intense fight scene reminiscent of a good John Woo film, and then end up joining forces to defeat the good guy turned bad guy and his forces.
i also like that there are consequences to the violence that Gil and others in the stories endure. Gil is still recovering from injuries he received in his debut novel.
i have already gotten the rest of the books in the series and will be leaving my thoughts/feedback when i finish them.
i enjoyed it as much as the first in the series.
the writing is clear and the action is intense. the point of view shifts between Gil and Max and even sometimes Ziggy the addict who has a habit of speaking in the third person.
the stakes are high; a little girl's life, lies in the balance. a good guy is shown to be the bad guy, and a bad guy is shown to be a good guy; an anti-hero at least.
i like that Gil and the bad guy turned good guy have an intense fight scene reminiscent of a good John Woo film, and then end up joining forces to defeat the good guy turned bad guy and his forces.
i also like that there are consequences to the violence that Gil and others in the stories endure. Gil is still recovering from injuries he received in his debut novel.
i have already gotten the rest of the books in the series and will be leaving my thoughts/feedback when i finish them.
February 25, 2021
Really great book!
It's 3:30 a.m. and I just finished Hair of the Dog. It's a great book and I just couldn't put it down.
Having said that, as far as the editing, spelling, etc. I did notice some things, but I was a court reporter for 30 years, so I have never read any book without finding some mistakes. I don't usually mention it because it doesn't change the story. I thought we were supposed to review the book, not criticize every mistake. Maybe it would be a little nicer if we stayed in our own lane and either say we liked the book or we did not (although I can't imagine that). Just a thought so we don't get overly critical.
You will not be disappointed if you buy this book, maybe just a little sleep deprived. I have a new favorite author.
I'm going to start on Book 3, but maybe tomorrow after I get some sleep. 🙂
It's 3:30 a.m. and I just finished Hair of the Dog. It's a great book and I just couldn't put it down.
Having said that, as far as the editing, spelling, etc. I did notice some things, but I was a court reporter for 30 years, so I have never read any book without finding some mistakes. I don't usually mention it because it doesn't change the story. I thought we were supposed to review the book, not criticize every mistake. Maybe it would be a little nicer if we stayed in our own lane and either say we liked the book or we did not (although I can't imagine that). Just a thought so we don't get overly critical.
You will not be disappointed if you buy this book, maybe just a little sleep deprived. I have a new favorite author.
I'm going to start on Book 3, but maybe tomorrow after I get some sleep. 🙂
August 30, 2020
Another excellent read in this series. Jerome was an assassin for The Blood, a Chicago gang. He was assigned to hit a house and kill everyone in it. He didn't realize there was a 3 yr old girl there. Rather than kill her, he killed the gang members that were with him. Two years later he is in Colorado and will do anything to protect her. A US Senator from Illinois hires Gil to find her, so she could be returned to her remaining relatives. It would be understandable if the Blood were after him, which they are, but why would a US Senator be so interested? This is a problem to ponder throughout the book.
December 14, 2021
Another K-9 Adventure in Search of Justice
This is the second episode in a series. While they could be read in any order, the reader will have a better experience by knowing the background by reading them in order. This time, our hero and his K-9 are in the bloody, gang-controlled streets of Chicago looking for a 5-year-old child. The plot is very good, well developed, and realistic (at least for the genre). The characters are very believable. There is a bit more blood than in the first book, but still not in the 'nightmare causing' level. The ending makes sense, but is a bit somber. I highly recommend this series for any reader who enjoys reading about crime and working K-9s.
This is the second episode in a series. While they could be read in any order, the reader will have a better experience by knowing the background by reading them in order. This time, our hero and his K-9 are in the bloody, gang-controlled streets of Chicago looking for a 5-year-old child. The plot is very good, well developed, and realistic (at least for the genre). The characters are very believable. There is a bit more blood than in the first book, but still not in the 'nightmare causing' level. The ending makes sense, but is a bit somber. I highly recommend this series for any reader who enjoys reading about crime and working K-9s.
December 12, 2023
Far less of the Christian stuff this time around so that was good for me. I found this book, like the one before, a real page-turner, very hard to put down and finished it in less than 24 hours which included working, sleeping and other daily chores. Not much else besides reading this book.
I really like Gil, the main character. He's a very tough man but even more tough is Max, his K9 sidekick. I really love Max too although I'm sure he would scare the bejesus out of me if we were to actually meet.
Lots of violence in these books but no sex, graphic or otherwise and no profanity. The story works quite well without either of those.
On to book 3...
I really like Gil, the main character. He's a very tough man but even more tough is Max, his K9 sidekick. I really love Max too although I'm sure he would scare the bejesus out of me if we were to actually meet.
Lots of violence in these books but no sex, graphic or otherwise and no profanity. The story works quite well without either of those.
On to book 3...
December 15, 2023
Super enjoyable read. Action packed. Gritty realism. Gil tries incredible things, and they don't always work out for him. He suffers the consequences and has to deal with being heroic while injured.This would make a great TV series. I was not crazy about the religious side that Gil displayed. The belief that his religious beliefs are the right ones and too bad his companions aren't going to benefit from their deaths. That was the one time I felt an active dislike for Gil. That self-congratulatory attitude didn't seem to fit the character we'd seen up to that point. Fortunately Gil loves his dogs, and takes care of them so I am able to overlook his petty failings.
May 28, 2024
A Touching and Powerful Tale of Good and Evil....
A story that sees Max moving toward acceptance of Gil as the pack Alpha even as he battles his own instincts to reclaim the Alpha position. Gil discovers that even in the most evil of mankind, sometimes there is a flame of " good" that just will not die... This book will alternately move you to tears as well as fury... In the end, there is no HEA....just a chance for things to get better and move on. And it is enough, because it has to be.
A story that sees Max moving toward acceptance of Gil as the pack Alpha even as he battles his own instincts to reclaim the Alpha position. Gil discovers that even in the most evil of mankind, sometimes there is a flame of " good" that just will not die... This book will alternately move you to tears as well as fury... In the end, there is no HEA....just a chance for things to get better and move on. And it is enough, because it has to be.
July 7, 2021
Too exciting
The biggest problem with this and Carroll’s first book in this series is that it is so hard to put down. Rather than reading a few chapters you need to keep reading to figure out how things will work out ! Some of the fight scenes are a little too fantastic to be real, but since I have neither been hit nor hit anyone else in anger, who am I to judge . Let’s just say I will certainly read the next book as soon as I have a clear schedule .
The biggest problem with this and Carroll’s first book in this series is that it is so hard to put down. Rather than reading a few chapters you need to keep reading to figure out how things will work out ! Some of the fight scenes are a little too fantastic to be real, but since I have neither been hit nor hit anyone else in anger, who am I to judge . Let’s just say I will certainly read the next book as soon as I have a clear schedule .
February 21, 2022
Overall good and...
It gets pretty preachy in places. Should these be marketed under "Christian"? It has good character drawing but not much development, nice fast-paced plot, good tension-building, and needs a better proofer/editor: "peaked" instead of " peeked" in one place; "sunk," the past participle, used as past tense in several places instead of "sank", and other distractig mechanical issues.
It gets pretty preachy in places. Should these be marketed under "Christian"? It has good character drawing but not much development, nice fast-paced plot, good tension-building, and needs a better proofer/editor: "peaked" instead of " peeked" in one place; "sunk," the past participle, used as past tense in several places instead of "sank", and other distractig mechanical issues.
February 29, 2024
I read the first 3 books in this series and then took a break to read other types of books. I love dogs and of course the connection between Gil and Max is very interesting if quite a bit anthropomorphic. A lot of violence which I am sure is the reason many people read these. Because the bad guys always get it in the end. Not sure I will resume after the third book. Skipped graphically described sections for my own peace of mind.
September 27, 2024
Book 2 in the Gil, Max, and Pilgrim series was just as riveting a read as book one. There are no surprises as to who the bad guy was but I didn't mind. I'm a huge Columbo fan and this book was similar in that the reader knows who's who and gets to see the characters figure it out.
This book felt more violent than the first: similar to a Baldacci novel. No bad language though which I appreciate.
A definite page turner!
This book felt more violent than the first: similar to a Baldacci novel. No bad language though which I appreciate.
A definite page turner!
December 2, 2024
I absolutely loved this second installment featuring Gil Mason and Max! Their dynamic is captivating, and I can't wait to see more of this duo in future stories. Gil's habit of categorizing and naming people in his inner monologue adds such a unique layer to his character. The glimpses into Max's mind are equally fascinating—I’m eager to see how their journey unfolds over time. A fantastic read! I couldn't put it down
December 19, 2024
Nope
Honestly not worth the money or the bigotry & misogyny. Buy & read Robert B Parker's Spencer series instead. Spencer's a real man who doesn't have to prove it by comparing black characters to Morgan Freeman or with statements like "Today’s snowflake women were all about the #MeToo movement."
I normally like the K9 detective genre, but this guy's not worth your time or money.
Honestly not worth the money or the bigotry & misogyny. Buy & read Robert B Parker's Spencer series instead. Spencer's a real man who doesn't have to prove it by comparing black characters to Morgan Freeman or with statements like "Today’s snowflake women were all about the #MeToo movement."
I normally like the K9 detective genre, but this guy's not worth your time or money.
Currently reading
September 3, 2020I feel like I just finished a double header
Roaring plot line and the characters do not disappoint. You are going to have a better experience with this if you have read book1. Max's point of view was expressed, but not as intently as in the 1st and as the reader I want to know! Having book 1 in mind I have a good idea what he was thinking. Very enjoyable read.
Roaring plot line and the characters do not disappoint. You are going to have a better experience with this if you have read book1. Max's point of view was expressed, but not as intently as in the 1st and as the reader I want to know! Having book 1 in mind I have a good idea what he was thinking. Very enjoyable read.
September 30, 2020
WOW!
I dont usually read detective books but I am hooked now! The people and critters in these books come to life. It's hard to put the book down and when you reach the end, you want more! The humor is great, mystery great, the books are great! Stop reading reviews and enter an amazing world!
I dont usually read detective books but I am hooked now! The people and critters in these books come to life. It's hard to put the book down and when you reach the end, you want more! The humor is great, mystery great, the books are great! Stop reading reviews and enter an amazing world!
March 13, 2022
Amazing story
Love Gil and Max's story. It's interesting how the author has both sides feeling of each other's thoughts. I'm not thrilled about the details of violence but this story kept me reading. I am going to buy the next book to see the development between these two. Nice job Mr. Carroll
Love Gil and Max's story. It's interesting how the author has both sides feeling of each other's thoughts. I'm not thrilled about the details of violence but this story kept me reading. I am going to buy the next book to see the development between these two. Nice job Mr. Carroll
January 11, 2023
Gordon Carroll is an excellent writer. His knowledge of dogs and police work show in the writing, both in expertise and the ability to really keep up the pace. He definitely likes to exaggerate the nature and wild animal aspect of the story to where the "stretch" can sometimes be off-putting. But that's only now and then, and this is a most excellent series.
June 30, 2023
I loved it! As with Book 1, I'm happy for the lack of vulgarity and the slight addition of Faith while still having all the fast paced action & adventure. I was glad to see more of Sarah Gallager in this one. (Still have my fingers crossed for a relationship there when Gil is ready.)
Looking forward to Book 3.
Looking forward to Book 3.
July 1, 2023
A beautifully written book
I thought the first book was outstanding, but this one was another favorite. From the first page to the last, you are drawn into the story. You are on the edge of your seat. This book is gripping and fast-paced. A few more tender moments than the first, and you see more about Gil.
I thought the first book was outstanding, but this one was another favorite. From the first page to the last, you are drawn into the story. You are on the edge of your seat. This book is gripping and fast-paced. A few more tender moments than the first, and you see more about Gil.
September 27, 2023
Action Story Extraordinaire!
Amazing storytelling. Mr Carroll has a gifting for creating a detailed, exciting action story difficult to put down. Love Max, the super dog - especially "hearing" his thoughts about taking over the Alpha position. Clever writing. This is my second book by Mr Carroll but it definitely won't be my last!
Amazing storytelling. Mr Carroll has a gifting for creating a detailed, exciting action story difficult to put down. Love Max, the super dog - especially "hearing" his thoughts about taking over the Alpha position. Clever writing. This is my second book by Mr Carroll but it definitely won't be my last!
October 3, 2023
Wow--great action, great dog
Wow--great action, great dog! Once again, Gordon Carroll brings to life an exciting story of an investigator and his dog--this time adding some new ream members to the pack. In a story reaching from the mountains outside of Denver to Chicago, an awesome adventure is spun, all to try and save a child... Read it! Go Max, go Gil!
Wow--great action, great dog! Once again, Gordon Carroll brings to life an exciting story of an investigator and his dog--this time adding some new ream members to the pack. In a story reaching from the mountains outside of Denver to Chicago, an awesome adventure is spun, all to try and save a child... Read it! Go Max, go Gil!
March 1, 2025
Yes and no
Yes, the story was great. I still couldn't figure who was her real father. But no, I thoroughly did not like the guts, blood, or body parts that were in this book. The dog I would think of all the bad people he attacked, mangled and killed would have been destroyed as well. How can anyone trust a dog like that. That's my opinion anyway.
Yes, the story was great. I still couldn't figure who was her real father. But no, I thoroughly did not like the guts, blood, or body parts that were in this book. The dog I would think of all the bad people he attacked, mangled and killed would have been destroyed as well. How can anyone trust a dog like that. That's my opinion anyway.
June 16, 2020
A good read, with Jack Reacher type strength, and sad - but good - outcome.
I enjoyed the first two books of the series, recommended to people who like justice, AND honor. It is good for showing why the characters act as they do.
I enjoyed the first two books of the series, recommended to people who like justice, AND honor. It is good for showing why the characters act as they do.
June 17, 2020
Lots of action!
Fast moving story. All the characters are diverse and complex. Love having K9 Max as an important part of Detective Gil Mason’s investigation. Keeps you guessing what else can next!
Fast moving story. All the characters are diverse and complex. Love having K9 Max as an important part of Detective Gil Mason’s investigation. Keeps you guessing what else can next!
June 22, 2020
Hair of the Dog
Another page turner by Gordon Carroll, kept me at the edge of my seat and turning pages to beat fury! Wonderfully written with strong characters, once again, Mr Carroll leaves you more than ready for the next book!!
Another page turner by Gordon Carroll, kept me at the edge of my seat and turning pages to beat fury! Wonderfully written with strong characters, once again, Mr Carroll leaves you more than ready for the next book!!
July 25, 2020
Amazing
You need to start eating. What a gritty great book. Love the this story goes. Baby Clair has a long road. Taking care of the old and respecting the young. Love it. Headed for # number 3 now
You need to start eating. What a gritty great book. Love the this story goes. Baby Clair has a long road. Taking care of the old and respecting the young. Love it. Headed for # number 3 now
August 21, 2020
It was an enjoyable read, but the villains were obvious from almost the beginning of the beginning of the book, and their motive was easily figured out almost immediately. There were no real surprises.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews