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FBI K-9 #5
Leave No Trace
FBI handler Meg Jennings and her search-and-rescue K-9 partner are heading south where it’s hunting season. But this time the prey is human.
One arrow through the heart could be a tragic hunting accident. A second one, within days, looks more like a crime. That’s when Meg Jennings and Brian Foster of the FBI’s Forensic Canine Unit head to Georgia to investigate. With their dogs Hawk and Lacey, Meg and Brian are enlisted to follow the scent of a killer. At first, nothing seems to connect the two victims–a county commissioner and State Patrol officer. But the blood sport around the southern town of Blue Ridge is just beginning.
As the body count rises, the compound bow killer becomes even more elusive, appearing and vanishing like a ghost. However, with each new slaying Meg is beginning to suspect the grim design that’s escalating in the shadows. At its heart, a tragic event that reaches back nearly two centuries in Georgia’s history is now turning Blue Ridge into a hunting ground. But as Meg gets closer to solving the puzzle, the closer she is to stepping into the crosshairs of an elusive murderer with deadly aim, and motives as deep and dark as the woods . . .
One arrow through the heart could be a tragic hunting accident. A second one, within days, looks more like a crime. That’s when Meg Jennings and Brian Foster of the FBI’s Forensic Canine Unit head to Georgia to investigate. With their dogs Hawk and Lacey, Meg and Brian are enlisted to follow the scent of a killer. At first, nothing seems to connect the two victims–a county commissioner and State Patrol officer. But the blood sport around the southern town of Blue Ridge is just beginning.
As the body count rises, the compound bow killer becomes even more elusive, appearing and vanishing like a ghost. However, with each new slaying Meg is beginning to suspect the grim design that’s escalating in the shadows. At its heart, a tragic event that reaches back nearly two centuries in Georgia’s history is now turning Blue Ridge into a hunting ground. But as Meg gets closer to solving the puzzle, the closer she is to stepping into the crosshairs of an elusive murderer with deadly aim, and motives as deep and dark as the woods . . .
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 29, 2020
491 people are currently reading
1044 people want to read
About the author
Sara Driscoll
19 books940 followersSara Driscoll is the pen name of Jen J. Danna, coauthor of the Abbott and Lowell Forensic Mysteries and author of the FBI K-9s and the NYPD Negotiators. After over thirty years in infectious diseases research, Jen hung up her lab coat to concentrate on her real love—writing “exceptional” thrillers (Publishers Weekly). She is a member of the Crime Writers of Canada and lives with her husband and four rescued cats outside of Toronto, Ontario. You can follow the latest news on her books, including the FBI K-9s, at www.saradriscollauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews
October 28, 2020
I love series that combine dogs and mysteries and this has been one of my favorites. In book five, Meg and Hawk are called out to Georgia to track a compound bow arrow killer. The victims are all tied to a possible damming of a river and what would be the subsequent loss of the surrounding land. Their friend, Washington Post reporter McCord joins them once again to help with research. Driscoll’s use of McCord also gives the reader a good history of the area and the background on the removal of the Cherokee people. She also starts every chapter with a description that further helps set the history, time or place.
As always, a large part of the enjoyment I get from this series is the interaction between handlers and dogs. There are multiple incidents where the handlers put their dogs safety above their own. Or where their worry for a dog is equal to that of a ther loved one.
Kudos to Driscoll for writing scenes so real that my fear of heights kicked in on one instance! The second half of this book is one action packed roller coaster ride, maybe a little too much as one section goes from one potential crisis to another. Forget lions and tigers and bears; think rattlers, coyotes and raging rivers. But it’s definitely entertaining.
My thanks to netgalley and Kensington Books for an advance copy of this book.
As always, a large part of the enjoyment I get from this series is the interaction between handlers and dogs. There are multiple incidents where the handlers put their dogs safety above their own. Or where their worry for a dog is equal to that of a ther loved one.
Kudos to Driscoll for writing scenes so real that my fear of heights kicked in on one instance! The second half of this book is one action packed roller coaster ride, maybe a little too much as one section goes from one potential crisis to another. Forget lions and tigers and bears; think rattlers, coyotes and raging rivers. But it’s definitely entertaining.
My thanks to netgalley and Kensington Books for an advance copy of this book.
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May 8, 2020Hello, readers! I'm looking forward to bringing you book five in the FBI K-9s series. You'll be happy to hear that our returning cast of characters is back in full force with Brian, Webb, and McCord playing particularly large roles. And while there's a lot of case in this installment, there are also a lot of personal issues at play to really round out the story. I think you'll find it a fantastic addition to the series!
December 31, 2020
Leave No Trace is another suspenseful mystery that is a page turner to the end. The FBI's K-9 team members Meg Jennings and her dog, Hawk, along with Brian Foster and his dog, Lacey, leave DC to head to Blue Ridge, Georgia where someone has killed two people with a compound hunting bow, the last one being a Georgia State Patrol officer. The dogs use their human scent abilities to track people, sometimes killers and sometimes victims. Blue Ridge is in the mountains near the Tennessee and North Carolina borders so the terrain is wild, dangerous and hazardous for chasing someone in unknown territory. Teaming up with local law enforcement, the FBI investigates a large pool of suspects and hunters/archery champions with the idea that someone is targeting officials involved in a new dam project that would flood the valley and take away the land owned by many people. Complicating things, a Native American group in North Carolina is suing to recover the same land once owned by them before the infamous Trail of Tears that marched Native Americans to Oklahoma.
This story is a great addition to the series where we have seen different scenarios where the dogs and their handlers have saved lives and solved crimes. The connection between the humans and dogs is a close one that is fascinating and touching. Expect suspense, danger, and need for survival techniques.
I received a complimentary ARC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
This story is a great addition to the series where we have seen different scenarios where the dogs and their handlers have saved lives and solved crimes. The connection between the humans and dogs is a close one that is fascinating and touching. Expect suspense, danger, and need for survival techniques.
I received a complimentary ARC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
September 29, 2020
Though this is book 5 in this series about the dogs and handlers of the FBI’s Forensic Canine Unit, you won’t have any trouble following what’s going on if you join the series at this point… I didn’t! And I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Meg Jennings and her Labrador Hawk, the focal pair here, as they are called into track a killer who uses bow and arrow to hunt human prey.
I was nervous early on when some Cherokee references were made, that the author might be about to fall into an unfortunate trap of making a Native person the villain, but was pleasantly surprised that it went quite another way and, in fact, Meg and the other law enforcement personnel she was working with showed great empathy for the plight of the Native tribespeople and respect for their history. With a gay character prominent (Meg’s human partner Brian) and the racism faced by a Latinx cop working in the Appalachians referenced, this is a diverse and delightful read… even if it is a struggle at the moment to like stories painting law enforcement in a positive light, canine units are definitely the exception.
The only trap I think the author might have fallen into is putting a bit Too Much Drama in. It read like the Perils of Penelope Pitstop occasionally, and you could be forgiven for thinking that the Appalachians are the most perilous landscape in the world… Meg and colleagues face attacks from a bear, a cougar, coyotes and humans, not to mention almost drowning and then getting lost in the wilderness. It got to feel like a bit much after a while.
There were plenty of suspects initially, but once it started getting narrowed down I was pretty sure I knew who the killer was, and I was correct. It’s not telegraphed too early, but it doesn’t come completely out of left field either; I think the author did quite a nice job of laying the trail of breadcrumbs to the reveal. I’d have liked to hear a bit more about what happened after everything was resolved, about the killer’s motives and thought process, because while Meg and company did speculate, we didn’t get to hear it directly from the culprit or see the outcome of any interviews, or hear a confession, and there were definitely things that didn’t add up as far as I was concerned.
Overall, I’d give this four stars; I liked the characters a lot and the mystery was well constructed, but I’d have liked to see a bit less Drama and a bit more criminology.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
I was nervous early on when some Cherokee references were made, that the author might be about to fall into an unfortunate trap of making a Native person the villain, but was pleasantly surprised that it went quite another way and, in fact, Meg and the other law enforcement personnel she was working with showed great empathy for the plight of the Native tribespeople and respect for their history. With a gay character prominent (Meg’s human partner Brian) and the racism faced by a Latinx cop working in the Appalachians referenced, this is a diverse and delightful read… even if it is a struggle at the moment to like stories painting law enforcement in a positive light, canine units are definitely the exception.
The only trap I think the author might have fallen into is putting a bit Too Much Drama in. It read like the Perils of Penelope Pitstop occasionally, and you could be forgiven for thinking that the Appalachians are the most perilous landscape in the world… Meg and colleagues face attacks from a bear, a cougar, coyotes and humans, not to mention almost drowning and then getting lost in the wilderness. It got to feel like a bit much after a while.
There were plenty of suspects initially, but once it started getting narrowed down I was pretty sure I knew who the killer was, and I was correct. It’s not telegraphed too early, but it doesn’t come completely out of left field either; I think the author did quite a nice job of laying the trail of breadcrumbs to the reveal. I’d have liked to hear a bit more about what happened after everything was resolved, about the killer’s motives and thought process, because while Meg and company did speculate, we didn’t get to hear it directly from the culprit or see the outcome of any interviews, or hear a confession, and there were definitely things that didn’t add up as far as I was concerned.
Overall, I’d give this four stars; I liked the characters a lot and the mystery was well constructed, but I’d have liked to see a bit less Drama and a bit more criminology.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
December 30, 2020
This one was crazy all around. From the method that people were being killed to what Meg and Brian went through while looking for the killer. In some ways you sort of had to admire the killer, the skill they used to kill was superb, it's too bad they killed people using it.
I felt for Meg and Brian while they were working with the dogs and chasing the killer. Often times they were in situations that spun out of control or lead up to the edge. There were times I wasn't sure any of them were going to make it out alive. I was glad that they had each other to depend on and their whole team.
The ending to this one was cute. I loved that Webb found the perfect way to hit all of Meg and his needs in a house, it really was the exact right house for them all.
I felt for Meg and Brian while they were working with the dogs and chasing the killer. Often times they were in situations that spun out of control or lead up to the edge. There were times I wasn't sure any of them were going to make it out alive. I was glad that they had each other to depend on and their whole team.
The ending to this one was cute. I loved that Webb found the perfect way to hit all of Meg and his needs in a house, it really was the exact right house for them all.
January 23, 2022
I learn something every time I read one of the books in this series! This time it was bow hunting. I had no idea elite archery existed. When did bows stop looking like what Robin Hood used, haha?
In Leave No Trace Meg Jennings and her partner Brian Foster head to Georgia to search for an ultra-elite bowhunter who is hunting humans. Of course, Meg and Brian are accompanied by their dogs Hawk and Lacey. They are eventually joined by more and more members of their team, and Meg continues to have more close calls with death than Carter has little pills!
The clues start pointing to a killer who is trying to prevent a proposed dam project for power production and flood control. It's a plan that will displace families who have lived in the valley for hundreds of years, including Native Americans.
It's difficult to know how much to write. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone who hasn't yet read the book. I'll just say that there were things that made me gasp, some that made me roll my eyes, and some that made me shed a couple of tears.
Note to the author: I read a review that stated "It read like the Perils of Penelope Pitstop occasionally" and I thought that hit the nail on the head!! Maybe the drama in this series could be toned down a wee bit? Anyway, it's on to Under Pressure!!
In Leave No Trace Meg Jennings and her partner Brian Foster head to Georgia to search for an ultra-elite bowhunter who is hunting humans. Of course, Meg and Brian are accompanied by their dogs Hawk and Lacey. They are eventually joined by more and more members of their team, and Meg continues to have more close calls with death than Carter has little pills!
The clues start pointing to a killer who is trying to prevent a proposed dam project for power production and flood control. It's a plan that will displace families who have lived in the valley for hundreds of years, including Native Americans.
It's difficult to know how much to write. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone who hasn't yet read the book. I'll just say that there were things that made me gasp, some that made me roll my eyes, and some that made me shed a couple of tears.
Note to the author: I read a review that stated "It read like the Perils of Penelope Pitstop occasionally" and I thought that hit the nail on the head!! Maybe the drama in this series could be toned down a wee bit? Anyway, it's on to Under Pressure!!
May 9, 2021
Leave No Trace by Sara Driscoll is the first book that I’ve read in the F.B.I. K-9 Novels, but the way that Driscoll includes bits of previous books, I never felt lost. It’s always nice to be able to jump into a series like that, but with most series it really is better to start at the beginning if you can!
This was heavy on suspense and light on the mystery, so if you enjoy books with continuous action, you’ll want to check out Leave No Trace. I really enjoyed the non-stop action, but if I stopped to think about some of the situations that Meg and Brian rush into without back-up, guides that know the area, or better communication systems, I don’t think I would get as much enjoyment from the story. If you are someone with a law enforcement background, you should keep this in mind when you delve into the book.
I enjoyed the descriptions of Georgia's gorgeous countryside and some of the history that Driscoll included at the beginning of the chapters, as well as in the story. The characters were well developed… I would hope so since this is book five in the series. ;)
And as far as the mystery went, there were not a lot of clues since Meg and Brian were continually rushing from one scene to the next and then finding themselves in some sort of danger. But I was fine with that since I feel this is more of a suspense novel. The conclusion did feel like it kind of came out left field. But, once again, I didn’t mind because I enjoyed who the killer turned out to be.
I enjoyed Leave No Trace and would read more in the series.
This was heavy on suspense and light on the mystery, so if you enjoy books with continuous action, you’ll want to check out Leave No Trace. I really enjoyed the non-stop action, but if I stopped to think about some of the situations that Meg and Brian rush into without back-up, guides that know the area, or better communication systems, I don’t think I would get as much enjoyment from the story. If you are someone with a law enforcement background, you should keep this in mind when you delve into the book.
I enjoyed the descriptions of Georgia's gorgeous countryside and some of the history that Driscoll included at the beginning of the chapters, as well as in the story. The characters were well developed… I would hope so since this is book five in the series. ;)
And as far as the mystery went, there were not a lot of clues since Meg and Brian were continually rushing from one scene to the next and then finding themselves in some sort of danger. But I was fine with that since I feel this is more of a suspense novel. The conclusion did feel like it kind of came out left field. But, once again, I didn’t mind because I enjoyed who the killer turned out to be.
I enjoyed Leave No Trace and would read more in the series.
September 21, 2020
I really like this series. The dogs and their handlers are amazing and committed and have a serious bond.
When Meg, Hawk, Lacy and Brian are called out to trace a killer they realize very quickly that they need to be nearer to the location, and extra vigilant about their safety but even with that vigilance Meg ends up with a target on her back and an arrow almost in the same place. The hunters are now being hunted and trying to save others from being another victim. But nothing brings the bond to the forefront quite like a life or death injury and more than one occur in this book. Get some tissues.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When Meg, Hawk, Lacy and Brian are called out to trace a killer they realize very quickly that they need to be nearer to the location, and extra vigilant about their safety but even with that vigilance Meg ends up with a target on her back and an arrow almost in the same place. The hunters are now being hunted and trying to save others from being another victim. But nothing brings the bond to the forefront quite like a life or death injury and more than one occur in this book. Get some tissues.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2021
The book starts with Meg’s problems with her relationship with Todd, I really wasn’t interested and too be honest I didn’t particularly enjoy the first two thirds of book, especially as the initial investigation was inept. What saved the story for me were the incidents with Meg and Hawk, but they were only a small part of the book.
I thought it was indicative that the author’s big conclusion to the story was the purchase of a new house, not an explanation of the murderer’s motivations and expectations from their campaign of killings.
I thought it was indicative that the author’s big conclusion to the story was the purchase of a new house, not an explanation of the murderer’s motivations and expectations from their campaign of killings.
March 29, 2021
Deeply satisfying...
While a determined and deadly human being is behind the murder mystery in this book, what we see most vividly is the dangers posed by nature, both when she is controlled and manipulated by human beings, and when she is able to be wild.
This was another excellent installment in the series. Great characters, vivid settings, and excellent pacing.
And, of course, we have the dogs. Got a love the dogs!
While a determined and deadly human being is behind the murder mystery in this book, what we see most vividly is the dangers posed by nature, both when she is controlled and manipulated by human beings, and when she is able to be wild.
This was another excellent installment in the series. Great characters, vivid settings, and excellent pacing.
And, of course, we have the dogs. Got a love the dogs!
April 16, 2021
A fun addition to the series.
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April 22, 2021DNF - Enjoyed the first half of the book, but suddenly it felt like I was in grade school being preached to about the obvious. Soon every paragraph spoke down to the reader regarding every little thing. (This is book 5 and not clearly stated on the cover - which caught my eye, so I got it - but it can be read as a stand alone)
July 29, 2022
Meg and Hawk didn't exactly hold my attention like they usually do. It could be because I have a busy week and have been distracted. I have the next in the series and hope I enjoy it more!
January 23, 2021
I'm a sucker for mysteries with dogs, especially when the dog is not just dressing but part of the story. The leads in this story, Meg Jennings and her dog Hawk, are an FBI K-9 team and work well together. Meg and Hawk are partnered with Brian Foster and his dog Lacey. This time they go down to Georgia to find someone who is committing murder using a bow and arrows. Different, for sure.
"Leave No Trace" weaves together history, politics, environmentalism, murder, family drama, romance, and action. Soooo much action and yet, sometimes this slowed the story down as Driscoll can be heavy on details which took away from the pacing. A lot happens in this book, too much actually; it felt overstuffed, and the ending, with Meg and her boyfriend, felt contrived. Now, I also didn't read books two through four, so maybe if I had, I'd feel differently.
Meg, Brian, and their dogs are frequently at risk or in danger, so much so I questioned sometimes how competent they actually were but given I know nothing about the work they do, I'll cut Driscoll some slack there. Meg and Brian consistently place the health and well-being of their dogs above their own. Sometimes they have to choose between the safety of their dogs and tracking the killer which is a challenge at times for local law enforcement.
Perhaps the most fascinating, and saddest part of the story, was the history of Native Americans in that region and the abuse and broken promises they endured at the hands of the US government. That history, worthwhile on its own, plays into what's happening now as does the decision to create a new dam and the ramifications that has. Driscoll made good use of reporter McCord here. A regular since book one, he's involved with Meg's sister but also works with Meg, researching information for her cases in exchange for first shot at publishing stories about those cases at the newspaper he works at. He dug up lots of information and helped them connect the dots. I worried, when Driscoll first brought in Native Americans, that she would resort to stereotypes or be disrespectful of them but she was sensitive in their portrayal. I also appreciated the tactful way she handled the disrespect and racism that a local police officer, who was not white, had to deal with on a regular basis.
The mystery kept me guessing for a while, there didn't seem to be a pattern, but then one emerged, and I began to suspect one person. The clues, and some red herrings, were sprinkled throughout but not too obvious. I would have preferred a little less drama and a little less technical detail and more time spent on the killer's motives but "Leave No Trace" was enjoyable and engaging. It's a series I'll keep reading.
"Leave No Trace" weaves together history, politics, environmentalism, murder, family drama, romance, and action. Soooo much action and yet, sometimes this slowed the story down as Driscoll can be heavy on details which took away from the pacing. A lot happens in this book, too much actually; it felt overstuffed, and the ending, with Meg and her boyfriend, felt contrived. Now, I also didn't read books two through four, so maybe if I had, I'd feel differently.
Meg, Brian, and their dogs are frequently at risk or in danger, so much so I questioned sometimes how competent they actually were but given I know nothing about the work they do, I'll cut Driscoll some slack there. Meg and Brian consistently place the health and well-being of their dogs above their own. Sometimes they have to choose between the safety of their dogs and tracking the killer which is a challenge at times for local law enforcement.
Perhaps the most fascinating, and saddest part of the story, was the history of Native Americans in that region and the abuse and broken promises they endured at the hands of the US government. That history, worthwhile on its own, plays into what's happening now as does the decision to create a new dam and the ramifications that has. Driscoll made good use of reporter McCord here. A regular since book one, he's involved with Meg's sister but also works with Meg, researching information for her cases in exchange for first shot at publishing stories about those cases at the newspaper he works at. He dug up lots of information and helped them connect the dots. I worried, when Driscoll first brought in Native Americans, that she would resort to stereotypes or be disrespectful of them but she was sensitive in their portrayal. I also appreciated the tactful way she handled the disrespect and racism that a local police officer, who was not white, had to deal with on a regular basis.
The mystery kept me guessing for a while, there didn't seem to be a pattern, but then one emerged, and I began to suspect one person. The clues, and some red herrings, were sprinkled throughout but not too obvious. I would have preferred a little less drama and a little less technical detail and more time spent on the killer's motives but "Leave No Trace" was enjoyable and engaging. It's a series I'll keep reading.
September 23, 2021
These books just keep getting better. The team is maturing and becoming even more interesting and the dogs wrap up a nearly perfect package.
This one had more tense moments than usual but they really worked. I like the mini history lessons built in by Driscoll. If you love dogs, thrillers and a good mystery, run to these books.
This one had more tense moments than usual but they really worked. I like the mini history lessons built in by Driscoll. If you love dogs, thrillers and a good mystery, run to these books.
September 22, 2020
Leave No Trace by Sara Driscoll is a wonderful new episode in the Meg Jennings FBI’s Forensic Canine Unit mysteries. Leave No Trace is fast-paced action and the plot will have you searching for those clues! Meg Jennings and Brian Foster along with their K-9 partners are dispatched to the regions of Blue Ridge, Georgia to track a killer. The hunt becomes very different than how they usually track a suspect. This killer moves through the woodlands and river areas silently and leaving no trace of footprints. The scene of Meg battling to escape her fall into the river was heart pounding! Then the snake!! This is Sara Driscolls best in this series, I could not put my Kindle down until I finished this book.
There are several layers to the reasons behind why a suspect would want to target employees of the government and TVA due to the proposed dam in an already contested land area. The history of how tribal lands were taken from native people is heartbreaking.
The K-9 officers, Hawk and Lacey command my respect and admiration. I hope in the next book we read good news for Lacey. The weapon used in the killings is so interesting. I have used a compound bow for target practice, and it takes a lot of skill!
Publication Date: December 29, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the opportunity to read Leave no Trace.
There are several layers to the reasons behind why a suspect would want to target employees of the government and TVA due to the proposed dam in an already contested land area. The history of how tribal lands were taken from native people is heartbreaking.
The K-9 officers, Hawk and Lacey command my respect and admiration. I hope in the next book we read good news for Lacey. The weapon used in the killings is so interesting. I have used a compound bow for target practice, and it takes a lot of skill!
Publication Date: December 29, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the opportunity to read Leave no Trace.
November 14, 2020
Meg Jennings, agent with the FBI's Human Scent Evidence Team, part of the Forensic Canine Unit, tracks lawbreakers and killers with the help of her amazing working dog, Hawk. In Sara Driscoll's Leave No Trace (Kensington Books 2020), Book 5 in the FBI Canine series, the two partners are asked to solve a series of murders committed from a distance with a high powered recurve or compound bow. The only evidence usually is the arrow that kills the target--not much even for an experienced tracking dog like Hawk. Each murder, they get a little closer, in no small part because of Jennings amazing instincts and Hawk's never-quit ability to go beyond any human or canine partner.
I've read this entire series and loved every one of them. As usual this is a well woven tail at varied times frightening, inspiring, and heart-breaking. I learned a lot about bow hunting though working dog Hawk's tracking skills are the real draw for me. I'd be happy if the entire story was Meg and Hawk. If I have one complaint--and why I gave it 4/5--it's that it’s not clever enough. I wanted to be surprised at every page turn and at times, Driscoll spent time on information and actions that were obvious with few opportunities for light bulb moments. Putting that aside, Hawk's charisma and Jennings skill at her job and respect for her job carried the story. I can’t wait for the next nook.
I've read this entire series and loved every one of them. As usual this is a well woven tail at varied times frightening, inspiring, and heart-breaking. I learned a lot about bow hunting though working dog Hawk's tracking skills are the real draw for me. I'd be happy if the entire story was Meg and Hawk. If I have one complaint--and why I gave it 4/5--it's that it’s not clever enough. I wanted to be surprised at every page turn and at times, Driscoll spent time on information and actions that were obvious with few opportunities for light bulb moments. Putting that aside, Hawk's charisma and Jennings skill at her job and respect for her job carried the story. I can’t wait for the next nook.
March 14, 2022
Solid 3.5 Tight writing, good mystery some heart pounding action scenes of peril. If you’ve enjoyed her earlier books this should satisfy fans.
I had a few quibbles. One, Meg is starting to enter super human territory. There’s a perilous sequence toward the middle of the book that beggars disbelief. I won’t go into details but it was pretty ridiculous.
My other nit pick was how Meg and the rest of the team treated Torres. On the one hand, the book didn’t shy away addressing the racism that Torres faced but at the same time, Meg did not behave in a very sensitive way (another character does call her on it) but at the end the team basically saves the day, then decides to cover up the arrest so that Torres can do the arresting as a…sop to his pride? I don’t know. That sort of high-handedness? Didn’t sit well with me.
Overall a decent series for fans of police procedurals and canine law enforcement.
I had a few quibbles. One, Meg is starting to enter super human territory. There’s a perilous sequence toward the middle of the book that beggars disbelief. I won’t go into details but it was pretty ridiculous.
My other nit pick was how Meg and the rest of the team treated Torres. On the one hand, the book didn’t shy away addressing the racism that Torres faced but at the same time, Meg did not behave in a very sensitive way (another character does call her on it) but at the end the team basically saves the day, then decides to cover up the arrest so that Torres can do the arresting as a…sop to his pride? I don’t know. That sort of high-handedness? Didn’t sit well with me.
Overall a decent series for fans of police procedurals and canine law enforcement.
October 1, 2020
I really enjoy this read.
Meg and Brian and their k-9 canine Hawk and Lacey are called to investigates murders by arrow and bow. At first the cases seems unrelated until they find clues that may have to do with the past. Especially when the killer seems to leave no trace behind.
There were some intense moments with a snake Meg almost not making it after the falling in the river. Love how the author dive into the history of Native Americans and how heartbreaking it was for the native people.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Meg and Brian and their k-9 canine Hawk and Lacey are called to investigates murders by arrow and bow. At first the cases seems unrelated until they find clues that may have to do with the past. Especially when the killer seems to leave no trace behind.
There were some intense moments with a snake Meg almost not making it after the falling in the river. Love how the author dive into the history of Native Americans and how heartbreaking it was for the native people.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
March 21, 2021
I like dogs, I like mysteries and I like local history being interwoven into the plot of a story. This book has all of those things and on the surface, should have been a five star. Chapter 22 is what soured this book for me. In the previous chapter, Meg and Hawk survive being shot at and going through a Class 4 rapids without protection. Now they face down rattlesnakes, a wild boar and a pack of coyotes. Might as well have thrown in aliens at that point. I stuck with it only to confirm who dunnit.
April 6, 2021
This the 5th in the Meg Jennings K-9 FBI series. A mysterious murderer is killing people with a bow and arrow in the Blue Ridge area. Meg and Brian along with their canine partners Hawk and Lacey are sent to track the murderer. Along with providing the reader with a good mystery, I enjoyed learning about the use of a bow and arrow and I liked the historical tidbits at the beginning of each chapter.
July 30, 2023
I enjoyed the first four books well enough but the situations Meg found herself in, and escaped from, really stretched the bounds of credulity in this book. With each new situation, I just found myself rolling my eyes. I don’t mind a little bit of slightly unbelievable action in a book, but this was ridiculous!
July 11, 2021
Two-haiku review:
Arrows killing folks
Team goes to Georgia to track
Killer leaves no clues
Native connection
Removed from land, trail of tears
Lots of history
Arrows killing folks
Team goes to Georgia to track
Killer leaves no clues
Native connection
Removed from land, trail of tears
Lots of history
October 7, 2024
This has been a fantastic series, and this being book five in the series I have to say in my opinion this is the best. A very fast paced and an extremely exciting book starting on page one.
Meg and Hawk and Brian and Lacey are sent to Georgia to try and track a killer who kills with a very deadly bow and arrow. Two people have been killed so far. When the dogs find the scent trail, it’s not long before a mama bear and her two cubs appear on the path ahead of them, and here is where the nonstop action begins. Bears, snakes, coyotes, arrows, fast moving rivers, (just to name a few of the obstacles that are in the way of the search).
The dogs are amazing, as always: brilliantly smart and totally loyal to their handlers.
Meg and Hawk and Brian and Lacey are sent to Georgia to try and track a killer who kills with a very deadly bow and arrow. Two people have been killed so far. When the dogs find the scent trail, it’s not long before a mama bear and her two cubs appear on the path ahead of them, and here is where the nonstop action begins. Bears, snakes, coyotes, arrows, fast moving rivers, (just to name a few of the obstacles that are in the way of the search).
The dogs are amazing, as always: brilliantly smart and totally loyal to their handlers.
October 31, 2021
Somehow I missed this one when it was released, but I read it now in preparation for #6 coming out at the end of November.
I enjoyed seeing the characters from earlier books and their continued development. Along with characters from the case which were shorter term. It was sad to see the racial prejudice and misogyny on full display in the Georgia setting.
But it is always great to see dogs who have their own personalities and are actually part of the story and the case.
COYER #11 Read a book with a dog on the cover.
I enjoyed seeing the characters from earlier books and their continued development. Along with characters from the case which were shorter term. It was sad to see the racial prejudice and misogyny on full display in the Georgia setting.
But it is always great to see dogs who have their own personalities and are actually part of the story and the case.
COYER #11 Read a book with a dog on the cover.
December 27, 2022
4.25⭐
January 6, 2021
I loved this fabulous fifth in the FBI K-9 series! It is one in which I could say that I could not wait to see what would happen next, yet I did not want it to end. There is a good balance between the professional lives of the primary characters and their personal lives, although I missed seeing Cara this time. This could be read as a standalone, as there is sufficient backstory included. The reader sees the reality of what K-9 handlers and their dogs regularly face. I appreciate that, in each novel, I learn new things. This time, I learned a thumbnail about the hydroelectric power system of the TVA, the history of the Native Americans in the area, and the various equipment used in bow hunting. Tracking the killer in this novel brought the handlers and K-9’s through harsh elements and horrifying situations.
Meg and her K-9, Hawk, have been together for four years, and are in many ways closer than Meg and her firefighting boyfriend, Todd. Brian is the same way with his K-9, Lacey. I continue to learn the routines they go through to keep their dogs safe when on a search. The threat of loss of their dogs is one that neither could face; Meg knows firsthand the horror of losing a K-9 partner on the job.
The current case sends them into Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina to find the expert archer. They are first called to the case of a state police officer killed with a special-order arrow designed for maximum effectiveness. It is the second such murder in a few days, so the local FBI called in the scent tracking dogs. By the time Meg and Brian arrived, the archer would have a six-hour head start. They could track the person, but only until the archer got into a waiting vehicle and left. They determined that the bad guy is an expert shooter based on the distance from the victim the arrow was shot and equipment used. Neither of the men killed, however, seemed to have a connection with the other. Then the third one is found, across state lines in Tennessee.
The risks have not been higher for Meg, Brian, and their K-9 partners. The archer is so good that, if they were shot at, they would never know until hit, but wouldn’t survive the shot to realize it. They face dangers from the shooter, from the dangerous places they are chasing through, and the rugged wilderness elements.
The characters are very well defined through their actions, conversations, and for Meg, her thoughts. Their survival, and that of their beloved dogs, is at stake like never before, requiring them to draw on some of the training they hoped to never have to use. It is a breathtaking chase to the finish, one not soon forgotten. Finding whodunit was a huge challenge; plot twists keep the story moving quickly. The end is satisfactory in every way, and all loose ends are tied up. I highly recommend this to those who appreciate well-written mysteries, K-9’s and their handlers and the kinds of searches they are called on to find the evidence to solve.
Meg and her K-9, Hawk, have been together for four years, and are in many ways closer than Meg and her firefighting boyfriend, Todd. Brian is the same way with his K-9, Lacey. I continue to learn the routines they go through to keep their dogs safe when on a search. The threat of loss of their dogs is one that neither could face; Meg knows firsthand the horror of losing a K-9 partner on the job.
The current case sends them into Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina to find the expert archer. They are first called to the case of a state police officer killed with a special-order arrow designed for maximum effectiveness. It is the second such murder in a few days, so the local FBI called in the scent tracking dogs. By the time Meg and Brian arrived, the archer would have a six-hour head start. They could track the person, but only until the archer got into a waiting vehicle and left. They determined that the bad guy is an expert shooter based on the distance from the victim the arrow was shot and equipment used. Neither of the men killed, however, seemed to have a connection with the other. Then the third one is found, across state lines in Tennessee.
The risks have not been higher for Meg, Brian, and their K-9 partners. The archer is so good that, if they were shot at, they would never know until hit, but wouldn’t survive the shot to realize it. They face dangers from the shooter, from the dangerous places they are chasing through, and the rugged wilderness elements.
The characters are very well defined through their actions, conversations, and for Meg, her thoughts. Their survival, and that of their beloved dogs, is at stake like never before, requiring them to draw on some of the training they hoped to never have to use. It is a breathtaking chase to the finish, one not soon forgotten. Finding whodunit was a huge challenge; plot twists keep the story moving quickly. The end is satisfactory in every way, and all loose ends are tied up. I highly recommend this to those who appreciate well-written mysteries, K-9’s and their handlers and the kinds of searches they are called on to find the evidence to solve.
December 29, 2020
A big shout out and thank you to Sara Driscoll for advancing me a copy of her latest novel in the
“FBI-K9”
series,
“Leave No Trace”
in exchange for my honest review.
I’m not going to go into a lot of detail here as there are so many reviews written that outlines the story and I don’t want to regurgitate the same points plus I don’t want to give too much away.
I’m a huge fan of this series and every book has been a winner for me and if you get a chance, I suggest you read my review for each one. You really don’t have to start with book one in the series, but I highly recommend that you do especially if you love reading well-written books full of mystery and suspense that also includes a lot of action as this book certainly does. Both Meg and Brian along with their dogs, Hawk and Lacey, are in search of a killer that takes them out into the wilderness. Meg and Brian have both faced danger in the past but not like this one. It’s a non-stop rollercoaster ride from beginning to end that includes snakes (I absolutely hate snakes), coyotes, a bear, and a cougar. If that’s not bad enough, Meg tries to survive not drowning in raging rivers; and let’s not forget about the killer they’re after who’s killing not with a gun but with a bow and arrow.
With so much going on, the author also gives her readers, bit by bit, a history lesson with respect to Cherokees and how they were forced from their land. Like her other books, it’s obvious how much time and research the author has put in about this subject and like before, doesn’t make the facts boring or tedious but interesting and intriguing so as to capture the reader’s attention leaving them wanting more.
At the end of the day, I not only highly recommend you read "Leave No Trace" but that you start with book 1, “Lone Wolf” . The author weaves a well-written novel full of intrigue, suspense and drama that also includes terrific characters. It’s everything you want when looking for a great mystery to read.
I’m not going to go into a lot of detail here as there are so many reviews written that outlines the story and I don’t want to regurgitate the same points plus I don’t want to give too much away.
I’m a huge fan of this series and every book has been a winner for me and if you get a chance, I suggest you read my review for each one. You really don’t have to start with book one in the series, but I highly recommend that you do especially if you love reading well-written books full of mystery and suspense that also includes a lot of action as this book certainly does. Both Meg and Brian along with their dogs, Hawk and Lacey, are in search of a killer that takes them out into the wilderness. Meg and Brian have both faced danger in the past but not like this one. It’s a non-stop rollercoaster ride from beginning to end that includes snakes (I absolutely hate snakes), coyotes, a bear, and a cougar. If that’s not bad enough, Meg tries to survive not drowning in raging rivers; and let’s not forget about the killer they’re after who’s killing not with a gun but with a bow and arrow.
With so much going on, the author also gives her readers, bit by bit, a history lesson with respect to Cherokees and how they were forced from their land. Like her other books, it’s obvious how much time and research the author has put in about this subject and like before, doesn’t make the facts boring or tedious but interesting and intriguing so as to capture the reader’s attention leaving them wanting more.
At the end of the day, I not only highly recommend you read "Leave No Trace" but that you start with book 1, “Lone Wolf” . The author weaves a well-written novel full of intrigue, suspense and drama that also includes terrific characters. It’s everything you want when looking for a great mystery to read.
December 25, 2020
Leave No Trace by Sara Driscoll
FBI K-9 #5
Gripping, action-packed, who done it that I thoroughly enjoyed. Every book in this series has been a winner!
What I liked:
* Meg Jennings: FBI K-9 handler an ex-sniper, strong, intelligent, physically fit, great partner to humans, canines and her human partner. I really like her and her relationship with Hawk, Todd, Brian and the rest of the team
* Hawk: Meg’s K-9 partner is a super-dog black Labrador with a huge personality and the heart of a lion.
* Todd Webb: fireman, paramedic, and Meg’s boyfriend – a wonderful person and book boyfriend perfect for Meg.
* Brian Foster and his K-9 partner Lacey: really like them together and as people. The strong friendship between Brian and Meg is priceless.
* The plot, writing, and setting of the story
* The police procedural aspects of finding who the serial killer was and what the impetus for the murders was
* Learning new tidbits of history and other facts that were presented in epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter
* The twists and turns that kept me guessing
* The last chapter…
* Clay McCord: newspaper reporter, friend, boyfriend to Meg’s sister Cara
* Torres: FBI agent on the case that Meg and Brian were called to. He had to face local prejudice and did so unflinchingly
* All of it really except…
What I didn’t like:
* The murderer…twisted mind for sure
* Being reminded of the Trail of Tears and how badly the Cherokees were treated…along with the many other Native Americans.
* Having to wait for the next book.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
FBI K-9 #5
Gripping, action-packed, who done it that I thoroughly enjoyed. Every book in this series has been a winner!
What I liked:
* Meg Jennings: FBI K-9 handler an ex-sniper, strong, intelligent, physically fit, great partner to humans, canines and her human partner. I really like her and her relationship with Hawk, Todd, Brian and the rest of the team
* Hawk: Meg’s K-9 partner is a super-dog black Labrador with a huge personality and the heart of a lion.
* Todd Webb: fireman, paramedic, and Meg’s boyfriend – a wonderful person and book boyfriend perfect for Meg.
* Brian Foster and his K-9 partner Lacey: really like them together and as people. The strong friendship between Brian and Meg is priceless.
* The plot, writing, and setting of the story
* The police procedural aspects of finding who the serial killer was and what the impetus for the murders was
* Learning new tidbits of history and other facts that were presented in epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter
* The twists and turns that kept me guessing
* The last chapter…
* Clay McCord: newspaper reporter, friend, boyfriend to Meg’s sister Cara
* Torres: FBI agent on the case that Meg and Brian were called to. He had to face local prejudice and did so unflinchingly
* All of it really except…
What I didn’t like:
* The murderer…twisted mind for sure
* Being reminded of the Trail of Tears and how badly the Cherokees were treated…along with the many other Native Americans.
* Having to wait for the next book.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
October 15, 2020
"Leave No Trace" is a suspense/mystery. This book is the fifth in a series, but you don't need to read the previous books to understand this one. This novel did refer by name to several whodunits in the previous mysteries, though.
The main characters were likable, interesting, and reacted realistically to events. Much of the suspense came from the dangerous terrain that Meg, Brian, and their K9s had to navigate while tracking the murderer. Added to that was the danger that a highly accurate bow hunter could shoot them at any time. They also helped some with the investigation. Part way through, I wondered why they weren't even considering certain people, including one person that seemed worth investigating further to me. Later, someone pointed this out--that they are making certain assumptions that may not be true. As it turns out, I had correctly guessed whodunit, and they quickly figured it out at this point, too.
There was a fair amount of bad language. There were no sex scenes. Overall, I'd recommend this suspenseful novel.
I received an e-book review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
The main characters were likable, interesting, and reacted realistically to events. Much of the suspense came from the dangerous terrain that Meg, Brian, and their K9s had to navigate while tracking the murderer. Added to that was the danger that a highly accurate bow hunter could shoot them at any time. They also helped some with the investigation. Part way through, I wondered why they weren't even considering certain people, including one person that seemed worth investigating further to me. Later, someone pointed this out--that they are making certain assumptions that may not be true. As it turns out, I had correctly guessed whodunit, and they quickly figured it out at this point, too.
There was a fair amount of bad language. There were no sex scenes. Overall, I'd recommend this suspenseful novel.
I received an e-book review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
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