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Zoo Crew #3
Tracer: A Zoo Crew Novel
Two weeks ago, Lukas Webb was an Army sniper on the front lines in Afghanistan. Upon finding out his father has just days to live, he is granted a compassionate discharge and returns home to Hamilton, Montana to say goodbye and take over the family business. Just days into his tenure at the helm of the WB Ranch, he appears at the front door of an Agriculture Commission meeting carrying a rifle and fires two perfect shots before being taking three rounds himself.
While Lukas sits in Hamilton Memorial Hospital in a medical-induced coma, a frenzy wages on outside. Local law enforcement and prosecutors parade in front of the cameras, blaming the actions on a maladjusted serviceman, using the incident to bolster their own standing. Veterans in the area bristle at the treatment, threatening to lash back at any time. Townspeople claim they no longer feel safe on the streets of Hamilton.
With just days remaining before Lukas wakes and is hauled off to prison for the rest of his life, a call is made to budding attorney Drake Bell for assistance. Employing the help of his friends the Zoo Crew, he begins a maddening search for the real reason behind the shooting, something he suspects resonates much closer to home...
While Lukas sits in Hamilton Memorial Hospital in a medical-induced coma, a frenzy wages on outside. Local law enforcement and prosecutors parade in front of the cameras, blaming the actions on a maladjusted serviceman, using the incident to bolster their own standing. Veterans in the area bristle at the treatment, threatening to lash back at any time. Townspeople claim they no longer feel safe on the streets of Hamilton.
With just days remaining before Lukas wakes and is hauled off to prison for the rest of his life, a call is made to budding attorney Drake Bell for assistance. Employing the help of his friends the Zoo Crew, he begins a maddening search for the real reason behind the shooting, something he suspects resonates much closer to home...
- GenresFiction
274 pages, Paperback
First published December 9, 2013
446 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Dustin Stevens
86 books314 followersI originally hail from the midwest, growing up in the heart of farm country, and still consider it, along with West Tennessee, my co-home. Between the two, I have a firm belief that football is the greatest of all past-times, sweet tea is really the only acceptable beverage for any occasion, there is not an event on earth that either gym shorts or boots can't be worn to, and that Dairy Queen is the best restaurant on the planet. Further, southern accents are a highly likeable feature on most everybody, English bulldogs sit atop the critter hierarchy, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with a Saturday night spent catfishing at the lake.
Since leaving the midwest I've been to college in New England, grad school in the Rockies, and lived in over a dozen different cities ranging from DC to Honolulu along the way. Each and every one of these experiences has shaped who I am at this point, a fact I hope is expressed in my writing. I have developed enormous affinity for locales and people of every size and shape, and even if I never figure out a way to properly convey them on paper, I am very much grateful for their presence in my life.
To sum it up, I asked a very good friend recently how they would describe me for something like this. Their response: "Plagued by realism and trained by experiences/education to be a pessimist, you somehow remain above all else an active dreamer." While I can't say those are the exact words I would choose, I can't say they're wrong. I travel, live in different places, try new foods, meet all kinds of different people, and above all else stay curious to a fault.
Here's hoping it continues to provide us all with some pretty good stories...
Since leaving the midwest I've been to college in New England, grad school in the Rockies, and lived in over a dozen different cities ranging from DC to Honolulu along the way. Each and every one of these experiences has shaped who I am at this point, a fact I hope is expressed in my writing. I have developed enormous affinity for locales and people of every size and shape, and even if I never figure out a way to properly convey them on paper, I am very much grateful for their presence in my life.
To sum it up, I asked a very good friend recently how they would describe me for something like this. Their response: "Plagued by realism and trained by experiences/education to be a pessimist, you somehow remain above all else an active dreamer." While I can't say those are the exact words I would choose, I can't say they're wrong. I travel, live in different places, try new foods, meet all kinds of different people, and above all else stay curious to a fault.
Here's hoping it continues to provide us all with some pretty good stories...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 16, 2017
Grammatical error's and poor editing good read.
The zoo Crew Series is once again a winner for Dustin Stevens. the biggest fault in all his books is poor editing and the claim at the ending of all his books that he reads reviews. If he truly did he would cleanup his editing and really sky rocket. His development of characters and for the most part consistency really engages the reader to buy his next addition....... I would also truly like to thank the author (no faith he is reading this, but just in case).... To say thank you for providing sequels that do not drop the story in the middle and expect readers to purchase.. Hats off for completing a full storyline in each novel.. Errors and all your work is worth reading ..thanks😀
The zoo Crew Series is once again a winner for Dustin Stevens. the biggest fault in all his books is poor editing and the claim at the ending of all his books that he reads reviews. If he truly did he would cleanup his editing and really sky rocket. His development of characters and for the most part consistency really engages the reader to buy his next addition....... I would also truly like to thank the author (no faith he is reading this, but just in case).... To say thank you for providing sequels that do not drop the story in the middle and expect readers to purchase.. Hats off for completing a full storyline in each novel.. Errors and all your work is worth reading ..thanks😀
July 2, 2019
Good Read
I enjoyed TRACER. I get the feeling I am witnessing a good writer develop into an excellent writer. This was a little light on character development. I felt I knew the characters, but I wanted some eccentricities, to set them apart. Wisecracks, skewed observations, or a defect that makes them real, would have helped. The zoo crew does nothing for me. The plot was interesting and factually based. However, it was fairly predictable. Stevens writing style is smooth and easy to read. I saw only one editing error. I say that because there was mention of an excessive amount in his other work. I found this entertaining and will read Dustin Stevens work again.
I enjoyed TRACER. I get the feeling I am witnessing a good writer develop into an excellent writer. This was a little light on character development. I felt I knew the characters, but I wanted some eccentricities, to set them apart. Wisecracks, skewed observations, or a defect that makes them real, would have helped. The zoo crew does nothing for me. The plot was interesting and factually based. However, it was fairly predictable. Stevens writing style is smooth and easy to read. I saw only one editing error. I say that because there was mention of an excessive amount in his other work. I found this entertaining and will read Dustin Stevens work again.
November 17, 2018
I am really enjoying the Zoo Crew stories a great legal thriller with an extra edge and a great group of friends that always have each others backs.
While the stories tend to centre around Drake being the law student but he always calls his crew in for help which just makes each story better.
While the stories tend to centre around Drake being the law student but he always calls his crew in for help which just makes each story better.
October 1, 2018
Why
Third in the Zoo Crew series, looking forward reading #4. A fast paced read that is hard to put down once started reading. Charges of Attempted Murder against a recently discharged army sniper brings the Zoo Crew into the picture. I highly recommend this author.
Third in the Zoo Crew series, looking forward reading #4. A fast paced read that is hard to put down once started reading. Charges of Attempted Murder against a recently discharged army sniper brings the Zoo Crew into the picture. I highly recommend this author.
October 24, 2017
Have read a few of this series and always find editing and proof reading needs a lot of work. Don't like the terse sentencing way of writing. Good story line in most of them. I think being an older person in Australia I totally miss the humor in these stories. If they were any dearer I wouldn't be purchasing. This will be my last one.
February 7, 2023
Dustin Stevens keeps you reading
Dustin Stevens keeps you reading and turning each page. He has you rooting for your favorite characters. This was interesting with information I had not known about ranching and the raising of cattle. Also I had never heard of tracers. Thoroughly enjoyed the story
Dustin Stevens keeps you reading and turning each page. He has you rooting for your favorite characters. This was interesting with information I had not known about ranching and the raising of cattle. Also I had never heard of tracers. Thoroughly enjoyed the story
Read
July 26, 2023Dustin Steven's ZOO CREW series. 3 down and 3 to go. The leader of the pack, a college student on his way to a law degree...part being taking on minor cases towards credit that turn out to be not so minor...with his mixed bag of close friends. TRACER. Who knew that THAT was what they were talking about?
July 9, 2017
I'm enjoying this series; just wish there was more editing going on with it. Won't stop me from reading the next in the series because the characters are likeable and their rapport with one another is fun to read. I rate this one 4.5 stars.
February 25, 2018
Good story. Quick and easy read
This us the third " zoo crew " I've read and all have been enjoyable. Quick and easy reads. Interesting stories that are realistic and have likable characters.
This us the third " zoo crew " I've read and all have been enjoyable. Quick and easy reads. Interesting stories that are realistic and have likable characters.
October 13, 2018
Hamburger, Anyone?
Great story! Quite an eventful 8 day period between Christmas and New Year. Folks traveling for the Holiday. New friends introduced. And a solid story with intrigue unfolding. You are going to love it!!
Great story! Quite an eventful 8 day period between Christmas and New Year. Folks traveling for the Holiday. New friends introduced. And a solid story with intrigue unfolding. You are going to love it!!
February 3, 2020
There was a sense of deja vu with this book. I don't know if it was the similarity to the other books, it seemed as though I had read the book before, which is odd because I log all my reads. Anyway, still a good read, but not as good as the first two in the series.
September 12, 2023
Like a good western-
Good guys , bad guys, cows , interesting facts on cow disease, and a dog.
What a fun bunch of guys to hang with. Athletes, smart, and kind. The ladies are not just token skirts but vital parts of the crew. Enjoyable book.
Good guys , bad guys, cows , interesting facts on cow disease, and a dog.
What a fun bunch of guys to hang with. Athletes, smart, and kind. The ladies are not just token skirts but vital parts of the crew. Enjoyable book.
October 31, 2016
clean and suspenseful
great story from young upstarts in Montana pastureland!
the zoo crew. fantastic! author gets story told without earning x rating!
great story from young upstarts in Montana pastureland!
the zoo crew. fantastic! author gets story told without earning x rating!
January 8, 2018
Decent read
Not as good as some of his other books but still entertaining. Not enough action for myself and a little slow starting but still a decent story.
Not as good as some of his other books but still entertaining. Not enough action for myself and a little slow starting but still a decent story.
February 5, 2018
Outstanding
I have liked these books a lot, however, I think this was the best one so far. I like all books written by Dustin Stevens. Keep up the great work!
I have liked these books a lot, however, I think this was the best one so far. I like all books written by Dustin Stevens. Keep up the great work!
February 24, 2018
Another good read
Another chapter in the Zoo Crew adventures done superbly. Full of action,suspense, twists. Unexpected ending to make room for another saga.
Another chapter in the Zoo Crew adventures done superbly. Full of action,suspense, twists. Unexpected ending to make room for another saga.
January 7, 2020
这村儿坏人有点多
March 4, 2020
Nice
Like the storyline but when the zoo crew and characters are described its seems like a copy and paste from previous books
Like the storyline but when the zoo crew and characters are described its seems like a copy and paste from previous books
March 11, 2020
Dead giveaway in the title. But the zoo crew characters are amiable enough.
September 15, 2020
Each book just gets better.
Laughs, lots. Tension, almost more than one can handle. Tears, a few. Educational, in away. Enjoyable, very. Trouble, of course Highly recommended.
Laughs, lots. Tension, almost more than one can handle. Tears, a few. Educational, in away. Enjoyable, very. Trouble, of course Highly recommended.
December 28, 2024
Best series!
Every book in this series has been awesome! Love them all!
Going to keep reading until the last book. Terrific!
Every book in this series has been awesome! Love them all!
Going to keep reading until the last book. Terrific!
December 28, 2024
Good book. Would recommend you read in sequence though not necessary. Audio narration was a plus.
January 26, 2025
More learning thingd
A family of misfits that show how they help each other and solve mystery together. Friends wish more of US have bad teams
Them still.
A family of misfits that show how they help each other and solve mystery together. Friends wish more of US have bad teams
Them still.
May 12, 2025
I loved finding out what the tracer was. So cool!! This is a great book and I love the team.
March 20, 2017
Read the entire Zoo Crew series .... love 'em all!
June 16, 2020
In general, I have really liked Zoo Crew books, but this one was only ok. The "twist" was clear from a mile away, and the behavior of the client was just stupid. This whole situation was completely avoidable.... still a decent read.
February 9, 2017
I really like the Zoo Crew! I want to join!
The "head" of the Zoo Crew, more by default than anything else, Drake, had been a football star during his undergrad days; now, last year of law school, Drake can not and will not turn his back on those that can't help themselves. And, no matter what is happening, he knows the Zoo Crew have his back -- it's just how they roll.
When a huge cattle barron sets out to deceive to obtain what he wants, he didn't count on being discovered. When he is, shots are fired -- by an army sniper, no less! Instead of him fighting for his life, he believe he has gotten what he wants and that everything is now in place to make his final move! Ahhh, but he knows nothing about the Crew and their friends . . . none of them will turn their back on a young woman, who just days before had buried her father, and now whose brother, recently returned from the Army, is fighting for his life and in a coma!
The "head" of the Zoo Crew, more by default than anything else, Drake, had been a football star during his undergrad days; now, last year of law school, Drake can not and will not turn his back on those that can't help themselves. And, no matter what is happening, he knows the Zoo Crew have his back -- it's just how they roll.
When a huge cattle barron sets out to deceive to obtain what he wants, he didn't count on being discovered. When he is, shots are fired -- by an army sniper, no less! Instead of him fighting for his life, he believe he has gotten what he wants and that everything is now in place to make his final move! Ahhh, but he knows nothing about the Crew and their friends . . . none of them will turn their back on a young woman, who just days before had buried her father, and now whose brother, recently returned from the Army, is fighting for his life and in a coma!
February 12, 2017
What a great original plot. Also quite the page turner. I just had to know why! Great suspense and a great ending.
February 6, 2015
Dustin Stevens is an author whom I will be reading again. Absolutely excellent story, riveting, absorbing, all the characters were very well written. They all had their own personalities which seemed to reach out to you from the pages. When they had their meetings to try and find solutions for different situations you felt as if you were there with them adding your own thoughts. Lukas a nice respectable man well liked by the community enters the community hall and shoots into the area surrounding the committee members. The question is why and the answer will floor the readers of this story. Don't want to give anything away as I know other readers would have given their own synopsis of this very cleverly written story.
February 26, 2016
Tracker - Thriller: A ZOO Crew Novel
Meet Drake Bell and the Zoo Crew! Drake gets a phone call in the middle of the night from an old friend, Sara, asking him for legal help for her brother, Lucas, who is in the hospital in a coma and facing serious jail time for shooting up a local Ag Commission meeting. The how, why, what for, and who shot Lucas is yet to be known. Hang on, this ride is full of twists and turns and close calls. Can't wait to get to the end and see what's next for the Zoo Crew.
Meet Drake Bell and the Zoo Crew! Drake gets a phone call in the middle of the night from an old friend, Sara, asking him for legal help for her brother, Lucas, who is in the hospital in a coma and facing serious jail time for shooting up a local Ag Commission meeting. The how, why, what for, and who shot Lucas is yet to be known. Hang on, this ride is full of twists and turns and close calls. Can't wait to get to the end and see what's next for the Zoo Crew.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews