cover image The Finders: A Mace Reid K9 Mystery

The Finders: A Mace Reid K9 Mystery

Jeffrey B. Burton. Minotaur, $26.99 (288p) ISBN 978-1-250-24453-6

This suspenseful series launch from Burton (The Chessman) introduces Mason “Mace” Reid, a trainer of cadaver dogs, and his star pupil, golden retriever Vira. The Velvet Choker Killer has haunted the Chicago area for years, until, at the site of his latest crime, Vira attacks and maims Nicky Champine, an apparently innocent bystander, who Mace discovers is the long-wanted murderer. With Champine arrested, it would appear that the killer’s reign of terror is over, but he has an unknown partner who has been murdering people undetected for decades. That partner decides Mace must die. Though Vira plays an integral role in the standard issue serial killer plot, it’s the nicely fleshed out Mace the reader comes to know and root for as he works to escape the killer’s wrath. Burton offers the right balance of humor and seriousness, along with a lead whose love and understanding of dogs will endear him to many, not just dog people. Hopefully, Mace and Vira will be back soon. Agent: Jill Marr, Sandra Dijkstra Literary. (June)