Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Series: FBI K-9 #7
Published by Kensington Books on November 29, 2022
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Pages: 333
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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A training session in the Minnesota wilderness becomes a fight for survival for FBI handler Meg Jennings and her K-9 partner . . .
Keeping their search-and-rescue skills honed isn’t just a job requirement for FBI Special Agent Meg Jennings and her Labrador, Hawk—it’s essential to saving lives. A water search training weekend in the Boundary Waters area of Minnesota has attracted participants from all levels of law enforcement, each vying to win. The races are challenging, the rivalry is intense, and Meg is already under pressure when Hawk alerts to a scent in the water—and discovers the fresh body of one of Meg’s fellow competitors.
The contest is called off, but Meg’s still feeling the heat. The victim had made an unfounded complaint about her, one that could cost Meg her job and see Hawk removed from her care. The field of suspects is daunting, and all of them are experts in throwing others off the trail. And though Meg’s team flies out to Minnesota to help uncover the truth, they’re on unfamiliar territory, pitted against a killer with the skills, and the motivation, to stay hidden in plain sight .
I’ve enjoyed reading this FBI K-9 series, mostly through the library or KindleUnlimited. It’s one of the better series where the dogs are part of the story and do actual training and work. There is the police work the characters are doing with the dogs. The development of the team and their personal relationships is well done. .
In this adventure, Meg and Brian with their dogs are at training in Minnesota at the Boundary Waters Canoe area. Their partners Todd and Ryan come along for vacation, and also Todd’s two brothers. Having the firefighters along for first aid and support is always a good thing. There are also a competition in tracking.
Things go downhill fast. The competition seems to be rigged. Then the first winner ends up dead. Worse, Meg seems to be the primary suspect. Luckily, Meg has lots of support from both her boss and co-workers and her family and friends. Meg and Brian collect evidence using their dogs to help, and prove Meg is not the killer.
Still Waters was a different sort of story with a main character in trouble, although we knew she wasn’t guilty. I enjoyed the Minnesota setting as I have lived there. I really appreciate the blend of smart police work, the supportive circle of family and friends, the K9 culture and a romance in the foundation. The mystery and investigation are the primary focus but the rest is there in every page. I can’t wait to read more about these beloved characters and their dogs in their next adventure.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 22-COYER
Awwwww! I adore that cover! And the book sounds good too. 😀
This is one of the best K9 series in that it has all the stuff: plots, real dog work, family and friends, romance.
I am intrigued by this one. Thanks for putting it on my radar.
Sure I love all the K9 ones of romantic suspense.
Neat about the setting being MN and the competition. Sounds like a good suspense line, too.
Yes! And the romance is there too.
I’m really looking forward to reading this one! It’s one of my favorite K-9 mystery series. (The humans in it are pretty likable, too.) ;D
yes I think this is one of the better K9 series. It has a bit of everything I enjoy.
I love the Minnesota setting and the dog training contest
Me too. It’s got a bit of everything I really enjoy.
I love the sound of the series. I enjoy K-9 mysteries. It’s KU so that’s a big plus for me.
Well they have all been in KU at some point but I think only some of them are now.
You had to love the Minnesota setting and the dogs! One day I’ll start this series, too. Great review, Anne💜
Thank you Jonetta. It’s a favorite K9 series. It’s not usually in MN; this was a travel book which was fun for me.