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K-9 Mystery #1
Grave Instinct
Belated justice can be the most satisfying.
For almost ten years, Nikki Drake struggled to deal with her sister's mysterious disappearance. When another teen vanishes from the same riding stable, the details are too eerily similar to ignore, and she vows to uncover the truth.
No longer a child but a newly minted private investigator, she now has additional weapons in her arsenal, including a re-homed police dog and an enigmatic detective with ties to the horse stable. However, digging into her sister's case erodes old trusts and brings dark secrets bubbling to the surface.
And this time they could be fatal...for her.
For almost ten years, Nikki Drake struggled to deal with her sister's mysterious disappearance. When another teen vanishes from the same riding stable, the details are too eerily similar to ignore, and she vows to uncover the truth.
No longer a child but a newly minted private investigator, she now has additional weapons in her arsenal, including a re-homed police dog and an enigmatic detective with ties to the horse stable. However, digging into her sister's case erodes old trusts and brings dark secrets bubbling to the surface.
And this time they could be fatal...for her.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2020
999 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
About the author
Bev Pettersen
45 books250 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling Author Bev Pettersen writes K9 mystery thrillers and romantic suspense that blend pulse-pounding action with unforgettable animal characters. Her Nikki Drake K9 Mystery Series features a private investigator, her loyal German Shepherd partner, and cases that test the bonds between humans and their dogs.
After establishing herself as an award-winning romantic suspense author, Bev has found her true passion in mystery thriller writing—stories where dogs are heroes, danger is real, and justice always has teeth.
A three-time National Readers Choice Award nominee, she's won numerous honors including a Kirkus Recommended Read, HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, and Reader Views Reviewer's Choice Award.
Bev competed on the Alberta Thoroughbred race circuit and is an Equine Canada certified coach, expertise she weaves into her animal-centered thrillers. She lives in Nova Scotia with her family and their four-legged companions.
Want to know more about her next K9 mystery or receive special offers? Visit https://www.BevPettersen.com and sign up for her newsletter.
After establishing herself as an award-winning romantic suspense author, Bev has found her true passion in mystery thriller writing—stories where dogs are heroes, danger is real, and justice always has teeth.
A three-time National Readers Choice Award nominee, she's won numerous honors including a Kirkus Recommended Read, HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, and Reader Views Reviewer's Choice Award.
Bev competed on the Alberta Thoroughbred race circuit and is an Equine Canada certified coach, expertise she weaves into her animal-centered thrillers. She lives in Nova Scotia with her family and their four-legged companions.
Want to know more about her next K9 mystery or receive special offers? Visit https://www.BevPettersen.com and sign up for her newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
October 1, 2020
A cold case involving the disappearance, and likely murder, of a teenage girl is the plot for this well-written book. The sister, Nikki, won’t rest until the truth is known. She has dedicated her career as a PI to finding her sister’s fate.
The author does a sound job balancing the investigation, the intrigue, and the romance components of this book. I changed my mind on the suspect in this “Who Done It” mystery plot once or twice.
As a bonus the book has Gunner. A dog always adds to the storyline.
The author does a sound job balancing the investigation, the intrigue, and the romance components of this book. I changed my mind on the suspect in this “Who Done It” mystery plot once or twice.
As a bonus the book has Gunner. A dog always adds to the storyline.
October 26, 2020
Better without the romance
Almost put the book away after the first chapter because of the smell of romance but glad I decided to keep reading. Turned out to be pretty decent, too much romance but well-written with a simple but interesting plot. The denouement was too sudden with not enough clues dropped to be satisfying but there were dogs involved so it wasn't a waste of time.
Almost put the book away after the first chapter because of the smell of romance but glad I decided to keep reading. Turned out to be pretty decent, too much romance but well-written with a simple but interesting plot. The denouement was too sudden with not enough clues dropped to be satisfying but there were dogs involved so it wasn't a waste of time.
September 7, 2023
Two-haiku review:
Sister disappeared
She's been searching many years
Trying to find truth
Romantic story
I really love K-9 books
Liked these characters
Sister disappeared
She's been searching many years
Trying to find truth
Romantic story
I really love K-9 books
Liked these characters
August 23, 2021
I'm very conflicted about this. I guess...I wish...I think the author might have concentrated more on mystery and less on romance and I'd have liked it better. Because, to put it bluntly, this was little more than a romance with pretense of police work. It reminds me very much of the Victoria Holt novels I used to read as a teenager. A puzzling mystery unfolds while the heroine falls in love with the mysterious guy who happens to be in all the wrong places at all the wrong times and has every bit of means, motive and opportunity against him.
It didn't start out that way, though. The first few chapters were really good, as Nikki and her police dog Gunner are called in to investigate a disappearance at the riding studio where she'd worked years before--and where her sister had mysteriously disappeared also. that part was good enough to make me want to try a second book by the author. Will see.
It didn't start out that way, though. The first few chapters were really good, as Nikki and her police dog Gunner are called in to investigate a disappearance at the riding studio where she'd worked years before--and where her sister had mysteriously disappeared also. that part was good enough to make me want to try a second book by the author. Will see.
July 30, 2020
For teens
An unsophisticated book. I found it rather adolescent. The storyline was simplistic and not much of a challenge. Parts were completely illogical. And, by the way - note to author: when trail riding the halter goes OVER the bridle, not under. If you are going to have horses in your books, then include more details. This has all of the writing style of an old ' Dick and Jane' book.
An unsophisticated book. I found it rather adolescent. The storyline was simplistic and not much of a challenge. Parts were completely illogical. And, by the way - note to author: when trail riding the halter goes OVER the bridle, not under. If you are going to have horses in your books, then include more details. This has all of the writing style of an old ' Dick and Jane' book.
October 20, 2020
"Grave Instinct” is the first book in the new K-9 mystery series by award-winning author, Bev Pettersen.
Nikki Drake dedicates her life to becoming an investigator after a difficult childhood, the tragic loss of her father at an early age and a missing sister. Teaming up with Gunner, a trained K-9, Nikki works on building her business. Ten years after her sister’s disappearance, another young lady goes missing. This triggers a lot of memories for Nikki and she is determined to help solve this case. Justin, Nikki’s former coworker at a horse stable, who is now in law enforcement, begins to take on a different role in her life. Romance ensues, but Nikki has a hard time trusting and moving on from the scars caused by her past. It doesn’t help that a friend, who has special gifts, has warned her not to trust someone close to her. Nikki has to quickly figure out who that person is, because not only does she risk losing her relationship, her life is in danger.
“Grave Instinct” fast paced and involves complex characters. The author Bev Pettersen did an excellent job of creating a complicated plot with a likeable, but sometimes frustrating heroine. Frustrating because the heroine is impacted by her past which makes it hard for her to move forward. She has to push through to move forward. However, her flaws are well understood because of the backstory presented regarding her childhood. The other characters are also well developed and continue to evolve as the story progresses.
Incorporating a canine, who is also affected by his past, adds a nice element to the story. The dog is the one character that the protagonist knows that she can trust. Pettersen also writes in vivid detail so that readers can clearly see the settings, without being dragged down by too much detail. Her descriptions flow well. I look forward to following along with the heroine on her next adventures in this series. Fans of mystery will enjoy “Grave Instinct.”
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Nikki Drake dedicates her life to becoming an investigator after a difficult childhood, the tragic loss of her father at an early age and a missing sister. Teaming up with Gunner, a trained K-9, Nikki works on building her business. Ten years after her sister’s disappearance, another young lady goes missing. This triggers a lot of memories for Nikki and she is determined to help solve this case. Justin, Nikki’s former coworker at a horse stable, who is now in law enforcement, begins to take on a different role in her life. Romance ensues, but Nikki has a hard time trusting and moving on from the scars caused by her past. It doesn’t help that a friend, who has special gifts, has warned her not to trust someone close to her. Nikki has to quickly figure out who that person is, because not only does she risk losing her relationship, her life is in danger.
“Grave Instinct” fast paced and involves complex characters. The author Bev Pettersen did an excellent job of creating a complicated plot with a likeable, but sometimes frustrating heroine. Frustrating because the heroine is impacted by her past which makes it hard for her to move forward. She has to push through to move forward. However, her flaws are well understood because of the backstory presented regarding her childhood. The other characters are also well developed and continue to evolve as the story progresses.
Incorporating a canine, who is also affected by his past, adds a nice element to the story. The dog is the one character that the protagonist knows that she can trust. Pettersen also writes in vivid detail so that readers can clearly see the settings, without being dragged down by too much detail. Her descriptions flow well. I look forward to following along with the heroine on her next adventures in this series. Fans of mystery will enjoy “Grave Instinct.”
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July 6, 2024
SPOILER ALERT
Nikki Drake and her re-homed German shepherd Gunner join the search for a girl that has disappeared from the riding stable from which her sister had disappeared. She is not part of the regular S&R team, but as she is very familiar with the stables where she and her sister had worked, she sneaks in a back way. She is caught but given permission by Justin Decker, who also worked at the stables as stable manager when they were there as teens. He is now with the police. Gunner goes in a direction the others are not looking and finds the body of the girl. The shepherd then goes to the car belonging to the owner and will signals more. They determine that the owner killed the girl.
From this success she pursues looking for her sister on the premises. Gunner had been failed from the police dog training for refusing to climb ladders. He will prove that when required he will do it. She and Justin become a couple. For awhile Nikki will wonder if Justin was involved in some way and it comes between them. But they will determine that Erin had been having an affair with the man who was their mentor, Robert Fletcher. He is much older, a former pi and with the police. He kills her.
The mother in this story is real piece of work. Erin, the sister who disappears was 15, and she was determined to keep up with the girls who boarded their horses at the stables. She failed to keep up with her chores, leaving Nikki to do them. Justin objected but Nikki begged for him to look the other way so they could pay for the ability to learn to ride. Their mother expected Nikki to look after her flighty sister, and blamed her for Erin disappearing, not having looked after her adequately. Ridiculous.
Nikki Drake and her re-homed German shepherd Gunner join the search for a girl that has disappeared from the riding stable from which her sister had disappeared. She is not part of the regular S&R team, but as she is very familiar with the stables where she and her sister had worked, she sneaks in a back way. She is caught but given permission by Justin Decker, who also worked at the stables as stable manager when they were there as teens. He is now with the police. Gunner goes in a direction the others are not looking and finds the body of the girl. The shepherd then goes to the car belonging to the owner and will signals more. They determine that the owner killed the girl.
From this success she pursues looking for her sister on the premises. Gunner had been failed from the police dog training for refusing to climb ladders. He will prove that when required he will do it. She and Justin become a couple. For awhile Nikki will wonder if Justin was involved in some way and it comes between them. But they will determine that Erin had been having an affair with the man who was their mentor, Robert Fletcher. He is much older, a former pi and with the police. He kills her.
The mother in this story is real piece of work. Erin, the sister who disappears was 15, and she was determined to keep up with the girls who boarded their horses at the stables. She failed to keep up with her chores, leaving Nikki to do them. Justin objected but Nikki begged for him to look the other way so they could pay for the ability to learn to ride. Their mother expected Nikki to look after her flighty sister, and blamed her for Erin disappearing, not having looked after her adequately. Ridiculous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2022
"Grave Instinct" is probably the best K9 book I have read this year.
Ten years ago Nikki Drake's sister, Erin, disappeared from a riding stables - she was never found. Nikki has never stopped searching and has never stopped blaming herself.
Another teenager has gone missing from the same stables and Nikki, now a P.I., along with her K9 Gunner finds the body - Gunner, all on his own finds the killer.
When Nikki worked at the stables a decade ago her immediate boss was Justin, now he's a detective and allows her access to information about the case, as does her P.I. mentor, Robert, a former cop and family friend.
Both Justin and Robert have been at her side throughout the difficult years which followed her father's suicide and her sister's disappearance.
Can Nikki, with their help, and Gunner finally solve the mystery?
It's a satisfying mix of police procedural, romance and red herrings - and Gunner is to the fore.
4 Stars.
Ten years ago Nikki Drake's sister, Erin, disappeared from a riding stables - she was never found. Nikki has never stopped searching and has never stopped blaming herself.
Another teenager has gone missing from the same stables and Nikki, now a P.I., along with her K9 Gunner finds the body - Gunner, all on his own finds the killer.
When Nikki worked at the stables a decade ago her immediate boss was Justin, now he's a detective and allows her access to information about the case, as does her P.I. mentor, Robert, a former cop and family friend.
Both Justin and Robert have been at her side throughout the difficult years which followed her father's suicide and her sister's disappearance.
Can Nikki, with their help, and Gunner finally solve the mystery?
It's a satisfying mix of police procedural, romance and red herrings - and Gunner is to the fore.
4 Stars.
June 25, 2022
Entertaining story that will have you guessing as to who the killer is. Nikki’s career choice has been guided by the disappearance of her sister when Nikki was just 12 years old. There’s an interesting mix of characters – a psychic who has an office by Nikki’s, a detective who Nikki knew back when he worked at the stables, a family friend who helped Nikki become a private investigator, and Gunner, her dog who “flunked” out from being a K-9. At times it felt like Nikki’s young age came through but overall it was an enjoyable read.
August 29, 2020
Might have to buy this.
I read this using KU, and although this was a little predictable that didn’t matter as I really enjoyed the story and the characters. A search and rescue for a missing teen has stirred up the past for Nikki and Justin. The way these two have to deal with the cold case puts Nikki in danger, but Gunner has her back and I thought he was adorable.
3.5 stars ⭐️
I read this using KU, and although this was a little predictable that didn’t matter as I really enjoyed the story and the characters. A search and rescue for a missing teen has stirred up the past for Nikki and Justin. The way these two have to deal with the cold case puts Nikki in danger, but Gunner has her back and I thought he was adorable.
3.5 stars ⭐️
December 12, 2020
Good story with a dark mystery, a loyal dog, horses, and a man who can be trusted.
My first Bev Pettersen book, and I will definitely read more. Love the concept of a delightful, well-trained dog and the young woman who depends on him. Not too many characters in the story, so it is easy to read and not work. The author has a light touch, allowing her characters to move along the story line. This is a delightful read.
My first Bev Pettersen book, and I will definitely read more. Love the concept of a delightful, well-trained dog and the young woman who depends on him. Not too many characters in the story, so it is easy to read and not work. The author has a light touch, allowing her characters to move along the story line. This is a delightful read.
February 20, 2023
Where is my sister?
When her sister vanished Nikki has tried to find her. Was it her fault? Although others believe Erin is dead, Nikki still has hope she's alive. A good mystery with great characters. Add a special dog to the mix and you get humor and adventure. I only gave it 3 stars because it dragged in places. The red herring offered didn't add to the story but was a distraction. However I do intend to read Beverly Pettersen's second book in the series.
When her sister vanished Nikki has tried to find her. Was it her fault? Although others believe Erin is dead, Nikki still has hope she's alive. A good mystery with great characters. Add a special dog to the mix and you get humor and adventure. I only gave it 3 stars because it dragged in places. The red herring offered didn't add to the story but was a distraction. However I do intend to read Beverly Pettersen's second book in the series.
December 7, 2024
What If Your Sister Went Missing?
Nikki’s sister went out for a ride with two friends and disappeared.She’s all grown up now and still searching for her.She’s a PI now with a dog named Gunner who didn’t make it through K-9 training. When another girl disappears from the same stables she can’t let it go. Who can she trust? Who shouldn’t she trust. And will finding her sister cause her to lose her life?
Nikki’s sister went out for a ride with two friends and disappeared.She’s all grown up now and still searching for her.She’s a PI now with a dog named Gunner who didn’t make it through K-9 training. When another girl disappears from the same stables she can’t let it go. Who can she trust? Who shouldn’t she trust. And will finding her sister cause her to lose her life?
April 17, 2025
One of the best books I've read in a long time. I have been on an "anything mystery or suspense" K9 series. I've been in kind of a lull with other books and haven't really gotten into anything because they've all been too cozy and I've gone through all of the series I have found so far, so I'm super excited to have found this series and that there's still new books coming out!!! love love love ! don't stop! :D hahaha
May 1, 2025
This was a re-read for me. I didn’t realize it till I started it. When I saw the new one I thought I would read the first one to get to know the characters of this series. They are standalone books though. I thought it was a really good mystery with just a little romance which I really do enjoy. I’ve read a few of Bev’s book and enjoyed them so I wanted to read her again and wasn’t disappointed that I re-read this one. Now I am reading the fifth one.
June 9, 2020
Bev Pettersen is one of my favourite authors, so I was very excited when I saw she had a new novel. Let me just say, she certainly did not disappoint! Grave Instinct features complex characters, a fair amount of suspense, and well thought out plot twists. I highly recommend it and look forward to the sequel!
June 19, 2020
A Great Romantic Suspense Novel
This was a very enjoyable book to read. It contained an ex-k-9 Police dog, a little romance, and a great deal of suspense. It held my interest clear til the end, and the mystery wasn't solved until almost the end of the story. I look forward to reading more 5 Star books by Bev Pettersen!
This was a very enjoyable book to read. It contained an ex-k-9 Police dog, a little romance, and a great deal of suspense. It held my interest clear til the end, and the mystery wasn't solved until almost the end of the story. I look forward to reading more 5 Star books by Bev Pettersen!
November 20, 2020
Grave instincts k9 mysterys
This is one of the better books i have read in long time I just could not put it down. It keeper my interest the whole time And I never even expected who the killer was until almost the end and I'm pretty good at cheating loved the book. Thanks for brave I sting k 9
This is one of the better books i have read in long time I just could not put it down. It keeper my interest the whole time And I never even expected who the killer was until almost the end and I'm pretty good at cheating loved the book. Thanks for brave I sting k 9
November 22, 2020
Engaging
This series is engaging on several levels. The dog, of course, but also the finely developed characters, relationships, and settings. The storyline is well developed, and the suspense is at a level that keeps you eagerly engaged but not to the point of being distressed. I can't wait for the next book!
This series is engaging on several levels. The dog, of course, but also the finely developed characters, relationships, and settings. The storyline is well developed, and the suspense is at a level that keeps you eagerly engaged but not to the point of being distressed. I can't wait for the next book!
October 12, 2021
Outstanding!!
This was a wonderful book, complicated by several murders. I love mysteries with animals, particularly well trained dogs. The storyline developed slowly and the reader is caught up completely into its rhythm. The ending is not expected and the reader realizes that the clues were there, but were ignored! I cannot wait for the next book in the series!!
This was a wonderful book, complicated by several murders. I love mysteries with animals, particularly well trained dogs. The storyline developed slowly and the reader is caught up completely into its rhythm. The ending is not expected and the reader realizes that the clues were there, but were ignored! I cannot wait for the next book in the series!!
November 5, 2024
It is difficult for me to give a 5 star..
I have to develop some attachment to the characters, and appreciate the way the author develops the character's story.
I wasn't sure about Nikki at first , she is definitely emotionally stunted, but the Underlying reasons are developed well.
Still deciding about Justin and Sonja.
I have to develop some attachment to the characters, and appreciate the way the author develops the character's story.
I wasn't sure about Nikki at first , she is definitely emotionally stunted, but the Underlying reasons are developed well.
Still deciding about Justin and Sonja.
April 27, 2025
I seek out authors who weave dogs into their mysteries, and this is one of the better ones I've found. This is a carefully plotted mystery about two sisters, the time they spent in a local stable, the talent and loyalty of the German shepherd one of them owns, and the men who worked themselves into the family after their father died. Recommended with 3.5 stars.
August 3, 2025
YAY!!! I found another K9 Mystery series to love!!
This was so good!! Lots of twists and turns and shocking reveals. I love these characters and am excited to read more about Nikki, Justin and Gunner! This grabbed my interest from the start and the pacing made me not want to put it down.
If you enjoy a good mystery, then I HIGHLY recommend you check this one out!!
This was so good!! Lots of twists and turns and shocking reveals. I love these characters and am excited to read more about Nikki, Justin and Gunner! This grabbed my interest from the start and the pacing made me not want to put it down.
If you enjoy a good mystery, then I HIGHLY recommend you check this one out!!
October 27, 2025
Awesome series starter!! I absolutely loved it!! The main characters, Nikki, her dog Gunner, Sonja, Justin, Robert are all very liable & good characters at least in the beginning. The plot is strong having more than just a single story line which makes reading very quick & enjoyable, though sad in parts. I strongly recommend reading this book, I think you'll be hooked just like I was!! I'm reading book two now, so y'all need to hurry up & get to reading Grave Instinct by Bev Pettersen!!
June 6, 2020
Bev Pettersen is among my top-ten favorite authors, so I was thrilled to see a new book after so long! This one is full of her signature blend of suspense, romance, and four-legged friends. More sooner please!
June 18, 2020
Love this well written story - great character development that includes so much more - horses, dogs, love and mystery with a surprising twist at the end! Hope there will be more books with these characters
June 21, 2020
Fun Book
Good story that keeps moving. Her sister disappears when she is a teenager. Now she and her dog a Gunner are asked to help find another girl who disappeared at the same stables.
Good story that keeps moving. Her sister disappears when she is a teenager. Now she and her dog a Gunner are asked to help find another girl who disappeared at the same stables.
September 21, 2020
Great reading
Great reading about NikKi trying to find out what happened to het sister Erin a decade ago. Justin and Robert both are giving her clues, full of mystery, intrigue and love.
Great reading about NikKi trying to find out what happened to het sister Erin a decade ago. Justin and Robert both are giving her clues, full of mystery, intrigue and love.
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September 26, 2020I love K 9 stories.
I really love K 9 stories because I have always loved dogs. My favorites were my Irish Setter, Fitz, my Peekapoo, Pepper, and my Pompom,Gypsy. Kathleen Ryan
I really love K 9 stories because I have always loved dogs. My favorites were my Irish Setter, Fitz, my Peekapoo, Pepper, and my Pompom,Gypsy. Kathleen Ryan
November 12, 2020
A new author to me
I was interested in this book after reading the blurb. I wasn't disappointed. Strong characters, good story line and when they finally find out who the killer was, I didn't see it coming. All around good book.
I was interested in this book after reading the blurb. I wasn't disappointed. Strong characters, good story line and when they finally find out who the killer was, I didn't see it coming. All around good book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews