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Big Dogs #1
Big Dogs: The Adventure Begins
Lieutenant JW North is on his last night on patrol when he is shot and seriously injured after responding to a prowler dispatch. His life hangs in the balance as his fellow officers work to catch the shooter and try to help a woman who is also brutally injured. This injury changes JW and as he recovers he begins a journey of redemption. He reaches into his past to find a new direction for his life. He begins training a German Shepherd dog, Ares, to trail dangerous suspects. The program develops into a not only a powerful law enforcement tool, but also helps JW begin to take back his life. Police work is always dangerous, but when you are out front, chasing desperate criminals, it is especially so. Ares leads JW on several adventures, but ultimately, he must again face evil in another deadly confrontation.
322 pages, Paperback
Published March 12, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 21, 2023
Fight On, LT Ditmars!
My friend, fellow USC Trojan alum (FIGHT ON!!!), fellow former military officer (USMC in his case, USAF in mine), and fellow civilian law enforcement veteran (retired Long Beach PD Lieutenant in his case, former CBP Officer and ICE Special Agent in mine) S.L. “Steve” Ditmars, has written an excellent first novel. Action, intrigue, interesting characters, insights into police work in general and K9s in particular…and best of all, The World’s Coolest Dog Breed, the German Shepherd Dog (GSD).
What’s not to love? Bravo Zulu, Steve, OORAH and Semper Fi!
SPOILER ALERT: The Epilogue leaves a loose end that begs for a sequel, which I understand LT. (Ret.) Ditmars has already written and published. Can’t wait to read it!
My friend, fellow USC Trojan alum (FIGHT ON!!!), fellow former military officer (USMC in his case, USAF in mine), and fellow civilian law enforcement veteran (retired Long Beach PD Lieutenant in his case, former CBP Officer and ICE Special Agent in mine) S.L. “Steve” Ditmars, has written an excellent first novel. Action, intrigue, interesting characters, insights into police work in general and K9s in particular…and best of all, The World’s Coolest Dog Breed, the German Shepherd Dog (GSD).
What’s not to love? Bravo Zulu, Steve, OORAH and Semper Fi!
SPOILER ALERT: The Epilogue leaves a loose end that begs for a sequel, which I understand LT. (Ret.) Ditmars has already written and published. Can’t wait to read it!
August 23, 2024
Big Dogs is a reasonably good debut centered on trail dogs and K9 handling officers. The book builds to a strong conclusion. The writing is sometimes a bit uneven with too much detail early in the book and maybe a little light on details late. The premise has promise and it is clear the author provides authenticity. 3 stars and enough to likely read the second book in the series. Recommended for readers enjoying dogs and police procedurals.
March 17, 2023
Lieutenant JW North has managed to stay mostly safe throughout his career as a lieutenant. But during his last night on duty, he responds to a call in his town about a serial criminal nicknamed The Shadow by the news. He arrives at the scene of the crime, only to be shot by the notorious criminal. JW survives the shooting and wakes up in the hospital two weeks later having had a mysterious dream-like vision. In his vision, he sees a lot of dogs, along with one that looks very similar to a dog he worked with earlier in his police career. Once JW has recovered, he knows that he must hunt down the shadow even if that's the last thing he does in his career, and he's going to do it with the help of a dog. Will JW be able to put the notorious Shadow behind bars? Or will he end up getting hurt even further?
Opinion:
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. The story itself was very suspenseful, and I could not put the book down once I started to read it. I also liked how the author included chapters from various perspectives such as from The Shadow and the other police, not just the perspective of JW. This made the story more enjoyable to read and also added to the element of suspense. The pacing of the book was also very good as it wasn't too fast, but it also did not feel slow or boring. Reading this book taught me a lot about the life of a police officer as well as all the work that goes into investigating a call from the perspective of the police. I also learned a lot about how difficult it is to train a K9 dog, from selecting which one you think would fit you best from a breeder to the upfront costs, and learning to work with the dog. However, we also see that JW forms a connection with his K9 dog, and we are shown the many ways having a K9 dog can help police officers in dangerous situations. This book did contain some mature content, so I would advise younger audiences not to read this book. However, this book is perfect for those who are interested in reading a suspenseful book about crime!
Opinion:
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. The story itself was very suspenseful, and I could not put the book down once I started to read it. I also liked how the author included chapters from various perspectives such as from The Shadow and the other police, not just the perspective of JW. This made the story more enjoyable to read and also added to the element of suspense. The pacing of the book was also very good as it wasn't too fast, but it also did not feel slow or boring. Reading this book taught me a lot about the life of a police officer as well as all the work that goes into investigating a call from the perspective of the police. I also learned a lot about how difficult it is to train a K9 dog, from selecting which one you think would fit you best from a breeder to the upfront costs, and learning to work with the dog. However, we also see that JW forms a connection with his K9 dog, and we are shown the many ways having a K9 dog can help police officers in dangerous situations. This book did contain some mature content, so I would advise younger audiences not to read this book. However, this book is perfect for those who are interested in reading a suspenseful book about crime!
April 27, 2026
Be forewarned there are graphic descriptions of brutal assaults, particularly against women, although other characters, including male officers & their K9 dogs, are also victimized to a lesser degree. Quite the thriller, although ultimately a bit too much testosterone for me. Still, very well done for a new author's first book.
February 4, 2023
If you love dogs you will lo be this book
Great great book.
K9 dogs are such great well trained dogs.
You will love this books .
I loved the way the owner of the dogs of how much they love there dogs. I hope you will love this book as much as I did.
Great great book.
K9 dogs are such great well trained dogs.
You will love this books .
I loved the way the owner of the dogs of how much they love there dogs. I hope you will love this book as much as I did.
April 26, 2021
Enlightening
Did not know the difference between trail and tracking. Amazing to train dogs to follow a s
Scent that is old and mixed with others.
Looking forward to the sequel.
Did not know the difference between trail and tracking. Amazing to train dogs to follow a s
Scent that is old and mixed with others.
Looking forward to the sequel.
July 30, 2022
It was excellent and very informative Can’t wait for the next in the series.
October 21, 2022
I enjoyed this fast-paced book from the first page to last sentence.
I especially liked the authenticity infused in this suspenseful novel.
Can't wait for his next book.
I especially liked the authenticity infused in this suspenseful novel.
Can't wait for his next book.
February 8, 2023
An excellent story, although a little less introspective into the protagonist would have been nice. A dog lover, I'm always interested in a dog story, and this one doesn't disappoint.
March 22, 2023
fabulous Book
This book was great. Not only is it a great story but you learn about dog training for police work.
This book was great. Not only is it a great story but you learn about dog training for police work.
June 30, 2023
Great characters including the dogs
Good plot. Pretty straightforward it exciting enough to be interesting. Just enough information on scent tracking to let you know what was happening . Just enough information on the training to get a true feeling of what it takes have, work and own a working K9. Police in book were realistic cops with real family issues. Action was not just for action sake but an integral part of the story. As were the injuries.
So looking forward to the next book. Plot line is set up for many new criminals to catch.
Good plot. Pretty straightforward it exciting enough to be interesting. Just enough information on scent tracking to let you know what was happening . Just enough information on the training to get a true feeling of what it takes have, work and own a working K9. Police in book were realistic cops with real family issues. Action was not just for action sake but an integral part of the story. As were the injuries.
So looking forward to the next book. Plot line is set up for many new criminals to catch.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews