The Lost is the third in a series of mysteries featuring Mace, a cadaver dog handler, and the most skilled of his dogs, Vira. The quixotic group of dogs are my favorite characters in this book, especially Sue, the laconic observer. Scarf, a charming and brave young girl who survives against all odds balances the human characters which includes the Russian mafia, a mysterious Belgian, and Scarf's parents, both of whom come to a bad end.

The book starts rather slowly, and the plot is a bit dense. The setting, near Lake Geneva, centers on a grand mansion and is juxtaposed to Mace's not terribly impressive mobile home. Mace's love interest, Kippy, a policeman, adds more depth to both the plot and the weaving of characters. I'd like to see Vira's skills play a bigger part in the plot in the next in the series, but I did enjoy the complex mystery in this book.

Thanks so much to the publisher and Net Galley for a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Another enjoyable adventure with Mace, Kippy ( still irked by her name) and Vira. Featuring guest appearances from Sue and the farm collies- Delta Dawn and Maggie May, who are smarter than all concerned. Introducing Bille Joe the blood hound, bottom of the pack hierarchy but going to be a major player some day.
This is the third book in the series but it stands on it’s own- you don’t need to to read the others - but really you should. This time there is the life of a child at stake- her father has done some bad bad things, and she has been kidnapped by his mistress, as he fakes a home invasion that has left her mother dead. I enjoyed Mace’s self deprecating humor as always, but felt that the stakes were less in this story, and the big reveal at the end- who was “the patient” was a bit of a meh for me. The best parts of the book are when Mace and the dogs are engaged, ( would have liked more of that) vs the sundry of supporting baddies( too much time with them). Still, all in all- an enjoyable read.
Spoilers ahead
The incredibly wealthy live in a different world- one where crime can be overlooked- and as such I would expect that in the real world Mr Verlinden would escape justice, able to buy whatever was needed so plausible deniability would be exploited, and he would spend zero days in jail. I also loved the little girls middle name- Scarf- as a nod to ridiculous celebrity names. However I don’t think her childhood will be a happy one- neither of her grandparents did a great job with her parents - and the implication the end that Cally’s mother was with her father when he committed suicide was not reassuring . Ideally, the Nanny would have been best. Or perhaps Verlinden won’t spend time in prison- and will come for her her day- to add to his exquisites.

My thanks to Sara from Net Galley for inviting me to read The Lost and to St. Martin's Press. I have read all 3 books in this series and have loved each one.

Mace Reid ,his partner Kippy, and their team of cadaver dogs are back to solve a home invasion of a wealthy financier, the murder of his wife and the kidnapping of their daughter.

Really enjoyed and looking forward to the next book.

A wonderful third book in the Mace Reid (and his five🐕 member🐶 canine 🐕cadaver 🐶dog 🐕crew) series!

I was new to this author and this series, but I am now a huge fan! This novel is jam-packed with smart, funny, snarky characters...and that's just the dogs!! 🐾🐾 The human dynamics are just as engaging, but well, what can I say? Jeffrey B. Burton, you had me at dog!

If you want a read that will move at a steady, page-turning clip, one that is also just the teensiest bit over the top in its "who dun it" storyline...then this series is for you!😉

Oh, and I already mentioned its chock-a-block full of dogs... ADORABLE, SMART, SAVVY, CLEVER, BRAVE, LOYAL, CRIME FIGHTING DOGS, right?? (I've already requested 📚 1 and 2 from my library!!)


I was offered "The Lost" by its publisher through NetGalley.
This novel has a release date of June 28, 2022.

#TheLost
#JeffreyBBurton
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The Lost by Jeffrey B. Burton is the third book in the Mace Reid K-9 Mystery series.

Mace Reid lives outside of Chicago and trains dogs. His specialty is training dogs in human remains detection i.e. cadaver dogs. He often works with the Chicago Police Department, local sheriff’s departments, and occasionally, the FBI.

He and his golden retriever Vira are called by Special Agent in Charge Len Squires to Glencoe, Illinois. During a home invasion, billionaire financier Kenneth J. Druckman was assaulted and his wife, former supermodel Calley Kurtz, and his daughter Eleanor were abducted. Vira has a sort of canine ESP in that she has the ability to locate not just the dead bodies, but also their murderers by latching on to their chemical signature which is often left at a murder scene.

What ensues is a great mystery. It has lots of action, twists and turns and a few laughs. A parallel story is Mace and his “kids” and his budding relationship with Chicago homicide detective Kippy Gimm.

Jeffrey Burton's writing is engaging that keeps me turning the pages way past my bed time. The plot was both engaging and intriguing and the final twist was a great surprise. Very entertaining novel and a great continuation of the series. I look forward to the next book to see what happens next with Mace and his “kids”. I would highly recommend to others.

This is a nice afternoon's read, but the dogs could be a little more important. Surely, with five dogs.... For the third in a series, it could be stronger.

Another excellent book by Jeffrey B Burton. The Lost is the third book in the Mason Reid series. These feel good mysteries are so well written and I always find myself smiling as I’m reading them. Great way to spend some time.

A home invasion and a kidnapping bring Mason and his cadaver dog to the billionaire Druckman’s mansion. Vera, the cadaver dog, finds the body of the supermodel mother and all signs point to Druckman himself.
Jeffrey Burton is a great storyteller. Mason’s life with his three cadaver dogs bring humor to mystery and death. As a dog lover, I enjoyed the attention paid to each of the cadaver dogs as they were all so different from each other. This is a quick read and lots of fun.

Part of the Mace Reid K-9 Mystery series, this volume does not disappoint with it's suspense and twists. Vira is the golden retriever cadaver dog who features throughout the story. She and her handler Mace are called to the scene of a supposed kidnapping and from there the adventure begins. The story begins with a prologue that is not resolved until the last page.
While I enjoyed this story and was drawn into the plot and connected with the characters, the beginning of several of the chapters were confusing. It took me several sentences to understand what the context was or even who exactly was speaking. At times, the author very cleverly used a neutral description for a character, allowing the reveal of the person to make it's impact. It's only after you finish the book that you understand the numerous layers of meaning in the title "The Lost". If you like mysteries and enjoy suspense mixed with dogs and not too much violence, this would be a good choice. I would give this book 4 of 5 stars.

A Revenge Killing, A Kidnapping, And A Gruesome Murder

Mason Reid and his dog Vera are called to the site of kidnapping. Kenneth Druckman, a wealthy financial planner reported that he was beaten and his wife, Calley and their five year old daughter, Eleanor, were taken from their home. Mason and Vera are asked to check the woods for any sign of a trail to follow. What they find, though, is the mutilated body of Calley and there is no sign of Eleanor anywhere. What follows is a convoluted tale of deceit, compassion, and maneuvering designed to obscure the true nature of the events to allow the culprit to get away free and wealthy.

This is the third book in the series and is a bit different in that is doesn’t concentrate as much on Vera and the dogs as is does on the murder and kidnapping. The story is well-written but different from most mysteries in that everything is explained as it happens so you know who did what to whom and there really isn’t much mystery except to figure out how Vera is going to help solve the crime. In that respect, it was a little disappointing if you are into a who-dunnit or a dog intensive story. Still, it’s a good book and fills in more of the lives of Mason and his wonderful dogs.

Thank you Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read an advance copy of The Lost.

This is the third book featuring Mace Reid and his pack of cadaver dogs. Jeffrey B Burton must have a history with dogs because he writes the canine characters so well. There is never a scene that involves dogs and humans that doesn't ring true. The plot is exciting with lots of unexpected happenings. Just when I thought the story was close to the end another issue would arise, I highly recommend The Lost.
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from Minotaur Books through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are entirely mine own.
#TheLostBook#NetGalley#minotaurbooks

The Lost is the third book in Jeffrey B. Burton’s Mace Reid K-9 Mystery series. Mason “Mace” Reid trains human remains detection dogs. The FBI asks for help from Mace and his special cadaver dog, Vira when the wife and daughter of a wealthy financier are kidnapped after a home invasion. Mace, his girlfriend Detective Kippy Gimm, and his dogs set out to find out what happened to the wife and daughter of Kenneth J Druckman. I enjoyed the suspense with the different twists and turns that evolved throughout the story. The best part of these books are the dogs, Mace’s “kids”, that have such fun personalities. I recommend this book as well as the first two, if you have not read them already.

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martins Press, Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read this Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I enjoyed this book. It’s got lots of suspense and twists. The dogs are great. The characters are great. #TheLost #NetGalley

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an e ARC of this book.
This is the third in this series. The plot was interesting though predictable and a little slow moving. The Book didn't do much to advance the backstory but did make Mace better defined. Enjoyable read.

Another fun Burton novel. They are not meant for readers who want their books to be serious- they are light-hearted, jokey, and fun, while bringing a mystery along for the ride.

I tend to stick to cozy mysteries as opposed to those, like this book, with a darker, more sinister feel. It was definitely that but, hey, I mean, how can I not be drawn to a book with such a beautiful Golden Retriever on the cover. After reading the prologue, however, which was chilling, I wasn't so sure about my decision but decided to press on. I'm glad I did. Oh, not that the story line got any less dark or less chilling, but Mace and Kippy, along with Golden Retriever Vira, as in Elvira, the Oak Ridge Boys' song, won me over.

As for the plot, well, it basically comes down to don't tick off foreign mobsters. Mace, who was only recently and reluctantly talked into carrying a concealed weapon and hates guns, seems badly outmatched. But, he has police girlfriend Kippy, who keeps her gun handy and loaded, watching his back. Even more importantly, he has Vira. Her uncanny ability to not just find dead bodies but then somehow lead her team to the killer is no longer in doubt. She does exactly that this time, too. The hard part seems to be finding the necessary evidence to stand up in a court of law. In the meantime, there's a dead mother and missing child, not to mention missing jewels. All tied up in the mesh that involves the foreign mob.

The initial murderer is evident immediately, especially given Vira's talents. But, why murder Calley? Where is the missing daughter? Could Vira be mistaken? Nah. Not likely. Who is the body found in the park? Is it connected? Who is calling the shots of the ransom attempt? Druckman is beyond rich, so why the connection to a pawn broker, of all things? Has the foreign mob moved in on pawn brokers? Will the missing daughter's escape plan work? Who is the blond woman with her? How do Kippy and Mace find the hiding place? Is Mace brave or foolhardy when he launches himself at attempted abductors? Wait, where are Vira and Scarf, the missing-again daughter? Scarf? What do hot air balloons have to do with anything? How will Mace find Vira? Not telling. You'll have to read the book for the answer to these and so many other questions.

Overall, although a bit out of my comfort range, I enjoyed the story although the frequently changing view points threw me off momentarily each change. Despite this, while it was disturbing to ponder such heartless scheming and murder,I liked Mace and it was interesting the watch Mace's behavior and pride in Vira and the rest of the pack. Vira and "The Finders," as Mace has dubbed them, emerge just as distinctly as characters as Mace and Kippy. Far from being superheroes, they emerge as down-to-earth people who love dogs and, hmm, each other? I think I may have to take a deep, calming breath and read the next book when it comes out.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress - #MinotaurBooks for introducing me to Vira and her human friends. Loved how Mace came up with their names, especially Sue.

I've read the two previous books in this series (The Finders and The Keepers) and enjoyed them, both for the cases and the dynamic between Mace Reid and his canine companions, but didn't feel that this latest was on a par with those. What I liked: Vira ("Ira with a V") has several opportunities to put her skills to the test; Kippy and Mace keep dancing around their relationship, and the chase after the bad guys is thrilling as usual. What I didn't like: the flipping back and forth between the multiple perspectives; I never got the motivation that drove the villain and it seemed at times that there was too much happening.

If you like the interplay with Mace's band of dogs, it's worth a read, but don't be surprised if you feel a little let down after the first two books.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press for access to a digital ARC via NetGalley.

What a rousing read! Seriously, the maturation of the Mace Reid K-9 series is absolutely astounding! The Lost is the finest entry yet in this thrilling series from Jeffrey B. Burton. Captivating. Engrossing. Terrific. This book is a stunning achievement. Simply stunning. With this third book featuring Mace and his HRD (human remains detection) pack of dogs, the author shows continued growth with an adroit grasp of characters and plot. If you love a good mystery and colorful characters (human and canine) this series remains a can't miss. Thank You to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, & NetGalley for the advance reading copy! #TheLost #NetGalley

Wow, just wow! First let me say I received an advance reader copy of this book but I can assure you that fact has no bearing on my opinion of this book. This is the third book in the Mace Reid K-9 series of books and each book gets better as they go along. Mace, Kippy and all of the dogs are just like one big happy family and I would really like to be their friend or associate. I don’t like to give any spoilers but if you enjoy police investigations and knowing what the police go through in an investigation, you will enjoy these books!

Review of Uncorrected Digital Galley

When a home invasion turns into a kidnapping, Mason Reid and his cadaver dog, Vira, find themselves searching for the kidnapped wife and daughter of billionaire financier Kenneth J. Druckman. Several acres of brush and wetland lay behind the Druckman mansion; although they’d hoped to find nothing, it didn’t take long for Vira to lead them to the body of Druckman’s wife, Calley.

But there is no sign of their daughter, five-year-old Eleanor. And, adding to the mystery, Vira follows the trail right back to Kenneth Druckman.

Did Druckman murder his wife? And, if so, where is the little girl?

=========

"The Lost," third in the Mace Reid K-9 series, includes sufficient backstory for the book to work as a standalone. [But readers new to the series will find much to appreciate in the two earlier books.]

Readers are clued in at the beginning and know exactly the sort of malefactors Mace, Vira, and Kippy [Chicago Police Detective Kippy Gimm] will find themselves facing. This creates an undercurrent of foreboding as the reader knows what the characters have yet to discover.

The clever, complex narrative pulls readers into the telling of the tale from the outset; the plot twists and turns as the unfolding narrative keeps the pages turning. Well-drawn characters [several considerably unlikable] and a strong sense of place work together to keep the story moving at a brisk pace.

But the stars of the story are the dogs . . . Elvira, Maggie May, Delta Dawn, Billie Joe, Sue . . . who are The Finders, all taught by Mace to work as Human Remains Detection dogs. Vira turned out to be a gifted cadaver dog; she and the other dogs are the heart of the story.

"The Lost" is a well-told, twisty tale, made even more enjoyable by the dogs’ antics. The bond between Mace and the dogs is truly heartwarming; the evolving narrative is both intriguing and intense. Readers are sure to find it difficult to set this one aside before turning the final page.

Highly recommended.

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