Reckless Creed by Alex Kava

◊ Reckless Creed by Alex Kava

◊ Series: A Ryder Creed Novel, Book #3

◊ Narrator: Graham Winton

◊ Audible Audio Edition

◊ Listening Length: 7 hours and 1 minutes

◊ Program Type: Audiobook

◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: Recorded Books

◊ Release Date: September 27, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ASIN: BO1K25LOV6

◊ ISBN-10: 1445055856

◊ ISBN-13: 978-1445055855

SYNOPSIS:

In the new edge-of-your-seat thriller from New York Times best-selling author Alex Kava, Ryder Creed, his K-9 search-and-rescue dogs, and FBI agent Maggie O'Dell find themselves at the center of a dire and mysterious case.

In Chicago a young man jumps from his 30th-story hotel room; along the Missouri River, a hunter and his son stumble upon a lake whose surface is littered with snow geese, all of them dead; and in Southern Alabama, Ryder Creed and his search-and-rescue dog, Grace, find the body of a young woman who went missing in the Conecuh National Forest, and it appears she filled her pockets with rocks and walked into the river.

Before long Ryder Creed and FBI profiler Maggie O'Dell will discover the ominous connection among these mysterious deaths. What they find may be the most prolific killer the United States has ever known.

Author Alex Kava takes a highly plausible threat and explodes it into a hold-your-breath new thriller.

Narrator Graham Winton does an excellent job bringing the story to life through his powerful vocals. Winton captures the emotions and tension of the characters. His tones and timing enhance the story.

The story moves back and forth from several locations setting up a timeline. The events unfold from the viewpoint of several characters giving a well-balanced look at the events. The story moves at a steady pace and holds your attention as you put the pieces together.

The characters are well-developed and likable. The core cast of characters continues to evolve giving returning fans a little extra.

RECKLESS CREED is the third installment in the Ryder Creed series but can be read/listened to on its own. There is enough background to help new readers/listeners understand what’s going on. But be aware the background bits may just be enough to peak your interest to check out the first two books (which I highly recommend).

This tantalizing tale will grip your heart and mind as the author explores possible threats man could face. The rush to find answers will have you on the edge of your seat. The results may have you rethinking how you connect with anyone who is sick.

Kava once again gives the dogs of this series their own just recognition. She explores how unwanted dogs can become heroes and how the bond with a canine can make a difference in a person’s life. If you’re an animal lover, you will appreciate the author’s compassion for dogs that shines through her writing.

Pitting man and canine against unknown hazardous, Kava has crafted a thriller to keep you ponder the possibilities for days. Some may not like how the story ends, while the case is solved you’re still left wondering what is coming next.

Reckless Creed by Alex Kava, A Ryder Creed Novel (Book #3), Narrated by Graham Winton, Recorded Books, @2016, ISBN: 978-1445055855, Unabridged, Audible Audio Edition, Run Time: 7 Hours and 1 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks for stopping by today. Hope I’ve enticed you to check out this book and series. If you’re not an audio listener, the book is available in print and eBook formats. Have you ever been involved in the training of dogs that work with police? Have you heard of dogs that can smell different diseases in humans?

Silent Creed by Alex Kava

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Search and rescue dogs play such a vital role in our society and author Alex Kava gives us a view of just how those capable animals operate in her Ryder Creek novels.

In her latest release, SILENT CREED, Kava explores how man and animal function when on a mission to a devastating mudslide. She combines the working aspects of a search and rescue unit with mystery, murder and intrigue.

Narrator Graham Winton is put through the paces with the various characters he brings to life. His mannerisms and cadence make each character a unique individual. He projects the varying emotions of the story with great strength.

Called to North Carolina due to a disastrous mudslide, Ryder Creed and his search and rescue dog Bolo are faced with perils of their own. The continuing rain makes the area unstable, hazardous waste brought in by the slide blankets the area, and debris of all types makes it precarious for man and dog to work. However, it’s the top-secret government research facility Creed was brought in to locate that poses the most danger without their knowledge.

When the body of a scientist from the facility is discovered, they realize the mudslide isn’t the only killer. The scientist had been killed by a gunshot to the head. FBI Agent Maggie O’Dell is called in to investigate, but isn’t given all the details she needs to know. Having worked together before, Creed and O’Dell begin to put the pieces together. Working their way through secrets, lies, more murder victims and decades-old medical experiments, they discover some people will go to great lengths to keep the truth buried. 

SILENT CREED is an adrenaline-fueled mystery that captures your attention and never lets go. The pace is quick and action-packed. With mishaps for man and dog, listeners/readers will be holding their breath as the story unfolds. Tensions mount as nature and man battle to do harm.

The author has created likable, well-developed characters listeners/readers will enjoy. Combining protagonist from two of her series, Kava seamlessly blends the two together making a dramatic team. Through her rich descriptions she also gives voice to the talented dogs and the invaluable role they play. 

Dealing with a plausible disaster situation, Kava places the listener/reader in the muck and mud alongside her characters through detailed accounts. The nature elements of the story play out as a secondary character adding depth to the circumstances. 

While this is the second installment in the Ryder Creed novels, SILENT CREED can be read on its own. Also, no prior knowledge of the Maggie O’Dell character is necessary to enjoy this book. However, don’t be surprised if after reading this you’re hooked and have to checkout prior stories.

Being a dog or animal lover is not a necessity to enjoy this novel. Packed with murder, mystery, a touch of romance, and lots of edge-of-your-seat anxiety, this is one novel you don’t want to miss.

Silent Creed by Alex Kava, A Ryder Creed Novel (Book #2), Narrated by Graham Winton, Recorded Books, @2015, ISBN: 978-1490631110, Unabridged, 6 Discs, Run Time: 7.25 Hours 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Breaking Creed by Alex Kava

Author Alex Kava’s love of animals, especially dogs, comes through in her latest thriller, BREAKING CREED.

You don’t have to be an animal lover to enjoy the intrigue in this first installment of Kava’s new series, A Ryder Creed Novel.

Narrator Graham Winton does an excellent job giving distinct voice to each of the characters. His cadence and pace enhances the characters’ emotions and tone of the story.

Ryder Creed, a K9 search-and-rescue dog trainer, has gained national attendance after he and his dogs helped in several major drug busts. When Creed and one of his dogs are called to search a commercial fishing vessel, the illegal cargo they discover is unexpected – young children being smuggled.

Days later working an airport detail looking for drugs, Creed finds himself helping a young girl who is being used by the cartel as a drug mule.

Meanwhile, FBI Agent Maggie O’Dell is dealing with a series of brutal murders that are leading to the drug cartel. As her investigation continues, it leads her to Creed and his discoveries. They have to work fast to discover who is giving the orders before everyone close to Creed is eliminated.

Kava masterfully blends the two stories together for an action-packed conclusion. She takes listeners/readers on a trip to various locations and places them in the center of the action.

The characters are realistic likable and well-developed. They are given strengths and weakness that listeners/readers can related to. The dogs are a vivid part of the story with unique personalities of their own.

The story flows smooth and at a quick pace that will hold you spellbound until the end. With twists and turns, this thriller is suspended yet blended with a good mix of humor and a touch of romance for a well-balanced story.

BREAKING CREED is the beginning of a fascinating new series that takes suspense to a new level.

Breaking Creed by Alex Kava, A Ryder Creed Novel Book #1, Narrated by Graham Winton, Recorded Books, @2015, ISBN: 978-1490630731, Unabridged, 6 Discs, Run Time: 7 Hours 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

On a personal note, I found the author’s message at the end both heartbreaking and inspiring. Alex’s own dog, Scout, was by her side as she wrote this story, but passed away shortly afterwards. She has included a Scout in the series that promises to be a spitfire carrying on the spirit of her faithful companion.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Have you ever had any dealings with search-and-rescue dogs? What about other service animals?

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