My thanks to Net Galley for inviting me to read my second book in this series.

Mace Reid, owner of an agency that uses cadaver dogs to assist the police, and Officer Kippy Gimm are back again in this tale of a public figures murder, corruption, racketeering, mob hits., and of course, delightful dogs.

Enjoyed this very much. Quick, easy , read, well developed protagonists, and the focus on the dogs. Unique and different read!

I read the first book in this series, The Finders, when it was available in 2020 and had a few reservations but was looking forward to reading the second. Now I've done that and have made the decision not to continue any further in the series. I said in my review of the first book that it looked as if the author was going to try to give the dog Vira an unusual ability and I hoped that would not happen. Unfortunately it has happened and the book has veered off into an area I'm not interested in. Also, this second book has one of the dogs in this pack sustaining a significant injury during the investigation; I was uncomfortable with that situation in the first book and was very unhappy to see that type of situation repeated in the second book as well.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press Minotaur Books for an e-galley of this novel.

In this stunning sequel to The Finders, Mace Reid must use his pack of dogs to aid in another murder. Diving into a world of mobsters, police corruption, and multiple plots, Mace may not make it out alive.

I hardcore love the breakdown of sections in this novel. It keeps it fresh and interesting rather than droning on. This was an interesting murder mystery thriller that kept me on my toes till the last chapter. And for newcomers reading this first, there is enough background knowledge that there isn't an extreme need to read the first book, other than to meet one of the most important dogs.

We see more of a relationship growth between Mace and Kippy and it's completely adorable but doesn't draw attention away from the main plot. It's more of showing how their experiences bring them closer and friends and potentially more.

Overall a great read. And made me a little bit teary eyed.

I love all the characters in these books, including and especially the dogs. Vira, Sue, Maggie May and Delta Dawn are joined by a newbie, soon-to-be-trained cadaver dog Billie. I hope we get to see more of Billie in future books, as he’s just a puppy in this one and not in on the action.

I really love how fast-paced this is, and even though you are told early on who the killer is, you’re still on the edge of your seat to see what will happen. Mace and Kippy and Wabs are the human dream team, with Mace’s dogs rounding out the unit.

Loyal dogs, mafia, corrupt cops and those even higher on their payroll - it all leads to an explosive finale!
If you like thrillers, dogs, and/or David Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter books, then you need to check out this series!

Special Thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press/Minotaur Books, and Jeffrey Burton.
I read this as an advanced readers copy in exchange for an unbiased review.

While this is the second in the series, The Keepers can be read as a standalone story. Only after reading did I discover it was a sequel. Mace Reid keeps and trains cadaver dogs, that is dogs used to sniff human remains in adverse circumstances. Not only are they 'police' dogs, he calls them his kids.

The story has a good plot, heartwarming moments, shocking suspense moments, and even laugh out loud moments. It was a bit far fetched in thinking a deep rooted mob could be taken down or out by shedding light on corruption, but it was a truly enjoyable read.
Now to go back and read the first in the series, "The Finders."

Book 2 in the series and this one is just as entertaining. With Chicago and it’s dirty politics as its backdrop, Mace Reid and his trusty ‘kids’ get pulled into the mysterious death of a famous rockstar. That death leads to a bigger conspiracy and multiple death, which Mace and his cop friend Kippy work to solve.

You don’t need to have read book 1 to enjoy this book but it will provide context that can be helpful. This is a faster paced mystery and Burton’s style of injecting quips and sarcasm throughout the book make it a fun read.

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martins Press for the arc.

3.5 stars

In this second book in the 'Mace Reid K-9 Mystery Series', cadaver dog trainer Mace Reid gets involved in a dangerous case. The novel works fine as a standalone.

*****

Chicago resident Mason Reid (Mace) trains cadaver dogs to search for human remains. Most of Mace's work involves helping the Chicago Police Department or local sheriffs' departments look for missing people who are presumed dead.

Mace's most accomplished cadaver dog is a golden retriever named Vira, who "takes the art of human remains detection to the next level.....the Sherlock Holmes level." When Vira visits a crime scene she attempts to "perform some kind of forensic analysis on the various smells and odors - the scent DNA - and decipher their meaning." In other words, Vira can eke out the smell of the murderer, and when she's successful, has a kind of shaking seizure. For the most part, Mace keeps Vira's ability secret, knowing people will scoff at him.

Mace's other cadaver dogs are German shepherd Sue; collies Delta Dawn and Maggie May; and newbie bloodhound Bill, a puppy who's learning the ropes. Bill is cute, but he seeks out the stinkiest gunk to roll around in - like squirrel poop and old puke - and has his own private 'car wash.'

As the story opens, Mace and his golden retriever Vira are called to the apartment of an aging rock star named Jonny Whiting, whose head has been bashed in with a guitar. Vira does her Sherlock Holmes thing, and Mace and Vira help Officer Kippy Gimm and her partner Officer Dave Wabiszewki (Wabs) solve the case. Mace and Kippy have a social relationship as well, but they're 'just friends'.....to Mace's regret. 😏

After nabbing the Whiting murderer, Mace, Vira, Kippy, and Wabs get involved in another case. This one focuses on the murder of Special Prosecutor Peter Feist, who's been trying to root out corruption in Chicago. The Feist inquiry has tendrils that extend to Chicago mobsters and nefarious government officials, which makes things VERY dangerous for the investigative team.

The bad guys are exceptionally capable foes, and there's plenty of intrigue and action in the book.

On the lighter side, the death and destruction are occasionally lightened by Mace's humorous quips, which add a fun element to the story.

I enjoyed this entertaining thriller, and look forward to future books in the series.

Thanks to Netgalley, Jeffrey Burton, and Minotaur Books for a copy of the book.

This is the second book in the Mace Reid K-9 series. He works with and trains cadaver dogs which helps to make the storyline interesting. The author has an engaging writing style and keeps the readers attention making it a fairly quick read. This book can stand alone, but I recommend reading the first one to get a more complete background on the main characters. If you are a mystery/crime fan and looking for a new author the this is it.

I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon and my nonfiction book review blog. I also posted it to my Facebook page.

I was happy to read the first book in this series, and thrilled to read the second.

Mason “Mace” Reid lives on the outskirts of Chicago and specializes in human remains detection—that is, he trains dogs to hunt for dead bodies. He calls his pack of cadaver dogs The Finders, and his prize pupil is a golden retriever named Vira. When Mace Reid and Vira are called in to search Washington Park at three o'clock in the morning, what they find has them running for their very lives. The trail of murder and mayhem Mace and CPD Officer Kippy Gimm have been following leads them to uncover treachery and corruption at the highest level, and their discoveries do not bode well for them . . . nor for the Windy City itself. The Keepers is an exciting, fast-paced mystery filled with courageous dogs you'll want to root for.

Jeffrey B. Burton has created a very likable cast of characters, human and canine. I'm hoping for more books in this series. Go, Vira!!!!

Thoroughly enjoyable novel. Mace and Viri are part of my best loved characters. The menagerie that Mace keeps are all beloved friends now. Kippy is an excellent addition to the family. I can't wait for the next book in this series.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This story is 2nd book in the continuing saga of Mason Reid and his pack of wonderful cadaver sniffing dogs- Maggie May, Delta Dawn, Sue and Vera. I enjoyed this book even more than the first (BTW- this story stands on its own, you don’t have the first novel “ Keepers” to enjoy this one). This time Mason, and Officer Kippy Gimm and the dogs get entangled with a killing and a coverup that involves the Chicago mob and high ranking city officials. I found the story to be heart pounding in some places and endearing in others. Mace and his brilliant brave dogs have special place in my heart. Can wait to read the next installment

Spoiler below-
I would add that in the era of rampant fake news ( I am seriously amazed at what people will believe despite all evidence to the contrary) that the story wrapped up a little bit too neatly in the end. I think that there would have been some doubt cast that the evidence, no matter how well documented, Mace and Kippy presented wouldn’t be believed in some circles, and Calum would have escaped in the end.

The Keepers by Jeffrey B. Burton
If you are a dog person you will love this book but be aware that there may be things that will give you issues. Mason Reid and the kids are back. The kids being a Golden Retriever, two Collies, a German Shepard, and a bloodhound pup. Mason is a human remains detection specialist or the parent of the human remains detecting pooches. The team gets caught up in Chicago corruption.
The author depicts extraordinary talents in the dogs. He also clearly shows the level of commitment that dogs give to their human parents. Love, loyalty, and bravery are not strictly human traits. The dogs show those traits in spades. Mason is still yearning Kippy.
This was an excellent second book and it did justice to the dogs and human characters.
I really enjoyed the book and recommend it.

An easy to read thriller which is the second installment of the Mace Reid cadaver sniffing dog books. Since I am a dog lover I enjoyed it immensely. The story involves Mace and his dogs finding a body which ends up being covered up by certain people which I will not name.

Dogs and the guy who loves them! Even better, dogs that are specially trained and talented and the guy who gives back to them, defends them and is downright likable to boot!

THE KEEPERS by Jeffery B. Burton is part mystery, part human-animal relationship and devotion and completely entertaining! Moments of humor, moments of heartbreak and moments that shine through make this murder mystery one fantastic read! The main character has his issues, but the dogs steal the show as they prove that they truly are man’s best friend and excellent sleuths, too. Mace is kind of a loner, but Vira, his almost magical pup is proof that dogs are smarter than we give them credit for.

A wonderful read with a great mystery, animal heroics and dogs!

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Minotaur Books! This is my honest and voluntary review.

Macon Reid trains Human Remains detection dogs and aids the Chicago PD on several cases. His calls his pack of dogs the finders. One of his dogs Vera a golden retriever has a special talent she can detect people involved in crime by their scent which she alerts Macon to. This book is the second in this series and more graphics then the first.

The idea of a exposing a deeply corrupt administration in the City of Chicago has its appeal, and to have lovable and loyal dogs being a big part of that is even more appealing. That these same corrupt officials, the Police Superintendent and the Mayor, would be as stupid as they appear to be in the novel was a stretch. Wily criminals who create deep corruption leave multiple escape doors for themselves. They don't do things to cops in the mayor's office. But the heart of the story is right on target.
And when I mention heart, the appeal of Jeffrey B. Burton's novels is the dogs. Dog lovers relate to this approach to a story. As a dog lover myself I was completely unprepared for the racism and homophobia in this novel. Using slurs against minorities, and repeatedly doing so, is for novelists of lesser integrity and books with less heart. I can't imagine why the author thinks they are appropriate here. I don't know him, but I hope they do not reflect his own attitudes. He's lost me as a reader for this reason. I strongly suggest the words are excised before the book goes to print.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

I love this series and this installment was very interesting. I was turning pages and did not want to stop. I loved the wit sprinkled in, along with the suspense. The plot was very well written and I recommend.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Corruption in Chicago reaches the highest ranks in The Keepers, the 2nd in Jeffrey B. Burton's Mace Reid K-9 series. Law enforcement often calls on Mace's pack of dogs who are trained in humnan remains detection. His Golden, Vira, has a special talent as well. Not only can she find human remains, she can also identify the culprit. When she has a reaction to local dignitaries, things get scary fast.

I am a huge fan of Burton's writing style. Fast paced and incredibly suspenseful. Makes it tough to put down the book. Just one more chapter... I had problems deciding between a 4* and 5* rating. Ultimately I went with 4* because even in fiction, dogs should not be that badly hurt!

Author : Jeffrey B. Burton
The Keepers: A Mystery (Mace Reid K-9 Mystery Book 2)
5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Description:
Jeffrey B. Burton's The Keepers is the next installment of the Mace Reid K-9 series, featuring golden retriever cadaver dog Vira and her handler, Mason Reid. Mason “Mace” Reid lives on the outskirts of Chicago and specializes in human remains detection—that is, he trains dogs to hunt for dead bodies. He calls his pack of cadaver dogs The Finders, and his prize pupil is a golden retriever named Vira. When Mace Reid and Vira are called in to search Washington Park at three o'clock in the morning, what they find has them running for their very lives. The trail of murder and mayhem Mace and CPD Officer Kippy Gimm have been following leads them to uncover treachery and corruption at the highest level, and their discoveries do not bode well for them . . . nor for the Windy City itself. The Keepers is an exciting, fast-paced mystery filled with courageous dogs you'll want to root for.
🐾MY REVIEW🐾
I was so excited when I got the email asking me to read and review The Keepers. I read book 1 back on May of last year and loved it. Jeffrey B. Burton keeps you glued to this story from the first page to the last! Such an excellent book. The author also starts out the book with a whole lot of action and does not let up throughout the entire book. It grabbed me right away and kept me interested to the end. He created a believable storyline and realistic characters. I felt satisfied by the ending of the book as well. It was the perfect length - not too long and not too short. His books are very exciting and the characters are like ordinary people which i love. This is a well written, story that I gladly recommend for others to read.
*******Disclosure*******
I just want to say Thank you to author, publisher, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this 5 star story . I truly appreciate it! I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.
*************************
#NetGalley
#JeffreyBBurton
#TheKeepers #MaceReidK9Mystery

Review of Uncorrected Digital Galley

The Finders are Mason Reid’s cadaver dogs and golden retriever Vira is the prize pupil who has a surprising, unique skill. When Mace and Vira search Chicago’s Washington Park in the wee hours of the morning, they find much more than the body they’d anticipated they would locate.

Now their lives are in jeopardy and the corrupted trail of murder and mayhem leads them through the city to an unexpected source that threatens Mace, the dogs, his police department friends, and the Windy City itself. As surprising revelations place Mace and the dogs in danger, will they find a way to make things right without sacrificing themselves?

Second in the Mace Reid K-9 mystery series, “The Keepers” is a solid addition to the series that also works well as a stand-alone. Filled with well-developed, realistic characters and a strong sense of place, the action-packed story pulls the reader in from the beginning of the narrative and keeps the suspense ramped up as the story unfolds. The complex plot takes several unexpected twists and turns, with bits of humor serving as a counterpoint to the grittiness, keeping the complex tale entertaining and the readers involved in the unfolding story. And while there’s no mystery as to who’s doing the killing, there’s plenty of suspense in the larger story of who is pulling all the strings.

But as exciting as the mystery surrounding the murders may be, the true heart of this story is the relationship between Mace and the dogs. Sue, Delta Dawn, Maggie May, Elvira, and Bill . . . Mace’s “kids” . . . are all well-drawn, vital characters, each playing an important role in the telling of this tale. They are, by turns, smart, brave, and instinctive. The relationship between the dogs and their people is truly heart-warming.

Readers are sure to find much to appreciate here; they will find it difficult to set this one aside before turning the final page. This book deserves a place on everyone’s must-read list.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley
#TheKeepers #NetGalley