Ever since the 'Texas K9' series this little band of authors has been working with a winning formula. Romance, suspense, and highly trained police dogs. The fact that the books have all been inspirational is an advantage to my mind, because the authors have to concentrate on building character and plot, not just dive into the bedroom when the going gets slow. The first in a new series from this brilliant team is PROTECT AND SERVE and the series is called 'Rookie K-9 Unit'. Just look for the books with beautiful dogs on the covers.

Arizona is the new location - previous series have been in small town Texas and Washington DC. A police dog training facility is at the heart of the action as Georgina Perry is stalked by her manic brother one night and runs to the facility looking for help. But someone lies dead on the ground, and her brother is behind Georgina with a knife. Shane Weston, a rookie handler, is out walking his German Shepherd called Bella on Desert Valley Road. Bella alerts and takes off, and Shane finds Gina near the body of the dog trainer Veronica. The assailant backs off, but he's not gone far. There hasn't been a murder here for years, though there were some unsolved deaths, but now the police have their hands full. Even Gina has to be treated as a suspect.

The deceased lady, Veronica, had made enemies, between chewing out employees and stealing another woman's fiancé. But is any of this worth killing for? Or was it a random killing after all? The police only have Gina's word for it about her brother, and she was no fan of Veronica. Additionally, one of the pups is missing. Shane is assigned to protect Gina, after her house is found to be trashed. Whatever the story about her and Veronica, it's clear someone means this lady harm.

With responsible discussion of a mentally ill person who refuses to take his meds, and crime scene analysis, it's clear that a lot of research went into this adventure. There are vexed questions surrounding a gun safe with a biometric lock - that's a fingerprint as a key. We meet several other dogs, from a bloodhound to a golden Lab. Presumably these and their handlers will feature in the coming books of this linked series. Romance? Action? Yes! While this case is concluded there is a bigger crime to solve over the course of the series. Next will be TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES by Lenora Worth. Top marks for the psychological chiller PROTECT AND SERVE which sets a great standard. As ever Terri Reed provides her characters with depth, intelligence and courage.

Book Summary

PERSON OF INTEREST

When rookie K-9 officer Shane West and his German shepherd partner find the lead police dog trainer murdered, he's determined to bring the killer to justice. But then he discovers Gina Perry hiding nearby—a pretty junior trainer who had the motive, means and opportunity to kill her boss. Gina insists her troubled brother is the real murderer… and this isn't the first time he's killed. And when Gina's brother comes after her, Shane is assigned to protect her and uncover the truth. Suddenly, Shane—a cop who always hoped to join a big-city force—vows to stay by Gina's side as a murderer lurks in the small-town shadows.

Rookie K-9 Unit: These lawmen solve the toughest cases with the help of their brave canine partners.

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