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US Deputy Marshal Caitlyn Reed, and her K9 partner, Renegade, are tasked with guarding a federal judge in an obscure court in north-western Wyoming. What should be a boring assignment soon explodes into an all-out catastrophe when a killer makes several attempts on the judge’s life. Sheriff Colt Branson chases cattle thieves and ends up on the trail of the murderous drug pushers who killed a local convenience store clerk. He and his deputy follow their trail all the way up to the Crow Reservation in Montana. In a thrilling twist of events, Caitlyn and Colt end up on different sides of the same case. Working side by side once again in the pursuit of justice will they prevail or perish in flames? Join the hunt for Justice.

302 pages, Paperback

First published April 7, 2022

874 people are currently reading
213 people want to read

About the author

Jodi Burnett

35 books362 followers
Jodi Burnett is a Colorado native and a mountain girl at heart. She loves writing Mystery and Suspense Thrillers from her small ranch southeast of Denver, where she lives with her husband and their two big dogs. There she dotes on her horses, complains about her cows, and writes to create a home for her imaginings. Burnett is a member of Novelists, Inc. and Sisters in Crime. Connect with Jodi at jodi@jodi-burnett.com, on Facebook @ JodiBurnettAuthor, on Instagram @ JodiBurnettAuthor, or on Twitter @ Jodi_writes. Get free books by Burnett on her website.

https://jodi-burnett.com

https://linktr.ee/JodiBurnett

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5 stars
1,794 (71%)
4 stars
553 (22%)
3 stars
129 (5%)
2 stars
28 (1%)
1 star
9 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
1,308 reviews7 followers
April 8, 2022
Action-packed and emotionally charged, the characters and plot of this book will literally blow you away. Recommended.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,920 reviews27 followers
April 1, 2022
Snot cried! For so many reasons. Jodi Burnett shredded my heart with so many layers. This isn't just US Deputy Marshall Caityln Reeds with her K9 Renegade and Sheriff Cole Branson' story, it is more. What is transpiring in schools, attitudes toward other people, workings of a ranch. When I first started reading I thought oh no,please lets not go there. Please, please, please. She did, but she didn't and the unexpected ending had me yelling no, no, no. Everything in between was just as fulfilling. Twists, suspense with moments of peace. If you want to be entertained, if you want to be have your heart ache, if you want moments to make you smile, read Justice. Thank you for the arc, I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions.
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews53 followers
April 8, 2022
Justice (Tin Star K9 Series Book 4) by Jodi Burnett is a fantastic story that I have loved reading. This is book number four in this fantastic series that I have been so hooked on since the beginning. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading a fantastic thriller.

I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
1,161 reviews5 followers
March 31, 2022
Jodi Burnett's "Justice" was an awesome read. The fast-paced page-turning plot was filled with intrigue, suspense, action, and a little adversity. Additionally, I loved the author's style of writing: Every scene was given such vivid descriptions. I felt as if I were really there, up close and personal. The scene with the Rottie pup and little Caleb was heart-wrenching. Also, it was a nice touch for how the denouement was foreshadowed earlier on. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the narrative as it kept me on the edge of my seat!
I received an advanced copy for free. I am voluntarily giving my honest review.
296 reviews6 followers
April 2, 2022
A fast paced and suspenseful read that was hard to put down. I really like the characters, and the descriptive scenes give the reader a real sense of the beauty and open spaces of Wyoming.  This book has it all: mystery, action, family drama, heartbreak, and awesome K9s. There's even puppies!
I can't wait to read what's next for Caitlyn and Colt.
Thank you Jodi for having me on you ARC team.
Profile Image for LianaReads blog.
2,803 reviews249 followers
April 25, 2022
I haven’t read all of the previous books in this series. While this is book number 4, I didn’t have any problems driving in from the start.
As usual, Jodi Burnett creates challenging characters that will keep me entertained and intrigued. The addition of a ranch along with all the heartbreaking scenes, made for a stop and breath moments, put the book down and pick it up again.
That ending was very unexpected and makes me want to read the next story asap.
Fast paced, thrilling and addictive suspenseful story.


KU read
Profile Image for  Yin Wah.
52 reviews
March 31, 2022
I received an arc copy from the author and again I absolutely enjoyed reading about caitlyn and renegade and colt
227 reviews3 followers
April 6, 2022
A well-crafted novel with plenty of action, detective intrigue and characters that are well defined. The descriptions of western United States are a thoughtful mixture of whimsy and gritty reality. This is a comfortable murder mystery tale that readers will enjoy both for the action of the storyline and the interaction between characters. The true to life descriptions of the K9 officer see completely believeable.I highly recommend thus novel for anyone interested in detective stories and/or light romance and well-drawn characters. I received an ARC and this is my honest assessment of this novel.
194 reviews1 follower
April 7, 2022
US Marshal Caitlyn Reed and her K9 partner Renegade are away, guarding a misogynistic judge who received multiple threats. Meanwhile her fiancé sheriff Colt Branson is knee-deep in cattle theft, drug sales at school and the unwanted attention of an old flame.
Be prepared for suspense, drama, explosions, drugs and murder; topped with romance, adorable puppies and a whopping cliff-hanger! Justice is the best book in this series to date (I keep saying that). The plot contains exciting twists and turns, and the great character development really draws you in. I was actually moved to tears a few times. What a ride!
I received a preview copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing.
Profile Image for Anne - Books of My Heart.
3,904 reviews225 followers
July 24, 2025
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
 


The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).

Kindle freebie on July 11, 2025  (currently $5.99 at Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited as of writing this post)


3.5 hearts

I've read several books in the Tin Star K9 series as I received them as freebies.  Justice is book 4; I've previously read books 2 and 5.  I'm sure it would have been better to read them in order.

The series has 2 main characters, Caitlyn Reed and Colt Branson .   Caitlin is recently graduated from a K9 program and criminal justice system.  She started working as a sheriff's deputy for Colt and moved on to become a federal agent with the US Marshals.  Colt is the sheriff.

In Justice,  Caitlyn is guarding a judge who declared a mistrial in a case in the killing of a Native boy and has now received threats.   Colt is chasing down the supplier of drugs to kids in the area high school.  They both seem to be following reasonably good procedures and investigative strategy.

Renegade gets to work sniffing for bombs and such in the courthouse.  At first, Caitlyn just guards the judge during the day, following him home to check things there, then the plan is to leave and come back in the morning to take him to his daily work. But a second person becomes necessary as the judge defies the rules and makes himself more accessible.  I felt bad for Caitlyn working nearly 24 hours a day and sleeping in her car until a second agent is assigned to the case.

At this point, I start to question the competence and it continues as the action starts to pick up with explosions and gun fights.  The same seems true of Colt's case.   They both seem to have good strategy and some evidence gathering.  But then when they go to arrest or confront criminals, it isn't smart.

Personally, Caitlyn and Colt just got engaged.  The personal relationships have the characters being immature and unrealistic in cliche ways.  A girl Colt dated in high school is back in town, after 10 years, and appears to be making a play for him.

On the other hand, Caitlyn's best friend, McKenzie, and brother, Dylan have a nice romance as another plot thread. McKenzie is starting a dog training and breeding operation.  She's the one who trained Renegade.  I am more interested in that than the ups and downs of Caitlyn and Colt I've read over the serie
Profile Image for Jerry Walch.
679 reviews16 followers
April 5, 2022
I have been a fan of Jodi Burnett ever since she published her very first series, The Flint River trilogy. Her Flint River Trilogy introduced the Reeds and all the other main characters that we encounter in all her series that followed. Although she has written several series, they all seem to come together through these characters as we watch them and their relationships evolve and develop from one book to the next. Jodi has always been a cross genre writer, writing K-9 Thrillers with a romance subplot. In her earlier books, the romance plotline was important but subordinate to the thriller plotline, but with each new book that Jodi writes, the romance plotline seemed to become stronger and more important. Now, with Justice, those plotlines have evolved to where both are of equal importance to the story. At least that’s the way I perceive her character arcs and plot arcs to be evolving. Jodi handles it well and I think that this will make her more popular with both the hard core thriller readers, such as myself, and with those readers who are more into the romance genres. There’s enough of both in Justice to satisfy both genre readers.

In the past I have said that Jodi writes series in such a way that the books can be read in any order and enjoyed, but I think that The Tin Star series is the exception to that rule. The Tin Star series is more like a serial than a series because the main story line that started in book 1 continues to develop and play out in all the books that follow. Although each book tells a satisfying tale, to get the most enjoyment out of them, they need to be read in the order in which Jodi wrote them. Therefore, if you haven’t already read the first three books in the series—Renegade, Maverick, and Marshall—that you download and read them before reading Justice.

The way Justice ends will have you on tether hooks waiting for the next book in series, Book 5 Bloodline, to find out what will happen next.
2,562 reviews41 followers
April 7, 2022
Non-stop action, suspense and danger as US Deputy Marshal Caitlyn Reed, along with her K9 Renegade are assigned to protect a federal judge. The judge doesn’t believe that he is in danger, until the first threat. In the meantime, Sheriff Cole Branson, Caitlyn’s fiancé, is dealing with cattle rustling and drugs at the local high school. Two of the four former drug runners had been killed, while the other two had escaped. When a lead sends Cole to the reservation, will he finally find out who is distributing the drug called rockeT? Caitlyn is searching for a murderer who they believe has gone to her brother’s home at the same reservation. She is surprised to see Cole there and as things blaze out of control, will they survive this final threat? An unexpected meeting at the end of the story may lead to further issues for Caitlyn and Cole…we shall see, and I can’t wait for the next book in this amazing series! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author. (paytonpuppy)
Profile Image for Dee.
2,689 reviews21 followers
September 29, 2022
Two-haiku review:

Cate goes to guard judge
Several bad things happen
She and dog are team

Excitement and angst
Another cliffie ending
On to next story
Profile Image for Kathy Idleman.
36 reviews1 follower
April 4, 2022
I do wish I could give more stars for this book! I felt like I was standing on the sidelines watching these events unfold and smelling all the odors and feeling all the emotions, it was so well written but not overly explained. There was also the perfect amount of action and romance.
This book will warm your heart along with make you laugh and cry. If you have followed the story from book 1 (Renegade Tin Star Series) you will think you know what will happen in the end, but something happens that you would never think, it ends with a big twist! I will just leave it at that! Happy Reading.
Profile Image for Gray.
202 reviews
April 7, 2022
I can't stop reading, this is a roller coaster. A K9 and a Deputy Marshall are in the middle of hot water. Their job, guarding a judge.

Enters the Sheriff who are following a very promising lead that helps following cattle thieves and found himself into another realm. He and the Deputy will find themselves at crossroads.

Love the characters and the story. Sometimes get a little complicated but, I recommended is a good book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
87 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2025
A great book with interesting characters and a dog side kick. Lots of action and secrets.
370 reviews19 followers
August 25, 2023
Do you love to read? Love dogs and a bit of romance? Love a good thriller? Then you can end your search for your next book right here, as Jodi Burnett has wrapped up dogs, romance and pages of excitement in a fast-moving thriller that will keep you on your toes.

Once again Sheriff Colt Branson and his girlfriend, US Deputy Marshall Caitlyn Reed, find themselves working on cases that are intertwined. But how can protecting a judge from threats following a hate crime trial be related to a big drug case? In between the tense moments, you will be amused both by some precious puppies and Caitlyn’s over-zealous mother trying to plan her wedding to Colt. Could there also be another wedding in the offing? You will have to read for yourself to find out.

Although each book in this series can be read as a standalone they are probably best read in order. This will help fill in some background information for you.

Although I was provided an advance copy by the author, I chose to also purchase this book to keep on my e-reader.
12.7k reviews191 followers
April 4, 2022
Another exciting book. With Deputy Marshall Caitlyn and her K9 Renegade, life is never boring. Just guarding a Judge turns into a dangerous situation. I wasn’t disappointed and ready for more.
Profile Image for David Taylor.
1,546 reviews25 followers
December 6, 2022
I love this series, the stories contain all the best elements of a cozy mystery, a well written whodunit, and a bit of romance included for good measure. The characters are not just well developed, the majority are likeable, and in Justice there are a few who are easy to dislike. The situations Caitlyn, Renegade, Colt, and Sam find themselves in will keep you guessing who they are looking for in their respective cases. Unlike the first three books in this series, this story took my emotions and put them through the metaphorical wringer. The way Joyce adds individual nuances to each of the characters really makes listening to these stories a pleasure.

If you have read or listened to the first three books in this series this is a must read/listen, if you are new to the Tin Star series, do yourself a favor and start with Renegade, book 1, so that you will have all the background that sets the stage for this book. I received a review copy of the audiobook for Justice from the author and chose to provide this review.
Profile Image for Zyffyr.
139 reviews7 followers
December 5, 2025
2 .5 Stars ✨
The story was OK and I applaud Ms. Burnett for her efforts. Unfortunately for me it lacked the credibility usually seen in law enforcement procedural works. Also, if you are familiar with the geography of the area, a lot of details/scenarios were unlikely enough to take me out of the story. The story itself was formulaic and became more so as the romances unfolded. For me (personal performance) too much romance and not enough dog.

Hopefully my thoughts below will not dissuade others from reading this series. I’m very sure many will enjoy it as demonstrated by all the 4 & 5 Star ✨ ratings.

*Somewhat of a disappointment as I have several animal centric series that I love and follow closely.(ie. Dana Stabenow, Jen J. Danna, D.L. Keur, Margaret Mizushima, Pamela Beason, Alex Kava, Alice Henderson, Sy Montgomery, Anne McCaffrey, James Herriot, Tom Ryan, Michael C. Grumley & for a lighter read, Lilian Jackson Braun, Spencer Quinn, I was looking for something different.
818 reviews3 followers
April 12, 2022
Being a fan of this author and series, I was anxious to see where she would take new US Marshall Caitlyn Reed. As part of her ARC team, I received this directly from the author. The book opens with Caitlyn working through her rehab from prior injuries and anxious to get back to her case. Due to her still recovering, her boss assigns her to act as a bodyguard for a federal judge in NW Wyoming. Seems like a simple assignment with the largest problem being the attitude of the judge.
Rather quickly the case changes and crosses paths with the case that her fiancé Sheriff Colt Branson is working on to find the meth that is coming into their small community. Lots of twists and turns that covers many topics beyond just the problems of their small town and the case Caitlyn has been assigned to. Really good story and development of Caitlyn as a character as she works on her new career.
Profile Image for Marion.
115 reviews
September 4, 2022
Enjoyed the previous books, not this one. 3 stars for the drug/murder story and 0 stars for character development. Too much angst for the characters with her partner dying this time, was it really necessary he died after surviving a previous injury? Caitlin is too revengeful/angry vs doing her job. I can see maybe bringing Colt’s high school mistake back, but now, 10-12 years later with a kid? They deserved some joy in life and not a total book filled with pain. The k-9’s hardly play a role compared to the previous books. I've seen this cliffhanger in so many other books, sometimes it fits the storyline, not sure it does in this case. The others were mostly stand alone but not this one. Why bring trouble to a relationship just getting back on track? Sorry, doubt I’ll read any others despite being k-9’s.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sandra.
691 reviews27 followers
November 3, 2022
For a book that starts with a hate crime against a native American this sure depicted Native Americans in a negative way. They were all murders, drug pushers or incompetent cops except one who was a friend of one of the main character cops, but we never actually met him.
A key part of the story just made no sense Una starts a relationship with the judge in order to "get close" to him so she can murder him, but she has no need to do that, she already knows him, she could have found so many ways to get him alone and murder him.
When she leaves him tied up holding a grenade he calls Caitlyn asking for her help - how? He was tied up... she what, just left his phone somewhere he could dial Caitlyn while he was tied up?
I also didn't really like how it kept swapping from one storyline to another.
It had dogs, so there's that, also a female law enforcement officer who is pretty competent.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
490 reviews
February 15, 2023
I enjoy this series and I’ve read all four. I found the plot in this book attention holding to the very end. I also enjoy all the characters and the dogs too. This book has a lot of tense moments and a sad moment too as Caitlyn lost her partner and friend due to a bombing. Caitlyn and Sam were sent to protect a judge whose life had been threaten. The suspect wasn’t revealed til almost the end, but there were clues. Caitlyn’s Mom starts planning Caitlyn’s wedding . Caitlyn and Colt almost lose their lives and realize that thus they decide on a wedding date. The ending gives some clues to more wrenches in the lives of Caitlyn and Colt. Caitlyn meet’s the old girlfriend’s mother and is introduced to her very young grandson………???? Will book #5 reveal more about this grandson and put a wrench in Caitlyn and Colt’s relationship?
Profile Image for Marie.
5,322 reviews53 followers
May 24, 2025
Can justice be found?

And who deserves justice?
The murdered teen?
The family member searching for vengeance?
The innocent family left behind?

Caitlyn and Colt have different cases, pulling them in different directions whilst fending off wedding pressures from her mum. What should be easy, straight forward cases become tangled webs of deceit, danger increases and innocent lives are lost, including one of the team, and the rest of the team are left bruised, battered, concussed and grieving as they race across the country chasing fugitives. My heart breaks with the lives lost.
I have to say how much I despise Allison and her games, I did guess her bombshell quite early in the book and it only makes me dislike her more.
That bombshell and the weddings on the horizon have me eager for Bloodline - book 5. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
204 reviews2 followers
August 2, 2022
This is my first full length novel from this author and though enjoyable I would recommend starting at the beginning of the series to enable you to master the characters and follow their development from the beginning. Having said this the book can be read as an enjoyable stand alone in which she has combined mysteries, revenge, murder, drugs and inter racial tension among civilians and authorities to create a pressure cooker of action, occasionally interrupted by the myopic outlook of a frustrated, wedding hungry, mother. My usual problem in reading US law enforcement books istrying to work out where they all belong in the Justice pecking order but, once mastered, the book gave me an enjoyable couple of days reading.
2,099 reviews9 followers
November 23, 2022
Audiobook: I enjoyed book 4 of the "Tin Star K9 Series" a lot. US Deputy Marshall Caitlyn Reed and Sheriff Colt Branson were both working their individual assignments, when a series of events brought them together. This story was filled with a lot of intense action. I liked that this tale emphasized both of the characters' strengths, but also depicted the tenderness that exists between them. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Joyce Oben's narration was fine, and her performance enhanced the story's entertainment. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
Profile Image for Tiffany Townsend.
969 reviews2 followers
March 10, 2023
The hits just keep on coming!
Kaitlyn has another life-threatening case that takes her into the drug world of Montana.
It begins with Colt being called to Montana to talk to some kids about the drugs they were caught with at school. And then without his knowledge the involved criminals were thrust in Caitlyn’s path.
While the two battled against the same crime synagogue- unbeknownst to the other, Caitlyn has to deal with the death of her partner and friend Sam.
Colt gets a lead in case and the two share knowledge.
Then the real fun begins.
Read or listen to the adventures of the crime fighting duo Caitlyn and Renegade and her beau Colt in this suspenseful edition.
620 reviews6 followers
July 20, 2025
This book is excellent, especially the way each of the characters is brought to life with their own individual stories, even though they are all part of the overall story. It makes it sometimes difficult to keep track of everything, but in the end I think it is worth it.

The main story itself evolves to where it has several parts, each of which has additional characters and sub-plots. But it's great the way the author weaves everything together. And then there are some unexpected twists when a character from the past drops in and stirs things up, and the conclusion of the book hints that she will be back.

I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did, since I obviously gave it 5 Stars!
117 reviews3 followers
April 5, 2022
US Deputy Marshal Caitlyn Reed, her K9 partner, Renegade, and her almost finance, Sheriff Colt Branson, start out this story mundanely, but store up your breath because you are going to need it for the “run away freight train” that is the rest of this book!!!! Wow! Full speed ahead! And, of course, there is the inevitable monkey wrench in the plot line at the end. Jeez, can’t Caitlyn & Colt ever catch a break? Huh, Jodi? This is a good book and now I can’t wait for the next installment! Write fast Jodi Burnett!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews

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