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King & Midnight K-9 Mysteries #2
Coercive Power
Chief Deputy Mike Murphy is in trouble. The military is doing its best to press gang him back into uniform. He needs a lawyer, one really well-versed in military law. Meanwhile, somebody is trying their best to run a newcomer off their land in escalating incidents of violence. When that violence turns to attempted murder, Mogollon County Sheriff's Office mounts a counter-offensive and discovers subversive coercion is in full play.
CLEAN, SAFE READING - No profanity, no gore, no sex, and NO DOGS DIE!
No AI, no ghostwriters, guaranteed. All original D. L. Keur
CLEAN, SAFE READING - No profanity, no gore, no sex, and NO DOGS DIE!
No AI, no ghostwriters, guaranteed. All original D. L. Keur
571 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2025
554 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
D.L. Keur
23 books61 followersABOUT THE AUTHOR: An author, an artist, a musician, a web designer and more, some call her a Renaissance woman. Her friends just call her Dawn.
Publishing since the 20th Century, she usually writes under pen names, because she writes, not just cross-genre fiction, but across a broad scope of genres, including paranormal, mainstream, horror, Western family saga/romance, and science fiction. Since the turn of the Millennium, she’s chosen to independently publish five, now six, books, two as E. J. Ruek, two as C. J. “Country” James, plus a two volume science fiction epic, published under the name, Aeros.
You can find her at www.DLKeur.com.
Publishing since the 20th Century, she usually writes under pen names, because she writes, not just cross-genre fiction, but across a broad scope of genres, including paranormal, mainstream, horror, Western family saga/romance, and science fiction. Since the turn of the Millennium, she’s chosen to independently publish five, now six, books, two as E. J. Ruek, two as C. J. “Country” James, plus a two volume science fiction epic, published under the name, Aeros.
You can find her at www.DLKeur.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
September 28, 2025
If I hadn’t been so invested in the characters and the plot, I would have had to quit on account of the writing style she has affected for this book. I don’t know why she’s doing it—her other books were fine. But all of a sudden she’s writing the “everday” action scenes in short clipped sentences without subjects. Every single time I hit one it interrupts the flow of the narrative and makes me think, “huh what?” And I have to read it again, figure out who the subject was, and try to get back into the story.
Example,
Downed King on a blanket. Gave him strokes. Washed his hands, donned a coverall, goggles, mask, then snapped on gloves. Opened the refrigerator…. Saw the vacuum package bag…
Or
“Set the first one in the rack and watched. Heard a soft “Thank you, Corporal”.
Blew a silent breath of relief. Guessed right. Started on the next.
I’m sorry to be so picky, but if this is the way the written language is going to evolve, I’ll have to quit reading modern fiction.
Other than my constant irritation and annoyance at the writing style, I loved this book.
Example,
Downed King on a blanket. Gave him strokes. Washed his hands, donned a coverall, goggles, mask, then snapped on gloves. Opened the refrigerator…. Saw the vacuum package bag…
Or
“Set the first one in the rack and watched. Heard a soft “Thank you, Corporal”.
Blew a silent breath of relief. Guessed right. Started on the next.
I’m sorry to be so picky, but if this is the way the written language is going to evolve, I’ll have to quit reading modern fiction.
Other than my constant irritation and annoyance at the writing style, I loved this book.
April 29, 2025
Loved everything about this book
Read 555 in 2 days and I am not a fast reader. This book carries on the tale of ex-military, highly trained in combat and criminal justice Chief Murphy and his dog King.
The Army is trying to force him back and he is scared. In the meantime, people are being terrorized by someone or ones driving through their gates, fences and hitting everything they can. They have accelerated to firing shots at Chief Murphy’s house and shot his neighbor. The Apache reservation is close plays into angles of the story.
Read 555 in 2 days and I am not a fast reader. This book carries on the tale of ex-military, highly trained in combat and criminal justice Chief Murphy and his dog King.
The Army is trying to force him back and he is scared. In the meantime, people are being terrorized by someone or ones driving through their gates, fences and hitting everything they can. They have accelerated to firing shots at Chief Murphy’s house and shot his neighbor. The Apache reservation is close plays into angles of the story.
November 9, 2025
Wow, loved reading the second installment of “The King and Midnight” mystery series.
D L has created a truly lovable cast of characters. They seem so real. Everyone knows a person like Mike, Hank, Rayne or Celine. Everyone dreams of having a dog like King. Their authenticity makes the story even more compelling. I felt very caring about the characters and what happens to them!
The story is big, intricate and multifaceted covering legal boundaries, politics, corruption and big money playing a long game on a small town! The books also address the tensions between the tribal community and the rest of the town!
The book is well written, easy to read, paced to hold your attention and enjoyable to read.
D L doesn’t use blood and guts, Sex or foul language in her books, which is a tribute to her writing ability and a respite from other writers.
Looking forward to the next book!
D L has created a truly lovable cast of characters. They seem so real. Everyone knows a person like Mike, Hank, Rayne or Celine. Everyone dreams of having a dog like King. Their authenticity makes the story even more compelling. I felt very caring about the characters and what happens to them!
The story is big, intricate and multifaceted covering legal boundaries, politics, corruption and big money playing a long game on a small town! The books also address the tensions between the tribal community and the rest of the town!
The book is well written, easy to read, paced to hold your attention and enjoyable to read.
D L doesn’t use blood and guts, Sex or foul language in her books, which is a tribute to her writing ability and a respite from other writers.
Looking forward to the next book!
April 4, 2025
Best story line
This book is different from others like it. Great main character! Excellent story line,both books. Both books,sound as if they are true life. I enjoyed it because it is realistic! Not a lot of filler pages,description on scenery,no boring parts! I love all the true to life characters. I love the writing, story,everything in both his books. Very interesting subjects,plots. Can not wait to read next book! I am hooked! Will read every book in this series put out for sure,,love the dog too,,A good read,,not one page or chapter is boring! I want to know what happens next! Hate waiting for the next part of this novel!!! Love it,,recommend to others!
This book is different from others like it. Great main character! Excellent story line,both books. Both books,sound as if they are true life. I enjoyed it because it is realistic! Not a lot of filler pages,description on scenery,no boring parts! I love all the true to life characters. I love the writing, story,everything in both his books. Very interesting subjects,plots. Can not wait to read next book! I am hooked! Will read every book in this series put out for sure,,love the dog too,,A good read,,not one page or chapter is boring! I want to know what happens next! Hate waiting for the next part of this novel!!! Love it,,recommend to others!
April 9, 2025
New Understanding
I’ve always thought that Indians were robbed and should be compensated for what they have and are still enduring. Although they are not the only ones that have been discriminated against they are the ones that suffered the most.
I really enjoyed the book but didn’t like some of the ways it was written. Like one word reactions and some sentences were awkward. However, the more I read the more the author made the sentences easier to read. I like the characters and especially the dog. They don’t have to say anything their actions speaks for them. I’m excited to read the next book.
I’ve always thought that Indians were robbed and should be compensated for what they have and are still enduring. Although they are not the only ones that have been discriminated against they are the ones that suffered the most.
I really enjoyed the book but didn’t like some of the ways it was written. Like one word reactions and some sentences were awkward. However, the more I read the more the author made the sentences easier to read. I like the characters and especially the dog. They don’t have to say anything their actions speaks for them. I’m excited to read the next book.
June 24, 2025
Choppy writing
I had read the first two books in this series so downloaded this one. This is my first two-star review.
This smacks of an AI book. An outline filled in with big word the Kindle luckily explains. I don't remember the other two books as being filled with one or two word sentences. And not just from the stoic Apache. He was an honorable man but not really likeable. I truly understood
Rayne's actions in the book. I really like her!
I Need to review the others I read, if they were written like this one, I'd not have read #2 or 3. AI is not the way to write for readers escape and enjoyment. I don't believe I'm off the mark here. ,
I had read the first two books in this series so downloaded this one. This is my first two-star review.
This smacks of an AI book. An outline filled in with big word the Kindle luckily explains. I don't remember the other two books as being filled with one or two word sentences. And not just from the stoic Apache. He was an honorable man but not really likeable. I truly understood
Rayne's actions in the book. I really like her!
I Need to review the others I read, if they were written like this one, I'd not have read #2 or 3. AI is not the way to write for readers escape and enjoyment. I don't believe I'm off the mark here. ,
September 7, 2025
REALLY GOOD STUFF!!
Very well-written book! The author has obviously done her research on police protocols and procedures. Also has in impressive grasp of technology! The characters are interesting, although I find Corporal Rankin's insecurities to be over the top. I especially enjoy books with dogs and horses featured in them, being a huge lover of both! I found this book and the previous one to keep my interest and pleasurable to read. I am looking forward to the third one and hope she will continue the series. Expansion of inclusion of the Apache culture would be interesting! Think Tony Hillerman!
Very well-written book! The author has obviously done her research on police protocols and procedures. Also has in impressive grasp of technology! The characters are interesting, although I find Corporal Rankin's insecurities to be over the top. I especially enjoy books with dogs and horses featured in them, being a huge lover of both! I found this book and the previous one to keep my interest and pleasurable to read. I am looking forward to the third one and hope she will continue the series. Expansion of inclusion of the Apache culture would be interesting! Think Tony Hillerman!
April 8, 2025
The beautiful Rim Country
I’m enjoying this series of books. It’s got a dog, an indigenous hero, and a good mystery going for it. All things I like. It’s very convoluted- has so many twists and turns it could be confusing, and last minute flips to the story. I love the Arizona rim country, a place near where I spent my childhood, and it’s much more beautiful than this story leads you to believe. I wish it was more accurate there. But nevertheless it’s a very good book that I recommend reading.
I’m enjoying this series of books. It’s got a dog, an indigenous hero, and a good mystery going for it. All things I like. It’s very convoluted- has so many twists and turns it could be confusing, and last minute flips to the story. I love the Arizona rim country, a place near where I spent my childhood, and it’s much more beautiful than this story leads you to believe. I wish it was more accurate there. But nevertheless it’s a very good book that I recommend reading.
May 19, 2025
love this series
Brilliantly written. Mike is a smart guy with so many negative things haunting him. Since there are only 3 books in this series, there will need to be a lot of issues resolved in Book 3. It won’t come out for a year which is frustrating to the loyal readers, but we always find other good authors to follow while we are waiting. I love the way
Rankin’s character is evolving. I love that when Mike finally opened up to Hank about the high school principal, Hank got some things moving in the right direction. So many plots to bring to light and to solve.
Brilliantly written. Mike is a smart guy with so many negative things haunting him. Since there are only 3 books in this series, there will need to be a lot of issues resolved in Book 3. It won’t come out for a year which is frustrating to the loyal readers, but we always find other good authors to follow while we are waiting. I love the way
Rankin’s character is evolving. I love that when Mike finally opened up to Hank about the high school principal, Hank got some things moving in the right direction. So many plots to bring to light and to solve.
July 9, 2025
My new favorite series! Great books and fun to read!
I don't like to give away story p!ots in reviews so just believe me when I say these books will have you struggling to put them foam! I am loving each one so far. Great characters and riveting plots and sub-plots. A joy to read and picking up the next one in the series now!
I am. Very impressed at the lack of cheap illicit sex scenes and foul language so many authors use now too. A real pleasure to read books so good and an author who writes so well and does not include them.
I don't like to give away story p!ots in reviews so just believe me when I say these books will have you struggling to put them foam! I am loving each one so far. Great characters and riveting plots and sub-plots. A joy to read and picking up the next one in the series now!
I am. Very impressed at the lack of cheap illicit sex scenes and foul language so many authors use now too. A real pleasure to read books so good and an author who writes so well and does not include them.
April 7, 2025
Fabulous story and characters!
This is why I read!! To come across an author who gets right to the heart of me...with characters I CARE about! With a
story so gripping, I cannot wait for the next page. So good, I don't skip paragraphs, ever! Often re-reading because the details are so right on the mark that I feel I'm in the room! Please write more...this story makes me want to hear more. Thank you!
This is why I read!! To come across an author who gets right to the heart of me...with characters I CARE about! With a
story so gripping, I cannot wait for the next page. So good, I don't skip paragraphs, ever! Often re-reading because the details are so right on the mark that I feel I'm in the room! Please write more...this story makes me want to hear more. Thank you!
April 15, 2025
His dog King is an amazing animal!
Ever so slowly, everyone in the S.O. is finally realizing Mike is worthy of their trust. My goodness! He sure gets put through the wringer in this book! I really love how King and the Chief are like one in their work AND at home. Won't spoil anything, but this hits too close to home for him. Very full of suspense keeps you wanting to just sit and read it all at once. Looking forward to another book! Thanks!
Ever so slowly, everyone in the S.O. is finally realizing Mike is worthy of their trust. My goodness! He sure gets put through the wringer in this book! I really love how King and the Chief are like one in their work AND at home. Won't spoil anything, but this hits too close to home for him. Very full of suspense keeps you wanting to just sit and read it all at once. Looking forward to another book! Thanks!
April 15, 2025
I will read...
Anything and everything by this authoress!
She writes intelligent and well researched novels with characters of depth and strength..
I regret that there is no provision for more than five stars.
Somehow, there are hope and sorrow and souls interwoven into her articulate "story telling".
I suspect that her own life is an interesting and well fought one. Integrity is becoming endangered in our country in these hard times; but not in her nor in her writings.
Anything and everything by this authoress!
She writes intelligent and well researched novels with characters of depth and strength..
I regret that there is no provision for more than five stars.
Somehow, there are hope and sorrow and souls interwoven into her articulate "story telling".
I suspect that her own life is an interesting and well fought one. Integrity is becoming endangered in our country in these hard times; but not in her nor in her writings.
May 16, 2025
Complicated and exciting.
This is the second book of this series. Midnight is Mike Murphy. He's a complicated man, former sniper, now Chief. He's got big troubles in front of him, personal, legal, and work. When he lets his guard down a little, he finds that there are people he can trust who are willing and able to back him up. And, of course, King is always by his side. This is a good series. Well worth reading.
This is the second book of this series. Midnight is Mike Murphy. He's a complicated man, former sniper, now Chief. He's got big troubles in front of him, personal, legal, and work. When he lets his guard down a little, he finds that there are people he can trust who are willing and able to back him up. And, of course, King is always by his side. This is a good series. Well worth reading.
July 12, 2025
I enjoyed Coercive Power even more than the first book in the series. The underlying story/mystery is compelling and frightening - it reveals things that could be happening today in America in July 2025. But King and Midnight persevere and bring the reader through the quagmire of filth that power, money and greed for more money had created. A wonderful duo surrounded by good cops and good people. I am looking forward to the third book in the series.
September 30, 2025
Great Mystery Police Detective Novel
The book was very well written . With plenty of action too! I liked all the characters, their personalities were very diverse which made the story that much more interesting. And toward the end you were bringing all the back stories together. We didn't hear much about his Army background in this book unless you're saving that for another sequel. Otherwise Fantastic Read 😁❤️🌻
The book was very well written . With plenty of action too! I liked all the characters, their personalities were very diverse which made the story that much more interesting. And toward the end you were bringing all the back stories together. We didn't hear much about his Army background in this book unless you're saving that for another sequel. Otherwise Fantastic Read 😁❤️🌻
October 7, 2025
A must read series
The characters in this series are captivating and deeply engaging, drawing readers into their intricate world with remarkable depth and complexity. The fast-paced narrative propels the story forward with intense, gripping action sequences that create an irresistible momentum, compelling readers to eagerly turn each page in anticipation of the next thrilling development and unexpected plot twist.
The characters in this series are captivating and deeply engaging, drawing readers into their intricate world with remarkable depth and complexity. The fast-paced narrative propels the story forward with intense, gripping action sequences that create an irresistible momentum, compelling readers to eagerly turn each page in anticipation of the next thrilling development and unexpected plot twist.
April 1, 2025
This book has wonderful characters who are loyal, have depth, are varied, and are enoyable to read. There is a great mystery or two with suspense and twists and plenty of action. The parts about Native American heritage are interesting and add a nice flavor to the story. I really enjoyed this book!!!
April 2, 2025
Attention Engaging
This story caught my attention and kept it thru out the story. The characters interaction was interesting. They show very real emotions and vulnerability. Anyone who enjoys police dramas will enjoy how they catch the bad guys and determine the true reasons for their crimes . I hope to read future books in this series.
This story caught my attention and kept it thru out the story. The characters interaction was interesting. They show very real emotions and vulnerability. Anyone who enjoys police dramas will enjoy how they catch the bad guys and determine the true reasons for their crimes . I hope to read future books in this series.
April 3, 2025
Excellent
Another excellent addition to this new series. I can hardly wait until the next one comes out. Chief Deputy Mike Murphy is a very deep and intriguing character. And I love his dog, King. I am also enjoying the development of Corporal Rayne Rankin as a police officer and as a person. Interesting case, too.
Another excellent addition to this new series. I can hardly wait until the next one comes out. Chief Deputy Mike Murphy is a very deep and intriguing character. And I love his dog, King. I am also enjoying the development of Corporal Rayne Rankin as a police officer and as a person. Interesting case, too.
April 4, 2025
Coercive
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The most compelling aspect was the heartwarming relationship between Mike and his loyal canine companion. The character development, particularly the transformation of Rankin, was remarkable and added significant depth to the narrative. Overall, a truly engaging and well-crafted story that left a lasting impression.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The most compelling aspect was the heartwarming relationship between Mike and his loyal canine companion. The character development, particularly the transformation of Rankin, was remarkable and added significant depth to the narrative. Overall, a truly engaging and well-crafted story that left a lasting impression.
April 5, 2025
Twists and turns to keep things interesting
Very good read. Things constantly moving along so you want to keep reading and not put it down. Author does a good job of research for authentic facts (although the likelihood of a horse surviving the described injury is very unlikely). Looking forward to the next book.
Very good read. Things constantly moving along so you want to keep reading and not put it down. Author does a good job of research for authentic facts (although the likelihood of a horse surviving the described injury is very unlikely). Looking forward to the next book.
April 5, 2025
Not wht I expected,but
I admit, I expected a love story with a dog as secondary. Instead, I got a good mystery with a dog as a secondary character. I enjoyed the book because I enjoy a good mystery and it was. It also has strong well developed characters. I am looking forward to reading more from this writer.
I admit, I expected a love story with a dog as secondary. Instead, I got a good mystery with a dog as a secondary character. I enjoyed the book because I enjoy a good mystery and it was. It also has strong well developed characters. I am looking forward to reading more from this writer.
April 7, 2025
Fascinating read
Keur scores again. More emotional in terms of what main characters are living through and how that's being processed by them. Leaves you saying this can't be the end. There's got to be more. There is, her other series is already waiting with multiple books and even more dogs.
Keur scores again. More emotional in terms of what main characters are living through and how that's being processed by them. Leaves you saying this can't be the end. There's got to be more. There is, her other series is already waiting with multiple books and even more dogs.
April 8, 2025
This is a complex mystery with an intriguing hero within a reluctant side kick.
The Sheriff has hired a new Chief Deputy, and he has decided the Sheriff's Office needs better CSI capability and has tagged the snoopy new evidence officer for the job. She is jumpy around him and afraid of his dog but really wants to learn the job and advance her career.
The Sheriff has hired a new Chief Deputy, and he has decided the Sheriff's Office needs better CSI capability and has tagged the snoopy new evidence officer for the job. She is jumpy around him and afraid of his dog but really wants to learn the job and advance her career.
April 8, 2025
Another *****
Book 2 brings more depth to the main characters. The relationship between Mike and Rayne, though still tenuous, is developing into one with more trust . Highly recommend this series if you enjoy main characters who have flaws but also have the determination and skills to fight for Justice.
Book 2 brings more depth to the main characters. The relationship between Mike and Rayne, though still tenuous, is developing into one with more trust . Highly recommend this series if you enjoy main characters who have flaws but also have the determination and skills to fight for Justice.
April 10, 2025
Coercive power
Good story! Enjoyed reading more on King and Mike .
Love the excitement and grabbed me from the start. Even though I wasn't sure who was who . It took me a couple paragraphs to remember from the last book I read.
Two books ago!
Maybe an intro to the characters would help.
For those of us with slow memories!
Good story! Enjoyed reading more on King and Mike .
Love the excitement and grabbed me from the start. Even though I wasn't sure who was who . It took me a couple paragraphs to remember from the last book I read.
Two books ago!
Maybe an intro to the characters would help.
For those of us with slow memories!
April 11, 2025
King and Midnight by DL Keur
Outstanding! I've read all of this author's books and, in my opinion, this is the best one yet. The characters are fully developed and so is the story line. There are a lot of valuable teaching lessons tucked into the interactions between the characters in the book. All in all, a truly great read.
Outstanding! I've read all of this author's books and, in my opinion, this is the best one yet. The characters are fully developed and so is the story line. There are a lot of valuable teaching lessons tucked into the interactions between the characters in the book. All in all, a truly great read.
April 11, 2025
Another amazing read
Second book in the new series from DL Keur. And hard to believe but this series is even better than her Jessica Anderson series. Really enjoying the character development and of course Mike's big dog King and following their journey. So looking forward to whatever comes next.
Second book in the new series from DL Keur. And hard to believe but this series is even better than her Jessica Anderson series. Really enjoying the character development and of course Mike's big dog King and following their journey. So looking forward to whatever comes next.
April 14, 2025
Suspense keeps building
The whole plot pieces are carefully laid and contain powerful emotional elements: respect for differing races, juvenile crime, Native American/white prejudice, corruption. Mike and King are wonderfully described...a touch of mystery. Rayne's history and overcoming obstacles. Much more please.
The whole plot pieces are carefully laid and contain powerful emotional elements: respect for differing races, juvenile crime, Native American/white prejudice, corruption. Mike and King are wonderfully described...a touch of mystery. Rayne's history and overcoming obstacles. Much more please.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews