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K-9 Search and Rescue #6
A Great and Terrible Darkness
Jessica Cooper may be pregnant but she’s not going to let that keep her from SAR and her PI business. Consulting on a missing student case, she travels to Harrisonburg with Luke, who finds the first significant clue in the Heather Burgess disappearance.
Jess drives home pleased, but soon after, tragedy strikes. Nate’s wife, Laura, is killed by a drunk driver. The devastating loss throws Nate into a paroxysm of grief. It’s not clear he’ll ever recover. A couple of months later, Nate makes a crazy He’ll hike out his grief on the Virginia portion of the Appalachian Trail, alone, except for his black German shepherd, Ember.
Jess is panicked, convinced her friend is making a foolish if not fatal mistake. But what can she do about it? Nothing. So she continues to work on her searches and prepare for her baby. When a second college student goes missing in the very mountains Nate is hiking, Jess and Luke scramble to help. Circumstances collide, paths cross, and in the end, it’s Jess who finds herself in a fight for her life
Jess drives home pleased, but soon after, tragedy strikes. Nate’s wife, Laura, is killed by a drunk driver. The devastating loss throws Nate into a paroxysm of grief. It’s not clear he’ll ever recover. A couple of months later, Nate makes a crazy He’ll hike out his grief on the Virginia portion of the Appalachian Trail, alone, except for his black German shepherd, Ember.
Jess is panicked, convinced her friend is making a foolish if not fatal mistake. But what can she do about it? Nothing. So she continues to work on her searches and prepare for her baby. When a second college student goes missing in the very mountains Nate is hiking, Jess and Luke scramble to help. Circumstances collide, paths cross, and in the end, it’s Jess who finds herself in a fight for her life
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2024
272 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Linda J. White
15 books512 followersLinda writes "white-knuckle fiction"--FBI thrillers with a twist of faith--from her home in rural Virginia. She's had careers as a government worker, a stay-at-home mom, and a journalist. Her husband, Larry, worked at the FBI Academy for over 25 years. Together they have three grown children. These days, Linda stays entertained by two cats and a Sheltie who tries to herd them. When she's not writing, you can find her walking in the woods, at the beach or doing something (anything) with dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 9, 2024
Well, okay—it’s my book. Of course I love it. In the sixth book in my K-9 Search and Rescue series, Jess is pregnant and working as a consultant on a missing college student case. A tragic loss throws Nate into a deep pit of grief. After months of darkness, he decides to do something crazy—hike the Virginia portion of the Appalachian Trail. Jess is terrified he won’t come back. Grief and loss, fear and faith all intertwine as the two friends fight their personal battles—and come face-to-face with evil.
June 19, 2024
Consistently awesome!!!
Linda J. White does it again!
One more fav in her K9 Search And Rescue series!
I recommend her work to EVERYONE!
Sleuthing, intense adventure, camaraderie, and characters you can plan on getting attached to.
Start reading it early or plan on being up late!
#BravoZulu, Linda. You knocked it outta the park, again.
Linda J. White does it again!
One more fav in her K9 Search And Rescue series!
I recommend her work to EVERYONE!
Sleuthing, intense adventure, camaraderie, and characters you can plan on getting attached to.
Start reading it early or plan on being up late!
#BravoZulu, Linda. You knocked it outta the park, again.
June 3, 2024
Fantastic series!
I started with book 5, and it pulled me and didn't let go. As soon as I finished it, I immediately started book 1 and blazed right through the entire series. I love the characters, so real, so human! I so enjoyed watching Jessica come to faith and learning to embrace it. We all need a Nate in our lives....dear Lord, let me become like Nate! Totally unputdownable! Linda White has created a remarkable series
I started with book 5, and it pulled me and didn't let go. As soon as I finished it, I immediately started book 1 and blazed right through the entire series. I love the characters, so real, so human! I so enjoyed watching Jessica come to faith and learning to embrace it. We all need a Nate in our lives....dear Lord, let me become like Nate! Totally unputdownable! Linda White has created a remarkable series
July 10, 2024
Well worth the read
An excellent deep thinking story of trials, terror, struggles, success, loss and grief. I liked the messages that ran through it that can add meaning to our own difficulties. I like the author's strong religious belief. Jess still has a way to go but it will be interesting to read about her journey. We need more stories like this.
An excellent deep thinking story of trials, terror, struggles, success, loss and grief. I liked the messages that ran through it that can add meaning to our own difficulties. I like the author's strong religious belief. Jess still has a way to go but it will be interesting to read about her journey. We need more stories like this.
January 3, 2025
Excellent heartbreaking and heartwarming, tale. I could not put it down. The Dog Man Nate Tanner has brought so many to Christ, now he's in a pit of grief and has a crisis of faith after the death of his wife. He pulls away from his people, and decides to walk the hundreds of miles on the Virginia portion of the Appalachian Trail with his dog and one leg. (The other leg has a new prosthetic from the knee down). Jess vehemently tries to talk him out of it but in the end, all she can do is pray for him, over and over as he is on his long journey. In the meantime, Jess and Luke are trying to find two missing girls in a nearby college town.
A Great and Terrible Darkness is another amazing journey with these beloved characters, amidst great trials, tribulations, mysteries, twists, turns, and joys. I highly recommend this compelling multi-layered series. I know I can't put them down. I read all 6 books (so far in the series) in one week!
I think the strong faith thread is spot on with people trying to live a new way. The prayers are what I would utter in those situations.
Another page-turning adventure with Jess & Scott, Nate, Kathryn, Ethan and Amanda, and the therapeutic dogs and horses in Virginia. "Dogs build bridges, Nate learned."
I can't wait for the next one! Love this series.
A Great and Terrible Darkness is another amazing journey with these beloved characters, amidst great trials, tribulations, mysteries, twists, turns, and joys. I highly recommend this compelling multi-layered series. I know I can't put them down. I read all 6 books (so far in the series) in one week!
I think the strong faith thread is spot on with people trying to live a new way. The prayers are what I would utter in those situations.
Another page-turning adventure with Jess & Scott, Nate, Kathryn, Ethan and Amanda, and the therapeutic dogs and horses in Virginia. "Dogs build bridges, Nate learned."
I can't wait for the next one! Love this series.
May 22, 2024
One of the challenges of working a search and rescue dog is the flak other professionals give you. Jessica Cooper was not new to such, but it was still insulting, like being a female PI among police detectives. Imagine her surprise when the new police chief asked her advice on his missing persons case, and he actually listened!
This continuation of Linda White’s SAR books is full of emotional impact with young women going missing and Jess’s dear friend, Laura, dying. So, whether you just like the characters or you are a dog lover, this book is a rich read. Of course, it’s an added plus that it walks you over part of the Appalachian trail.
At one point Jess wonders, “It’s important, apparently, to keep a shoulder moving so it doesn’t ‘freeze’. But how do you keep emotions from freezing?” I like Linda’s insights into faith and human relationships, and I enjoy reading her mysteries. She dives right into issues like teen pregnancy, parent abandonment, adoption, and coping with others’ expectations of a Christian.
This is a good book to add to your reading shelf.
This continuation of Linda White’s SAR books is full of emotional impact with young women going missing and Jess’s dear friend, Laura, dying. So, whether you just like the characters or you are a dog lover, this book is a rich read. Of course, it’s an added plus that it walks you over part of the Appalachian trail.
At one point Jess wonders, “It’s important, apparently, to keep a shoulder moving so it doesn’t ‘freeze’. But how do you keep emotions from freezing?” I like Linda’s insights into faith and human relationships, and I enjoy reading her mysteries. She dives right into issues like teen pregnancy, parent abandonment, adoption, and coping with others’ expectations of a Christian.
This is a good book to add to your reading shelf.
January 25, 2026
Deducted a star because Laura was axed
I've enjoyed the whole series but Laura was a hero to me. I would have preferred you develop her character more instead of killing her. Forty years ago I endured the shame of bearing a child out of wedlock. I kept the child but while the shame lessened over time it never fully left me. It comes up when I attend a wedding, shower or similar event. I was always truthful to my son about the circumstances of his birth, but even then am reminded when his birthdays comes around. Before my child's birth, three people, relatives and friends came to me and told me about their own abortions. Its so sad that there are family members who are missing, that I never got to know, yet others in the family know nothing of that and they are not shamed.
I've enjoyed the whole series but Laura was a hero to me. I would have preferred you develop her character more instead of killing her. Forty years ago I endured the shame of bearing a child out of wedlock. I kept the child but while the shame lessened over time it never fully left me. It comes up when I attend a wedding, shower or similar event. I was always truthful to my son about the circumstances of his birth, but even then am reminded when his birthdays comes around. Before my child's birth, three people, relatives and friends came to me and told me about their own abortions. Its so sad that there are family members who are missing, that I never got to know, yet others in the family know nothing of that and they are not shamed.
July 5, 2024
Nate loses his wife,,Amanda loses her baby, Jessie and Scott are guarding their baby to be
Nate loses his wife and can’t find his link to God. Amanda loses the baby she decided to keep after a rape. She doesn’t have a belief to help her. Scott and Jessie are doing everything they can to protect their baby that is on the way. Their belief in God helping guide them. Nates way of coping is to hike the Appellation Trail with his dog Ember. Amanda try’s to run away. Scott on leave after injury from FBI takes on getting his degree. Jessie promises to quit taking active rolls in her PI business and slow down the SAR hunts. But none of these things keep anyone safe.
Nate loses his wife and can’t find his link to God. Amanda loses the baby she decided to keep after a rape. She doesn’t have a belief to help her. Scott and Jessie are doing everything they can to protect their baby that is on the way. Their belief in God helping guide them. Nates way of coping is to hike the Appellation Trail with his dog Ember. Amanda try’s to run away. Scott on leave after injury from FBI takes on getting his degree. Jessie promises to quit taking active rolls in her PI business and slow down the SAR hunts. But none of these things keep anyone safe.
January 19, 2025
Surprised me!
The writing seemed a bit flat at first, but then the faith based theme had me reading because it is so rare to find. After a few chapters the SAR and the search for the killer had me up all night to finish. The ending had me holding my breath! Only one thing was left out: What happened with "Butterfly"? I realize she was a minor character, but she did help save one of the main characters and I felt her issues needed resolution... Or maybe I missed it in all the excitement?
The writing seemed a bit flat at first, but then the faith based theme had me reading because it is so rare to find. After a few chapters the SAR and the search for the killer had me up all night to finish. The ending had me holding my breath! Only one thing was left out: What happened with "Butterfly"? I realize she was a minor character, but she did help save one of the main characters and I felt her issues needed resolution... Or maybe I missed it in all the excitement?
June 5, 2025
This is a super great series with Christian friends, families, and dogs
I'm not organized religious, but I really enjoy this series that has gotten better and better. Main character is a female PI and SARS participate with her dog, married to an FBI agent. While the characters do struggle with their faith, it does not detract from stories. I feel anyone who wants to be a better person, friend, marriage partner would relate, whether Christian or what have you. Recommended.
I'm not organized religious, but I really enjoy this series that has gotten better and better. Main character is a female PI and SARS participate with her dog, married to an FBI agent. While the characters do struggle with their faith, it does not detract from stories. I feel anyone who wants to be a better person, friend, marriage partner would relate, whether Christian or what have you. Recommended.
May 8, 2024
Faith, sorrow, healing, the journey
There is quite a lot of sadness in this book, which isn't easy. This book portrays the journey from deep sorrow to comfort, from anger to forgiveness, and what a walk with God can be. There is mystery, suspense, some action. I love the characters. And I love the ending.
There is quite a lot of sadness in this book, which isn't easy. This book portrays the journey from deep sorrow to comfort, from anger to forgiveness, and what a walk with God can be. There is mystery, suspense, some action. I love the characters. And I love the ending.
June 2, 2024
Probably the best novel in the series
Sometimes by novel two or three the story goes stale, BUT not true for the 6th novel in this series. The characters still have much to reveal, and this is the exception to the rule. Strong story line and the characters stay true to themselves. A huge thumbs up to Linda White!
Sometimes by novel two or three the story goes stale, BUT not true for the 6th novel in this series. The characters still have much to reveal, and this is the exception to the rule. Strong story line and the characters stay true to themselves. A huge thumbs up to Linda White!
June 3, 2024
I usually don't like 1st person reads, but I read her previous book and loved it so I had to read this one. There are twists and turns in this book you don't see coming but it blends well. She included a hard topic in this and I totally get where Nate come from. I have been in his situation. Recommend this book.
January 13, 2025
Doesn't disappoint!
This book has a lot happening, that may or may not tie in to the mystery of a missing young woman, then another one. While a husband is spiraling from the death of his wife, jess' pregnancy and other main character's life dramas wrapped into a journey into loss, love, hope and SAR.
This book has a lot happening, that may or may not tie in to the mystery of a missing young woman, then another one. While a husband is spiraling from the death of his wife, jess' pregnancy and other main character's life dramas wrapped into a journey into loss, love, hope and SAR.
May 29, 2025
The Best Jess Cooper book yet in the series!
Utterly captivating, this book held me spellbound from the first page to the last, compelling me to read straight through without pause.
The shared journey of Jess and Nate in seeking divine guidance, solace, and purpose deeply resonated with me, ultimately strengthening my own spiritual connection and belief in a higher power.
Utterly captivating, this book held me spellbound from the first page to the last, compelling me to read straight through without pause.
The shared journey of Jess and Nate in seeking divine guidance, solace, and purpose deeply resonated with me, ultimately strengthening my own spiritual connection and belief in a higher power.
May 10, 2024
A Great and Terrible Darkness
Love this wonderful storyteller. She has a wicked imagination and winds it fluidly with twists and turns. If you like a clean romance, friendships, LEO and SAR you will love this author and her books. Her talent is a gift from God.
Love this wonderful storyteller. She has a wicked imagination and winds it fluidly with twists and turns. If you like a clean romance, friendships, LEO and SAR you will love this author and her books. Her talent is a gift from God.
May 15, 2024
FABULOUS!
Each book Linda J. White has written in this series are great, but I have to say this is the best so far….which means get busy on the next one! We can hardly wait! Meanwhile, I plan to read all the books in the series again while you work more magic!!! THANK YOU!
Each book Linda J. White has written in this series are great, but I have to say this is the best so far….which means get busy on the next one! We can hardly wait! Meanwhile, I plan to read all the books in the series again while you work more magic!!! THANK YOU!
May 23, 2024
Awsome book.
I was so sad to see the words THE END. I love this story. There is suspense and so many feelings for you reading this story. I love this series. I am sure There will be a next one.
I was so sad to see the words THE END. I love this story. There is suspense and so many feelings for you reading this story. I love this series. I am sure There will be a next one.
July 3, 2024
great story and wonderful people
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and the courageous, loving people. I sincerely hope it doesn’t end here. I read all 6 of these in 5 days because I could not put them down.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and the courageous, loving people. I sincerely hope it doesn’t end here. I read all 6 of these in 5 days because I could not put them down.
July 25, 2024
had to finish the series
Despair, grief, homicide….faith, hope, love….
I have questions - what about Jess’ sister? Did Amanda and Ethan wed?
What about Mike and Katherine?
And, of course, more tears throughout this episode
Despair, grief, homicide….faith, hope, love….
I have questions - what about Jess’ sister? Did Amanda and Ethan wed?
What about Mike and Katherine?
And, of course, more tears throughout this episode
September 16, 2024
I've read all 6 books in this series and have really enjoyed them. I hope this author writes more books - either in this series or a similar one. I like the search and rescue aspects of the books and love the dogs.
October 22, 2024
This is a wonderful book with lots of action and suspense and heart.
The characters and story are so interesting and that the reader will be compelled to finish this book in one setting.
The characters and story are so interesting and that the reader will be compelled to finish this book in one setting.
Read
May 8, 2024Gripping
Jess and Nate fight spiritual battles again. I raced through this satisfying thriller, wanting to reach the conclusion but not wanting the story to end.
Jess and Nate fight spiritual battles again. I raced through this satisfying thriller, wanting to reach the conclusion but not wanting the story to end.
May 8, 2024
A fantastic series
This was another terrific addition to the series, and a story that you won't want to miss.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and author.
This was another terrific addition to the series, and a story that you won't want to miss.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and author.
May 12, 2024
Baby
Love this series. Jess is pregnant and still working cases much to Scott's chagrin. More emphasis on found family. Crisis in faith.
Love this series. Jess is pregnant and still working cases much to Scott's chagrin. More emphasis on found family. Crisis in faith.
May 14, 2024
Best Ever! The storyline was thrilling! Our favorite characters continue to shine! God’s Word to lead you through the story. Please continue to write!
May 25, 2024
Stayed up.late
Another great story with my favorite characters. Loved that they had the same faith struggles that I have had. Hope there is more to come.
Another great story with my favorite characters. Loved that they had the same faith struggles that I have had. Hope there is more to come.
June 9, 2024
Sad Book
Make sure you have tissues close by. Its a tear jerker. I cried almost all the way through this book.Great book of this series,but very sad.
Make sure you have tissues close by. Its a tear jerker. I cried almost all the way through this book.Great book of this series,but very sad.
June 15, 2024
Linda White books
Have read this whole series. Great characters and storylines!! Love how the author weaves God into real situations. Great reads!!
Have read this whole series. Great characters and storylines!! Love how the author weaves God into real situations. Great reads!!
July 24, 2024
Riveting
One of my favorites! I don't want to spoil the story so no hints from me. Just read it. You will love it!
One of my favorites! I don't want to spoil the story so no hints from me. Just read it. You will love it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews