Helpful Score: 2
Outstanding story and writing. This is the only book I have ever read twice within one week. The second time was simply to enjoy the emotional tug of the major characters.
Helpful Score: 1
This is my first book by this author and I was wowed by the tight plot and excellent writing. This story grabbed me on the first page and didn't let go. I certainly hope this is the beginning of a new series for Robert Crais.
The book opens with Maggie's story; this German shepherd survived three tours in the Middle East sniffing explosives before her partner (handler) dies in a sniper attack. She's been turned over to LAPD but they have found that her PSTD is too severe to use her.
LAPD cop Scott James is recovering from a night-time attack that killed his partner Stephanie and nearly ended his life. Because Scott was such a good cop, he has called in chips to work in the K-9 group (he could have been given a permanent medical retirement). When Scott goes to collect his K-9 partner, he demands the opportunity to work with Maggie. They are two lost souls that bond with each other; it's interesting that Scott has more to learn than Maggie. The info about the training and commitment between a dog and his handler is fascinating and is woven skillfully into the story.
Nine months later, Stephanie's death is still an open case and the new man investigating the case calls in Scott for his insights into the disaster. Before long, Scott isn't just a side-liner; he and Maggie push buttons that bring new clues to light.
This is a masterful, tension-filled race to the finish. The relationship between Maggie and Scott is intense and emotional. This is a great story.
The book opens with Maggie's story; this German shepherd survived three tours in the Middle East sniffing explosives before her partner (handler) dies in a sniper attack. She's been turned over to LAPD but they have found that her PSTD is too severe to use her.
LAPD cop Scott James is recovering from a night-time attack that killed his partner Stephanie and nearly ended his life. Because Scott was such a good cop, he has called in chips to work in the K-9 group (he could have been given a permanent medical retirement). When Scott goes to collect his K-9 partner, he demands the opportunity to work with Maggie. They are two lost souls that bond with each other; it's interesting that Scott has more to learn than Maggie. The info about the training and commitment between a dog and his handler is fascinating and is woven skillfully into the story.
Nine months later, Stephanie's death is still an open case and the new man investigating the case calls in Scott for his insights into the disaster. Before long, Scott isn't just a side-liner; he and Maggie push buttons that bring new clues to light.
This is a masterful, tension-filled race to the finish. The relationship between Maggie and Scott is intense and emotional. This is a great story.
Helpful Score: 1
Before I go any farther, I have a warning: have a hankie in hand as you begin reading the prologue-- especially if you are a dog lover. I found the prologue in Suspect to be gut-wrenching, and although I wanted to wait a few minutes to calm down before continuing to read, I was already hooked.
Crais provides excellent insight into the mind of a dog, in particular the mind of a war or police dog. When Scott and Maggie are partnered, it's a learning experience for both of them, and it was so rewarding to watch them heal each other.
This isn't just the Scott and Maggie Show, however. Crais gives us some marvelous secondary characters in fellow police officers Cowley, Leland, and Budress. Leland as the hard-as-nails head of the K-9 unit and Budress who constantly risks reprimand for helping Scott may be a touch two-dimensional, but they're the sort of characters you love regardless of their cardboard tan tinge. The female detective Cowley is another story. You're never quite sure what she thinks of Scott. You're never quite sure what she's willing to do to help. You're never quite sure how tough she is. By book's end, your questions will be answered.
The investigation into Scott's partner's death is filled with plenty of danger. Crais is a pro at ratcheting up the suspense. As is always the case when a dog is a member of the cast, readers always wonder about Old Yeller Syndrome, especially in a story involving the police and lots of flying bullets. I'm not about to enlighten you here. All I'll say is that I was hooked from the prologue and couldn't read fast enough. Scott and Maggie are going to stay with me for a long time. They're that good.
Crais provides excellent insight into the mind of a dog, in particular the mind of a war or police dog. When Scott and Maggie are partnered, it's a learning experience for both of them, and it was so rewarding to watch them heal each other.
This isn't just the Scott and Maggie Show, however. Crais gives us some marvelous secondary characters in fellow police officers Cowley, Leland, and Budress. Leland as the hard-as-nails head of the K-9 unit and Budress who constantly risks reprimand for helping Scott may be a touch two-dimensional, but they're the sort of characters you love regardless of their cardboard tan tinge. The female detective Cowley is another story. You're never quite sure what she thinks of Scott. You're never quite sure what she's willing to do to help. You're never quite sure how tough she is. By book's end, your questions will be answered.
The investigation into Scott's partner's death is filled with plenty of danger. Crais is a pro at ratcheting up the suspense. As is always the case when a dog is a member of the cast, readers always wonder about Old Yeller Syndrome, especially in a story involving the police and lots of flying bullets. I'm not about to enlighten you here. All I'll say is that I was hooked from the prologue and couldn't read fast enough. Scott and Maggie are going to stay with me for a long time. They're that good.
Helpful Score: 1
Terrific book. A great whodunit read. Dog lovers will love it. Animal lovers will find it enticing. If you've ever wondered what your dog is thinking this book has your answer. I greatly enjoyed it. One of the few five stars I've ever given.
I totally loved this book. Two damaged souls come together in the LAPD Canine Unit. Scott, a severely injured Police Officer and Maggie, a severely wounded canine veteran who had served in Afghanistan. It was action packed and very touching. Hope this is book is # 1 of a series.
I loved this book and although it says "Book 1" there are no other books in a series. That makes me so sad!! I would read this series in a heartbeat!
We read this book in our local Mystery Club. Everybody loved it. I think it was the dog that really sold the story. Well written.
Having read a number of Crais' books, this is the best of the lot. He would do well to revive the main characters, Scott and Maggie into a series. It's a real "feel good" book. In light of having several dog companions over the years, I've always wondered what goes through a dog's mind. He does a superlative job capturing a dog's perspective of the world- its fun to share both Scott's and Maggie's thoughts. Can't wait for a follow-up to this book.
I can only give it 3 stars and that is because it tends to repeat and repeat the events that leads Scott and Maggie together, in the beginning we know what happens to Maggie and then we get the story about Scott then throughout the book it is repeated over and over, then when they get together it is repeated over and over the part of training for this and training for that until I just got tired of reading repeats, I felt like the main story got lost in all the repeating and that made the story drag, if this should be a first book in a series then I'm afraid the next book would have to be much better.
The best of Robert Crais books.
This has all the elements of an excellent suspense/thriller: can't stop reading from page 1; characters that you really care about and can get into their heads; step-by-step detective work that lets you see the puzzle pieces going together one piece at a time. It also has something I haven't seen in other mystery-thriller novels: a wonderful, loving relationship of a man and his K-9 police dog. It even lets you get into the head of the dog, Maggie, as if you just know what she's thinking. Satisfying ending, doesn't leave you hanging. I wish the book had another 300 pages!
Loved the story
Scott James was a police officer gravely injured in a shootout and his partner was killed. He is now assigned to the K-9 unit and is getting his dog. Every thought he should have taken a medical retirement, but Scott refused to quit. Maggie, is a black and tan German Shephard and she was also injured defending her trainer in Afghanistan where was killed by an IED. They make an odd couple since Scott knows nothing about dogs, and Maggie doens't trust most men. They both have PTSD. The interaction between the dog and her new owner/trainer is a matter of trust. Great story and a quick read. I think I have just found me a new Author to follow! I give this one 5 stars!
From page one I knew this was a book I would really like. I was totally right. A policeman who sees his partner killed and a dog who sees his owner killed.. There is suspense police procedure, what will happen next and a lot of love. This is one damn good book!
LAPD cop Scott James was wounded in a shocking shoot out that killed his partner. He is unfit for duty- until he meets his new partner, Maggie. Maggie is not doing so well either, she is a German Shephard dog who has survived two tours in Afghanistan sniffing explosives before losing her handler, she has PTSD as bad as Scott's. Together they will work out their difficultlies and forge a solid bond. This is their last chance.
I love this story, it is a fascinating look into the trials of man and dog suffering from PTSD, and the loyalty of both to each other.
I love this story, it is a fascinating look into the trials of man and dog suffering from PTSD, and the loyalty of both to each other.
I loved the book. I just "discovered" Robert Crais through a book club buddy & I thoroughly enjoyed the story, especially the character "Maggie." I'm looking forward to the next phase "Promise" that comes out in November 2016.
Loved this book!
Wish the author would make this a series.
Wish the author would make this a series.
