Trail of Evidence

Capitol K-9 Unit #3

by Lynette Eason

SAVING HIS SON 

Why is a dead woman's phone—evidence in a murder investigation—in Jonas Parker's son's bedroom? Dangerous thugs are after that phone and his terrified teenager, so the single father turns to Capitol K-9 Unit officer Brooke Clark. Years ago, Brooke broke Jonas's heart without explanation. But he has to trust her and her highly-trained golden retriever to keep his son safe. When the boy goes missing, Jonas and Brooke must make peace with their past to find the teen—before increasingly desperate criminals get to him first. 

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

Genres: Romance, Christian Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Love Inspired Suspense, Love Inspired, Christian

222 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2015

About the author

Lynette Eason grew up in Greenville, SC. She graduated from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, and then obtained her masters in education from Converse College. Author of twenty inspirational romantic suspense books, she is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). In 1996, Lynette married "the boy next door" and now she and her husband and their two children make their home in Simpsonville, South Carolina."

Series:
. Amazon Adventure
. High Stakes
. Women of Justice

Reviews

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

When someone breaks into Jonas’s house looking for a phone that his teenage son has--the phone belonging to a dead woman--Jonas calls Capitol K-9 Unit officer Brooke for help. This was a very enjoyable story. I really liked heroine Brooke a lot. It was a nice change to have a female in the cop/protector role. I totally loved her canine partner, Mercy. The story was fast-paced and action-packed. Not all storylines are wrapped up by the end though, this being book 3 of 6 in the Capitol K-9 Unit series.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lots of action. Liked the adoption theme.
(But not enough dog action for me and I am not interested enough in the plot to read more n this series-so finis 4 me.)

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this series! It's astonishing how multiple authors can carry through with the over arcing suspense thread as well as all the characters. They're doing a stunning job. And while each book has it's own suspense resolution, there's still this all encompassing one that remains a mystery (though I'm drawing some of my own conclusions.) If you haven't read any of the other books in this series, no worries. Each book reads very well as a standalone and Eason in particular does an exceptional job of bringing in pertinent plot details from the first two books.

This is a second chance love story -- one of my favourite romance themes. I could feel the palpable attraction zinging between Brooke and Jonas from their first meet. Their happily ever after took a wrong turn years ago and Jonas is hopeful they can change that outcome this time round. Brooke isn't having any of it, even though she's yearning for the same result. She just feels Jonas has had enough to deal with and he deserves someone whole. She definitely doesn't fit the bill. Jonas's persistent pursuit is so refreshing...even if it makes Brooke nervous. Of course, the romance is complicated by those increasingly desperate criminals. If the romance doesn't keep you turning pages, the suspense will. A thrilling read that was over way too soon.

[Caitlyn Santi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read, not one of my favorites of Eason's but I enjoyed it none the less. I really liked the characters, especially Brooke's dog Mercy! It was an interesting read, and I recommend it!

[DayDreamer8912 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5
Jonas and Brooke are in love each other for long but because she was afraid that she will be rejected when she tell him the truth about her infertility. She knows that he wants to have children so that why she ran away from him which made him kind of mad. They meet again after a few long years, it was a case that included his son, Felix who had seen the incident occur and also he has the phone of the dead owner and an unknown man was looking for it which made both Felix and Jonas in danger. Brooke and her dog, Mercy and also the Capitol K-9 team work together and help to find out who is the mastermind of all this. And also they managed to ask Felix to talk to Tommy the little boy in the shelter previously who saw the whole incident to open up to who he saw so that they can catch the man and he will be able to sleep and not have nightmares anymore.

As they were working in the case she opened up to Jonas about why she ran off and then he was mad that she didn't tell him because they can work it out together cause they are other options too. And worst that his son ran away because he doesn't want what he had planned for him to keep him safe and her dog had been kidnapped so both of them have to find them. Can't spoil the whole story because it is a few cases links to one case which is to find out who is the mastermind of the whole case.

They both rely on God for wisdom and strength and also to protect their love ones.

You can purchase this book from Amazon or HarperCollins.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know everyone loves Lynette Eason but her books are always hit or miss for me due to the writing and I'm sad to say this did not hit the mark for me. Overall it made the series feel like its dragging on with no forward progress. It also bothers me how the other books play little part in the next book. Example book 2 they were trying to keep Juan from Lana. So what now that she has custody they just shrug their shoulders and say oh well might as well let them be and live happily ever after? This book just felt like there were bullet points in the plot the author had to hit on and forget the other books. There was also NO interaction with Adam and Lana which I found screwy and when Garrett called to tell them he thought he knew which kid was outside the night of the attack it was like a new revelation (even though the previous 2 books talked about it). IDK, I just didnt love it. I didn't like the character Brooke she was completely pathetic at her job. Oh no someone is shooting at me at a witness which is a kid!? What should I do? Well of course the answer is let the handsome vet pull all if us under the table. Don't let her 16 YEARS of training show or anything. And can they seriously be so inept that the guy is almost caught a dozen times but always manages to slip past. Not to mention a 13 yr old was able to leave a building they said was being protected 24/7. So maybe 2.5 stars....the more I rant the more I'm shaking my head.

[Paul Goble · Rating 2 out of 5]

Will you enjoy this book? Take this quiz:

1. You are an elite cop who has just been handed a key piece of evidence. Do you:
A) Place it in a sealed evidence bag and rush it to the evidence techs so that they can carefully analyze it, or
B) Handle it as much as possible, then stuff it in your pocket. Eventually pull it out at examine it yourself, in a way which will make any evidence inadmissible in court.

2. You are a villain, and someone might have a piece of evidence against you. Do you:
A) Verify where the evidence is, then choose the perfect moment to grab the evidence, or
B) Make multiple lame attempts at killing the person, preferably with police officers and witnesses nearby.

3. You are a manly man, and the lady cop who interests you might be in danger. Do you:
A) Contact the police station to make sure she has backup, then trust her good judgement, or
B) Rush to where you think she might be, interrupt the busy cops on scene, and hope to confront the unknown threat with your bare hands.

4. You are an author writing a story featuring a golden retriever. Do you:
A) Write about the dog's soulful eyes, playful personality, and goofy quirks, or
B) Depict the dog as merely present, as you would a piece of furniture.

If you can accept (B) for all of the above, and like a bit of suspense, romance, and surprise, you might like this book.

[Pianosue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting read in this series. Someone has broken into Jonas Parker's home and attacked him looking for a phone. Later he finds the phone hidden in his teenage son's room. How did Felix end up with a dead woman's phone? He calls officer Brooke Clark asking for help. Will they be able to figure out who is trying to get ahold of the phone? How did Felix get it? Will Jonas and Felix survive repeated attempts to retrieve the phone? Will Brooke and her K-9 Mercy be able to help save them or will she end up in the path of the killer too?

[Mary Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novel which is in a series involving the K-9 unit in Washington, DC. and the on-going investigation into the murder of a senator's son and the disappearance of another senator's daughter. I had some problems with the reason the female lead didn't feel she could be honest with her love-interest about why she broke off her relationship with him. This book does provide good escape and enjoyment.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started off with a good plot, then lacked. Basic plot of a son, whose mother left him, and he is not handling it well. Starting with a lousy attitude, and fights at school. To finding a phone, of a dead women, the bad guy is after him, the threats, till they have to have protection. Will they catch him,and they could return to being a normal family, maybe with Brooke. Good enough read and enjoyable.

[Carolyn Hutson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book in our church library and picked it up quickly since I love everything by Lynette Eason. I was quickly drawn into the storyline with Jonas and Brooke and her K-9 partner, Mercy. This was a quick read and I got so into trying to figure it all that I stayed up way too late reading! The only thing I didn't like is that I was unaware that the storyline isn't totally resolved. I'm definitely going to have to go back and read the other books.

[Jessica Greaves · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book. Out of the whole series this one had the most action. The reason for 4 stars is it had more Christian religion than the rest of them. While all of them have some Christian talk throughout. This one was every chapter with bible versus. It made it just a little too much, while they were trying to solve a murder. Overall a great book. I just had to skim a few pages here and there that got too "churchy".

[Gerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was full of action, mystery and suspense. The romance wasn’t a constant throw in your face which I liked.

I loved Jonas and Brooke. Felix was a very good addition to the storyline. I like when the other characters are brought into the current book but question where Adam and Lana were. Is Adam no longer helping the team? I was happy to see at least one criminal was arrested.

I’m hoping that Jonas and Brooke adopt Tommy and Rachel and get a few puppies.

[Brianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the suspense part of the plot but wasn't enamored of the romance part. This was a second chance story and it felt like they just fell back into the relationship because of their proximity to one another.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book Was OMG Good!

This book was definitely a winner. In a series like this it's always nice because you get to know all the characters a little better than usual and these characters are GREAT!

[Marcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was a very good book. Loved the book. Loved the characters. was a bit disappointed it ended like it did would have like to see it go on. extend the story to see where it would go next.

[Sandra Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the series....I just keep repeating that....but it is so true! Once again, love, drama, suspense and dogs! LOVE IT!

[Viv Wilday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a book fast paced. I loved it and recommend. The whole Capitol k-9 unit series. On to the next book

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a good suspense story if you have read any of her books you will like this one

[angela yargus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure!

Lynette took me for a long ride I knew some of the answers, but had no idea how she would be able to pull it all together!
Thanks for a bumpy ride!

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book is in a series, no conclusion 😤

[Dana Bartram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, now onto book 4 of the series. Can't wait to see how it ends!

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars ⭐️

[Cathy Beckett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 3rd book in this ongoing series is very good. Brooke Clark, Capitol K-9 Unit officer, has trust issues where men are concerned. She was left by every man she has ever tried to have relationships with and out of self preservation she runs away when things start to get serious. You see she can't have children and every man she has ever been involved with wants to have a family. Jonas Parker, veterinarian and potential protectee, has had his eye on Brooke ever since he met her 8 years before. He wants her back but needs to know the real reason for her leaving his life. With Jonas and his son in trouble Brooke comes back into their lives and the truth about Brooke comes out.

[Wendy Sparkes · Rating 4 out of 5]

#3 Capitol K-9 Unit

Why on earth does Jonas' son have a dead woman's phone under his bed?

And why is someone only now, 2 months after the suspected murder, after it?

What does Felix know? What has he seen?

This is a good continuation to the Capitol K-9 Unit continuity and I really love the dogs from the K-9 Unit which have a huge part to play in this series. I really enjoyed the Texas K-9 Unit continuity which came out in 2013, and so am really pleased to have another series featuring the dogs and their protection skills.

I'm still really puzzled with this one. My suspect remains the same, but I still can't work out who else is involved! I'm now halfway through, and am really intrigued as to how this is all going to work out!

You really do need to read these books in order as each book, while a story on its own, also has a plot which runs & develops through all the 6 books, building up to the grand finale in book 6. This means that you will not only want to read this book, but also the other 5 in the series! So if you are looking for a one off story to read, then this is not the book for you. However, if you are short of reading material & want a series to get you going, then you might want to try out this miniseries.

1. 2. 3.
4. 5. 6.

Also coming out near Christmas time there is another book centered around the K-9 Unit which I'm looking forward to reading:

[Debbie Oxier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read, fast paced with plenty of suspense and a touch of romance. Brooke worked for the Capitol K-9 unit with her golden retriever, Mercy. A congressman's son was killed and the congressman, himself, shot. Jonas is a veterinarian, a single dad, and was once involved with Brooke. Until she walked away without an explanation and made it clear they were through. Now it appears they will be seeing a lot of each other. Jonas' s son, Felix, found a dead woman's phone and the bad guys know it and are coming for it. Since the woman was an aide to the congressman, her death suspicious, there's a good chance the two cases are connected. Brooke is assigned to the case which includes protecting Jonas and his son. Maybe there is a chance for them after all but first Jonas has to get her to tell him why she left. Really liked the characters, and while the conflict between them wasn't new, it was nicely written and explained then brought to a satisfying conclusion.

[Merle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one contains probably my favorite character so far, Jonas Parker. Old friend of Officer Brooke, he's a veterinarian with a sullen 13 year old son. When the cell phone belonging to one of the victims in the tangled case turns up in the son's possession, Jonas is not only shocked, but heartsick that he is seemingly losing his son.

The emotional turmoil continues when he sees that Brooke is part of the investigation. He never knew why she rejected him and he wants to know why. He is stronger then he thinks, though, and he has not lost his son. Brooke, too, has figured out what a mistake she made earlier in order to keep a secret and finally tells Jonas that the fault was not with him. Tough story, though-Eason ratchets up the suspense.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a weak link for me, Brooke and her dog Mercy got pulled into the life of a single father and his teenage son. Jonas is the father who once dated Brooke. She ended things knowing Jonas wants more kids and she can't have them. But they've never gotten over each other, Jonas reaches out when he finds a cell phone in his son's room that belonged to a murder victim. It's a string of crimes running through the books and we don't solve it here but things get further along.

I didn't like that Brooke is ashamed of being infertile when it's not her fault, grow up and trust your partner. Also very cliche to have the woman always run late. It also seemed like every time you turned around someone was getting their head bashed by a bad guy. Isn't anyone paying attention?

Moving on....

[John Hanscom · Rating 3 out of 5]

SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!! There is no way to review this book without spoilers. Rats! Most of these books, as enjoyable as they are, are a little sexist - big hunky man saves helpless female. I thought this book would be different, as the female protagonist is a trained police officer, and emphasizes this too the male protagonist many times. Birth protagonists get in a similar situation - they afre attacked and rendered helpless by the "bad guy." It is them trained police officer who is able to extricate himself, and, even though accompanied by another trained police officer armed to the teeth, the veterinarian with a baseball bat who saves the female. Come on!!!!!!!

[Sandy]

What the....?????

I am shocked and saddened to say that this was the worst Lynette Eason book I've ever read. It picked up in the middle of a relationship and didn't end with the resolution of the crime. The characters were one dimensional and it had none of the bone chilling, spine tingling action that she's had in her past stalker/serial killer books. There was none of the "get inside the head of the killer" description either - that always creeps me out in a good way. Was this a round robin story and I missed the first two or three books? It sure seemed like it. I am bummed that I spent money on this book.