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Reed & Billie Mysteries #5
Justice
On the second story of a low-rent apartment complex, two women are found murdered, the scene awash with blood.
One, a young nun from the local school, seems to have had the misfortune of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The other, a local celebrity for all the wrong reasons, someone that was recently ousted from public office and is trying desperately to claw her way back into the spotlight.
Called in to investigate are two people that could not be more different, in their approach or in the organizations they represent. To one side is Detective Reed Mattox and his K-9 partner Billie, a duo that call the place where the crime took place home and are fast building a reputation for tackling the toughest cases in the city. Opposite them, Sydney Rye and her own canine sidekick, Blue, a duo representing a government agency that few have heard about, their style one that operates free from the sphere of public opinion.
The only thing they have in common? A deep-rooted desire to see justice served, no matter what form it eventually takes…
One, a young nun from the local school, seems to have had the misfortune of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The other, a local celebrity for all the wrong reasons, someone that was recently ousted from public office and is trying desperately to claw her way back into the spotlight.
Called in to investigate are two people that could not be more different, in their approach or in the organizations they represent. To one side is Detective Reed Mattox and his K-9 partner Billie, a duo that call the place where the crime took place home and are fast building a reputation for tackling the toughest cases in the city. Opposite them, Sydney Rye and her own canine sidekick, Blue, a duo representing a government agency that few have heard about, their style one that operates free from the sphere of public opinion.
The only thing they have in common? A deep-rooted desire to see justice served, no matter what form it eventually takes…
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 10, 2017
2813 people are currently reading
187 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...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
May 20, 2019
I thought there were too many inconsistencies, loose ends and unexplained background to rate this higher. A brutal double murder in a seedy apartment complex sees Reed and Billie investigating. One of the victims is a nun, a teacher, to most people a nobody. The other victim is a high profile and controversial former local politician and media personality. Clearly she was the intended target - so where are all the police resources looking into this?
Then along comes Sydney Rye - a shadowy, highly trained operative from an apparently secret government organisation. Hmm, it all sounded bit dubious to me. Rye claims the nun was the real target and it was a hit by a British tycoon who used it to lure Rye out of hiding in order to kill her in retaliation for what she did to his son. Its all sounding a bit far fetched - don't you think?
Sure it was fast paced and action packed and the two dogs (Rye had a dog called Blue) were great but it read a bit like a James Bond movie. But I'll still be back for more Reed and Billy soon. I'm hoping the author returns to his former style for this series.
BTW if anyone can tell me what other series/author features the Sydney Rye character I'd be most grateful. Several reviewers have mentioned she originated in another series by a different author without giving details.
Then along comes Sydney Rye - a shadowy, highly trained operative from an apparently secret government organisation. Hmm, it all sounded bit dubious to me. Rye claims the nun was the real target and it was a hit by a British tycoon who used it to lure Rye out of hiding in order to kill her in retaliation for what she did to his son. Its all sounding a bit far fetched - don't you think?
Sure it was fast paced and action packed and the two dogs (Rye had a dog called Blue) were great but it read a bit like a James Bond movie. But I'll still be back for more Reed and Billy soon. I'm hoping the author returns to his former style for this series.
BTW if anyone can tell me what other series/author features the Sydney Rye character I'd be most grateful. Several reviewers have mentioned she originated in another series by a different author without giving details.
September 8, 2023
Definitely my least favorite so far. Reed and Billie were barely in this and the guest characters were unlikeable and shallow. Same with the villain. Overall felt like a cheap shot at mimicking spy thrillers.
July 28, 2021
Drivel - author forgets which character he’s killed off!
I enjoy the characters of Reed and Billie, VERY much! But this is just an awful book - grammatical errors, strange sentence wording (why say a character “stands exactly between five and six feet in height”, instead of saying 5’ 6” thereby making readers stumble in their reading to figure it out real quickly).
But one of the worst crazy things is the author forgets which bad guy sidekick gets killed off on page 127 and has same dead bad dude on a stakeout on page 142, and dead guy finishes out the book remainder - if the author doesn’t care enough about these characters to keep track, why should I? How does a mistake of this magnitude get through so many proofers, editors, early readers, etc.?
Something strange the author does repeatedly in all the books is to have characters gaze out the window into the parking lot, giving detailed itemized car reports, while in thought. One character will ask a question causing another to get a blank stare and gaze out at the cars in the lot. This happens a multitude of times per book, and I cannot figure out the lure of having such smart characters do this weird thing so many, many times per book - parking lot gazing could be replaced with looking thoughtfully at the ceiling while in thought or floor, or anyplace else at least sometimes.
At 44% into this book, I was DONE CARING, and only finished the book to get back to the real characters of Billie and Reed, and nothing to do with trying to milk off Emily Kimmelman’s Sydney Rye and Blue characters. This book inserting Rye into this series, makes no sense and is difficult to follow, and I also read the Sydney Rye series; I can only imagine how confusing for someone unfamiliar with them.
Because I do care about Reed and Billie, I finished this book only for fact mining of character development, so if for example Reed’s dad would have died or something, I’d be aware for the next book. ***Spoiler alert*** There’s nothing like that in this book, and if you skip the confusion of this book, it won’t hurt the continuity of the book series.
I enjoy the characters of Reed and Billie, VERY much! But this is just an awful book - grammatical errors, strange sentence wording (why say a character “stands exactly between five and six feet in height”, instead of saying 5’ 6” thereby making readers stumble in their reading to figure it out real quickly).
But one of the worst crazy things is the author forgets which bad guy sidekick gets killed off on page 127 and has same dead bad dude on a stakeout on page 142, and dead guy finishes out the book remainder - if the author doesn’t care enough about these characters to keep track, why should I? How does a mistake of this magnitude get through so many proofers, editors, early readers, etc.?
Something strange the author does repeatedly in all the books is to have characters gaze out the window into the parking lot, giving detailed itemized car reports, while in thought. One character will ask a question causing another to get a blank stare and gaze out at the cars in the lot. This happens a multitude of times per book, and I cannot figure out the lure of having such smart characters do this weird thing so many, many times per book - parking lot gazing could be replaced with looking thoughtfully at the ceiling while in thought or floor, or anyplace else at least sometimes.
At 44% into this book, I was DONE CARING, and only finished the book to get back to the real characters of Billie and Reed, and nothing to do with trying to milk off Emily Kimmelman’s Sydney Rye and Blue characters. This book inserting Rye into this series, makes no sense and is difficult to follow, and I also read the Sydney Rye series; I can only imagine how confusing for someone unfamiliar with them.
Because I do care about Reed and Billie, I finished this book only for fact mining of character development, so if for example Reed’s dad would have died or something, I’d be aware for the next book. ***Spoiler alert*** There’s nothing like that in this book, and if you skip the confusion of this book, it won’t hurt the continuity of the book series.
June 20, 2022
4.5 stars…this book introduced yet another new person for Reed and Billie to work with, continuing his progression of rejoining the human race. It’s a tense story of vengeance and shadowy operatives, as well as another fierce dog/beast!
A double homicide occurs in the bottoms that is not at all what it first appears. Reed and Billie are called in by the captain, interrupting their planned steak dinner from the grill and what was supposed to be a night off. From there things spiral quickly into something none of them expected.
The book escalates quickly but is a bit bogged down by the multiple POVs. There are at least four different points of view that rotate and it takes some adjusting as you are reading and at points slows the action. There are also several holes in the plot I wish had been filled, especially far more details on Sydney’s background. And once again the author does his first name/last name switching when referencing characters that I find so confusing and jarring. It has happened in every book and annoys me every time, especially when it is with less seen secondary characters so it takes a minute to figure out who is being spoken about as their names are not as familiar.
Again, as seems to be the pattern with these books, there isn’t really a wrap up at the end. We never find out how things played out. In his case, what story went out to the media? How did the brass react? How was Sydney’s presence explained or was it? How did the awful politician’s family react when they found out it wasn’t all about her? Or did they find out? I like closure and it’s been an irritant with the last few books that I didn’t get it. But I really like Reed and Billie so I’ll keep reading.
A double homicide occurs in the bottoms that is not at all what it first appears. Reed and Billie are called in by the captain, interrupting their planned steak dinner from the grill and what was supposed to be a night off. From there things spiral quickly into something none of them expected.
The book escalates quickly but is a bit bogged down by the multiple POVs. There are at least four different points of view that rotate and it takes some adjusting as you are reading and at points slows the action. There are also several holes in the plot I wish had been filled, especially far more details on Sydney’s background. And once again the author does his first name/last name switching when referencing characters that I find so confusing and jarring. It has happened in every book and annoys me every time, especially when it is with less seen secondary characters so it takes a minute to figure out who is being spoken about as their names are not as familiar.
Again, as seems to be the pattern with these books, there isn’t really a wrap up at the end. We never find out how things played out. In his case, what story went out to the media? How did the brass react? How was Sydney’s presence explained or was it? How did the awful politician’s family react when they found out it wasn’t all about her? Or did they find out? I like closure and it’s been an irritant with the last few books that I didn’t get it. But I really like Reed and Billie so I’ll keep reading.
April 4, 2019
Good read, but...
You got to love Reed and Billie! This book was over all a very good read. Lots of action, excitement, & pretty good characters. There were, however, two issues I had that kept me from giving the book a 4. First the crime was a horrible double murder in Columbus, Ohio. One of the victims was a well known politician which caused the CPD brass to put a lot of pressure on the troops to get it solved quickly. Did I say troops? In fact just one lone detective and his canine partner was investigating! Give me a break. No way more resources would not have been assigned to it!!! The 2nd issue dealt with the killing of one of the 4 bad guys. He was identified as Hirsch. A couple of chapters later Hirsch was alive and well! This kind of editing error really bugs me. How does an author loose track of their bad guys when there are only 4 of them? Also the book has no x Ray or page numbers!
You got to love Reed and Billie! This book was over all a very good read. Lots of action, excitement, & pretty good characters. There were, however, two issues I had that kept me from giving the book a 4. First the crime was a horrible double murder in Columbus, Ohio. One of the victims was a well known politician which caused the CPD brass to put a lot of pressure on the troops to get it solved quickly. Did I say troops? In fact just one lone detective and his canine partner was investigating! Give me a break. No way more resources would not have been assigned to it!!! The 2nd issue dealt with the killing of one of the 4 bad guys. He was identified as Hirsch. A couple of chapters later Hirsch was alive and well! This kind of editing error really bugs me. How does an author loose track of their bad guys when there are only 4 of them? Also the book has no x Ray or page numbers!
June 23, 2019
What a terrific surprise, meeting Sidney Rye and Blue, in Dustin Stevens’ novel Justice. Four of my favorite characters! I thought I was in the wrong book! As always, Stevens sets a fast pace with a double murder in Reed’s district and no leads. The murdered politician was infamous, while the sweet nun alongside her was invisible. Yet both lived in the same building, and both died together. The press is hammering at Reed’s door, while the Police Commander is making impossible demands. Sidney and Blue create chaos with another attempted murder and a dead body. The action is fast and riveting, a hallmark of Stevens’ writing. His fans will not be disappointed as Justice will keep his readers up far into the night.
The only suggestion I have is for the editing of the Kindle books. There are numerous grammar mistakes which I find annoying. Otherwise, I love Dustin Stevens’ action packed plots and unforgettable characters. Recommended
The only suggestion I have is for the editing of the Kindle books. There are numerous grammar mistakes which I find annoying. Otherwise, I love Dustin Stevens’ action packed plots and unforgettable characters. Recommended
September 29, 2019
Would have been more stars had the author not brought a character killed back to life in the next chapter. Stevens forgot which of the bad guys he had killed off.
The character, Sydney Rye, a bad ass hunter/killer was taken from an entirely different series, written by Emily Kimelman. If one has read that series then the Rye character, and her dog Blue, makes more sense. Stevens assumes the reader knows who that character is. Not cool. I had to do a search on Amazon's site to find that out. There's a history between Rye, Koob and Gerard that may well have begun in a different series.
All in all, Stevens has done better work with the Mattox/Billie series.
The character, Sydney Rye, a bad ass hunter/killer was taken from an entirely different series, written by Emily Kimelman. If one has read that series then the Rye character, and her dog Blue, makes more sense. Stevens assumes the reader knows who that character is. Not cool. I had to do a search on Amazon's site to find that out. There's a history between Rye, Koob and Gerard that may well have begun in a different series.
All in all, Stevens has done better work with the Mattox/Billie series.
November 5, 2020
Entertaining Series
I have enjoyed this series, some pretty interesting characters and good plots.
BUT--- How does this investigator (or whatever she is) travel around the world with a dog in tow? Dogs are always quarantine, can't even get around that taking an animal to Hawaii. Sort of ruins a story having someone running around the world for some sort of crisis intervention, big emergencies, gotta be done right now, dog always there. How's she get around all those quarantines? Our military K9's are quarantined fercryin out loud.
I have enjoyed this series, some pretty interesting characters and good plots.
BUT--- How does this investigator (or whatever she is) travel around the world with a dog in tow? Dogs are always quarantine, can't even get around that taking an animal to Hawaii. Sort of ruins a story having someone running around the world for some sort of crisis intervention, big emergencies, gotta be done right now, dog always there. How's she get around all those quarantines? Our military K9's are quarantined fercryin out loud.
January 11, 2023
Vigilante justice …
I can’t decide about this book as there was less of Reed & Billie in it than I would have liked. The story belonged more to Sydney Rye & Blue. There were a couple of things in the plot that had to be assumed at the end, but sometimes that’s just how a mystery ends.
If you aren’t crazy about mistakes in spelling or grammar, this book will not be as good for you unless you can overlook them. There have been the same types of errors in all the books so far, but there seems to be more in this one.
Still worth the read…
I can’t decide about this book as there was less of Reed & Billie in it than I would have liked. The story belonged more to Sydney Rye & Blue. There were a couple of things in the plot that had to be assumed at the end, but sometimes that’s just how a mystery ends.
If you aren’t crazy about mistakes in spelling or grammar, this book will not be as good for you unless you can overlook them. There have been the same types of errors in all the books so far, but there seems to be more in this one.
Still worth the read…
January 8, 2018
Stevens borrowed a character from another author but didn't provide very much background material go allow for good character development. Throughout the entire book, many questions were posed about this character that were never answered. Will this character appear in future Reed and Billie novels? I guess we won't know until it happens.
The storyline of this novel was average, the plot of the book was good and there was very little additional character development of the main subjects. The story appeared to have been written in a rush and although the story was a good one, it simply didn't get me interested as much as most of Stevens' writing usually does.
It did, however, get me interested in knowing more about Sydney Rye and introduced me to a new author that I find interesting enough to invest some time in reading her works.
The storyline of this novel was average, the plot of the book was good and there was very little additional character development of the main subjects. The story appeared to have been written in a rush and although the story was a good one, it simply didn't get me interested as much as most of Stevens' writing usually does.
It did, however, get me interested in knowing more about Sydney Rye and introduced me to a new author that I find interesting enough to invest some time in reading her works.
November 18, 2018
Interesting combo
Ok, this was an interest combination and I would certainly like to see more. Maybe the authors could collaborate? Also want to see more of Blue and Billie. Billie, being an ex-military dog, I would assume has been spayed. Blue isn't, but even if they ever became companions or friends, there won't be any cute little puppies. Drat. The contrast between between the restraints Reed is forced to work under, and Rye's "just get the job done and take out the bad guys" makes for some interesting dilemmas. I am caught in the middle, not wanting anarchy or vigilantes running amuck; yet frustrated with our legal system as well. Should make for some interesting stories. This one is a fascinating beginning to what I hope will only be the start of many Reed and Rye stories.
Ok, this was an interest combination and I would certainly like to see more. Maybe the authors could collaborate? Also want to see more of Blue and Billie. Billie, being an ex-military dog, I would assume has been spayed. Blue isn't, but even if they ever became companions or friends, there won't be any cute little puppies. Drat. The contrast between between the restraints Reed is forced to work under, and Rye's "just get the job done and take out the bad guys" makes for some interesting dilemmas. I am caught in the middle, not wanting anarchy or vigilantes running amuck; yet frustrated with our legal system as well. Should make for some interesting stories. This one is a fascinating beginning to what I hope will only be the start of many Reed and Rye stories.
April 4, 2019
You got to love Reed and Billie! This book was over all a very good read. Lots of action, excitement, & pretty good characters. There were, however, two issues I had that kept me from giving the book a 4. First the crime was a horrible double murder in Columbus, Ohio. One of the victims was a well known politician which caused the CPD brass to put a lot of pressure on the troops to get it solved quickly. Did I say troops? In fact just one lone detective and his canine partner was investigating! Give me a break. No way more resources would not have been assigned to it!!! The 2nd issue dealt with the killing of one of the 4 bad guys. He was identified as Hirsch. A couple of chapters later Hirsch was alive and well! This kind of editing error really bugs me. How does an author loose track of their bad guys when there are only 4 of them? Also the book has no x Ray or page numbers!
August 9, 2025
Disappointing
I enjoyed books One through Four. This one has a fast pace and tension, but many unanswered questions, such as exactly why was the murder victim murdered? What happened two years ago? But worse, the author lost track of his characters. The reader is introduced to two low level bad guys: Neville and Hirsch. Neville is in the apartment, but "Hirsch" follows the boss out. On the street, A man fitting Neville's description shoots at the heroine. She returns fire, killing him. Back at the ranch, boss guy says "Hirsch didn't make it." Obviously he means Neville because Hirsch is prominently featured in the rest of the book. Too sloppy. And where is the editor, if there even is one. There are the usual grammatical and wrong word errors. Just disappointing.
I enjoyed books One through Four. This one has a fast pace and tension, but many unanswered questions, such as exactly why was the murder victim murdered? What happened two years ago? But worse, the author lost track of his characters. The reader is introduced to two low level bad guys: Neville and Hirsch. Neville is in the apartment, but "Hirsch" follows the boss out. On the street, A man fitting Neville's description shoots at the heroine. She returns fire, killing him. Back at the ranch, boss guy says "Hirsch didn't make it." Obviously he means Neville because Hirsch is prominently featured in the rest of the book. Too sloppy. And where is the editor, if there even is one. There are the usual grammatical and wrong word errors. Just disappointing.
September 29, 2020
As always
I was glued to my chair, until I read the very last word. One thing I like about Dustin's books, yes, there is murder and mystery solving the murders, but you won't find any graphic details, of blood and gore. Even some of my favorite authors, I have had to skip, the blood and gore and move on. A couple I quit reading altogether. Justin's books are fast paced, details of the crime, and full of information and details. of the crime. I highly recommend this book. I've read many and loved each one!! I would very much like to thank Dustin, for having his books, in Kindle Unlimited. I read about two books a day. Without KU I wouldn't be able to read even one. So, thank you very much.
I was glued to my chair, until I read the very last word. One thing I like about Dustin's books, yes, there is murder and mystery solving the murders, but you won't find any graphic details, of blood and gore. Even some of my favorite authors, I have had to skip, the blood and gore and move on. A couple I quit reading altogether. Justin's books are fast paced, details of the crime, and full of information and details. of the crime. I highly recommend this book. I've read many and loved each one!! I would very much like to thank Dustin, for having his books, in Kindle Unlimited. I read about two books a day. Without KU I wouldn't be able to read even one. So, thank you very much.
August 16, 2017
Sydney Rye : Justice (a Reed & Billie novel #5)
Stevens takes you on a journey with Sydney leaving Hawaii coming to America to end the killings that began years earlier in London. Sydney encounters one of Gerald's hired guns, kills same and runs smack into Reed and Billie, gets arrested, taken to jail, gets her identity verified by Chief Crimes, leaving her and Reed working together. All because of a supposed robbery/double homicide that took the lives of two women, both under government agency protection. How this all works out will blow your mind. Thanks for another great read.
Stevens takes you on a journey with Sydney leaving Hawaii coming to America to end the killings that began years earlier in London. Sydney encounters one of Gerald's hired guns, kills same and runs smack into Reed and Billie, gets arrested, taken to jail, gets her identity verified by Chief Crimes, leaving her and Reed working together. All because of a supposed robbery/double homicide that took the lives of two women, both under government agency protection. How this all works out will blow your mind. Thanks for another great read.
March 26, 2019
two of my favorites join together to find justice omg what a story, what a combination. I have been a Sydney Rye fan since the beginning and then I found Dustin Stevens so these two combined was just a dream story for me and it was totally worth it the combination of Reed, Billie, Sydney, and Blue, crime-fighting together was awesome, Reed and Sydney are completely different in so many ways bar one, the one that counted the most, they both wanted, needed justice.
I love the combination of complex characters brought together in this story it was thrilling and adventurous, gripping and a total page-turner.
I love the combination of complex characters brought together in this story it was thrilling and adventurous, gripping and a total page-turner.
January 25, 2026
I am enjoying the adventures of the detective and his canine partner. Book #5 was pretty good. I though books #1-4 were better. I felt like the rogue agent character was not fully developed (in this episode, possibly leading to a reoccurrence in later books?). This is obviously a series, therefore by the time the reader gets several books digested, the same back story, with no new information, is not necessary in as much detail. This author also tends to be a bit verbose, using a lot of filler between responses in dialog. I appreciate that language content is not an issue and although I am not fond of his propensity to quote Nietzsche, I will continue to read the series.
January 20, 2023
This is the fifth book in the series and I think my favourite, so far.
Introducing new players definitely added a heightened level of interest and Reed and Billie never disappoint.
Most reviews talk about the story (spoilers) I take a different approach.
If you are looking for a series that is well plotted and written, involves interesting characters, suspenseful storylines and a fresh challenges, I recommend reading these books.
Usually I read one in a day as they are that hard to put down.
Introducing new players definitely added a heightened level of interest and Reed and Billie never disappoint.
Most reviews talk about the story (spoilers) I take a different approach.
If you are looking for a series that is well plotted and written, involves interesting characters, suspenseful storylines and a fresh challenges, I recommend reading these books.
Usually I read one in a day as they are that hard to put down.
August 22, 2017
I have enjoyed & read all the Reed & Billie books and want more. This was different, but I so like Billie & Reed as they encounter life in Ohio without super stars Sydney & Blue. I felt there was less interaction between Billie & Reed than in previous books. I kind of missed that. Little interaction between Reed & Syd & very little between her & Blue. Previously those interactions are fascinating. They take the story line to a different level, for me. Just don't stop writing them!
September 8, 2017
Another winner from Dustin Stevens
I have enjoyed this series tremendously. Reed Mattox is a strong protagonist and Billie is his perfect canine complement. The relationship between the two continues to grow. The insertion of Sydney Rye added some extra spice to the story. The characters are complex and well-developed. I think we will see more of these two (or four if we include the two canines).
I have enjoyed this series tremendously. Reed Mattox is a strong protagonist and Billie is his perfect canine complement. The relationship between the two continues to grow. The insertion of Sydney Rye added some extra spice to the story. The characters are complex and well-developed. I think we will see more of these two (or four if we include the two canines).
November 24, 2018
This is one of those authors that is like a bag of chips, cookies, or whatever your crutch is. You read one book and can't stop. The solid story line, believable characters - not to mention a police dog as lively as the rest - suck you in like quicksand. I've read six of his novels in about 10 days and I am reaching for the seventh. If you like fast paced mystery novels - you will love Stevens' work!
November 17, 2019
Did not like this book very much when I first started reading it. Guess I was spoiled by enjoying so much how Reid & Billie got things done together alone. So skipped to the next in the series; which perked up my interest in this book so I went back & read it. Was much more enjoyable for me my second attempt and liked how it blended with another series the author writes. Found the storyline strong, characters real lifelike & ending well done.
January 6, 2023
Not Good Mix
It is popular to mix characters from other series. In this case Rye and Blue join Reed and Billie. One pair has their eye on revenge and the other trying to get justice for two dead women, one nice and one a shrew.
The mash up was not a success. Rye, Blue and the super spy thing seemed silly and melodramatic next to the urban grittiness of Reed and Billie. Didn't hate it but it felt forced , more like switching channels than a cohesive piece.2.5 stars
It is popular to mix characters from other series. In this case Rye and Blue join Reed and Billie. One pair has their eye on revenge and the other trying to get justice for two dead women, one nice and one a shrew.
The mash up was not a success. Rye, Blue and the super spy thing seemed silly and melodramatic next to the urban grittiness of Reed and Billie. Didn't hate it but it felt forced , more like switching channels than a cohesive piece.2.5 stars
March 2, 2023
Could have been the script for another average Hollywood action movie...just a little too far fetched to be plausible in the real world.
It's not a bad story; it's just a bit unrealistic, in my opinion. I enjoyed the four previous books in the series more. Looking forward to the next one, although I may take a break and read something a little lighter before diving back in to binge read the remaining five books.
It's not a bad story; it's just a bit unrealistic, in my opinion. I enjoyed the four previous books in the series more. Looking forward to the next one, although I may take a break and read something a little lighter before diving back in to binge read the remaining five books.
November 16, 2023
Justice
There is a double homicide made to look one way but is actually the opposite. Reed and Billie are called in because of the notoriety of one of the victims. She turned out to be a smokescreen, the nun is the person killed to pull in the person wanted. Rye shows up to honor her friend, even a score and avenge her friend. Reed and Rye have a loose partnership and they get justice. They even keep their dogs apart.
There is a double homicide made to look one way but is actually the opposite. Reed and Billie are called in because of the notoriety of one of the victims. She turned out to be a smokescreen, the nun is the person killed to pull in the person wanted. Rye shows up to honor her friend, even a score and avenge her friend. Reed and Rye have a loose partnership and they get justice. They even keep their dogs apart.
August 16, 2017
What an exciting roller coaster ride! Don't miss this treat!
I have been a great fan of Reed and Billie from the first book, the first page! While definitely a departure from his typical tale about the duo, rest assured this outing is every bit as vividly written, exciting and compelling to read, and still very much a unique story in many ways!
I have been a great fan of Reed and Billie from the first book, the first page! While definitely a departure from his typical tale about the duo, rest assured this outing is every bit as vividly written, exciting and compelling to read, and still very much a unique story in many ways!
February 2, 2018
Good book but needs better editing
This is international assassin meets small city cop. A little over the top but a decent plot and who can go wrong when dogs are involved. I'm sure I'm not the first to point out that the author got the henchmen mixed up. He said Hirsch was killed first then changed to Neville. Sloppy editing.
This is international assassin meets small city cop. A little over the top but a decent plot and who can go wrong when dogs are involved. I'm sure I'm not the first to point out that the author got the henchmen mixed up. He said Hirsch was killed first then changed to Neville. Sloppy editing.
April 19, 2018
Justice
The book moved along speedily. It wasn't as suspenseful as the others as it was obvious about Sydney and her group right from the start. I liked the way Deek was brought in to it. Reed was awesome as usual, but Billie was over-the-top! I liked this book. Can't wait to read the next one.
The book moved along speedily. It wasn't as suspenseful as the others as it was obvious about Sydney and her group right from the start. I liked the way Deek was brought in to it. Reed was awesome as usual, but Billie was over-the-top! I liked this book. Can't wait to read the next one.
June 18, 2018
Love the Feed and Billie series!
I read the first Reed and Billie novel and was hooked. I just completed number 5 and can't wait for the next one. I have really enjoyed each one and would recommend them to all my friends. I am looking forward to reading your other books as well.
I read the first Reed and Billie novel and was hooked. I just completed number 5 and can't wait for the next one. I have really enjoyed each one and would recommend them to all my friends. I am looking forward to reading your other books as well.
April 3, 2019
Great series - quick witted - exciting
I am addicted to series. I stumbled onto this one. I’ve enjoyed reading all books and would recommend you give it a try. Series is believable and yet you will still get a surprise here and there. It’s difficult leaving a review on my iPhone. I hope you give this series a read. Addicted to Series and I give it 5 stars
I am addicted to series. I stumbled onto this one. I’ve enjoyed reading all books and would recommend you give it a try. Series is believable and yet you will still get a surprise here and there. It’s difficult leaving a review on my iPhone. I hope you give this series a read. Addicted to Series and I give it 5 stars
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