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Saying nothing in return, Reed listened as the phone cut out, the forest returning to relative silence around them.

His hands still cupping the underside of his partner’s face, he tilted his own down to match it, feeling the damp warmth of her fur against his skin.

“This girl just saved my ass,” he whispered. “That’s what the hell happened.”

For the past two months, Detective Reed Mattox and his K-9 partner Billie were in limbo. Victims of their own success, they were plucked from their post on the graveyard shift at the 8th Precinct and thrust into a newly created role working with the governor’s office when a young woman is shot down outside her front door.

Immediately written off by some in the small town as nothing more than a tragic hunting accident, closer examination proves it to not just be a murder but an execution. A very pointed and deliberate killing Reed fears may be the start of things as he and his partner begin unraveling what is behind such a heinous act.

Motivations stretching back several years, pulling them across much of the state and placing them both in harm’s way as they’ve never experience before…

442 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 9, 2021

1625 people are currently reading
314 people want to read

About the author

Dustin Stevens

84 books311 followers
I originally hail from the midwest, growing up in the heart of farm country, and still consider it, along with West Tennessee, my co-home. Between the two, I have a firm belief that football is the greatest of all past-times, sweet tea is really the only acceptable beverage for any occasion, there is not an event on earth that either gym shorts or boots can't be worn to, and that Dairy Queen is the best restaurant on the planet. Further, southern accents are a highly likeable feature on most everybody, English bulldogs sit atop the critter hierarchy, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with a Saturday night spent catfishing at the lake.

Since leaving the midwest I've been to college in New England, grad school in the Rockies, and lived in over a dozen different cities ranging from DC to Honolulu along the way. Each and every one of these experiences has shaped who I am at this point, a fact I hope is expressed in my writing. I have developed enormous affinity for locales and people of every size and shape, and even if I never figure out a way to properly convey them on paper, I am very much grateful for their presence in my life.

To sum it up, I asked a very good friend recently how they would describe me for something like this. Their response: "Plagued by realism and trained by experiences/education to be a pessimist, you somehow remain above all else an active dreamer." While I can't say those are the exact words I would choose, I can't say they're wrong. I travel, live in different places, try new foods, meet all kinds of different people, and above all else stay curious to a fault.

Here's hoping it continues to provide us all with some pretty good stories...

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5 stars
2,041 (62%)
4 stars
899 (27%)
3 stars
250 (7%)
2 stars
39 (1%)
1 star
19 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
12.6k reviews189 followers
August 29, 2021
Another outstanding Billie and Reed story that grabs you from the beginning. It was definitely impossible to not fall in love with all that happened and want more. Suspense and action to keep you gripped. Ready for more.
49 reviews2 followers
August 9, 2021
Dustin Stevens has delivered another tense and absorbing novel with The Promisor, a new Reed and Billie adventure. Larger than life characters work their way through a plot that weaves like wildfire. Stevens is on top of his game with The Promisor.

Called back from administrative banishment at the Governor’s request, Reed and Billie are handed a thorny murder case. With the political interest Reed asks himself if it is a path back to active duty or a setup for further isolation? Consummate professionals, Reed and Billie head to the crime scene - and into a territory dispute between the local Police Chief and the Sheriff’s Department. The victim is the wife of a prominent local attorney whose family roots are generations deep in the small town. The police are saying hunting accident and the Sheriff, who requested an assist from the Governor, sees it as a professional hit.

A distraught husband blames the death on his dead wife’s brother - currently in prison for gun running. This theory has legs and the team pushes it hard with Reed and Sheriff Valeria Meigs forming an instant professional bond. The second death with the same assassination style demands a reset and a rethink. The incarcerated brother wants to help by throwing a few thugs into the fray but Reed calls in his cyber sleuth to find the hazy dots and connect them.

Narrative on Billie’s K-9 skills in tracking down the shooter’s perch - at both scenes is fascinating - as is the relationship between Reed and Billie. They are perfect partners and Billie seems to read her human partner’s emotions a half a step before Reed feels them. Reed’s character has been developed so well and so human that readers will do a double take any time they see a K-9 team. In The Promisor, Reed takes his call summoning him to duty standing on his porch after cutting the grass, covered in grass clippings, dirt, and sweat and playing with his dog. “How soon can you get here”?”. Yes, this is a guy that works for a living. But what a job he does.

Chapters dealing with the Promisor and the events that triggered the mayhem break the tension of Reed, Billie, and the Sheriff trying to forestall any more kills but at the same time present more chilling aspects of what is unfolding. The Promisor is trained and proficient and had not been a lurking evil. Life events, stress, and grief combined to make the Promisor see himself as an avenging angel.

My only question is - when is the next adventure???
Profile Image for Babydoclaz.
539 reviews10 followers
August 9, 2024
I like the Reed and Billie series, but I could not get over the writing. Much of it is descriptive, which is fine, but also repetitive, describing the same thing in multiple ways. The editor let this author down.
Profile Image for Beth.
2,905 reviews26 followers
November 19, 2023
An intriguing start to new phase in the series

The series takes a turn in the story arc with this book. At the end of the last book Reed was informed that the Governor had a new assignment for him and his partner Billie. Reed wasn’t interested but there wasn’t really a choice. His captain and chief finagled to at least make it more palatable. Reed and Billie were victims of their own success and now the Governor sees a way to capitalize on it. Reed is none too pleased to get the first call for an assignment in his new arena.

It starts out very strange. Reed and Billie are sent to check on a shooting with little to no information or understanding of why the Governor picked this case. He arrives to find competing local departments with one believing it’s a hunting accident and the other that it was an intentional sniper attack. With little to go on, nothing that makes sense, and frustration from the start, Reed is having a tough time.

Reading Reed and Billie’s trajectory in the investigation is interesting and kept me hooked. I had theories from the start and as we get a partial feel for the killer via his POV chapters that helps us to have a head start on Reed. Certain things were clear to me from the beginning and as we learn more and more, and there’s a second victim, things start to take shape. Deke is once again instrumental in Reed’s investigation and I have a soft spot for him.

As the tension mounts and we feel the anxiety of both Reed and the killer it makes for an intense read. The book starts with a prologue that is actually a look into the future so we already have that scary situation in our heads as we move through the book.

I gobbled the book up as I was totally sucked in. I’m looking forward to the next book so we can watch Reed try to finesse this new assignment to make it work better for him and Billie.
Profile Image for Lori.
360 reviews12 followers
August 12, 2021
Great read, I enjoy Reed and Billie's stories.
An innocent, well-liked, woman is murdered outside of her home. Reed and Billie are called in to help find this killer who used a high-powered rifle from a very long range to kill her. They must take on the job, by the Governor's request, of finding out who could have done such an atrocity.
Reed searches for answers with the help of Billie his partner and an excellent tracker dog who has a high-ranking military status and a history of great success.
Where to start is the big question, is this in retaliation for her brother's crimes? One of her previous cases? Her husband's dealings? When someone else is murdered Reed knows he has to find the connection if there is one, or is there a serial killer on the loose.
The story is told from Reed's and the killer’s perspectives. Not revealing the “why” until the end. The story keeps you on edge and isn't predictable. If this is your genre it's a great read.
460 reviews2 followers
August 17, 2021
A Riveting, Intense Story About Promises Made But Not Completed

Dustin Stevens is one of the best thriller writers I've ever read and this book is no exception. As it began I was wondering what course this story would take compared to previous books. While it took a turn or two from what I might have expected I was enthralled with how the author guided the reader in the twists that followed. While the Reed and Billie series are located in my home state I am nonetheless impressed with Mr. Stevens' selection of locations so as to use locales and geography (specifically varying landscapes and land forms) to highlight environs as different as possible within the state's confines. This gives me an extra thrill. But nothing compares to the thrill of the pursuit of and capture of a misguided criminal. Well done, Dustin Stevens for another satisfying read!
15 reviews2 followers
October 3, 2021
The Reed and Billie series is a winner, each story different and good reading

Another great murder mystery with Reed and Billie! They are all worth the read. The editing got better through the series. Less typos and grammatical errors than were present in the first few books. I'm glad I kept reading.
These stories go both inside the mind of Detective Reed Mattox and inside the mind of the perpetrator alternately throughout the narrative. I like this, and you still don't know who the perpetrator is until the last confrontations that occur with them. The supporting characters are well fleshed out and work well together. I also learned a lot about how K-9 detectives are invaluable. The bond between Reed and Billie is essential to the progress of the stories.
I hope there will be more in this series.
134 reviews2 followers
August 9, 2021
The Promisor is another great book in the Reed & Billie series

As expected, Dustin Stevens continues to remind us of a great relationship between a Reed and his partner, Billie, a Belgium Malinois. This connection allows them to be quite successful in solving the crimes they are investigating.

The story line of this book: Reed & Bille are asked by the Governor investigate a murder. But this is not a plain case because the clues they follow indicate it's a complicated mystery involving a sniper.

There are plenty of twists and turns as our two heroes continue their investigation into the who, what, when, where, and why of the sniper's actions.

Fasten your seatbelt because it's going to be one great ride.
486 reviews
November 10, 2022
I have read all the previous Reed and Billie books so when I started this one and found Reed and Billie wounded, I immediately closed the book and had to research whether this was the last in the series or not. When I saw that there is a #10, I started to continue reading. This book was puzzling to me and I had to keep reading to find out who this “Promisor” was and what was his reasoning behind the killings. I had no clues as to who the killer was and how the the deaths were related. It kept me in suspense and thus I didn’t want to stop reading! I loved all the previous books and this book is right up there with all the others! I want to read #10 but am sad to know it is the last of the series……..
17 reviews
November 15, 2022
The only thing better than starting a new story is knowing that old friends are going to be there every turn of the page! Reed and Billie seem like old friends, always ready to take me into another world of suspense. The Promisor is a wild ride of endless dead ends, random strands leading nowhere, until a nearly missed clue finally ties two hideous executions together sending our human-dog team into high gear in a race to save lives still on the Promisor's target list. I love the teamwork Reed employs with a network of disparate law enforcement to make all of the little pieces fit a tightly drawn puzzle. The writing is superb, urging the reader onward to an explosive conclusion that deeply satisfies.
70 reviews4 followers
January 13, 2023
Riveting story!

I love Billie and Reed books. I love the fact that Reed works for the CPD and patrols in an area I'm familiar with being an Ohioan. It was exciting this book started out with a case in the Gallipolis area as my family hails from there and surrounding areas; my daughter and her family currently live there.
I think when there's a familiarity with the story's location, it adds a richer layer being able to clearly visualize buildings, areas, outerbelts, etc.
I think Dustin's writing style has changed since I first started reading his books... It feels more sophisticated with more complex sentence structuring. He still manages to include his two favorite words in every story, though! I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
90 reviews3 followers
November 10, 2021
Amazing Detective Series

Usually if I choose a book and find it has more than 3 books in the series I turn away. Only exemption is Joy Ellis's Murders on the Fens series. I waited to finish all 9 of the Billie Reed books before I wrote a review. I pictured Reed as Harry Callahan as he seemed to have many of the same traits especially when trying to solve a crime Full Speed ahead Damn the Torpedoes! Big difference is Reed has a supportive captain. And Reed has the most badass, loyal partner you can ever imagine! You will thoroughly enjoy any or all of these books...I guarantee it!
Profile Image for Rosemary Dreyer.
1,521 reviews5 followers
February 1, 2025
I like the direction this book is taking us, toward an expanded territory and a greater variety of cases for Reed & Billie. What I liked: the characters, old and new; seeing the many ways politics affects police departments; the tight kinetic connection between Reed & Billie. What I wasn’t crazy about: some of the choices made by the police; the lack of completion with several of the story lines. Overall, I want more background on Billie and how the partnership with Reed developed, including any ongoing training they do and more about their downtime.
Profile Image for Gena Wood.
112 reviews3 followers
August 9, 2021
Reed & Billie (his Belgium Malinois partner) are pitted against a ruthless, and plain evil person who thinks he has to fulfill his sick and twisted promises. This book will pull you in and make you forget the time completely. Dustin has, again, brought this brave pair through some of their most harrowing experiences yet, and left me wanting more. I very much recommend this entire series, if you're looking for action and the comradarie of the 2 main characters. Enjoy....
4 reviews1 follower
August 9, 2021

Reed and billies latest adventure is a nonstop thrill ride from page one. This is their biggest test yet in a race against time to stop the carnage of the promisor.

The Reed and Billie series rival the adventures of Elvis Cole and Harry Bosch, very well written and keeps you turning the pages.

Dustin Stevens does such an incredible job in his character development of his villain that you can really feel the pain that drives them.

I give this book 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟.
1,299 reviews16 followers
August 9, 2021
Bone-chilling, gut-wrenching, and terrifying - this Reed and Billie is at the top of the list in this series. From the opening sentence my stomach was in a knot and my heart was pounding away as I went from page to page anxious to know what was coning next - not wanting to close this book until I was finished. Masterfully written and Superbly executed, Mr. Stevens has done it once again.
Outstanding and Very Highly Recommended.
83 reviews2 followers
August 10, 2021
Long awaited Reed and Billie...Worth the Wait!

The Promisor is the newest Reed and Billie detective series books. We waited nearly a year for #9 and it didn't disappoint. Steven's keeps you literally turning the pages to see what comes next. You know the "who" is creating the havoc, but it takes until the end to find out the "why".
I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series! I can't wait for the next Reed and Billie adventure.
5 reviews
August 12, 2021
How many will die?

This was the best book in the series. The storyline was well thought out. Some redundancy made the story slow at times, which was necessary to keep all of the characters separated and identified. I look forward to the next book in the series. Now that Reed and Billy can travel all over the state of Ohio it opens the door to exciting adventures for Reed and Billy.

1,985 reviews22 followers
August 12, 2021
Missed you

Can not even remember the last time I spent a day with two of my favorite literary friends. (3 if you count Deke) Theirs lives are so full of exciting, dangerous but rewarding values. Always working as one! But I have to say one thing that nearly crushed me. The prologue! A heck of a way to nearly send a fan into cardiac arrest. Great high energy book. Hope to visit again real soon.
57 reviews
Read
October 10, 2021
A great entry in the series

Dustin Stevens has hit a home run with this book. He has captured the best of the team of Reed and his K9 partner. With the help of his computer wonk friend Deke, they brought down a formidable enemy. I had mixed feelings about the ending, maybe letting the hand touch stone, a cryptic thought that you will need to read to the end to understand. Thank you Dustin. Get working on the next one !
Profile Image for Ski Croghan.
609 reviews5 followers
January 3, 2022
As good as ever!!!

It was a long time coming, but well worth the wait. In their new role as special agents for the governor, Reed and Billie return with a real h**l of a case. A sniper who kills people everyone has only good to say about. What is driving him? Who will he kill next? How will Reed survive an attack by 2 trained pit bulls, trained to kill that is? For the answers to these questions and more, read this outstanding book! Highly recommended.
370 reviews3 followers
January 20, 2023
Reed and Billie roped in on a case by the governor to what looks like a hunting accident but soon turns out to be much more. The duo get on the trail and by dogged determination (see what I did there) and with the help of multiple law authorities get on the trail of the killer who is out for vengeance in the cruellest possible way. Good read but a bit verbose for my taste, or very descriptive in other words.
5 reviews
September 13, 2024
I have read the first 9 books and will continue the entire series.
I love dogs (have adopted rottweiler and sheppard).
My best friends and loyal companions.
The only suggestion I have is to be more sympathetic to the bad guy who is also the victim in The Promissor. Hopefully Billie and Reed can prevent more crimes & evil from happening.
I know they will thats why Im looking forward to the next book. xoxoxo
1,813 reviews14 followers
August 8, 2021
A woman killed that a local police officer coined as a hunting accident. Reed and his canine partner, Billie, are called by the governor to investigate. It turns out a sniper targeted this woman. This case is more than it seems. after another sniper killing a distance away. A danger for Reed and Billie on the way to finding the shooter.
211 reviews1 follower
August 10, 2021
Always a winner

Reed and Billy are always a treat. ! like that the characters are not black and white and you can feel empathy for the bad guy and relate to his motives even though he is misguided.The politics, infighting and politicians who demand the credit for things they had no part in are frustrating and annoying. I will be reading all of these books.
Profile Image for Elisa.
3,226 reviews41 followers
August 11, 2021
Detective Reed and his K-9 partner Billie are back in action again…
The Governor has our tenacious team on a special case but will it work out how it should? Or will things unravel and cause Reed and Billie more problems.
There really is nothing better than a gripping thriller and Dustin Steven’s always writes them exceptionally well.
Profile Image for Paula Huot.
77 reviews1 follower
August 11, 2021
As usual Dustin Stevens didn’t disappoint in this third book featuring Reed and Billie. I’m a sucker for dog books and the Reed and Billie series are great. Good character development with believable plot. I’m waiting for Reed to settle into this new role because I think he is well suited and will be challenged. Hopefully he can continue to ignore the politics.
228 reviews
August 14, 2021
Fast and furious!

This one is is fast and furious! It's fun reading of Reed and Billie again and this mystery was brutal! If you like alot of action, this is the book for you. If course, you do need to read all of the previous books in this series to get the full benefit. I recommend that you read them all, starting at the beginning.
Profile Image for Cindy .
265 reviews9 followers
August 15, 2021
This has fast become one of my favorite series with Det. Reed Mattox and his K9 partner Billie. One thing that can say for sure about the author is that he knows how to hook you right from the first couple of pages into the world that his writing has created.

It does include minimal amounts of cuss words.
Profile Image for Bruce Malcolm.
39 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2021
fantastic crime fiction

Having read all of your books, I really enjoyed this one. I go along with your upgrade of the series to bigger and better things for Billie and Reed. You are a tremendous writer. There is not one series that I like more than the others. Equally fun and suspenseful they are all simply wonderful. Can’t wait for your next one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews

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