Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Dead Dog Trilogy #1

Let Dead Dogs Lie

Rate this book
Let Dead Dogs Lie


In Book 1 of this gripping crime thriller trilogy, a dead serial killer comes calling

Lottie Stark, Chief of Police of small town Regal Reef, California, has a problem. A serial killer she caught when an FBI agent, is murdering young women again—but in her town. Donald Brown Stoker’s victims were blonde and blue, young and attractive. Just like her current victims. And the MO is eerily similar to Stoker’s—the strangled girls are left naked on the highway, wearing only a dog collar.

But Stoker has been dead for three years, so it can’t be him. Can it?

Unhappy with Lottie’s progress, the town mayor and city council go over her head and bring in the big guns. Profiler, Jack Brady—Lottie’s former partner and lover. Brady’s presence complicates her life and the murder investigation but also dredges up past failures and secrets that Lottie wants to keep buried.

Meanwhile, this calculated killer is leaving clues that feel personal. So when a close friend of Lottie’s is threatened, she fears the killer is going after people she loves to punish her. Who will be next?

Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2019

5 people are currently reading
28 people want to read

About the author

Anita Rodgers

19 books56 followers
Anita Rodgers is the author of the psychological thriller, False Witness, the Scotti Fitzgerald Mystery Series, and the recently released Dead Dog Trilogy.

She’s a writer, a blogger, a pet mom, a gardener, a cook, and a lover of puzzles. She lives in Southern California with her beloved terrier/poodle Lily and two silly cats, Boodie and Bitzy. And can usually be spotted at Starbucks contemplating the perfect crime over a cup of Sumatran. She has a serious social media addiction, is obsessed with GIFs, and loves to interact with family, friends, and fans on Facebook and Twitter.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
32 (58%)
4 stars
16 (29%)
3 stars
5 (9%)
2 stars
2 (3%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Shannon.
111 reviews4 followers
February 15, 2020
I received this through Voracious Readers and I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN!!! I finished it all in just under 4 hours. I needed to know what was next, if there were anymore clues to confirm my suspicions.... I’m dying to know who the perp is!! This is my first Anita Rodgers novel, and I’m so glad it is the first of a trilogy (aside from the fact it ends in half a cliffhanger). This trilogy is the follow up from The Dead Dog Trilogy (which I am downloading now!!!)

Carlotta aka Lottie Stark aka Chief Stark is definitely a strong female lead with all the endearments to remind you that she’s still a woman. She’s a ball-busting law enforcement officer who takes her job serious, and yet still has to deal with all the undermining that comes along with being a woman in a “man’s world”. Rodgers theme of women in a man’s world is evident, but not in a femi-nazi way. I appreciated her use of correct officer to dispatch lingo. That was an unexpected plus for me since I am a dispatcher myself. Jack Brady comes breezing in from her past to help with the present situation, and he grows on you.

Rodgers definitely held my rapt attention the whole novel. She has woven an intricate story that is completely plausible and easy to follow. You spend the whole book putting the clues together and guessing who the murderer is, but then Rodgers adds another subtle layer that’s either great misdirection from the actual killer or just simply brilliant plot twists to make you have an “ahh” moment and re-think your who-dun-it scenarios.

I will definitely be getting the rest of the series, and will definitely be reading more from Anita Rodgers.

I received a this free through Voracious Readers Only in exchange for a fair, honest review.
Profile Image for Jody Hanks.
24 reviews
October 16, 2018
This is the first installment of Anita Rogers new mystery series, "The Dead Dog Trilogy." I've been a fan of Ms Rogers since being introduced to her first suspense novel, "False Witness" a few years ago. Anyway, this new series promises to be even more interesting than her previous "Scotti Fitzgerald Mystery Trilogy," which I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend.

In this new story, hard-edged Lottie Stark, a small town Chief of Police, is thrust into a multi-plotted tale with serial killings (that may or may not be connected to a previous case); there's also a seemingly unrelated stalker; an ambitious detective who is manipulating as hell; a damaged former partner who is looking to make amends for some past wrong perpetrated against her; a father with a secret; and a killer who seems to have put events in motion and is hiding in plain site just watching them unfold. Ms Rogers ties all of this together very nicely with a cast of characters who are relatable. At the book's end, there is resolution to one story-line, but the overarching story is left hanging, as well as other developing plot-lines. I can't wait to get started on the next installment!
Profile Image for Carolyn Breckinridge.
Author 3 books46 followers
December 12, 2019
‘Let Dead Dogs Lie’ by Anita Rodgers is the first in her recent page-turning, Dead Dog trilogy. While I will be the first to admit that being a people and an animal lover, it’s hard to imagine and read about corpses of both showing up on remote stretches of highway out near the small town of Regal Reef, California, Ms. Rodgers has written a captivating first-in-the-series novel that I eagerly returned to each evening. In contemplating the strengths of this story, the five elements this author so deftly accomplished in my opinion are: terrific characterization; a smooth, fast-moving plot; a sweet romance; subplots that keep the story moving; and this author’s ever-present sense of humor that transfers so well onto her pages. The main character of the book, Lottie Stark, is Chief of Police in Regal Reef, and for those who enjoy strong women characters who still have very real human emotions, Ms. Rodgers has created an extremely likable one. Her multitude of other characters are also well conceived and pop off the pages as real people, although at times their bantering felt somewhat forced. The main plot involves the possible return of a serial killer, Donald Brown Stoker, whom Lottie is certain she killed several years prior, or a copycat, and the author has done a nice job of leaving this story line wide open for continuation in the two remaining of the series. Lottie’s previous partner and lover, Jack Brady, is a likable, devil-may-care international profiler and she struggles with her own emotions throughout regarding his renewed advances. And finally, she must solve the subplot mystery of who is trying to terrorize her or her gay roommate, Dawk, while always in the back of her mind she fears it might be the serial killer she is trying to apprehend. True to life, there is an additional subplot of the attempts at sabotage many successful professional women face daily. And as mentioned earlier, all of this is accomplished with an underlying enjoyable sense of humor. I’ll soon be headed back to Regal Reef to see what happens in the second of the series ‘Every Dog has his Day.’
2 reviews1 follower
December 28, 2019
I received an ARC copy of this book and wow was it a great read.
The first in the trilogy, this book had me gripped from the outset. I cannot wait to continue the trilogy.
This book leaves you excited, scared and wanting to read more.
Anita Rodgers certainly knows how to draw you in.
The chatacters, their lives,, their faith all tested by the darkness of the killer.
The Police Chief Lottie and city boy Jack reunite to fight crime once again.
This comes as a double edged sword for Lottie, her head verses her heart.
All the while crimes have been taking place, sickening heart wrenching atrocities.
Will Lottie and Jack prevail, will Ben stick around and more terrifyingly what does the killer have in store for Lottie?
2 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2019
I received an ARC copy from Voracious Readers Only and this is the first book I have read of Anita’s. I enjoyed it, it was certainly my kind of read. I felt it was fast paced enough to keep you interested and once I got used to the characters I kept wanting to know more about them; particularly the back story of Lottie and Jake. The only thing I would have liked more of is the narration from the serial killer. Although his crimes were being investigated he almost felt secondary to the other events which were happening, which were making you think the crimes were connected. Overall a good read and I would certainly read the next book in the series.
57 reviews2 followers
August 26, 2019
I loved this book!
I have not read any books by Anita Rodgers before and had the opportunity to read this through Voracious readers.
I am so glad I took the opportunity. The characters are so real and their progress through the story becomes very important. The female character is strong and independent.
The author has an easy writing style and takes you on a journey from the first page. I did not want to stop turning the pages.
I would recommend this book and can’t wait to finish the trilogy. Let Dead Dogs Lie (Dead Dog Trilogy, #1) by Anita Rodgers Let Dead Dogs Lie (Dead Dog Trilogy, #1) by Anita Rodgers
Profile Image for Kelsey Brown.
4 reviews5 followers
December 23, 2019
This book was an incredible page turner! I received a copy through Voracious Readers and for the first book that I received, my goodness it was incredible! I’m dying to figure out how the story finally ends! But I guess I’ll just have to go buy the other two books in the series! I started it yesterday and I literally could not put it down until it was over. Can’t wait to add Anita Rodgers to my author list to keep reading her books!
68 reviews1 follower
January 2, 2020
Brilliant. Anita Rogers is right up there with Lee Childs, David Baldacci and Patricia Cornwell. Couldn't put this book down and was on the edge of my seat the whole way through. The only bad thing I can find is the wait till I buy and download the next book in the series.
This book is set to become a best seller and Rogers set to become one of the next big names in thrillers
Profile Image for Waukena Cuyjet.
63 reviews31 followers
September 21, 2019
If you are a fan of James Patterson, you’ll enjoy this novel whose female lead could show Alex Cross a few things.

The investigative work by a former FBI agent now Chief of Police adds over the top detective work by Lottie Stark. Twists and turns in the story occur at times when you think you have a handle on how the case is going, that you can’t put this book down.

When things become personal, Lottie balances her work life quite well in the midst of a male dominated profession who frequently remind her that her suspicions about the serial killer are so wrong. She knows what she is doing, does it well and is capable of putting aside those who go over her head and bring in what they consider the better crime solver. It doesn’t help that the person brought in was a part of her past. She is the master of her mind, and doesn’t hesitate to let others know. I found myself cheering her on when she had to put her male colleagues in their place.

If you are sensitive to animals being victims of a crime, as I am, read past those parts quickly. Fortunately there were very few times it came up. It was helpful to know that there was no suffering on the part of the dogs.

Profile Image for Nicole Bannister.
357 reviews88 followers
January 3, 2020
I love the setting, the plot was good and I also loved the characters and I also loved the writing style. I would gladly reread it again.
1,399 reviews14 followers
October 30, 2019
I usually give five star reviews to a murder mystery when I'm surprised by who the killer is and it makes sense and doesn't come out of nowhere. Let Dead Dogs Lie gets five stars from me because of how well the characters and dialogue are written in this book. The author, Anita Rodgers, paints a very vivid picture of the main characters, not just by her detailed descriptions, but in how they each talk in their own distinctive style.

Police Chief Lottie Stark, is what back in the day one would call a tough broad. She doesn't take bull from anyone. She used to be FBI and knows what it takes to make it in a male dominated career. She is sarcastic, snarky and very committed to getting justice for those who have been victimized.

When dead bodies start turning up murdered in the same manner as a serial killer from the past Lottie is spooked because she knows that the killer from the past is dead since she watched him die with her own eyes. As the pressure from the mayor, the townspeople, and even her own staff builds to finding the murderer, Lottie is hoping that something will turn up that proves the killer isn't a dead man.

Enter FBI profiler, Jack Brady, Lottie's ex FBI partner and, oh yeah, ex lover. Neither relationship ended on good terms. Jack is abrasive and relentless but there is an undeniable charm to him as he tries to get Lottie to let him in on the case and maybe back in her life.

One of my favorite characters is Lottie's best friend and roommate Dawk. He is definitely the comic relief, especially the first time he turns up in the book. The whole scene between him and Lottie and the naked man in their kitchen is laugh out loud hilarious.

The book is gritty, tense and an off the chart who done it murder mystery. However, what I liked most about it is that not every page is filled with angst. There is comic relief, there is a bit of romance, there is real life moments and there is even rescue dog adoptions (yeah)!

This is Book One of a trilogy. There are answers at the end but not everything is resolved and reading the whole trilogy is a must for the reader. The good news is it is such an enjoyable, intense, twisty story that you will be glad there is more than one book keeping these original characters around for awhile.

I received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Billie.
5,783 reviews72 followers
December 17, 2019
In Book 1 of this gripping crime thriller trilogy, a dead serial killer comes calling.
Lottie Stark, Chief of Police of small town Regal Reef, California, has a problem. A serial killer she caught when an FBI agent, is murdering young women again—but in her town. Donald Brown Stoker’s victims were blonde and blue, young and attractive. Just like her current victims. And the MO is eerily similar to Stoker’s—the strangled girls are left naked on the highway, wearing only a dog collar.
But Stoker has been dead for three years, so it can’t be him. Can it?
Unhappy with Lottie’s progress, the town mayor and city council go over her head and bring in the big guns. Profiler, Jack Brady—Lottie’s former partner and lover. Brady’s presence complicates her life and the murder investigation but also dredges up past failures and secrets that Lottie wants to keep buried.
Meanwhile, this calculated killer is leaving clues that feel personal. So when a close friend of Lottie’s is threatened, she fears the killer is going after people she loves to punish her. Who will be next?

This was a fantastic read for me.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that grabs you from the start.
Excellent well fleshed out characters that were interesting to follow through this journey.
Action and suspense keeps the thrills coming through the whole story.
I am anxiously awaiting the rest of the series already as I am hooked and need more!!
Recommend reading.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
272 reviews9 followers
January 13, 2020
This story starts with the discovery of a murdered girl by the highway, and a dead dog off the road in the grass. This is the third dead girl and dog that has been discovered in a short period of time, and is beginning to look like copy cat killer. The original killer had been taken down and killed three years earlier. Was he the actual killer, or just an accomplice? Police chief, Lottie Stark, is investigating the cases, when a crime close to home hits her. One of her dogs, Barney, the beloved pet of her roommate, Dawk, is brutally killed. Dawk has a complicated love life and has been receiving gifts from a secret admirer. Finally, Dawk is beaten nearly to death by a person or persons unknown. Can Lottie find and bring to justice the person who killed Barney and beat her friend? Is she able to find the serial murderer who is killing girls and dogs? The book leaves us hanging until the next installment as the killer leaves us with a soliloquy promising more clues and more challenges for police chief Lottie. This is a great, fairly light, fast-paced crime drama. I am looking forward to the other two books in the series. I received this advanced readers copy from For Voracious Readers Only.
3 reviews
January 13, 2020
This was my first ARC book to receive through Voracious Readers, and it is a good one. I read it in less than two days.
It is also the first book I've read by Anita Rodgers, and I certainly plan to check out some more of her books, after reading this one. Readers who have enjoyed such authors as Sue Grafton and Sara Paretsky will find the Dead Dog Trilogy to be written in a similar manner, with a scrappy female detective trying to solve a murder, and at the same time dealing with family members and a former lover. There are actually two mysteries in this book and we are led to believe they may be connected. One is solved by the end of the book but because this is just the start of a trilogy, the main murder mystery will continue.
I have given this book 4 stars as a whole, but the actual plot, suspense etc. is deserving a 5. I took off one star because of the considerable number of small proofing errors with words missing, incorrect use of lie/lay etc. Sorry, but my eyes always catch these, and I expect a few, but they should have been corrected. All in all, though, an excellent book in this genre.
Profile Image for Demi.
229 reviews
September 12, 2019
I received this book free, on a digital copy curtesy of Voracious Readers Only:

I don’t know why but I struggled with this book. It might be because I don’t like reading on my phone or anything digital , good old fashioned books please. I found some of the writing a little awkward for my liking. For example, the relationship between Lottie and her father, he’s called Ben , not Dad or anything- just Ben and she mentions him as such too. He also says ‘daughter’ at the end of most dialogue such as, ‘hows my daughter?’ Just awkward. I also felt like I wasn’t connecting with the characters either and I really wanted to as Lottie and Dawk seemed like fun characters to work with.

Having said that though, I liked the overall premise and it’s the first book of a trilogy, so it’s giving you a set up for the next ones. There were some moments in the books that I couldn’t put down and enjoyed. I just wish that I liked and connected with the characters more. I guess I’d have the read the next ones!

Thank you for this free copy Voracious Readers Only!
Profile Image for Alice Foulis.
97 reviews9 followers
October 23, 2019
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book to review through Voracious Readers Only.

I’m not usually a big fan of crime fiction, often finding it quite repetitive and overly ‘gritty’. Yet I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the first page. The main character, Lottie, took a little bit of getting used to - I initially found her attitude a bit much, as she always seemed to be angry - but after the section on the difficulty of being a female Chief in a very male-dominated profession, I was sold. The plot itself was complicated and thrilling, and I was eagerly collecting clues to try and figure things out alongside Lottie.

My only gripe was that I felt a lot of the story was implied to have occurred before the book began, and there was maybe a little too much of this context that wasn’t played out in the actual book, but nonetheless I really enjoyed this story. Definitely one for reading in one sitting!
Profile Image for Kemberlee.
Author 21 books54 followers
November 7, 2019
I picked up the Dead Dog Trilogy from this new-to-me author, and have just finished the first book.

I really love strong women characters and Lottie Stark is one of them. She's a woman who knows what she wants and not afraid to speak her mind. When it comes to the law, she plays it by the book to get her convictions.

This author has a strong voice which carries through the story to the end, creating page-turning dialogue and suspenseful narrative. Her characters are well-fleshed. And she adds several twists and turns until the end when the guilty party is finally revealed. I love that in a book; knowing to soon 'who done it' is boring unless we're also in the bad guy/gal's POV. In this book, the entire story is told from Lottie's POV and so well written I was able to put myself in the scenes with her.

I'm glad I picked up the trilogy because I could start the second book right away.
Profile Image for Kate Smith.
62 reviews
October 8, 2019
I loved the 2 cases Lottie and Jack are investigating in this book. It seemed like they were going to be connected but it turns out they are not. The second case didn't get too much attention and didn't seem to progress/move on as much as I felt it should.
This is a genre I always read and it was really good. Was slightly different but this could be because it is a trilogy. Also not many of books I read have 2 main stories on going at the same time.
The book definitely made me want to continue reading and I can't wait to read the next 2 books. I'm hooked.
The author wrote the book really well - grammar was good and correct and it was easy to read.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1 review
September 25, 2019
This is definitely a book that is worth your time, I found myself not being able to put it down! There were so many twists and turns that were not expected, every new clue led to a new direction that needed to be solved. I can't wait for the second book and I'm so ready to find more clue that could lead to the main case. I liked that Anita Rodgers was able to write emotion so clearly, it made my heart ache to read certain passages which only made me want to continue reading. There were a few typos, which is to be expected, but they were easy to make out and understand. Definitely recommend this book to those who want to solve a mystery and are interested in the killer's point of view. There are moments in which you just cannot put the book down because they discovered a new clue that is slowly leading them to their suspect. It's a slow build, but the tension starts to build right at the end where the killer gets the last word.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1 review
October 26, 2019
I have just finished the book, Let Dead Dogs Lie. As with any good book, I'm left wanting more. I enjoyed the book and the way the characters were developed. Again, I was left wanting to know more of their back story. On occasions, I felt the detail was a little too much, the minor detail and now I can't even think of an example! I read Patricia Cornwall, Kathy Reich, etc and at times skip their finer detail - maybe it says something about me - I went to get to the chase.
I am someone who will stick with an author if I enjoy their style of writing so I will look out for the next two books.
Profile Image for Kylee McCarthy.
72 reviews3 followers
December 16, 2019
I received this copy from Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.

Trigger warning for animal death

I loved this story, it was captivating and i adored the characters, the animal death was sad but the way it was written kept me intensely invested in finding the buttholes that would do such a thing.

I adored the writing style. I appreciated the characters, and never felt like the characters were one sided I am definitely interested in reading more from the trilogy in the future!
Profile Image for Talia C..
466 reviews3 followers
September 18, 2019
I got a kindle copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only.

This book had me interested right off the bat ! But somewhere along the lines I lost interest... I almost feel like there was too much going on in the book that wasn’t connected at all so it stopped making sense and got harder to follow. I do understand there is a second book and I will look for it on kindle. And hopefully it answers my questions.
Profile Image for Chandra Hebert.
47 reviews4 followers
November 19, 2019
I received a complimentary copy from VRO. This book caught my attention from the first sentence, and held me captive throughout the story. The author did a great job weaving a psychological thriller with dashes of humor and romance that envelope rich and colorful characters. I can’t wait to devour the remaining books of this awesome trilogy.
138 reviews3 followers
November 28, 2019
*I received a free copy of this book from the author via voracious readers only in exchange for an honest review* Really really liked this one. Very well written with brilliantly dispersed nuggets of backstory and character development. Lots of twists and turns leaving you wondering and questioning the motives of every character introduced. No time for a long review must go read the next one and find out what happens next!
Profile Image for Stefanie Bleich.
7 reviews
December 6, 2019
I liked this book. I have never read a book by the author but I am going to look for her previous books. Her story flows, makes you cry and laugh. Lottie, Jack and Ben are great characters. I look forward to getting to know them better in the next books. Thank you for a wonderful start to a thrilling trilogy.
4 reviews
January 6, 2020
Pretty good book. Great cliffhanger. I got this book from a free ARC. (Don't ask me. I have no idea what that means) I heard about it through voracious Readers Only. I was able to read it in a few hours. I enjoyed it enough to get the sequels since it's a trilogy. I'll be keeping my eyes open for more from this author and these characters?
2 reviews
January 13, 2020
Received ARC copy to review. First book in the trilogy, really enjoyed it, and will definitely read the next two. Characters are believable and likeable. There is a discrete story in the first book, as well as the ongoing story in the trilogy, which means you have a feeling of satisfaction as well as the continuing suspense.
9 reviews
January 22, 2020
Addictive crime thriller

It's very well written with a couple of twist and turns in the narrative which keeps you reading. I love the choice of characters and their backgrounds. It doesn't end by solving the murders but it does get you hooked so I Definetly will be purchasing the next book. If your looking for a good crime thriller this is the book for you.
35 reviews
September 21, 2019

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
This book was really good, a bit of romance, a lot of compassion for the characters and a whole lot of mystery. I look forward to reading more from this author.
90 reviews5 followers
November 11, 2019
This book is great! It is fast paced and keeps you wanting more, this is my kind of read. Great book and will definitely be reading more from this author.i received my copy from voracious readers for my review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.