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Digger: The Case of the Chimera Killer
The latest from Robert D. Calkins in the Sierra the Search Dog series of books for all ages.
Bryce Finn started out using his Golden Retriever Sierra's nose to win at childhood games of hide-and-seek. Now 17 and Washington state's youngest SAR dog handler, Bryce and K9 Sierra are hip deep in a series of murders that some political leaders deny is happening at all.
Bryce and Sierra continue to be one step behind whoever is dumping bodies, and one step ahead of detectives from their local sheriff's office. As the body count grows Bryce risks his career, and eventually his life, to unravel the case of the Chimera Killer.
Along the way Bryce meets and nearly loses his first love, and learns the manly art of saying "yes, dear" at all the right times.
Bryce Finn started out using his Golden Retriever Sierra's nose to win at childhood games of hide-and-seek. Now 17 and Washington state's youngest SAR dog handler, Bryce and K9 Sierra are hip deep in a series of murders that some political leaders deny is happening at all.
Bryce and Sierra continue to be one step behind whoever is dumping bodies, and one step ahead of detectives from their local sheriff's office. As the body count grows Bryce risks his career, and eventually his life, to unravel the case of the Chimera Killer.
Along the way Bryce meets and nearly loses his first love, and learns the manly art of saying "yes, dear" at all the right times.
348 pages, Paperback
Published May 21, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 7, 2016
A quick read and fascinating look into the world of Search and Rescue teams. Calkins weaves a mystery novel with a complicated plot while entertaining and educating the reader. Fans of dog and mystery stories will want to add this title to their "must read" list. Reviewed at http://bit.ly/2aqrk8H
September 7, 2018
Wandering through the Gig Harbor Farmer's Market one day, there is a booth that has a beautiful Golden Retriever. I'm drawn to it. Then I see that what's for sale is a few books. The man with the dog is the author of the books. I like books. I like dogs. So I engage. He told me how they were locally set (score!) and based on his real life experiences as a Search & Rescue (SAR) guy. I immediately requested it from our library (Kitsap) and got it on loan from Pierce county in a few weeks time. All this preamble to set the tone of being ZOMG REALLY EXCITED to read something local and doggy related.
I was a little (lot) let down, I must say. But I think I set myself up for that being so jazzed up about it. The author is clearly not a writer. The narratives were contrived (what 17 year old boy talks like THAT?), the plot was convoluted by too many unrelated SAR events, the main relationship wasn't developed enough, and the ending was rushed. The writing was very simplistic with zero artistry and warmth to it. He said this. Then he responded with this. Then they went and did this. (Possibly harsh generalization there, sorry.) I feel guilty even being this critical since I met the guy. He also writes children's books which he may be better suited for. As an adult, I didn't get a lot of joy out of this. There would be tiny little grasps of excitement in the plot development, immediately shattered by poor dialogue.
I was a little (lot) let down, I must say. But I think I set myself up for that being so jazzed up about it. The author is clearly not a writer. The narratives were contrived (what 17 year old boy talks like THAT?), the plot was convoluted by too many unrelated SAR events, the main relationship wasn't developed enough, and the ending was rushed. The writing was very simplistic with zero artistry and warmth to it. He said this. Then he responded with this. Then they went and did this. (Possibly harsh generalization there, sorry.) I feel guilty even being this critical since I met the guy. He also writes children's books which he may be better suited for. As an adult, I didn't get a lot of joy out of this. There would be tiny little grasps of excitement in the plot development, immediately shattered by poor dialogue.
December 31, 2017
I give high marks to this book. Great plot and characters! Bryce Finn is a 17 yr old young man who is the youngest certified Search and Rescue person in his state, along with his dog, Sierra. Together they do various rescues and help to investigate the murders of several young women whose bodies are found in nearby wooded and forested areas. The local sheriff suspects a serial killer but his department is small and he has to beg the local politicians for more money in order to thoroughly investigate these findings, the bodies of which have been in the forest for months. The local politicians are reluctant to fund him, because they do not believe a serial killer is in their area and they do not want the publicity which might hurt the tourist trade and community. There are detailed descriptions of how the Search and Rescue people work with their dogs and how they train them. Bryce also finds a love interest, who shares his love of dogs and is interested in the Search and Rescue group. A great read!
November 23, 2019
Couldn't put it down!
This story is nothing short of riveting. Sharply defined characters and rugged setting in Washington state are reminiscent of C.J. Box novels. Dog lovers will find the training methods and unique commands for SAR dogs very interesting. I recommend this book and series to anyone who likes a good mystery, dogs and the excitement out-of-doors stories bring.
This story is nothing short of riveting. Sharply defined characters and rugged setting in Washington state are reminiscent of C.J. Box novels. Dog lovers will find the training methods and unique commands for SAR dogs very interesting. I recommend this book and series to anyone who likes a good mystery, dogs and the excitement out-of-doors stories bring.
March 25, 2019
Fun read. Loved the story and the way the writer moved the story line.
Definitely good read. Good story, twisted bad guys but loved all the twists and turns. I’m moving on the the next book.
Definitely good read. Good story, twisted bad guys but loved all the twists and turns. I’m moving on the the next book.
July 24, 2022
Great book by an author who knows
Digger is written by Bob Calvins, a real search dog handler. Although fiction, it rings true and I can highly recommend it to young adults on. A fun read, with lots of action, if you love dogs you will love Sierra!
Digger is written by Bob Calvins, a real search dog handler. Although fiction, it rings true and I can highly recommend it to young adults on. A fun read, with lots of action, if you love dogs you will love Sierra!
August 30, 2016
The best part about this novel, is that it is written based from the real life experiences of the author. You can tell immediately that he is an expert in his field of work, and this very much translates across in his writing. If you are a dog lover of any age, you will most definitely love this. From the beginning, you are thrust into the teachings of rescue and search dogs, the challenges, the personal connections, the technicalities, etc. The author teaches you the foundation in fast time, which is what is needed to comprehend the rest of the story. The second part of the book is a roller coaster of suspense and mystery. A wonderful smooth flowing read, that encompasses years of information compressed into a short entertaining story.
August 8, 2017
Well written mystery appropriate for YA and general adult readers. The author clearly has a background in work with SAR dogs and police work. Hoping the author will develop a series around Sierra and the other characters.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews