From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Elvis Cole and Joe Pike series comes a thrilling novel featuring LAPD K-9 Officer Scott James and his German shepherd, Maggie.Nine months ago, a shocking assault by unidentified men killed Scott James’ partner, Stephanie, nearly killed him, and left him enraged, ashamed, and ready to explode. He is unfit for duty—until he meets his new partner. … duty—until he meets his new partner.
Maggie is not doing so well, either. A German shepherd who survived two tours in Afghanistan sniffing explosives before losing her handler, her PTSD is as bad as Scott’s.
They are each other’s last chance. And they’re about to investigate the one case no one wants them to touch: identifying the men who murdered Stephanie. But what they find could ultimately break them both.
One of Booklist’s 10 Best Crime Fiction Books of the Year
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I love dog POV.
I love the novels by Robert Crais! Initially I thought this was about Joe Pike, and yet, was surprised to find it was not. Surprised but not disappointed in the least. Scott James was a character that just grabs you from the start, and Maggie had my heart from the first few sentences. I knew they belonged together from the start. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey to finding out who the ‘bad guys’ were and the real story. Some books just leave me feeling like I want to hurry to the end to get the answers, but Robert’t writing is so good that I’m in no hurry and take the time to enjoy the story. This one was no different. Looking forward to more installations of Scott and Maggie
LAPD Scott James and partner Stephanie were on night patrol and got caught up in a professional murder. Trying to stop the scene in front of them Stephanie is killed and Scott almost died. In a last chance to go back to the police work he loves he applies for the K-9 unit. Maggie is a German Shepherd — a Marine with two tours in Afghanistan. Her handler was killed and she suffers PTSD. AS Scott and Maggie learn to trust each other and deal with their PTSD Scott wants to find out who shot Stephanie. AS he digs deeper in the case he and Maggie’s lives are both in danger. Very fast paced with profanity. I appreciated the explanation at the conclusion of the book to separate fact from fiction in how K-9 dogs are trained.
After reading some of the reviews, I was skeptical after a friend recommended this book. I LOVED it. Was worried about violence, but even that was tastefully done (as much as it can be).
I’ve read every book Crais has written and love Cole & Pike. This was totally different and I loved it!
Everything Crais writes is worth reading. He never repeats himself, and both the new and continuing characters are fascinating, Always a good story.
One of the best books I’ve read.
AN INTRIGUING LONER AND DOG MYSTERY
Robert Crais’ Suspect is my first novel from this author, but will definitely not be my last. In this novel, the author does a remarkable job of portraying his protagonist, Scott James, a tortured police officer who lost his partner and almost his own life in a shocking nighttime assault. Months later, he emerges from the hospital ashamed, haunted, but more than that, angry the perpetrators had never been caught. But he is unfit for duty—until he meets his newest partner, Maggie. She’s a black and tan German Shepherd service dog, who was wounded in an IED attack and has her own PTSD. Together, they will heal each other and find a way to unravel the crime no one else has been able to solve.
Crais is a master at creating personas, crafting credible POV’s for multiple characters including Maggie, the service dog, making it a joy to savor the narrative from different perspectives. In particular, Scott James is a truly believable and sympathetic character, one I wouldn’t mind meeting again in another novel.
Typical Robert Crais; tightly woven, just the right amount of snark!
Loved the relationship of main character with his police dog – each suffering from PTSD.
A book starring a German Shepherd– what could be better.
Always enjoy what Robert Crais writes.
Don’t start this book if can’t devote the time to it because it’s almost impossible to put down. High energy, unpredictable, immersive.
The best book I have read in years.
Great book with wonderful characters. If you love dogs, this book is for you.
Look Forward To All of His Books
This book is a stand-alone, not part of Robert Crais’ series about PI Elvis Cole. And the main character in Suspect is actually Maggie, a German Shepherd dog. The plot involved Maggie and her human handler Scott overcoming their PTSD together as they work to bring murderers to justice.
Rober Crais highlights Maggie’s perspective as she learns to bond with Scott, and as Scott learns to trust Maggie’s instincts.
The ‘mystery’ is not as important as the characterizations. Nevertheless, the plotline keeps the reader engaged. And even those of us who are cat people learn to respect the abilities of a dog that becomes a K-9 heroine.
One of his best in a long line of great
Nine months earlier, Officer Scott James and his partner witness a murder and are shot. Left for dead, Scott pulls thru, his partner Stephanie dies.
Scott has serious issues, mentally and physically. He refuses to retire and winds up in the K-9 unit with a dog that is as messed up as he is.
The story is how they help each other and solve the shooting.
A bomb sniffing dog and her handler are both compromised so their ability to perform seems to be suspect.
This is a great read for both animal lovers and mystery lovers.
AS usual Robert Crais delivers a page turner that you won’t forget.