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Return to Dog's Run

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In the summer of 1951, Elmhurst, Ohio was shocked when the small town's war hero police chief, Lester Smeal, was killed putting an end to the bloody rampage of a rogue cop. It was the last violent act in a chain of events that began with the discovery of the body of Wanda Jean Reider, a beautiful young woman from the wrong side of the tracks. Fifteen years later the chief's son and daughter, and the sister of the murdered woman, are young adults, each living with the legacy of the past as they try to make their own way in a world torn by war and social change. Nick Russell, New York Times bestselling author of the Big Lake mystery series, weaves a tale of intrigue, lust, and betrayal that you will remember long after you finish the last page. One early reviewer said of Dog’s Run, “It’s gut-wrenching, fast-paced, sometimes crude, brutally honest, and often sad. It is also Nick Russell’s finest writing to date. Well done!" Return to Dog's Run continues in the same tradition.

231 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2016

136 people are currently reading
8 people want to read

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Nick Russell

102 books168 followers

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5 stars
191 (60%)
4 stars
87 (27%)
3 stars
32 (10%)
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4 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Margaret Millmore.
Author 10 books58 followers
June 29, 2016
I suppose it’s probably impossible for me to give an unbiased review of Nick Russell’s work…I’m a huge fan, I’ve read all of his fiction novels and cannot wait for the next one…

Return to Dog’s Run is the continuation of the story that started with book 1, the Smeal children are all grown up and desperately trying to live up to the heroic memory of their father, the late Chief Smeal. Elmhurst is maturing, but the small town still has its problems (racism, sexism, etc.). I love the fact that it picked up again on the lives of the characters Mr. Russell introduces in book 1, characters you quickly and easily fall in love with.

The only reason for the 4.5 star review is due to some distracting editing/proofreading errors…however, don’t let this deter you from reading this fantastic series!

Typically I receive books for free in exchange for an honest and unbiased review, however if I find an author whose work is exceptional, I will purchase their novels from that point forward. That is the case with Mr. Russell’s work, aside from the first Big Lake novel which I received for free, I have purchased all of his works. See all our reviews at http://www.bookexplosions.com/ or on Goodreads at https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Profile Image for Ski Croghan.
609 reviews5 followers
April 5, 2022
Just how far will one man go?????

So he broke and ran in Vietnam? He wasn't the only one. So why did they make such a big deal out of it? Just put him in front of a firing squad and get it over with. So he was the son of a hero, big deal! Why did he go home but not go home after all? Things are so confusing for the kids of the hero of Elmhurst. Loretta's a cop, the first woman on the force. Woodrow turned tail and ran in a blind panic in Vietnam. When he got back home he disappeared and set everyone to worrying. His sister's been looking for him ever since. Read this great book for all the details. Highly recommended.
47 reviews
June 14, 2024
Good Sidestep

After finishing the first 6 books of the Big Lake series, I decided to have a look at this short series (2 books) about Dog’s Run. A very nice change of pace. Highly recommended!
211 reviews
January 29, 2025
how quickly life can change

Life has a way of changing quickly for everyone. Enjoy today because tomorrow is not guaranteed! Love can find you any time anywhere. Loved the story.
53 reviews
April 1, 2025
Nick Russell has done it again!

This may be my favorite book by Mr. Russell. A fine story will some interesting twists and several characters to root for. A few to root against as well!
179 reviews
August 9, 2025
What a Return!

Absolutely great story as usual from Nick Russell. I certainly hope that Mr Russell decides to continue this series in the future. A great group of characters to build on. Thanks again.
93 reviews1 follower
April 6, 2024
Wow!

What a story! An amazing journey through the events and an excellent continuation of the first book. I'm truly hoping for more!
27 reviews
November 22, 2024
Nick Russell is an amazing author whose characters are lifelike, however this is a rather depressing story compared to his other work.
141 reviews1 follower
April 8, 2025
Dogs Run and Return to Dogs Run by Nick Russell are books that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Nick did a great job with his characters and the plots. Well worth reeading.
12 reviews
January 8, 2026
Spectacular read. just do it!

What a terrific story. I lived those times and it is so real and super well written. Just take the time you will never regret it.
258 reviews2 followers
August 3, 2016
Dogs run

It amazes me that everytime l read a book bye nick Russell, l just want more, it takes a very talented man and writer to do such a fantastic job,there is always action ,love, just a down home country feel to his books, if you haven't read any of his books take my word you are truly missing out. Well done
Profile Image for Lawrence Cutting.
48 reviews
January 1, 2017
Great Read

This was a great sequel to Dog's Run, probably Nick Russell's best book - and I've read all of his novels. A Nick Russell book is one I always look forward to with anticipation; this one was worth the wait.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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