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Mace Reid K-9 Mystery #3
The Lost
The Lost is the next mystery from author Jeffrey B. Burton starring an extraordinary cadaver dog and her handler.
Glencoe, Illinois: A home invasion turned kidnapping at the mansion of billionaire financier Kenneth J. Druckman brings Mason “Mace” Reid and his cadaver dog, Vira, to this wealthy northern suburb of Chicago. Druckman was assaulted, left behind while his wife and young daughter were taken for ransom.
Brought to the scene by the FBI, Reid specializes in human remains detection, and Vira is the star of his pack of cadaver dogs he’s dubbed The Finders. After Vira finds the dead body of the mother, former supermodel Calley Kurtz, everyone is on high alert to find Druckman’s missing daughter before the five-year-old disappears forever. But the trail Vira finds on the property’s dense woodlands leads right back to Druckman himself.
With the help of Detective Kippy Gimm, Reid and Vira must race against the clock. Nothing is as it appears to be . . . and the red herrings could be lethal.
Glencoe, Illinois: A home invasion turned kidnapping at the mansion of billionaire financier Kenneth J. Druckman brings Mason “Mace” Reid and his cadaver dog, Vira, to this wealthy northern suburb of Chicago. Druckman was assaulted, left behind while his wife and young daughter were taken for ransom.
Brought to the scene by the FBI, Reid specializes in human remains detection, and Vira is the star of his pack of cadaver dogs he’s dubbed The Finders. After Vira finds the dead body of the mother, former supermodel Calley Kurtz, everyone is on high alert to find Druckman’s missing daughter before the five-year-old disappears forever. But the trail Vira finds on the property’s dense woodlands leads right back to Druckman himself.
With the help of Detective Kippy Gimm, Reid and Vira must race against the clock. Nothing is as it appears to be . . . and the red herrings could be lethal.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published June 28, 2022
70 people are currently reading
3576 people want to read
About the author
Jeffrey B. Burton
23 books338 followersJeff's mystery/thriller, THE BOY IN THE WALL, comes out March 4, 2026. THE SECOND GRAVE came out in 2025 and THE DEAD YEARS came out in 2024 (all from Severn House).
Novels in Jeff's Mace Reid K-9 mystery series include THE FINDERS, THE KEEPERS, and THE LOST (St. Martin's Press, Minotaur).
Novels in Jeff's Agent Drew Cady mystery series include: THE CHESSMAN, THE LYNCHPIN, and THE EULOGIST. His short stories have appeared in dozens of magazines.
Born in Long Beach, California, Jeff grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota. He received his BA in Journalism at the University of Minnesota. He is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and the Horror Writers Association. He lives in St. Paul with his wife, and a goofball of a Beagle named Milo.
Novels in Jeff's Mace Reid K-9 mystery series include THE FINDERS, THE KEEPERS, and THE LOST (St. Martin's Press, Minotaur).
Novels in Jeff's Agent Drew Cady mystery series include: THE CHESSMAN, THE LYNCHPIN, and THE EULOGIST. His short stories have appeared in dozens of magazines.
Born in Long Beach, California, Jeff grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota. He received his BA in Journalism at the University of Minnesota. He is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and the Horror Writers Association. He lives in St. Paul with his wife, and a goofball of a Beagle named Milo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 279 reviews
February 23, 2022
The Lost
by Jeffrey B. Burton is the third book in the Mace Reid K-9 Mystery series. Burton has managed to seamlessly combine an amateur sleuth mystery with a police procedural that also highlights relationships between dogs and people as well as showing the dark side of people and how that can affect others.
Mason (Mace) Reid lives outside of Chicago and trains dogs with various end goals such as obedience and missing persons tracking, as well as searching for drugs and explosives. However, his specialty is training dogs in human remains detection (HRD or cadaver dogs). He is often called in to help the Chicago Police Department, local sheriff’s departments, and occasionally, the FBI.
He and his golden retriever Vira are called by Special Agent in Charge Len Squires to Glencoe, Illinois. During a home invasion, billionaire financier Kenneth J. Druckman was assaulted and his wife, former supermodel Calley Kurtz, and his daughter Eleanor were abducted. Vira seems to have an uncanny edge that borders on the paranormal in her ability to locate not just the dead bodies, but also their murderers by latching on to their chemical signature at the murder site. What follows is a terrific mystery with lots of action, twists and turns, a little humor, and some fantastic moments with Mace’s family/pack; his dogs and Chicago homicide detective Kippy Gimm.
Mace is a compelling and well-developed character with flaws that have led to a divorce and a job change. It was great to see some of the secondary characters show up again in this book and gain some depth. Additionally, the canines have been well-developed and their personalities came through as the story progress. They aren’t just an afterthought, but play important roles in the series and have distinctive personalities. It was also great to see the relationship between Mace and Kippy continue to develop.
The writing style is engaging, but also has an intensity to it that kept me turning the pages. The plot was clever, intriguing, creative, and intense. The final twist caught me by surprise. There were aspects that I did not see coming even though there were enough hints that I conceivably could have deciphered it. Like in previous books, the bonds between Mace and his five dogs continue to be a highlight and provide some humor. Themes include murder, abduction, assault, corruption, and relationships. My one quibble with this book is that there were some flashback scenes that interrupted the flow of the story for me. While I recognize why they were included, it still affected my reading experience.
Overall, this was an entertaining and suspenseful novel and a great continuation of the series. I look forward to seeing what is next for Mace and his pack. Additionally, I want to read this author’s FBI Special Agent Drew Cady mystery series starting with The Chessman.
St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and Jeffrey B. Burton provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for June 28, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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RTC soon.
Mason (Mace) Reid lives outside of Chicago and trains dogs with various end goals such as obedience and missing persons tracking, as well as searching for drugs and explosives. However, his specialty is training dogs in human remains detection (HRD or cadaver dogs). He is often called in to help the Chicago Police Department, local sheriff’s departments, and occasionally, the FBI.
He and his golden retriever Vira are called by Special Agent in Charge Len Squires to Glencoe, Illinois. During a home invasion, billionaire financier Kenneth J. Druckman was assaulted and his wife, former supermodel Calley Kurtz, and his daughter Eleanor were abducted. Vira seems to have an uncanny edge that borders on the paranormal in her ability to locate not just the dead bodies, but also their murderers by latching on to their chemical signature at the murder site. What follows is a terrific mystery with lots of action, twists and turns, a little humor, and some fantastic moments with Mace’s family/pack; his dogs and Chicago homicide detective Kippy Gimm.
Mace is a compelling and well-developed character with flaws that have led to a divorce and a job change. It was great to see some of the secondary characters show up again in this book and gain some depth. Additionally, the canines have been well-developed and their personalities came through as the story progress. They aren’t just an afterthought, but play important roles in the series and have distinctive personalities. It was also great to see the relationship between Mace and Kippy continue to develop.
The writing style is engaging, but also has an intensity to it that kept me turning the pages. The plot was clever, intriguing, creative, and intense. The final twist caught me by surprise. There were aspects that I did not see coming even though there were enough hints that I conceivably could have deciphered it. Like in previous books, the bonds between Mace and his five dogs continue to be a highlight and provide some humor. Themes include murder, abduction, assault, corruption, and relationships. My one quibble with this book is that there were some flashback scenes that interrupted the flow of the story for me. While I recognize why they were included, it still affected my reading experience.
Overall, this was an entertaining and suspenseful novel and a great continuation of the series. I look forward to seeing what is next for Mace and his pack. Additionally, I want to read this author’s FBI Special Agent Drew Cady mystery series starting with The Chessman.
St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and Jeffrey B. Burton provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for June 28, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
---------------------
RTC soon.
June 7, 2022
3.5 stars. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in return for an honest review. This is the third book I have read and enjoyed in the Mace Reid K-9 mystery series. I thought the plot was taken to a higher level of complexity and was somewhat darker and convoluted. Flashbacks added clues to the mystery's solution but interfered with the flow. Once the investigation got underway, the book was fast-paced and intense and included some humorous banter. There were sections where the character was not initially identified, which confused me.
Mace is a dog trainer specializing in dogs for search, rescue, drug detection, and he specializes in cadaver dogs. He supplies his well-accomplished dogs to assist the Chicago Police, the local sheriff's department and the FBI. Mace has five dogs, each with their own distinct personality, skills, and behaviour. The dogs are delightful and add interest to this crime series.
Vira, a Golden Retriever, is a rescue dog and a highly-skilled cadaver dog. She has an uncanny scenting ability. She readily finds dead bodies and can also identify the chemical signature of the perpetrator at the scene of a crime. Vira has a solid protective bond with Mace and Chicago homicide detective Kippy Gimm. There is a growing relationship between Kippy and Mace. I felt the book relied too much on its vile criminals and wanted to see more of the dog's work.
The story begins with two men in a conversation about an art heist gone wrong that resulted in a hideous murder. I had been expecting Mace and his canine friends and thought I mistakingly downloaded the wrong book.
At last, Mace, Vira and Kippy enter the story on another case. A wealthy financier, Kenneth Druckman, reports that he was attacked in a home invasion and his wife, supermodel Calley and their little daughter Ellie (also called Scarf) have been kidnapped. A ransom has been demanded. Mace and Vira are assigned to search the extensive grounds around Druckman's mansion. Vira finds Calley's body, and an additional scent surrounding it leads back to the estate. Ellie is still missing. Has she been murdered also?
The story weaves a complex tale of kidnapping, stolen jewels, murder, deceit, and blackmail. In the background is a creepy multi-billionaire with his 'exquisites' unobtrusively pulling strings. The search for Ellie puts Mace, Vira, and Kippy in extreme danger from the Russian mob. What is the Russian Mafia's involvement?
Recommended for readers who enjoy excellent character development and complex crime stories, especially ones involving police dogs.
Mace is a dog trainer specializing in dogs for search, rescue, drug detection, and he specializes in cadaver dogs. He supplies his well-accomplished dogs to assist the Chicago Police, the local sheriff's department and the FBI. Mace has five dogs, each with their own distinct personality, skills, and behaviour. The dogs are delightful and add interest to this crime series.
Vira, a Golden Retriever, is a rescue dog and a highly-skilled cadaver dog. She has an uncanny scenting ability. She readily finds dead bodies and can also identify the chemical signature of the perpetrator at the scene of a crime. Vira has a solid protective bond with Mace and Chicago homicide detective Kippy Gimm. There is a growing relationship between Kippy and Mace. I felt the book relied too much on its vile criminals and wanted to see more of the dog's work.
The story begins with two men in a conversation about an art heist gone wrong that resulted in a hideous murder. I had been expecting Mace and his canine friends and thought I mistakingly downloaded the wrong book.
At last, Mace, Vira and Kippy enter the story on another case. A wealthy financier, Kenneth Druckman, reports that he was attacked in a home invasion and his wife, supermodel Calley and their little daughter Ellie (also called Scarf) have been kidnapped. A ransom has been demanded. Mace and Vira are assigned to search the extensive grounds around Druckman's mansion. Vira finds Calley's body, and an additional scent surrounding it leads back to the estate. Ellie is still missing. Has she been murdered also?
The story weaves a complex tale of kidnapping, stolen jewels, murder, deceit, and blackmail. In the background is a creepy multi-billionaire with his 'exquisites' unobtrusively pulling strings. The search for Ellie puts Mace, Vira, and Kippy in extreme danger from the Russian mob. What is the Russian Mafia's involvement?
Recommended for readers who enjoy excellent character development and complex crime stories, especially ones involving police dogs.
February 11, 2025
3.5 stars
In this third book in the 'Mace Reid K-9 Mystery Series', cadaver dog trainer Mace Reid gets involved in a murder/abduction case. The novel works fine as a standalone.
*****
Chicago resident Mason Reid (Mace) trains cadaver dogs to search for human remains.
Most of Mace's work involves helping the Chicago Police Department or local sheriffs' departments look for missing people who are presumed dead. This time, though, Mace is called in by FBI Special Agent Squires.......
......when multimillionaire Kenneth Druckman reports a home invasion.
According to Druckman, the kidnappers roughed him up, stole jewelry and money, and abducted his beautiful model wife Calley and their five-year-old daughter Eleanor.
Mace and his best cadaver dog, a golden retriever named Vira (pronounced like Ira with a V), are sent to search the woods around Druckman's estate.
Mace and Vira find Calley's body, but there's no sign of little Eleanor.
Besides finding cadavers, Vira has another talent. From the odors at the crime scene Vira can sniff out the perp. After finding Calley's corpse, Vira knocks against Mace's chest, catches his eye, jumps around him, and points herself back toward the Druckman mansion. The message: Druckman killed his wife.
Special Agent Squires agrees that Druckman is the #1 suspect, but without evidence, Druckman can't be accused of the crime. So the FBI, as well as Mace and his girlfriend, Chicago Police Detective Kippy Gumm......
......investigate Druckman, whom they assume has his daughter Eleanor stashed somewhere.
The story is told in the present, with flashbacks to the past. We learn that Druckman was in BIG trouble with a mysterious Belgian billionaire, who lost money in Druckman's Ponzi scheme. In addition, Russian mobsters want the jewels that were allegedly stolen. So the case gets more and more complicated.
The author Jeffrey Burton infuses the story with a lot of humor - in the form of Mace's snarky comments, and it's a pleasure to romp with Mace's many dogs, who include German Shepherd Sue (a male named for the Johnny Cash song 'A Boy Named Sue) - who sees himself as king of the pack;
prankster collies Delta Dawn and Maggie May - who use a kind of mental telepathy to make Mace think he misplaced his keys, or left the stove on, etc;
and young bloodhound Bill, who seeks out the smelliest rot to roll around in.
This is a enjoyable mystery, recommended to fans of the genre (and people who like dogs).
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
October 3, 2022
This is the third book in the Mace Reid K-9 mysteries. I would say it could be read as a standalone, especially since a lot of the backstory about the dogs and other connections is repeated. I didn’t love the jumping between timelines so much in this one. The mystery was good even if it wasn’t twisty. Mace and his dogs are called to investigate after a kidnapping of a woman and her child in a jewelry bust gone wrong. He does find the woman in the woods and his dog Vira, with her special abilities, leads him to believe the woman was killed by her husband. The FBI continues their investigation but Mace and his girlfriend and cop Kippy can’t help but investigate on their own too as there is still a missing child to find. Overall I gave this 3.5 stars rounded up as it was an interesting and quick read.
June 10, 2022
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: June 28, 2022
Jeffrey B. Burton brings his Mace Reid mystery series back with the newest instalment, “The Lost”. Once again, Mace and his crew of cadaver dogs are on the case of a missing woman and her young daughter, the family of a billionaire financier. Mace, his police officer girlfriend, Kippy, and Mace’s crew of dogs, most especially Vira, head to the ostentatious estate of Kenneth J. Druckman, and find more than they bargained for. Soon, Mace finds himself in over his head, surrounded by dead bodies, missing children, and scorned Russian mobsters with a score to settle.
I was first introduced to this series right from the hop, with Burton’s first novel, “The Finders”, and then was again delighted to receive his second, “The Keepers”. Although this is one of those series where reading the others are not required, I highly recommend it! Not only is Mace Reid the complete antithesis of what you’d expect, his delightful dog partners are utterly adorable (and oh-so smart!). Burton (through Mace) speaks very casually, in every situation, and his hilarious banter with his dogs made me laugh every time. I adore Mace’s take on the world, and his utmost respect for his canine partners (and his female partner, Kippy, too!).
This novel had a lot of characters and a lot of interconnections between the characters (especially in regards to the Russian mob), with the players crossing and double crossing each other so often it was difficult to tell who was working for whom. Beyond Mace and Kippy (and the dogs), the “good guys” were hard to determine. I enjoyed the constant action though, and the emotional aspect of Mace and Kippy searching for young Eleanor Druckman.
The story ends well, and Burton brings his novel to a close as he does with all other novels in his “Reid” series- “The Lost” is complete and satisfyingly wrapped up, but the characters could definitely reappear in another novel (or two) and weave another tale. There was so much left in Kippy and Mace’s characters, and relationship, that I have no doubt we have not seen the last of them.
A detective story complete with adorable, scruffy dogs, Burton’s “The Lost” has pulse-pounding action, developing romance (without the sappy sweetness, thank goodness) and an addicting plot. Burton has found a unique take on the police procedural genre, and I hope to see Mace (and his beloved partners) again and again!
Expected publication date: June 28, 2022
Jeffrey B. Burton brings his Mace Reid mystery series back with the newest instalment, “The Lost”. Once again, Mace and his crew of cadaver dogs are on the case of a missing woman and her young daughter, the family of a billionaire financier. Mace, his police officer girlfriend, Kippy, and Mace’s crew of dogs, most especially Vira, head to the ostentatious estate of Kenneth J. Druckman, and find more than they bargained for. Soon, Mace finds himself in over his head, surrounded by dead bodies, missing children, and scorned Russian mobsters with a score to settle.
I was first introduced to this series right from the hop, with Burton’s first novel, “The Finders”, and then was again delighted to receive his second, “The Keepers”. Although this is one of those series where reading the others are not required, I highly recommend it! Not only is Mace Reid the complete antithesis of what you’d expect, his delightful dog partners are utterly adorable (and oh-so smart!). Burton (through Mace) speaks very casually, in every situation, and his hilarious banter with his dogs made me laugh every time. I adore Mace’s take on the world, and his utmost respect for his canine partners (and his female partner, Kippy, too!).
This novel had a lot of characters and a lot of interconnections between the characters (especially in regards to the Russian mob), with the players crossing and double crossing each other so often it was difficult to tell who was working for whom. Beyond Mace and Kippy (and the dogs), the “good guys” were hard to determine. I enjoyed the constant action though, and the emotional aspect of Mace and Kippy searching for young Eleanor Druckman.
The story ends well, and Burton brings his novel to a close as he does with all other novels in his “Reid” series- “The Lost” is complete and satisfyingly wrapped up, but the characters could definitely reappear in another novel (or two) and weave another tale. There was so much left in Kippy and Mace’s characters, and relationship, that I have no doubt we have not seen the last of them.
A detective story complete with adorable, scruffy dogs, Burton’s “The Lost” has pulse-pounding action, developing romance (without the sappy sweetness, thank goodness) and an addicting plot. Burton has found a unique take on the police procedural genre, and I hope to see Mace (and his beloved partners) again and again!
September 26, 2024
The Lost is the third book in the Mace Reid K-9 Mystery series. While this book could be read as a stand alone, I think you'll understand the background story and connections better if you've read the first two.
I really enjoyed the first two books and this one was no different. Mace is an excellent character and person. His rescue dogs each have their own personality and add so much flavor to the story. Mace's dogs are trained human cadaver dogs. There is lots of exciting action, family drama, mystery, a little humor and hint of love in this story.
The writing style makes for a fast read, while keeping you engaged. Burton puts twists and turns that lead you through Mace and his pack rushing to find the missing girl. This is a great series and I look forward to seeing what mysteries Mace and his dogs solve next.
I love books that showcase dogs and their incredible skills. Definitely a series I would recommend.
My thanks to Jeffrey Burton, St Martin's Press - Minotaur Books and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the first two books and this one was no different. Mace is an excellent character and person. His rescue dogs each have their own personality and add so much flavor to the story. Mace's dogs are trained human cadaver dogs. There is lots of exciting action, family drama, mystery, a little humor and hint of love in this story.
The writing style makes for a fast read, while keeping you engaged. Burton puts twists and turns that lead you through Mace and his pack rushing to find the missing girl. This is a great series and I look forward to seeing what mysteries Mace and his dogs solve next.
I love books that showcase dogs and their incredible skills. Definitely a series I would recommend.
My thanks to Jeffrey Burton, St Martin's Press - Minotaur Books and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 5, 2022
The Lost is Burton's third novel in the Mace Reid K-9 Mystery series. It is not at all like his first novel, The Finders, and I found The Lost to be a disappointment.
Burton's first novel, The Finders, had quite a bit more canine involvement and the central plot revolved around Human Remains Detection. In The Lost, like The Keepers, the focus veered away from the cadaver dogs theme. The concentration in those books focused more on corruption, and the mob. A big let down for me.
Needless to say, I wasn't at all thrilled with The Lost and it was difficult to plow on after 60% Too bad because Burton's first and second novels garnered five and four stars respectively from me. The Lost was really lost from me. A disappointing single star.
I received a digital ARC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
Burton's first novel, The Finders, had quite a bit more canine involvement and the central plot revolved around Human Remains Detection. In The Lost, like The Keepers, the focus veered away from the cadaver dogs theme. The concentration in those books focused more on corruption, and the mob. A big let down for me.
Needless to say, I wasn't at all thrilled with The Lost and it was difficult to plow on after 60% Too bad because Burton's first and second novels garnered five and four stars respectively from me. The Lost was really lost from me. A disappointing single star.
I received a digital ARC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
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February 6, 2023I've read somewhere that, if an attractive dog appears on the cover of book, sales of the title goes up. I must admit that I was intrigued by the photo of a golden retriever and am glad to report that this clever mystery is first-rate. Mace Reid specializes in training dogs to find the scent of human remains and his pack has been called into service many times by both the local police and FBI. The man and his wonderful dog, Vira, searching for a kidnapped mother and her young daughter, come upon the body of the missing woman. Vira's special skills help her identify the possible killer, none other than the woman's seemingly distraught husband. Give this great mystery a try!
-Louisa A.
-Louisa A.
July 4, 2022
This is a Police K-9 Mystery, and this is the third book in the Marc Reid K-9 Mystery series. I have not read the other books in this series, but I feel you can read this book as a standalone. The very start of this book of ok then it went into boring and stuff that was not needed. I was so bored while reading the first 30% of this book, and I almost DNF this book. After I got through the first 30% it started getting better. I really enjoyed the ending. The characters I found to be dry. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Minotaur Books) or author (Jeffrey B. Burton) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
June 30, 2022
I enjoy this series for many reasons: its Chicago area setting; its warm-hearted humor; its well-drawn characters, both human and canine, evil and good; and its dramatic plot. In this outing, Mace, Kippy and Vira hunt for a kidnapped girl after her mother is found dead. Their search takes them to Galena, Illinois and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin--two of my favorite places to visit.
I received a free copy of this mystery from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own. Many thanks for the opportunity to read more in this fun series.
I received a free copy of this mystery from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own. Many thanks for the opportunity to read more in this fun series.
July 4, 2022
Thank you to Minotaur Books for sending a copy for consideration.
Summary: A home invasion turned kidnapping at the mansion of billionaire financier Kenneth J. Druckman brings Mason “Mace” Reid and his cadaver dog, Vira to Chicago.
Review: A solid mystery that will delight dog lovers. Mase has such a unique voice you'll wish we was your best friend!
Read this if you like:
1. Dogs that each have their own personality
2. Books that race between 2 different locations
3. Unique characters
Summary: A home invasion turned kidnapping at the mansion of billionaire financier Kenneth J. Druckman brings Mason “Mace” Reid and his cadaver dog, Vira to Chicago.
Review: A solid mystery that will delight dog lovers. Mase has such a unique voice you'll wish we was your best friend!
Read this if you like:
1. Dogs that each have their own personality
2. Books that race between 2 different locations
3. Unique characters
January 3, 2022
This was my first read from this author. I’m always looking for a good book with dogs. Dogs make everything more fun. Reid the human is a handler for cadaver dogs. There wasn’t as much dog time as I hoped but I did enjoy the story.
Mystery, wicked characters, greed, totally twisted, a smidge of romance and sadness. A mother and young daughter are kidnapped from a wealthy man’s home. Ransom is demanded, but all is not as it seems, when the dog comes to sniff around, the beginning of a twisted sad tale begins.
I didn’t really get the romantic relationship. Maybe because I hadn’t got to know them in previous books ? I found it awkward, it never felt real.
I received a free copy form the publisher for a honest review
Mystery, wicked characters, greed, totally twisted, a smidge of romance and sadness. A mother and young daughter are kidnapped from a wealthy man’s home. Ransom is demanded, but all is not as it seems, when the dog comes to sniff around, the beginning of a twisted sad tale begins.
I didn’t really get the romantic relationship. Maybe because I hadn’t got to know them in previous books ? I found it awkward, it never felt real.
I received a free copy form the publisher for a honest review
July 18, 2022
First off, I definitely liked this one as a standalone. I had no trouble meeting the characters and understanding what was happening, although I am definitely 100% adding the first two books to my TBR to meet the dogs more in depth.
This is a relatively short mystery with shorter chapters too so it’s a very quick read, perfect for the summer!
The characters are funny and kind but also talented as heck. I liked seeing a lot of Vira the golden retriever’s tricks and abilities, especially her capacity to recognize feelings and stand in as a therapy dog. Then she can turn around, find a body, nail a bad guy – Vira is an all around pro. I would have liked to see more of the actual dog training though I imagine it featured in prior books.
There’s plenty of action too. The plot is decent, it’s a little heavier than the average mystery and while it is labelled as a “cozy animal mystery” on Amazon, I didn’t recognize the cozy element as much. Mace is an amateur sleuth but his dogs know their business, and he was extremely observant. His cop girlfriend/partner did good work too and seems kind & intelligent as well as bad ass.
Where the book lost a star with me was the format of the reveal – like the book started with an unknown bad guy, then the plot and mystery developed – right in the middle, the answer was revealed – then the last half dropped the mystery and turned into a thriller, featuring the characters trying to locate a kidnapping victim and dodge various curve balls including the Russian Mafia and a crazy rich person.
My only gripe is that giving the answer away in the middle took a bit out of the second half for me since I was expecting red herrings and mystery and had to adjust my expectations. I also wish the events at the start of the book tied into the rest a little more, finding some resolution for that crime. Maybe the next book?
Overall – I liked this one. It was thrilling, interesting, funny at times, and the dogs were great. Everything that a K9 detective mystery should be!
Thanks endlessly to Minotaur Books for the finished copy in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own!
This is a relatively short mystery with shorter chapters too so it’s a very quick read, perfect for the summer!
The characters are funny and kind but also talented as heck. I liked seeing a lot of Vira the golden retriever’s tricks and abilities, especially her capacity to recognize feelings and stand in as a therapy dog. Then she can turn around, find a body, nail a bad guy – Vira is an all around pro. I would have liked to see more of the actual dog training though I imagine it featured in prior books.
There’s plenty of action too. The plot is decent, it’s a little heavier than the average mystery and while it is labelled as a “cozy animal mystery” on Amazon, I didn’t recognize the cozy element as much. Mace is an amateur sleuth but his dogs know their business, and he was extremely observant. His cop girlfriend/partner did good work too and seems kind & intelligent as well as bad ass.
Where the book lost a star with me was the format of the reveal – like the book started with an unknown bad guy, then the plot and mystery developed – right in the middle, the answer was revealed – then the last half dropped the mystery and turned into a thriller, featuring the characters trying to locate a kidnapping victim and dodge various curve balls including the Russian Mafia and a crazy rich person.
My only gripe is that giving the answer away in the middle took a bit out of the second half for me since I was expecting red herrings and mystery and had to adjust my expectations. I also wish the events at the start of the book tied into the rest a little more, finding some resolution for that crime. Maybe the next book?
Overall – I liked this one. It was thrilling, interesting, funny at times, and the dogs were great. Everything that a K9 detective mystery should be!
Thanks endlessly to Minotaur Books for the finished copy in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own!
December 29, 2022
📚 Hello Book Friends! THE LOST by Jeffrey B. Burton is the third book in the Mace Reid K-9 Mystery series. I love this series about Mason Reid and his trained cadaver dogs. This might sound morbid, but it is not. This series is filled with action and mystery. Mason’s dogs are awesome and save the day more than once in every books. In this third book, Vira, a golden retriever, is a star by putting villains out of action, saving Mason from death (more than once), and rescuing a child. The plot is solid and the characters very interesting. I recommend this series to anyone who loves mysteries including hero dogs.
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November 19, 2021
The mystery was a good one with lots of twists, but the format was disconcerting. The author put you in the mind of all of the relevant characters in a time sequential manner. If you are expecting a good mystery, you win. If you are looking for a mystery led by Human Remains Dogs trained and living with Mace Reid, you might be flummoxed and possibly disappointed. I went in without any real expectations, so I enjoyed it.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
January 13, 2023
The Lost is the 3rd book in the Mace Reid K-9 Mystery series. In this series, Mason Reid aka Mace, trains dogs for various jobs as well as being contracted out to help various law enforcement officers. Mace is called out by the FBI with his cadaver dog, Vira when a reclusive billionaire financier Kenneth J. Druckman is attacked in his mansion and his wife and daughter are taken. Vira finds his wife, former supermodel Calley Kurtz, bludgeoned in the woods. He follows the trail of the murderer, but it leads back to the mansion. Suspecting that Druckman is the murderer, they are racing against the clock before his five year old daughter also ends up dead. He teams up once again with Detective Kippy Gimm and following the clues, figuring out which are red herrings and putting the pieces together will lead them on a wild chase with an ending that had me dropping my jaw.
I enjoy K-9 stories and this series is a good one. I enjoy the teamwork of Mace and Kippy, with them working very well together. This book had a bit of a convoluted plot that did slow the story down in the middle, but as the various story lines come together at the end, I never suspected some of the situations. I do like the characters and love how the dogs are described, as well as their various roles. There is some history involved in this case as well, where the characters are not named, so it kept me guessing. I enjoyed this story, but not as much as the first two. The audiobook was narrated by Matt Godfrey, and he has done a good job. I identify his voice as that of Mace, now. I recommend the audiobook, if you enjoy listening to stories.
I enjoy K-9 stories and this series is a good one. I enjoy the teamwork of Mace and Kippy, with them working very well together. This book had a bit of a convoluted plot that did slow the story down in the middle, but as the various story lines come together at the end, I never suspected some of the situations. I do like the characters and love how the dogs are described, as well as their various roles. There is some history involved in this case as well, where the characters are not named, so it kept me guessing. I enjoyed this story, but not as much as the first two. The audiobook was narrated by Matt Godfrey, and he has done a good job. I identify his voice as that of Mace, now. I recommend the audiobook, if you enjoy listening to stories.
July 12, 2022
This is the third in the series about cadaver dog trainer/handler Mason "Mace" Reid and his stable of intelligent pooches. It's perfectly readable and entertaining, but I have to say it didn't resonate with me as much as the other two. In part, that's because there's less focus on the dogs. Yes, super-smart golden retriever "Vira" (a nickname for her real name, Elvira, from the popular Oak Ridge Boys song of years ago) gets some page time and Mace does what he can to keep Bill from rolling around in stinky substances. But it's Mafioso-style crime that takes center stage here, and for me, that's never a favorite topic. And even though they're apparently an official couple now - if I recall correctly, that was just a wish on Mace's part in the second book - I just didn't feel the love between Mace and his main squeeze, Detective Kippy Gimm (yes, that's her real name).
On the plus side, though, there's plenty of action, and for those who haven't read the first two, it stands alone well. This time out, a reported home invasion sends Mace and Vira out behind the property of an uber-wealthy financier, where she sniffs out the very dead body of the rich guy's super-model wife Calley. Still missing, however, is their young daughter, Eleanor; even Vira's super-sniffing ability is no help in finding her. Then, their fears are realized; she's been kidnapped, and there's a stiff ransom demand for her safe return.
Needless to say, the clock starts ticking; no one, including the FBI, wants to find Eleanor's body somewhere. For the benefit of readers, chapters shift from what went on a few weeks earlier, with mentions of the aforementioned mobsters and his relationship to the aforementioned mobsters and hints that not everything and everyone are what and who they seem to be. Even Mace and the Chicago-area law enforcers seem to be running around in circles, finding little evidence and spending precious time with an investigation that often barks up the wrong tree.
The twists and turns continue right up to the end, and of course there are some tense moments with threats to the lives of Mace, Kippy and Vira. Will they all survive? Will they find Eleanor before it's too late? And will they bring the culprits to justice? Ah well, all I'll say is that Vira plays a part in the outcome. All in all, it's a fun romp that dog-lovers are sure to love. As for me, I once again thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy.
On the plus side, though, there's plenty of action, and for those who haven't read the first two, it stands alone well. This time out, a reported home invasion sends Mace and Vira out behind the property of an uber-wealthy financier, where she sniffs out the very dead body of the rich guy's super-model wife Calley. Still missing, however, is their young daughter, Eleanor; even Vira's super-sniffing ability is no help in finding her. Then, their fears are realized; she's been kidnapped, and there's a stiff ransom demand for her safe return.
Needless to say, the clock starts ticking; no one, including the FBI, wants to find Eleanor's body somewhere. For the benefit of readers, chapters shift from what went on a few weeks earlier, with mentions of the aforementioned mobsters and his relationship to the aforementioned mobsters and hints that not everything and everyone are what and who they seem to be. Even Mace and the Chicago-area law enforcers seem to be running around in circles, finding little evidence and spending precious time with an investigation that often barks up the wrong tree.
The twists and turns continue right up to the end, and of course there are some tense moments with threats to the lives of Mace, Kippy and Vira. Will they all survive? Will they find Eleanor before it's too late? And will they bring the culprits to justice? Ah well, all I'll say is that Vira plays a part in the outcome. All in all, it's a fun romp that dog-lovers are sure to love. As for me, I once again thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy.
October 27, 2024
These books are so bad that when I recognized the author in the pull quote guaranteeing my enjoyment, I removed his book from my to-read list, and I no longer trust the friend who recommended it.
If I was to offer some ideas (besides that the writing is bad and the storytelling is a mess of weird perspective and plot holes and don't name a kid Scarf or a restaurant Durty Gurts Burger Joynt) to ground the story in relatability and give it some depth:
- I'm sorry but there's too many dogs. We need one, maybe two, and focus the personality on them. They're spread too thin
- Stories often only need one villain. The entire trilogy could have focused on the serial killer you caught in the first ten chapters. 9 bad guys is too many
- What if Kippy didn't like dogs? That could be fun
- What if Vira was wrong? Like even once?
Whoever did the cover art for these books deserves all the money I spent.
If I was to offer some ideas (besides that the writing is bad and the storytelling is a mess of weird perspective and plot holes and don't name a kid Scarf or a restaurant Durty Gurts Burger Joynt) to ground the story in relatability and give it some depth:
- I'm sorry but there's too many dogs. We need one, maybe two, and focus the personality on them. They're spread too thin
- Stories often only need one villain. The entire trilogy could have focused on the serial killer you caught in the first ten chapters. 9 bad guys is too many
- What if Kippy didn't like dogs? That could be fun
- What if Vira was wrong? Like even once?
Whoever did the cover art for these books deserves all the money I spent.
June 21, 2022
If you are looking for a good suspense series filled with wonderful characters, animal and human, then you need to read Jeffrey B. Burton’s Mace Reid K-9 Mysteries!
I’ve enjoyed every book in this series, and The Lost seemed a bit more twisted and depraved than the others… and I loved it. Especially the very end with the basement… that left an impression on me.
I love how Burton’s sense of humor can be seen throughout the book and hope that in real life he’s as amusing. I mean, who else would think about a pair of dogs who are sisters and continually gaslight the main character?!?
Besides the humor (human and animal) that is woven throughout the book, Burton’s characters are so well developed… even the ones we get introduced to in this book. I do think that the young girl and the dogs really stole the show in this one.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced summer read then make sure to get a copy of The Lost. And while you don’t need to start the series from the beginning, I would recommend beginning with, The Finders, if you are new to the series.
I’ve enjoyed every book in this series, and The Lost seemed a bit more twisted and depraved than the others… and I loved it. Especially the very end with the basement… that left an impression on me.
I love how Burton’s sense of humor can be seen throughout the book and hope that in real life he’s as amusing. I mean, who else would think about a pair of dogs who are sisters and continually gaslight the main character?!?
Besides the humor (human and animal) that is woven throughout the book, Burton’s characters are so well developed… even the ones we get introduced to in this book. I do think that the young girl and the dogs really stole the show in this one.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced summer read then make sure to get a copy of The Lost. And while you don’t need to start the series from the beginning, I would recommend beginning with, The Finders, if you are new to the series.
August 27, 2022
This is a relatively new series for me that I’m rather enjoying. It’s a little different than the cozy, doggie detective series that I often enjoy in that Vira (short for Elvira) is a cadaver dog and simply one in a pack of them. All of the dogs are part of Mace’s business of trained cadaver dogs that work in conjunction with various law enforcement agencies (city, county, state and federal).
I like Mace; he’s funny and kind of dorky and a devoted and loving dog papa, which makes him good people in my book. While Elvira is the star of the Mace’s cadaver dog pack, my fave doggie is Sue with Billy Jo rising in the ranks. I also like his girlfriend (and Elvira’s initial rescuer), Kippi. I love it when she teases him that the best part of dating him is getting to love and adore his fur babies😊
One of my fave passages of the book:
“If you don't have a dog--at least one--there is not necessarily anything wrong with you, but there may be something wrong with your life.” Vincent van Gogh
All of the fur babies are named after classic country/rock songs: Sue (M-German Shepard), Delta Dawn (F-Border Collie), Maggie May (F-Border Collie), Elvira (F-Golden Retriever) and Billy Jo (M-Bloodhound). Sue is the pack alpha, Billy Jo is still a puppy, Delta and Maggie (a tripod after the last book) are litter mates and Elvira was rescued from an abuse situation where her owner tried to kill her with carbon monoxide and now, she has these seizures whenever she detects a murderer. This trait and/or condition is what has actually made her a great cadaver dog.
The book summary lays out the start of the primary storyline and pretty much the first half of the book so, I’m not going to repeat any of that here. The book summary doesn’t mention the second storyline, which is revealed at around the halfway point. The storylines begin to merge around the 70-75% mark. Around the 85-90% mark, the story takes on an intense and scary edge until the kind of creepy end. I can’t wait to read the next installment and really bummed that it will probably be another year.
Another one of my fave passages of the book:
"Dogs and philosophers do the greatest good and get the fewest rewards." Diogene
I like Mace; he’s funny and kind of dorky and a devoted and loving dog papa, which makes him good people in my book. While Elvira is the star of the Mace’s cadaver dog pack, my fave doggie is Sue with Billy Jo rising in the ranks. I also like his girlfriend (and Elvira’s initial rescuer), Kippi. I love it when she teases him that the best part of dating him is getting to love and adore his fur babies😊
One of my fave passages of the book:
“If you don't have a dog--at least one--there is not necessarily anything wrong with you, but there may be something wrong with your life.” Vincent van Gogh
All of the fur babies are named after classic country/rock songs: Sue (M-German Shepard), Delta Dawn (F-Border Collie), Maggie May (F-Border Collie), Elvira (F-Golden Retriever) and Billy Jo (M-Bloodhound). Sue is the pack alpha, Billy Jo is still a puppy, Delta and Maggie (a tripod after the last book) are litter mates and Elvira was rescued from an abuse situation where her owner tried to kill her with carbon monoxide and now, she has these seizures whenever she detects a murderer. This trait and/or condition is what has actually made her a great cadaver dog.
The book summary lays out the start of the primary storyline and pretty much the first half of the book so, I’m not going to repeat any of that here. The book summary doesn’t mention the second storyline, which is revealed at around the halfway point. The storylines begin to merge around the 70-75% mark. Around the 85-90% mark, the story takes on an intense and scary edge until the kind of creepy end. I can’t wait to read the next installment and really bummed that it will probably be another year.
Another one of my fave passages of the book:
"Dogs and philosophers do the greatest good and get the fewest rewards." Diogene
August 27, 2024
The Lost was an entertaining and suspenseful novel and a great continuation of the series that I somehow started at book 4.😂
This is a police procedural that kept me engaged with the intensity and action.
I look forward to going back to book one and reading the series in order to see what Mace and his pack get up to. Additionally, I already have this author's FBI Special Agent Drew Cady mystery series on my radar to dive into soon.
Full review coming soon.
This is a police procedural that kept me engaged with the intensity and action.
I look forward to going back to book one and reading the series in order to see what Mace and his pack get up to. Additionally, I already have this author's FBI Special Agent Drew Cady mystery series on my radar to dive into soon.
Full review coming soon.
August 10, 2022
The Lost is billed as a K-9 mystery, and this appealed to me. I'm a dog lover, and a mystery lover, so what could go wrong?
As it turns out, this particular book is heavier on the mystery than the dogs, which was a bit disappointing. The mystery itself is fine, although it seems unnecessarily complicated.
A billionaire is attacked in his home, and his former supermodel wife and young daughter abducted. Mace Reid is called out with his dogs, and the wife is found dead at the rear of the property. The daughter, however, is not found, and the hunt is on for the daughter.
The plot proceeds from there, with various agencies joining in. For Reid and his cadaver dog Vira, there isn't much to do, and when he is involved, it feels forced, because he has no reason to be involved. He's (sort of) in a relationship with Kippy, one of the members of the law enforcement team, so tangentially, we get Reid and Vira in those moments, when Kippy is telling him what's happening, in order to keep the reader informed. Not my favorite way, and of course we all know "show, don't tell".
The narrative switches back and forth between the bad guys and the good guys, so there's no mystery in the whodunnit other than if law enforcement can catch up to the bad guys and spoil their plans.
It's not a bad book, but if you're looking for a focus on dog sand their utilization in bringing the story to a conclusion, you might be, as I was, a bit disappointed.
Three out of five stars.
Thanks to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for the reading copy.
As it turns out, this particular book is heavier on the mystery than the dogs, which was a bit disappointing. The mystery itself is fine, although it seems unnecessarily complicated.
A billionaire is attacked in his home, and his former supermodel wife and young daughter abducted. Mace Reid is called out with his dogs, and the wife is found dead at the rear of the property. The daughter, however, is not found, and the hunt is on for the daughter.
The plot proceeds from there, with various agencies joining in. For Reid and his cadaver dog Vira, there isn't much to do, and when he is involved, it feels forced, because he has no reason to be involved. He's (sort of) in a relationship with Kippy, one of the members of the law enforcement team, so tangentially, we get Reid and Vira in those moments, when Kippy is telling him what's happening, in order to keep the reader informed. Not my favorite way, and of course we all know "show, don't tell".
The narrative switches back and forth between the bad guys and the good guys, so there's no mystery in the whodunnit other than if law enforcement can catch up to the bad guys and spoil their plans.
It's not a bad book, but if you're looking for a focus on dog sand their utilization in bringing the story to a conclusion, you might be, as I was, a bit disappointed.
Three out of five stars.
Thanks to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for the reading copy.
April 26, 2022
Read my full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
A financier’s wife and daughter go missing and Mace is called in by the FBI. Vira, his HRD dog, finds the body of the mother, alright, but when everyone else is supplying theories, Vira disappears back to the mansion.
Mace lives outside of Chicago and has worked with the Chicago Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies before. His budding romantic interest is Detective Kippy Gimm.
Mace gets to work on this one, keeping most of the other dogs in his pack at bay. There are lots of twists and turns, Vira (Elvira) not getting the accolade she deserves.
There are some well-developed personalities here, human as well as canine, each with their own signature and I enjoy the humorous aspect of Mace’s persona. The well-plotted narrative gets complex—nothing is ever simple—and the surprise in the conclusion caught me off-guard. I love getting the down-low on each of the dogs, their specific roles. The race to find the little girl is truly a matter of beating the clock with themes that go beyond abduction.
It’s a fast-paced mystery, filled with the flawed Mace growing a bit with each episode.
I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author and publisher through @NetGalley that in no way influenced this review; no bias, just my honest thoughts and I’m looking for Book 4. 4.5 stars
A financier’s wife and daughter go missing and Mace is called in by the FBI. Vira, his HRD dog, finds the body of the mother, alright, but when everyone else is supplying theories, Vira disappears back to the mansion.
Mace lives outside of Chicago and has worked with the Chicago Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies before. His budding romantic interest is Detective Kippy Gimm.
Mace gets to work on this one, keeping most of the other dogs in his pack at bay. There are lots of twists and turns, Vira (Elvira) not getting the accolade she deserves.
There are some well-developed personalities here, human as well as canine, each with their own signature and I enjoy the humorous aspect of Mace’s persona. The well-plotted narrative gets complex—nothing is ever simple—and the surprise in the conclusion caught me off-guard. I love getting the down-low on each of the dogs, their specific roles. The race to find the little girl is truly a matter of beating the clock with themes that go beyond abduction.
It’s a fast-paced mystery, filled with the flawed Mace growing a bit with each episode.
I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author and publisher through @NetGalley that in no way influenced this review; no bias, just my honest thoughts and I’m looking for Book 4. 4.5 stars
January 3, 2025
Loved this one! The first book was great, and now in book 3, Jeffrey B. Burton has found his niche with this series!
Lots of craziness, possibly too much, and yet it worked, and I could see it as a movie playing out!
I loved the case that was solved and all of the moving pieces.
Fun crazy twist to make the mystery continue to unfold.
So glad that Mace & Kippy have stopped pretending to not like one another.
5 Stars.
Lots of craziness, possibly too much, and yet it worked, and I could see it as a movie playing out!
I loved the case that was solved and all of the moving pieces.
Fun crazy twist to make the mystery continue to unfold.
So glad that Mace & Kippy have stopped pretending to not like one another.
5 Stars.
December 28, 2021
I adore this series! I mean what can be better than a twisty, turny murder mystery? One with Vira the amazing dog. Dogs and murder what a combination. Fast paced with the most amazing characters. A fantastic story line brought to life by a wonderful story teller. This book will make your blood run cold, and when you think you know what is what it twists again and leaves your jaw on the floor.
August 16, 2022
This is the third book in a series, but each works great as a stand-alone book. I’ve been following the series because I got hooked by the first book, “The Finders”.
Mace is a sweetheart; a somewhat bumbling trainer of cadaver-sniffing dogs who work as a team to help solve crimes. He acts before he thinks, which lands him in some dangerous situations from time to time.
Detective Kippy Gimm, who met Mace through working with the dogs, is his sidekick in a few of their investigations. Kippy is tough; a strong-willed woman who does exactly as she wants. As these books have meandered along, Mace and Kippy are slowly acknowledging that their concern and care for each other is advancing beyond the success and safety of their cases.
In this current case, Kenneth Druckman, a wealthy Chicago businessman is attacked at his home and his wife and child are kidnapped. Mace knows the man is lying from the start when his most intelligent dog, Vira, puts the evil eye on Druckman. So begins a whirlwind of events, each more dangerous than the last, as Mace and Kippy race the clock to separate the lies from the truths.
The main characters are colorful and enjoyable (especially the dogs), the plot is believable and quick-paced, and the snarky humor adds an exciting flair.
Thanks so much to St. Martin’s Press- Minotaur for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Mace is a sweetheart; a somewhat bumbling trainer of cadaver-sniffing dogs who work as a team to help solve crimes. He acts before he thinks, which lands him in some dangerous situations from time to time.
Detective Kippy Gimm, who met Mace through working with the dogs, is his sidekick in a few of their investigations. Kippy is tough; a strong-willed woman who does exactly as she wants. As these books have meandered along, Mace and Kippy are slowly acknowledging that their concern and care for each other is advancing beyond the success and safety of their cases.
In this current case, Kenneth Druckman, a wealthy Chicago businessman is attacked at his home and his wife and child are kidnapped. Mace knows the man is lying from the start when his most intelligent dog, Vira, puts the evil eye on Druckman. So begins a whirlwind of events, each more dangerous than the last, as Mace and Kippy race the clock to separate the lies from the truths.
The main characters are colorful and enjoyable (especially the dogs), the plot is believable and quick-paced, and the snarky humor adds an exciting flair.
Thanks so much to St. Martin’s Press- Minotaur for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 4, 2022
A Mace Reid K-9 Mystery, book# 3
The stars in this latest are Vira, an extraordinary cadaver dog, and her handler Mason” Mace” Reid.
The story brings us to Glencoe, Illinois. A home invasion turned kidnapping, the billionaire financier was assaulted, left behind while his wife and young daughter were taken for ransom. FBI and Reid with his specialized pack of cadaver dogs are brought to the scene. After a short time, Vira finds the dead body of the mother ....now everyone is on high alert to find the daughter....and the suspense begins...
It is also good to know that Mace works with the Chicago Police department and has a budding romantic interest with Detective Kippy Gimm...why not.
I enjoyed this story quite a bit. I love how the author seamlessly combined an amateur sleuth mystery with a police procedural while giving spotlight to the strong connection between the handler and his dogs. Vira’s mind borders on the paranormal; her ability to locate not only dead bodies but also picks up on the perpetrator’s scent at the site. Not a dull moment in this terrific mystery filled with twists and turns, action galore. I particularly love the narrative; the story is told with a touch of humour and does not bog down with frivolity or non-essential elements: it goes right to the point. The writing style is very engaging, so much so that I hated to put this book down. What about a clever plot: so intriguing, original and very intense. The theme covers a large range of topics from murder, assault, abduction, corruption, blackmail, deceit and relationships. Oh yes, maybe the Bratva also.. What is not to like...
Great story I am looking forward to the next saga..
..
I received a copy of this book from St-Martin Press via Netgalley for my thoughts.
The stars in this latest are Vira, an extraordinary cadaver dog, and her handler Mason” Mace” Reid.
The story brings us to Glencoe, Illinois. A home invasion turned kidnapping, the billionaire financier was assaulted, left behind while his wife and young daughter were taken for ransom. FBI and Reid with his specialized pack of cadaver dogs are brought to the scene. After a short time, Vira finds the dead body of the mother ....now everyone is on high alert to find the daughter....and the suspense begins...
It is also good to know that Mace works with the Chicago Police department and has a budding romantic interest with Detective Kippy Gimm...why not.
I enjoyed this story quite a bit. I love how the author seamlessly combined an amateur sleuth mystery with a police procedural while giving spotlight to the strong connection between the handler and his dogs. Vira’s mind borders on the paranormal; her ability to locate not only dead bodies but also picks up on the perpetrator’s scent at the site. Not a dull moment in this terrific mystery filled with twists and turns, action galore. I particularly love the narrative; the story is told with a touch of humour and does not bog down with frivolity or non-essential elements: it goes right to the point. The writing style is very engaging, so much so that I hated to put this book down. What about a clever plot: so intriguing, original and very intense. The theme covers a large range of topics from murder, assault, abduction, corruption, blackmail, deceit and relationships. Oh yes, maybe the Bratva also.. What is not to like...
Great story I am looking forward to the next saga..
..
I received a copy of this book from St-Martin Press via Netgalley for my thoughts.
July 17, 2022
Oh man...this one quickly spun out of control for the bad guy, who we really learn was a huge POS for what he did. I was glad that Mace and his dogs were called in to help and that Kippy was there too. Quickly even for these guys things spun out of control, but at least they seemed to have a clue, which lead them to find something precious where things got crazy! It took all that Mace and Kippy could do to keep up with what was going on. In the end they managed to do what was needed. I look forward to reading more in this series, I want to know where things go for Mace and Kippy.
August 4, 2022
I like the style of this author. Sometimes thriller/mysteries can be so serious, I thought this book was good and included some humor. Also great that the author lives in St. Paul, MN. I loved the dogs and their personalities too.
June 28, 2022
Author Jeffery B. Burton scores again with another installment in his Mace Reid K-9 Mystery Series. For regular readers of mysteries, this is not your typical who-dun-it. Rather, the reader is treated to a look at all the parties, and thus has knowledge of what is going on with each person. Along the way, the author inserts bits of lighthearted humor as he humanizes his cadaver dogs, rationalizing their personalities and why they do the things they do.
The story moves back and forth between the characters, and Mr. Burton slowly reveals more and more about the mysterious person in the background who appears to be pulling all the strings. This is an interesting way to tell the story, and it is the suspense that kept me turning pages. We might know who and maybe why, but we don’t know how the story is going to end, and the author keeps us interested all the way through.
This is a tightly woven story that is highly recommended for mystery fans. I raced through the book in just a few sittings. Five stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a complimentary electronic copy of this book.
The story moves back and forth between the characters, and Mr. Burton slowly reveals more and more about the mysterious person in the background who appears to be pulling all the strings. This is an interesting way to tell the story, and it is the suspense that kept me turning pages. We might know who and maybe why, but we don’t know how the story is going to end, and the author keeps us interested all the way through.
This is a tightly woven story that is highly recommended for mystery fans. I raced through the book in just a few sittings. Five stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a complimentary electronic copy of this book.
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