3.5 stars

I went into this blind to the author/series/anything, and I found it to be a decent read. You're definitely plopped down in the middle of a series, but you don't necessarily need to have read any of the other books to understand who the characters are and what's going on in this installment.

I enjoyed the premise, but I do feel that there are sections of narration devoted to technical description/definition that are clunky and out of place (e.g. excessive background on specific backcountry hiking/SAR techniques that the narrator explains to the reader, or that are not-well-integrated into dialogue). I actually really appreciated learning these facts, I just wish they were a bit less on-the-nose.

This is also very obviously an American novel. The normalization of gun culture, even in context, is strong. This is more of a reader-beware, if that's not your thing. My last little gripe has to do with the ending, so light spoilers: it's very fade-to-black, which feels like a cop-out.

On the whole, this read did what I wanted it to. It's a great low-stakes/distraction of a listen, and I would read more in the series.

Book Title: Echoes of Memory
Series: FBI K-9 Book #9
Author: Sara Driscoll
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Susan Bennett
Publisher: RB Media
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Pub Date: November 26, 2024
My Rating: 3.4. Stars
Pages 320


Although this is my first in this series, I have read other Sara Driscoll novels and loved them.

FBI handler Meg Jennings and her K-9 partner, Hawk are heading to the Colorado Mountains to locate a hijacked plane which crashed in the mountains. Meg has a ‘fear of height ‘ which I have as well only I know mine isn’t a fear of height but a’ fear of falling’ as I don’t experience it if I am in a place or safe enclosed space – high-rise etc. but won’t see me on the balcony!!
In this story they are also facing potential for high altitude sickness for both humans and dogs.
Story goes into medical details as to why it happens and how to keep from allowing it to cause problems.

It is obvious Ms. Driscoll does an amazing amount of research. There were times I thought the story read like a documentary as it was so ‘richly detailed’ ~ so much information.
I loved Meg and Hawk so was curious-wondered if it was even possible that there would survivors from the plane crash. Yes it kept me interested.
Plus knowing Meg was getting married in a few weeks had me hoping for a HEA!

Want to thank NetGalley and RB Media for this early audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for November 26, 2024

I expected to enjoy this book based on the description, but it fell flat for me. It reads more like an introductory guide to high-altitude climbing, with lengthy explanations of survival tools and weapon use. If you're new to climbing and need a primer on terms like "summit" and "switchback," this book might be up your alley. The suspense was lackluster, and the dialogue felt stilted and unnatural. Overall, the best word to describe this book is "dull". The characters had no spark whatsoever. The only bright spots were the dogs. They were alright.

A great novel by Sara Driscoll. I loved the human to canine connections as well as the wilderness aspects of this book.

FBI handler Meg Jennings and her K-9 partner, Hawk, vie to rescue plane crash survivors from a Colorado mountain—and contend with a hijacker determined to stop them.

As long as there’s hope of finding life, no mission is too dangerous for Meg Jennings and her colleagues in the FBI K-9 unit. But locating the wreckage of a hijacked private plane high in the Elk Mountains of Colorado is treacherous in a multitude of ways—some of them impossible for even a seasoned team to predict.

The plane, carrying the board of directors of Barron Pharmaceuticals, crashed on a rocky peak and was cleaved in two. Perilous weather means the rescuers have to ascend on foot, with their dogs unleashed in case of falls. It takes hours to locate the wreckage, but miraculously, Meg and Hawk find half a dozen passengers and crew still alive. The hijacker also survived, and has fled into the wilderness with the CEO’s son in pursuit.

As soon as day breaks, the K-9 teams set out to find both men, and the dogs quickly pick up a scent trail. Meg has used her connections with an investigative reporter to learn as much as she can about the hijacker, hoping to use it when they apprehend him. But first, they must contend with the mountain’s savage fury, and an adversary who will destroy as many lives as possible rather than face justice .