What do you think?
Rate this book
K-9 Mystery #3
Bone Trail
Some horse stables are remote for a reason…
Private investigator Nikki Drake thought she was following her vet’s orders by taking her K9 partner to an isolated log cabin deep in the wilds of California. But Gunner doesn’t understand he’s in rehab and his remarkable nose leads to a gruesome discovery.
When both the local police and a powerful stable owner brush off her find, she does some digging of her own. Soon she is on the run, with both a terrified groom and a pricey racehorse in tow.
The more she learns about the sinister owner, the more she realizes there is more at stake than getting a vulnerable horse to the starting gate. And the clock is ticking.
“Diving into a Bev Pettersen book is always a delicious treat!” Lori Ryan, New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author
Private investigator Nikki Drake thought she was following her vet’s orders by taking her K9 partner to an isolated log cabin deep in the wilds of California. But Gunner doesn’t understand he’s in rehab and his remarkable nose leads to a gruesome discovery.
When both the local police and a powerful stable owner brush off her find, she does some digging of her own. Soon she is on the run, with both a terrified groom and a pricey racehorse in tow.
The more she learns about the sinister owner, the more she realizes there is more at stake than getting a vulnerable horse to the starting gate. And the clock is ticking.
“Diving into a Bev Pettersen book is always a delicious treat!” Lori Ryan, New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author
- GenresMysteryMystery Thriller
172 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2022
155 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Bev Pettersen
45 books250 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling Author Bev Pettersen writes K9 mystery thrillers and romantic suspense that blend pulse-pounding action with unforgettable animal characters. Her Nikki Drake K9 Mystery Series features a private investigator, her loyal German Shepherd partner, and cases that test the bonds between humans and their dogs.
After establishing herself as an award-winning romantic suspense author, Bev has found her true passion in mystery thriller writing—stories where dogs are heroes, danger is real, and justice always has teeth.
A three-time National Readers Choice Award nominee, she's won numerous honors including a Kirkus Recommended Read, HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, and Reader Views Reviewer's Choice Award.
Bev competed on the Alberta Thoroughbred race circuit and is an Equine Canada certified coach, expertise she weaves into her animal-centered thrillers. She lives in Nova Scotia with her family and their four-legged companions.
Want to know more about her next K9 mystery or receive special offers? Visit https://www.BevPettersen.com and sign up for her newsletter.
After establishing herself as an award-winning romantic suspense author, Bev has found her true passion in mystery thriller writing—stories where dogs are heroes, danger is real, and justice always has teeth.
A three-time National Readers Choice Award nominee, she's won numerous honors including a Kirkus Recommended Read, HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, and Reader Views Reviewer's Choice Award.
Bev competed on the Alberta Thoroughbred race circuit and is an Equine Canada certified coach, expertise she weaves into her animal-centered thrillers. She lives in Nova Scotia with her family and their four-legged companions.
Want to know more about her next K9 mystery or receive special offers? Visit https://www.BevPettersen.com and sign up for her newsletter.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 7, 2024
I'm somewhat glad that there's not another one in this series, because then I don't have to decide if I want to read it or not. There's everything I ought to like in here, but enough things that push my buttons over the line into "a little too much reality" zone.
For example, the detective keeps doing impetuous and dangerous things that you'd think a person of her experience would know better. For another, she sends her dog into danger way too carelessly. And for enough, the criminals choose methods that are a lot less effective than I'd expect them to choose. I guess they're trying to be subtle, which is awfully out of character for people so evil.
It might be a great book for some people, but it's a little "too much" for me. Sorry. Incidentally, I really liked the dog but wanted more.
For example, the detective keeps doing impetuous and dangerous things that you'd think a person of her experience would know better. For another, she sends her dog into danger way too carelessly. And for enough, the criminals choose methods that are a lot less effective than I'd expect them to choose. I guess they're trying to be subtle, which is awfully out of character for people so evil.
It might be a great book for some people, but it's a little "too much" for me. Sorry. Incidentally, I really liked the dog but wanted more.
September 8, 2023
Two-haiku review:
Gunner finds arm bone
Property owner is bad
Rich and powerful
Helping underdog
Life's never fair but should be
Short book but still good
Gunner finds arm bone
Property owner is bad
Rich and powerful
Helping underdog
Life's never fair but should be
Short book but still good
July 24, 2022
Good all the way around.
The book is great..she writes knowledgeable y about horses, dogs and she combines it all together with great lead characters. I really enjoyed this series and can't wait for more books to be added.
The book is great..she writes knowledgeable y about horses, dogs and she combines it all together with great lead characters. I really enjoyed this series and can't wait for more books to be added.
May 12, 2025
This one is over the top, not being realistic in 2 ways. The mystery itself is in a business situation which is unlikely overall. Aspects of it probably happen but maybe not all in one business. The personal relationships seem weird also.
Nikki is taking a little time off after the last case where Gunner got shot. They don't know if he will ever work again as he might have issues. She is running by a horse farm and Gunner finds a human arm. Police ask her to meet them at the farm. Things quickly go south.
Nikki and Gunner have been friendly with a horse named Chico and his trainer Ana. Nikki learns they are in danger and so is she. She goes to extreme lengths to protect them and puts herself in serious danger. Yet her boyfriend and she don't talk or communicate well, and she is out risking her life for a stranger.
An HEA is squeaked out with some quick lucky breaks.
COYER May RAT
Nikki is taking a little time off after the last case where Gunner got shot. They don't know if he will ever work again as he might have issues. She is running by a horse farm and Gunner finds a human arm. Police ask her to meet them at the farm. Things quickly go south.
Nikki and Gunner have been friendly with a horse named Chico and his trainer Ana. Nikki learns they are in danger and so is she. She goes to extreme lengths to protect them and puts herself in serious danger. Yet her boyfriend and she don't talk or communicate well, and she is out risking her life for a stranger.
An HEA is squeaked out with some quick lucky breaks.
COYER May RAT
February 14, 2023
Riveting book, an intelligent dog and PI that believes in him
Some rich ppl in the world of horse racing are ruthless and inhumane to both the animals and workers, especially the women. One meets his match in a petite Chilean young woman and the horse she loves, and with the help of Gunner and the P.I. that took a chance on him
Some rich ppl in the world of horse racing are ruthless and inhumane to both the animals and workers, especially the women. One meets his match in a petite Chilean young woman and the horse she loves, and with the help of Gunner and the P.I. that took a chance on him
February 23, 2023
Tightly written good character development Only Time I have stayed up until sunrise reading.
Fun and fast-paced. Excellent plot development. Characters I could relate with. More than just a dog and pony story - although the dog and race horse provide provide plenty of suspense. A good read.
Fun and fast-paced. Excellent plot development. Characters I could relate with. More than just a dog and pony story - although the dog and race horse provide provide plenty of suspense. A good read.
October 14, 2025
what a tale!!!
Gunner is back in action, albeit leery of men, especially around his Nikki. Nikki and Gunner meet and befriend a Chilean thoroughbred and his groomer on their way to his 20th race!!! Escaping a dastardly thoroughbred owner and making their way to the track poses all sorts of challenges. What a story!!’
Gunner is back in action, albeit leery of men, especially around his Nikki. Nikki and Gunner meet and befriend a Chilean thoroughbred and his groomer on their way to his 20th race!!! Escaping a dastardly thoroughbred owner and making their way to the track poses all sorts of challenges. What a story!!’
August 6, 2023
Great story
Lots of action from the get go. Great characters both human and animal. There were some things that didn't seem to square with horse racing but I guess it's just artistic license.
Lots of action from the get go. Great characters both human and animal. There were some things that didn't seem to square with horse racing but I guess it's just artistic license.
October 6, 2023
Foul language
I stopped reading this book because of the language. I love k-9 books but this one had cursing that seriously detracted from the characters and even the lovely k-9. I will not read any more of this series, and therefore, can not recommend.
I stopped reading this book because of the language. I love k-9 books but this one had cursing that seriously detracted from the characters and even the lovely k-9. I will not read any more of this series, and therefore, can not recommend.
March 26, 2024
Great energy with this fine story
Well that read was quite a wild ride! Loved it, man I could not put this down, thanks for such an amazing experience. Going to down load the next book and get started reading again.
Well that read was quite a wild ride! Loved it, man I could not put this down, thanks for such an amazing experience. Going to down load the next book and get started reading again.
November 8, 2024
Wow. Nikki just trips over big cases..
And Gunner breaks them for her. What a team.
I especially liked Rick, he kept her on her best behavior until he didn't.
I decided that I like Justin, and I adore Sonja.
And Gunner breaks them for her. What a team.
I especially liked Rick, he kept her on her best behavior until he didn't.
I decided that I like Justin, and I adore Sonja.
January 23, 2025
Will her dog be good or loose control?
What to do with a dog who hates men lies horses! A man killing horses not fast enough Gunner is great catch the brutal idiot! Love smart dogs? Enjoy!
What to do with a dog who hates men lies horses! A man killing horses not fast enough Gunner is great catch the brutal idiot! Love smart dogs? Enjoy!
September 6, 2022
I liked this book, but didn't love it. I thought it wrapped up pretty quickly. There were some grim scenes and the attempted rape was scary.
September 29, 2022
Nail Biting Read
That was a very good story. I was fascinated with all the track lingo and strict rules they have to follow. Great to have Gunner back.
That was a very good story. I was fascinated with all the track lingo and strict rules they have to follow. Great to have Gunner back.
October 9, 2022
Gret
I love horses and dogs. It wasn't as violent as the preceding book. It was exciting from the first page. Thank you
I love horses and dogs. It wasn't as violent as the preceding book. It was exciting from the first page. Thank you
November 25, 2022
Great read!!!
This story grab you are the beginning and never slowed down. Anyone who loves dogs and suspense will love it.
This story grab you are the beginning and never slowed down. Anyone who loves dogs and suspense will love it.
February 7, 2023
Exciting
Fast moving. Recommended for anyone who likes wonder private eyes working g with s
mart K9s. Read and enjoy the ride.
Fast moving. Recommended for anyone who likes wonder private eyes working g with s
mart K9s. Read and enjoy the ride.
May 22, 2023
Horse Sense!
This was intriguing and, at times, it's somewhat graphic mystery. I loved the K9 and his handlers' relationship. It was definitely a hard book to put down.
This was intriguing and, at times, it's somewhat graphic mystery. I loved the K9 and his handlers' relationship. It was definitely a hard book to put down.
Read
July 24, 2023Less exciting than previous two books. Almost annoying at the way all main characters refuse to take smart precautions.
October 28, 2024
GREAT BOOK
The K9 books are great reading. A lot of suspense mystery’ who’s the criminal & who isn’t nice how the good people are always on top
The K9 books are great reading. A lot of suspense mystery’ who’s the criminal & who isn’t nice how the good people are always on top
June 20, 2025
Great reading
I love this book from beginning to end,it was exciting and full of action and suspension I cried like a baby during the race.
I love this book from beginning to end,it was exciting and full of action and suspension I cried like a baby during the race.
June 20, 2025
Bone Trail love Gunner
It's so satisfying when justice prevails and the good - with their dogs - wins. How can I get the next in the series?
It's so satisfying when justice prevails and the good - with their dogs - wins. How can I get the next in the series?
August 8, 2025
I loved this one!! Nikki and her K9, Gunner, help a groom and racehorse stay alive. This was so intense and had me flying through the book!!
August 6, 2023
Nicely done
Horse racing, dogs, mistreatment of "illegals" by "powerful" men who think they own the world all end well for most of the good guys and badly for the bad. Recommend the series.
Horse racing, dogs, mistreatment of "illegals" by "powerful" men who think they own the world all end well for most of the good guys and badly for the bad. Recommend the series.
March 15, 2023
Fine and well conceived plot......one of the.... best
I ' ve read....Holds your attention to the final page !!
Well worth reading....enjoyed it.
AND it's. !carefuly edited, which is hard to find in recent works........
I ' ve read....Holds your attention to the final page !!
Well worth reading....enjoyed it.
AND it's. !carefuly edited, which is hard to find in recent works........
June 28, 2023
Another good book from this author. Mystery, suspense, romance and of course K-9 dogs what more could you ask for.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews