The Lost: A Mace Reid K-9 Mystery

In Burton’s enjoyable third Mace Reid K-9 mystery (after 2021’s The Keepers), cadaver dog trainer Mace is called to the estate of Kenneth and Calley Druckman on the west side of Lake Michigan, where criminals have apparently broken into their home and stolen jewelry worth a small fortune. In addition, Calley and their five-year-old daughter are missing, presumed kidnapped. Mace’s golden retriever, Vira, is tasked with following footprints at the scene believed to belong to the robbers. But Vira keeps returning to the Druckman mansion, leading Mace to suspect that Kenneth may be involved in the crimes. When the battered body of Calley is found nearby, Kenneth’s precarious house of cards begins to collapse. Mace, Vira, and Chicago police detective Kippy Gimm, Mace’s sweetheart, race to find the truth before someone else is murdered. Once again, Vira displays her unerring ability to sniff out the guilty party and fearlessly defends her humans, though some series fans may grumble that Vira plays a less central role than usual. Even so, the sufficiently complicated plot will keep readers turning the pages. Dog lovers are in for a treat. Agent: Jill Marr, Sandra Dijkstra Literary. (June)