Standing Watch by Terri Reed

 Standing Watch

Book Summary

To protect an innocent witness…

a K-9 must sniff out a killer.

When K-9 task force officer Zach Kelsey’s estranged wife is attacked at a Mount Rushmore observation deck, he and his K-9, Amber, are quick to come to her rescue. He discovers not only that Eden, a park ranger, is carrying his child, but that she saw her coworker’s murder. As the only witness to the crime, Eden has no choice but to accept Zach’s protection. But with a ruthless killer ramping up his vicious attacks, they must put their differences aside to catch the murderer…before Eden becomes his next target.

Dakota K-9 Unit

Book 1: Chasing a Kidnapper by Laura Scott

Book 2: Deadly Badlands Pursuit by Sharee Stover

Book 3: Standing Watch by Terri Reed

Book 4: Cold Case Peril by Maggie K. Black

Book 5: Tracing Killer Evidence by Jodie Bailey

Book 6:  Threat of Revenge by Jessica R. Patch

My Thoughts

I started reading Standing Watch by Terri Reed before going to bed which turned out to be a mistake.  I found myself reading this compelling tale until the wee hours.  I thought Standing Watch was well-written with developed characters.  I could feel the chemistry and tension between Eden and Zach.  I admit, though, there were times when I wanted to bonk Zach over the head, because he was being so thickheaded over a certain issue. I loved the dogs.  They are sweet and smart.  I am continually impressed by the capabilities of dogs. 

Standing Watch has mystery, suspense, and action (which kept things lively).  Someone was determined to kill Eden and Zach was dedicated to keeping her safe.  The story had layers (it reminded me of an onion where you peel back layer after layer which each one better than the last) which made it more interesting.  Standing Watch is the third book in the Dakota K-9 Unit series.  It can be read independently but reading them sequentially may provide a more cohesive experience. I enjoyed the descriptions of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial.  I was surprised to learn that it is not a national park, but a national memorial managed by the national park service. Standing Watch is an absorbing story with a murdered ranger, an unforeseen surprise, a shielding spouse, a tenacious slayer, and a second chance romance.

Standing Watch is available from Amazon as well as other major retailers.  You can find the other books in the Dakota K-9 Unit series here.  Terri Reed has Texas Christmas Cover-Up coming out October 28.  If you follow Terri Reed on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  I will return on Tuesday, June 3 with Unshaken by Shelley Shepard Gray.  I hope that you have a tranquil weekend.  The heat and humidity are going up my area (Tampa Bay area of Florida).  I sweat walking down the driveway to get the newspaper (yes--we still get a paper copy of the newspaper).  I will be keeping cool in the pool (I am very grateful to Gaius Maecenas for inventing swimming pools). Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.