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Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit #2
Scent of Truth
An innocent suspect. A look-alike killer.
Can a K-9 team crack this case?
After Officer Colt Maxwell and his K-9 partner, Sampson, discover a body, all signs point to Brooke Stevens as the murderer. But Colt suspects someone’s framing the park ranger—and that the killer looks exactly like her. When the imposter turns her sights on Brooke, it’s up to Colt to guard her. But can they track down the truth…before innocent Brooke loses her life?
From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.
Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit
Book 1: Shielding the Baby by Laura Scott
Book 2: Scent of Truth by Valerie Hansen
Book 3: Explosive Trail by Terri Reed
Book 4: Olympic Mountain Pursuit by Jodie Bailey
Book 5: Threat Detection by Sharon Dunn
Book 6: Cold Case Revenge by Jessica R. Patch
Book 8: Snowbound Escape by Dana Mentink
Can a K-9 team crack this case?
After Officer Colt Maxwell and his K-9 partner, Sampson, discover a body, all signs point to Brooke Stevens as the murderer. But Colt suspects someone’s framing the park ranger—and that the killer looks exactly like her. When the imposter turns her sights on Brooke, it’s up to Colt to guard her. But can they track down the truth…before innocent Brooke loses her life?
From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.
Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit
Book 1: Shielding the Baby by Laura Scott
Book 2: Scent of Truth by Valerie Hansen
Book 3: Explosive Trail by Terri Reed
Book 4: Olympic Mountain Pursuit by Jodie Bailey
Book 5: Threat Detection by Sharon Dunn
Book 6: Cold Case Revenge by Jessica R. Patch
Book 8: Snowbound Escape by Dana Mentink
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2023
247 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Hansen
180 books249 followersValerie Hansen is the pen name of Valerie Whisenand.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Although I have been a published author since the mid 1980s, I have been writing women's Christian fiction almost exclusively since 1999.
There is a longer, more detailed bio on my website so there's no need for me to repeat all that here. Right now, I write for all three Love Inspired lines, Romance, Suspense and Historical. I'm delighted to have been included that broadly and besides, it keeps me so busy that I stay out of trouble. Well, mostly.
You'll find me on the LI Historical blog as well as other LI features. If I try to do much more I won't have time to write my books!
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Although I have been a published author since the mid 1980s, I have been writing women's Christian fiction almost exclusively since 1999.
There is a longer, more detailed bio on my website so there's no need for me to repeat all that here. Right now, I write for all three Love Inspired lines, Romance, Suspense and Historical. I'm delighted to have been included that broadly and besides, it keeps me so busy that I stay out of trouble. Well, mostly.
You'll find me on the LI Historical blog as well as other LI features. If I try to do much more I won't have time to write my books!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 14, 2023
Altro libro letto tutto in un giorno. È vero che non è lunghissimo, ma dimostra che la storia mi è piaciuta. C'è il solito innamoramento rapido, ma in questo genere di libri non si può fare altrimenti, almeno di non proporre tutte storie di seconde possibilità, con i due protagonisti che già si conoscono e che avevano tentato in passato una storia d'amore. Qui ho adorato il cane, mi veniva voglia di abbracciarlo come fa la protagonista.
December 30, 2023
This is the second book in the Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit series. I thought this one was pretty enjoyable. The twist was a bit far-fetched. SO you have to suspend a bit of disbelief. I would recommend it however.
November 14, 2024
An action packed Christain/Romance/Mystery story.
August 12, 2023
Good story and characters.
April 19, 2023
Second book in this series. It was amazing. Can't wait to read the rest.
March 28, 2024
The second book in the PN K-9 mystery, romance series. Easy to listen to during my commute with good conflict and setting. Enjoyed listening. Narrator was easy to listen to.
May 27, 2024
great story line
This is the 2nd book I have read in this series, and it keeps me from doing my chores. But I eventually get them done.
This is the 2nd book I have read in this series, and it keeps me from doing my chores. But I eventually get them done.
May 5, 2024
Evil twin?
This one was interesting because of the mysterious person everyone thought was Brooke hurting people. What follows is a tale of crazy family dynamics and faith that takes you through trials. Brooke and Colt are so opposite and yet have similar scars. Great story and wonderful ending.
This one was interesting because of the mysterious person everyone thought was Brooke hurting people. What follows is a tale of crazy family dynamics and faith that takes you through trials. Brooke and Colt are so opposite and yet have similar scars. Great story and wonderful ending.
April 23, 2024
Does she have a look-a-like out there? A twin with the ability to kill?
Brook was scared, most of her crew of rangers believe she is responsible for killing the men on the trail. Thankfully Colt and Sampson are brought in to investigate. They are her witness she was somewhere else when her look a like shows up again. He is willing to help her clear her name
Brook was scared, most of her crew of rangers believe she is responsible for killing the men on the trail. Thankfully Colt and Sampson are brought in to investigate. They are her witness she was somewhere else when her look a like shows up again. He is willing to help her clear her name
May 11, 2023
Exciting continuation of this new K-9 Unit series
Brooke is a national park ranger when she is attacked on a trail. K-9 officer Colt and his bloodhound Sampson respond, but then things get twisted. Brooke finds herself accused of murder. How can she prove her innocence when the evidence is stacking up against her? But then Colt is with her when she gets attacked again. Now they are rushing to find out what is happening and why!
The pace is breakneck and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with an action and character oriented storyline that has some kisses. The characters are vibrant and engaging. The Christian ideals are woven into the story. Read these in order. Enjoy this exciting Christian romantic suspense story.
Brooke is a national park ranger when she is attacked on a trail. K-9 officer Colt and his bloodhound Sampson respond, but then things get twisted. Brooke finds herself accused of murder. How can she prove her innocence when the evidence is stacking up against her? But then Colt is with her when she gets attacked again. Now they are rushing to find out what is happening and why!
The pace is breakneck and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with an action and character oriented storyline that has some kisses. The characters are vibrant and engaging. The Christian ideals are woven into the story. Read these in order. Enjoy this exciting Christian romantic suspense story.
April 26, 2023
Great suspense read
This was a great suspense read. Ranger Brooke Stevens is attacked by someone while she was at work. Although evidence points to her as the guilty one when Officer Colt Maxwell and his K-9 partner Sampson find a dead body. However, Colt believes someone is framing Brooke.
The story plot drew me straight in from the beginning and held my attention throughout the story as Colt and Brooke worked together to find the imposter trying to frame her. Both Colt and Brooke were wary of getting into a relationship because of the mistakes others had made in the past, but they had to overcome that. Great faith elements.
This was a great suspense read. Ranger Brooke Stevens is attacked by someone while she was at work. Although evidence points to her as the guilty one when Officer Colt Maxwell and his K-9 partner Sampson find a dead body. However, Colt believes someone is framing Brooke.
The story plot drew me straight in from the beginning and held my attention throughout the story as Colt and Brooke worked together to find the imposter trying to frame her. Both Colt and Brooke were wary of getting into a relationship because of the mistakes others had made in the past, but they had to overcome that. Great faith elements.
May 11, 2023
Suspense, murder, mistaken identity..... Maybe......really?!!
Valerie Hansen wrote this plot twisting book that I could not put down. Brooke a park ranger is attacked on a trail and kinda rescued by two hikers, but then gets to her cabin and the police officer, Colt and his K-9 blood hound Sampson investigate and Sampson, being a cadaver dog, finds a dead body. Brooke is blamed and taken in for questioning.....she says she is innocent BUT is she? DNA says she isn't. Mistaken identity, evil twin, or what???
Get this book and read it. Too many twists and turns and attacks....I could not put it down. The plot thickens quickly. So good
Valerie Hansen wrote this plot twisting book that I could not put down. Brooke a park ranger is attacked on a trail and kinda rescued by two hikers, but then gets to her cabin and the police officer, Colt and his K-9 blood hound Sampson investigate and Sampson, being a cadaver dog, finds a dead body. Brooke is blamed and taken in for questioning.....she says she is innocent BUT is she? DNA says she isn't. Mistaken identity, evil twin, or what???
Get this book and read it. Too many twists and turns and attacks....I could not put it down. The plot thickens quickly. So good
March 17, 2024
I really enjoyed this romantic suspense by Valerie Hansen. This was my first book of her’s & she’s really good. I thought it was an interesting tale. I learned a few facts too. I really connected with Colt & Brooke. Of course, I adore Sampson the k-9 officer. The main mystery from book 1 is still not solved which I love that a mystery connects the PNW K-9 unit books together. Definitely suspenseful & keeps you glued to the page. I can’t wait to pick up book #3.
May 6, 2023
No holding back!
Another riveting and suspenseful mystery with undeniable romance! Just when I thought I could put the book down at night, something else would grab me and I couldn't stop reading it. I love this series.
Another riveting and suspenseful mystery with undeniable romance! Just when I thought I could put the book down at night, something else would grab me and I couldn't stop reading it. I love this series.
July 19, 2023
Good and evil…twins!
Excellent suspense, light romance, twists and turns…action packed! Very good story with a faith thread too! Can be read as stand-alone, but part of a series.
Excellent suspense, light romance, twists and turns…action packed! Very good story with a faith thread too! Can be read as stand-alone, but part of a series.
April 19, 2024
Very good!
This series of books are great. Action packed, working dogs and everything that makes for an interesting mystery. If you like to try to solve things, you will like to read them. A little honest romance, makes them a tad more special!
This series of books are great. Action packed, working dogs and everything that makes for an interesting mystery. If you like to try to solve things, you will like to read them. A little honest romance, makes them a tad more special!
April 28, 2023
Great read. I loved the characters and the story. It was also nice to catch up with past friends.
August 10, 2023
Great book.
I am really enjoying this series. It really keeps you on the edge of your seat. Can't wait to read the next book. You can
I am really enjoying this series. It really keeps you on the edge of your seat. Can't wait to read the next book. You can
November 19, 2023
Really great book. Not much of a twist at the end as the other one but still really good.
May 3, 2023
This second book in the multi-authored Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit continuity series is full of intrigue and danger — and romance (of course!) Love that these books come out every month and especially that they are available in audio format. I have them all preordered and have to admit that this one was ‘read’ in a day since Colt and Brooke kept me company in the garden while I cleaned up and planted peas and beans. Multi-tasking at it’s finest. 🙂
Oh — and, in case you are wondering, these books can be read out of order. Each novel has it’s own unique suspense which is solved as well as a romance that ends in a happily ever after, but there is also an over-arcing suspense thread that gradually builds with each book and won’t be solved until the last story.
I’ve never personally known a bloodhound, but, if they are all like Sampson, I can see I’ve been missing out. Love the bond Colt has with his K-9 and the heart-to-hearts they share. Brings great insight into the characters of both man and beast. And Brooke is a popular topic of ‘conversation.’
Murder and mayhem have unexpectedly become the norm for Brooke as she strives to prove she’s a victim not a suspect. But, oh, it’s so complicated and twisty-turny! Luckily it doesn’t take long to convince Colt of her innocence…right about the time the attempts on her life ramp up. Great pacing and a measured approach to the romance kept me riveted right to the very last word.
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2023/05/03/s...
Oh — and, in case you are wondering, these books can be read out of order. Each novel has it’s own unique suspense which is solved as well as a romance that ends in a happily ever after, but there is also an over-arcing suspense thread that gradually builds with each book and won’t be solved until the last story.
I’ve never personally known a bloodhound, but, if they are all like Sampson, I can see I’ve been missing out. Love the bond Colt has with his K-9 and the heart-to-hearts they share. Brings great insight into the characters of both man and beast. And Brooke is a popular topic of ‘conversation.’
Murder and mayhem have unexpectedly become the norm for Brooke as she strives to prove she’s a victim not a suspect. But, oh, it’s so complicated and twisty-turny! Luckily it doesn’t take long to convince Colt of her innocence…right about the time the attempts on her life ramp up. Great pacing and a measured approach to the romance kept me riveted right to the very last word.
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2023/05/03/s...
May 3, 2023
My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Scent of Truth. This is book two in the series Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit. Valerie is one of my favorite authors and I'm always excited to get one of her books in the mail. This book is well-written, action-packed, and full of faith. I know you are going to love it.
Officer Colt Maxwell and his K-9 partner are assigned to check out the call of someone attacking a ranger. Soon after he finds a dead body. All the evidence leads to Park Ranger Brooke Stevens. Brooke has convinced him that she has been set up. Can he believe that? When they are attacked he wonders if there is someone posing as Brooke. Can they find out what is going on before they are both killed?
Park Ranger Brooke Stevens is out checking the trails and picking up trash when she is attacked by a man in a ski mask. Hikers scare him away when she screams. She reports it but her boss isn't happy with her. At her cabin, she sees footprints everywhere. So much for feeling like she is being watched
An exciting journey to find out who is trying to set up Brooke and why. God has a plan for these two, a plan for hope and a future. God has a plan for you too, a good plan for peace and not for destruction. Give Him your heart and watch Him work in your life.
Officer Colt Maxwell and his K-9 partner are assigned to check out the call of someone attacking a ranger. Soon after he finds a dead body. All the evidence leads to Park Ranger Brooke Stevens. Brooke has convinced him that she has been set up. Can he believe that? When they are attacked he wonders if there is someone posing as Brooke. Can they find out what is going on before they are both killed?
Park Ranger Brooke Stevens is out checking the trails and picking up trash when she is attacked by a man in a ski mask. Hikers scare him away when she screams. She reports it but her boss isn't happy with her. At her cabin, she sees footprints everywhere. So much for feeling like she is being watched
An exciting journey to find out who is trying to set up Brooke and why. God has a plan for these two, a plan for hope and a future. God has a plan for you too, a good plan for peace and not for destruction. Give Him your heart and watch Him work in your life.
June 30, 2024
Who is killing tourists at the state park, and why is park ranger Brook Stevens' DNA showing up at the crime scene? Is K-9 officer Colt Maxwell and his bloodhound partner Sampson able to sniff out who's framing the ranger? Or is he falling in love with a cold-blooded killer?
"Scent of Truth" by Valerie Hansen is the second installment of the Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit series from Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense imprint. Does this mean that you need to read the books in order to appreciate them? No. I have read parts 1, 3, 4, and 5 before reading this one, and I was able to enjoy this story without having it spoiled by the later stories, and it gives enough information you don't feel out of touch for missing the first story.
One reviewer gave up after the second chapter. At that point I felt the same way, thinking Stevens protested her innocence too much. However, I kept on, and was treated to an excellent story with plenty of unexpected twists and turns.
I recommend this story, and this series.
June 13, 2024
Scent of Truth
There have been several murders in the park, one has come back with proof it was a Forest Ranger, Brooke Stevens. She didn't do it so it's up to Colt and Sampson to help her prove she's innocent and capture the culprit. Brooke is adopted but they find she has an identical twin that had to be resuscitated at her birth some time later and was kept by the nurse after the Stevens had left with Brooke and the mother died. Tina Daniels, Brooke's twin had a rough childhood and when her mother died she found her diary and found she was adopted she went into a rage and began her revenge against her sister and the grand childhood she had. Colt and Sampson subdued and arrested Tina and then asked Brooke to marry him. Great story mystery, intrigue and a happy ending.
There have been several murders in the park, one has come back with proof it was a Forest Ranger, Brooke Stevens. She didn't do it so it's up to Colt and Sampson to help her prove she's innocent and capture the culprit. Brooke is adopted but they find she has an identical twin that had to be resuscitated at her birth some time later and was kept by the nurse after the Stevens had left with Brooke and the mother died. Tina Daniels, Brooke's twin had a rough childhood and when her mother died she found her diary and found she was adopted she went into a rage and began her revenge against her sister and the grand childhood she had. Colt and Sampson subdued and arrested Tina and then asked Brooke to marry him. Great story mystery, intrigue and a happy ending.
June 19, 2025
SCENT OF TRUTH is book 2 in the nine-book Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit series with various authors set in Mount Ranier National Park with park rangers and their K-9 officer companions. This series is all interconnected standalones. Colt Maxwell and K-9 officer Sampson discover a dead body buried under the snow outside a ranger’s cabin. Ranger Brooke Stevens insists she is completely innocent and has just been leading nature hikes and trying to educate tourists about park wildlife. So how is her DNA turning up at the crime scene? This one had some really good twists and I loved how every chapter ended on a cliffhanger. At right around 5-6 hours on audiobook, it was the perfect length, without any slow moments. 5/5 stars.
July 6, 2023
This is the second book in the Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit continuity series. Valerie Hansen writes a fast paced, action packed story. Officer Colt Maxwell and his K-9 partner, Sampson, discover a body. All the evidence implicates Mount Rainier National Park Ranger Brooke Stevens. Colt and Sampson are tasked to guard Brooke, and in the process discover that someone is trying to frame her. Will they discover who it is and make an arrest before Brooke is harmed?
August 1, 2024
One of the stories that most touched me!
"It was people who couldn’t be predicted, Brooke decided with a sigh. They were the problem. Always had been. That was the rub. That was why she felt so uneasy. Not only were others hard to figure out, but she also wasn’t doing a good job of understanding herself."
"It was people who couldn’t be predicted, Brooke decided with a sigh. They were the problem. Always had been. That was the rub. That was why she felt so uneasy. Not only were others hard to figure out, but she also wasn’t doing a good job of understanding herself."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2023
Pacific NW K-9 Unit #2
Really like this series with different authors for each edition. This one treaded a path of family secrets that only became obvious when one Ranger was thought to be guilty of assorted crimes.
Really like this series with different authors for each edition. This one treaded a path of family secrets that only became obvious when one Ranger was thought to be guilty of assorted crimes.
February 4, 2024
This is a very entertaining Christian romantic suspense book with enjoyable characters, including the K-9s, and great suspense. The romance is clean, which is nice, and I enjoy the Christianity that is sprinkled into the story.
May 1, 2024
I loved ❤️ this book's storyline. This book's storyline was sad 😔. I loved ❤️ the action in this story. I loved ❤️ the Christian ✝️ theme in this story. I loved ❤️ Colt. I loved ❤️ Brooke. I loved ❤️ Samson 🐕. I loved ❤️ the ending. Awesome job Ms. Hansen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2024
This was ok. The story was interesting although I would have liked to see some kind of resolution with Tina in the end. I did not care for the narrator's voices for men and it was very distracting to listen to. I would have liked this better if I had read a hard copy rather than listening.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews