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Alaska K-9 Unit #7

Yukon Justice

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Sabotage on a family ranch…

this K-9’s on the case.

When her estranged uncle attempts to sabotage her family’s reindeer ranch, K-9 team assistant Katie Kapowski heads home to help save it—and becomes his target. With their rocky past, Alaska State Trooper Brayden Ford and his furry partner are the last team Katie wants assigned to protect her. But with the ranch under siege, they must work together…or risk falling victim to a killer.

222 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2021

122 people are currently reading
2481 people want to read

About the author

Dana Mentink

205 books2,219 followers
USA TODAY bestseller Dana Mentink enjoys writing in many different capacities. She currently writes for Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense and Poisoned Pen Press.

Dana is the recipient of a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, two ACFW Carol Awards as well as a Holt Medallion.

Dana loves feedback from her readers. Contact her via her website at www.danamentink.com. and be sure to follow her on Bookbub!
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/dana-...

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
Profile Image for theliterateleprechaun .
2,445 reviews217 followers
May 9, 2024
“Eyes up, not down.” ~ Romans 8:31

This book was the perfect mix of mystery, faith, and romance.

As a suddenly orphaned 10-year-old, Katie Kapowski had come to rely on her Auntie Addie’s generosity. The Family K ranch with 250 acres of Alaskan wilderness and a herd of 23 rescued reindeer had become a sanctuary to Katie as she, with her auntie’s help, learned to put together the broken pieces of herself. Now, almost 20 years later, Katie is returning the kindness and temporarily leaves her job as assistant to the Alaska K-9 state troopers and their highly trained dogs to help her aging auntie. The Family K is near Palmer, Alaska, just remote enough for Katie to worry about her auntie’s safety. Upon hearing that some of Addie’s previously rescued reindeer had been stolen, Katie enlists the help of the Alaskan K-9 team to help recover them. Katie’s return to the ranch unsettles a distant family member and soon Addie and Katie’s lives are in danger.

Mentik has crafted a fantastic story that kept me glued to the pages. I read about a missing wilderness family, stolen reindeer, a fugitive uncle, and a murderous groom and his target…to name a few!

If you love dogs, you’ll read about the K-9 team consisting of a Newfie, an Irish Wolfhound, a Norwegian Elkhound, and a Saint Bernard.

You’ll be educated about reindeer, the state flower of Alaska, and the meaning behind the lyrics of second oldest secular Christmas song, ‘Up On The Roof Top’ written by Benjamin Hanby in 1864.

I enjoyed the examination of:
🐕‍🦺 how we heal emotional wounds
🐕‍🦺 a mother’s love
🐕‍🦺 the fear of trusting
🐕‍🦺 the powerful force of hatred
🐕‍ the extra patience required to weed out the common from the exceptional
🐕‍🦺 how we deal with residual memories and uncertainty ahead

My heart pounded with the scenes where a murderous uncle was lurking around the ranch and smiled when I read about the state trooper who made Katie a PBJ in the shape of a reindeer!
Profile Image for Faith.
2,197 reviews
November 19, 2021
Katie returns to the family ranch in order to help her aunt get to the bottom of what is happening with the missing reindeer. She didn't expect to find herself depending on State Trooper Brayden Ford and his K-9 partner, Ella, to help her get to the bottom of the sabotage.

An engaging read, set against the gorgeous backdrop of the Alaska frontier. I liked the chemistry between Katie and Brayden, and how they bonded over their shared faith. It was an action packed read, well balanced with relationship building, great pacing and reveals along the way.

Overall, an entertaining read with excellent characters and an adorable dog, Ella who loves water and is great partner. I liked how Katie and Brayden had to learn to trust each other, and how they worked together to try and stay one step ahead of the bad guy. A suspenseful story of faith, family and second chances.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Susan  Faloon.
1,130 reviews
October 28, 2021
I have been a fan of Dana Mentink's writing for several years. She has intense storylines and this new offering proves my point. The bulk of the story takes places on a reindeer ranch. How cool is that with Christmas just around the corner at it's release?
I didn't notice that the book is the seventh one in the Alaska K-9 Unit series. The author does a good job summing up the previous investigations that carry forward into her book. I could read it as a stand-alone.
Katie Kapowski temporarily leaves her job as assistant to the unit Colonel to help her aunt at the Family K Reindeer Ranch. While trying to understand why her aunt's estranged brother Terence had stolen reindeer from the ranch she also has to deal with law enforcement security checks. Braydon Ford is her least favorite member of the unit especially because he proclaimed her too young to be part of the team.
Braydon is not thrilled to be assigned to security at Family K and he has to communicate with Katie. He and his K-9 partner Ella have their work cut out for them as the nastiness enacted by Terrance is quickly heightened and increasingly dangerous.
I like the characters in this book. Aunt Addie is a tough pill who doesn't give up. Katie and Brandon have an uncomfortable past and certainly define the saying, don't judge a book by it's cover. They both have a few things to learn about one another. Ella is a joy. I knew she'd be special because I certainly liken her to my one family dog who is part Newfie. Charlie is another pleasant surprise in the storyline that makes me chuckle.
I love a good story with tension, humor and well rounded characters and Dana Mentink has done it again!
Disclaimer: I received my copy of Yukon Justice from the author for my own personal opinion. These are solely my reactions to the book.
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,877 reviews209 followers
October 27, 2021
Yukon Justice is part of a continuity series titled Alaska K-9 Unit. This book is one of the later stories in the series and there are definitely ongoing investigations mentioned from the earlier books, including the main investigation in this novel. I have not read any of the other books in the series, so it took a moment to make sure I understood a little bit about the other investigations. The author did a good job of providing the information I needed. Then, I was able to dive into the story and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

This villain was vicious and he was very wily. He was adept at evading the law enforcement officers and he was out to cause as much pain and suffering as he could to those he felt had wronged him. It made for a very exciting story.

I liked the tension between the two main characters. They had a rocky working relationship and that definitely added some friction to the story as Brayden was tasked with keeping Katie safe. It was fun to see their perceptions of each other change as they spent time together and began to have feelings for each other.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Profile Image for Susan Snodgrass.
2,002 reviews273 followers
September 14, 2021
This book in this series is an exceptional one! Dana Mentink is great here.i really enjoyed reading about the reindeer farm. Fascinating! A relentless bad guy totally committed to his vicious mind and crime makes it a truly compelling read.

My thanks to the publisher and author for a copy of this book
Profile Image for Becky Lewis.
1,058 reviews59 followers
November 11, 2021
“I’ll see you both dead first.”

Dana Mentink has done it again! She has penned another exciting Love Inspired Suspense novel, this one Yukon Justice, (# 7 Alaska Canine Unit) that kept me glued to my seat and flipping pages as quickly as possible.

How could I not like this book? I love Mentink’s suspense writing style. It’s heart-pounding, but not horror-genre material. It’s realistic, and I feel like her characters, Brayden, Katie, Addie, Quinn, and Charlie, are down-to-earth people that anyone might know.

Animals. If an author uses animals in her story well, I’m hooked. Brayden's K-9 side-kick, Ella, a big Newfie, is so well described as to make me want to know her. I love that she is a smidge less than perfect. And the reindeer. Mentink has done her research, and I learned a lot. Plus the reindeer are rescue animals. Gruff Aunt Addie, who hardly has a kind word for anyone, will sacrifice everything to save her reindeer.

Oh, and Mentink includes a small, secondary romance. I love it because it’s the type I and some others are hoping to see more of in books.

Faith and great quotes. Another reason this novel is a winner.

“...nothing is over until God says it's over.”

“Don’t worry had to be the most useless phrase in the English language. When had that sage advice ever made someone stop fretting?”

“God is for us, even when we’re losing, so keep your eyes up, not down.”


“God walks us through the struggles, and He’s promised us the win. Eyes up, not down.”
515 reviews
October 26, 2021
I love Dana Mentink’s romantic suspense stories! She immediately draws you into the story and what is happening in the character’s lives. Yukon Justice is part of a continuity series. While I have not read any of the other stories, I never felt lost and am now interested in the mystery that runs throughout the rest of the stories in this series.

It’s not often that you know who the bad guy is right from the start of a story, but this really worked for me! I liked how it just became a matter of how to catch the him, not who he was or why he was doing what he was doing.

I immediately loved Brayden for his protectiveness, and his perfectly timed sense of humor, which lightened up some seriously tense situations. I also love how Ms. Mentink made Brayden’s dog Ella her own character and such an integral part of this story. Brayden and Ella were definitely my favorite characters!

If you’ve never read Dana Mentink, I highly recommend any of her stories. She always incorporates humor, a good mystery, great characters, and wonderful canines in her stories!
Profile Image for Betti.
1,371 reviews37 followers
October 23, 2021
I’ll see you both dead first!

With that beginning, do not expect you will put this book down before you reach the conclusion! The author keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering if the threat will come true. Between unknown packages that could be a booby trap or a bomb, drugged food and almost drowning, shots fired and kidnapping, Katie and her aunt Addie begin to wonder if they will be able to keep Family K Reindeer Ranch open. Who wants a rescue ranch that badly?

God is for us, even when we’re losing, so keep your eyes up, not down. What wonderful words to remember and live by, regardless of your situation - something we can learn from these well developed characters.

An ARC was received through Harlequin. These impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.
Profile Image for Kay Garrett.
598 reviews93 followers
November 27, 2021
YUKON JUSTICE by Dana Mentink is the seventh book in the Alaska K-9 Unit series. It’s the fast paced, wonderfully written story of Katie Kapowski and Alaska State Trooper Brayden Ford centered round the Family K Reindeer Ranch outside Palmer, Alaska.

Someone stole some of the reindeer from the ranch. When evidence proved that it was her Uncle Terrence, who she never knew existed, and that he was doing it for revenge against her Aunt Addie, Katie took a leave from her K-9 team assistance job to come back to aid her aunt run the ranch and with hopes of finding the missing reindeer. Although never really motherly, Aunt Addie had raised Katie from age 10, after the death of her parents. Plus there’s the annual Christmas Fair to get planned and ready for.

Brayden and his Newfoundland K-9, Ella, were given the job of doing patrols of the ranch after the sudden and disastrous appearance of Terrence. When Addie was shot, he was put on permanent duty to protect both Addie and Katie. His working relationship with Katie was tedious to say the least. Being the only one to vote no for her being hired, he mistook her intentions when she told him unfavorable things about his then girlfriend as revenge for his vote. After being around her more on the ranch, he begins to see the real Katie and feels bad about his initial reactions to her.

With each attempt, Terrence gets more brazen and dangerous as he is determined to get what he feels is rightfully his. According to Addie, he’s always been a loose cannon even before he disappeared all those years ago. After Charlie is severely injured, will Terrence’s antics have the town cancelling the Christmas Fair? Without it how will the ranch survive? There’s more on the line her than the safety of two women!

Can Katie and Brayden get over their first impressions to be friends – many more? Is their 8 year age different too big of a bridge? Will keeping facts close to the breast be mistaken for lying? Will Brayden be able to keep his promise to capture Terrence and protect both the women and the ranch? Will they be able to find Thunder and Lulu – reuniting her with her baby? Does quick tempered, outspoken Addie have a softer side for one man in particular? Can they open the Christmas Fair on time and save the ranch? Is there a future for Katie and Brayden or once the mission is accomplish will he move on to the next case?

YUKON JUSTICE by Dana Mentink is a delightful, full of excitement story with just the right mixture of suspense and romance to keep you turning pages to the very end. The author will have you falling in love with the main characters, feeling angst toward the evil character, playing detective right alongside the Alaska State troopers and aching to be near both the reindeer and the K-9’s - who are all amazing. YUKON JUSTICE is an exceptional addition to the Alaska K-9 Unit series. Although part of a series, it can definitely be read as a standalone book. FIVE STARS for sure!
1,575 reviews30 followers
November 20, 2021
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

I always enjoy a good romantic suspense and I can always expect a great read when thr book is written by Dana Mentink. Yukon Justice is set in beautiful Alaska on a reindeer farm, no doubt with the disappearance of two of their reindeer. Katie and her aunt are in danger and need to act fast in order to survive. Alaska State Trooper Brayden Ford is on this case along with his K-9 partner Ella. Oh, how much I love Ella! She is my favorite character by far.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I always love books set in Alaska, I think because I love snow and there’s more than an abundance of it in Alaska books. Dana Mentink does another wonderful job writing Yukon Justice. With amazing characters who play their parts well throughout the story, this fast pace read with have you on the edge of your seat through the entire book. This Love Inspired book may be little, but it is chunked full of action that you don’t want to miss. There is a lot going on in this story that will keep your attention and entertain you for several hours. I highly recommend Yukon Justice to anyone loving a good suspense with romance woven through.

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Profile Image for Suzie Waltner.
Author 13 books148 followers
November 10, 2021
Dana Mentink is one of my favorite Love Inspired Suspense authors, and she does it again in Yukon Justice with a struggling reindeer farm, a state trooper, and his newfoundland dog who loves the water.

Katie and Brayden have some big speed bumps in their history of knowing each other, but when Brayden’s assigned protection detail for Katie, they each see another side of the person they thought they knew.

For those following the Alaska K9 series, the entire gang makes an appearance and for those who have picked up this book without realizing it’s part of a series, the book stands alone just fine. There was one place I was confused (as I am in the camp that has not read the other books) trying to keep track of all of the investigations happening with the team, but it was a couple paragraphs and then I was immersed back in the story.

I did feel like the end of this one was more abrupt than other books by Mentink, but I still got the happy ending I crave in my romantic suspense books.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jeanette Fallon.
788 reviews17 followers
November 14, 2021
Yukon Justice
Mysterious and exciting! I enjoyed the twists and turns of this Love Inspired Suspense Story by Dana Mentik.

How could you not enjoy a story involving a sensitive and strong State Trooper and a Newfoundland dog who was a hero? The location was in Alaska and at a reindeer farm/rescue! It was great all around.

Katie and Brayden knew each other from work. Trust was not easy for either one. But when Katie was in danger, she had to trust him or her life was at stake.

I enjoyed this book and finished it in one night.



I received this ebook from Celebrate Lit to review.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Profile Image for Tabitha Bouldin.
Author 45 books706 followers
November 18, 2021
Katie and Brayden make an interesting pair for this book. I thoroughly enjoyed how their past kept them from being friends right away, and they had to work through their misconceptions and problems while dealing with Katie's uncle. The suspense was impactful and I never knew what might happen next. Add in Brayden's Newfie, Ella, and the trio is complete. The heroism in Yukon Justice made my heart soar, even as it pounded in fear that this case would be the one that got away. I loved learning about reindeer and how Aunt Addie might not be the mother Katie wanted but her gruff exterior hid a heart of gold. There is a clear faith message in the book that never felt forced but also never hid. A perfect mix of suspense, romance, and faith. I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for RebekahAshleigh.
237 reviews
February 11, 2024
Once again I decided to read a book purely because there’s a Newfoundland on the cover. ;) I did enjoy the story though. I liked the characters for the most part and the mystery was enjoyable. The Newfoundland, Ella, was so cute and her love for playing in water, including her water dish and puddles, reminded me of my own Newfoundland, Finley!
I did think the ending seemed a little out of the blue and rushed but overall I thought it was an enjoyable book.
Profile Image for Patrizia.
1,943 reviews42 followers
November 6, 2021
4 stelle e mezza
Bella storia, nonostante il fatto che si sapesse dall'inizio chi fosse il cattivo. Mi sono innamorata della cagna che si butta nell'acqua non appena ne vede un po' e che ruba il cibo: sembra una bambinona un po' cresciuta!
Profile Image for Laurie.
277 reviews29 followers
October 23, 2021
4.5 stars

Someone is stealing reindeer off of Katie Kapowski’s aunt Addie’s Family K Reindeer ranch, and her reluctant aunt needs Katie’s help to apprehend the perpetrator, Addie’s estranged brother, Terrence. Leaving her dream job in Anchorage, Alaska as assistant to the Alaskan K-9 Unit, no thanks to State Trooper Brayden Ford who thought her incapable of handling the job and denied recommending her for it, Katie is on her way from Anchorage to Palmer to assist the woman who raised her since she was ten years old after a tragedy changed Katie’s life forever.  Realizing that she can’t capture a homicidal lunatic on her own, Katie knows she will need help.  She didn’t  expect that help to come in the form of Brayden Ford, the man who felt humiliated by what Katie revealed to him regarding the woman he loved. Brayden is the last person she wants helping her, but her uncle is hurting people she cares about and she can’t let him win.  Terrence is relentless, and Katie is determined to get the stolen reindeer back and save the Family K Ranch even if she has to wrestle with her feelings about Brayden Ford while doing it.

Dana Mentink is a highly skilled suspense writer. Yukon Justice has just the right amount of suspense to keep the pages turning. When you consider the gentle development of romance and subtle Christian theme it wins on all levels. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading others like it.

I received a complimentary copy of Yukon Justice from the author for my honest opinion which I have given.
1,759 reviews33 followers
September 5, 2021
It's not very often that you know who the villain is at the beginning of the book but such is the case in this story! That doesn't make any difference as far as the great characters, non-stop action and great storytelling though. This book is great! Katie's uncle is going to get her and her aunt's reindeer farm and land one way or another. He's a pretty terrible person and has no scruples! When the Alaskan State Troopers are called in, Brayden Ford and his K-9 partner, Ella, are to protect Katie and her aunt. However, no one can figure out how Katie's uncle knows every move they are making and how he can get on the property so easily with all the law enforcement presence. The bad things keep happening! Katie and Brayden don't have a very good history but they are learning to work together to catch the uncle. Why isn't it working? I love Ella the K-9! These dogs are amazing! As I said, there was a lot of action and quite a few surprises along the way!
834 reviews13 followers
November 15, 2021
I enjoyed reading this story. It is a part of a series (by different authors) and I assume that some of the cases that get talked about in the book are carry overs from the other books, but I didn't feel totally lost, either. I found the book to be well written and great for keeping my attention. I had a suspect in mind of who was helping Terrence, but turned out to be wrong which was nice since I usually end up figuring it out before it is revealed. I did wonder how Katie's last name could be the same as Addie and Terrence since it was Katie's mom that was related to them. Katie would have her dad's (different) last name. Not that it changed how I felt about the book, just a curiosity. I found out some interesting facts about reindeer through the book. I look forward to reading more books by Dana Mentink.

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.
Profile Image for Debbie.
2,559 reviews4 followers
November 15, 2021
"Yukon Justice" by Dana Mentink is a great read if you like suspense without it being too graphic and if you want romance. I really liked this book and want to read the next books that is coming. This book can read as a stand alone but it does mention other cases that are being solved and mentions previously events that the characters were involved in so as always I say read the entire series (Alaska K-9 Unit)
in order that they were written.

I recommend reading this book and found out how the reindeers are saved and who is helping the evil uncle, you might just be surprised as I was.

So this book has two romances developing.

I think this book was fun to read because it was about a reindeer ranch and it is in November. Christmas isn't really talked about except for the Christmas fair but Reindeer is a symbol of Christmas.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
1,065 reviews23 followers
October 11, 2021
I'm loving this Alaska K-9 Unit series! Dana Mentink has added another great read to the series with Yukon Justice. The characters were easy to picture as I read the story. Katie is very independent with a tender heart, and Brayden has a once bitten, twice shy attitude towards romance. And Katie's Aunt Addie is brusque but devoted to Katie and the rescued reindeer. I adored Ella, the K-9 featured in this book. Her slight naughtiness added to the fun. I enjoyed learning about reindeer. The suspense starts early and had me not wanting to put the book down until I finished. There is an HEA and a very satisfying conclusion to the plot. I highly recommend this book to both clean and inspirational romantic suspense readers.
I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this well-written romantic suspense.
Profile Image for Kim.
322 reviews12 followers
October 15, 2021
Yukon Justice by Dana Mentink is the seventh book in the multi-author Love Inspired Suspense Alaska K-9 Unit series. K-9 team assistant Katie Kapowski returns home to the family reindeer ranch after several sabotage attempts are made against the ranch and her aunt. She becomes the next target after her arrival. Can Alaska State Trooper, Brayden Ford and his dog Ella, protect her? I love stories set in Alaska; and this one mentioned places I have actually visited! Katie and Brayden had to work through their trust issues, but they were so suited for each other. I enjoyed the K-9 aspect of the story, and learning a little bit about reindeer. Katie was no fainting heroine. She used her head and helped herself out of sticky situations. You were kept guessing what was going to happen next! Suspense at its finest!


I received this book from Celebrate-Lit for my honest review.
Profile Image for J.E. Grace.
Author 23 books141 followers
October 23, 2021
Yukon Justice is a wonderfully written suspense novel set in Alaska at a reindeer ranch. The descriptions of the everyday activities of the ranch brought the story to life for me.

The character of Katie is a strong-willed and independent person like her Aunt Addie, who rely on each other. When Addie's brother threatens to take the ranch, they must rely on Brayden and his K-9 unit to protect them.

There are lots of twists in the story that kept me guessing. Definitely, a page-turner that had me hooked from the beginning. I loved the faith element that seemed to touch the lives of Brayden, Addie, and Katie. All around wonderful suspenseful read that I highly recommend.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it.

Profile Image for Susan.
624 reviews31 followers
October 18, 2021
Take a reindeer ranch, kidnapped reindeer, a mischievous Newfoundland, and a killer on the loose and you end up with a great book. I loved Katie and Brayden, and (of course) their non-human friends. There was a lot to figure out in this book. How was the killer getting the information that he needed? I loved how Brayden’s mom and Katie’s aunt had given them the same scripture to help them through difficult times. It told them to keep “eyes up, not down”. That phrase came up several times in the book. I thought this was a great book and I would recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Janice Sisemore.
1,647 reviews15 followers
October 27, 2021
Yukon Justice

I enjoyed reading Yukon Justice so much. So much suspense, never knew when Katie’s uncle was going to show up. Katie’s uncle is trying to take over the family reindeer’s ranch but not in a good way. I loved Katie and how much she loved the reindeer. A lot of great characters in the book. Besides the reindeers the dog played a big part. I enjoy reading books that are set in Alaska. I always wanted to visit there but probably never will, but at least I get to through books.

Yukon Justice is part of a series but is read as a stand alone.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. This book review is my own opinion.

Profile Image for Kasandra.
Author 7 books39 followers
October 29, 2021
You might need some supplemental oxygen for this one. Dana Mentink always puts her hero and heroine in danger, but Yukon Justice is extreme from the first moment. I loved the interplay between Katie and Brayden. Then throw in the dog and reindeer factors and you have a memorable romantic suspense.

I received a copy of Yukon Justice from the author for review purposes. The opinions expressed are my honest opinions.
Profile Image for Joanna.
53 reviews
November 4, 2021
This book was so fantastic! I found Katie and Brayden's love story such a joy to read! Brayden's character was adorably quirky and I liked how he was a "heart on his sleeve" kind of guy too! Katie was fiesty but a likeable character, as is her Aunt Addie! The storyline was good, with plenty of plot twists! Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Definitely recommend!
Profile Image for Sarah.
639 reviews56 followers
November 20, 2021
Once again Dana Mentink writes a pulse-pounding romantic suspense, this one perfect for chilly weather. Set on a fairly remote reindeer ranch near Palmer, Alaska, “Yukon Justice” has me rethinking the loveliness of such Alaskan solitude. It’s a state that I would love to visit precisely for its natural beauty and seclusion, and the fact that it’s not part of the contiguous United States only adds to its mysterious allure. Although obviously not true of the entire state, when I think of Alaska, the first thing that comes to mind is off-grid living, which speaks to the pioneering, simplicity-seeking part of me. There are, however, drawbacks to such a lifestyle, or to just living in an isolated location. Such as a murderous relative, for example. And you thought your family didn’t get along!

On leave from her hard-earned job as assistant to the Alaska K-9 Unit Colonel and the group of state troopers with their canines, Katie Kapowski is working to help save her Aunt Addie’s reindeer ranch from her Uncle Terrence’s resentful sabotage. Believing himself to be the rightful owner, Terrence will stop at nothing, including coldblooded murder, to claim what he thinks is his. To Katie’s dismay, State Trooper Brayden Ford is the co-worker assigned to the case, a challenge given their less-than-congenial past encounters. Nevertheless, as the situation at the ranch escalates, Katie and Brayden, along with his Newfoundland, Ella, take on the challenges as a team. During one moment early in their partnership, they connect over the Scripture verse of Romans 8:31, and Brayden reflects that this is “A God thing, as his mom used to say. Too bad he didn’t let more of those God things out of his mouth. Might be less room for his foot.” Such amusing contemplations imbue the story with comedic relief throughout.

“Yukon Justice” delivers an inspirational tale of perseverance and overcoming through the ordeals of the characters. Ella, trained in underwater search-and-rescue, plays a more secondary role to Katie, Addie, Brayden, and Terrence, in my opinion, and although I would have liked to have seen her used a bit more, she still adds entertainment and her own proficiency to the storyline. Mentink develops and matures her characters as the plot unfolds and they must face their weaknesses, which includes releasing control and asking for help. I love the maxim that Brayden learned from his mom and passes on to Katie, one derived from Romans 8:31: “Eyes up, not down.” As Katie experiences, “There was danger and stress and uncertainty, all mixed up with a mega portion of fear, but with Brayden’s hand holding hers, she felt a strong surge of hope, and another smile broke across her face.” Trusting that God will ultimately work everything out is rarely easy in the midst of the storm, but it is necessary if we want our anchor to be secure.

Complete with suspense, life lessons, romance, a goofy Newfie, and yes, reindeer, “Yukon Justice” hits all the sweet spots for lovers of the genre and newcomers alike. “Sure as eggs in April!”

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
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