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September Day #2

Hide And Seek

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A mysterious contagion will shatter countless lives unless a service dog and his trainer find a missing cat . . . in 24 hours.

Eight years ago, animal behaviorist September Day escaped a sadistic captor who left her ashamed, terrified, and struggling with PTSD. She trusts no one--except her Maine Coon cat Macy and service dog Shadow.

Shadow also struggles with trust. A German Shepherd autism service dog who rescued his child partner only to lose his-boy forever, Shadow's crippling fear of abandonment shakes his faith in humans.

Can September solve an epidemic of Alzheimer's-like symptoms, evade a relentless sadist from her past, and protect her chosen family from the killer?

Hide And Seek is the second action-packed installment in the gripping September and Shadow series. If you like roller-coaster thrills and courageous animal heroes, then you’ll love Amy Shojai’s dark suspense series.

273 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 12, 2014

398 people are currently reading
423 people want to read

About the author

Amy Shojai

125 books308 followers
Amy Shojai has been reinventing herself for years. She writes THRILLERS WITH BITE! in her debut thriller LOST AND FOUND that features a service dog, hero cat, an animal behaviorist named September Day, and assorted mayhem. The sequel HIDE AND SEEK continues the story with terror from the past revisiting the heroine. The next book in the series, SHOW AND TELL brings the story full circle. The 4th title FIGHT OR FLIGHT introduces some new characters and challenges. And book #5 HIT AND RUN answers many questions about September's past.

Amy's a certified animal behavior consultant, and the award-winning author of 35+ best-selling pet books that cover furry babies to old-fogies, first aid to natural healing, and behavior/training to Chicken Soup-icity. She created the puppies.about.com site and was the cat behavior expert at cats.About.com. Amy has been featured as an expert in hundreds of print venues including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Reader's Digest, and Family Circle, as well as national radio and television networks such as CNN, Animal Planet's DOGS 101 and CATS 101. She brings her unique pet-centric viewpoint to her Bling, Bitches & Blood Blog, public appearances.

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5 stars
204 (52%)
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116 (30%)
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48 (12%)
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14 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Marion Over.
386 reviews9 followers
March 21, 2022
This is a fast-paced thriller that kind of hits me in the heart. Having my own good boy and building through all the trust issues a really smart dog can have. I love the animal point of view parts of the book.
Profile Image for Victor Gentile.
2,035 reviews64 followers
June 10, 2014
Amy Shojai in her new book, “Hide And Seek” Book Two in the September Day series published by Cool Gus Publishing gives us another adventure with September Day.

From the back cover: A mysterious contagion will shatter countless lives unless a service dog and his trainer find a missing cat . . . in 24 hours.

A STALKER hides in plain sight.

A VICTIM faces her worst fear.

AND A DOG seeks the missing—and finds hope.

Eight years ago, animal behaviorist September Day escaped a sadistic captor who left her ashamed, terrified, and struggling with PTSD. She trusts no one—except her cat Macy and service dog Shadow.

Shadow also struggles with trust. A German Shepherd autism service dog who rescued his child partner only to lose his-boy forever, Shadow’s crippling fear of abandonment shakes his faith in humans.

They are each others’ only chance to survive the stalker’s vicious payback, but have only 24 hours to uncover the truth about Macy’s mysterious illness or pay the deadly consequences. When September learns to trust again, and a good-dog takes a chance on love, together they find hope in the midst of despair–and discover what family really means.

“Hide And Seek” is a clever medical thriller. Not only do we have an emotionally wounded September but we also have an emotionally wounded German Shepherd named Shadow. There is an epidemic of Prion Disease and Macy, September’s cat, may have it or hold the answer to the solution. First September and Shadow will have to find Macy and they cannot do it alone. They will need help. And quickly too as bodies are beginning to stack up. Ms. Shojai has given us a fairly complex story that whips along at a brisk pace. “Hide And Seek” is very exciting and quite a page-turner. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Partners In Crime. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Profile Image for Lelia Taylor.
872 reviews19 followers
July 20, 2014
Question: If a book is a mystery and a cat and a dog have significant parts, what subgenre of mystery is it?

Answer: Most likely a cozy unless the book is Hide and Seek by Amy Shojai. If you’ve picked up this book thinking you’re about to read a cozy, you’ll be very surprised. In fact, you should walk away from the book.

If, on the other hand, you’d like a good deal of nailbiting suspense, a fair amount of psychological distress both past and current, quite a bit of action and even a little humor here and there and, yes, a pair of pets you’d like to call your own, then you’ve come to the right place.

Ms. Shojai weaves a tale of intersecting plotlines that range from the highly questionable behavior of a reality show’s star and host to a death that causes untold stress in a woman damaged by her own past to the playful antics of Macy and Shadow, a cat and dog that share a home with September Day. In the early stages, Macy is the only one of the trio who isn’t in some sort of psychological recovery but then Macy becomes the focus of a search for a lot of answers, not the least of which is who—or what—is making people and animals so sick?

A menace from September’s painful past, a missing woman, a little girl who loves kitties, a smarmy tabloid reporter all contribute to a story rich in tension and uncertainty as well as the many emotional attachments we all have in our lives. In the long run, it was the latter that really got my attention and Ms. Shojai is equally adept at making those attachments believable whether they’re of the animal or human variety and spending time with Macy and Shadow was especially enjoyable in those quiet moments that relieve the anxiety of the core thriller.

There are occasions when we see the action through Shadow’s eyes and instincts but readers who prefer animals not be anthropomorphic need not be concerned—Shadow does not tell the tale nor does he do any sleuthing.

Hide and Seek is a story full of surprises and I’m looking forward to spending much more time with this little family in the next book and all that will follow.

Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, June 2014.
Profile Image for Kelly.
107 reviews32 followers
March 7, 2014
Hide & Seek is the second book in Amy Shojai's September Day series. In the first book (Lost & Found) we met September, as well as meeting Shadow the dog. This second book gives us a more in-depth look at September's past and how it has formed who she is today. Along with this exploration we get exposure to Texan reality TV and the issue of feral pigs. While we do re-acquaint ourselves with some of the characters from the first book, we also meet more community members and get a better sense of the community that September lives in.

This book is packed with suspense and I love how Shojai started out with several seemingly separate story lines and then skillfully brought them together as the climax approached. This is an excellent book and I recommend it for anybody that enjoys mystery and suspense.
Profile Image for Cathy.
399 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2014
Thoughts so far: I love it that September named her cello and what a cool name (Melody)
I like it that we get to hear things from Shadow’s perspective (good-dog).
September Day is an expert with animals. Her German Shepard is a service dog originally trained for an autistic boy. You will find out who that boy really is in this book and there was more about him in the previous book called Lost and Found. September uses Shadow as her service dog now as she has PTSD from an awful experience in her past. She does not allow anyone to get close to her afraid they will be hurt. I had actually read about the problem with feral pigs in Texas and this book brings that issue to light with a reality show. They have local hunters going out and shooting them.
I loved how the author tied all the characters together and made it all make sense.
Great book!
Profile Image for Kathi.
1,329 reviews4 followers
May 8, 2022
I read the first book in the series in July 2019 and don't remember a lot of its plot line. I did give it 4 stars and proceeded to collect more volumes in the series. I just haven't gotten around to reading more of the books.

As for this one: I enjoyed the non-stop action in the story line and the tidbits of Ms. Shojai's veterinary/behavioral expertise. Whipped through it in two days, about as long as the story took to unfold. But editing errors tripped me up.
Chapter 14: "and now wore boot-cut zipper boots."
Chapter 15: "She finger-combed her metallic blue nails through the matching streaks in her wavy hair. -- and two paragraphs (5 minutes) later -- "She waved one hand in the hair to speed the drying time of the nail enamel."
Chapter 22: "He waited impatiently for her to climbed out and open his door."

Because it had been so long since reading the first book, I didn't remember who Teddy, Mark and Doc Eugene were in relation to September. The two latter characters were explained, Teddy was not. A back story to Combs' career was referred to, but not explained/refreshed. I also wondered about Christopher and Dakota -- but looking back at what other reviewers said about the first book, I guess that no one knew the details there until finishing this volume. I will continue reading this series -- the books are already in my library.
Profile Image for Susan.
Author 2 books28 followers
July 9, 2014
I found the second book in the September Day series a compelling medical thriller, well written with careful attention to detail. Previews for the book suggested this was a “dog viewpoint” thriller. The story is actually told from multiple points of view, with the most intriguing perspective offered by Shadow, the protagonist’s service dog. The inclusion of the dog’s perspective added a unique twist to this thriller.

The author is a certified animal behavior consultant, and her love of animals clearly shines through her writing. It’s also clear that she is an avid researcher, committed to delving deep into the details that comprise the medical elements of the plot. While I enjoyed and appreciated the details about animal training (particularly the vocabulary training exercises!), the medical information was presented at length at multiple points in the story, slowing the pace a bit for me. This might well be, however, merely a reflection of my personal interests; regular readers of medical thrillers will likely appreciate this element of the plot.

With multiple characters and story lines introduced early in the book, readers might find it helpful to read the series in order. (The first book is Lost and Found.) I’d recommend this book to fans of thriller and suspense fiction, and anyone who loves animals in high-suspense mysteries.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Partners In Crime. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Profile Image for Amy Shojai.
Author 125 books308 followers
April 14, 2017
"HIDE AND SEEK proves Shojai's masterful skill at blending ripped-from-the-headlines urgency with an emotional story of real characters in escalating dangers. Add in revelatory dose of animal psychology and behavior, and you have a thriller that had me turning pages deep into the night. Here is a novel written with authority and with a deft brilliance that any lover of animals or nerve-jangling thrillers will cherish."
--James Rollins, New York Times bestseller of "The Eye of God"

"HIDE AND SEEK is a creepy must read mystery for animal lovers. Animal behaviorist Amy Shojai knows her stuff."
--J.T. Ellison, NYT bestselling author of "When Shadows Fall"

"Featuring a young animal behaviorist struggling to regain her bearings after a shocking betrayal, a reality TV show gone horribly wrong, and a series of murders and disappearances seemingly related to an unthinkable cause, HIDE AND SEEK is a mystery/thriller you won’t be able to put down!"
--Alan Leverone, best-selling thriller author of "Mr. Midnight" and "The Lonely Mile"

"If you’re a fan of medical thrillers by the likes of Robin Cook or Michael Palmer, you will absolutely love this book. If you enjoy a well-written mystery featuring a lot of animals, you will also love it. Just don’t plan on picking it up unless you have some extra free time." Ingrid King of THE CONSCIOUS CAT. Read the rest of the review here.
Profile Image for Lyrak.
6 reviews
June 16, 2015
If you liked Amy's first novel, you will definitely like this one too. Just as much action, and an even creepier bad guy - it definitely stands up as a sequel.
Profile Image for Jeni.
283 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2017
3.5 stars. I received an audiobook copy from the author in exchange for an honest review; this in no way affects my opinions, although I am grateful to the author, Amy Shojai for the opportunity to listen and review her work.

Hide and Seek is the second book in the September Day series and starts off a few weeks after Lost and Found leaves off. While Lost and Found does not end with a cliffhanger, I think that reading it first will greatly enhance your understanding of this second book in the series. This book starts off a lot slower and I found it a bit difficult to see where all the pieces fit into place. There were so many different subplots going in so many different directions, that at times, I felt a bit discombobulated or disoriented. It kept skipping around and it wasn't until about 65-70% of the way through the book until the picture starts to emerge. Lots of little clues are dropped along the way that you must be aware of as they are important later on. I don't say any of this as a negative per se, I say it as it was quite the departure from the first book. This book was like different balls rolling in slowly from different directions, but once they come together and get going, it's like an avalanche or an unstoppable train. I love the alternating points of view between September and Shadow (the dog). You would think a dog's POV would be cheesy or childish, but no, Amy Shojai knows so much about animals and their behavior that this adds to the experience of the story and makes fiction an educational experience. I am definitely looking forward to listening to or reading the next book in the series as they are creative, fun, suspenseful, and exciting. These are not cozy mysteries and are not for the faint of heart!

I listened to the audio version, so I cannot comment on any spelling/grammar/formatting issues. The audio is narrated by the author, Amy, herself. You can tell this is not a professional recording, and thus should be priced accordingly. It is a bit tinny and there are a few faint crackles. This did not detract from my listening experience though, as I was used to it after the first few minutes and I am not all that picky. Her performance is great and she does a great job of differentiating between all the many characters in dialogue and narrator. It would be great as a Whispersync add-on for only a couple bucks. I enjoyed listening to this book while driving and my horse especially liked listening to Amy's voice as I was with him!
Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books31 followers
April 16, 2023
I am so glad I discovered this artists, yes I know I am talking about a writer but she writes such vivid and captivating stories that just sweep you up with each stroke or word, like an artist. I started with book five but enjoyed it so much I had to find out what went on before. This book was just as good. The reason I liked it so much is because a lot is going on and you are never sure where the author is going to take you. I love the animals (and that was the reason I gave the book ago in the first place) but it is so much more than a dog and her clever dog. The story is told by a number of characters as they play there part in the mystery. You even get to hear what the dog is thinking, which I know sounds strange but it isn't and I can even imagine my dog thinking the same thing 'I am a Good dog'. I wouldn't call it a who done it because September doesn't investigate the murder, instead she reacts to the situation she finds herself in and you do spend most of the book trying to work out how the people are getting sick. Definitely into the next book.
September Day is beginning to restart her life after escaping from her stalker with the help of her cat and dog. The problem is when gifts start turning up she fears he has found her again. After he killed the last person to help her she is fearful to turn to anybody else but can she do it alone? Especially when he knows her weakness, the love of her pets? At the same time September stumbles over the body of a reporter, only for the body to disappear before the police arrive. Before he crashed into September's gate he was working on a story about sick pets and the fact that people where also getting sick. As proof he was bringing his cat to her. Did somebody silence him before he could discover more? Or was it just a wild goose chase? Can September out run her stalker long enough to find out?
I liked the narrator. I think it also helps that she is the writer and knows how the story should sound. Some of the voices does make me laugh though.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntary left this review.
203 reviews6 followers
October 18, 2022
A delight - if you love dogs (and can at least tolerate cats).

This is the second novel from Shojai, and it continues the story of September Day. Hey, that's her married name - her given name is September January! Equally important to the story is the 99 pound German Shepherd, Shadow, who she trained initially to be a service dog for her autistic "nephew.". That story is told in great detail in the first volume ( and Shojai's first novel after twenty min fiction times dealing with animals).

More of her life prior to returning to Heartland, Texas is revealed here, including what happened to her that had her stay away for eight years. Suffice it to say that her new flu e notoriety in the first book drew the attention of her captor/stalker. He heads there, having dramatically changed his appearance, and sets out for payback. She's saved by Shadow, a detective who is trying to winner heart, and the fact that she's no longer a scared 16 year old.

Since its part of a series, there are references to book one - but done in such a way that it would be worthwhile exploring, not absolutely necessary to make sense of things. And, of course, the next volume suggests more time that will be tied to that volume as well! This is the first time I had my Kindle power off on me because I couldn't put a book down! So I'm gonna send this review and let it charge fully before I start on number three!
4,075 reviews21 followers
August 13, 2019
Hide And Seek is the second book in the September Day series by Amy Shojai but it is the first book I have read written y her. This is by no means your mother’s cozy animal mystery. It is an excellent edge-of-the-seat, psychological thriller. A trio consisting of one woman, one dog and one cat face the threat from the past and the present day danger together. Instead of being alone there is a whole host of others who are also on their side. Despite the trust issues that abound in this group, they work as a team and family, making it an emotional story along with the hair raising suspenseful.

I was surprised but pleased by the role that the animals played in this book. They are major to the story being part of some of my favorite scenes. The plot is intricate with connecting lines that bring about a finish that I was afraid wouldn’t happened but it did perfectly. Here’s to “the chosen family”, New Year’s or any day of the year!

The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
485 reviews
November 20, 2018
This is the second book in the series. September Day is an interesting character. She appears strong but has issues from her past which effects her relationship with her family. She has a dog and cat who are much like companion animals. September gets involved in a situation that involves contaminated pork which affects animals and possibly people. A reporter gets killed, her cat is kidnapped, the local Vet Tech gets killed. All revolving around her “stalker”. September makes bad decessions which aggravated me as a reader; she gets into situations b/c of her poor choices. Her dog is an awesome character. All ends happily . I felt sorry that the Vet Tech got killed. I like his character and what he brought to the story line. The book started with details of everyone involved in the story which made it drag! I thought there could have been a better way. I read book one and I’m not sure if I’ll read book 3.
Profile Image for Darla Taylor.
1,831 reviews
February 25, 2021
September Day escaped from a man who kept her captive eight years ago but it left her with internal scars. She doesn't fully trust anyone other than Macy, her Maine Coon cat, and Shadow, her service dog. Now there's an epidemic of an illness with Alzheimer's-like symptoms affecting both animals and people. In addition, a sadist from her past is back in September's life. Can she put the clues together in time to save others while trying to escape with her life?

I found this book a little harder to get through than the first one but it was successful. It was difficult for me to get through the first half but that was mainly due to my not wanting to read certain things. The second half of the book flew by for me. The book was well-written with well-rounded characters, some of whom you'll like and others you won't. I am looking forward to the next book in the series and do recommend this one. I suggest you read the two books in order for the most enjoyment and benefit of the series.
Profile Image for Beverly.
361 reviews
September 4, 2017
My thoughts:
Great read! A wide variety of creative characters - and of course the fantastic animal characters (which are my favorites --- huge animal lover here!).
The story is fast paced, mysterious and thrilling. I liked how the perspective changed in each chapter, adding to the intrigue and fleshing out the story and plot.
I wasn't sure what I was going to think of the book when I first met some of the characters, but found myself gripped by the story within the first 20 pages.
I had not read the first book in the series and found that although I enjoyed the story and it could stand alone, reading the first book would have enhanced the second. A worthy way to spend an afternoon - I will be reading Lost and Found as soon as the opportunity arises.
Profile Image for Rabid Reader.
959 reviews16 followers
August 31, 2019
This is an exciting, suspenseful thriller that is told from multiple points of view, including an intriguing perspective by Shadow, September Day’s service dog. Animal behaviorist, September Day, escaped a sadistic captor eight years ago, but it left her struggling with PTSD and trusting no one except her German Shepherd service dog and her Main Coon cat, Macy. Now, her past is rearing its ugly head again and a mysterious illness is striking people and animals, including her beloved Macy. The narrator of the audio book did a great job, she gave individual voices to the characters and put tension and emotion in all the right places. This is a fast paced, suspenseful story that will have you on the edge of your seat and story and leave you wanting more of these great characters.
430 reviews88 followers
April 19, 2021
Hide and Seek is the second book in the September Day series. Unfortunately I had not read (or listened to) the first book, so it took me a little bit to figure out who some of the players were. There were definitely enough hints for me to figure out the general background, and it didn't take away from this story. The suspense certainly hooked me and I didn't want to put it down until I got to the end.

Amy Shojai is both the author and narrator for this book, and she did a great job with both! I really like how she incorporated the animals into the story and I especially loved when we were able to experience things from Shadow's point of view.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
506 reviews3 followers
July 9, 2018
Hide And Seek was an AWESOME READ!!

Hide And Seek, was a non-stop read! September has possession of Shadow now and adding training to the young pup.
Things go crazy, quickly in this book. A Production Company is filming the killing of wild hogs. A big reveal of the newest season coming up soon.
But, animals are getting sick and bodies of people are turning up. On top of all this, September's stalker seems to have found her.
Can even Detective Combs figure out what's going on, with all the crazy happenings? Guess you'll have to read this book, to find out...lol
Profile Image for Roger.
5,517 reviews26 followers
Read
April 6, 2021
Hide And Seek (The September Day Series, #2), my second read from author Amy Shojai. A well-written story from a very good author. December seemed to be my month for new authors, January & February & then March continued the trend, and now April. “I received a free Author's Direct audio copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading Show and Tell (September Day #3). (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
1,549 reviews7 followers
December 30, 2018
A good read

This is a good riveting read with a great cast of eclectic characters. It has a devilish plot with heartbreaking memories told, though it has a great exciting pulse pounding ending.
I gave it four stars only because of editing errors, like contradictions and sloppy links in the story that just don’t fit together or link the story up well. It lacks that crisp professional editing that comes from a good editor, even though it’s a good story.
Profile Image for JoAnne Pegg.
107 reviews
April 21, 2019
Animals are amazing at picking up new tricks.

Book 2 of the September Day series was fantastic. Lots of action, drama and mystery. I love the way the pets responded to the things they were taught. People who enjoy reading about the great things pets can do when trained correctly will love this book and series. Awarded 5 stars. Very impressed with the cat and dog's obeying commands and love this series. Reading book #3 immediately!!!
Profile Image for Edwin Bessant.
48 reviews
November 16, 2019
A Detective story with a difference.

So this was book two of a series of four detective stories where two pets are the hero's.

This was again a great read, funny in places, it could even have in tears as the story unfolds. There's a lot of danger for the two pets as well as the human member of the family. There is also danger to other animals as well as humans. Bring on the next instalment I can't wait to read if.
333 reviews
September 30, 2020
Dogs Rule

This is the second of the series about September, her faithful pup Shadow, and of course her kitty Macy. September's stalker is back after 8 long years and only her wits, her pup, and kitty can save her. This is such a fascinating read! I can't wait to get started on book 3. I certainly recommend this book to anyone who loves mystery, mayhem, and critters. Just as an fyi, it's best to read them in order.
191 reviews1 follower
March 31, 2021
Hide and Seek

This story is about a woman named September, a cat named Macy and their dog, Shadow. Things aren't well with a mysterious disease not only affecting wild animals, but pets and now humans. In the mean time, September's stalker catches up with her. There is murder, intrigue, and suspense all rolled into one! It was a definite nail biter and champion book all in one!
Profile Image for Cat Kelley.
251 reviews8 followers
February 13, 2024
This continuation of September's story was a very real page-turner. It makes me want a finely trained therapy dog for me and my cat. However, I guess that's not going to happen.

The only criticism I have for this audiobook is the narration. The voices used, other than the soft southern voice, was very off-putting. I would have preferred not hearing those goofy voices.

I enjoyed the story.
12 reviews2 followers
November 25, 2017
A real page turner.

I really enjoyed this book. I didn't want to put it down and go to sleep. It grabs a hold of you and doesn't let go until the end. If you enjoy a good thriller, this is the book to read.
409 reviews
May 19, 2021
The saga continues!

It seems that as one horrific chapter ends another one starts!!! Will September ever find peace? Will she be able to help the autistic kids who were affected by the greed and failed medical issues in “Show and Tell”? The next chapter awaits!
Profile Image for gloria marquardt.
723 reviews7 followers
July 4, 2022
September seems to find a lot of trouble.

But trouble is what makes life interesting. This book was a winner but it took a while before we got to those parts. Once you did it was more than worth the effort.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

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