Barret

Shadow Recon #4

by Dale Mayer

A teammate goes missing right as Barret arrives at the camp of horrors. Immediately he heads out to help in the search for the missing man – to no avail. And once again the numbers go down by one. No explanation, no body… nothing. Are drugs involved? Blackmail? Or stupid bets? There’s too many options and none of them make any sense.

At least Avalon is there, a woman who caught his interest on the first day. Although she’s just as confused and worried about what’s going on in the arctic camp, she’s level headed and with a great sense of humor.

Subbed in for someone who couldn’t make it, Avalon ends up helping out in the kitchen. At least there she’s warm and can keep busy. Until someone falls ill from suspected food poisoning and all eyes turn on her. She knows she hasn’t done anything wrong, but tempers are short and she’s an easy scape goat.

It’s going to take both of them to keep her safe and get her out from under the cloud of suspicion. Thankfully Barret has no problem helping a damsel in distress…

Genres: Mystery, Military Fiction, Romance, Action, Romantic Suspense, Suspense

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 8, 2023

About the author

Dale Mayer is a USA Today bestselling author best known for her Psychic Visions and Family Blood Ties series. Her contemporary romances are raw and full of passion and emotion (Second Chances, SKIN), her thrillers will keep you guessing (By Death series), and her romantic comedies will keep you giggling (It's a Dog's Life and Charmin Marvin Romantic Comedy series).

She honors the stories that come to her - and some of them are crazy and break all the rules and cross multiple genres!

To go with her fiction, she also writes nonfiction in many different fields with books available on resume writing, companion gardening and the US mortgage system. She has recently published her Career Essentials Series. All her books are available in print and ebook format.

To find out more about Dale and her books, visit her at http://www.dalemayer.com. Or connect with her online with Twitter at www.twitter.com/dalemayer and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dalemayer.author. If you like Dale Mayer's books and are interested in joining her street team, sign up here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/40238...

Books by Dale Mayer

Psychic Vision Series
Tuesday's Child
Hide'n Go Seek
Maddy's Floor
Garden of Sorrow
Knock, Knock...
Rare Find
Eyes to the Soul - fall/winter 2014

By Death Series
Touched by Death - Part 1 - Free
Touched by Death - Part 2
Touched by Death - Full book
Haunted by Death
Chilled by Death - fall/winter 2014

Second Chances...at Love Series
Second Chances - Part 1
Second Chances - Part 2
Second Chances - Full book

Novellas
It's a Dog's Life- romantic comedy

Charmin Marvin Romantic Comedy
Broken Protocols #1
Broken Protocols #2
Broken Protocols #3

New adult/adul crossover Books
In Cassie's Corner
Gem Stone (a Gemma Stone mystery)

Design Series
Dangerous Designs
Deadly Designs
Darkest Designs

Family Blood Ties Series
Vampire in Denial
Vampire in Distress
Vampire in Design
Vampire in Deceit
Vampire in Defiance

Non-Fiction Books
Career Essentials: The Resume
Career Essentials: The Cover Letter
Career Essentials: The Interview
Career Essentials: 3 in 1

Reviews

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barret by Dale Mayer
Shadow Recon Series Book Four
Barret Nichols had joined the team in the Arctic to help investigate the deaths and disappearances that have been going on. But, unfortunately, within his first few days, more things are happening, and it’s hard to know what’s an accident and what’s intentional.
Avalon Pritchard decided to help Chef in the kitchen. She missed doing the training she came for, but he needed help…especially after the death of his previous helper. Before long, one man started publicly accusing her of poisoning the food. Avalon hated that; she did no wrong, yet everyone looked at her as if she did.
Each book has its own situation, but an ongoing story is also happening. A missing scientist from a different testing site. Mountain’s brother is still missing. Other unsolved deaths. I’m enjoying this series, with great characters and cute sled dogs.
**Mild sexual content and language
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The joint task force, whose members include over one dozen military men and women, are still in the permafrost of the Arctic, fighting for their lives as they continue working on their winter skills There have already been several deaths and many more people who are missing. Everyone is frustrated, upset and scared because the attacks are still happening. They are also very angry, edgy and restless since no one may leave the camp until they find the killer.

The Maverick team becomes aware of the situation when one of their team members, Mountain, discovers that his brother is also missing. Mountain resolves to go to this “camp of horrors,” so he can find his brother and investigate the situation. Since then, as conditions continue to decline, more investigators arrive at the camp to help find the culprit. Since they all work undercover, no one really knows who is actually investigating the situation. Barret is the newest investigator to arrive.

Meanwhile, Avalon, is one of the newer arrivals to join the task force. She becomes concerned when she discovers that, Scott, who arrived at the same time as she did cannot be found. Avalon agrees to help Chef in the kitchen until they find Scott or are able to find someone else to take her place.

Although this is not the way Avalon planned to spend her time at camp, she makes the best of it. Meanwhile, she and Chef develop a very close friendship as they work together in the kitchen. She also meets Barret in the cafeteria, and the two of them become fast friends.

However life changes for Avalon when she is falsely accused of poisoning someone. In spite of the fact that the investigators know she is innocent, most of the other joint task force people believe that she did it. On the other hand, Barret never loses trust in her innocence. He, in fact, becomes her life jacket as he stands by her and continuously helps her find the real culprit is.

Although, the ridiculous attacks on Avalon’s honesty will frustrate readers, the unconditional friendship that arises between Avalon, Chef and Barret is very heartwarming and beautiful to behold.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in Dale Mayer's "Shadow Recon" series, all set in the Arctic Tundra where an international Military Arctic training facility is at breaking point, there have been murders, people disappearing, possibly kidnapping, the mysterious Dr Amelia who was leading a scientific team and now missing, the strange Eskimo community all add to a gripping story.
Barret Dillinger was the latest person to join Magnus Moureaux in an undercover team to try and solve the mystery. The atmosphere at the camp is palpable, fear and distrust abound.
Kitchen assistant Scott was the latest soldier to disappear leaving Chef to feed all the unit without help.
Avalon Pritchard was also a newcomer hoping to complete the Arctic training course but when she was asked if she would consider helping Chef in the kitchen until another assistant could be flown in she readily agreed.
Avalon and Chef got on well together but things started turning pear shaped for Avalon, accusations were being thrown her way, "accidents" were happening, the soldiers were whispering in corners, who was putting the knife in Avalon and why ? Barret was her saving grace, he was attracted to Avalon and didn't believe the rumours, he would have her back.
As the story evolves Avalon and Barret's romance blossoms, one mystery is solved but a far bigger one remains, where are the missing people ? where is Mountains brother ?where do the secretive Eskimo community fit in ? I am really looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audio book. I have listened to a number of Dale Mayer's books. Out of the different narrators I have heard in several of her series, Tristan Wright is one of the best.

Barret's arrival at the base began with another death. An accident, accidental death, or possible murder is anyone's guess. I liked the way almost everyone was supportive of Avalon. I liked Barret's and Avalon's chemistry. I would say it was instalove, but considering the harsh conditions and forced proximity, I could see it happening.

I did have questions. I eventually didn't believe Ralph's situation was premeditated with his knowledge. I did not understand some aspects of the situation, like why Thomas didn't tell Ralph.

Were the deaths truly accidents? Were any of Avalon's incidents accidents? What was with the animosity coming from Steven?

The search for Mountain's brother still continues. The mystery of the training camp is ongoing. The whole process is moving forward in baby steps. I have no idea who is behind the things going on at the camp. No idea what happened to Teegan or the female scientist. This is one time I am absolutely clueless.

This was not a book I would recommend be read as a stand alone. There is too much background information. One thing about this book is how descriptive the writer is about the environment. I felt like I could actually feel the chill from the Artic winds and blowing snow.

I know I will be following the progress of the Shadow Recon series until I get some answers.

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the prologue of this book, we learn Barret has just arrived and joins Magnus, Berry and Sydney at their table in the dining hall. Avalon comes over to them and asks to speak with Magnus alone. Barret asks to join them, but she only agrees when Magnus approves. She's reporting her friend and kitchen worker Scott is missing. He told Chef he wasn't feeling well and was going to lie down. Both Avalon and Scott are replacements who arrived just a couple of days ago and stuck together due to the nature of the base.

Barret joins the outside search with the dogs and returns cold and with no sighting Scott. However, since the visibility of the storm is near whiteout that's not surprising. Avalon had taken a look from the door but only for a few minutes, that was earlier in the day and she's still cold. So Barret seats her in the corner next to him.

As the investigation continues more things come to light. It has everyone wondering if they need to start again from the beginning.

I love the way the relationship between Barret and Avalon unfolds in the midst of all the conflict and dissention. Again, we are left wondering what will happen next and where could Teegan possibly be.

[Darla Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barret arrives at the arctic camp just as a team member goes missing so he joins in the search. Trying to find out what happened is painstaking with all the options. But meeting Avalon is a bright spot for Barret as she cares as much about what's going on at this training camp as he does. When nobody else steps up, Avalon ends up helping in the kitchen which has its benefits. Like warmth and coffee! But when someone gets sick, Avalon becomes a good scapegoat. Can Barret and the team find out what's going on and clear Avalon's name?

I love Dale Mayer's Psychic Visions series so I decided to give this new series a try and I'm glad that I did. I've really enjoyed the Shadow Recon books and this one's no exception. The book's well-written and the characters are wonderful while the plot is fast-paced. I was drawn into this captivating story and kept hooked from beginning to end. This series does build upon each other from book to book and the mysteries involved are very intriguing. Some are solved, but others move onto the next book. I'm really looking forward to that next book. I highly recommend both book and series which is definitely best read in order.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An undercurrent of fear, with suspicion the overcurrent

Barret finds himself thrust into a most confusing turn of events, with emotions running high it is impossible to tell if new deaths are tragic accidents or the actions of a devious killer, especially when Avalon is targeted and his focus is split. He knows he needs to take a step back and review everything from the beginning but the protector in him won't allow him to step back from Avalon. It may be quick but he knows where his heart is and he won't survive if anything happens to her. He is the perfect fit for the investigation team, but again this makes others wary and distrustful from the outset, which in turn makes his job harder and increases his frustration levels.
The whole team are frustrated as they don't appear to be making any forward progress, infact, with the new deaths they seem to be further from answers than before....but it just takes one little clue, one little anomaly and they will crack the case wide open.....

[Linda Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barret & Avalon

Curiouser and Curiouser! The mysteries are getting deeper at the Military base!

Avalon is having a hard time dealing with not just the cold, but with the less than stellar attitudes of some of the men in the camp. She has taken on the duties of Chef’s helper in the kitchen to keep her out of the deep cold. Her presence there is turning out to be a challenge as well with some of the residents taking their anxiety out on her.

No one is exempt from suspicion or being a victim. There are very few clues as to how people are going missing, some winding up dead, some having severe unprovoked health complications.
It’s definitely taking all investigators to monitor those living at the base and to question them all which doesn’t make anyone very happy.

I love the location of this series, the harsh conditions mean not just anyone will be hanging around being idle, but trouble can and does exist, even in the Arctic. A very engaging story. Love the suspense and details showcasing how human nature can be unpredictable when under extreme stress. Fantastic story!

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barret is sent to the camp for the joint task force in the permafrost in the Arctic because yet another person has gone missing and they are wondering what can happen next (hoping for nothing significant like a murder or missing person. Avalon arrives for training but volunteers to help Chef who is short-staffed. In return for her help, she is accused of poisoning and treated with suspicion which is totally unwarranted. Can Barret work out what has been going on which keeping Avalon safe?

I enjoyed this story with the emotional turmoil Avalon went through as well as the way that the relationship between her and Barret developed. It was also interesting to see how hateful and hurtful people can be to each other for such a small reason. This was easy to read, feel and understand as you got involved in the characters and the situations.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barret is the latest member to be sent to the Artic to help investigate the missing persons and murder victims at the training camp. But no sooner does he arrive then another person goes missing. This time it's Scott, who has been helping out in the kitchen. And thus, Avalon gets tasked to help out. It may not be why she is at the camp, but she knows that at least she will be warm. But then rumors start that Avalon is poisoning people even though there is no basis for it.

There are many undercurrents at the camp as most of the members would like to leave and go home. However, until it is determined definitively whether each of them is involved or not in what is going on, they are unable to leave. Rumors are also quick to be spread, whether there is any basis for what is being said or not. And as Barret works with Avalon to determine what is going, they become closer to each other. There are many mysteries and little by little, pieces of the puzzle are being discovered.

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of intrigue and excitement wrapped up in a whole lot of twists and turns that at some points had my head spinning, but I love that. This author amazes me with her mind and imagination, weaving such intricate stories and in this series it's all in a very beautiful but harsh landscape. Characters become well developed and very easy to like, I really sympathised with Avalon because none of what happened was down to her, she just volunteered to help Chef so everyone got food. We only solve one part of this mystery so expect to carry on the series to find out all the answers, this isn't a stand alone, it deals mainly with one couple but the overall plot continues throughout the series. Well written and very interesting, certainly not a place I'd wish to go either even if it's beautiful. Brilliant plot that just gets more involved as time goes on.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Barret . This is the fourth book in the Shadow Recon series . Barret arrives at the Arctic training camp and finds another man has gone missing . Barret is part of the team sent in to investigate all the things going on there and the missing people . Avalon is at the training camp as a fill in . She ends up in the kitchen helping chef when the other kitchen helper goes missing. She soon finds herself accused of poisoning food when someone gets ill . With everyone uptight and angry she finds herself in danger . Barret finds himself stepping in to protect her and if they develope feelings that's fine by him . This story is Suspenseful and intriguing with a bit of romance included . I highly recommend taking the time to read .

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Artic, Sled Dogs, Mystery, Suspense - check! Though each book can be read as a standalone, as its always a couples story, there is a mystery thread that runs through each book. You get another piece to the puzzle, little more information, or you think you do. I enjoyed Barret a little more than previous, as we got to know some of the camp personal a little better. Sadly this book shows that there are unhappy people in every walk of life, even the military and they can be petty and cruel. I really like Avalon she seemed to have her stuff together. Barret and Avalon made a great couple! Thank you for the arc. I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. #Barret #ShadowRecon #DaleMayer #ValleyPublishingLTD #Booksprout

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barret is the newest member to arrive in Alaska as the suspicious activities continue to escalate. With another person disappearing with no explanation he finds himself trying to balance both uncovering who is responsible and why while trying to ensure that Avalon doesn’t get caught in the crossfire as well.

When Avalon agrees to help, she thought she was doing a favor however now she finds herself being blamed for something she didn’t do. Facing the wrath of the others alone would be unbearable however the one person who believes her is Barret even if he is the one person who knows her the least.

The suspense of this story and this series will keep you on edge as some questions still remain, but Avalon and Barret are exactly what the other needs in their life.

[Shyla · Rating 4 out of 5]

More trouble in the Artic. Barret Dillinger shows up to help with the continuing investigation. Kitchen assistant Scott was the latest soldier to disappear leaving Chef to feed all the unit without help. Avalon Pritchard was also a newcomer hoping to complete the Arctic training course but when she was asked if she would consider helping in the kitchen until another assistant could be flown in she agrees. Bodies start stacking up and then people start feeling ill. Someone suggests that Avalon is poisoning them. By the end of the day, Barret and his team is racing for answers before Avalon is the next victim. 

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

As long as Ms. Mayer continues to offer such high quality books, I’ll be right there, ready to read. And I definitely couldn't put this one down! This book has both a steamy romance and intriguing suspense with fascinating characters. It’s a slow burn romance and the building suspense make this book a riveting read. It’s full of danger, drama, suspense and raw emotion, the romance and little pockets of steam really make the story a fantastic read. I highly recommend it to all readers who live a good dose of suspense with their romance, or vice versa. Grab this book and series today. Happy reading everyone

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Next up is Barrett. Arriving at the base see Barrett arriving to a misding kitchen aid who they find pasted and grts the chance to merg Avalon.
Avalon movds into the kitchen to help out but its a very ruff ride. Being accused of food poisoning people isnit what she signed up for. Still more questions being adked anc few answers see tempers rise. Deciding to work together to keep each other safe but finds Avalon bevome a target. Twists and turns takes you on a lovely journey with fingers crossed for an ever better outcome.

[Melissa Swafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barret is the latest to join the investigation 🔎 and he notices Avalon right away. Avalon comes to the team with concerns over a teammate. Shortly thereafter, she is asked to help in the kitchen. Bodies start stacking up and then people start feeling ill. By the end of the day, Barret and his team is racing for answers before Avalon is the next victim. Fast moving action 🎬, believable characters, HEA, and more pieces of the puzzle Mountain is putting together.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbiebooknerdyoung · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a real page turner.
Barret is the newest to arrive at the base, and it isn't long before he meets Avalon.
Avalon has volunteered to help Chef in the kitchen after a kitchen worked dies.
With all the murders and poisoning going on, it's hard for poor Avalon to escape being targeted. Barret is trying to find a lead on what's going on.
A couple of new people are brought to the base to fill positions, and one of them lands in the kitchen. More problems are created than solved with the new kitchen helper.
A few surprise twists added in made this a fantastic mystery.

[Diana Lazar · Rating 2 out of 5]

Barret(Shadow Recon Book 4)

Dale Mayer's books always amaze me. She gets the story of abused band bullied admin down pat, like she has lived through it herself. I think coming from experience you have to live through the experience of continually bring blamed for something you did not do just to make that person look good, and everyone else dislike you to write this book as well as she did.
On a more positive note are any of the missing people still alive. Is Mountains brother and the scientists working together? I can't wait to find out some answers.

[WB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barret: Shadow Recon, Book 4 by Dale Mayer is another truly captivating book that I didn’t want to put down. Although each book is a standalone of sorts there’s a continuing story in the background that will only make sense if you read the entire series in order. It’s all thoroughly entertaining & fast paced. You won’t be disappointed.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

More trouble in the arctic. People keep dying but no one is sure if they are accidental or intentional. Then someone starts suggesting that Avalon is poisoning people. Barret and the team investigating the deaths and disappearances now have something else to investigate. Barret is also personally interested in keeping Avalon safe. We got answers to some questions but not the big mystery. I can’t wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barret is sent to the camp to assist Magnus in the search for the missing people. Avalon had just arrived and is asked to assist in the busy kitchen as one of the workers is missing. When someone comes down with food poisoning all eyes look to Avalon so now Barret is protecting her which makes their attraction to each other stronger.
Meanwhile Mountain's brother remains among the missing.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barret is the next sent in to help unravel the mystery surrounding the Artic training camp. People continue to dissappear. This time Scott the kitchen helper has went missing, so Avalon steps in to assist; however, now she's being of accused of something she didn't do. Barret must help prove her innocence as tensions continue to rise. The suspense of this series continues to build. Great series. I volunteered to read this book via booksprout.

[Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

From someone who lives on the coast and has never even seen snow...brrrrr. The setting sounds amazingly harsh but I can't relate nor want to lol
Barret arrives at camp as more mystery evolves. Such an intriguing tale full of suspense and danger, although to lighten the tale there is a romance blossoming.
I'm really enjoying this series and highly recommend you go back to book 1 to follow the action.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

With more people going missing as well as turning up frozen Barret and the others are getting very frustrated with how little they still know and of course the feeling within the base is getting more unstable. Getting to know chef more was great and he was a great support for Avalon including Barret and the others with all the finger pointing going about poisoning and the feeling of danger lurking.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[janelle beaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barret has joined the team to help find out what's going on. Avalon arrives for training but ends up helping chef in the kitchen and gets accused of trying to kill people. There's mystery, danger, suspicion and murder. Wonderful characters. Wondering if Mountain will ever find his brother. This book has plenty of twist and turns.

[Annemieke Westerbeek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Avalon and Barrett’s story is intense. Accused of something she didn’t do Avalon has a hard time in the kitchen which is also not something she chose to do but she helps in case of emergency. Great characters, great plotting ,very suspenseful, vividly written, happy and sad times and of course a H.E.A.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Shadow Recon series and I do recommend reading them in order. We have more drama and intrigue in the training camp in the Artic. Barret joins the investigation and is immediately taken with Avalon and feels a deep need to protect her from the drama and suspicions. Likable characters, intriguing storyline.

[Meg Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between the arctic cold, mystery, intrigue and budding romance, what else could you ask for? Shadow Recon is a perfect name for this series as each new story proves. Barret is a great addition to the tales. Can't do anything but love the sled dogs and the entire book as well!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.