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Alaska K-9 Unit #5

Deadly Cargo

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Secrets could turn deadly

if an officer and his K-9 don’t uncover them.

Following an anonymous tip, K-9 Trooper Will Stryker’s drug-trafficking investigation has a new suspect—Jasmine Jefferson, an Alaskan bush pilot he’s convinced is hiding something. But when someone tries to kill them, Jasmine confesses she’s in witness protection. Now Will and his K-9 partner, Scout, must work with Jasmine to figure out if the attacks are related to his case…or if someone’s out for revenge.

From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.

Alaska K-9 Unit

Book 1: Alaskan Rescue by Terri Reed
Book 2: Wilderness Defender by Maggie K. Black
Book 3: Undercover Mission by Sharon Dunn
Book 4: Tracking Stolen Secrets by Laura Scott
Book 5: Deadly Cargo by Jodie Bailey
Book 6: Arctic Witness by Heather Woodhaven
Book 7: Yukon Justice by Dana Mentink
Book 8: Blizzard Showdown by Shirlee McCoy

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published August 24, 2021

235 people are currently reading
192 people want to read

About the author

Jodie Bailey

113 books192 followers
Jodie Bailey is the author of Quilted by Christmas, as well as two suspense novels, Freefall and Crossfire and a novella in Holiday Defenders. Her devotions have appeared in Fighting Fear: Winning the War at Home and Sweet Freedom with a Slice of Peach Cobbler. She is also a contributor to PWOC International’s e100 Bible study for military wives. Her memberships include American Christian Fiction Writers.

When not at the keyboard, Jodie is a former middle school literature teacher and yearbook adviser who is convinced a camping trip to the beach with her family, a good cup of coffee, and a great book can cure all ills. Jodie lives in North Carolina with her husband, her daughter, and two dogs.

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5 stars
660 (67%)
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239 (24%)
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55 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Susan Snodgrass.
2,002 reviews273 followers
August 24, 2021
'No matter how this day ended, she was a dead woman.'

I love dogs and especially K-9 dogs. I also love books, especially the suspense genre. I also enjoy stories set in Alaska. So Jodie Bailey managed to tick all the boxes here! When K-9 Trooper Will Stryker gets a tip that bush pilot Jasmine Jefferson is hauling drugs on her plane, he is determined to bring her down. But there were no drugs on Jasmine's plane. He does learn that Jasmine is in WITSEC, and it would appear someone is trying to kill her. Or him.

Jodie Bailey really knows her way around a good suspense novel. I never miss her books. She has crafted great characters and a really good plot with the perfect spiritual thread. All these combined make for a great read. Well done!

My thanks to the publisher and author for a copy of this book. The opinion here is my own.
3,950 reviews1,764 followers
September 1, 2021
That cover!!! A border collie hero will grab my attention every time! And Scout and his super sniffer is definitely hero material. His two-legged partner, Will is hero material too so that made me an extra happy reader. :-)

Deadly Cargo is the fifth book in the Alaska K-9 Unit continuity series. It can definitely be read as a standalone since both suspense and romance are nicely wrapped up by the end of the book BUT there is also an over-arcing suspense plot that carries through each book. It doesn't take up too much page time but I've been enjoying watching the development as we're just over the halfway mark now. And Jodie Bailey does a great job of catching up and highlighting the important stuff so it's easy for a newbie-to-the-series reader to follow plus a great refresh for us stalwart fans.

One of the great things about this series is the variety of K-9s -- both in breeds and work and the authors do a great job of describing what a day in the life with a K-9 is like. I always learn an interesting tidbit or two in each story.

And in this one we're on the hunt for nefarious drug traffickers. Jasmine being a pilot raises the stakes to a whole other level (ha, see what I did there?) Seriously, I love heroines who have unusual occupations and jasmine is awesome! There are some intense in-the-air moments that really added to the suspense.

Deadly Cargo has it all -- suspense, action, romance, all wrapped up in wagging tails and doggy kisses. Love when my two obsessions collide.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,189 reviews
August 24, 2021
Deadly Cargo ( Alaska K-9 Unit #5 )
By: Jodie Bailey
This is a Love Inspired Suspense Inspirational Romance. Jodie Bailey captured me at the start and I did not want to put it down. K-9 Trooper Will Stryker is investigating a tip on a drug-trafficking suspect Jasmine ,who is an Alaskan bash pilot. Jasmine has a secret ,will she be found? I also love Will’s K-9 partner, Scout. The author keeps you guessing and turning the pages till the end.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Patrizia.
1,955 reviews42 followers
September 21, 2021
4 stelle e mezza
Bella storia, continuavo a chiedermi chi ci fosse dietro agli attentati alla vita contro la protagonista. C'è il solito innamoramento improvviso e veloce, ma a causa delle brevità di queste storie non può essere altrimenti.
Profile Image for Kay Garrett.
603 reviews93 followers
September 22, 2021
DEADLY CARGO by Jodie Bailey is the 5th book in the Alaska K-9 Unit series. It’s the fabulous story of Jasmine Jefferson, Alaskan bush pilot, and K-9 Alaskan State Trooper Will Stryker, a drug traffic investigator.

Jasmine was just beginning to get comfortable with her new life after being in the witness protection program (WITSEC) for a couple years. Her old life was gone forever – her name, identity, family, job, all of it gone when she witnessed a drug hit go bad. It was her testimony that put the contract killer in jail and the drug cartel putting a target on her back, but she knew in her heart that she had done the right thing. Drugs take lives and destroy families and those that profited from it needed to be stopped – whatever it took!

Will Stryker became a cop because of his mother’s addiction and drugs. He came to Alaska to get away from the woman he thought he was going to spend the rest of his life with only to find out she tried to use him and his profession to protect the one thing he loathed – drug trafficking. When they receive the trip that Jasmine was the one flying in the drugs into Alaska, he’s armed with his team and his K-9 collie, Scott, ready to bring down the Alaskan drug cartel.

Jasmine and Will’s first encounter leads to frustration on Will’s part for running into another dead end and fear on Jasmine’s part that her cover has been blown. It takes some give and take on both parts, but since they think alike about protecting the people of Alaska from drugs, they decide to work together. Their similar way of thinking about things and their deep faith connections seems to have the chemistry between them heating up at an accelerated pace. They find it easy to talk to one another revealing secrets they both had kept well hidden from everyone else.

When several attempts are made on their lives, who are they aiming for – Will or Jasmine? Has Jasmine’s identity been breached? Together can they bring the drug cartel down? Or will one of the attacks bring down the good guys? Is it possible that someone they know works on the inside with the drug cartel betraying their friendship? Could Will and Jasmine’s friendship ever be anything more? Or will they each go their separate ways once the case is over? Will Jasmine have to re-invent herself AGAIN giving up all she knows and starting all over some place strange with a new name and identity? She finds it unthinkable about the possibility of having to give up flying and the good she does with her flights.

DEADLY CARGO is a well-written suspense story that will grab you from the first page and will have you turning pages to the very last one. Jodie Bailey grabs your attention with the drug raid and then weaves the story of Jasmine’s being in the witness protection and Will’s past with a thread of faith that will have you hoping for a happily ever after in their fast blooming attraction. The excitement and danger along the way will have you on the edge of your seat.

Enjoyed learning about all the different kinds of K-9’s, the tight connection between handlers and his four-legged partners. Loved the cover which not only tells you which breed this K-9 story is about, but also gives you hints as the direction this story is going. Love the K-9 Alaska series and although part of the series DEADLY CARGO can definitely be read as a standalone book. This one definitely gets FIVE STARS.
13 reviews
July 25, 2021
I loved the characters, Will Stryker and Jasmine Jefferson, in this book. They both have their own faith and belief in God, but show that there are many ways to have a relationship with Him. Jasmine is in WITSEC, and Will, an Alaskan State Trooper charged with finding drug runners, suspects she is not as honest as she appears. Having been deceived previously, he has become cynical and does not trust many people. He spends devotional time with God every morning, but seems to forget He is ALWAYS present in his daily life. Jasmine has relied on her faith and relationship with God through constant prayer, both before and after entering the witness protection program. She wants to believe the hardest part of her life is behind her, giving up everything in her old life, but is reluctantly willing to do it again if God calls her to do so. Ever since Will came into her life, someone has been trying to kill her, or him, but she is still willing to help the trooper and his drug sniffing collie, Scout, find who is smuggling illegal drugs to the remote Alaskan frontier. Throughout this entertaining and high-stakes read, we get several reminders that we all can serve Him in our own way.

This book is part of a larger series I have not yet read, but it is a standalone read. That being said, having enjoyed the Alaskan and K-9 partner themes, I will likely start reading the series from the beginning.

Admittedly, I am a fan of Jodie Bailey’s books, and I have read all of them to date. If this is your first consideration of her books and enjoy it, I highly recommend you read her entire library.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Glenda Parker.
Author 14 books22 followers
September 22, 2021
My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Deadly Cargo. This is book five in the continuity series, Alaska K-9 Unit. I've really enjoyed this series. Some of my favorite authors have written these stories. This story is well-written, action-packed, and full of drama. I know you are going to love it.

Receiving an anonymous tip, K-9 Trooper Will Stryker and his partner, Scout, a drug-sniffing dog, head out to investigate Jasmine Jefferson a bush pilot. As she was held at gunpoint, Will and his partner search the small plane. They find nothing. A bogus tip. He invites himself on the rest of her deliveries. They both find themselves a target.

Bush Pilot Jasmine Jefferson is trying to beat a storm as she lands her small plane. After much struggling with the weather, she lands only to find out that someone has called in a tip that she is carrying contraband. Her plane is seized and searched. She was held at gunpoint by two troopers. Now the hot trooper wants a ride-along. How can she trust him?

A journey to capture the drug smugglers that are bringing poison into the territory. Their lives are in the crosshairs as they fly across the tundra. God has a plan for these two broken souls. A plan for hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. Give Him your heart and watch Him work His plan of peace and not destruction in your life, even in this time of chaos.
211 reviews2 followers
March 19, 2022
Why did Alaska State Trooper Will Stryker get a bogus tip that bush pilot Jessica Jefferson was smuggling drugs? And why is someone trying to kill her? Is it due to Stryker and his K-9 partner Scout's investigation? Or was it due to why Jessica is in the Witness Protection Program?

Deadly Cargo is part 5 of the Alaska K-9 Unit series. One other reviewer (at least) said it was the best so far in the series, and I won't argue. I'm also not surprised, because I'm a fan of the author, Jodie Bailey. I've read six other books by her, though this is the first K-9 book I've read of hers.

Will and Jessica are compelling characters I really learned to care about. If you want a romantic suspense, this is great in both categories. However, if you look at the adorable border collie on the cover and want to read a lot about Scout, you'll be disappointed. The only other weak spot is some poor editing, though this isn't the first in the series with that weakness (which surprises me from a publisher like Harlequin).

As is typical for Love Inspired Suspense stories, this does have a faith angle to it. That angle is one reason I enjoy these books, and Bailey, as usual, does a great job keeping it from being preachy but rather consistent to the story.

I am thoroughly enjoying this series, and I'm looking forward to both the next Alaska K-9 tale as well as the next novel by Jodie Bailey.
Profile Image for Debbie.
3,640 reviews88 followers
March 11, 2023
"Deadly Cargo" is a Christian romantic suspense. Jasmine's in witness protection, an innocent witness who gave up her life and family to put a killer behind bars. She sometimes feels like she doesn't know who she really is but comes to realize that she's more than her job or her name.

Will assumes people are guilty until proven innocent because he's been deceived one too many times. An anonymous tip has him investigating Jasmine, who already gave up her life once to stop drugs. She's terrified his investigation into her past will expose her to danger and mean she has to leave this life behind, too.

The main characters were engaging, reacted realistically to events, and grew as people due to what they experienced. The suspense came from repeated attacks due to the drug investigation and the worry that Jasmine's been found by the killer. Jasmine and Will generally worked well together (once he came to trust her). Both opened up to each other about painful pasts, drawing them closer emotionally.

Jasmine prayed to God all the time, feeling like He helped her get through life. Will had his scheduled, morning devotional but didn't see how there was time to do more than that. He was drawn to Jasmine's example of a more intimate relationship with God. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable romantic suspense.
1,291 reviews10 followers
August 26, 2021
This series keeps going strong!

This is an action-packed series with lots of character development. I think I liked this story the best so far. The series has an overarching mystery that has yet to be solved. It won't be, until the last book in the series.

Jasmine is flying into a landing at a small airport in Alaska, when she is accused of transporting drugs. After the K-9 drug sniffing dog Scout clears her of that, Alaska State Trooper Will Stryker asks her to help him by flying him around. This leads to even more adventure and excitement. Along the way, we get to see a woman who lives her life based on the Bible. There are some very interesting discussions about faith in here as well.

The pace is breakneck and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character and action oriented storyline that includes no steam at all. The characters are vibrant and engaging. I can't wait to see what happens next in this series! If this all sounds good to you, read these in order, and then you will be waiting too! Enjoy!
Profile Image for Pam.
4,625 reviews68 followers
April 4, 2022
Deadly Cargo: Alaska K-9 State Troopers Book 5 is by Jodie Bailey.
Jasmine Jefferson flew freight into the smaller Alaskan communities. She is a former second grade teacher who informed and testifies against a major drug dealer. She was placed in WITSEC, given a new name and job, and has had no contact with her friends or family. This evening a he prepares to land, her friend gives her instructions without the usual bantering. Jasmine hears something strange in her voice but ignores it.
Waiting for her to land was Alaska State K-9 Trooper Will Stryker and his drug dog. They had received an anonymous tip that Jasmine was flying drugs in her plane. They searched her plane and came up empty. Will manages to hitch a ride with her to the next two stops on her schedule. Before the last stop, they are forced to make an emergency landing when although her gauges show plenty of fuel, they run out fuel. Someone is trying to kill one of them. Which one is the killer after and why?
Profile Image for Mary Hake.
Author 4 books412 followers
September 15, 2021
This intriguing suspense novel contains two elements that will appeal to many: the beautiful Alaska wilderness and delightful dogs—canine partners that work with law enforcement, in this case Scout and State Trooper Will Stryker. This book is part of the Alaska K-9 series, but you don’t have to read all the others to enjoy this exciting story filled with danger as they try to find and stop whoever is running drugs to remote areas. However, this book may make you want to read the rest (and there are connections mentioned). I enjoyed this tale about bush pilot Jasmine Jefferson, who is hiding out in Alaska for her own safety when she gets pulled into the type of situation she thought she’d left behind. I devoured the book in an afternoon. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
83 reviews
October 21, 2021
I picked this one up on a whim at Walmart because I had a trip and decided to grab a light paperback. I wasn't expecting much because well... Love Inspired by Harlequin. Boy, was I WRONG! It's a tight suspense story with a good plot and some romance. I was actually impressed by how much Scripture and life lessons on faith and your true identity were in it - a lot more than some of books I've read put out by the "real" Christian publishers. My only complaint was the insta-love and how there was a proposal at the end. Like really -you've known each other about a week in a highly stressful situation and you think that's a good time to propose marriage? But other than that eyeroll moment I really enjoyed it and plan to look for more by this author and the rest of this series.
Profile Image for Roberta .
1,295 reviews28 followers
April 11, 2025
Each of the books in this series features at least one handler and one working dog. If the handler is male, he is either assigned or volunteers to watch/protect/work with a female, or vice-versa. The books aren't bad or I wouldn't have read so many of them but neither were they great.

I thought this was one of the best books in the series. The handler in this book is Will and the dog is Scout, a Border Collie that is trained as a drug sniffing dog. The female they get involved with is Jasmine, a pilot in Alaska, who knowingly or not, may be smuggling drugs. This is one of the few books in the series that actually gives the dog a job that is relevant to the dog's training. As a bonus, the female is smart and competent.
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,510 reviews27 followers
August 8, 2023
I actually didn't mind this one. While I wasn't a huge fan of Will (kinda of a douche), I did like Jasmine/Yasmine...and obviously Scout. And obviously the romance was a bit fast, but more realistic than most.

Will is trying to break up a piece of the Alaskan drug trade with the help of his drug sniffing collie, Scout. He got a tip that Jasmine's plane was carrying drugs. When he ends up empty handed he asks to ride along with her Jasmine, graciously, agrees. But danger seems to be following Will and Jasmine and their one day ride along becomes a multiday event with them surviving sabotage, mysterious assailants and bullets. Are the perps after Will or they after Jasmine?
Profile Image for Hannah.
2,900 reviews1,436 followers
January 8, 2026
I’m quickly finding out that Jodie Bailey’s books are like potato chips: addictive and you can’t eat just one. I kinda sorta ignored that this book is in the middle of a continuity series and just grabbed it to read anyway. I was able to keep up with events just fine, though there were a few characters that clearly had other stories and whose books I’ll have to read later.

I loved the setup for this with a state trooper requesting a ride-along with a pilot and her dog to see if he could clear or catch her for drug running. It was an interesting premise and I enjoyed trying to figure out the criminals before they could.
Profile Image for Elaine Applebury.
725 reviews5 followers
October 1, 2021
“Deadly Cargo” by Jodie Bailey is the 5th book in the Alaska K-9 Unit series, but could be read as a stand alone if desired. Jasmine Jefferson is a bush pilot in the Alaska frontier. Someone tips Alaska State troopers that Jasmine is hauling drugs. Trooper Will Stryker and his border collie, drug sniffing K-9 partner, Scout, are waiting to take Jasmine down. However, Scout doesn’t alert to drugs. Jasmine’s life is in danger both on land and in the air! This story is full of danger and suspense and had me turning page after page to see what would happen next!
Profile Image for Lindsey Allen.
28 reviews4 followers
August 3, 2022
Loved this story and the whole series! Jasmine is in WITSEC when she decided that doing the right thing was more important than living the life she thought she wanted. She gave her life for the safety of others just like Jesus did when He died on the cross. Jasmine was honest and relatable and willing to do the hard thing. Enter Will who made her realize again the cost of being it WITSEC. Someone is after Jasmine and Will will does everything possible to protect Jasmine and he loses his heart in process.
Profile Image for Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy.
2,053 reviews64 followers
January 1, 2022
Jasmine Jefferson is a bush pilot in Alaska and Will Stryker is a K9 officer. Will is determined to shut down the drug trade in Alaska. Jasmine is in witness protection from a drug lord she helped incarcerate. Once Will realizes her true story, they work together. This is a wonderful mystery with suspense and intrigue. Overcoming distrust and using their faith will help bring healing. I love this K9 series.
352 reviews5 followers
May 20, 2022
Excitement and adventure non-stop

Another Fast paced adventure. Will has a job to do, one that includes keeping a woman safe. Jasmine is needing all his protection as she is constantly being shot at! With God's help it all works out for the best.
Yes, I like the reminder that God is in control. Better than out of control steamy sex most romance books seem to feel they have to include.
Only problem is I can never put the book down and get chores done!
156 reviews
September 8, 2021
These books are truly heavenly!!!!

Great stories with real world situations in the middle of Alaska with great shows of faith. Because seriously, without faith, we have nothing.
Read the series for fascinating stories with realistic people struggling with their lives, jobs and faith.
17 reviews
September 28, 2021
This is book 5 of the series. It was really good , had lots of suspense and keeps you wanting to get to the next page. It has everything in it I love suspense, reminder to listen to God and all the descriptions' being in Alaska. Books take me places I have never been. This was written so well loved it. Really good book.
301 reviews9 followers
May 24, 2022
Romance and Mystery

The fifth book in this series was the most emotionally powerful for me. The canines took a back seat to the budding romance between the trooper and the lady. The suspense was on a personal level, the mystery was the bridge between the wary couple. And Alaska itself played a part in the romance of the two protagonists. A good read with a sweet payoff.
5 reviews
Read
August 21, 2022
Full of suspense, romance,. I plowed through the book in no time and I'm usually a slow reader. The only thing that was a bit disappointing was the roll that the dogs played. I thought there should have been more. It is all about K-9 units.

Don't get me wrong, I loved the story, everything about, but I love dogs too and always look for more...😊
Profile Image for Connie Harris.
1,532 reviews3 followers
March 19, 2023
This series gets better and better with each book.

We finally have a story that centers around Will Stryker and his partner Scout. He gets an anonymous tip that Jasmine is carrying illegal cargo. She is in Witness Protection because she saw a execution take place. I like how the author keeps us filled in about the other cases in progress!
Profile Image for Joni.
151 reviews
October 3, 2021
Wow!

The fifth book in the Alaska K9 series, and the best so far! Setting was amazingly described, and the heroine was super strong. Very well written characters and a fabulous faith integration. A keeper!
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,235 reviews48 followers
October 26, 2021
The faith element in this genre is often superficial; therefore, the contrast in this author's book seemed marked. I was impressed with the spiritual maturity of the lead female character and really enjoyed following along her faith journey.
Profile Image for Dorel.
4,348 reviews38 followers
November 27, 2021
This is the 2nd book I read by Jodie Bailey. I liked this book's storyline. I liked the action in this story. I liked the Christian theme in this story. I liked Jasmine's character. I liked Will's character. I loved ❤ Scout 🐕. The ending was okay.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
2,121 reviews80 followers
February 17, 2022
No cussing, no sex, just a great story.
This story kept me interested to the end. There's WITSEC, State Troopers, drug smugglers, planes, and so much more! There is a lot of talk about faith and true belief God. The story is full of action and plenty if questions to answer, but all is revealed!
Profile Image for Lela Preston.
256 reviews21 followers
April 24, 2022
Daily walking with God.

Of all the places to stay hidden-Alaska seemed the best choice. Always aware that at any time her cover with Witness Protection may be blown. Asking God to help her with her Life and a Trooper shows up to help free her and to free himself.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews

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