What do you think?
Gil Mason #4
Old Dog New Tricks
Gil and Max are tasked with finding the killer of a Sheriff’s Deputy. Hired by the fallen officer’s wife, they come into conflict with a biker gang, Mexican Cartels, The Italian Mafia, and even the police. Can Gil and Max solve the crime while surviving their internal conflicts? And what about Pilgrim? Continue the journey now.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2021
About the author
Gordon Carroll
18 books82 followershttps://www.facebook.com/pg/OfficialG...
Gordon Carroll is the author of GUNWOOD USA. Gordon was raised at the foot of the great Rocky Mountains in Colorado. He joined the United States Marine Corps at eighteen and served for seven years achieving the rank of sergeant (selected for staff sergeant). After that he became a police officer in a small (wild) city nestled snugly in the middle of Denver Colorado before moving on to become a sheriff’s deputy. Because of his love for dogs he became a K9 handler, training and working three separate dogs over two decades (a hundred and twenty pound German Shepherd named JR, a ninety pound Belgian Malinois named Max and a fifty-six pound Belgian Malinois named Thor.
After years of telling stories to his children and friends his wife insisted he start writing some of them down. After that he was bitten by the dreaded writing bug and started sending stories to different publications. He was quickly published in several magazines in genres ranging from Sci-Fi to horror to mainstream and Christian before writing GUNWOOD USA, a fictionalized compilation of real life scenarios that he has seen, heard of or been involved with over his years in law enforcement and military service.
Gordon is a member of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers (RMFW) and served on speaking panels for three years as well as performing K9 demos at the annual conferences.
Gordon Carroll is the author of GUNWOOD USA. Gordon was raised at the foot of the great Rocky Mountains in Colorado. He joined the United States Marine Corps at eighteen and served for seven years achieving the rank of sergeant (selected for staff sergeant). After that he became a police officer in a small (wild) city nestled snugly in the middle of Denver Colorado before moving on to become a sheriff’s deputy. Because of his love for dogs he became a K9 handler, training and working three separate dogs over two decades (a hundred and twenty pound German Shepherd named JR, a ninety pound Belgian Malinois named Max and a fifty-six pound Belgian Malinois named Thor.
After years of telling stories to his children and friends his wife insisted he start writing some of them down. After that he was bitten by the dreaded writing bug and started sending stories to different publications. He was quickly published in several magazines in genres ranging from Sci-Fi to horror to mainstream and Christian before writing GUNWOOD USA, a fictionalized compilation of real life scenarios that he has seen, heard of or been involved with over his years in law enforcement and military service.
Gordon is a member of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers (RMFW) and served on speaking panels for three years as well as performing K9 demos at the annual conferences.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
May 2, 2021
Such a satisfactory read. All that's keeping it from 5 stars is the lack of a decent editor. I'm pretty positive he meant "arrangement" rather than "arraignment", Jim instead of John, and then there were a few missing quotation marks. (and for $9.99, he should have gotten someone else to do the job.)
Having said that, the baddies--all of them--died badly or wished they had after having a run-in with Max.
This is the last book of the series (to my knowledge), and I have to go back to read book 2. (I know, but that's me.) Odds of me reading the third book are pretty much slim to none, since the sample Amazon offered was simply too much for me. (I'll just hope the man responsible for the deaths of Gil's wife and daughter died as thoroughly as the bastards in this book.)
But as I said, very satisfying.
Having said that, the baddies--all of them--died badly or wished they had after having a run-in with Max.
This is the last book of the series (to my knowledge), and I have to go back to read book 2. (I know, but that's me.) Odds of me reading the third book are pretty much slim to none, since the sample Amazon offered was simply too much for me. (I'll just hope the man responsible for the deaths of Gil's wife and daughter died as thoroughly as the bastards in this book.)
But as I said, very satisfying.
February 28, 2021
WOW! Another great read!
As with all the previous books in this series, this book does not disappoint. I really enjoy reading this series. I love Max and his projected thoughts. If you love dogs this series is a must! Of course Gil always gets the bad man/woman he is hunting but the road he travels to get there is always suspenseful. I shed many tears for Pilgrim in this story, but I laughed at several of the thoughts that Max had and anxiously await the next book in the series to see what Gil, Max and Pilgrim are up to in the future.
As with all the previous books in this series, this book does not disappoint. I really enjoy reading this series. I love Max and his projected thoughts. If you love dogs this series is a must! Of course Gil always gets the bad man/woman he is hunting but the road he travels to get there is always suspenseful. I shed many tears for Pilgrim in this story, but I laughed at several of the thoughts that Max had and anxiously await the next book in the series to see what Gil, Max and Pilgrim are up to in the future.
June 18, 2023
Damn!
I took advantage of an offer from the Author and got his first 4 books for essentially the price of one, and I went through them in a flash. I then wound up buying the next two (one of which was Old Dogs) and just bought the next one for a continuing holiday weekend binge read. Since a good deal of.my Kindle library is built of freebies and low cost buys, that tells me - and by process of doom nation, you - that Carroll's Gil Mason and his K9s Pilgrim and Max are well worth your time.
Despite not having any history of service, I seem to admire former Marines. Mason was a K9 handler and trainer who did yours in the sand pit, then came home and became a cop and a K9 trainer. After seeing his wife and daughter murdered, solving that case got him thrown off the force. A buddy took him on as a PI, and that's a broad stroke background for you.
Carroll knows his stuff - be it Colorado, guns, police work, and hand to hand combat - and excels at getting in the head of Max, Jason's two year old lead dog. he's adept at changing points of view, from first person Mason to narrator to a unique third person dog's view. Add to that his awareness of TV and cinema and these books are a delight to read!
I took advantage of an offer from the Author and got his first 4 books for essentially the price of one, and I went through them in a flash. I then wound up buying the next two (one of which was Old Dogs) and just bought the next one for a continuing holiday weekend binge read. Since a good deal of.my Kindle library is built of freebies and low cost buys, that tells me - and by process of doom nation, you - that Carroll's Gil Mason and his K9s Pilgrim and Max are well worth your time.
Despite not having any history of service, I seem to admire former Marines. Mason was a K9 handler and trainer who did yours in the sand pit, then came home and became a cop and a K9 trainer. After seeing his wife and daughter murdered, solving that case got him thrown off the force. A buddy took him on as a PI, and that's a broad stroke background for you.
Carroll knows his stuff - be it Colorado, guns, police work, and hand to hand combat - and excels at getting in the head of Max, Jason's two year old lead dog. he's adept at changing points of view, from first person Mason to narrator to a unique third person dog's view. Add to that his awareness of TV and cinema and these books are a delight to read!
May 28, 2021
This is the 4h book in this excellent series. Start with #1 so you get the back story or you won't appreciate how Max thinks. Gil is asked to investigate the murder of a police officer in a remote area by one of the detectives handling the case. The reader knows who the killer is but Gil doesn't know. It is a twisted affair where the widow hires Gil Mason to find out who killed her husband. The story is interesting. When Gil goes to investigate, you get to hear how Max views the events. And, of course, there is Pilgrim, the old dog who was injured and is healing ever so slowly. The writing is superb and like other reviewers, I found it complicated and on my mind when I tried to read a light book. Had to come back and finish this one. The author manages to be macho without using profanity. A friend once said the use of profanity indicates a weak vocabulary. Well, Gordon Carroll does not have a weak vocabulary. He doesn't preach his religion but you understand he is a believer. Not trying to convert the reader just letting it be known what his philosophy is. I'll be watching for the next book in this excellent series.
March 4, 2021
This is the best of the series of Gil Mason books. The heavy cost of dealing with bad giys; losing his family; the nightmares over the loss finally get to Gil and he seeks help. To top it off, his longtime partner K9, Pilgrim, appears to be at deaths door. Gil tries to deal with that plus the murder of a young cop he is hired to investigate - by the cops wife.
She plays his emotions to try to get Gil to kill her partner in crime. Conflict; despair, double cross, and emotional gymnastics at its best before it all works out in the end...but not a total happy ever after.
Once you start you're hooked. You will ignore your family, stay up all hours to turn the next page, and draw the ire of your wife for not getting things done...but it's worth it.
She plays his emotions to try to get Gil to kill her partner in crime. Conflict; despair, double cross, and emotional gymnastics at its best before it all works out in the end...but not a total happy ever after.
Once you start you're hooked. You will ignore your family, stay up all hours to turn the next page, and draw the ire of your wife for not getting things done...but it's worth it.
April 26, 2021
Liked this but conflicted
Overall I like this series. The conflict for me is that Gil’s ruthlessness undercuts his religious beliefs. He has no problem with vigilante justice, killing people. and reprisals yet he professes to be Christian, which isn’t in favor of taking vengeance—“vengeance is mine sayeth the Lord”. The other issue for me is the heavy dose of religion that has come into play in the series and seems totally out of place. That wasn’t quite as heavy in the first two books. I thought Gil’s about face—being angry at god and rejecting him for the loss of his wife and child and then suddenly he’s back in the religious fold—wasn’t believable. It’s so discordant I’m not sure I will read further in the series.
Overall I like this series. The conflict for me is that Gil’s ruthlessness undercuts his religious beliefs. He has no problem with vigilante justice, killing people. and reprisals yet he professes to be Christian, which isn’t in favor of taking vengeance—“vengeance is mine sayeth the Lord”. The other issue for me is the heavy dose of religion that has come into play in the series and seems totally out of place. That wasn’t quite as heavy in the first two books. I thought Gil’s about face—being angry at god and rejecting him for the loss of his wife and child and then suddenly he’s back in the religious fold—wasn’t believable. It’s so discordant I’m not sure I will read further in the series.
December 30, 2021
PI and K-9 Murder Investigation
This is a great series! One should read the books in order because the story builds upon itself. I consider this a 'clean' story even with the abundance of violence and blood. There is no cussing and no gratuitous sex. The violence is integral to the story and not dwelled on. The story is also Faith-filled. Not in the Bible thumper manner, but in the 'Thank you for getting me out of there' sense. Our main character is a former Marine, former deputy sheriff, and always K-9 handler. As a current PI, he attracts some interesting cases. The books remind me of the old western TV show 'Have Gun Will Travel' with modern technology and lots of sci-fi references. I have purchased the entire series and highly recommend it.
This is a great series! One should read the books in order because the story builds upon itself. I consider this a 'clean' story even with the abundance of violence and blood. There is no cussing and no gratuitous sex. The violence is integral to the story and not dwelled on. The story is also Faith-filled. Not in the Bible thumper manner, but in the 'Thank you for getting me out of there' sense. Our main character is a former Marine, former deputy sheriff, and always K-9 handler. As a current PI, he attracts some interesting cases. The books remind me of the old western TV show 'Have Gun Will Travel' with modern technology and lots of sci-fi references. I have purchased the entire series and highly recommend it.
February 25, 2021
The first thing you should know is that things will take a turn you were not expecting. Look for them to go one way, and they go another way. Also, Pilgrim is essential to the story. When a sheriff deputy gets murdered, his wife hires Gil to find out who did it. The sheriff's department is doing what they can, with no luck. You have met Nick. The cartel has a way of taking care of their own problems. He's back. There's also a real estate scam that his parents are concerned about. There there is Max. Until he can find that illusive Silver Wolf, coyotes for breakfast will have to do. Does Pilgrim still have some bite in him? This is a book you will not want to put down.
April 2, 2026
Old Dog new tricks
Gil Mason's thrilling narrative, accompanied by his loyal K9 partners Pilgrim and Max, continues to captivate readers with its profound emotional depth and immersive storytelling. The meticulously crafted characters and richly developed world transport readers into an extraordinary universe that feels both authentic and compelling. Each page reveals intricate details and nuanced interactions that elevate this series beyond typical genre expectations. For readers seeking a gripping, intelligently constructed adventure, this collection stands as an exceptional literary experience that demands exploration.
Gil Mason's thrilling narrative, accompanied by his loyal K9 partners Pilgrim and Max, continues to captivate readers with its profound emotional depth and immersive storytelling. The meticulously crafted characters and richly developed world transport readers into an extraordinary universe that feels both authentic and compelling. Each page reveals intricate details and nuanced interactions that elevate this series beyond typical genre expectations. For readers seeking a gripping, intelligently constructed adventure, this collection stands as an exceptional literary experience that demands exploration.
April 2, 2021
As with each of these books they flow. Gil Mason; compassionate, smart, aware of life's twists and turns. Pilgrim; beautiful, loving, courageous. And Max; strong, determined to be a pack leader, yet at same time willing(?) to do what is necessary for the pack's survival. It is difficult to express all of the emotions that this book has brought out of me. But Gil's love and insight as well as descriptive thoughts regarding past and current situations well you cannot skip even one word. I could not stop until I finished. Bravo Gordon Carroll, excellent
May 17, 2021
If I could give this book 10 stars, I would! This story is even more impressive than Sheepdogs (which was my favorite until now). Gil and Max are extraordinary warriors while old Pilgrim is an absolute love.
The murder of a good, honest cop who dies with Gil’s PI coin in hand leads everyone around in circles. I particularly enjoyed how the reader knows who the murderer is but the excitement is watching Gil and Max fight off villains while Gil is trying to solve the case. Of course, knowing the dogs’ thoughts is absolutely awesome, too. Bravo, Mr. Carroll!
The murder of a good, honest cop who dies with Gil’s PI coin in hand leads everyone around in circles. I particularly enjoyed how the reader knows who the murderer is but the excitement is watching Gil and Max fight off villains while Gil is trying to solve the case. Of course, knowing the dogs’ thoughts is absolutely awesome, too. Bravo, Mr. Carroll!
October 12, 2023
Wow Riveting!
Mr. Carroll I have to say after reading your fourth book you have me well and truly hooked. I have spoke of your books daily to friends and family. Between Gil, Max, and Pilgrim I have read four of your books since Monday of this week. I love them. I would recommend your books to anyone who likes thriller, which is what I was looking for. I also, found myself, understanding more about “free will”. Truly amazing how you pulled it all in. I am starting book 5, soon.
Mr. Carroll I have to say after reading your fourth book you have me well and truly hooked. I have spoke of your books daily to friends and family. Between Gil, Max, and Pilgrim I have read four of your books since Monday of this week. I love them. I would recommend your books to anyone who likes thriller, which is what I was looking for. I also, found myself, understanding more about “free will”. Truly amazing how you pulled it all in. I am starting book 5, soon.
June 2, 2025
The Real Deal
Gordon Carroll's experience as a K-9 handler shows throughout this book. I know, because I have a similar background. But, that's not all that makes this book great -- Carroll has become a master word smith, using the English language to paint pictures, so that the reader feels that he knows the characters for real, that he has walked with them through their adventures and shared their lives -- the good along with the bad. I am on to the next book immediately -- can't wait!
Gordon Carroll's experience as a K-9 handler shows throughout this book. I know, because I have a similar background. But, that's not all that makes this book great -- Carroll has become a master word smith, using the English language to paint pictures, so that the reader feels that he knows the characters for real, that he has walked with them through their adventures and shared their lives -- the good along with the bad. I am on to the next book immediately -- can't wait!
March 11, 2021
Ok, I'll bite.
Great next instalment to a growing great series. This detective is a balanced character. Three deminsional and then some. He has his strength and his demons but best of all he has several points of view. We see through the eyes of his weapons in the form of K9s. The writer also makes his bad guys more interesting and multidimensional than most. Oh and don't plan on getting any sleep if you start this book. You will be up all night with this tail...er... tale.
Great next instalment to a growing great series. This detective is a balanced character. Three deminsional and then some. He has his strength and his demons but best of all he has several points of view. We see through the eyes of his weapons in the form of K9s. The writer also makes his bad guys more interesting and multidimensional than most. Oh and don't plan on getting any sleep if you start this book. You will be up all night with this tail...er... tale.
May 12, 2021
Why did it have to end.
1 coin and 1 murder bring together the elements for another great read. Gil is brought into a murder case with a simple coin and at the same time his attention is focused on helping family friends can he handle and solve both cases or will it tear him apart. At every corner he will find danger but with Pilgrim and Max , Gil will fight the fight and live to tell the tale.
1 coin and 1 murder bring together the elements for another great read. Gil is brought into a murder case with a simple coin and at the same time his attention is focused on helping family friends can he handle and solve both cases or will it tear him apart. At every corner he will find danger but with Pilgrim and Max , Gil will fight the fight and live to tell the tale.
September 3, 2021
These are my preconditions a lot look my own belief in my God. Sometimes God lets us
Suffer but if we trust him he will give us the reward of our heart
When is your next book coming out. Hurry the truck up. I am a Christian like Gil. For 70 years. Still tempted, tried add lonley after muddying husband was saved at the last minute and is in heaven waiting for me along with all my loving dogs at the Rainbow bridge. AMEN!!!!!!!!
Suffer but if we trust him he will give us the reward of our heart
When is your next book coming out. Hurry the truck up. I am a Christian like Gil. For 70 years. Still tempted, tried add lonley after muddying husband was saved at the last minute and is in heaven waiting for me along with all my loving dogs at the Rainbow bridge. AMEN!!!!!!!!
July 17, 2023
Get your tissues ready...
Okay, so if you have read the first three books, you might be ready for this one. If you haven't, I can't imagine what is stopping you. These are masterful. They are fast-paced, edgy and expertly written. I thought the last book had moments that brought tears to your eyes, but this one .. wow. I really like and appreciate the way Mr. Carroll shares his faith also.
I urge you to read this series.
Okay, so if you have read the first three books, you might be ready for this one. If you haven't, I can't imagine what is stopping you. These are masterful. They are fast-paced, edgy and expertly written. I thought the last book had moments that brought tears to your eyes, but this one .. wow. I really like and appreciate the way Mr. Carroll shares his faith also.
I urge you to read this series.
July 29, 2023
I love this series. I love that there's always plenty of action and some gore (thanks mostly to Max), but they somehow still feel like wholesome stories. I received book one, Sheepdogs, as a promotional book, and fell in love with Gil, Max, and Pilgrim. I've been avidly reading through the series since. This installment didn't disappoint. I can't think of how to review this one without spoilers, so I'll just say, "Oh, Pilgrim ❤️" and leave it at that.
February 7, 2024
Outstanding Read!
I'm an eclectic reader, I'll read anything! By happenstance I downloaded Gordon's first book and was hooked. Then his second book and now this one. He never disappoints. As a dog lover, I love reading what they are thinking but the twists and turns are amazing. I like that this writer avoids mature sexual themes but stays with the PI theme,action and mystery. I'LL ultimately read all his books - they are that good!
I'm an eclectic reader, I'll read anything! By happenstance I downloaded Gordon's first book and was hooked. Then his second book and now this one. He never disappoints. As a dog lover, I love reading what they are thinking but the twists and turns are amazing. I like that this writer avoids mature sexual themes but stays with the PI theme,action and mystery. I'LL ultimately read all his books - they are that good!
March 5, 2025
Two Dogs and a Man - Warriors All
This series is unique - A good man but damaged. A moral man who chooses to do what is right no matter the cost. And the twist - A conflicted dog every bit a warrior too who wants to lead yet struggles to instead follow. You see the view from the dog' s perspective and it feels right to do so. Intriguing from first to last leaving me anxious to read the next in the series.
This series is unique - A good man but damaged. A moral man who chooses to do what is right no matter the cost. And the twist - A conflicted dog every bit a warrior too who wants to lead yet struggles to instead follow. You see the view from the dog' s perspective and it feels right to do so. Intriguing from first to last leaving me anxious to read the next in the series.
February 25, 2021
So Much Good!
This I believe is Gordon Carroll’s best work! It elicits every emotion known to man, to the fullest. I was transported to their world - once you start there is no stopping till the end and then the despair of knowing your time with them is over. Hopefully, I will get another chance to visit with Gil,Max & Pilgrim in the future, till then I will miss my friends.
This I believe is Gordon Carroll’s best work! It elicits every emotion known to man, to the fullest. I was transported to their world - once you start there is no stopping till the end and then the despair of knowing your time with them is over. Hopefully, I will get another chance to visit with Gil,Max & Pilgrim in the future, till then I will miss my friends.
February 27, 2021
True to Expectations!
Favorite author after reading the first of the Gil Mason series Sheepdogs followed quickly by Gunwood and Hair of the Dog. Waiting for Old Dog New Tricks lived up to and surpassed expectations after awaiting its arrival these past months. Keep writing sir, waiting for
Sleeping Dogs!
Favorite author after reading the first of the Gil Mason series Sheepdogs followed quickly by Gunwood and Hair of the Dog. Waiting for Old Dog New Tricks lived up to and surpassed expectations after awaiting its arrival these past months. Keep writing sir, waiting for
Sleeping Dogs!
April 1, 2021
K9's Are Furry Heroes
I once had the pleasure of helping obedience train our GSD as a future police K9. This was in 1970 in Miami Springs FL. I have always been a dog lover and fascinated the way this dog could be so gentle and loving with children and so intense on the job. I enjoy your writing very much and do appreciate the intense training both dog and handler receive.
I once had the pleasure of helping obedience train our GSD as a future police K9. This was in 1970 in Miami Springs FL. I have always been a dog lover and fascinated the way this dog could be so gentle and loving with children and so intense on the job. I enjoy your writing very much and do appreciate the intense training both dog and handler receive.
June 13, 2021
I have read every book in this series and this is another excellent story.
I have read every book in this series and this is another excellent story that I highly recommend if you enjoy reading a fast moving, hard hitting action thriller with a dog hero then you will enjoy reading this book. I am waiting for the next book in this series
I have read every book in this series and this is another excellent story that I highly recommend if you enjoy reading a fast moving, hard hitting action thriller with a dog hero then you will enjoy reading this book. I am waiting for the next book in this series
June 30, 2021
This was another good book. I do agree with some people that say he needs a proofreader but frankly, I don't understand why the editor isn't catching these misspellings. Spoiler alert: I almost had a heart attack when I thought Pilgrim was going to die. Whew!!! I hope he never dies. I don't think I can take it. He should just stay the same age forever!
July 8, 2021
A new favorite series!!
I fell in love with this series when I started the first book. Gordon Carroll is a fantastic story teller who can bring a scene to life with his written words. The big fight scene in this story was so vivid that I was holding my breath and clenching my fist! I can't wait for the next in the series!!
I fell in love with this series when I started the first book. Gordon Carroll is a fantastic story teller who can bring a scene to life with his written words. The big fight scene in this story was so vivid that I was holding my breath and clenching my fist! I can't wait for the next in the series!!
October 3, 2021
Another great Gil Mason novel
Another home run for Gordon Carroll. So many twists and turns, what a great read. As always you definitely can’t put it down when you get to the climax. Couldn’t hardly put it down for the last six chapters. Can’t wait for the next Gil Mason adventure.
Another home run for Gordon Carroll. So many twists and turns, what a great read. As always you definitely can’t put it down when you get to the climax. Couldn’t hardly put it down for the last six chapters. Can’t wait for the next Gil Mason adventure.
April 7, 2022
This book has it all: villains, heros, a complex strategic plot, clues that were ignored which causes angst and touch of romance/ longing for love. Truly a Complex story line and solid characters. Absolutely love the chapters from Maxs perspective with him always thinking about killing Gil to be alpha.
May 26, 2022
Touching
This one seemed to be heartbreaking in so many ways. Gil Mason and his K9 partners are a fabulous team together. I love how the author tells the story from all the characters point of views. Can't wait for the next book in this series. I hope the author will have a good run in this series.
This one seemed to be heartbreaking in so many ways. Gil Mason and his K9 partners are a fabulous team together. I love how the author tells the story from all the characters point of views. Can't wait for the next book in this series. I hope the author will have a good run in this series.
January 12, 2024
The Actions of the Pack Win!
The story of a plan to outwit the master P.I., Gil Mason... He's smart to have intelligent, fierce warrior dogs as partners! And you can't pull one over on Max and Pilgrim! The actions of the pack win! An exciting action mystery that kept me reading--looking forward to the next book!
The story of a plan to outwit the master P.I., Gil Mason... He's smart to have intelligent, fierce warrior dogs as partners! And you can't pull one over on Max and Pilgrim! The actions of the pack win! An exciting action mystery that kept me reading--looking forward to the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews