Dire Traces (Jessica Anderson K-9 Mysteries #4) (2024)

Great addition to this series

Wonderful series. Love the continued character development in each book and really looking forward to where the next book takes us. And don't forget the dogs, cats and horses.

Riveting

Love dogs love this series. Looking forward to more books. The personalities of the people along with the dogs make this a riveting series.

This series just keeps getting better.

It was difficult to put this book down. I love this series and can’t wait for the next book. I really appreciate the author’s disclaimer - “no dog dies in this book” ( kept me from skimming thru the last chapter to make sure the dogs are still around)

Excellent book

One of the best series I have read in awhile, hard to put down once started. really hope more books are coming!

Another great read in this series as we see characters develop and new ones enter. Keep them coming please!

Fantastic series!

Absolutely love this series! Could not put it down till i finished the entire book! Cannot wait for next book!

Excellent fast paced story

Another exciting SAR story filled with rescues, as Jessie uncovers the insidious drug trafficking in the area. The Anderson family have taken on the care of injured Sheriff Landon with Jessie sympathetically at his side. Danger lurks at every turn. Another amazing adventure for Jessie and her highly trained pack.

Super good K9 series

I like this series a lot. There are so many ins and outs and so many people but I am finally getting them straight. This is not a book you skip parts or skim because you might miss something.

great series

Love this author, great characters and a good continueing story line. cant wait for the next one to come out.

Animals

As a retired Vet Tech and animal disaster worker thank you. Your books bring joy and tears. Please keep writing them

5 stars ✨

Wow! This series just keeps getting better. Book 5 is best summed up w “intense”. Very contemporary exploring mob (not gangster) behavior. This has evolved w interesting pack training methods w each book. PTSD long haul effects explored. Highly recommended. Start w the 1st book and enjoy the ride.

If you are not familiar with the Jessica Anderson K-9 Mystery series, you need to rectify that, pronto! Jessica & her dogs are amazing! For reasons I can't fathom, I missed this one when it came out, only realizing that when I was reading #6; things had happened in the past that I didn't know. And some of those things were huge! Keur promises a "safe" read, with no sex, profanity, etc. Do not let that lull you into thinking this is a cozy! It is not!

In this book, there are all sorts of jobs for the SAR team that serves multiple counties. As soon as they find one missing person (not necessarily still breathing), more turn up missing. One rescue is captured on film, hijacked by a couple of groups who twist what was done, and Jessie finds herself and her dogs under a massive attack. Even though I'd already read #6 and knew damned well that Jessie & the dogs came through this, I was terrified! Keur can, and will, get your heart racing.

And now I must address something that I've been avoiding since the beginning of the series. For me, it really came to a head in this book, from the start. Jessie is, without a doubt, a brilliant, creative and dedicated woman, esp. when it comes to SARS and the dogs with whom she works. She will go to any lengths to find the missing, even when it involves police work, which she hates. She thinks outside the box, making connections others don't see. In fact, she has developed new ways of training dogs and gotten some of those accepted. She is amazing. With dogs. With people, not so much. This is particularly true when it comes to Landon, the relatively new sheriff. In her mind, he is power mad, arrogant, and mean. Of course, he is not power mad, but is a good leader and makes needed changes to the Sheriff's Dept. In fact, she largely judges him by his last name, Reid. That's all she needs to know. Guess who is arrogant and mean in this relationship? Jessie herself. Both she and Landon lack interpersonal people skills, esp. one-on-one. She sees it in him, but not in the mirror. In this book he is living with a massive health problem resulting from an earlier attack. She is there to help, but he must do exactly as she says or she reams him out, without giving him a chance to talk. He is lucky to be alive, as she constantly reminds him, but she has no empathy at all for what he is going through and, at times, takes advantage of the fact that he is no longer sheriff, for the time being. Even her father sees the, but she can't. One small example. Landon saw that the multi-county SAR relies totally on Jessie & one other SAR specialist for leadership. If neither one of those two are available for a rescue, the rest of the group. all qualified for SAR, wander around rudderless. He called a meeting, laid out the problem, and got others involved in solving it. Jessie came away furious that he defined and solved the problem before she did, even though he is not trained for SAR. What?? Obviously, after the massive attack on Jessie and her dogs, all bets are off. Trauma is what trauma is. But this isn't a new interpersonal problem. So, while I admire Jessie for what she can, and does, do for missing people, I really don't like her very much; she makes me very angry. And isn't this the sign of a great author, that readers come away with strong emotions toward her characters?

So, read on!

The World of Working Search and Rescue Canines

Step into the world of Mitch and Milo, Acer and Britta, Sumi, Queenie and Oso, and of course little Dutchess. And the amazing human they love, protect, and work for tirelessly, Jessica Anderson. This is book 4 in a series that has amazed me, confounded me, terrified me and ultimately satisfied me. I've learned to love the dogs, each and every one the Anderson family work with. From Jessica's pack to her Dad's, with cats and horses thrown in for good measure. After doing animal rescue volunteering and fostering for 30 years all over the East Coast and the South wherever I lived, I can relate to the dedication and unconditional love between dogs and their humans, and all animals. I very much enjoyed the book, sometimes so heartbreakingly real I'd swear it was nonfiction if I didn't know better. The details and intense action make it hard to put the book down. I read the 4 books in the series in just 5 days. I will probably reread them at some point, they are that good. Hold onto your hat, and dive in! This author is truly gifted.

A terrific series

This was an intriguing story that had a lot of cases that seemed independent at first, but it took the right circ*mstances and people to figure out differently. There was the usual intensity and complexity that every story has, but this book seemed to only have a tentative conclusion to the ongoing problem. Understandably, it's a never ending situation when dealing with drugs &/or cartels, as it seems to be impossible to get rid of them. Hopefully one day it could be a possibility.
I'm not sure I like Jessica's new attitude. It's understandable that her confidence has been shaken, safety compromised, K-9's threatened, etc.., but it's her overall change towards everyone that is getting worse, even toward her family. We'll see how &/or if anything changes in the upcoming stories. Here's hoping!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.

fast paced and addictive

This is my favorite series. If you love dogs (I do), they are the part that gives these books the exact touch of beauty and warmth when humans and animals become partners.

I have a working dog for mobility, so I understand how your soul can become entwined with your dog.

Every human character is flawed in some way, misunderstood and working to heal. You will know Jessie's dogs well. Search and Rescue is a huge part of each story and uncovering killers that lurk nearby.

Jessie is strongly independent and highly skilled. Not the needy princess wanting to be rescued. Landon is law enforcement all the way and does not understand Jessie or her dogs.

Each of these books have several murders. Fast-paced action. Kudos to this author. She is one of the best.

Back with Jessica Anderson and Sheriff Landon Reid as we see Landon continue to heal and recover from his injuries. There’s also the books mystery focus which centers on a several events which appear to be unrelated. There were a couple aspects in the novel that confused me. I understand why the Anderson family was made to have medical POA while Landon was unconscious but I don’t understand why Landon was never made aware of this or actually why no one, including his doctors, talked with him regarding his medical conditions. Lack of communication seems to be a running theme between Landon and several groups of people he interacts with - Anderson’s, his fellow police officers, etc. I always enjoy reading the new installment in this series, it’s intriguing and draws me right in.

I would start with book number one

Well, I have definitely found another favorite author! She’ll fit right in with the rest. I’m really enjoying these books and they mirror most of my own feelings about things. This book has the SAR dogs and their owners doing some of their work in other states, too. I believe that the majority, if not all, of the research done is accurate. That’s a big part of why I like them so much. Dogs are amazing animals and better friends than most humans! The lead character, Jessie, is getting more hard core. The stories are getting more intense. I guess I will have to keep reading them to see how everyone turns out. This is 3 books in 3 days, so I would say I like them alot. Plus, I think this is a series that is better read in order.

Skip this one . Hopefully #5 is back on track.

Of all the Jessica Anderson K-9 Mysteries, this one was too far fetched with too much death and trauma for this small town. Too many disconnects within the chapters. Too many lose ends, too many segways without necessary background. It read like a hastily written, gotta-submit-before-the-deadline-rush-job. All the other novels had depth of characters, while this one had too many characters, especially with the addition of the gang members. The dogs, Jessie's dad, Landon, Dr. Sol, and Tank were spot on, but Jessie's character was slightly off. Maybe Tank will delve deeper into the mind of Jessie in the next novel.

What a ride! So much going on and much of it would be spoilers. Be aware it is tough, exciting, some scary and some humorous. Really like Sol and hope more of him will be in the series. Individually Landon and Jessie face emotional struggles which makes sense with previous difficult cases and injuries. I will hold onto faith Ms. Keur will straighten out Jessie and help Landon with his own stuff. Meanwhile, love the dogs and their work and all the great information Ms. Keur provides about SAR/HRD.

Jessica, dog trainer, deputy, and Landon, Sheriff have a mess on their hands. Missing kids, drugs and murder.

Jessica, dog trainer, special deputy, and Landon, Sheriff have a real mess on their hands. Kids getting hold of drugs and dying. Teens and adults acting strange and running off to die. Little or no clues. Landon recovering from gunshots and beatings. Jessica traumatized by a mob out to kill her and her dogs. How do they come out of it and heal? How do they put the teams back together? As I said a real mess!

A Study of how things affect Landon and Jessica

Landon has not recovered from his head injury and is dipping into depression. He is feeling useless and not good enough for the job.
Jessica’s issues lie in the PTSD from being trapped in Blaine.
The books winds mostly through Landon’s issues, but more problems in searches one after the other bring Jessica to the edge. Jessica and her dogs are trapped in a situation that sets her off. A killing on the courthouse steps causes a pursuit which to me was the best part of this book.

Fast paced, can't put down type of read!

All the characters are complex. I had to reread parts of the prior 2 books to remember some of the backstories. Olie, Jessie, Landon plus of course the K9s, chasing down lost kids, criminals and a dangerous drug cartel in Bitterroot. Red, Tank, Sol, Marty, Remmers, Grant and so many more add dimensions to the stories in this series. I so want to see a breakthrough in both Jessie and Landon, to get close, at least be friends or maybe more. They both seem to need that.

In the backdrop of drug cartel thinking believing they’re settling onto fertile ground to put down roots, and youngsters making headlines the pack is spread thin with Bitterroot’s SAR expansion plan in effect; Landon’s reluctantly decides on changes but changes again with help from an Anderson. Jessie is in the crosshairs of public outrage and danger thanks to a media campaign. Having started this series as a break from my usual genre, it’s become addictive and this reader’s dreading the series end.
Rating: 4.5stars

Continued excellence

This series is excellent. Very glad Jessica's story continues with great cast of characters. The dogs are the stars. From Acer,my favorite mostly,but then Britta is amazing,love Mitch and Milo but Numa is something else too. I have read all four books and will wait for next in series .These books I reread and learn a little more about the great characters. Kudos to author and thank you.

Can't put down!

I have one complaint, the books go too fast. I'm not

t ready to stop reading! The story of Jesse, her family, the sheriff, and the dogs is so intriguing and well written that I get sad when I find myself coming to the end. Can't wait for the next one. I love the way Jesse trains her dogs. I'm on tenterhooks waiting to see what happens. If you enjoy clean books, with prayers thrown in, please treat yourself to this series! Chris to D.L. Keur!!

I wish it wouldn't end

The only bad thing about this book and series is that it has to end. I devour these books, loving the characters and THE DOGS ARE MAGNIFICENT. It is only when I glance down and see I am nearing the end, I feel badly. I would love to know the Anderson family, they are the imperfect, perfect family. My love of Belgian Malinois makes me favor some and yet, it was the drug sniffing older SAR that made the story

I really enjoyed all 4 books

Anyone that realizes the huge potential in dogs will like these books. Jessie is so in touch mentally with the dogs, that she is one of them. The police work is phenomenal. Jesse's PTSD gets in her way but the love and support of her dogs and people who care about her, carry her through. If I could give one piece of advice to the author, don't list the dogs positions so often. Especially at leisure.

I loved the edge of your chair events that rapidly occurred in the blink of an eye or woof of a bark! The connection between the dogs and their partners was so well described and heartwarming. Jessica is the best non-law enforcement K9 handler who dips her toes back into it when compelled. She is a very complex character who represents many women veterans who still struggle today. Got to love her!

another exceptional read!

Jessie, Landon and Oli face new challenges this book. Jessie faces near death experience and the thought of having to lose her precious dogs is life altering for her. Landon must face and except life changing consequences from a previous experience. Death seems to follow the SAR team for what common reason. Again an excellent book with mild grammatical errors. Greatly recommend this series of book!