Sheepdogs: Keeping the Wolves at Bay

Gil Mason #1

by Gordon Carroll

My fingers traced the indented letters of the silver WWJD bracelet on my right wrist. I do that when I'm considering pummeling someone.Gil Mason is a simple guy with complex problems. Cross Phillip Marlow with Caesar Milan, The Dog Whisperer, and you create a new breed of private eye; courage of a Pit Bull, heart of a Labrador.Max, Gil's K9 partner, has a few problems of his own. It's a love-hate relationship. Part of Max wants to love his human master, while his alpha personality instinctively drives him to take control of the pack.So how does a former cop turned PI find a missing teenage boy who has been kidnapped by a corporate billionaire, while dealing with his own feelings of guilt and loneliness over the murder of his family, and keep his canine's homicidal tendencies in check? Brains, guns and fists combined with an intimate understanding of dog psychology.As long as Max doesn't eat him first.

Genres: Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Thriller, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Suspense, Crime

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 12, 2020

About the author

https://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.

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m really undecided how to review this book. On one hand, I liked it quite well, but on the other hand, it often rubbed me the wrong way. This is a pretty good mystery about Gil, a retired cop and K-9 trainer who still trains the dogs while working as a PI. He’s hired by the mother of a young man to find her missing son. Gil also has a 13 yr old retired German Shepherd named Pilgrim, and a 2 yr old Belgian Malinois named Max, whom he rescued and now partners with. And when I say rescued, I mean literally rescued from Germany living in the wild under bad circumstances. Max is rather wild himself, and has lived an extraordinary life in his first two years. I think concentrating on this part of the story alone would have been what I would have enjoyed the most.

The story swaps back and forth between Gil’s perspective and then Max’s. It’s not like Spencer Quinn’s Chet and Bernie series, in which Chet’s perspective is most often funny and heart warming. It may be more like Maggie in the Scott and Maggie series by Robert Crais. Maggie’s chapters are serious and touching. Max is very serious and has almost a need to kill and taste blood. That being said, I did grow to care very much for him and his well being.

Another thing I really liked with this book is for all the many characters Gil comes into contact with, the author doesn’t give the reader a slew of names to keep track of. He refers to them by names such as baldy, short shorts, scar face, Mr. Spock, etc. This was perfect for me, not having to go back and forth to figure out who they were when you run into them again. I could just say, “oh yeah, guy with pointy ears!”

Now for something that doesn’t normally bother me but did with this book—Gil always seemed to get away with doing whatever he wanted, always able to get help for any info he needed, and he doesn’t really have any pushback. Usually I don’t mind things being somewhat far-fetched in that regard, but it bothered me this time. And, a scene at the hospital toward the end is straight out of the Jim Belushi movie K-9.

Another thing that bothered me is that about 2/3 of the way through the book, it took a religious and faithful turn. Now, there’s nothing wrong with that but it’s not something I would seek out to read. And, if Gil often asks himself what Jesus would do, he certainly does a lot that I think Jesus probably would not….

And the final thing that was a turnoff was not actually the book but the endless emails from the author. I was happy to receive a free copy of this via a download emailed to me. I agreed to receive occasional newsletters from the author, which is handy when I enjoy their writing and want info on other books they write. However, I was receiving so many emails, 3 in one day and counting, that I had to unsubscribe. He’d be better off sending a weekly email to those readers interested.

All in all, I can recommend this book because overall, I did enjoy it, just with mixed feelings.

[Rita B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. I enjoyed reading from the dog’s perspective had never read any of this authors books can’t wait to read more.

[Joni Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast-paced crime story told from the point of view of an ex-cop, now private investigator and one of his K-9 partners named Max. It begins with a missing person and accelerates from there. Set in scenic Colorado, the story flows from one missing teen to bigger and bigger stakes.

Insightful look at K-9 training and handling from an expert turned author. This would make a great movie with the distinct characters and snappy dialogue.

A recommended book for readers of police procedural, crime, and adventure.

[Urey Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have spent my adult life in law enforcement – I say that to provide context for my comments. Only a few authors consistently get the law enforcement culture right – they have an ear for the interchanges between officers/agents, they understand that law enforcement is cooperative – it has to be so in order to work – there are certainly personal likes and dislikes and conflicts that arise, but good and effective investigators understand that cooperation and interdisciplinary support are critical – and the system and the people in it are motivated by that. It is a shared experience, a shared culture, and those within it generally get along, even while recognizing strengths and weaknesses of associates and departments. And these authors have varying degrees of competence in their subject matter and at least some basic familiarity with firearms and ballistics... you would not believe how rare that is among so many of the police/mystery author-guild. Or how irritating and off-putting it is.

So such authors are a pleasure to read because they are true to the real nature and practice of law enforcement, and they recreate the banter, the give and take, the trust and the stresses of actual law enforcement personnel doing real law enforcement stuff without the melodrama of manufactured crises within the profession and the unrealistic lone ranger super hero ex-special forces deft killer characterization too prevalent among the genre. They generate authenticity in their stories and characters – authors like Elwood Leonard, John Sandford, Michael Connelly, John McDonald, Robert Parker, and Craig Johnson (to name some prime examples: Raylan Givens/Lucas Davenport/Harry Bosch/Travis McGee/Spenser; Jesse Stone/Walt Longmire). These authors get it... and now I would add Gordon Carroll and Gil Mason to the list.

Carroll has the knack. He immerses the reader into the law enforcement world – the language, the interdepartmental and interpersonal trust and mutual respect, tactical considerations, the humor and the leavening effects of cynicism borne of experience. He tops it off with an excellent, and fascinating, familiarity (expertise) with canines – police and military canines to be exact – that is absorbing in its own right. The interspersed chapters presenting the world as seen through Max’s eyes are fascinating... ingenious plot devise! I will leave you to read the book and discover who Max is and what he does, nor will I offer any plot spoilers. Carroll does succumb occasionally to the temptations of character melodrama and the exaggerations of effects (I seriously question whether a dog can break a bear’s femur with a bite or prevail in a one-on-one fight with the apex predator of the continent, and bullets simply do not have the explosively destructive force that so many writers are determined to give them) but those are minor complaints that do not diminish the overall enjoyment of the narrative and the underlying competence in the subject matters of the author.

This is a really good read! To emphasize the point, let me describe my practice – when I become interested in a book or plot description or character, I will buy the first of the series to try it out. If I like it, I’ll buy the second – and then if I like that, I’ll take the plunge and buy more. However, after reading “Sheepdogs” I went ahead and bought all the remaining books of the series... it’s that good!

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series. 'Sheepdogs' is the first of the Gil Mason mysteries, and we have dropped right into the mess of the family Franklin as Gil works to free up the missing family members and stop the kidnappers. Gordon Carroll writes a galloping tale that keeps you on your toes with sympathetic characters and well-defined locations. You will see Denver and its mountains in their fullness and majesty and have a look into the lifestyles of the majority of Colorodians.

I found it funny that the author had trouble finding a publisher for this series because several chapters of 'Sheepdogs' are written from the first-person perspective of Max, Gil's 2-year-old Belgian Malinois. His thirteen-year-old German Shepherd, Pilgrim, who retired from the Denver police years ago when Gil did, is tired and sort of cranky and has slowed down a good bit and doesn't have a lot to say, but Max is always thinking. I personally thoroughly enjoyed his chapters. Gordon Carroll brings to us his perspective from many years of police work, of training working dogs, and allows us to enjoy the fruits of those labors. This is a series I can't wait to finish.

Reviewed on March 7, 2023, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, and BookBubs.

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Sheepdogs: Keeping the Wolves at Bay
Author: Gordon Carroll
Publisher: G.C.
Series: A Gil Mason Novel Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Sheepdogs: Keeping the Wolves at Bay" by Gordon Carroll

My Opinion:

'SleepDog' was indeed quite an entertaining read that kept your attention turning the pages to see what was coming next. This author did an excellent job of giving the readers a thrilling story about a man and his dogs. I enjoyed reading from Max's perspective and giving us a twisting plot of greed with its extremeness. It was quite a challenging read at times in all Max and Gil Mason, the private investigator, had gone through. However, by the end, you are given quite a spell-bounding story.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this book, except for the religious overtones. The rest of the book was so good, it overrode that part. I especially liked Max's viewpoint. I had a Belgian Malinois the same size as Max for 13 years, so I kept picturing my Lucky as Max. Fortunately, my guy didn't go through what Max did before being rescued by Gil. I also liked the pop culture references. Gil and Max just don't stop, so I won't stop reading this series. Unless the religious overtones get worse.

[Tinnean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rounding up from 4.5*, because there were a few gaffes--occasional missing open quotes and a minor character possibly misnamed. But my God, this was an amazing story. The last quarter had me shaking with nerves.

I usually read the first book of a series, knowing I won't go any further, but I'm not sure with this one. Think I'll put the next three books on my wish list. ;-)

[Malachi Cyr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot. Plot was fast paced and exciting. A lot of rough themes though, with things like torture, drugs, prostitution, and rape being mentioned (without detail) and a lot of high intensity fight scenes with people getting shot or mauled by police dogs, so I wouldn't personally recommend it for readers under 18. The main character in the book is a Christian and his faith influences his actions, which I appreciated, but I wouldn't go so far as to say the story really had any strong Christian themes.
Overall though I think this book was well written and I especially liked the parts that were from the dog's perspective.

[Katherynne Boham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got an electronic copy of this book for free and have purchased the next two!
This is a thrilling story packed with action and not one swear word. I enjoyed the chapters written from the dog's perspective. Parts of the story were sad but the violence wasn't graphic.
This was more action than mystery but is a story I highly recommend. On to book two!

[Svetlana · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a good crime novel written from perspective of a man and a dog. It would have been even better without god on every other page towards the end of the book.

[A Voracious Reader (a.k.a. Carol) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book source ~ Free

Gil Mason is a private investigator with a couple of cool partners, his canine companions retired K9 officer Pilgrim and his rescue Max. Most of his cases are fairly routine, but this one, a missing teenage boy, is proving to be deep and involved. Before it’s over, there’s going to be pain and heartbreak.

If you like a tough as nails, but flawed hero and a couple of awesome dogs hunting down bad guys tale then this is the one for you. Gil Mason can be a bit preachy, but the twisty mystery keeps a reader moving forward. And then there’s the chapters told from Max’s perspective. Interesting and creative. I enjoyed the ride and the entertainment this book provided.

[Cybercrone · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is one of the strangest books I've ever read.
It's bloody and violent, about a third of the book is from the perspective of a seriously angry Malinois K-9, much of the book reads like a K-9 training manual, the author seems not-very literate and the spelling actually made me laugh in places.
Reading it was as horrible and fascinating as watching a slow-motion train wreck - and with about the same number of bleeding body parts.
All that said, you're not likely to be bored.

[Carole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lead characters are well drawn, and including the point of view of working dog Max gives insight to canine behavior. The plot was twisty and satisfying. I hope the next books in the series are better edited, though.

[DJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy finding new authors and passing on my new find to my friends. Gordon Carroll is just such an author. I discovered his book Sheepdogs on Facebook and picked it up on promotion because mysteries and canines are right up my alley. I was intrigued by the fact that Gordon Carroll was a former Marine and police officer with experience in training K-9’s. In his own words, he decided to apply this experience to writing fiction.
Sheepdogs is about a former soldier, K-9 cop turned Private Investigator, Gil Mason. Gil Mason is everything you have ever imagined a hard-nose P.I to be. Yet, underlying his strength, and not always acceptable mannerisms, is a heart for justice and doing the right thing. His partners are his two K-9 companions, Pilgrim and Max.
Like another of my favorite authors, Spencer Quinn (Chet and Bernie series), Gordon writes parts of the story through the eyes of one of Gil’s dogs, Max. Gordon’s wit and understanding of a dog’s mind are shown in these glimpses of Max’s thoughts and behaviors. And the relationship between Max and Gil contributes as much to the suspense as the mystery that Gil is being paid to solve.
I was at times laughing at Gil and the characters he encounters, and at other times on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to become of him and his partners. There were a few mistakes such as characters' names that were mixed up from page to page. And at times I re-read sections to make sure I had the timeline of the story correct due to some convoluted twists in the plot. But as a promotional book I treated this book like I would an ARC, noting the errors but not letting it distract me from getting the overall feeling of the book.
Throughout the book, there are sprinklings of Gordon’s Christian beliefs ( I read that he has written for Christian audiences in the past) but again the ideology did not overwhelm or detract from the main theme of the book. I found that it fit with the character Gil Mason and the deep sorrow and losses he had experienced before becoming the man he was now. Overall, his thoughts and musings on God and a “fallen world”, made Gil Mason a deeper, more believable character.
I was disappointed that the book I received did not contain a link to the next book in the series. I will be reading more Gil Mason and his dogs in the future. My thanks to Gordon Carroll for creating such an enjoyable story!

[Connie P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not for the faint-hearted.

Gil Mason lost everything when his family was killed. He couldn't find a reason for happiness. He lost his faith and his will to live; he couldn't find it in himself to even care. Now, some years later, he has his private detective agency, an older dog, Pilgrim, who loves him, and a young dog, Max, who wasn't sure if he would kill Gil, if given the chance. It takes a vicious, money hungry psychopath, the horrific murder of a young teenager, the kidnapping of a small child, and the possibility of another young boy committing suicide to bring the case to an end and for Gil to see that his life is still worth living and for Max, his dog, to realize that there are people (and dogs) he can learn to love and trust. This book has more than a fair share of blood and gore. The bad guys are thoroughly evil with no chance of redemption. They're truly vicious. The book doesn't skimp on what the dogs, especially Max, are capable of. This dog does not ever play fetch. The only part that made me feel sick were the descriptions of what Max went through to turn him into a "land shark" with killer instincts. Until the time when Gil saved him, he'd never known anything except death and pain and an urge for vengeance that seemed to be a living part of him. The investigation, when seen through Max's eyes, is so realistic as to his thoughts that it's like Max is telling the story. It was a bit uncanny how much alike Gil and Max are in their rage and grief. I already downloaded two more of the books in this series just so I can find out what happens to Gil and Max. Be forewarned that there is a lot of violence, but no swearing. Sexual violence is mentioned but not described in any detail.

[Tabitha Ormiston-Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about this magnificent book? At first, I thought it was going to be a standard action/adventure/detective book with a standard hard-boiled private eye type of protagonist, and a canine sidekick. But how wrong I was!
The chief thing that made Sheepdogs stand out for me was the way the dog, Max, is actually a major point-of-view character. The main story is exciting enough, a real page-turner, but the real tension is in the slow development of Max and his hesitant first steps towards truly integrating into his new family. It was beautifully handled, the dog's point of view marvellously believable, and the ending almost made me cry.
A further surprise occurred when I was already deep into the book, and I discovered a vein of Christian fiction running through it, and very nicely woven into the story, too. I must admit I missed a clue to this right at the beginning - but with it being a detective novel, I had assumed 'WWJD' was some kind of reference to a Justice Department. The Christian element was nicely handled, without going over the top, and the book closes with a wonderful feeling of all-round satisfaction.
There was only one sour note in the book - this author uses 'lay' intransitively, and this gave me a repeated little jab of pain. But in view of the overall quality, not only of the construction of the book but of the execution of it (other than that one thing), I felt this didn't justify withholding the fifth star. I'll definitely be looking out more in this series.

[Rebecca H. Holman · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazing book - unlike any I have ever read. And I read a lot.

Chapters alternate with first-person narration from the protagonist (Gil) and third-person descriptions of how Gil’s Belgian Malinois (Max) sees and thinks about his world.

Max’s world is rife with anger coupled with enormous violence - both fantasy and enacted with brutality. Some of this derives from his personal history but I’m not sure how much the author believes this is innate in the breed.

Almost all I know about Malinois dogs derives from a series I’ve read in which several Malinois play key roles and there’s no hint in them of such brutality. Don’t know whether the author will “evolve” Max into some version of canine serenity or not but as Max’s psyche is currently structured his is a very tortured soul….and, not surprisingly, so is Gil’s.

Clearly a page-turner but somewhat disturbing. Lots of graphic violence - not that I’m especially adverse to some of it. But it was over the top for me, at times.

This first book is impressive in a “good guys vs bad guys” kind of way. I hope for more nuance in plots as the series goes on but maybe that’s not what these books are all about.

If I could give it a 4.5 star rating I would - and I vacillated between a 4 and a 5, going with the 4 because of the violence. Nonetheless, I would recommend it with only small reservations.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild book. It is unusual to get into the mind of a dog and feel what the dog feels. Max is a well trained dog whose master is a private investigator, formerly a K-9 officer. Now Gil Mason takes on jobs that no one else seems able to do. This is the first book in a series of four and it grabs you from the first words. There is quite a bit of violence but it is part of the story. Max is a well trained guard dog who sometimes thinks he should be the Alpha and not Gil. In this book, Gil takes on a case got find a missing teenage boy. The boy has disappeared and his mother wants him found. What starts as a runaway soon turns into a murder case and a kidnapping. Gil, Max, and Pilgrim set up a trap to catch the guy they know has the kidnap victim. Pilgrim is 13 years old but still can take down a bad guy. Max is 2 years old and thinks he wants to take down his Alpha, Gil, but just doesn’t quite think it is the right thing to do. But, he thinks about it all while doing his job. It is a fascinating story and the dogs make the whole story more exciting that just having humans shooting each other. Give yourself a break and read these books. I just started the 2nd book, ‘Hair of the Dog.’

[Jeff Benham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gil Mason is a PI with a troubled past. Probably the worst of which, is his wife and daughter being murdered. He is also a former K9 officer and trainer with the police department. Max is a 2 year old K9 with a troubled past. He also saw his family get killed. You would think that would give the two a commonality. But they are both alpha males and there is not room for two alphas in the same pack. We get an in depth look at both of their pasts throughout the book. The plot. Gil is hired to find a 17 yr old boy who has been missing for 5 days. The police figure he was just a runaway and put this firmly on the back burner. Gil has his doubts too, but he does have some connections and a couple of leads. When the boy is found, it becomes quite clear that he did not run away. He had some information that some very rich and important people needed and he refused to give it to them. Classic example of the love of money being the root of all evil. The more you read, the more exciting this story gets. There is no let up until you read the words The End. And it is all done without any profanity.

[Peggy Richter · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's a good PI story. The dog's capacity is actually believable. however, this isn't a normal malinois -- at least not the ones that one usually sees in protection sport. It might be more normal for a military working dog or one of the less stable police dogs that tend to have almost obsessive behaviors. (I have Belgians myself, but not this variety). I find the origin of Max a bit hard to believe (really? a wolf that takes out both parents -- who presumably were both malinois and defending the litter) ? And then feral, then dog fighting? Sounds a bit too damaged to be even close to a reliable working dog at 2. as for Pilgrim, yes, it's possible for a 13 year old dog to be functional (The oldest DOD working dog retired after serving for almost 12 years and another retired at 11. but both were malinois. But most working German shepherds don't make it that old). And injuries, for both human and dogs can add up. BUT if you put this aside, it's a bit of a redemption story and well told. So one can put the disbelief to one side and enjoy. I do plan to read the next in the series.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really kept my attention. Gil saved wild dog Max twice while he still lived in Germany. Gil had problems and so did Max. Max's entire family had been killed by a Grey Wolf--Max never forgot! Gil did manage to train him to be a K9 dog--but Max really thought he should be alpha--

Throughout this novel you will be reading Max's thoughts which were really interesting and I could see where he was coming from. Max was one heck of a smart dog--he could out think most humans!

When Gil who was a private eye took on a missing teenage boys case--things really took off hot and heavy!! Then the Dad and 2 year old girl were kidnapped from the same family. The feats Max preformed are unbelievable.

Does Max ever really accept Gil as Alpha--will it last--I will have to read the next in the series to find out!!


I received the e-book from the author for my enjoyment and possible review.

[Sheila Hendrix · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book more than five stars, I would. This was one of the most entertaining books I have read in awhile. I liked everything about it. It started out with a bang and did not let up until the end. Every time I put it down, I could not wait to pick it up again! Gil is a wise cracking ex-cop turned Private Investigator. He is also a dog handler and has two. Pilgrim and Max. Even though I loved Pilgrim, my heart went out to Max. I rescue dogs so reading about Max brought a tear to my eye. Sheepdogs: Keeping the Wolves at Bay was one big thrill ride! It would make a fantastic movie! Gordon Carroll is not only a cop in a K9 unit in real life, but he is also a gifted writer. As soon as I started reading Sheepdog, I bought everything else he has written and I absolutely can not wait to read the others. If you want a wild ride, full of thrills and you like detective/PI stories, I promise you, you will love this book!

[Sharon Grow · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting start to this series as Gil Mason, former cop now a private investigator, has learned his lesson and never meets clients at his home or office. He has two dogs, his elder dog Pilgrim and his protector Max. He begins by “reminding” an arrogant patron that he shouldn’t yell at a fifteen-year-old waitress at the coffee shop. He meets his client, a woman who asks him to find her missing teenage son. He has no idea how soon this case will go south, but when her home is trashed, Gil knows that they are looking for something and her son is in serious trouble. The scenes rotate between Gil’s investigation and Max, who wants to be the alpha of the pack and the pack includes Gil. Parts of the story were a little more violent than I like, but Gil’s character faced the danger head on, with plans to take down the “bad guys” no matter the cost. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author. (by paytonpuppy)

[Barbara Melton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mixed Feelings

As an inveterate dog lover, I was drawn to this book. At the end, I realized I could not put it down. Stories with dogs have me at Woof! the author is good at characterization, detail and attention grabbing interplay between the protagonist and his dogs, especially Max. I loved, loved, loved the inclusion of the narration from Max’s point of view. This is what makes the book so compelling. I had to skim the parts about Max’s beginning….to say more gives away too much but parts are unbearable to read. There is a lot of blood and violence, which is not appealing to me. The main plot line about the Franklin was less engaging than the plot line about Gil Mason and his dogs, but without that storyline there would not be much to grab onto. That is where the mixed feelings come in. I can’t wait to read Book 2 and the continuing saga of Gils, Max and Pilgrim. I am intrigued about how Max will evolve.

[John H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reading through “Sheepdogs” – “keeping the wolves at bay” recently, and it was that: a pleasure.

The author -a former Marine-; thank you for your service Gordon, tells a well-paced story. There are many pop culture references which peg the rugged P.I. as a nerd, but a very capable, and dangerous one.

The K9 -Max- just as capable and dangerous as his Alpha is a sidekick/companion who at times eclipses his “master”.

The author paints a picture that I would love to see put to the big screen: as long as he was there to make sure it stayed true to his vision.

I detected traces of Marlowe, Spenser, and Travis McGee in the make-up of Gil Mason, Private Eye.
His first case has kidnapping, murder, extortion and quite a bit of violence. It’s well written but definitely not Y.A.

I look forward to reading the further adventures/cases of Gil and his K9s.

And so should you.

[Jane N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to force myself to put this down when I had to do something else, it was THAT riveting! The story from the perspective of Max, the Belgian Mal, was unique, and gave a whole new slant to the story. (would be nice if sometime in the future Max COULD meet that White Wolf and settle the score!) Gil tells it from the very personal side of the story - his thoughts, his worries, his pain, his plans, the way a person in that line of work would think, and, of course, the description of the injuries to himself , his equipment, and his dogs - something the average person would never think about. He is a religious person, as was the family in this story - and just once it IS nice to know that some authors are not afraid to show that side of themselves. I Don't think the story overdoes it, but for those who shy from anything religious, MOVE ON! This series does not deserve your complaints! Am hoping to be able to read the whole series as my limited money will allow! 5 STARS!!

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have read several other books by this author with a different main character. Some chapters in this person was written in the first person by the dog and other chapters were written in the first person told by the human, Gil Mason, a private investigator and K9 trainer. The dog telling his story is Max, a Belgian Melanois. Max was saved and nursed by Gil Mason. Max knew his commands and obeyed them yet he had struggles of his own. This book revolves around Gil Mason being hired by a woman who believes her son is missing not because he is a runaway. Soon after, the Dad and a younger sister are kidnapped. The book is loaded with action especially toward the end which keeps one’s interest. It’s easy reading and will not want to put the book down til the end. Can’t wait to start book #2.

[Ferne Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a rollercoaster ride. Gil is a cop turned private I. His wife and daughter have recently been killed and he is still grieving. He has 2 K9 dogs, tired old Pilgrim and fiesty young Max. Max works on cases with Gil. In this story Gil is hired by a mother whose teenage son has disappeared. The search begins and Gil is confronted by some dangerous people. Any person beat up and shot as much as Gil would be dead halfway through the book, but this is fiction. It was a bit long, a lot of deatailed description of things like how to train and command a K9, but it's necessary to the story and it didn't stop me from reading it. Maybe there will be a little less of the long descriptions in the next book, since they were already covered in the first book. I'm going to read the next one. If you haven't read this series, give it a try.

[Lennie McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a ride this book was. I couldn't put it down to do anything else - was so wrapped up in it.
Loved the chapters that were written with Max's point of view - they were so so realistic. No BS - just realism. A lot of people don't understand the Alpha and pack mentality of dogs but it is a wonderful bond. Just hope that down the road Max becomes more accepting of Gil and acknowledges him as the Alpha.
The whole book is very factual of things that happen out in the world. Gil accepted a job involving a missing teen and the book spirals after that into kidnapping, murder, mayhem by men and dogs, and and a thrilling story all around.
If you don't like blood and gore in your stories this may not be the book for you; however, if you like K9 dogs and handlers, and solving mysteries, like me you will love the book.