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Gil Mason #6
A Dog Returns
Gil comes face to face with the man who destroyed his life, only to learn it was just the beginning of the monster’s plans for him. To make matters worse, he realizes that his own father-in-law has betrayed him. Can Gil survive the intricate plot designed to crush him while also navigating the delicate, emotional paths of love and romance without hurting the ones he cares about most? Join Gil and his K9 partners as they seek to conquer various evils while fighting to stay true to what is right and good and pure.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2022
76 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Gordon Carroll
15 books74 followershttps://www.facebook.com/pg/OfficialG...
Gordon Carroll is the author of GUNWOOD USA. Gordon was raised at the foot of the great Rocky Mountains in Colorado. He joined the United States Marine Corps at eighteen and served for seven years achieving the rank of sergeant (selected for staff sergeant). After that he became a police officer in a small (wild) city nestled snugly in the middle of Denver Colorado before moving on to become a sheriff’s deputy. Because of his love for dogs he became a K9 handler, training and working three separate dogs over two decades (a hundred and twenty pound German Shepherd named JR, a ninety pound Belgian Malinois named Max and a fifty-six pound Belgian Malinois named Thor.
After years of telling stories to his children and friends his wife insisted he start writing some of them down. After that he was bitten by the dreaded writing bug and started sending stories to different publications. He was quickly published in several magazines in genres ranging from Sci-Fi to horror to mainstream and Christian before writing GUNWOOD USA, a fictionalized compilation of real life scenarios that he has seen, heard of or been involved with over his years in law enforcement and military service.
Gordon is a member of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers (RMFW) and served on speaking panels for three years as well as performing K9 demos at the annual conferences.
Gordon Carroll is the author of GUNWOOD USA. Gordon was raised at the foot of the great Rocky Mountains in Colorado. He joined the United States Marine Corps at eighteen and served for seven years achieving the rank of sergeant (selected for staff sergeant). After that he became a police officer in a small (wild) city nestled snugly in the middle of Denver Colorado before moving on to become a sheriff’s deputy. Because of his love for dogs he became a K9 handler, training and working three separate dogs over two decades (a hundred and twenty pound German Shepherd named JR, a ninety pound Belgian Malinois named Max and a fifty-six pound Belgian Malinois named Thor.
After years of telling stories to his children and friends his wife insisted he start writing some of them down. After that he was bitten by the dreaded writing bug and started sending stories to different publications. He was quickly published in several magazines in genres ranging from Sci-Fi to horror to mainstream and Christian before writing GUNWOOD USA, a fictionalized compilation of real life scenarios that he has seen, heard of or been involved with over his years in law enforcement and military service.
Gordon is a member of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers (RMFW) and served on speaking panels for three years as well as performing K9 demos at the annual conferences.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 30, 2022
Novel? Or tent revival? ( spoilers... Sort of.)
Ok let me start out by saying Carroll's first four books were great. I devoured them each when they came out. Now we get to a very disappointing last book. I loved his characters but holy-moly every other page is preaching and bible verses. If I wanted to spend the day in church I would just go there. The author has decided to drink the Kool-aide and all of his book is ment to drag the reader to find God. Yeah we get it, Bible= good guys. Also his political leanings are showing as well. I finished the book just to enjoy the K-9 parts which were almost worth the slog but not quite. On a note to the author you don't really have to torture every good guy (and girl) to justify the death of every bad guy. While were at it, why are most of your bad guys Hispanic? Oh, and modern women don't really think like this about being assaulted. It isn't the 1950's where a woman is "ruined" or "damaged goods". That wrong-headed thinking is 70 years in the past and it cheapens an otherwise intelligent character. Ok rant over. Mr. Carroll please pick either writing or preaching...not both.
Ok let me start out by saying Carroll's first four books were great. I devoured them each when they came out. Now we get to a very disappointing last book. I loved his characters but holy-moly every other page is preaching and bible verses. If I wanted to spend the day in church I would just go there. The author has decided to drink the Kool-aide and all of his book is ment to drag the reader to find God. Yeah we get it, Bible= good guys. Also his political leanings are showing as well. I finished the book just to enjoy the K-9 parts which were almost worth the slog but not quite. On a note to the author you don't really have to torture every good guy (and girl) to justify the death of every bad guy. While were at it, why are most of your bad guys Hispanic? Oh, and modern women don't really think like this about being assaulted. It isn't the 1950's where a woman is "ruined" or "damaged goods". That wrong-headed thinking is 70 years in the past and it cheapens an otherwise intelligent character. Ok rant over. Mr. Carroll please pick either writing or preaching...not both.
April 11, 2022
Best book series EVER!!!!
I have read all of the books in this series and love ALL OF THEM!!! Gordon Carroll has a fabulous writing style. Keeps you turning pages until you’re finished. Then you want more, you NEED more! I’m an avid reader and these are some of the BEST books I’ve ever read!
I have read all of the books in this series and love ALL OF THEM!!! Gordon Carroll has a fabulous writing style. Keeps you turning pages until you’re finished. Then you want more, you NEED more! I’m an avid reader and these are some of the BEST books I’ve ever read!
March 26, 2023
Gil has his hands full on this one. He has Max and Pilgrim with him, so the outcome is never in doubt. Of course that doesn't mean they aren't in grave danger too. Majoqui Cabrera is still alive and has brutal plans for Mason. With him it is very personal. Gil is hired to find by a man to find his mother and daughter who he believes have been kidnapped. The kidnapper keeps his victims long enough to bleed their bank accounts dry before killing them. Meanwhile. Cabrera, who everyone believes to be dead, is plotting sweet revenge, is kidnapping people for ransom.
August 17, 2024
Normally I enjoy his books but this one was very preachy. I have the next four in the series and I hope it's not a trend.
April 6, 2022
Best yet!
Well worth the wait. Old characters and new with masterful development of not only the main but secondary as well as motivations, complex plot development, extraordinary explanation and applications of belief systems, humorous pop culture references, the grit and pressures of law enforcement, and the best of the K9 world included in non-stop pace.
Well worth the wait. Old characters and new with masterful development of not only the main but secondary as well as motivations, complex plot development, extraordinary explanation and applications of belief systems, humorous pop culture references, the grit and pressures of law enforcement, and the best of the K9 world included in non-stop pace.
June 21, 2023
Suffers from.preaching
having now been through six books in the Gil Mason/Max books, I found.myself struggling with this one. And I will be approaching the next volume with a little hesitation because of it.
Carroll took what was basically a calculated risk. His Christian faith has appeared in previous books and was acceptable to this non-believer. But this time it was impenetrable altogether. It turns out that Mason's father in law was a pastor, and was visiting prison regularly, attempting to save or convert the man who killed his daughter and grand daughter (Mason's wife and daughter).
Unfortunately, the conversations between them devolve into religious jargon and tortured logic such that I wound up skipping.much of it. That the killer took a bullet for.Mason is supposed to be his seeing the light - but at the same time, he mistakes a hostage for the dead woman he loved.
Meanwhile, Mason has women issues - let's hope that they get resolved in the next book.
having now been through six books in the Gil Mason/Max books, I found.myself struggling with this one. And I will be approaching the next volume with a little hesitation because of it.
Carroll took what was basically a calculated risk. His Christian faith has appeared in previous books and was acceptable to this non-believer. But this time it was impenetrable altogether. It turns out that Mason's father in law was a pastor, and was visiting prison regularly, attempting to save or convert the man who killed his daughter and grand daughter (Mason's wife and daughter).
Unfortunately, the conversations between them devolve into religious jargon and tortured logic such that I wound up skipping.much of it. That the killer took a bullet for.Mason is supposed to be his seeing the light - but at the same time, he mistakes a hostage for the dead woman he loved.
Meanwhile, Mason has women issues - let's hope that they get resolved in the next book.
November 12, 2022
Good read
I really liked the book and am looking forward to number 7. Its a little unrea!istic but so is everything else in books, TV, movies, etc. Its written well, not a ton of sex and foul language. Continuity is great so far but as much as I like Gil, he shouldn't go on forever.
I really liked the book and am looking forward to number 7. Its a little unrea!istic but so is everything else in books, TV, movies, etc. Its written well, not a ton of sex and foul language. Continuity is great so far but as much as I like Gil, he shouldn't go on forever.
June 12, 2024
Love reading this author.
Gil, Pilgrim, and Max never disappoint. The stories and characters in this series are so real. Gordon Carroll's writing is really hard to put down. It is as if I am there watching all these things happen in real time. I love all his books. If you haven't read any of his books, start with Sheepdogs!
Gil, Pilgrim, and Max never disappoint. The stories and characters in this series are so real. Gordon Carroll's writing is really hard to put down. It is as if I am there watching all these things happen in real time. I love all his books. If you haven't read any of his books, start with Sheepdogs!
May 26, 2022
Good story but
Good story but too much preaching and not enough dog. I read these because I love Max but these books are not where I want the bible explained. I went to Catholic schools all the way through college. Enough.
Good story but too much preaching and not enough dog. I read these because I love Max but these books are not where I want the bible explained. I went to Catholic schools all the way through college. Enough.
February 24, 2024
Better but best is yet to come
How does this author do it? Each book gets better. Loved the character Nathan in this one and the ending was over the top for me. Suspense, humor, Jesus and love. WOW!
How does this author do it? Each book gets better. Loved the character Nathan in this one and the ending was over the top for me. Suspense, humor, Jesus and love. WOW!
May 11, 2024
The story continues
This book is jam packed with action. The old cartel is involved in a series of kidnapping and Gil is looking for two women. Max and Pilgrim meet Viper. All around a good story.
This book is jam packed with action. The old cartel is involved in a series of kidnapping and Gil is looking for two women. Max and Pilgrim meet Viper. All around a good story.
July 12, 2022
not good enough for the dogs
The Gil Mason series has jumped the shark. Way too much preaching and religious content in this one. Very disappointed.
The Gil Mason series has jumped the shark. Way too much preaching and religious content in this one. Very disappointed.
April 22, 2023
Gil Mason's Survival
After his recovery from Germany Girl takes on a missing person case that takes him to on a search of a life time!
After his recovery from Germany Girl takes on a missing person case that takes him to on a search of a life time!
January 3, 2024
Fantastic!
I absolutely love this series! Just the right amount of humor and excitement. Not too gory and not at all boring! Hope there's lots more to come!
I absolutely love this series! Just the right amount of humor and excitement. Not too gory and not at all boring! Hope there's lots more to come!
December 18, 2022
A Dish Best Served Cold
This is the 6th book in a series that really should be read in sequence because the reader needs the background to fully appreciate the tale. This story is all about getting revenge. It does, however, have a wonderful and ongoing philosophical discussion about God, revenge, and salvation. It is one of the better discussions on this topic that I have read and it is woven throughout the book. It is a main thread of the book. While some people may be thrown off by this, I find that having faith woven into the fabric of the story is more realistic than not. I have found that most combat Veterans, career cops, and first responders have faced this discussion on a personal level. Because we are all works in progress, we all walk this path for our entire lives. This book does tie up one story arc, but several more are started. I would love to see a litter of Max/Viper puppies in one of the next books. I really enjoy how these books are put together. They are realistic, but not too gritty and don't cause nightmares. I am off to buy and read Book 7 because I can't wait to read it!
This is the 6th book in a series that really should be read in sequence because the reader needs the background to fully appreciate the tale. This story is all about getting revenge. It does, however, have a wonderful and ongoing philosophical discussion about God, revenge, and salvation. It is one of the better discussions on this topic that I have read and it is woven throughout the book. It is a main thread of the book. While some people may be thrown off by this, I find that having faith woven into the fabric of the story is more realistic than not. I have found that most combat Veterans, career cops, and first responders have faced this discussion on a personal level. Because we are all works in progress, we all walk this path for our entire lives. This book does tie up one story arc, but several more are started. I would love to see a litter of Max/Viper puppies in one of the next books. I really enjoy how these books are put together. They are realistic, but not too gritty and don't cause nightmares. I am off to buy and read Book 7 because I can't wait to read it!
July 14, 2025
The Worse it gets, the better it gets
As a former cop and SAR (search and rescue) dog handler, I can vouch for the true to life police and dog training situations. Parts are not for the squeamish, but taken as a whole, the book is about redemption. But we are left with the question, who is actually redeemed, and who remains a work in progress. If you love gripping and pounding police and police K-9 action, this book is for you. Couple that with what it means to be a Christian in the face of unspeakable evil. Here is a page-turner that will have you seeking your own answers about justice, redemption, and vengeance. Not for the faint of heart, but absolutely for the seeking soul, I highly recommend this book. Gordon Carroll asks the right questions, and leaves the reader wishing he/she had a few days to sit down with the author over lots of cups of coffee and talk and talk and talk.
As a former cop and SAR (search and rescue) dog handler, I can vouch for the true to life police and dog training situations. Parts are not for the squeamish, but taken as a whole, the book is about redemption. But we are left with the question, who is actually redeemed, and who remains a work in progress. If you love gripping and pounding police and police K-9 action, this book is for you. Couple that with what it means to be a Christian in the face of unspeakable evil. Here is a page-turner that will have you seeking your own answers about justice, redemption, and vengeance. Not for the faint of heart, but absolutely for the seeking soul, I highly recommend this book. Gordon Carroll asks the right questions, and leaves the reader wishing he/she had a few days to sit down with the author over lots of cups of coffee and talk and talk and talk.
January 28, 2024
Great dog depictions!
This book is about so many things! The relationship between a father who is a pastor, and his daughter's killer; the experience of a granddaughter and grandmother being kidnapped; the awakening of the Holy Spirit in a murderer; the relationship between a man and his dogs--and his relationships with women... I thought that this book seemed to try harder to bring religion into the story than in previous books in the series. It was always in them, but more so in this book than others, and it was not done as smoothly as in earlier books. It also made me doubt Gil's faith--he came across as someone who uses God as an excuse to do what he pleases. I look forward to seeing and hope to see the character's growth and healing in future books.
This book is about so many things! The relationship between a father who is a pastor, and his daughter's killer; the experience of a granddaughter and grandmother being kidnapped; the awakening of the Holy Spirit in a murderer; the relationship between a man and his dogs--and his relationships with women... I thought that this book seemed to try harder to bring religion into the story than in previous books in the series. It was always in them, but more so in this book than others, and it was not done as smoothly as in earlier books. It also made me doubt Gil's faith--he came across as someone who uses God as an excuse to do what he pleases. I look forward to seeing and hope to see the character's growth and healing in future books.
March 30, 2024
What's Carroll thinking?
I don't know when I have ever been so disappointed in an author and/or his book. I really enjoyed Sheepdog, the first in the series, and was ready to buy the whole series. I was able to overlook the religious references.
As I read the next 4 books, the "preaching" became more frequent, and suggestions that Max was magic appeared, I should have taken the hint.
When the first few chapters of A Dog Returns became a multi-chapter lesson on forgiveness, I'd had enough. If I want lessons like that, I'll go to church or reference one of the many Bibles on my bookshelf.
Sorry, Gordon Carroll. You just lost a reader who could have been one of your biggest fans.
I don't know when I have ever been so disappointed in an author and/or his book. I really enjoyed Sheepdog, the first in the series, and was ready to buy the whole series. I was able to overlook the religious references.
As I read the next 4 books, the "preaching" became more frequent, and suggestions that Max was magic appeared, I should have taken the hint.
When the first few chapters of A Dog Returns became a multi-chapter lesson on forgiveness, I'd had enough. If I want lessons like that, I'll go to church or reference one of the many Bibles on my bookshelf.
Sorry, Gordon Carroll. You just lost a reader who could have been one of your biggest fans.
October 3, 2025
This book is exasperating. Gil is absolutely clueless regarding women. It’s annoying to read. Seriously ready to drop this series.
Interesting how so many Christian writers avoid cussing in the storyline but include so much violence. Reading about the details cartels & human trafficking is worse than cussing.
In the end, all the bad guys die including Majoqui Cabrera. And the 3 pack kill the final bad guy.
As a Christian, i enjoyed the theological discussion between the bible man & Cabrera. It was satisfying that in the end he believed.
Not sure author waits to final 10% of book for action while the rest is tied up with Gil’s clueless relationship issues.
Interesting how so many Christian writers avoid cussing in the storyline but include so much violence. Reading about the details cartels & human trafficking is worse than cussing.
In the end, all the bad guys die including Majoqui Cabrera. And the 3 pack kill the final bad guy.
As a Christian, i enjoyed the theological discussion between the bible man & Cabrera. It was satisfying that in the end he believed.
Not sure author waits to final 10% of book for action while the rest is tied up with Gil’s clueless relationship issues.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2022
Disappointed
I shouldn't be disappointed. This is a typical Gil Mason story. But I hoped for better. It's hard to buy off on Gil really being that oblivious to Gail and Tina. After 6 stories, one has to wonder about the odds regarding his risk taking with no permanent damage. The vendetta story doesn't seem very plausible. And finally, canine reality. Yes, Max is some unique super dog (waiting for the author to set this dog against a seal team dog). But a 13 year old over size Pilgrim? At some point even William Marshall got old and died.
I shouldn't be disappointed. This is a typical Gil Mason story. But I hoped for better. It's hard to buy off on Gil really being that oblivious to Gail and Tina. After 6 stories, one has to wonder about the odds regarding his risk taking with no permanent damage. The vendetta story doesn't seem very plausible. And finally, canine reality. Yes, Max is some unique super dog (waiting for the author to set this dog against a seal team dog). But a 13 year old over size Pilgrim? At some point even William Marshall got old and died.
January 16, 2023
I enjoyed A DOG RETURNS. It’s a little different from previous books in the series because Gil is a bit off his game (thank goodness he has Max!) and there is a lot of Bible discussion throughout. I also look forward to seeing Gil begin to get over his grief so that he can see the “trees” in his “forest.” Viper is fascinating; I hope to see more of her. Overall, another winner with super characters, dialog, and plot.
June 29, 2023
Addictive Reading
This series captured me from the moment I picked up the first book. I like mystery/suspense and these books have it. I am a Christian and appreciate there was enough imagery to know what's taking place but no smut. Also, glad the gospel was laid out. Looking forward to more from Gordon Carroll.
This series captured me from the moment I picked up the first book. I like mystery/suspense and these books have it. I am a Christian and appreciate there was enough imagery to know what's taking place but no smut. Also, glad the gospel was laid out. Looking forward to more from Gordon Carroll.
July 23, 2025
Even the best plans can be changed by the Dogs.
So much happened in this story around the bad guys and our good guy witnessing to try to "save" him. But then there is the major issue of revenge that may or may not work out. Still so much violence and poor Max gets shot. Poor puppy.
So much happened in this story around the bad guys and our good guy witnessing to try to "save" him. But then there is the major issue of revenge that may or may not work out. Still so much violence and poor Max gets shot. Poor puppy.
October 26, 2025
Excellent series! My only criticism is that the book places the state prison in Pueblo and refers to it as “Canyon City Prison.” In reality, Cañon City (often misspelled as “Canyon City”) is a separate town about an hour from Pueblo, and that’s where the state prison is located. The state hospital, on the other hand, is in Pueblo.
April 9, 2022
Brilliant!
Gordon Carroll has become my favorite author…Max, my biggest hero. All the characters are wonderful, the plot well thought out, and the intense experience of reading these books is memorable.
Gordon Carroll has become my favorite author…Max, my biggest hero. All the characters are wonderful, the plot well thought out, and the intense experience of reading these books is memorable.
May 13, 2022
Gripping, taut, suspenseful reading
Great book. I was spellbound every page. Ending is very satisfying. Gil, Max, Pilgrim — and now Viper are great warriors. The MS 13 connection is terrifying, though. Such violence and terror from them.
Great book. I was spellbound every page. Ending is very satisfying. Gil, Max, Pilgrim — and now Viper are great warriors. The MS 13 connection is terrifying, though. Such violence and terror from them.
May 15, 2022
Love this series
Mr. Carroll knows how to keep the tension level high. Even though I knew the good guys and the dogs would somehow survive, it was still intense. And the ending was perfect. When is the next installment coming?
Mr. Carroll knows how to keep the tension level high. Even though I knew the good guys and the dogs would somehow survive, it was still intense. And the ending was perfect. When is the next installment coming?
July 12, 2022
Very religious
Its a decent plot, but there is SO MUCH PREACHING!!! If you're not thrilled with dwelling on Christianity and the "guilt, hell, redemption package, I'd advise skipping Gordon Carroll, I'm certainly going to avoid his books.
Its a decent plot, but there is SO MUCH PREACHING!!! If you're not thrilled with dwelling on Christianity and the "guilt, hell, redemption package, I'd advise skipping Gordon Carroll, I'm certainly going to avoid his books.
April 20, 2023
GREAT read
Max is a K-9 and one of the smartest, most lethal dogs you could ever imagine. A very intense series but I give it a 10. Gil, Max and Pilgrim make a trio you would never want to mess with.
Max is a K-9 and one of the smartest, most lethal dogs you could ever imagine. A very intense series but I give it a 10. Gil, Max and Pilgrim make a trio you would never want to mess with.
April 10, 2024
another awesome book by Gordon Carroll
Fantastic read. Gordon Carroll is one of the best authors I have read.
If you love dogs and support our officers in blue this is the book for you.
Fantastic read. Gordon Carroll is one of the best authors I have read.
If you love dogs and support our officers in blue this is the book for you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews