Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
That Others May Live by Sara Driscoll Series: FBI K-9 #8
Published by Kensington Books on November 28, 2023
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Pages: 352
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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FBI handler Meg Jennings and her search-and-rescue K-9 partner, Hawk, race to find survivors after a building collapses, and find that the stakes are higher than ever before.
There are situations that fill even the most seasoned FBI K-9 handlers with shock and horror. Meg Jennings is preparing for another work day when she gets words of a catastrophic scene in downtown Washington, D.C. Part of a twelve-story condo building has collapsed, and the rest of the structure could soon follow. Every search-and-rescue worker and K-9 team is needed on-site immediately to find survivors—and assess the casualties.
Putting aside her fears for her firefighter fiancé, who’s already inside the unstable building, Meg turns to the task at hand. If anyone is still alive within the rubble, she and Hawk, working alongside other K-9 teams, must find them. Every hour, every moment counts—and a wrong move could trigger a deadly chain reaction for those buried beneath. But beyond the present danger is a deeper threat, as evidence indicates that this wasn’t a random tragedy, but an act of domestic terrorism. And identifying the culprit and motivation, in time to stop another attack, means taking on an enemy with terrifying skills—and nothing left to lose.
I’ve loved reading this FBI K-9 series. It’s one of the better ones for realistic work where the dogs are key in the story and do actual training and work. There is the police work the characters are doing with the dogs. The personal relationship of the teams, their friends and family is well developed.
In this investigation, a building has collapsed not 15 minutes from where Meg lives and only a few blocks from the White House. She is there with her K-9 Hawk, not 30 minutes after the collapse to hunt for survivors. Her fiancé, Todd a firefighter and paramedic, is also on shift. While Meg and Hawk search the piles and debris, Todd and his team are inside the part of the building standing to try to get everyone out safely.
The totality of the devastation is heartbreaking to the teams and the dogs who find few live survivors. The work is physically and emotionally exhausting but so important. McCord, the journalist, comes with Meg the first day to the command center. He starts looking at the how / why it collapsed. He gets construction plans and consults a structural engineering expert. This eventually leads to the facts of how destructive false conspiracy theories are.
The realistic details and complexity of the case with police and rescue issues and structural engineering and construction details are amazing. That Others May Live is not focused on romance. There are romantic details and the day to day support of good partnership and support circle of friends and family. The strength of the police procedural with its mystery and strong search and rescue depictions are appreciated.
The time setting is the week before Christmas and Meg is planning her wedding to Todd. So while the event is grim, the excellent characters have heartwarming moments. And the dogs are the best, too.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 23-COYER
This does sound like a good series. Maybe someday.
This series is really worthwhile.
Just looking at the cover makes me want to read the book. Thanks for sharing the review, peaking my interest even more.
Thank you Sherry. This is a really good series. That Others May Live has a real emotional impact in many ways.
I was offered a copy but passed since I only started the first book a while back and I’d have to scramble to catch up to this one being it’s #8 in the series. I would like to read the series, though, especially seeing your praise and Lark’s. It’ll have to go on the TBR for now. 🙂
I’m a big fan of K9 books and this is one of the best series.
I love this series! I’ve read all of them except this latest one, and I have it on hold at my library. I love Meg and Todd and her dog, Hawk. 😀
yes I love them too. This one has a real emotional impact in a variety of ways.
From what you’re saying about it, I definitely want to give it a go, Anne!
It’s a top series if you are wanting to read K9 where the dogs are a key role.
This really does sound like a great K9 book. I would be drawn to how realistic everything is and that the dogs are the focus.
This series is top notch and this one has a gravity and professionalism with the heartwarming care of the responders.
I was not familiar with the series, they all sound good. Great review, Anne!
Thank you! I highly recommend this series and this one especially.
I know a few people who do search and rescue so automatically this appeals to me. I love romantic suspense and this sounds like a series I would really enjoy!
This series is one of the best of the best. I highly recommend it.