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Hidden Valor #5
Blood on the Wire
Duty. Honor. Betrayal.
Kate Holland has a new case. A psychologist assigned to a Little Rock VA hospital was found brutally stabbed to death. Kate met the man mere days earlier...following his argument with her own shrink.
At the victim's house, Kate's stunned to discover a cache of military-grade explosives. Is there more deadly C-4 floating around out there—and does someone have plans to use it?
Evidence found in the victim's safe suggests yes. The psychologist was conducting a private investigation into a heinous crime that occurred more than two years ago and half a world away...in an active war zone.
Back in Arkansas, connections and bodies have begun to multiply. Can Kate zero in on the killer before he obliterates the most innocent victim of all—with the rest of that stolen C-4?
Kate Holland has a new case. A psychologist assigned to a Little Rock VA hospital was found brutally stabbed to death. Kate met the man mere days earlier...following his argument with her own shrink.
At the victim's house, Kate's stunned to discover a cache of military-grade explosives. Is there more deadly C-4 floating around out there—and does someone have plans to use it?
Evidence found in the victim's safe suggests yes. The psychologist was conducting a private investigation into a heinous crime that occurred more than two years ago and half a world away...in an active war zone.
Back in Arkansas, connections and bodies have begun to multiply. Can Kate zero in on the killer before he obliterates the most innocent victim of all—with the rest of that stolen C-4?
506 pages, ebook
Published August 1, 2025
66 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Candace Irving
10 books1,360 followersA former US Navy Lt., CANDACE IRVING is the daughter of a librarian and a retired US Navy chief. Candace grew up in the Philippines, Germany, and all over the United States. Her senior year of high school, she enlisted in the US Army. Following basic training, she transferred to the Navy’s ROTC program at the University of Texas-Austin. While at UT, she spent a summer in Washington, DC, as a Congressional Intern. She also worked security for the UT Police. BA in Political Science in hand, Candace was commissioned as an ensign in the US Navy and sent to Surface Warfare Officer’s School to learn to drive warships. From there, she followed her father to sea.
Candace is married to her favorite soldier, a former US Army Combat Engineer. They live in the American Midwest, where the Army/Navy football game is avidly watched and argued over every year.
Go Navy! Beat Army!
Visit https://candaceirving.com/newsletter to sign up for Candace's newsletter & receive a free book.
*Candace also writes military romantic suspense under Candace Irvin.
Candace is married to her favorite soldier, a former US Army Combat Engineer. They live in the American Midwest, where the Army/Navy football game is avidly watched and argued over every year.
Go Navy! Beat Army!
Visit https://candaceirving.com/newsletter to sign up for Candace's newsletter & receive a free book.
*Candace also writes military romantic suspense under Candace Irvin.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 7, 2026
Review to follow soon.
August 1, 2025
Candace Irving’s latest book with Kate and Ruger is excellent. It is filled with action, excitement, mystery, heartbreak, romance and humor. It has everything and generates so many different emotions that is almost impossible to put down. The strength of the emotional bond between Kate and Ruger keeps getting stronger, as are Ruger’s increasing skills as her K-9 partner in law enforcement. Of course his goofiness is also very evident in amusing descriptions of his playtime with her.
Throughout the various Kate Holland books is the story of her struggles to deal with PTSD and how disabling it can be in just trying to live day to day. Something that so many of our veterans experience. The detailed descriptions of what some people go through and the type of treatment that has been developed to help is a real eye opener. Fortunately, this treatment has had some successful results for many. Thank you, Candace for enlightening us readers.
No spoilers, but you get to learn much more about the relationship between Kate and Arash. And her old friend Regan Chase also plays a big part in this story. Throughout the detailed descriptions of chases and driving through heavy rain and mud make you feel like you are experiencing that discomfort yourself. Overall, it is a great read and sets Kate up for even more adventures to come.
Throughout the various Kate Holland books is the story of her struggles to deal with PTSD and how disabling it can be in just trying to live day to day. Something that so many of our veterans experience. The detailed descriptions of what some people go through and the type of treatment that has been developed to help is a real eye opener. Fortunately, this treatment has had some successful results for many. Thank you, Candace for enlightening us readers.
No spoilers, but you get to learn much more about the relationship between Kate and Arash. And her old friend Regan Chase also plays a big part in this story. Throughout the detailed descriptions of chases and driving through heavy rain and mud make you feel like you are experiencing that discomfort yourself. Overall, it is a great read and sets Kate up for even more adventures to come.
August 28, 2025
Wow! Another great Kate Holland thriller.
There's enough background in this book for it to be read as a standalone story, but I think anyone who does this will then go back to the beginning of the series and then read the lot.
Kate's therapy for her PTSD is going well, really making a difference, and she is due to have the last session with her psy hologist in a week. The action in this book takes place during that week. She has managed to advance her law enforcement career despite the condition. A colleague of her psychologist is brutally stabbed to death, and it it falls to Kate to investigate the murder. A search of the victim's house reveals some surprising items, including some C4 explosive. As the investigation proceeds, the body. count increases.
During her various roles, Kate has reliable contacts with people in many parts of the US Military and also the local landscape police. She calls on these, and they are of great help to her.
This is a long book. It's beautifully written, with truly amazing attention to detail. There are several twists and turns in the plot, complications, and there's a brilliant and surprising reveal at the end. I've mentioned here ex colleagues and helpers that assist Kate, but Ruger, her amazing K9, needs a special mention. The bond between them really is something special.
Thank you, Candace Irving, for this edgy page turner that made me miss out on doing a lot of chores. I'm looking forward to the next one.
There's enough background in this book for it to be read as a standalone story, but I think anyone who does this will then go back to the beginning of the series and then read the lot.
Kate's therapy for her PTSD is going well, really making a difference, and she is due to have the last session with her psy hologist in a week. The action in this book takes place during that week. She has managed to advance her law enforcement career despite the condition. A colleague of her psychologist is brutally stabbed to death, and it it falls to Kate to investigate the murder. A search of the victim's house reveals some surprising items, including some C4 explosive. As the investigation proceeds, the body. count increases.
During her various roles, Kate has reliable contacts with people in many parts of the US Military and also the local landscape police. She calls on these, and they are of great help to her.
This is a long book. It's beautifully written, with truly amazing attention to detail. There are several twists and turns in the plot, complications, and there's a brilliant and surprising reveal at the end. I've mentioned here ex colleagues and helpers that assist Kate, but Ruger, her amazing K9, needs a special mention. The bond between them really is something special.
Thank you, Candace Irving, for this edgy page turner that made me miss out on doing a lot of chores. I'm looking forward to the next one.
July 31, 2025
Blood on the Wire - The latest episode in the Kate and Ruger story is an amazing book. The continuing character development of Kate and her circle, as well as the suspects will make you feel like you know them all. The storyline is twisted like a bowl of spaghetti, but served up with a fantastically seasoned plot, and will defy your ability to solve this mystery early and keep you guessing till the final pages. Kate’s journey in recovery from PTSD is a theme in this series, and it helps highlight the national issue with our veteran’s struggles and shines a light on the treatments and the hope of recovery for all of them. While this book is an excellent standalone mystery, if you are like me, you will want to go back and read the entire six book (so far) series in order. When I last looked at Candace’s web store https://store.candaceirving.com/ under the Hidden Valor Series, you could get a great deal on the previous five books in the series, as a set. While Candace is fairly new on my must-have authors list, she has climbed firmly into the top five with this series and especially the current offering.
September 29, 2025
More thrills and chills on every page I read! A roller coaster ride in suspenseful twists and turns!
The fifth book in the Kate Holland Hidden Valor series by Candice Irving is a masterpiece of suspense, thrills, and mystery! Blood on the Wire is a complex web of thrills and chills beginning on page one, with an increasing chill factor as you continue to read. As in previous books, the search for the villain(s) is a non-stop roller coaster trip through numerous false clues and dead ends, finally arriving at a surprise ending. AND wow! What an ending! Be prepared to have your mind blown when the actual bad guy is revealed!
Candace Irving has outdone herself with Blood on the Wire! Kate Holland and her lover, Arash, grow through their continued intimacy issues caused by Kate's PTSD and body image issues. Candace introduces new characters as old friends return to play a significant role in Kate's investigations for the State police. I couldn't help but fall in love with the myriad of deep personalities of Candace's creations. Her brilliant mind and imagination shine throughout the entire novel!
I also appreciate Candace Irving's empathetic approach to the plight of many women veterans. In Blood on the Wire, Candace does not shy away from addressing the challenging consequences of soldier-on-soldier rape, PTSD, and the suicide rate of women veterans. The subplot involving the criminal activities triggered by the US chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan was intriguing and informative.
Blood on the Wire is another outstanding example of Candace Irving's creative talent. I look forward to many more Kate Holland mysteries, especially if they include more partnerships with her other relatable characters, like Reagan Chase .
The fifth book in the Kate Holland Hidden Valor series by Candice Irving is a masterpiece of suspense, thrills, and mystery! Blood on the Wire is a complex web of thrills and chills beginning on page one, with an increasing chill factor as you continue to read. As in previous books, the search for the villain(s) is a non-stop roller coaster trip through numerous false clues and dead ends, finally arriving at a surprise ending. AND wow! What an ending! Be prepared to have your mind blown when the actual bad guy is revealed!
Candace Irving has outdone herself with Blood on the Wire! Kate Holland and her lover, Arash, grow through their continued intimacy issues caused by Kate's PTSD and body image issues. Candace introduces new characters as old friends return to play a significant role in Kate's investigations for the State police. I couldn't help but fall in love with the myriad of deep personalities of Candace's creations. Her brilliant mind and imagination shine throughout the entire novel!
I also appreciate Candace Irving's empathetic approach to the plight of many women veterans. In Blood on the Wire, Candace does not shy away from addressing the challenging consequences of soldier-on-soldier rape, PTSD, and the suicide rate of women veterans. The subplot involving the criminal activities triggered by the US chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan was intriguing and informative.
Blood on the Wire is another outstanding example of Candace Irving's creative talent. I look forward to many more Kate Holland mysteries, especially if they include more partnerships with her other relatable characters, like Reagan Chase .
August 19, 2025
Blood on the Wire by Candace Irving.
This is book 5 in the Kate Holland Hidden Valor series. This book follows newly promoted Agent Kate Holland of the State Police working for the Governor office dealing with crimes where military veterans are involved both as a victim or as a perpetrator. Kate and her German Shepherd dog Ruger solve cases with the assistance of her contacts in the various agencies and departments as Kate has held a variety of roles in her career.
This is another great read in this series, there is action and suspense and a superb plot relating to the crime. I liked the very slow burn (over the course of 5 books) of the romantic relationship between Kate and Arash. The description of the progress Kate made as she deals with her PTSD and her past is very sensitively handled. I was engaged with Kate's character and this story.
While all these books may be able to be read as stand-alone books, the overall story arc works best if you read the books in this series in order. 5 stars.
This is book 5 in the Kate Holland Hidden Valor series. This book follows newly promoted Agent Kate Holland of the State Police working for the Governor office dealing with crimes where military veterans are involved both as a victim or as a perpetrator. Kate and her German Shepherd dog Ruger solve cases with the assistance of her contacts in the various agencies and departments as Kate has held a variety of roles in her career.
This is another great read in this series, there is action and suspense and a superb plot relating to the crime. I liked the very slow burn (over the course of 5 books) of the romantic relationship between Kate and Arash. The description of the progress Kate made as she deals with her PTSD and her past is very sensitively handled. I was engaged with Kate's character and this story.
While all these books may be able to be read as stand-alone books, the overall story arc works best if you read the books in this series in order. 5 stars.
August 4, 2025
Kate Holland and her canine partner, Ruger, are assigned to investigate a murder and are then requested, by name, to investigate a suspicious death. Meanwhile, the love of her life, Arash, gets sent to the Middle East on a secret mission and is completely incommunicado days beyond the expected duration of said mission.
Amongst all this stress and chaos and while chasing leads in one direction and then another, Kate also completes her course of treatment for PTSD, hopefully equipping her to better manage the incidents that will still come up when something reminds her of the hell she went through not that long ago.
Warning for the sensitive: there are references to sexual violence and some of the behaviors that, sadly, can result from that trauma.
As is common in this series, there are bloody crime scenes and some bloody action.
With these caveats, the story demands that the reader turn the next page and the next, and...
I finished it in 2 evenings.
Amongst all this stress and chaos and while chasing leads in one direction and then another, Kate also completes her course of treatment for PTSD, hopefully equipping her to better manage the incidents that will still come up when something reminds her of the hell she went through not that long ago.
Warning for the sensitive: there are references to sexual violence and some of the behaviors that, sadly, can result from that trauma.
As is common in this series, there are bloody crime scenes and some bloody action.
With these caveats, the story demands that the reader turn the next page and the next, and...
I finished it in 2 evenings.
August 3, 2025
Kate and Arash are together, looking forward to some good times when he's called away on a government mission. Kate is tied up with a murder investigation or two, or three, oh wait, there are a few more dead bodies. Its difficult sorting murders from suicides. Kate is up to tge task since she's surrounded by high caliber investigators. But what can she do when it looks like some people have switched sides?
Meanwhile, Arash is gone for way to many days and there's been no contact from him. Kate can't concentrate.
Eventually, the seeds are separated from the chaff, those who are still living who need to be locked up are in jail, except for the one who got away. Maybe we will see her again. She is quite an interesting character who deserves to have her story completed.
Arash and Kate do too.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
Meanwhile, Arash is gone for way to many days and there's been no contact from him. Kate can't concentrate.
Eventually, the seeds are separated from the chaff, those who are still living who need to be locked up are in jail, except for the one who got away. Maybe we will see her again. She is quite an interesting character who deserves to have her story completed.
Arash and Kate do too.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2025
This was truly one of the best books I've ever read! The plot was incredible! It kept me guessing from beginning to end. Every time, I thought I'd figured out who the bad guy was, the author would prove me wrong.
The characters are so special, and show so much growth! In many ways, Kate mirrors my own self-worth journey.
And of course, the K9! Ruger is an amazing and beloved dog! And the bond between he and Kate is something truly special to behold.
You cannot go wrong in your choice to read this book. Just be prepared to not want to put it down! And do not want to end either!
The characters are so special, and show so much growth! In many ways, Kate mirrors my own self-worth journey.
And of course, the K9! Ruger is an amazing and beloved dog! And the bond between he and Kate is something truly special to behold.
You cannot go wrong in your choice to read this book. Just be prepared to not want to put it down! And do not want to end either!
August 3, 2025
Ms. Irving's's exceptional ability to fully encompass you into the world of Kate Holland and her K-9 partner Ruger is so believable you feel like a part of the investigation! Her feelings, doubts and the comfort she embraces from Ruger in her investigations and struggle with PTSD is profound. Every page is a journey and trying to put down this book before even a chapter is concluded is truly agony!
August 21, 2025
If having one Federal agency was not enough, try numerous agencies involved.
When Kate is called in to investigate the murder of a therapist she has seen on the base when she has gone there for her sessions, she has no idea that multiple agencies within the military and others will be involved in multiple murders, cloned devices, viruses on computers and much more.
The is no way you want to put this down until all the inter-weaved items are explained and a conclusion to some of them is found.
When Kate is called in to investigate the murder of a therapist she has seen on the base when she has gone there for her sessions, she has no idea that multiple agencies within the military and others will be involved in multiple murders, cloned devices, viruses on computers and much more.
The is no way you want to put this down until all the inter-weaved items are explained and a conclusion to some of them is found.
August 7, 2025
This is one hell of a thriller. Kate and Ruger get involved in all sorts of shenanigans is this story that is for sure. I loved it right from the first word to the last, I was fully engrossed in it.This author can’t half just write cracking tales. I cannot wait for the next one in the series. Highly recommended.
August 6, 2025
This is an extremely well written book. I couldn't put it down, full of action from start to finish with a great mix of characters. Didn't know who the villain was until the end of the book. An edge of the seat page turner.
October 10, 2025
Love this series
Harsh reality! Wonderful Ruger, Arash, Lou and Seth. Love the connections she makes with other agents, deputies, and military personnel. And excellent deductive reasoning.
Harsh reality! Wonderful Ruger, Arash, Lou and Seth. Love the connections she makes with other agents, deputies, and military personnel. And excellent deductive reasoning.
September 23, 2025
That was a wonderful read!!!!:)
September 28, 2025
loved it
This series never disappoints. I look forward to reading more books in all her series. I have recommended these books to several friends.
This series never disappoints. I look forward to reading more books in all her series. I have recommended these books to several friends.
August 29, 2025
Blood on the Wire (ebook), my third read from author Candace Irving, was a 506-page read, that grabbed me and kept me reading until I finished it in one day. “I received a complementary Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews