Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Caitlyn Reed and her dog, Renegade, are thrown into the midst of murder and intrigue when they discover a dead body while on a trail ride in the black hills of Wyoming.

The local sheriff is hell bent on a conviction, and Caitlyn’s brother, Dylan, is in his crosshairs. Desperate to prove his innocence, Caitlyn turns to Deputy Colt Branson for help, but she must grapple with their rocky romantic past to gain his aid.

As Caitlyn and Renegade pursue the killer, the investigation catapults their lives in a dangerous new direction, one with mysterious strangers, convoluted clues, and deadly violence. In a whip-cracking turn of events, Caitlyn finds herself under suspicion. When all the chips fall, Caitlyn uncovers shocking evidence that rocks their small-town community to its core.

If you like twist and turn plot lines woven with danger, mystery and suspense, you will love Renegade — Book 1 of the Tin Star K9 Series.

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 22, 2021

1504 people are currently reading
555 people want to read

About the author

Jodi Burnett

34 books358 followers
Jodi Burnett is a Colorado native and a mountain girl at heart. She loves writing Mystery and Suspense Thrillers from her small ranch southeast of Denver, where she lives with her husband and their two big dogs. There she dotes on her horses, complains about her cows, and writes to create a home for her imaginings. Burnett is a member of Novelists, Inc. and Sisters in Crime. Connect with Jodi at jodi@jodi-burnett.com, on Facebook @ JodiBurnettAuthor, on Instagram @ JodiBurnettAuthor, or on Twitter @ Jodi_writes. Get free books by Burnett on her website.

https://jodi-burnett.com

https://linktr.ee/JodiBurnett

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,959 (55%)
4 stars
1,010 (28%)
3 stars
421 (11%)
2 stars
106 (3%)
1 star
32 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
Profile Image for Lynn.
929 reviews30 followers
May 14, 2025
Not About the Dog

When I pick up a book with a dog on the front, and the dog’s name is the title of the book, I expected it is a lot about the dog. That’s not really how it turned out.

Caitlyn’s brother is angry with her and then they find a body on their property and the sheriff thinks that Caitlin’s brother Dylan killed the girl. A young deputy named Colt had a history with Caitlyn, and hopes to get back into her good graces. Then when Caitlyn is also accused of murder, Colt seems to believe it, likely that Caitlin and Dylan committed the murder. Really? He’s in love with the girl, but he believes her capable of having killed somebody.

I did not enjoy this book and I don’t know why I didn’t DNF when I hit about 36% when we still didn’t really know any of the characters well. I’m not sure we did by the end. Some of the writing wasn’t bad but the best I could do was two stars.
370 reviews19 followers
May 2, 2021
Author Jodi Burnett has kicked off her Tin Star K9 series with a page turning beginning. An auto accident, family discord, and a murder investigation quickly drew this reader into the story. Of course, I cannot forget to mention the canine hero of this book. Renegade is being trained for tracking and is closely bonded to his owner, Caitlyn.

When Caitlyn learns that someone she knows is missing, she volunteers to join the search party and bring Renegade along to help. Little does she know about the path the investigation will take, but she finds it necessary to jump in to prove the innocence of those she knows did nothing wrong at the same time she pursues finding the real killer.

Hang on to your seat as you follow the twists in this story as it is a wild ride to the very end. The characters become real and the pieces of the story fit neatly together. I am already looking forward to the next book.

I received a copy from the author with no promise of a positive review. Ms. Burnett is a fairly new to me author, but I have quickly become one of her fans.
Profile Image for Sharyn.
Author 12 books20 followers
April 23, 2021
Renegade is a well-written mystery that captured my interest from the beginning. The characters are well-developed and likable, and I loved the heroine's interaction with her dog and how he featured so prominently in the story. The small-town setting in Wyoming, and how the author anchored her characters into that environment also appealed to me. I found the mystery intriguing, with lots of twists along the way, and would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys an "outdoorsy" kind of read, or just a good, solid mystery. It's a great start to new series, and I'm looking forward to the book.
828 reviews3 followers
April 8, 2021
Not much love interest but plenty of suspense

The author has again delivered a book full of suspense and intrigue that kept me reading way too late. Red herrings and rabbit trails kept me on my toes, and although I knew one person was somehow involved, had no idea why they might be. Surprised by the conclusion but it tied all the evidence together. Great clean read.

Received ARC in return for this, my honest review.
458 reviews4 followers
April 23, 2021
Excellent Book. Could not put it down can not wait for the next one to come out I highly recommend this book to everyone and all of her other books Dorothy Schaefer
Profile Image for LUAYNE.
1,953 reviews4 followers
October 28, 2025
Interesting

The plot is good, the characters are so so, the details need work, advice from law enforcement would be helpful, the setting needs more description. Keep writing.
Profile Image for Dee.
2,675 reviews21 followers
September 27, 2022
Two-haiku review:

Her dog finds body
Sheriff arrests her brother
She investigates

Enjoyed this story
More about people than dog
Good plot, characters
Profile Image for Lisa.
374 reviews7 followers
May 4, 2021
Caitlyn has graduated with her degree in Criminal Justice and has returned to her hometown.  Not knowing what she wants to do with her life or degree, she is working at the local café to pay the bills.  She lives one her own small spread with her dog Renegade.  Caitlyn has been training Renegade to be a working dog and he accompanies her everywhere.  She still helps on the family ranch with her brother Dylan but there is tension between the two.  Colt is a deputy with the county's sheriff department.  He has loved Caitlyn since he was in middle school but made a mistake as a teenager and now Caitlyn will not trust her heart with him.  When Dylan and then Caitlyn are both suspected of the murder of a woman Renegade uncovered on the ranch, Colt must put aside his own suspicions and help Caitlyn investigate to find the true murderer.  Can Colt and Renegade keep Caitlyn safe from those who would harm her?

Great action packed read!!!  Burnett doesn't disappoint with her well developed characters and intriguing story Add in the loyal companion, Renegade and you have a must have read. 

I received a review copy of this book from the author. I am voluntarily leaving a review. 
1,126 reviews5 followers
April 17, 2021
From a James Bond movie-like thrilling opening, "Renegade" had me hooked! From there, the reader was taken on a roller-coaster ride of a lifetime to seek out the culprit. The interesting characters were well developed and believable. Sparks flew here and there and not just in trying to catch the killer; but also between Colt and Caitlyn, two of the main characters. Their chemistry oozed throughout the narrative. Also, the author captured the love between Caitlyn and her trusted canine Renegade quite well. Furthermore, the page-turning novel's tone of suspense was created by the author's use of imagery and other vivid details. I was hooked!
13 reviews
April 11, 2021
Jodi's new book, Renegade will be an outstanding addition to your library. Renegade is the name of Caitlyn Reed's K9 dog. He's a smart hero that you'll learn to love very early in the book. Jodi has done a fantastic job of developing her characters. She masterfully sprinkles clues throughout the book, but be careful...some of the clues are false clues. If you like dog stories and/or mystery thrillers, this book will keep you up late. It's a 'page turner' from the very first page.
Author 7 books114 followers
April 6, 2022
I am hooked on K-9 dog mystery series with female protagonists, so discovering Jodi Burnett’s Tin Cup K-9 series set in Wyoming on our Sisters-in-Crime-CO book club list was a nice find. The first book, Renegade, introduces Caitlyn Reed and her dog Renegade. They find the body of a missing young woman, and Caitlyn is shocked to discover her brother Dylan is apparently the last person to see the woman alive. In an even more shocking turn of events, the sheriff says the bullet that killed the woman came from Caitlyn’s handgun that she keeps locked in her truck. The writing is solid, the characters interesting, and the plot twisty enough to keep me turning the pages. I’m looking forward to reading the next books (Maverick, Marshal, Justice) in the currently 4-book series.
969 reviews6 followers
May 14, 2021
Excellent book

Cat I and Colt had an old memory they have to overcome . The plot gives hints that keep you guessing. Solving the murder helps solve many problems.
12.7k reviews189 followers
April 21, 2021
What complete action to keep you hooked. Chemistry between colt and Caitlyn, suspense, enough to keep you binge reading. Absolutely loved it.
2,519 reviews42 followers
April 19, 2021
A great start to this new series. When Caitlyn Reed’s K9 Renegade finds the body of a missing woman at the edge of property owned by her brother, Dylan, the sheriff immediately assumes that Dylan is involved. Although there is some personal conflict between them, she knows that her brother would never kill anyone. Against Dylan’s wishes, Caitlyn becomes involved in the investigation. The knowledge gained from the criminal justice courses she completed has been helpful as she continues to dispute the way the sheriff is handling the case. It’s almost as if it is crucial that he solve the case, even if he has the wrong killer. She knows that Deputy Colt Branson, who she once dated, has proven to have a better understanding of the law and will treat Dylan fairly. When Caitlyn becomes a suspect, she is attacked in her home and both she and Renegade are injured. Will she find the killer in time to keep both she and Dylan from going to jail? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author. (by paytonpuppy)
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,889 reviews27 followers
April 16, 2021
A great start to a new series, Tin Star K9, Renegade. Suspense, mystery, family and the most awesome K-9, Renegade. We know from the blurb the Sheriff is bound and determine to railroad Dylan. The twist to that is Dylan and Caitlyn are at odds. She's trying to find out why her brother is being such a butt to her. Why he is angry all the time. That doesn't help her efforts in proving his innocence and it doesn't help that Deputy Colt has some doubt. I enjoyed following the trail, trying to piece together who actually did the murder. You know from the get go one of the people involved somehow, meaning not necessarily the murderer, but the surprise is why. The red herring with this same person is very well done. I had a hard time personally with Colt, I needed him to man up a little more. I understand following the evidence, but still.....Caitlyn girl, I am with you, though I think you gave in a little too easy. Caitlyn is intelligent, caring and someone I want on myside. If I could get away with it I would probably try in steal Renegade, ha! Looking forward to book 2. Come join the Tin Star K9 series. I have a feeling this series is going to take off. Thank you for the arc. I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions.
Profile Image for Claudete Takahashi.
2,638 reviews37 followers
April 22, 2021
Another good start of a new series! I really enjoy reading stories with powerful, intelligent women and their pets, in this story, a beautiful K9, named Renegade. She struggles and fights to protect her family and Renegade to protect her. The story has a well constructed plot, a start of a second chance romance, disagreements between family members and crime. It´s an interesting, entertaining and easy to read book. I´ll be looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
As a member of the author´s ARC team I downloaded a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.
152 reviews
November 3, 2021
Great read!

Really enjoyed this book. The two leads are well fleshed out and very likeable. Loved the dog. Did not have the mystery sussed out before hand!
Profile Image for Jerry Walch.
669 reviews17 followers
May 23, 2021
I had Renegade on my TBR list for a while and it might still be there if I hadn’t just read and reviewed Jodi Burnett’s Flint River Series book. Having been there and done that, as the old saying goes, it takes a lot for a thriller writer to earn my respect, but Jodi earned it in record time.

 The Flint River Series and the Tin Star K9 Series are very different while very much alike. Both series take place in small town settings and have powerful females as major characters. Families that stand together in times of crisis play a key part in both series. There’s something for every reader in these books—murder, mystery and romance. Jodi is a cross genre writer that grabs you by the throat and holds you captive from the first page to the very last sentence. For me the actual hero of Renegade is Renegade, Caitlyn’s dog.

 Renegade begins with Catelyn discovering a dead body while leading a trail ride on her family ranch. From that point on. Things move at a blistering pace. The local sheriff seems set on blaming the murder on Catelyn’s older brother, at least at first. As time passes and Catelyn investigates the murder herself, the sheriff sets his sights on her as the murderer as well. Then Catelyn is attacked in her home and would have been seriously injured if Renegade hadn’t crashed through a plate-glass window and attacked her attacker, getting seriously injured himself.

 Catelyn believes that the sheriff is involved in the murder in someway and recruits the sheriff’s deputy, her old high school boyfriend, to help her prove it. The truth comes out when… well go read the book to find out what happens in the end.
Profile Image for Cindy Dyson Eitelman.
1,464 reviews10 followers
June 2, 2023
To me, this was just another in a long string of "K-9" mysteries that I'm trying with great hope that one will approach the masterful writing and excellent storytelling of Donna Ball. And I'm sorry, but this was another in the not-quite-there category.

It wasn't bad, at all. But after having read a good bit about real dog training for search/rescue/police work/etc, I had some real issues with her depiction of the dog's behavior. I do not believe a real K-9 police dog would EVER be allowed to growl or menace a human being without a specific command from the trainer. In fact, this sort of behavior would probably disqualify both trainer and trainee from active duty.

I was also really put-off by the dog owner's lack of judgement in sending her dog in to active attack without considering any of the alternatives or the consequences. And then, after the dog suffered severe injuries and a blow to the head, she puts it back in action. What the hell was "she" thinking? (By "she" I mean both the character in the book and by design, the author who created her.)

Sorry to be so negative, but add on top of that a sappy love interest that I had no interest (pun intended) in continuing to read, and it's clear I won't be taking on another one of this series anytime soon.

All that said, the mystery plot was really good. If she fixes her characterization of the human and dog and sends them both to some realistic working dog training courses, I'd read another just for the great plot.
5 reviews2 followers
April 13, 2021
Jodi Burnett's new Tin Star k-9 series is a winner!
If you like a good mystery, with romance I recommend this book. I just discovered this author this past year and I am hooked. I admit to being a serious dog lover and am impressed by her research and knowledge of dog traits and training. Caitlyn and her dog Renegade are portrayed very realistically as are her romantic interest Colt and brother Dylan. Catie is a young woman finding her place and purpose in the world. Cole and Dylan find themselves at odds with a system that can be flawed and Catie steps up to search for the truth about the murder of a woman tied to her brother. Good plot and just the right amount of suspense. As I came closer to the end of the book I couldn't stop and was up late as I was compelled to finish. If you like mystery and suspense with some romance thrown in don't miss this book. I can't wait for the next in the series.
Profile Image for Marie.
5,181 reviews52 followers
August 13, 2022
A great find

This was a new author for me which I tried on Kindle Unlimited and I am really glad I did!
I am not sure who I liked best Caitlyn, Colt or Renegade...they are all fantastic characters who pull you in before stealing your heart. They find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation that is sabotaged, plagued with corruption and surrounded by mystery and dark secrets. It is well written with a number of plot twists, diversions and unexpected revelations.
I am looking forward to more from this crime fighting trio in book two which I am downloading now, also available on Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Susan May.
723 reviews14 followers
May 21, 2022
What a great story. Jodi always captures my attention with her writing. I love the loyalty between the dogs & the handlers. I also enjoyed the narrator for this one, outstanding job.
Kaitlyn is sucked into a murder case when her brother is accused of murder. She believes the Sheriff isn't investigating the case properly so she starts one of her own. Trouble starts when she asks too many questions. Renegade & Katie have to watch their steps as they unravel the truth.
A great story with amazing characters. I loved it & can't wait for more.
3,604 reviews16 followers
October 5, 2021
Loved this book!

I really enjoyed this book, of course horse's and a special breed of dog helped round out a incredibly good storyline! Oddly I have a family member who crossed his Border Collie with this breed getting what he claims is the perfect desert cattle dog. They seem to come by herding as natural size the Border Collie does! Great book and well written!
Profile Image for Cyndy.
325 reviews5 followers
November 3, 2021
Predictable story line and immature characters.
487 reviews
November 14, 2021
this is the first book of this series. I really enjoyed the characters both human and Renegade, the only dog in the book. Caitlyn is not sure what she wants to do with her life. She graduated with a major in Criminology Admin but has not worked in that field. Sh recently moved out of the family ranch and bough her own cabin which caused estrangement with her and er older brother , Dylan. Caitlyn was able to buy her property b/c she asked her Dad for an advancement on her share of the family ranch which unbeknownst to Caitlyn that caused financial strain on her brother.
Caitlyn takes a group of people on a horse ride on her property only to find a dead body. The sheriff is called along with his deputy, Colt who Caitlyn dated while in high school. The sheriff believes it was Dylan who killed his one time girlfriend and is arrested. The plot thickens when the gun Caitlyn has a permit to carry is the murder weapon and Caitlyn is arrested but previously had been attacked in her home and Renegade injured in attempt to protect her. Colt is able to find evidence to prove the murder weapon did not belong to Caitlyn and discovers the real killer. This book has a lot of drama, mystery and excitement. Once I started to read the book, it was difficult to put down. I already have the second book loaded on my Kindle.
82 reviews
April 30, 2021
Renegade
The Reed ranch is busy with calving season coming, fences to mend & only 1 brother to do the work. Dylan Reed is the last of the Reed children on the ranch with his parents. Caitlyn, his sister, has just purchased her own land with hopes to start working with horses. She just got back from college earning her degree in criminal justice. Dylan is angry & surly. Caitlyn is trying to help with the ranch but he doesn’t want her there. Her brother Logan gave her a German Shepherd-Belgian Malinois mix. He started his training & showed her how to continue. They work in on his skills & manners everyday, & he’s good. The one thing Ren can’t tolerate is anyone threatening Caitlyn. During a trail ride with a group from town, Ren finds a body in a shallow grave. Caitlyn gets the group back to the Reed ranch without anyone knowing what Ren has found. The sheriff is called & Dylan is arrested. Caitlyn now has to put that new degree to work so she can help he brother. There is a break in, a dirty cop, a pregnant girl who is the daughter no one knew about. This book is thrilling. You’ll be sad for characters, angry at others & scared for some lives that may be lost. Your wasting time, get this book & step into the Reed family drama. I received a copy of this & my review is of my opinion.
Profile Image for David Taylor.
1,538 reviews24 followers
April 20, 2022
Renegade is the second book by Jodi Burnett that I’ve listened to, and I have to admit I’m getting hooked on her stories, in this case Renegade is such an awesome character that he carries the story. That is not to say the humans don’t do their part, because without them there would be no double-crossing to create evidence or fit the crime to people who may or may not be the perpetrators. Joyce Oben’s narration was instrumental in making this story near impossible to put aside, and I’ll have to admit that I put several things off to finish the story.
1,701 reviews35 followers
January 29, 2022
While the story started and ended strong.
You knew early in the book who the murderer was or at least was involved.
The author also did a really great job of making you dislike at least one of the villains in the story.
The characters are also not totally believable and lack depth.
Profile Image for Linda Langford.
1,607 reviews14 followers
July 30, 2024
This story was a good read, and an interesting murder mystery.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.