FBI handler Meg Jennings and her search-and-rescue K-9 partner are heading south where it’s hunting season. But this time the prey is human. “For dog lovers and action fans. Dogs-in-action junkies will be transported.” —Kirkus Reviews “Fascinating…Fans will look forward to Meg’s further adventures.” —Publishers Weekly One arrow through the heart could be a tragic hunting accident. A second …
One arrow through the heart could be a tragic hunting accident. A second one, within days, looks more like a crime. That’s when Meg Jennings and Brian Foster of the FBI’s Forensic Canine Unit head to Georgia to investigate. With their dogs Hawk and Lacey, Meg and Brian are enlisted to follow the scent of a killer. At first, nothing seems to connect the two victims–a county commissioner and State Patrol officer. But the blood sport around the southern town of Blue Ridge is just beginning.
As the body count rises, the compound bow killer becomes even more elusive, appearing and vanishing like a ghost. However, with each new slaying Meg is beginning to suspect the grim design that’s escalating in the shadows. At its heart, a tragic event that reaches back nearly two centuries in Georgia’s history is now turning Blue Ridge into a hunting ground. But as Meg gets closer to solving the puzzle, the closer she is to stepping into the crosshairs of an elusive murderer with deadly aim, and motives as deep and dark as the woods . . .
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The Trail of Tears and that d**n dam project
FBI dog handler Meg Jennings is back in the 5th book of the FBI K-9 series, this time heading to the state of Georgia with her Black Labrador Hawk chasing a killer who uses a compound bow.
This book in this exciting series brings in elements of the Cherokees and the Trail of Tears and also of a proposed dam project for power production and flood control that someone in Georgia is willing to kill for to keep from happening.
This is one of my favorites of the series to date. I love Meg, Hawk, and all the other K-9 handlers and their dogs especially Brian and Lacey, who usually work as Meg and Hawk’s partners.
There’s lots of action in this installment and lots of Native American history. I highly recommend this book and this entire series.
I am now off to read book six in the series UNDER PRESSURE.
Leave No Trace is volume 5 in the 6 volume FBI K9 novel series and the third volume that I’ve read so far. The first volume that I read was Lone Wolf, which was the first book in the series, followed by Storm Rising, book three in the series. I missed books two and four, but I will read them too soon. For authors of FBI K9 thriller, Sara Driscoll has made it to the number 2 spot on my favorite list. Sara Driscoll is the pen name of two authors – Jen J. Danna and Ann Vanderlaan – who coauthor these roller coaster thrill rides. They also coauthor the Abbott and Lowel Forensic Mysteries,
Like with all the successful thriller series, the main characters remain the same from book to book, with the relationships between characters evolving from book to book. Although the major story lines are thrilling by themselves and change from book to book, it’s the evolving personal relationships that keep the reader coming back for more as much as the fresh adventures they become engaged in.
In Leave No Trace, Meg Jennings and her K9 partner, Hawk, pursue a serial killer whose choice of weapon is the compound bow. A few times during that pursuit, Meg and Hawk find themselves in danger of being killed, when they encounter a bear with her cubs, when she falls into a freezing cold river and nearly drowns, in an encounter with a rattlesnake, and then in an encounter with a pack of hungry coyotes. We all know that Meg and Hawk will get their man, or in this case, their woman. How they do that will be a mind blower. Well, at least I didn’t picture it happening the way it happened. The ending is sheer dynamite. If you enjoy a page turning K9 thriller with a moving personal element, you must read this book.
I love all the books in the K-9 F.B.I. series. They keep me on the edge of my seat!
Leave No Trace by Sara Driscoll is the first book that I’ve read in the F.B.I. K-9 Novels, but the way that Driscoll includes bits of previous books, I never felt lost. It’s always nice to be able to jump into a series like that, but with most series it really is better to start at the beginning if you can!
This was heavy on suspense and light on the mystery, so if you enjoy books with continuous action, you’ll want to check out Leave No Trace. I really enjoyed the non-stop action, but if I stopped to think about some of the situations that Meg and Brian rush into without back-up, guides that know the area, or better communication systems, I don’t think I would get as much enjoyment from the story. If you are someone with a law enforcement background, you should keep this in mind when you delve into the book.
I enjoyed the descriptions of Georgia’s gorgeous countryside and some of the history that Driscoll included at the beginning of the chapters, as well as in the story. The characters were well developed… I would hope so since this is book five in the series. 😉
And as far as the mystery went, there were not a lot of clues since Meg and Brian were continually rushing from one scene to the next and then finding themselves in some sort of danger. But I was fine with that since I feel this is more of a suspense novel. The conclusion did feel like it kind of came out left field. But, once again, I didn’t mind because I enjoyed who the killer turned out to be.
I enjoyed Leave No Trace and would read more in the series.
Enjoyed every bit of the whole book. Great writing and I look forward to more from Ms.Driscoll!
As a dog lover, the book held my attention. Good book with lots of action.
I loved this fabulous fifth in the FBI K-9 series! It is one in which I could say that I could not wait to see what would happen next, yet I did not want it to end. There is a good balance between the professional lives of the primary characters and their personal lives, although I missed seeing Cara this time. This could be read as a standalone, as there is sufficient backstory included. The reader sees the reality of what K-9 handlers and their dogs regularly face. I appreciate that, in each novel, I learn new things. This time, I learned a thumbnail about the hydroelectric power system of the TVA, the history of the Native Americans in the area, and the various equipment used in bow hunting. Tracking the killer in this novel brought the handlers and K-9’s through harsh elements and horrifying situations.
Meg and her K-9, Hawk, have been together for four years, and are in many ways closer than Meg and her firefighting boyfriend, Todd. Brian is the same way with his K-9, Lacey. I continue to learn the routines they go through to keep their dogs safe when on a search. The threat of loss of their dogs is one that neither could face; Meg knows firsthand the horror of losing a K-9 partner on the job.
The current case sends them into Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina to find the expert archer. They are first called to the case of a state police officer killed with a special-order arrow designed for maximum effectiveness. It is the second such murder in a few days, so the local FBI called in the scent tracking dogs. By the time Meg and Brian arrived, the archer would have a six-hour head start. They could track the person, but only until the archer got into a waiting vehicle and left. They determined that the bad guy is an expert shooter based on the distance from the victim the arrow was shot and equipment used. Neither of the men killed, however, seemed to have a connection with the other. Then the third one is found, across state lines in Tennessee.
The risks have not been higher for Meg, Brian, and their K-9 partners. The archer is so good that, if they were shot at, they would never know until hit, but wouldn’t survive the shot to realize it. They face dangers from the shooter, from the dangerous places they are chasing through, and the rugged wilderness elements.
The characters are very well defined through their actions, conversations, and for Meg, her thoughts. Their survival, and that of their beloved dogs, is at stake like never before, requiring them to draw on some of the training they hoped to never have to use. It is a breathtaking chase to the finish, one not soon forgotten. Finding whodunit was a huge challenge; plot twists keep the story moving quickly. The end is satisfactory in every way, and all loose ends are tied up. I highly recommend this to those who appreciate well-written mysteries, K-9’s and their handlers and the kinds of searches they are called on to find the evidence to solve.
Leave No Trace is the fifth in the F.B.I. K-9 series but can be read alone without any problems. FBI agents Meg Jennings and Brian Foster along with their search dogs Hawk and Lacey, are called down into Georgia on a murder case when the the suspect is a dead shot archer. Taking on the wilderness, Meg and Brian face down bears and river rapids to stop a killer in the action packed thriller that has the pages flying by wondering what can possibly happen next. The whodunit leaves you guessing until the end as the story just keeps getting better with unexpected twists and turns. Full of danger and excitement, the story does not disappoint mystery and thriller readers for a enjoyably, wild ride. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.
Leave No Trace is another suspenseful mystery that is a page turner to the end. The FBI’s K-9 team members Meg Jennings and her dog, Hawk, along with Brian Foster and his dog, Lacey, leave DC to head to Blue Ridge, Georgia where someone has killed two people with a compound hunting bow, the last one being a Georgia State Patrol officer. The dogs use their human scent abilities to track people, sometimes killers and sometimes victims. Blue Ridge is in the mountains near the Tennessee and North Carolina borders so the terrain is wild, dangerous and hazardous for chasing someone in unknown territory. Teaming up with local law enforcement, the FBI investigates a large pool of suspects and hunters/archery champions with the idea that someone is targeting officials involved in a new dam project that would flood the valley and take away the land owned by many people. Complicating things, a Native American group in North Carolina is suing to recover the same land once owned by them before the infamous Trail of Tears that marched Native Americans to Oklahoma.
This story is a great addition to the series where we have seen different scenarios where the dogs and their handlers have saved lives and solved crimes. The connection between the humans and dogs is a close one that is fascinating and touching. Expect suspense, danger, and need for survival techniques.
I received a complimentary ARC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
Great characters and interesting and edge-of-your-seat storyline make this book hard to put down. Highly recommend.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.
I received a free electronic copy of this police procedural novel from Goodreads as a Kindle Giveaway, Sara Driscoll, and publisher Kensington Books. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this novel of my own volition and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. Sara Driscoll writes a fast-paced exciting tale that keeps you reading right into tomorrow.
This story takes place in that bit of country where North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee are within shouting distance of one another. Lots of rain, small sleepy towns, winding, mountainous roads, the spell of the Blue Ridge – southern living at it’s best. And we tromp over a great deal of it with FBI’s Human Scent Evidence Team, Meg Jennings and her black lab Hawk and her other work partner Brian Foster with his German Shepherd Lacey. Add in their personal partners, bosses, and their brotherhood of other working dog teams and you have a Southern ‘passel’ of trouble.
But you would have to go a long way to outsmart both Meg and Hawk and with the help of Brian and Lacey, they will get their man. Or will they?
LEAVE NO TRACE…
…SARA..Driscoll
Two deaths in the state with the hands of a bowhunter during turkey season, is no accident. To reach the target.at that distance the archer had serious skills. As Meg with her dog Hawk trek thru the mountains he stops alerting her to danger Two cubs and a mother bear, would the bear spray stop her.
Meg and Brian had been together for three years, continue on the scent and trail through the mountains, meeting other precarious situations..
Good flowing story with their K-9 dogs, and a little bit about their lives, make these a nice enjoyable stories to read.
Given ARC. by Net Galley and Kensington for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
What a wonderful addition to the F.B.I. K-9 series! Former police sniper Meg Jennings works for the F.B.I. with her search and rescue K-9 Hawk. They along with her partner Brian Foster and his K-9 Lacey are on the search for a serial killer. The killer is a bowhunter and kills with precision from a great distance. A proposed dam will take over much of the land and homes in the area. Are the people who are losing their homes willing to do almost anything to stop the dam from being built…including murder? The author seamlessly blends Meg’s personal life with firefighter and paramedic Lt. Todd Webb with her dedication to her job. The description and history of the area along with the suspense as Meg & Brian chase after the killer kept me turning the pages. When the killer targets Meg, will she and Hawk be able to battle nature and survive? A fast-paced thrill ride from beginning to end! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
Leave No Trace by Sara Driscoll
FBI K-9 #5
Gripping, action-packed, who done it that I thoroughly enjoyed. Every book in this series has been a winner!
What I liked:
* Meg Jennings: FBI K-9 handler an ex-sniper, strong, intelligent, physically fit, great partner to humans, canines and her human partner. I really like her and her relationship with Hawk, Todd, Brian and the rest of the team
* Hawk: Meg’s K-9 partner is a super-dog black Labrador with a huge personality and the heart of a lion.
* Todd Webb: fireman, paramedic, and Meg’s boyfriend – a wonderful person and book boyfriend perfect for Meg.
* Brian Foster and his K-9 partner Lacey: really like them together and as people. The strong friendship between Brian and Meg is priceless.
* The plot, writing, and setting of the story
* The police procedural aspects of finding who the serial killer was and what the impetus for the murders was
* Learning new tidbits of history and other facts that were presented in epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter
* The twists and turns that kept me guessing
* The last chapter…
* Clay McCord: newspaper reporter, friend, boyfriend to Meg’s sister Cara
* Torres: FBI agent on the case that Meg and Brian were called to. He had to face local prejudice and did so unflinchingly
* All of it really except…
What I didn’t like:
* The murderer…twisted mind for sure
* Being reminded of the Trail of Tears and how badly the Cherokees were treated…along with the many other Native Americans.
* Having to wait for the next book.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Leave No Trace is the fifth book in the series, I have loved the previous books. I will say that this was a much slower read for me than the previous books have been. I do enjoy the chemistry between Meg and Brian, even without any type of romantic intensity. Although it wasn’t my favorite book of the series, I would still recommend it to others.
I received a ARC from NetGalley and Kensington and am under no obligation to leave a favorable review, all opinions expressed here are my own.
New book in the Meg Jennings FBI K9 series. I had not read priors but will be going back now to read them. I totally enjoyed this story well done and believable situations.I received an advance copy of this book via Net Galley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sara Driscoll’s fifth book in her F.B.I. K-9 series, Leave No Trace, is a blockbuster. Lead character Meg Jennings of the FBI Canine Unit and her partner black Labrador Retriever Hawk face many perils as they and their team members must find a serial killer. As I was reading I started to believe that Meg must have been a cat in a previous life as she defied death numerous times in this story. I liked how determined Meg and Hawk, as well as team member Brian Foster and his K-9 partner Lacey were to track down the killer. This was a really tough case for them. There’s lots of action and suspense in this story to keep readers turning the pages until the end.
I haven’t read any of the previous books in this series and it sounded really interesting. It’s a light and quick book. I thought the dog parts were interesting. At times I thought it was a bit wordy but I still enjoyed the book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy
This story line is like a fast ride— it will leave you breathless. A bowhunter killer is on the loose in the Blue Ridge Mountains, so Meg Jennings and Brian Foster are on the trail ,armed with bear spray and their search and rescue dogs. I like the extra bits of knowledge inserted in the story, whether it concerns history or arrows. The danger and adventure begins with animal attack and races on from there.
The history of the Trail of Tears and Death is discussed, as well as having Cherokee lore heading each chapter. That was a brutal period in US history, and Driscoll addresses it well. This is a good read.
I always review the books I enjoy.
I am thankful to Sara Driscoll and NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book.
This is the fifth book in this series about FBI handlers Meg and Brian with the Search and Rescue dogs Haw and Lacey. It was a good book slower than the others in the series but still enjoyable to read. In this one they went to Georgia to investigate killings made with arrows. As the story advances so to do the killings. A realistic story can be read alone or as a series. look forward to the next one.