The Finders

I want to start off by thanking the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book. This was a very well written book by a new author for me. I love animal stories and especially dog stories! The book had a very good storyline. . I enjoyed reading this and didn’t wanna put it down. I highly recommend this book to anyone.

The Finders by Jeffrey B. Burton is an excellent first installment in a new series featuring training dogs, specifically in this case, a cadaver trained dog. Elvira (Vira) is an exceptional Golden Retriever that has been paired with her handler, Mason Reid, whom is a trainer that works with the Chicago PD. They help each other solve crimes and “put away the bad guys”.

I was initially thrilled when I saw a book that revolved around a working canine. I love dogs, I have one myself, and I love any thing that has to do with jobs with dogs, dogs with jobs....you get the drift. So, I was so pumped that I was able to find and read this book. I was not disappointed.

Not only was there one murder/mystery....there were two. It was interesting, gripping, and drew me in from beginning to end. I cannot wait to read follow ups to this book. I would love to see more about Elvira and her original training, as well as her continued training. I always find that fascinating.

Excellent start to a new series.
5/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.

A woman is attacked on a walking path at a highway rest stop. A man dies from asphyxiation, his car left running in the garage. A tiny golden puppy, intertwined with a blanket in the corner, also appears to be dead. Against all odds, the puppy is alive and becomes a very large part of this compelling mystery. Young woman have been disappearing, and their bodies are being found with a velvet choker around their neck.

Mason Reid trains dogs for a living. When he visits the kennel, hoping to find a dog to replace his English Springer, Arnie, his compassion and knowledge of animals shines through as he makes a connection with this tiny golden retriever. You see, Arnie was his prized cadaver dog, and Vira is going to take his place.

On Vira’s first official search, she finds the victim then explodes out of control and attacks a man, drawing Mason into a mystery far deeper than he ever imagined. Now he must fight to save Vira and everything he has worked for, drawing himself into a case that threatens his very life.

There is a lot to like about this story, it is well written and has all the elements of a good mystery. Mace’s budding friendship with Kippy, a policewoman who is working the case, the steps taken to find the killer, and the interaction with his dogs are all intertwined along the path to discovery of the killer. The only shortcoming I found was that Mace, while a strong character some of the time, was often bumbling and definitely got more than his share of hurts.

The Finders is the first book in a new series by author Jeffrey B. Burton.

Before reviewing it, I have a new confession to make: I love police dogs. When I’m on my couch, switching channels on the telly, and stumble on a police or customs documentary, I remain on it in hope to see police dogs into action. They’re the overlooked heroes of law enforcement.

Hence, when I read the description for The Finders, I knew I had to read this book. And, I haven’t been disappointed.

Mason Reid is a dog trainer who also specializes in training and handling human remains detection dogs for the Chicago police. He adopts a new dog, a golden retriever named Elvira, who almost died from carbon monoxide poisoning as a puppy. Maybe because of the effect this incident had on the development of her senses, « Vira » becomes the most efficient of his pack in record time.

Early in the book, Vira solves her first major case, helping catch the Velvet Choker serial killer. Unfortunately, in doing so, Vira and Mason Reid also caught the unwanted attention of another, more cunning, vicious, and prolific serial killer. Then, the hunters become the hunted.

Even if we don’t get the direct point of view of the dogs, Vira and Reid’s other dogs are omnipresent in the book. Mason Reid doesn’t like dogs. He loves dogs. He empathize with them. He constantly notices what his dogs are up to and are thinking, and hence let the reader know about it. It is obvious the author put a lot of research into dogs in general, and police dogs specifically. It’s to be noted, as well, that each of Reid’s dogs has its distinct and coherent personality.

The writing style leaves nothing to be desired. No lengthy exposition, just enough for the reader to be involved into the story. The victims are not faceless. Jeffrey B. Burton always gives us enough information about them for us to be horrified by their fates. Even if a serial killer story doesn’t leave a lot of space for comedy, there are bits of humor here and there, sometimes dry and unexpected, often involving the dogs, which caused me to giggle quite a few times.

As for the twist required from all good mysteries, the revelation of the killer’s identity was quite shocking. Even if, in hindsight, all the clues were there. But, Burton nevertheless managed to surprise the seasoned mystery reader I am.

I don’t know when the next installment in this new series will be released, but it’s going to be a long wait. Dog thrillers ? Is that a new literary genre ? As far as I know, it might. And it’s one that seems to have been specially tailored to my needs.

Thanks to St Martin Press and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for this unbiased review.

I really enjoyed this book so much. It has a really great plot, superb main characters and I read it in one sitting. I would highly recommend this book.

I didn't plan for my first novel of 2020 to be about cadaver dogs and serial killers - but just like the very twisty plot of this book, sometimes one's reading schedule takes many unexpected twists and turns!

The Finders is the first book in the new (upcoming) Mace Reid K-9 Mystery series about dog trainer Mace Reid.

When Mace adopts a young Golden Retriever puppy who miraculously survives a scrape with death and trains him for cadaver work, he has no idea that his work helping the police department to find dead bodies will ultimately result in hm a target himself.

As an animal lover, I enjoyed reading about the heroic acts of Vira (the Retriever), Sue (the male Shepard named after the Johnny Cash song) and the "twins", although it was also tough reading about some of the battle scars they took during the line of duty.

The book is very well researched - I now know more surprising facts about cadaver dogs, serial killers, and the state of Illinois's DOT than I ever thought possible!

The book is full of unexpected plot twists that I did not see coming (and you probably won't either!)

What prevented me from rating this 5 stars were the characters - I didn't "like" or relate to the good guys as much as I wanted to (the "bad" guy characterization was much stronger). Vira and Sue (the dogs) were my favorite characters in the book.

Nonetheless, the characters grow on you as the book progresses. I look forward to reading the next installment in this series.

The Finders is the first in Jeffrey Burton's new series, Mace Reid K-9 Mystery. It starts at the beginning of Mace's relationship with Vira, when she is abandoned at nine weeks and scheduled to be euthanized. There's something about her that makes Mace save her and train to be a cadaver dog, in support of Mace's growing business in the assistance of the Chicago PD and their Canine Training Center. From the beginning, it's clear Vira is indeed special. She learns quickly, can mimic many skills, and when she begins going on jobs, she is as good as any cadaver dog Mace has ever had. It’s as though she has special powers to find the bad guys, well beyond the ability to track by scent. When she attacks what at first appears to be an innocent bystander, in the crowd of people watching the police work a murder, Mace won't quit until he proves that she actually sniffed out the killer, doing the job she was trained to do. In the process of proving this, Mace is attacked by the man's son and ends up killing him as he tries to save his life and Vira's. That puts both Mace and Vira in the crosshairs of another psychotic killer who considered this boy like the son he never had. The question is, will Vira, with her exceptional abilities, and Mace, with his uncompromising belief in his new cadaver dog, survive the onslaught of this vicious psychopath?

I love dog stories so I was pulled into the story quickly. I was intrigued when for much of the early pages, I couldn’t tell the sex of Mace. He was simply an androgynous professional doing his job and loving his life.

Overall, this is a wonderful read, quickly consumed, and hard to put down. It is fast moving with lots of unexpected twists and turns. If you love working dog stories (such as Margaret Mizushima's K-9 Mysteries and Sara Driscoll's FBI K-9), you will love this book. It respects dogs as working animals, doing their jobs, and acting as part of a team. It never treats them as pets or weak or needy. I'd highly recommend this for those who love animal stories.

--review to be published on my blog, WordDreams, 2/20

A good addition to the list of search and rescue dog books. One of seven books I was trying to get interested in and the only one that kept me reading to the end.

An excellent book that I really enjoyed. I do not usually read books that have a male as the lead character but this book c aught my interest and did not disappoint. Looking forward to book #2.

I loved this book. I am always pulled into the books with the search and rescue/cadaver dogs, and this author did a good job of explaining how the dogs do what they do. I also enjoyed the majority of the book being in Mason's voice. Normally, I don't care much for third person writing, but what can I say, I like this guy! I also liked his numerous dogs, especially Sue, named after a Johnny Cash song, and Vira, short for Elvira. The story is very intense, vivid, and frightening. I enjoyed the budding romance between Mace and Kippy, and meeting all the characters in the book. The killer is ruthless, and I kept swiping the pages on my kindle to get to the end to see what happens. I will definitely look for more books in this series.

I read The Finders by Jeffrey B. Burton quickly because I just couldn't put it down. It grabbed me from page one and kept my interest throughout. Mace Reid is a great character, and his dogs are the stars of the story. Learning about cadaver dogs and their training was a bonus. The characters had depth, and the dialogue was crisp and engaging.

I am looking forward to more books in this series.

I enjoyed this book. The story was interesting with not one but two serial killers and the second one's identity was a surprise. I really liked the dogs and how they can find things. This book has a lot of tension and great world building. hope that the two main characters do get together. I'd really like to read more about them all. #The Finders #NetGalley.

Loved, loved, loved this book and am so glad it is the start of a series. What could be bad about dogs in a book? Especially dogs trained to be human remains detection. Vira is a "special" dog who just just more than and just might be psychic Great novel can't wait for next one

Thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns in this book. The added bonus of a very smart, well trained canine, introduced a new character. Kept me wanting to read at all times of day or night!

Dog lovers and mystery lovers unite! This is a promising new series that does well on both counts. Mace Reid is a dog lover and a dog trainer. But he’s no ordinary trainer. His specialty is training canines to work crime scenes, specifically to detect human remains. His brood of “kids” as he calls them grows by one when he takes on Vira, a lovable golden retriever with some uncanny abilities. Both of their lives are put at risk as they hone in on a serial killer. This was a fun book. Some good mystery elements as well as great characters, dogs included. Looking forward to the next one!

The Finders is a the first book in a new series by Jeffrey Burton. Mace Reid, the dog whisperer, is a dog trainer who maintains a group of cadaver dogs with song-inspired names. He adopts a golden retriever puppy who proves to be exceptionally talented at sniffing out bad guys. In a story with twists and turns, Mace and Vira (the retriever) get mixed up with a serial killer or two, while Mace tries to figure out how to romance the attractive police officer who initially rescued Vira (or, Honey Bear as she calls her). Great start to what I hope is an ongoing series. Recommended for fans of Paula Munier and Margaret Mizushima.

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

I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. The story line grabbed me right from the start and didn't let go.

This is the first of a supposedly new series starring dog trainer Mace Reid. Mace is not your ordinary trainer, although he does his fair share of that, but his personal dogs' modus operandi is that of cadaver dogs. Specially trained to find the dead. His prize pupil is a Golden Receiver named Vira who comes into his life as a puppy and becomes his best decomposition finding dog. But Vira seems to have an extra-sensory perception which is put to the test when a daring, prolific killer sets sights on both Mace and his beloved pet.

Please put this one on your to read list for this coming summer and stay wary of interstate rest stops. Enough said.

This is a fascinating story which taught me so much about the power of dogs to help in human endeavors. When Chicago Police Officer Kimmy Gimm finds a golden retriever puppy in a carbon monoxide filled garage during a police investigation, she falls in love with it but has to turn it over to Chicago Animal Care and Control where Paul, the head of the organization realizes this dog would be perfect for his friend Mason Reid, who is a dog trainer who works with the police department but who is also mourning the loss of his springer spaniel Amie. When Mason first begins to train the golden, who he names Elvira, he is astounded at her capabilities and accomplishments, all of which make for a compelling plot. I enjoyed the story and feel that I have a new appreciation for human cadaver dogs and the work that they do.

It has been a long time since I truly laughed out loud while reading, but this book did that. He got me with ' there are 2 kinds of people in the world, people who like dogs and......assholes. Loved that.
While I may have been more endeared to the dogs and how he writes about them than the story, nonetheless, very fun to read.
I rarely enjoy the romance stuff in these mystery thrillers, this one was not too obnoxious.

WIll be very much looking forward to the next book.
If you love dogs, do read, I give it 5 stars for his clear and humorous love of dogs.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC of The Finders. This book was a winner for me, and I plowed through the story quickly. There were a couple of things that made this more than just a fast-paced suspense novel: 1) The hero's dogs, one in particular, are integral to the story (the canine-crimesolving element is the lynchpin of this new series, after all), and Burton does a great job with canine character development--the dogs' personalities jump off the pages. 2) Great suspense novels have more than good plotting; they also have a hero or heroine that we care about, that we want to journey with and watch grow and evolve, and the hero of The Finders, Mace Reid, is someone I found it easy to like. He's been hurt, his confidence has taken a beating, but his heart is still open, as evidenced by the awkward and endearing way he engages with police officer Kippy Gimm. Plus, he LOVES dogs and hates Hawaiian pizza. How can you not root for a guy like that?

This is a book I'll recommend to friends, and I await the next installment.

#NetGalley #The Finders #St. Martin's Press-Minotaur Books

This is the first book in a new series by Jeffrey B. Burton. I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to reading more in this series. The characters are very believable. There were many twists, turns and surprises. I enjoy a story that keeps me guessing which character is the bad guy. I devoured this book, I was not able to put it down, yet at the same time did not want the story to end. Well done Mr. Burton, I look forward to reading more from you and this wonderful series.

THE FINDERS by Jeffrey B. Burton is the first book in the new Mace Reid K-9 Mystery series. It is also my first book by this author. Mason (Mace) Reid lives outside of Chicago and trains dogs with various end goals such as obedience and missing persons tracking, as well as searching for drugs and explosives. However, his specialty is training dogs in human remains detection (HRD). He recently acquired and began training a golden retriever named Vira. With a serial killer targeting young women, the Chicago police department asks for Mace’s help. What follows is a terrific mystery with lots of action, twists and turns, a little humor, and some fantastic moments with Mace’s family; his four HRD dogs.

The characters are compelling and well-developed for a first book in a series. They have clear goals with believable motivations and show appropriate emotions. The secondary characters are well-rounded and the characters seemed believable and not contrived. The prose was engaging, well-written, compelling, and compulsively reading. The plot was clever, intriguing, creative, intense, suspenseful, and riveting. The final twist caught me by surprise. This is one that I did not see coming even though there were enough hints that I conceivably could have deciphered it. Themes explored included serial killers, police procedures, HRD training, the relationships between dogs and people, and much more.

Overall, this was an entertaining novel and a great start to a new series. I look forward to the next book in the series. Additionally, I want to read this author’s FBI Special Agent Drew Cady mystery series starting with THE CHESSMAN.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and Jeffrey B. Burton for an ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.

Jeffrey B Burton is a new author for me and his crime thriller is written from a different and unusual angle which made it just a bit more interesting to read.
Mace Reid is a dog trainer by profession and he occasionally works alongside the police department using his cadaver dogs to help locate the deceased bodies.
Mace adopted a dog which he called Vira and she very quickly demonstrated extra powers of smell.
Vira is the heroine of an interesting and exciting thriller and I look forward to her next adventure.

I love dogs! that was the first attraction to the book so I'm glad it lived up to what i wanted! It had a nice bit of suspense, awkward crush, dogs, and more dogs ;) I look forward to reading more about these characters in hopes there is a series coming!

This is an excellent start to what looks to be a great series. There is a lot to like about this one. It has mystery, a serial killer, dogs, a bit of romance, and the perfect dose of humor. Mace is an interesting character. Vira is the star of this one though. I also found Kippy to be a strong female character. I look forward to seeing more character development as the series progresses, but this story gives a great start. The mystery surrounding the killer is full of twists that kept me engaged and wondering. I found the dog training to be well handled. It is written in a way that is interesting without being too much. This is my first book by this author and I really liked the writing style. It will keep me coming back for more.

"The Finders" is the first book in the new Mace Ried K-9 Mystery series, and it did not disappoint. Mace Reid is a trainer of dogs, specializing in the training of HRD (Human Remains Detection), or cadaver, dogs. In "The Finders", Mace gets called in by the Chicago Police Department on a case involving a serial killer that going after young women in the area. While Reid is out is out on a search for a body believed to have been discarded by the serial killer, with one of his new HRD dogs, a young golden retriever named Vira, Vira goes after a man in the crowd of onlookers, leading Mace to eventually identify the young man that his dog attacked as the killer. However, once he is eventually arrested and jailed, Mace suddenly finds himself to be that target of another killer.

"The Finders" is a fast-paced thriller, and I found it hard to put down! While it does detail a little bit of the training that goes into turning a dog into a working cadaver dog, I am hoping that future books in the series will continue to provide more of that information, because its definitely interesting. Mace obviously has a special relationship with his 4 dogs, whom he affectionately refers to throughout the book as "the kids", and after the attack on the young man, who later is identified as the serial killer, he especially becomes interested in whether Vira is able to sense more then just the scent of death, as she almost appears to Mace, as well as the female police officer who found Vira as a puppy, to have almost a clairvoyant ability to her. I am definitely interested in reading more in this series!

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, and Minotaur Books, for providing me with an advanced copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review. "The Finder" is scheduled to be release on June 30, 2020.

This book about human remains detecting dogs and their trainer/handler was a good start to a new mystery series. Mace Reid and his dogs, Maggie Mae, Delta Dawn, Sue, and especially Elvira, were all great to read about! I enjoyed police officer, Kippy Gimm, very much too.

The storyline was intense and fast-paced. The mystery was complex and had more than one facet. I'm looking forward to seeing what will be next for Mace, his team of dogs, and Kippy.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of The Finders.

When I saw The Finders, I had to request it. It combines two of my favorite things in the world: dogs and mysteries.

Mace Reid loves dogs, so it's no surprise he works with them, notable training them as cadaver dogs.

When Vira, a clever dog with an unusual gift ends up with Mace, the two of them find themselves pursuing a serial killer, who has his sights set on Mace and Vira.

The Finders was an enjoyable read; the prose flowed, and Mace was a likable character, a bit self deprecating, kind of a doofus in the way he regards himself, though I wished he held himself in higher esteem.

He is a good guy, kind, loves animals, has an interesting job, so he has a lot going for him.

I did love how the author discusses how Mace trains his dogs, how dogs have uncanny senses, and their talents and abilities. It's clear the author did his research.

I also enjoyed the budding relationship between him and Kippy, a policewoman with big ambitions toward becoming a detective. She was competent, persistent, and tough; naturally, she's a beauty but aren't love interests in most books?

Vira is the standout; smart, intuitive, with preternatural instincts, she overcame a traumatic event to become a protege, a very special golden retriever Mace has never met before.

The mystery wasn't bad; I guessed whodunit it the moment the person showed up but I liked how the author adds a twist there isn't one killer, but two, and drops enough clues for it to lead to one particular person, clues that make sense.

I look forward to the next book in the series.

The story is well written and makes for an awesome mystery. As a person who is allergic to dogs, the only way that I get to “enjoy” them is in print, so reading about how the humans interact with the dogs as they weed out the killer, is always going to be a plus in my book. As the first in a new series, this is a good offering and a wonderful read with great plots and twists that lead into the next one. Love that the dogs are the stars of the story, but do not overshadow the efforts of everyone involved to bring justice.

Found this to be a very interesting read. Mason is a man who trains dogs for human remains detection. He adopts a dog with a mysterious past. Who seems to have super special ability which puts him and Mason in the path of a serial killer. Aided with the help of Chicago Police Officer Kippy Gimm they set out to thwart the serial killer before he kills Mason. A good read that keep me on the edge of my seat. Look forward to reading more by this Author.

Honest review of an ARC from Netgalley.

I read The Finders by Jeffrey B. Burton quickly because I just couldn't put it down. It grabbed me from page one and kept my interest throughout. Mace Reid is a great character, and his dogs are the stars of the story. Learning about cadaver dogs and their training was a bonus. The characters had depth, and the dialogue was crisp and engaging.

This was my first book by Jeffrey B Burton. I am looking forward to more books in this series.

Mason Reid trains dogs to search for human remains, and he adopts Vira, a traumatized puppy who was rescued from CO poisoning by police officer Kippy Gimm. This book was entertaining and kept my interest, especially because it placed a heavy emphasis on the role of the working dog in investigating a murder. It's always a bonus if a book introduces you to the details of an unfamiliar subculture, as this one does with dogs and handlers. The biggest flaw for me was that Vira was portrayed as essentially having superpowers; the story was much more satisfying early on, when she was just described as really, really talented at her job rather than possessed of some quasi-magical insight, which seemed to be the turn things took later in the book. This has the makings of a series and is likely to appeal to a wide audience. I look forward to the next installment.

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for a digital advance review copy.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Loved this book- a taught psychological thriller... with dogs! There is a serial killer on the loose and Mace Reid and his cadaver sniffing dogs are called in to find the bodies in remote areas. His rescue puppy Vira is a savant at the work, not only sniffing out the bodies, but using her superior nose skills to identify the killers. After Mace and Vira foil a Everyman’s plans, they become his target. The randomness of the killer’s targets had me totally creeped out, and checking the locks on my doors twice.
The book has humor and even a little romance as newly divorced Mace finds fellow dog lover police officer Kippy Gimm ( hate her name btw) as irresistible a milk-bone. They work side by side to find the killer before he finds Mace and Vira.

On a side note I find the training dogs for this work really fascinating and wished the author had provided a bit more of a description of how Mace went about training a dog to do this work. On the other hand, it would have slowed the plot, so I understand why it was only briefly described.
It looks like this book is going to be a series, I cant wait to read the next one.

The Finders, I originally solely requested this book because of the beautiful golden retriever on the cover, well and maybe because I like crime thrillers, however I LOVED this book.

Mace trains dogs to find human remains, his three female dogs do just that, but his golden retriever rescue Vira takes finding remains to a whole new exceptional level. He also has an older male German Shepard who holds down the fort.

I love how Mace refers to his dogs as his kids and his conversations wish his pups cracked me up through out the book.

Mace (the handler) and Kippy a female cop team up, with the help of Vira to track down missing women who are getting abducted and murdered by a serial killer in Chicago, only to find that maybe Vira’s exceptional senses can also track down the serial killer.

This book had me on the edge of my seat wondering if they were ever going to catch the killer, and hoping nothing was going to happen to beautiful Vira. 5 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾

Thank you @netgalley and @stmartinspress for an ARC of #TheFinders by @jeffreybburton for my honest review. #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #booklover #crime #doglover #goldenretriever

A book I enjoyed loved Vira the golden retriever a new series so well written .Found myself staying up late to finish the book. Highly recommend looking forward to next in the series.#netgalley#st.martinsbooks

I really enjoyed this book! Loved the whole interaction with the dogs. This book grabbed me from the first description and I couldn’t put it down. I’m happy to see it might become a series too, I will definitely be adding them to my list. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy

First book by this author. Giving it a solid 4/5 stars.

Vira is given a second shot at life, and uses it to help her human, Mace, as a cadaver dog. While helping the Chicago Police Department find the latest victim of The Velvet Choker Killer, Vira and Mace find themselves targets of a serial killer. Will they discover the truth before it’s too late?

With an amazing plot, and a twist you won’t see coming. This book manages to mix a little police procedural, supernatural elements, and good old story about a boy and his dog.

Pro:
Quick Read, great Story, based in Chicago

Con:
Does seem to drag a little in the middle, but not for long

I want to thank St. Martin Press, Minotaur book for letting me read an ARC of this book via NetGalley

Thank you Jeffrey B Burton for an amazing start to a new series that is now one of my "followed" authors. This first in a series has a solid back story in Mace Reid training recovery dogs while struggling with his personal life. The community of characters, including a golden retriever cadaver dog, all bring to life a city being terrorized by a serial killer who is getting just a little too close to Mace and his dog, Vira. I really loved this book!

I found this book to be very interesting. I loved reading about the training of dogs. I felt the dogs character was well developed. I look forward to more books in this series.

A golden retriever puppy who has a near-death experience becomes a search and rescue dog with near-mythical abilities. The mystery is intriguing but the humans around the dog-- the police officer who finds her and the man who trains her-- and the dog as well are great characters. 

Looks to be the start of a great new series.

I enjoyed reading this book. It had a good story to it. I liked the variety of characters in it. It is my first book read by this author. I hope to read more books by this author.

A great start to a new series featuring dog trainer Mace Reid, police officer Kippy Gimm, and most importantly, his amazing dogs. Mace adopts a golden retriever puppy, Vira, that Kippy rescued from death. Like his other dogs he’s training her to become a finder of cadavers. Not only does Vira show extraordinary talent in this they discover she’s also able to pick out the guilty party in a crime. When Vira brutally attacks a bystander in the crowd who’s watching them recover a dead body, everyone thinks she’s lost it, however he turns out to be the perpetrator.

Mace Reid’s love of his dogs, and his self deprecating funny repertoire, endears him to me. Sometimes the writing reminded me of David Rosenfelt’s, and at one point I even googled Burton to see if they were one and the same.

I can see this becoming the start of a long-standing series, one I know our library patrons will thoroughly enjoy.
I know I’m already looking forward to the next book.

Thank you St Martin's Press for inviting me to read this book. I'm a golden retriever owner (3) and dog trainer so it was perfect for me. It had an interesting twist that kept me reading. I finished The Finders quickly and hope the author continues writing about Elvira.

A fast, fun k9 procedural. Mase and his dogs (trained as cadaver dogs) track down a pair of serial killers who have, on occasion, worked together. Lots of action and great descriptions of the dogs’ work. Thanks to Net Galley and Minotaur for an ARC for an honest review.

This book is a first rate murder mystery. The inclusion of interesting working dogs makes it a step above first rate in my opinion. A sweet golden retriever puppy, through no fault of her own, wound up in Animal Control. Mason Reid, a dedicated dog trainer, did an assessment of this totally shut down pup and knew he could work with her. Ten months later she is a promising cadaver dog and becomes a part of Mason's team of dogs who search for human remains. A cunning serial killer gives Mason's dogs a chance to shine.

The story is fast paced and held my interest from beginning to end. The characters are well developed and believable. I specially liked Mason whose sense of humor makes him a likable protagonist. I look forward to reading what comes next in this series.

I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from St Martin's Press through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
#TheFinders #NetGalley

This book was intriguing from the start. The main character is a dog trainer and also consults with the police at times with his own dogs. Assisting on one case leads to so much more. With a puppy back from the brinks of death, this book keeps you guessing at every turn. Can't wait for more in the serious and get to know Vira , Kippy, and Reid more!

Mason “Mace” Reid is an easy-going dog trainer who lives near Chicago. He specializes in training dogs to detect humane remains. With three dogs of his own, he is often called upon by the local police departments to help with search and recoveries.

While still mourning the death of his spaniel and the death of his marriage, he become the owner of a Golden Retriever pup he names Elvira. Nicknamed Vira, it soon becomes apparent that this is a dog that has extraordinary intelligence and instincts. In short order, Mace and Vira are drawn into a murder case that will threaten both of their lives.

The Finders is the first book in a new series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Mace is an appealing character, his interactions with both dogs and people are entertaining, the subtle humor is excellent, and the plot is well-conceived. I’m a sucker for any mystery that portrays a dog on its cover. So, of course, I took a chance on a book by an author I had never read. Now, I’m so glad I did and I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book for review.

The Finders by Jeffrey B. Burton is exceptional. It is a very well done mystery with gripping action and psychological suspense and yet one of the primary characters is one of man’s friendliest best friend’s. Don’t let the golden retriever fool you, though, there is some fierce action in this book and both Vera (the golden) and Mason (her handler) are intelligent engaging characters that I look forward to seeing again.

I loved this story, first in a new series. Mace Reid is a dog trainer, specializing in human remains detection. His dogs are his family, and he has just added a new member, Elvira, who turns out to be fantastic at the work. Officer Kippy Gimm contacts Mace to help find the most recent victim of a serial killer, and he takes Vira to see how she does. Amazingly, not only does she find the body, she grabs a man watching the scene! Turns out he is involved, and the mystery begins. Taut thriller, great dogs and a series I will follow!

Mace is a dog trainer. He trains them as Cavader dogs for the police.
But when his dog Vira picks out the murderer in the crowd and attacks him. Mace has to go all out to prove that Vira has a sixth sense! Before he knows it he's tracking a serial killer who is also trying to kill him!!

A brilliant book. At first I thought I wasn't going to like it but as soon as I read more. I was gripped and really got into it. Told from the point of view as Mace and the masked killer.
Little did we know the killer was under our noses the whole time!
This book has been written well and kept me engaged and entertained.

This book was great! It made me keep reading to the point of neglecting other things (like sleeping). It started out a little weird and I couldn’t figure out who was talking and which person / persons were the main characters until I read a couple of chapters and then when that was established, the story moved right along. I loved the characters and can’t wait to see most of them again in book 2. The plot revolved about a psychopath serial killer. That subject always fascinated me because it is hard to fathom what makes people turn out that way. Jeffrey Burton is a new author to me but I’m sure I will become more acquainted with his writing in the future. I also love to read about K-9s.

I recommend this book to all my mystery loving friends out there.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

5 stars
The Finders by Jeffrey B. Burton
How have I missed this author? Holy buckets, this is an amazing book. I was drawn into this book from the very first page and practically read it non-stop. I have not done that in a very long time. There is so much to like about this book. Dogs, dogs and more dogs. Main character Mace is a dog trainer who trains his dogs in human remain detection.
The secondary characters are just as richly written as Mace and Kippy. This book had an intriguing plotline and one I have never read before in any book nor have I heard of in real life.
I cannot wait to read book two and now I have to go find more books by Burton.

I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The views given are my own.

Cadavar dog trainer Mace Reid and the golden retriever puppy Vira develop an amazing bond, but even more amazing are her abilities - not only does she seem to understand her training almost before he trains her, but once she has found the victim, she appears to know who the killer is. This immediately gets Reid and Vira into some very difficult situations, and well into the cross-hairs of a serial killer. While the "hunter becoming the hunted," especially by a serial killer, has been done repeatedly, throwing in a very talented cadaver dog does shake up the formula nicely. And this book is a thriller and all about the action, start to finish. You will not fall asleep. The dogs play a big part, so if you pick the book up for the dogs, you will be happy. There were several parts where the police officer Kippy and Mace kept talking about how psychic Vira was, or other various woo-woo ideas for her skills, but I just figured it's her NOSE people! Ah well. Good read if you don't over-analyze it. I look forward to the series.

Mason Reids divorced, lives in the Chicago area, and trains dogs. He gets a special golden retriever puppy that was almost asphyxiated, and finds that she has remarkable, almost psychic abilities. Dogs are man's best pet. The book was informative about cadaver dogs and while reading the book I just wanted to hug this dog. Look forward to the next book.

The Finders is my first time reading this author. The book centers on Mason Reid, who lives outside Chicago and trains dogs. His area of expertise is training dogs in human remains detection. He recently acquired and began to train a golden retriever named Vira, who was recently rescued by Officer Kippy Gimm.

After Vira attacks a seemingly innocent man at a crime scene, Mason and Kippy begin to suspect the dog has some additional sensory powers. Along with Kippy, two hardened detectives and his “kids” they set out to solve the mystery of a serial killer targeting young women travelling along the interstates of Chicago.

The characters in the book are well-developed and gives the reader a sense of really knowing them and understanding their motives.

This is a good mystery, with action and lots of twists and turn. The best part is it’s balanced with a bit of humor that is relatable. The book is well written in that the suspense keeps you hooked and draws the reader in. A good final twist.

Overall a very good read and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Yes! First time author and knocked it out of the park for me. I requested this from the Title and the cover. Then I read the premise and thought I was in for an awesome search and rescue story. Oooohhhh no, this is SO MUCH MORE! Yes I am yelling, read this book. Murder, mystery, thriller, psychological thriller, dogs (more than 1, insert big grin here) heart break and a total out of the blue for me who the creep(s) was(were).. Mace (dog trainer, handler) was a likeable fellow, and made me smile with his interaction Kippy. (Police woman) And what can I say about Elvira, VIra for short our intrepid Golden. I am so thrilled this is book 1 in a series. Hello Mr Burton. so nice to meet your books! I want to thank Mr. Burton, Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this arc. I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. I will be posting everywhere I can find the book (Goodreads, Google Play, BookBub, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and then on release day will hit Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo. Thank you!

I really liked this mystery. Even though you are able to see into the mind of the killer, the main characters are Mace and his marvelous dogs. The mystery starts slow, but it grabs your interest. The readers meet one of the killer's victims, then the puppy who will be one of the main characters, Vira. Elivira is her real name as Mace names his dogs with country songs titles. Vira turns out to be the best cadaver dog Mace has. She is not only able to find dead people, but she can find who killed them. The police found the puppy in a garage and thought she was dead from exhaust fumes. The policewoman, who found the puppy, wants to keep her, but the puppy is taken to the shelter. That is where Mace comes in. Mace is a dog trainer and works part-time with the Chicago Police Department as a K-9 unit. Mace is called to the shelter about the Golden Retriever puppy. Now the stage is set for the rest of the story.
We have a serial killer that police are hunting, and another serial killer that the police know nothing about. This killer goes by the name of "Everyman" and is so careful that no one even knows he is killing as he hides the bodies very well. This is the one who is a minor/major character. Mr. Burton lets the reader into the mind of Everyman. He is a sociopath who has perfected the art of killing.
This book is a must-read one. It does have a little romance, but the main thrust of the mystery is who is Everyman. If you like dogs, good cops, and a dog trainer, you will definitely like this book. I highly recommend it.

A well written mystery set in and around Chicago, Illinois.

The Finders by Jeffrey Burton is the first book in the A. Mace Reid K9 Mystery. It centers around a dog handler who trains dogs to find cadavers.

I liked the main character, Mace Reid. Any man who loves dogs the way this character did, will be a huge hit with me. I also liked the character of Kippy and the chemistry she had with Mace and the loveable and smart golden retriever, Elvira or Vira for short. The Everyman was an interesting reveal and totally believable as the serial killer.

The mystery was well written, lots of dog dialogue, and when the surprise reveal came, it was all action from that point on in the book.

If your a fan of mysteries you will love this book. If your a fan of dogs, you will love this book. If you like good storytelling, you will love this book. I highly recommend it for everyone.

Thank you to Net Galley, Jeffrey Burton, and Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ book.

The Finders is the first book in a new series by Jeffrey Burton called Mace Reid K-9. This is also the first book I have read by this author. It is a fantastic start for this new series and I’m thrilled to have found a new author/series to enjoy.

Mace is a dog trainer extraordinaire. He trains his personal dogs in finding human remains. His latest trainee is Vira, named for the Oak Ridge Boys song Elvira. He also has three other dogs, collies Delta Dawn and Maggie May, plus his German shepherd, a boy named Sue. Sounds like a light hearted, cozy mystery, right? Not even close. This thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat while Vira helps Mace and local cop Kippy Gimm hunt down a serial killer.

Mason trains dogs for human remains recovery. He adopts a dog that turns out to be really special. She seems to have skills Mason has never seen before. The story has a mystery that will keep you guessing. I enjoyed the way the author portrayed Masons interaction with his dogs. I have never read this author before but I would definitely read more by him. I gave serious thought to a 5* review but am giving it 4 1/2* rounded up to 5*. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

I originally was interested in The Finders by Jeffrey B Burton because it had cadaver or human remains detection dogs. I was interested in going into this field with my Master's in Justice Studies. I still haven't, but saw this book and hoped I would learn a bit about it. I learned a lot about dogs and how amazing their noses are. It was also a great story. The author tricks you by thinking that the story is resolved quickly, but there are many more twists and turns that really flesh out the story. This was a good read.

The Finders (Jeffery B. Burton) is book 1 of a series "A Mace Reid K9 Mystery". Having finished book 1 I sincerely hope Mr Burton writes fast as I'm ready for book 2. If you like dogs, mysteries, and lots of edge of your seat moments you'll love this story as much as I do. I want to thank Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for my early copy to review.

The cover of the book was what piqued my interest. Then I read the blurb, and was quite intrigued. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, I got the chance to read the book and didn't regret it!

The story revolves around Mason Reid and his cadaver dogs, that is, dogs trained to search for human remains in police investigations. The story was told from different points of view. The pace was good, kept me constantly interested. The serial killer's story line successfully crept me out, and his reveal at the end was quite a surprise. This was the first installment in the series, and I hope there will be more. I would recommend this book for fans of mystery fiction, especially if you like dogs.

Mason Reid lives in a suburb of Chicago, and trains cadaver dogs -- dogs that hunt for dead bodies. He adopts a a golden retriever that he names Vira, and when he begins training her as a cadaver dog, he comes to realize just how special the newest addition to his family truly is. Vira not only finds the body, but traces the scent back to the person who dumped it.

Reid and his prize pup are tasked by Chicago police officer Kippy Grimm to help with a murder case that looks like a serial killer operating in the area. It doesn't take much time for the killer to focus his attention on Mace and his beloved Vira, and they need to stop him before time runs out.

This is the beginning of a new series for Burton, and it's a very promising debut. Dog lovers -- and everyone else -- will love Vira and her human. Highly recommended!

A fast paced, quick read with great character development and unexpected twists. I especially liked the the way the author described the various dog behaviors using humorous human analogies. Great pick for mystery lovers and dog lovers. Can't wait for the next book in the series. Highly Recommended

The Finders is the first book in a new series and what a great start to the series!

Mace trains cadaver dogs and his new dog Vira is just one of the three he owns, all named after songs.

Mace and Vira who seems to have special skills, are out to track down a serial killer that is at large.

I don't want to give anything away about the story though it is tempting. Twists and turns , mystery, thriller this book has it all.

I will be first in line for the second book in the series !!

Now to check out Jeffrey Burton's other books, I am now a big fan!!

Thanks to Net Galley, St Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for the privilege of reading a wonderful start to a new series in The Finders.

The finders is an intriguing story about cadaver dogs and how they work. This hero dog has extra powers. Interesting story dealing with serial killers. Lots of twist that will keep you guessing. The plus is the animals will entertain you.

Well written, engaging and page turning mystery with some great twists. Action, suspense and some humour made for a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Mason (Mace) Reid is a dog trainer, specializing in cadaver dogs. He gets a new Golden Retriever puppy, Vira, and she is something special. When Mace and Vira help the Chicago PD hunt a serial killer they end up in the crosshairs of another killer.

Well developed and interesting characters. I loved seeing the bond between Mace and his crew of dogs and their different personalities. I hope there are many more books in this series.

Thank you Netgalley, St. Martin's Press Minotaur Books for this ARC.

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Mace is a dog trainer who adopts a Golden Retriever puppy, Vira, who he trains to be a cadaver dog. She ends up being a superstar at not just that but at sniffing out murderers too and she, along with Mace, and police woman, Kippy Gimm, take down a serial killer.

I had never heard of this author but was sent a widget from the publisher based on the fact that I had requested "Muzzled" by David Rosenfelt, another dog book. Since I a sucker for hero dog, I went for it and am glad I did. I don't love serial killer books and if not for the dog element, this would have been a 3 star, but the awesome dog made it a 4. I liked Mace and Kippy and would probably give the next in this series a shot.

Great read for dog lovers as well as fans of detective fiction. The author has created likable characters (both human and canine) along with a couple of evil ones, in a way that is believable yet entertaining. It’s unusual to discover a story about a serial killer that’s a story about genuine love of animals as well.

First I would like to thank NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for giving me this ebook to read. Second I would like to tell people that no dog dies in the book. You may say that is a spoiler but if you are like many people I know you don’t want to read a book where this happens. I want people to know this is a good book for dog lovers to read. The second I saw the cover I wanted to read it as I love dogs, I have three adopted rescue dogs. The cover did not disappoint as the book was excellent with some amazing events involving the dogs. There were some great human characters and the canine characters were even better. I loved how each dog had such a Unique personality and how the author wove the dogs into many of the scenes in the book. This made the book seem more realistic as anyone that lives with dogs knows the little tricks they have and adding that to a serious conversation gave it a fun twist. There is a great storyline with lots of action and suspense. The author did a great job of creating each character and I easily liked them, especially Mason. None of the characters were far fetched or fake going the story more credibility. I laughed more than a few times at some of the dogs shenanigans and at Mason’s awkwardness with women. The book flowed easily from one chapter to the next and I didn’t want to put it down, reading late into the night to finish it. There was excitement, suspense, action and a twist I didn’t see coming. A great all round book that should appeal to many readers, especially those who love dogs.

First Read for me By This Author
What A Book.
Absolutely Loved this Story.
Looking forward to more of this series..

Mason Reid adopts this Beautiful golden retriever pup..
Saves her life..
This little dog has been through so much in her short life. Mason is a
Dog Trainer.

Living with Scott Granger.
A Anger Drunk.
Whom does not like Dogs.
Granger's Girlfriend and her son has moved out. Left this pup behind....


This Golden Retriever.
Has a mysterious past.
Can pick up on bad people...


Picks them out of a crowd.
She's on the lead of the serial killer. Can smell there dirty deals.

There's so much about this book I would love to tell you. But I don't like giving away the story.

Will just say I Loved This Book.
Pick up yours as soon as it comes out. JUNE 30TH.2020
Thank you Netgally
For this Early Read..

I received an eARC of The Finders by Jeffrey B. Burton from St. Martin's Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
I give this book 5 stars! This was my first book by this author. I highly recommend this fast-paced start of a new series for anyone who loves a good mystery, and dogs of course! It kept me engaged from start to finish and I can't wait for the next book in this series!

I received an ARC of this excellent thriller. Fast-moving action with an engaging main character. I couldn't put it down. I hope there will be more books featuring Mace and his dogs.

Mysterious and captivating. Amazing how you can train dogs to do so many things including find the dead. This book captures your attention from the first chapter.

Exciting, intense, suspenseful! These are just some of the adjectives that can be used to describe this novel.

The Finders is the first novel in a planned series involving Mason (Mace) Reid, and his band of Human Remains Detection (HRD) dogs -- with the star being a golden retriever named Elvira or Vira for short. Eventually, Mace teams up with Kippy Gimm, a Chicago police officer to track down a serial killer by locating human remains and extracting any clues.

Suddenly, the tables get turned as the serial killer begins to stalk Mace and Vira. But why? Who is this serial killer? You'll find out in the surprising climax.

Five stars! Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books/St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Finders
A Mystery
by Jeffrey B. Burton
5 out of 5 ⭐
⭐ { MY REVIEW }⭐
I was hooked after the first few pages. It was very entertaining and the dog just made it that much better. I am and forever will be a dog lover. I was drawn In from the beginning and my interest kept throughout. It is very well written and each character is really well developed. I felt like I was right there with them during every part of the story. It was so good i didn't want it to end.I really enjoyed the characters and story. I absolutely love love loved it !!!!This is one book you will not want to miss. This is the first book by this Author that I have read, but it won't be the last. I want to read all the books this author writes.Thank you to NetGalley ,the publisher and the author for the chance to read and review this amazing 5 star read for an honest review ! Wish I could give it more than 5 stars
#TheFinders
#Mystery
#JeffreyBBurton
#Stmartinpress
#arc

The Finders by Jeffrey B. Burton was an enjoyable read. I liked the idea of a dog trainer with a very talented, well-trained cadaver dog being the main character. That Mace Reid mostly trains cadaver dogs is a little something different for me. I'm more used to drug/bomb sniffing dogs or search and rescue dogs in stories. This book has a well-developed storyline and good pacing. I will be looking for more books by this author.

I loved this book! The mystery of who the murderer is will have you guessing the whole time. I couldn’t figure out until Mace did and then it made perfect sense! This was the first book I have read by this author but it won’t be my last!

I adored this book! I am an avid crime reader and dog lover, combining these two was just fantastic. Elvira is a unique cadaver dog with a special sense to detect a little more than the average dog, so when her handler takes her to a crime scene he in unprepared for what happens next and how that incident drains him into a game of cat and mouse. A game that could cost him and his dog pack their lives! Fast paced with a super creepy killer, oodles of suspense, an edge of your seat ride. The characters are well developed and the story flows just right. I highly recommend this read.

Thank you St. Martin Press, Minotaur Books for this gifted e-arc⁣
⁣
I give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️. A story about Mason Reid who trains dogs to hunt for the dead, a golden retriever adopted and trained by him which he named Vira who by the way have survived death herself and, of course, a female cop officer Kippy Gimm who found Vira and witnessed her survival. The trio began their search for the notorious serial killer, and it was not as easy as they think it would be. ⁣
⁣
I do have a soft spot when it comes to animals, especially dogs. I admire their sense of loyalty, intelligence, and the way they care for their humans. This story did a superb job in showing a significant relationship between a dog and his human, and how incredibly smart dogs are especially in doing their jobs. I’ve seen law enforcement dogs and military dogs in action, and I admire their skills and devotion.⁣
⁣
All the characters in this story are admirable and funny. The antagonist is smart, which makes me hate him. The dogs are so lovable. Mason Reid reminded me of a man who can be very smart but doesn’t know how to talk to women. The story is direct to the point, with no excessive or pointless narration. I was appalled on the reveal. I couldn’t put this down, and it is very compelling. I highly recommend it!⁣

Easy to read, straight forward police story with two great characters - not Mace, the owner of four wonderful dogs and not Kimmy, the police woman he's crushing on but Vira - the star golden and a male german shepherd named Sue (with apologies to Johnny Cash). If your dogs sleep in their own beds and don't jump up on the furniture, you might like this story. If you're part of the pack and your dogs sleep on your bed, you are going to love this story.

This is a terrific mystery feature Mason (Mace) Reid and his team of cadaver-hunting dogs, on of whom has not only the ability to smell buried dead bodies, but an uncanny ability to sniff out perpetrators of crime.

Apparently the first in a series about this pair, the story is taut and well-paced and the characters (except for the bad guy) extremely likable and relatable. The author clearly has a good sense of humor which comes through in his writing, a talent not often seen in this genre. Highly recommended. I look forward to reading more by Mr. Burton.

I received this book as an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley.

A good, fast paced mystery/thriller/adventure featuring a great guy who loves his dogs! I don't think it would classify as a 'cozy' mystery....having a bit more 'grit & grist' that tips it out of that category. There are some scary scenes implied, but no overt sex or gore. The author does a great job of describing the scenes, so you can, & want to, read right along & see where this is going. If you like dogs, this will be a good read. I'll certainly look for the next in the series.
I received this e-ARC from St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books, via NetGalley, in return for reading it & then posting my own fair & honest review.

Oh my gosh I LOVED this book!! Hooked me from the first chapter and I just couldn’t put it down! Well told story with mystery, love, anger and loyalty woven together.
Nice plot perfect characters. Easy to love most of them. But the bad apples, oh man I was so enraged at their behavior.
Big 5 stars from me.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Loved this book. Plenty of devious surprises and crackling suspense, along with interesting characters. Just the sort of book to cause a lack of sleep, but I won't complain! Highly recommended.

*This book was provided to me as an ARC at no charge in exchange for my honest review. My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to participate in this program.*

The Finders incorporates two of my absolute favorite things: thrillers and dogs. In an exciting twist, the story is told through both the killer's eyes and the victim/detective's eyes. While the story kept me wanting more, the story started of a little confusing. It took me some time to understand that the story was being told from 2 different perspectives. With that being said, I would give this read a solid 4/5. With the difficulty to understand, the second half of the book kept me entertained. I never expected the twist at the end! Great read!

The Finders is a very well written murder mystery. I enjoyed the characters of Det Mace and his rescue cadaver sidekick, Kira. A great beginning to a new series. I look forward to reading more by this author. I received an arc from Netgalley and the publisher and this is my unbiased review.

I'm a sucker for novels featuring dogs and this one is pretty good. Recently divorced Mason (Mace) Reid teaches obedience classes as well as training cadaver dogs for work with the Chicago police. Along with his German shepherd and two collies, he's recently adopted and started training a new recruit, golden retriever puppy, Vira, rescued from a bad situation by policewoman Kippy Gimm. In Vira's first outing to find a cadaver of a young female kidnapping victim, she shows a remarkable skill that even Mace has difficulty believing.

The novel switches between Mace and his dogs and a serial killer who has been undetected in killing lone female travellers for quite a few years. Nicknamed 'Everyman' due to his unremarkable looks he is very good at what he does and I did not guess his real identity before it was revealed. The plot suffers from a drop in the pace after Vira's initial case while the next one is developing but builds up to a suspenseful ending. I really like Mace's engaging character as well as that of Kippy Gimm, who comes to visit Vira and the rest of the crew. All the dogs are endearing, individual characters and it's clear that Burton loves and knows dogs really well. An enjoyable read and a promising start to a new series.

This was a great story with the dogs the stars of the show. Really relatable characters, non stop action and a fascinating storyline. Interesting information about the Training of the dogs and their exceptional abilities. I loved the conclusion.

An intriguing story which kept me guessing right up until the end - I'm usually fairly good at working out the twist in mysteries/thrillers, but I was taken by surprise when the killer's identity was revealed.
The start of the book didn't drag me in, but once it got going I enjoyed the dual narrators and the subtle clues about who the killer was. The main character, Mace, felt believable if a little awkward, and while his new dog Vira's ability initially seemed almost supernatural, I enjoyed the theorising the characters did about how and why she was able to discern various killer's identities.
Overall it was an enjoyable book with a surprising twist, and I would read the next book in the series.

The Finders by Jefferey B. Burton is a well-thought début about a nice and relatable guy Mason "Mace" Reid who makes a living by training cadaver dogs. However, the real protagonist of the story is an adorable and unusually gifted golden retriever, rescued from a certain death by the resolute police officer Kippy Grimm. The trio gets inevitably entangled in a spiral of homicide investigations, witness protection, and searching for bodies (obviously), all concocted by one psychopathic maniac with a personal grudge.

The main characters are likeable and easy-going, exactly what you would expect of the dog people (and a dog-person writer). The affection for all that’s canine is ever-present in this book so the reading will give the worm feeling to everyone with a heart for animals. The first-person narrative is witty and full of gentle sarcasm – often self-directed – which, combined with a fast pace and numerous plot twists, makes it a rather gripping book. My only concern was that the writing itself was sometimes a little rough on the edges, with a little touch of naivety but I’m sure it is a typical thing for the beginning writers, and the style will get smoother with the next instalments of the series.

My overall experience with this book was a positive one - the refreshing idea of portraying a cadaver dog, the touch of humour and the dynamic action makes it a nice read and a promising start of a new crime series, and I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with the copy of its beginnings.

I'm typically not a lover of books with a focus on animals, this was different, I really enjoyed The Finders and the side dose of mystery as well. I came to think of these animals as human some of the time, like when there is a choice, or having to think things through. Thoroughly enjoyed this story and I'm glad it is the first in a series, I'll be waiting for the 2nd! Thank you #NetGalley#TheFinders#MinotaurBooks

Mace lives on the outskirts of Chicago and is a dog man. He teaches his dogs to find cadavers (dead people). He adopts a golden retriever who has more intuition than his other dogs.

Minotaur Books and Net Galley, let me read this book for review (thank you). It will be published the 30th of June.

The new dog is very good at finding bodies. She also has a talent for picking out killers but it takes a bit before Mace realizes it.

They're after a man who is a serial killer, always looking for a certain type. After a while they run him down and find he's looking for a woman like his sister, who died. He slept with her and they had a child. That child died because he tried to kill Mace. The cop with him took him down. Then Mace learns there was another man involved. He liked his son. Can he find him?

He knows he's around because he sees him in the trees, but his dog protects him. Even when he meets him, he doesn't recognize him. He wears a mask when on a killing spree.

The ending is full of action and weapons and you have no idea who is going to win.

This not a cheery book but it makes you feel good to see the criminals put behind bars...

The cover got me interested in reading this book. I was intrigued by the dog training aspect. I would have liked more of the dog training than the detective story line. Overall I liked this book and would read another one by this author.

I know you're not supposed to judge a book by its cover but I did with this one. The dog on the cover is what caught my eye. When I realized it was a mystery with dogs in it, I was even more excited. I love books with service dogs (police, search and rescue, etc.)

This book has just enough humor in it so it isn't one of those too serious and boring books. I found myself giggling a lot. My first book by this author and I will definitely be looking into more and hoping there more in this series.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy.

I was so excited to jump into this book and start a new mystery series that would remind me of a David Rosenfelt book, “The Finders” by Jeffrey B. Burton did not disappoint! Finding dead people is what Vira does best, but she seems capable of so much more. A fast paced well written book that kept me turning pages anxious to see how it ends. I can’t wait for the next book in this new series.

I really enjoyed reading this book! Good mystery, great introduction of the characters, and LOVED the kids...um dogs. I'm looking forward to reading more of Jeffrey Burton and am looking forward to hand selling The Finders.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I would like to thank the author, publisher and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Overall this was a very enjoyable book, a nice animal story and a gripping read.

A trainer with a smarter than usual cadaver dog. A serial killer who could be anyone. Their paths are intersecting.
This mystery will keep you reading until the end to find out what happens. The character building put you into the character's shoes. This book could stand on its own or be the start of a series. We will wait and see.

I was hoping to love this book and I did ! A thriller with dogs !! Loved it ! Exceeded my expectations ! Serial Killer or Serial Killers ? A funny yet flawed Cadaver dog trainer and his 4 awesome dogs ! Very fast paced. Easy read ! If you love suspense and you love dogs, you need to get this book !

This was a very interesting and well written book. Mace trains dogs to find cadavers and he gets caught up in a huge mess of a mystery. He works with the police and is called to a park to have his cadaver dogs find a body but unfortunately a police officer gets killed and the crazy man shoots Mace in the shoulder. This books goes thru a lot of twists and I found it to be a very entertains book.

Thank you for the early chance to read it!!

This is the first book that I have read by Jeffrey B. Burton and it will not be my last. This is a very good suspense thriller, great narrative and heart throbbing moments. The story is about two vicious serial killers, one which was apprehended early in the process and the second who took the police and Mace, a detective, for a ride. A dog is truly a man’s best friend, as Mace’s dogs saved his life numerous times during the story. I enjoy the budding friendship between Mace and Officer Kippy and I hope as the series continue, she will be open to dating him.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC. I highly recommend this book.

All over the world, wonderful rescue and service dog stories warm our hearts. But what if there is an exceptional hero among them. Prodigy kind. The intelligence level of Albert Einstein or Stephen Hawking in the dog world, wouldn't that be amazing?

Alvira is such a cadaver dog and together with his handler Mason Reid, they solve crimes. All the chapters are from either Mason's point of view and few of them from killer's point of view. It is a strange and comforting mix. Mason is good-hearted characters - awkward and funny sometimes. Slipping into the mind of the killer, Everyman, was a clever twist as well. It was like Dexter without any moral compass. I was disappointed that there weren't any from Vira's point of view but it was wishful thinking on my side. It might explain the phenomena of how she is identifying the killer from the victim's remains but it is explained from other people's guesswork which is fine as well.

I really like the story and narration, it wasn't too tedious to follow, like some CSI because our protagonist Mason Reid is not the police but a dog handler. I am motivated to continue this series.

I didn't really know what I was going into when I started this book, but once I finished it I was blown away. The Finders is a debut book in a new series, which always puts me on edge if it's going to be a good start or not. The author does a fabulous job with writing such a compelling start and well-developed and likeable characters. The main character Mason, "Mace" trains dogs mostly for finding human remains. I connected with Mace almost immediately because he treats dogs not just like family, but as if they were his children. Mace is going through a lot in his life and he has to train a new dog for law enforcement. While he is training this new dog who came from a horrible place, the police are trying to catch a serial killer and Mace and his new dog get caught up in a dangerous situation.

I really love a good mystery and I loved this with it's fast paced chapters and such a wonderful storyline. What I loved most was how the author really focused on the dogs and how amazing and individual each dog is. I think this was a really great start to a series and I can't wait to read the next one.

The Finders flows really well and is a fast-paced read - from all sides of the story. The introductory chapter with Christine was an interesting choice of an opener but it does make sense further on into the story. This book is told from multiple points of view and alternates between first and third person - first person for Mace and third for every other character's point of view. The antagonist's story being relayed as third person enhances how little we do know about him in the beginning and lends to his overall mysteriousness. The descriptions of the surroundings our characters are in are also described well and it doesn't take much effort to form the environments described.

I enjoyed Mace as a character, he is exceedingly loyal to his dogs and he is laughably awkward in some situations. Overall he is a character that is relatable because he is human, complete with flaws and a common albeit sad history. We learn quite a bit about our serial killer antagonist through his chapters and he is both interesting and complex. The one character we didn't get much of a background on is Kippy and I am hoping since this is the first book in a series that we will see more of her and her partner Officer Dave Wabiszewski. Mace and Kippy's relationship with Vira is similar to that of parents and what you normally think of when you hear people referred to as dog parents. Vira's beginning is sad but unfortunately not an uncommon fate met by pets daily (even if the means differ) - just that thought horrifies me but it doesn't make it any less true. There was really only one thing that bugged me a little bit - what Officer Ennis shouts at our killer when he is confronted. It's not really something I would bet on an officer saying but when said officer is "in the moment" who knows and Chicago is a little outside of my normal area as well. I visualize Officer Ennis to be similar to Criminal Minds Derek Morgan in my head.

I definitely didn't guess the identity of our serial killer - the story did well at not divulging much detail about him that could be strung together until you had most of the pieces to play with. Even then his sheer mindset and situational brutality were pretty... wow. While we do get some historical background information about the killer we don't go very far. His early years only get some brief mentions when he talks about typical behaviors that can be exhibited by and associated with serial killers as children.

The level of dog love from the author and from the main character, Mace Reid, reminds me of books written by Dean Koontz that also feature golden retrievers. I would highly recommend reading this book, I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading The Finders and I would definitely return to the series for the second installment. If you love dogs, this book is for you - even more so if you love thrillers, serial killers and just a touch of endearingly awkward romance. I would especially like to thank St. Martin's Press for reaching out and offering the opportunity to read a digital ARC of The Finders via NetGalley - all opinions are my own.

My thoughts
Would I recommend it? Yes
Would I read more of this series? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
At first I did know if I want to be made or if I want to hate this author because he made me cry not once but three times for something that happens in the book, but after reading more of it I started to enjoy the story and the inter action between the characters. Another thing this story has going for it is the promise and potential of it even though its a first book to a new series, and I loved the usage of old classic country songs , songs that I actually know since I grew up listing to them and how they tie into the story. Another thing was with every turn of the page you get to see how much Mace loves his dogs, their his fur babies,his family. as for the story itself the way the author writes the story in fascinating detail, just brings it more to life, and that along with have you hook and wanting to now more about what is happening ,with that said I want to says a big thanks to NetGalley foe letting me read and review it, and I can't wait for the next book in the series

What?! A twisty murder mystery and a heroic golden retriever cadaver dog? Sign me up please! This is a brilliant, entertaining and wonderful first book of the Mace Reid K-9 series!

The Story: Elvira (Vira) was only 9 weeks old when she is rescued from an abusive owner. Mason "Mace" Reid who lives on the outskirts of Chicago adopts and trains her as HRD (human remains detection/cadaver dog). Later on, the Chicago Police Department seeks Mace's help as there is a serial killer known as the Velvet Choker Killer who is targeting young women and may be responsible for the many unsolved disappearances of young women.

My thoughts: What caught my attention about this book is the cadaver dog aspect. I read a lot of crime fiction but this is the first book that is about cadaver dogs. I enjoyed learning about how cadaver dogs are trained. It is really interesting and an eye-opening one for me!

Besides this fascinating aspect, I also find that this story has all the right elements of a good murder mystery. It is indeed a clever plot with unexpected twists and turns. It was suspenseful and had me guessing. My jaw dropped when the perpetrator is revealed in the end. For the life of me, I couldn't have guessed the right one!

The characters are so endearing! Of course I adore Vira. She's an awesome dog with exceptional abilities. There are also other cadaver dogs in this story that I find interesting and important for the plot. The budding friendship between Mace and Kippy is interesting, and overall the characters in this book are pretty well-developed.

In a nutshell, read this book if you want a good and entertaining murder mystery! I enjoyed it and looking forward to read the next book in this series.

Pub. Date: 30 Jun, 2020

***Thank you St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this gifted review copy in exchange for an honest review.***

3.5⭐️‘s
Mace trains and works with cadaver dogs. When he ends up with an abused Golden Retriever puppy he had no idea the exceptional abilities she would have. Abilities that he has never seen before. Abilities that make her a wonder dog! This is a great beginning to a new series by Burton! The interaction between Mace and his dogs was lighthearted and fun, add a mystery and you have yourselves a good read! Looking forward to the next book in this series!

Mason Reid (Mace) trained his dogs as cadaver dogs and when he found Elvira, the golden retriever puppy had been close to death. Shortening her name to Vira, she joined Maggie Mae, Delta Dawn and Sue (male German Shephard) all named for the songs Mace had loved all his life. It wasn’t long before Mace realized he had a special dog in Vira; her intelligence and knowledge was astounding. Mace was seconded to the Chicago Police Department when they needed help searching for the dead, and police office Kippy Gimm was particular enamoured by Vira. It wouldn’t be long before Vira’s talents would save Mace’s life…

The murder case had been particularly brutal, but it was the serial killer who was so elusive. But when it seemed the killer was after Mace and his dogs, Vira showed her true colours. What would be the outcome? Mace wasn’t a police officer; he didn’t carry a gun. Could the CPD along with Mace and his dogs solve this particular case?

The Finders is the 1st in the Mace Reid K-9 Mystery series by Jeffrey B. Burton and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The dogs were gorgeous – especially Vira. With a full-on pace, plenty of action and red herrings throughout, The Finders kept me reading well into the night - I'm looking forward to #2. An excellent crime/mystery novel which I highly recommend.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

****ARC provided by Netgalley for a free review***

I’m was pleased surprised how good this book was. I read it in about a 10 hour span! It kept getting better and better with each chapter. There was no waiting for it to grab you that happened straight out of the first chapter. Perfect rainy day read that you can’t put down!

I very much enjoyed this book right from the start. It's a super easy thriller read with a plot twist that I definitely didn't see coming until it smacked me in the face. Burton did a fabulous job keeping me guessing on who the Everyman was, and I was pleasantly surprised without having to do Olympic-level mental gymnastics to get there when the killer's true identity was revealed.
Mace's character was fun, albeit a little naive, and his love of dogs had me relating to him immediately. His dogs just made the story better. Kippy Gimm, while being a female potential love interest, was a strong female character (always a nice deviation from the standard damsel-in-distress often found in thrillers) who was like a dog with a bone when it came to a good case. Watching as these two blundered through this case (in the most entertaining way, of course) made for an even more enjoyable read, without the standard dark-and-twisty plot. Don't get me wrong, there was plenty of dark-and-twisty, but it was well-balanced with some humor and lightheartedness.
The cop/detective side of the story was a little unorthodox, and most definitely unrealistic, I thoroughly enjoyed The Finders, and will recommend it to several friends. I look forward to reading more of Mace and his HRD dog's adventures.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Minotaur Books, for an advance copy of The FInders in exchange for an honest review.

I really loved this book! It follows Mason Reid and his human remains detector dog Vira, along with some other pups and cops. I loved Vira and Kippy the most; I feel like I really connected with them. This book gets 4 stars and a dedicated fan; I can't wait for the next one!

This is the first I've read by Burton and I loved his writing style. His humor coupled with the suspense made for a great read. I've always loved animals so reading about Mace and his cadaver dogs was enjoyable. After a rough year of divorce and losing one of his dogs, Mace stumbles upon Vira who has defeated the odds at such a young age and as they train together he realizes how amazing her talent is for her "job" in assisting the police.

It’s always a good day when I come across a novel that is factual, entertaining, and relates a story while never venturing outside the realm of reality. “The Finders” is one of those novels.

Mason Reid – Mace to his friends and his canine kids – conducts obedience classes for dogs though his specialty is training dogs in human remains detection. Essentially, they are cadaver dogs, able to detect the scent of death. His most recent work with the Chicago Police Department brings him in contact with Kippy Gimm, who has a connection with Mace’s newest dog. Both become entangled in the web of a practiced killer, and Mace is number one on the killer’s hit list.

Author Jeffrey B. Burton injects the suspense element right from the beginning, but instead of a slow buildup to the climax, he ratchets our emotions up and down while expertly guiding the plot to match. Mr. Burton tells the story through multiple characters, including the killer. The storyline is realistic, and the author deftly keeps us on the edge of our seats. I recommend you carve some time out of your day, because it is difficult to stop reading this book.

I think the scariest element of this book is the methods the killer employs to lure and kill his victims and then hide the bodies and not get caught. One could work in the same company with this person and never suspect the danger. Highly recommend this suspense thriller. Five stars.

My thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books for a complimentary electronic copy of this title.

Mason “Mace” Reid trains cadaver dogs. Following a divorce, his romantic life is dead as well. Fortunately, a special pup joins his pack and a pretty cop comes around because she likes the pup. However, when the pup attacks someone, it sets off a dangerous chain of events that leaves Mace running from a killer.

Jeffrey B. Burton drew me in to this story from the beginning. The character development was thorough with the people and the dogs. The relationships between characters were well-developed. I enjoyed having perspectives from Mace and from the killer.

The Finders is the first in a series. I will definitely be seeking future installments to find out what is in store for Mace and his special pack of dogs.

This is the first in a series that are centered around a dog that is trained to find cadavers and his handler. I have not read anything by this author before, and I am generally not interested or attracted to books about or involving animals. I love animals but I just don't usually want to read about them. This one was different. I think because this was a thriller/mystery that happened to center on a dog and trainer made it just enough different that it was a good read for me.
Thank you for the early copy for review.
#TheFinders #Netgalley #StMartinsPress #Minotaur

This is a bit of an unusual read for me but ones I got started I kept on reading. It shows the strong relationship between the dogs and their trainer. I learned a bit more about this type of dogs used by the police and rescue teams. The story itself keeps you guessing about the villain but everything becomes clear at the end. I hope there is a follow-up to continue with the lives of Reid, Kippy and of course all four dogs. The characters of the humans and each dog were well developed and in my case brought a smile to my face reading the description of their behavior. Actual I think the dogs are training Reid and not the other way around.

Mace Reid trains cadaver dogs and is called by the police as a consultant when help is needed. Mace and his golden retriever Vira are on the scent of a serial killer Everyman.
Great detecting. We are treated to the POV of Mace and of Everyman. I was stunned to find out who Everyman is. I'm eager to read more by the author Burton.
Thanks to the publisher St. Martin's and NetGalley for this read.

A series about trained K9 cadaver dogs? I can't resist!
When Mace Reid adopts a golden retriever dog, Vira, and begins training her as a cadaver dog, he discovers she has unique abilities to find scent and even alert on suspects. Vira will soon become the star of the series and your heart.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Title: The Finders
Author: Jeffrey B. Burton
Genre: Mystery
Rating: 4.2 out of 5

Mason "Mace" Reid lives on the outskirts of Chicago and specializes in human remains detection. He trains dogs to hunt for the dead. Reid’s coming off a taxing year—mourning the death of a beloved springer spaniel as well as the dissolution of his marriage. He adopts a rescue dog with a mysterious past—a golden retriever named Vira. And when Reid begins training Vira as a cadaver dog, he comes to realize just how special the newest addition to his family truly is…

Suddenly, Reid and his prize pupil find themselves hurled into a taxing murder case, which will push them to their very limits. Paired with determined Chicago Police Officer Kippy Gimm, Mace must put all his trust in Vira's abilities to thwart a serial killer who has now set his sights on Mace himself.

I definitely enjoyed reading this! Mace is kind of bumbling through his personal interactions, but I found it very endearing. I enjoy reading mysteries and trying to figure out who the culprit is, but the author did a great job of playing things close to his vest and not giving anything away here.

Vira is her own special character, and I loved her from the beginning, when she was a depressed and scared puppy. Seeing how she developed was fascinating, and I’m looking forward to reading more of her adventures.

Jeffrey B. Burton lives in Minnesota. The Finders is his newest novel, the first in the Mace Reid K-9 Mystery series.

(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.)

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This was an awesome book! This is my first book by this author but I hope he continues a series with Delta, Maggie, and Vira. The plot of the book and the characterization of the people and the dogs was fabulous. I never even suspected who the criminal was until the last chapter of so. I definitely recommend this book!! Enjoy! 📚

Pulse pounding read. Mason trains dogs to find dead bodies. He loves dogs and treats them well. They are his very best friends. Kippy is a beat cop who also loves dogs. Finding a puppy at a crime scene brings her into Mason’s world. Eventually both along with the dog find them chasing and being chased by a serial killer. I love Mason’s character because he is a bit of a geek that has to be protected by Kippy and his dogs. He says the wrong things and gets himself in trouble. Kippy is a go getter who knows how to kick butt. As the story unfolds there are surprises that you won’t see coming. I love the human feelings given to the dogs that make the story so much more exciting. Great job!

The Finders is the 1st of a promising new series featuring Chicago area cadaver dog trainer Mace Reid and his Golden Retriever Vira. Teamed up with an up and coming female Chicago police officer, Kippy Gimm, he gets thrown into the hunt for a serial killer. I enjoyed Mace ...he's an excellent dog trainer, and some of the best parts of the book are his interactions with his dogs, but he's a little clueless sometimes with interpersonal interactions. All part of his charm. And there's a real "Wow, I didn't see that coming!" moment when the killer is revealed.
I had not read Jeffrey B. Burton before, but because I love K9 books I took the chance and I'm very happy I did! I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series. If you like Alex Kava's Ryder Creed series you may enjoy this book..
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Mystery and dogs - what could possibly be a better combination?! I admit to having my heart in my throat a few times, however, when the dogs were in danger. If an animal in a book is killed or tortured, it's enough to make me stop reading immediately (spoiler here - - the dogs are fine)

The story is a nice, complex mystery with a blossoming friendship/probable romance thrown in. Mace, the main character, is a likable guy and his dogs are wonderful. Kippy, the 'female lead' is a strong woman who seems perfect for Mace. The narrative was a nice mix of Mace's story with the dogs and the mystery. There was a slow build as the book progressed and then picked up speed the last 1/3. I gasped out loud at one of the revelations near the end of the book.

I look forward to the next book in this series!

I loved the characters in this book, human and animal. I think it is a great start to a new series as it is well written and crafted.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was a fun, fast-paced mystery with a super intelligent (and somewhat mystical) golden retriever as the sidekick! Vira is rescued by Officer Kippy Gimm as a puppy, but is adopted by Mason "Mace" Reid who trains her as a cadaver dog (also known as HRD, or human remains detection dog). It was hard to tell Mace's age for most of the story, but at the end he is revealed as being almost 30, so that may help you understand his character more on the front end. He's been recently divorced, and treats his dogs like his kids, and they were just as much important characters to the story as he was. I really liked Officer Gimm, too, and am rooting for a romance in the future between the two. With this book being the first in a new series, it was pretty intense that the killer was going after Mace. I hope that isn't often repeated, because that would get old pretty quickly. I also have never liked, and will never like, the trope of a killer having point-of-view chapters. That's part of why I gave this one four stars, as the killer didn't even have real motive for killing other than being a psychopath who enjoyed it.
Vira is awesome and super sweet, and Sue is an awesome dog, too!
I will definitely read more books in this series when they come out.

Spectacular mystery!

With serial killers running amok, this cadaver dog mystery presents a fictional analysis of canine-human relationships, with sleuthing as the environment in which said relationships are studied.

The writing is crisp and a true addition to the mystery genre. The feelings evoked are real.

Highly recommended for dog lovers who are seeking a no-fluff mystery.

Dogs love their friends and bite their enemies, quite unlike people, who are incapable of pure love and always have to mix love and hate. —Sigmund Freud.
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I am a huge sucker for any book that has dogs, especially if it is a Golden Retriever. That is what drew me to the book.
This is the first book in the new Mace Reid K-9 Mystery series and the author has done a great job with Mace and his dog Vira who specializes in cadaver detection and recovery. I had a harder time figuring out who the killers were and that’s a bonus!.
It was fast paced and enjoyable. I’d definitely put this in the cozy mystery category.
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If you are a huge dog lover I would suggest this book. It’s a little different as the dog plays a very big role. Sort of reversed roles from what you usually read!

Thanks to Netgalley the author and publisher for this ebook in exchange for my honest review.

Dog lovers: this is the mystery series for you! This was a fun read set in the Chicago area, so part of my enjoyment of the story sprang from all the references to areas of the city and suburbs I'm familiar with. Even Batavia made it into the story!

In the first book of this new series, we are introduced to Mason Reid who trains dogs for human remains detection. His team of dogs live with him as part of his family and their relationships are so heart-warming.

As the story opens, Officer Kippy Gimm and her partner, Officer Dave Wabiszewski are called to the scene of a suspected suicide by carbon monoxide. The home owner is indeed found dead with his car running, but Kippy is even more saddened to also find a golden retriever puppy curled up dead on blankets in the garage.

But somehow, somewhat miraculously, the puppy c0mes back to life and Kippy falls instantly in love, cuddling it, and calling it Honey Bear. But the puppy is taken to the Chicago Animal Care and Control facility where Paul Lewis, the executive director of the facility, gives Mace a call--the close friend he calls 'the dog whisperer.' Mace makes his pitch to befriend the abused puppy, using a Milk Bone and peanut butter, and soon they are fast buddies and Mace has a new dog to train for HRD. Poor Kippy will just have to settle for occasional visits.

Several months later, Elvira, as the puppy came to be named, is well-trained and when the cadaver crew are called in to help the Chicago Police Department find the remains of the latest victim of the Velvet Chocker Killer, Vira does a stellar job. But then she does something shocking....

I really enjoyed these characters but most especially the intelligent and brave dogs. The mystery is intriguing and well-plotted out and there's enough action to keep the reader turning those pages. I would definitely like to read more in this series. Hope there will be lots more to come.

I received an arc of this mystery from the publisher via netGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks for the opportunity.

Finders by Jeffrey B. Burton is the 1st book in the Mace Reid K-9 Mystery, and my first book by this author. Wow this book was intense at times. I'm a big animal lover and I almost stopped reading it in the beginning, but I'm so glad I kept reading. Mace Reid has had a rough year, his beloved dog died as well as getting a divorce. He rescues a golden retriever, Vera, and begins training him as a cadaver dog. Mace has other dogs too. This book has so much action, like a roller coaster ride! So many twists and turns, I could not stop reading. I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a fast paced mystery and dogs.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I highly enjoyed this first installment into what should be a great series!

Mace has had it tough. He's divorced and has just lost a beloved pet.
He has the luck of getting to take on Vira, a new recruit in his cadaver dog training business. Vira is something really special, taking to the training fast. She's amazing as she saved Mace's life several times. Mace has become the target of a serial killer who will stop at nothing until Mace dies. The serial killer is such a crazy villan.

If you love dogs and police work, I'd highly recommend this book.

This is a very interesting story about a man and his dogs. Mason Reid, Mace, trains cadaver dogs. Not your everyday 9-5 job by any means. He is going through a rough patch and then he meets Elvira. Yes, the man loves some country music. Elvira had a rough start, but proves to be quite a dog. I think she just needed someone that would bring out the best in her. Grab a seat and get ready for a crazy ride as you go along with Mace and his band of dogs, Kippy, and some of Chicago’s finest as they work through some crazy times. I hope you enjoy this tale as much as I did. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

Human cadaver seeking dog extraordinaire

When a golden retriever puppy is found almost dead by rookie Chicago Police Officer Kippy Gimm and her partner, they reach out to dog trainer Mace Reid to see whether he would be able to adopt her. He does and as the dog gets older he finds out just how extraordinary his newest dog, Vira, is.

Reid trains dogs of all kinds but he specializes in training human cadaver detecting dogs and Vira is a stellar pupil. It almost seems like she has other worldly senses.

Officer Gimm comes to check on Vira and Reid and Vira end up helping to look for a serial killer (plus Reid thinks Gimm is pretty darn cute).

I enjoyed this tale. I tend to read a lot of books that have service dogs in them. Usually they are Search and Rescue dogs so the cadaver detecting was a new twist.

I enjoyed the Reid and Gimm and all the dogs in the book. I enjoyed it very much.

I received this book from Minotaur Books through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.

Rating: 4 great start stars

What a brisk opening salvo for a new series by author Jeffrey B. Burton. His book, “The Finders” is the first book in the new “Mace Reid K-9 Mystery” series. It starts with a great big bark, and the pace doesn’t let up until the final page. For some reason, I was expecting a cozy mystery. However, to my surprise and delight, this was an action packed thriller. It kept me up late one night furiously turning the book’s pages.

Mason ‘Mace’ Reid is first, and foremost a dog lover. He lives on the outskirts of Chicago with his four dogs. He makes a living by teaching dog obedience classes, and by contracting with police agencies to use his specially trained dogs to sniff out human remains. He’s had a tough year what with a divorce he didn’t see coming, and the loss of his beloved springer spaniel. But things are looking up. He recently adopted a golden retriever he named Elvira, and then quickly nicknames her Vira. She catches on quickly when being trained to find and alert when she detects human remains. If fact, she seems to have a sixth sense about identifying the crime perpetrators.

The police call Mace in to help find the latest remains of a local serial killer. Vira finds the remains, and more. The story rockets off from there. I am not going to say much more about the plot as its great, and I do not want to give anything away.

I’m looking forward to reading the next installment of this series. I want to see if the budding romance between Mace and Police Officer Kippy Gimm starts to bloom. I am wondering what new twists await Mace and his dog pack as things start to settle down after this roller-coaster ride.

I would recommend this to mystery enthusiasts. This hero is smart and irreverent. In addition, he loves dogs. The dogs are a part of the story, not just props. Well done!

‘Thank-You’ to NetGalley; the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books; and the author, Jeffrey B. Burton, for providing a free e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I received an early copy of this book from Netgalley. I requested it based on the dog on the cover. I fell in love with it when the golden retriever puppy who almost died from carbon monoxide poisoning came wobbling out of the garage. When the author wrote" There is a Grand Canyon sized chasm between those who like dogs and those who love dogs" he earned my undying loyalty.

This book is actually about 2 serial killers. Everyman has been abducting young woman from highway rest areas in the Chicago area. The Velvet Choker Killer strangles young women and leaves a black velvet choker around their necks. Are they the same person? Are they connected? I was surprised by this aspect of the story.

This is supposed to be book one of a new series about Chicago dog trainer Mason (Mace) Reid and I can't wait to read more . I loved the characters in this book. Mace is trying to recover from a divorce. His wife was one of those who only likes dogs. Obviously Mace truly loves them and has several. He does basic obedience training but his main focus is training cadaver dogs and helping the Chicago Police Department when needed. Mace is a self-deprecating guy with a wry sense of humor that we see often in this book. He's an unlikely hero and he is easy to relate to. Officer Kippy Gimm is a patrolman with higher aspirations who was drawn into this case by the golden retriever. She also is coming off a bad relationship, sometimes doesn't listen to her superiors, and shares a sense of humor and love of dogs with Mace. My favorite character of course is Elvira (Vira) the golden retriever. Mace learns early on that she is something special. There would be no book without her. These characters and the well developed killers add to this suspenseful page-turner. The final scene with the killer goes on for many pages and had me holding my breath

Thanks to Minotaur Books/St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Loved this one! his is the first book in the new series featuring a heroic golden retriever cadaver dog named Vira and her handler, Mason Reid. The opening starts out strong and hooks you from the beginning and the writing is well done and there is the perfect amount of suspense and it kept me guessing on who the serial killer was. I liked seeing some of the chapters through his POV!
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I find police dogs and other working dogs to be fascinating, all of the work and special skills that go into training them and just how smart they are so this was a fun part to the book.

The Finders by Jeffrey B. Burton is a highly recommended start to a new mystery series featuring Vira, a cadaver dog, and Mason Reid, her handler.

Mason "Mace" Reid lives on the outskirts of Chicago and loves dogs. He specializes in human remains detection (HRD) and he trains dogs to hunt for the dead, cadaver dogs, as well as other searches. Reid takes on a new, young golden retriever, who he names Elvira, Vira for short, and begins to train Vira as a cadaver dog. She picks up commands and learns her training very quickly. When he takes her out on her first case, she not only finds the body, she also picks out and maims the killer among the bystanders. It seems Vira has a special ability. Vira also has a connection to Chicago Police Officer Kippy Gimm who rescued her as a puppy. Now Mace, Vira, and Kippy must all work together to thwart a killer who has his sights on Mace.

First, people who love dogs and mysteries are going to appreciate this start to a new series. Mace is a well-developed, likeable character who is presented with a nice balance of analytical abilities, serious action, and even a good dose of self-deprecating humor. You will root for him, his dogs, and for Kippy Gimm. They are all believable characters. The dogs - Vira, Sue, the German Shepard, and collies Maggie May and Delta Dawn - are all characters too and you'll see their individual personalities. You will need to suspend some disbelief about Vira's special abilities, but those who have dogs know that sometimes they seem to know more than you realize. (They can also sometimes "clean" the litterbox, but I'm assuming Mace's dogs are all smarter than mine.)

The writing is great in this compelling, well-paced novel. The short chapters keep the action moving along and the clever twists in the plot grab your attention. The chapters alternate between the point of view of Mace and that of a intelligent killer, a sociopath who now has his sights set on Mace and his dogs. These two alternate, dueling narratives help keep the tensions high, with some humorous relief every now and then. The Finders is a perfect, comfortable summer read, with enough tension and excitement to keep your interest. This is a great start to a new series.

Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Macmillian.
The review will be posted on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

This is the first book in quite a while that made me stay awake reading long past my sleeping time! This book kept my interest and had likable characters

Mason Reid (aka Mace). trains HRD dogs (Human remains detection). Burton clearly has experience or did his research on HRD dogs and how they do what they do. Without textbook feel, he explains this, and it is fascinating! Mace gets Vira from the shelter after she has a tragic and potentially fatal incident as a puppy. Vira takes to detecting very quickly and then some. She is an invaluable tool In solving the case.

I hope these characters return again, I really enjoyed them. This did not have a predictable outcome, or at least I didn’t figure it out. Well, I did about the time it was revealed and I was wrong!

This book is about Mason Reid who is a dog trainer, and partners with his dogs: Sue, Vera, Maggie May and Delta Dawn to search out cadavers; with Vera being a gifted newcomer. Mason becomes the focus of a serial killer, along with Kippy, Mason and his dogs, they search for the killer.

What worked for this book was the characters and the plot. The author created this book with fleshed out characters from Mason, Kippy, Vera, Sue, Maggie, and Delta to Paul, Det. Marr.. Burton did not give one dimension but ensured that we had characters that were fully realized. I enjoyed that he ensured there were moments where the dogs were not just a side piece to the humans in the novel.

Additionally, Mason is this imperfect human that is trying to stay alive, and figure out who the murderer is. The author provides limited third and first person points of views on both Mason and the killer.

Overall, it was a good read, and I would say this book is for those who love mystery/thrillers and love animals, specifically dog lovers.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press Minotaur Books for the ARC.

#TheFinders #Netgalley

"I smell dead people." Ok, ok, I know it's lame but how cool is that? Vira is a cadaver dog who quite literally is able to smell human remains with her trainer/owner Mace. And they're on the hunt for a possible serial killer who abducts young women then tortures and kills them. But Vira is in danger of being put down when she viciously takes out the eye of a bystander at a crime scene. It is then that Mace knows there is something uniquely special about her. Working with detective Kibby, Mace and his dogs work relentlessly to hunt down the killer. Told with a wickedly wry sense of humor this novel was both intense and funny and I had no idea just how much I would love it. And it's going to be part of a series so can't wait for the next one out!

If you love dogs, this book is for you. Okay, it also has a gripping murder mystery as well, but, come on…dogs!

The author knows how to weave a good story with realistic and diverse characters. Mason “Mace” Reid is a quirky and devoted dog trainer with a proclivity for detective work that ultimately gets him into trouble. Officer Kippy Gimm is an inquisitive police officer and a dog lover who has the skills and passion to become a great detective. As for the adorable and extremely smart Elvira “Vira” the human cadaver dog, well….she just steals the show with her almost supernatural powers of “scent DNA” where she can pick out a killer in a crowd in two shakes of a “dog’s” tail.

What an absorbing and thrilling suspense novel with an evil serial killer and a loveable and heroic canine. I was hooked from the first page. A great start to a promising series!

Thank you to NetGalley and Mr. Burton for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

I was approached to review this novel, first in a new series, because I have read, reviewed, and loved another series. There are similarities with this book - a twisty mystery and great dogs. Also, both series focus on police/private investigators and the legwork involved in solving a murder (or several murders). This book is different because the characters - both human and canine - are directly involved in the case.

The case here is messy. The serial killer angle of this made the book darker than what I usually read. But it was compelling. There's something special about Mace's cadaver dog. The twist to this was well done and I enjoyed the potential love interest.

Readers who enjoy suspenseful stories where law enforcement takes a center role should be sure to check this series out. Readers who enjoy terrific animal characters in their books should not miss Elvira in this book. I am curious to see where the series takes her next. (Language, including one use of the word "retarded.")

Elvira, Vira for short, barely survives carbon monoxide poisoning by a vicious owner as a puppy. At the kennel, she is adopted by Mace. Mace trains Vira to be a Human Remains Detection dog. On Vira’s first case, she finds the body of the victim of a serial killer. She then jumps up, wrenches her leash from Mace’s hand, and runs across the street to the bystanders. Barking, she brings a man down and rips one of his eyes out. Mace tries to discover why in The Finders.

There are more mysteries to solve within The Finders too. I enjoyed this tale of an extraordinary golden retriever and her lovelorn master. I even enjoyed reading about the serial killers that populate the book. Both seemed like genuine people dealing with a compulsion no one could control.

The Finders is highly recommended for serial killer thriller fans (not fans exactly but you know what I mean). Its plot is deliciously different from the usual cop chases killer story. Plus I have new respect for my Chihuahua’s sense of smell. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars!

Thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

This book is for dog lovers, lovers of rescue animals, lovers to true crime stories, lovers of phycological thrillers, and lovers of a well researched, well flushed storyline.

I loved The Finders, and Vira was a wonderful character, the rightful star of the book. My only complaint was that too many clues seemed to be given away too early on, making it too easy to figure out the bad guy. But maybe I just read too many mysteries!

If you love dogs, or if you like to learn new things about police procedure, you need to read this. An interesting spotlight on a lesser known part of dog training/police work partnership.

*ARC via netgalley and publisher in exchange for my agreement to review; my opinions are my own*

The Finders is the first book in Jeffrey B. Burton’s Mace Reid K-9 Mystery series. This new series features dog handler, Mace Reid, and his golden retriever cadaver dog, Vira.

There’s a killer loose in the areas surrounding Chicago. Mason “Mace” Reid, dog trainer/handler, and his golden retriever cadaver dog, Vira, whom he acquired under strange circumstances, are drawn into the investigation and they, along with Mace’s other cadaver dogs and Chicago Police Officer Kippy Gimm, become objects of the killer’s murderous rage.

The Finders is a great read. The characters are well-developed and believable with complete backstories. The dogs are a compelling element in the story. The premise and plot are unique and very interesting. Mr. Burton successfully injects humor into the dialogue and character’s introspection. I absolutely enjoyed this novel and rate it an easy 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend it to everyone, especially those who enjoy a good mystery.

My thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

I was so excited about this book as soon as I first heard about it! Being a doglover, and having spent most of my life living in and around Chicago, this one seemed tailor-made for me! The main character, Mason or "Mace" Reed trains dogs, particularly cadaver dogs and the series begins with his new partnership with a very special golden retriever.

It's a fast-paced and engaging read, involving a nefarious serial killer, Mace and his dogs and I had a very hard time putting this down! I do wish that there had been a little bit more realism to some of the locations (Egg River rest stop?!) and I am surprised that Mace doesn't take more flak for being a Cubs fan on the Southside... but otherwise, this didn't strike me as inauthentic the way some book set in Chicago do. And I am sure that some less well-known suburbs will be glad to have a shout-out as well!

Burton offers different perspectives - from both the villain and the heroes - and though this does somewhat detract from the mystery of it all, it doesn't really negate any of the suspense. In some ways this allows for a short-cut sort of approach to include more details, which I did appreciate. Mace is a bit remiscient of Andy Carpenter, though he's not quite as funny. Still, this definitely makes for a solid foundation for a new series - and I definitely do plan on following this series in the future!

I chose to read this book because I am a dog lover. There are actually multiple dogs, so it was even better than I imagined. Vira is the main dog character who proves to have some almost supernatural detection abilities. I have no idea if there are really dogs that can do what Vira did. And I don’t care because a dog hero is great in any story. Plus – just look at that cover. If you are a dog lover, I dare you not to give it a second look!

The main plot of the story is actually pretty serious, because of the psychopaths hunting and killing innocent people. When the killer targets Mace, who is just a dog trainer, Mace will have to step out of his comfort zone to make sure he does not become a victim. Mace is a man without supernatural abilities (except he has Vira). He is not a cop, detective or superhero. He is just an ordinary man in extraordinary circumstances. Which actually makes the danger Mace gets into even more serious.

He does have have the help of some cops, including Kippy, who he flirts with. Both Mace and Kippy are getting over previous relationships, so the flirting is awkward but sweet. They both adore Vira. I do love a story where the dog/cat/pet brings people together.

The suspense is intense because, you know, psychopaths, but it is tempered by Vira and her dog family and Mace’s sweet sense of humor. Mace Reid K-9 Mysteries will be a series to watch.

Through Netgalley, the publisher provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book was made for me to read! I have 2 doggies now and my first human baby due this month and I can't describe what it's like having fur babies. Dogs truly don't deserve humans!!

They can really tune into our feelings and they just know how to perk us up and make us happy. There's something very special about a bond between a dog and it's owner. This book by Burton really highlights that bond. You see a dog who quite literally comes back from the dead and somehow has this intuition of who is a bad person. She goes to extreme lengths to protect her owner and I think that's what really shows how great dogs are. They don't care about themselves; they care about us.

Not only did Burton write a great thriller novel where I didn't even see the ending but he really knew how to connect with his readers. Especially if you're a huge dog lover like I am. I cried and laughed and smiled my way through this book and when I finished, I hugged my babies tight. I don't know what I'll do when their time comes to leave Earth but I appreciate Burton writing a story that makes me appreciate them even more and to just reiterate that dogs don't deserve humans!

This was not one of my usual reads so I was reluctant to read this but it was great. I look forward to more books by this author!

I'm so excited for the beginning of this unique and interesting series!
Mason "Mace" Reid lives on the outskirts of Chicago. He is a dog trainer and specializes in cadaver dogs, training them to detect human remains.
It's been a tough year for Mace, losing his adored Springer Spaniel and going through a divorce.
At a crime scene, a golden retriever is rescued from carbon monoxide poisoning by police officer Kippy Gimm.
Mace adopt her and names her Elvira, Vira for short. She joins collies Maggie Mae and Delta Dawn and German Shepherd Sue (a boy) at his already full house of dogs.
As he trains Vira, he realizes that she has some very special skills.
When Kippy visits Vira to see how she's doing and meets Mace, sparks fly, at least on his part!
Soon he becomes involved in Kippy and her partner Dave "Wabs" Wabiszewski's case, hunting a devious and cold blooded serial killer.
Dubbed "Everyman" for his ordinary looks, he recognizes the threat that Vira and Mace are to him and targets them as his next victims.
This police procedural/mystery/thriller was gripping and extremely suspenseful. the characters were engaging and amusing, I loved Mace's self deprecating humor. And of course the dogs were amazing!
Thank you St. Martin's Press for the e-ARC via NetGalley.

4.5 stars
While responding to responding to a usual welfare check, officer Kippy Gimm immediately felt unsettled by the visit. the caller was a neighbor who heard a humming sound coming from Scott ganger's house, who was not responding to his landline phone. Once there her doubts were confirmed: the humming was coming from a garage-parked truck, and Scott, along with a golden retriever puppy was dead due to carbon monoxide poisoning. The reason was darker than suicide, he was trying to kill the poor dog. to her and everybody else's surprise, after a long moment of unconsciousness, the puppy made.

The dog was immediately entrusted to Mason Reid (Mace) a dog trainer, specializing in training cadaver dogs. Mace was infatuated by his new friend, now named Vira, not only because he needed the distraction, but Vira showed signs of high intelligence from a very early age. Her abilities went from impressive to almost supernatural when out of nowhere she pounced on a kidnapper.

The finders is the first book in Jeffrey Burton's new crime series. I really enjoyed reading it and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

the characters were interesting, especially Mace. He is goofy, caring, and obsessive in a kind way. I loved every aspect of his personality and the way he took it upon himself to find the killer.
The writing was good and the character interactions were incredible. all the elements for a captivating series.
the plot was very creative and suspenseful, and the ending was definitely a surprise! despite my guessings, I couldn't figure out who the velvet choker was.
Many thanks to the author, Netgalley and St. Martin's Press-Minotaur Books for my digital copy to read and give an honest review.

Lighthearted little novel for dog lovers, mystery lovers, and someone just wanting a quick afternoon beach read.

Our hero, Mace Reid, trains cadaver dogs and gets his hands on a golden retriever who not only can do the job, she seems to have a little something extra that allows her to almost communicate with her owner. He stumbles into the middle of a serial killers plans and finds himself holing up at a safe house while the cute policewoman, longing to be a detective, Kippy Gimm (yes, that is really the name) helps him search for clues to the serial killers identity.

Everything moves along at a nice quick pace, the dogs aren't the main focus but make enough of a imprint that you get a feel for Mace's love of them. His stumbling attempts at initiating romance with Officer Gimm are adorable, albeit unsuccessful.

A good time is had by all, with a little violence and blood shed to keep things interesting.

The Finders by Jeffrey B. Burton
Dog people will find this book irresistible. I like dogs, I’ve had three over the years but I am not really a dog person. Dog people live and breathe for their “children”. Mason Reid is a dog trainer; his specialty is cadaver dogs. He loves dogs and is a bit of a social isolationist after is marriage failure. Vira, his golden retriever and Kippy Grimm a dog loving cop, combine with Mace to track down a serial killer.
The author either is a dog lover or did really good research because Mace and Kippy are clearly portrayed. The plot was solid and the human and canine interaction was well done.
I recommend the book and I enjoyed it!

I have never read a story by this author before but now, after this book, he is on my must read list. Fascinating concept that keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire book. Great read and can't wait until the next one.

That was quite an intense read.

Mace Reid trains dogs to find dead bodies. He soon finds that one of his dogs has a sixth sense about murders. Thus throwing them into the path of a serial killer.

In the first part of the book, you figure "All right, I know how this is going to end." And the climax happens and then... there's more. So. Much. More.

Each character was brilliantly written and you never truly know what's going to happen. This story kept me on the edge of my seat and wanting more. I can't wait to read more from this author.

Mason Reid prided himself on being able to train dogs as cadaver dogs. His services were used by the Police Department of Illinois. In this particular case, his prize dog, named Vira was able to find the body of a young woman who had been missing from a rest area. It seemed as if young women were missing from the rest areas and their cars were found many miles away for the actual rest area that they had accessed. Who is doing this to the women and why? Now is this person able to do all of this without anyone seeing anything? Will Mason be able to use Vira to find the murderer? If you like intriguing psychological books involving very smart animals, you will definitely like this one. The plot was very well orchestrated and keeps the reader totally engaged. The character development was truly very descriptive of both the antagonist and the protagonist. The ending certainly did surprise me. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Vira, the golden retriever cadaver dog, is a star in this story! My rating 4.5.

Mason Reid is a dog trainer who contracts with the police for the use of his trained cadaver dogs. Mace has had a rough year and hopes to turn things around when he adopts a rescue golden retriever. Elvira, later dubbed Vira, picks up the training very quickly.

Mace brings Vira to her very first official job and discovers the dog has a unique sensitivity. After finding the body of a kidnapped, buried girl, suddenly Vira turns on a spectator in the gawking crowd. The dog is taken into custody due to the attack, but Mace is certain that the man is the truly guilty party. Mace sets out to investigate, taking one of his other dogs. They uncover a situation that the police hadn’t found. This seems a good result except that this time there is a man hiding in the shadows. Mace and Vira are the hunted instead of the hunters when they become the target of the real serial killer.

I was quickly pulled into the easy flow of the story. Vira is an easy dog to love and I liked Mace as her trainer/handler. I enjoyed the slow build of friendship between officer Kippy and Mace. The author adds interest by interspersing chapters from the view of Everyman, the very creepy killer. The story has a good blend of dog interest, humor, and danger.

I will look forward to reading more in this series. I recommend this to readers who like canine dogs and crime thrillers.

Source: NetGalley 2020.

I do enjoy stories about K-9 or cadaver dogs. It is interesting to see all they can do and how useful they are. This book was very entertaining, and I loved the dogs in this book. I am looking forward to see what happens as this series progresses. Mason "Mace" Reid lives on the outskirts of Chicago and trains cadaver dogs, also know as Human Remains Detection. He has recently lost his beloved springer spaniel and gotten divorced. When his friend takes in a Golden Retrieiver, that has survived a gassing by his owner, he takes him home hoping to train him to become one of his working dogs. What he didn't expect is that somehow, surviving the attempt to kill him, seemed to trigger another part of his brain and he has many skills that will be useful to Mace and the police. Enter a killer who is upset that Mace and Vira have spoiled his plans and now he wants to kill them. Every Man, as he has been dubbed, is a smart serial killer, but can he outsmart Mace, Vira and Police Officer, Kippy Gimm?

I really enjoyed these characters but especially the intelligent and brave dogs. The mystery is intriguing and well-plotted out and there's enough action to keep the reader turning those pages. Mace is damaged and nursing his wounds, so I liked that he and Kippy are taking small steps to become friends. The characters are well-developed and believable, but the dogs are the stars of the show. As they are involved with dangerous work, there are a couple of scenes where they are injured, so fair warning. The plot is well developed and unique. The mystery kept me turning the pages trying to follow the clues along with Mace and Kippy. Vira had the culprit sorted out long before the humans did. A very enjoyable read and a series and author I will be watching for. I definitely recommend this one to those who enjoy mysteries and stories involving working dogs.

Vira is a beautiful Golden Retriever with an important job and a very special nose. Vira is a cadaver dog, trained to locate and follow the scent of decomposing human flesh. Not a pretty thought, but the job is vital to both families of the victims, and to a justice system.

Vira isnt your ordinary cadaver dog, not that any cadaver dog is truly less than extraordianry. What makes Vira so special is her almost supernatural ability in not only locating the deceased but in detecting the stench of death on those responsible.

The finders is a fast paced novel packed with both nail biting scenes and hilarious moments. The characters are developed well and loveable ( the fury ones obviously). This is easily a book that both mystery lovers and animal lovers can enjoy.


I recieved a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Love me a good dog mystery! I am used to more of a "cozy" type story about dogs and their handlers. The dog handler in this book gets thrown in to a serial killer murder mystery. This book had cops who were killed, a serial killer and a dog who tears a bad guys eye out. You'll root for the dog and love the handler who is clearly dedicated to his "kids".
If you love dogs and mysteries, this is the book for you. I hope this is the start of a long series- I'll be waiting! Thanks to Netgalley for letting me read an ARC of this book.

THE FINDERS by Jeffrey B. Burton
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is an exciting, suspenseful and easy to read book. The story caught my attention from the beginning to the end and I really enjoyed reading it. It’s an entertaining book about a K-9 golden retriever called Vira that is more than just a cadaver dog, she can smell scents that indicate death in an inexplicable way and she’s better than any other dog Mason Raid (her owner and trainer) has trained. I can’t wait to read the next books of this series. In this book, Vira helps her owner and the Chicago Police find a few bodies throughout the book and she also helps them find a serial killer, that was responsible for most of the murders and is now trying to kill her owner and herself as well. I caught myself rooting for Vira since the beginning when she went through a near death situation. Vira is very brave and is a very well written character. I believe there will be a little bit of romance in the coming books since Mason and Officer Kippy Gimm (the police officer that found Vira in the beginning) seem to like each other.

This was fun once it got going. The mystery was fair. The bad guy might've been a little underwhelming. The heart of the story is really the affection between Mace and his dogs, one in particular. She was the real star. I got the feeling things would work much better if the humans were better at following her lead. This reminded me of another series, except there the awesome pet was a cat named Patch.

This didn't really feel like a cozy mystery to me, but maybe it is. It's obviously the start of a series, though this book does have a satisfying ending. I liked it enough that I'm probably along for the ride with this series. It'll be fun to read more of Vira's adventures.

The Finders is an excellent first installment in a new series about a cadaver dog named Vira and her handler/police officer Mason. They make a fantastic crime solving team. I absolutely love dogs (I have three) so this book is right up my alley and I was very excited to read it! This book does not disappoint it is full of interesting characters and plenty of suspense as Vira and Mason work to solve the murders. I am so excited I found this series and I can’t wait for more!
I received this book from NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an honest review.

As a dog lover and a mystery enthusiast I was really excited for this book and it didn't disappoint. This is a faced paced mystery and if you are like me you will become very invested in Vira and her human counterparts. When I first started reading I pictured Mace as being older than I later determined he was, the same with Kippy. The book begins when Kippy is called for a wellness check and discovers a dog in a garage where a truck has been running. Thinking the dog was dead she left the door open and stood down the driveway so she wouldn't have to see the adorable puppy who was left to die only to discover her teetering down the driveway. Invested in the dogs well being she tries to adopt her only to discover she was adopted by Mace and trained to be a cadaver dog. However Vira is way more than your average cadaver dog.

Mace Reid is called in to locate a body at a crime spree they think is linked to the Velvet choker killer. Vera starts behaving strangely at the dump site and while sitting in the back of his truck after discovering the body she goes nuts and attacks a bystander. Suddenly finding himself faced with having to put down his new prize dog Mace is willing to do anything to save her.

This is a fast paced thriller with a lot of quirks and many of mans best friend in supporting roles. I really enjoyed it and if this is the first book in a series I'm even more excited.

The Finders is the first novel in a new series by Jeffery B. Burton. Released 30th June 2020 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 288 pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is a standout murder mystery and truly a must-read for lovers of the animal mystery sub-genre. Protagonist Mace Reid is a dog trainer who specializes in training human remains dogs (cadaver dogs). His newest adoptee ('Vira - short for Elvira) is a golden retriever puppy with a traumatic past who is a natural as a cadaver dog, and just might be a canine Einstein in addition. The plot arc is full of action and the author is adept at moving the narrative along without info dumping. The characters are well delineated and fleshed out. I had no trouble keeping them straight or engaging with them (especially Vira, she's wonderful). The denouement was suitably creepy and engaging (no spoilers).

There is some anthropomorphism, but it's not out of control. Honestly for some readers who love animal mysteries, it will be a plus. I think there are relatively few readers who will be yanked out of the story by that facet of the writing. The dialogue was well rendered and flowed smoothly. I liked Mace Reid, he's a sympathetic (dog-crazy) intelligent protagonist and he works pretty well with law enforcement and the secondary characters in the book. The rendering of some of the minor (antagonist) characters, one in particular, struck me as a bit out there, but the author handled the more extreme plot elements logically and (mostly) believably.

This is a strong series debut and I am eagerly looking forward to future entries. Four strong stars for me, certainly 5 for fans of mysteries featuring dogs.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

A Mace Reid K-9 mystery
Mason Reid saves Vita from the dog version of death row with a view to training her as a cadaver dog and join his existing canine crew. One day she attacks a spectator in the crowd and Mason will have to prove to authorities there is a legitimate reason she acted the way she did. In the process Vita will be credited with catching a serial killer known as Everyman.
Having a canine character was a huge appeal for me and I loved reading about the cases she solved. A few times in early parts of the book it felt like I was reading notes from an investigators diary which made me wonder if the writer had a law enforcement background. The following comments reflect the thoughts I noted as I read and are not meant as criticism. Sometimes when I read a book I don’t get a feel for the sex of the writer but this had a male/female feel to it eg ‘the usual biddies sat farting around with yarn and past and shit all day’ and ‘sported a white button down shirt with a gray pinstripe skirt she’d gotten on sale’. Originally I was going to say perhaps different words could have been used till I decided they suited the writing style.
It took me a while to feel caught up in the storyline and it was around the halfway mark before I began enjoying myself. When Vita, Mason and Officer Kippy start to zero in on the killer things get very interesting.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy of the uncorrected digital galley in return for an honest review.

There could be no better partnership between Mason Reid and his cadaver dog Vira. Vira has been specially trained in locating human remains. It is a difficult job, but it is one that must be done. Vira is not Reid's first partner. Actually not only did his beloved dog die, his marriage recently ended in divorce.

So, Reid has taken Vira on, and not only are they thrust headfirst in a difficult murder case, they are paired with Chicago Police Officer Kippy Gimm. A serial killer is on the loose and Reid has to fight an uphill battle to stop the vicious killer before the body count rises.

I loved this book - actually any book with a canine partner. I am happy that this book is beginning of what is most certainly to be a thrilling story. Seeing how this specialty dogs are trained was eye-opening, as well as watching the bond between Reid and Vira grow. While Reid, Vira and Kippy work hard together, the tension ratchets up from beginning to end.

This is my first time reading Jeffrey A. Burton, but it certainly won't be my last. I am eager to continue the series with The Keepers, set for release in June, 2021.

Many thanks to Minotaur and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

The Finders, by Jeffrey B. Burton, is the 1st book in a new fast-paced mystery series (Mace Reid K-9 Mystery) featuring dog handler Mace Reid and golden retriever cadaver dog Vira.
Mace and Vira assist the police in capturing a serial killer of young women. It is soon discovered that the killing hasn't stopped and there may be an accomplice.
I enjoyed that there was a lot of focus on the work being done by the dog. How interesting!
A well-written and unique plot has me looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

This was a well written and very good addition to the dog stories I love. The story was well paced and absorbing. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher!

Burton's book about Mace Reid and his cadaver dog, Vira, is a fast-paced story.. Reid, a dog trainer, rescues Vira from the local animal shelter after she is found in a garage filled with carbon dioxide. After a few months, Reid takes Vira to her first crime scene. Upon discovering the body, she sprints across the street into the crowd and brutally attacks a man. Believed to be a danger to humans, Vira is set to be put down. But, Reid believes she knew the man was the killer. Was he? A fast paced thriller, The Finders, hold the reader's attention to the very end. Lovers of crime and dogs will find this book to be a well-written novel.

The Finders is an excellent first in a new series by Jeffrey B. Burton, and I'm looking forward to seeing where Mace and Vira's story goes from here. Mace is a specialist who trains and works with cadaver dogs, and Vira is his latest K-9. Coming from a horribly abusive background, Vira has a special set of skills when it comes to working with Mace, and they work together seamlessly to track down a serial killer in Chicago. The case is full of twists and turns, as all good mysteries are, and the writing itself is great. . I was very attached to both Vira and Mace by the end of the book; I love finding characters to fall in love with, and this book offers that perfectly. I received an e-arc from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a review.

A super intelligent K9, helping the human solving crimes? I'm sold, don't need to know more than that, I love dogs and everything about them. I'm sure they are truly devoted to their human family and love unconditionally. Sure, there are some things sounding a little far fetched, but it was a great read nonetheless. Looking forward spending more time with Mace and Vira.

This is the first book in the Mace Reid K-9 Mystery series and the first book I have read by Jeffrey B. Burton. I couldn't pass up the chance to read this book as it involves dogs - trained cadaver dogs. I am a total sucker for anything dogs. I was hooked into this novel right from the first chapter.

Mace Reid is the main character, who is a dog trainer. He also works along with the Chicago PD with his dogs to help on some cases as a contract worker. Vira is a sweet golden retriever who finds herself in the wrong family and ends up at a shelter. Mace swoops in to save Vira, adding her to his pack. He plans to train Vira as a cadaver dog. Vira is a quick learner and finds herself on her first real job really fast, helping to locate a missing women. The Chicago PD are working on a serial killer case and Mace ends up being pulled into it as more than a contract worker this time. He ends up being a target for the killer.

The author has us flipping between Mace and the killer's point of view. The killer goes by the nickname Everyman (because he looks like the average joe when anyone is questioned). It's so hard not to talk more about the characters but I don't want to give anything away. Mace is definitely a likable guy, Everyman has lived a long life of killing without being caught.

Suspense, mystery, wry humor, everything a good mystery series needs! I look forward to the next book in this series!

Loved this one but I like any book with a dog but I did love the book . Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book

This is the first book I have read by this author. I must say I was pretty impressed. My curiosity has been peaked and I will definitely be looking for more titles.

Hey folks, daddy Steve here with a report on one sweet doggiebook, The Finders by author Jeffrey B. Burton. I won't lie, the first thing that got to me with this one is the amazing resemblence between the dog on the cover page and my boy Malcolm. If I could run backward in front of him instead of side by side with him, I imagine that is exactly what he looks like when on a sprint.
This book is marked as the first in the Mace Reid K-9 mystery series and honestly, I hope that series has a very, very long life. What a fun and entertaining and thrilling first book!
Mace Reid is Mason Reid, trainer of cadaver dogs. Yeah, I didn't know cadaver dog was a thing. I knew about search and rescue dogs and such, but cadaver dogs are trained in a similar way, but they detect dead people.
Don't let Amazon fool you. One of the tags they gave this book is "cozy" but this is not the usual cozy style mysery story but much more of a real thriller, with bad guys and all!
I enjoyed the writing and pace of the story. Vira, the main canine character, is a real special working dog, I loved that.
This book is coming out on June 30th and is available to preorder right now. I higly recommend it. I know I will be looking for the next installment in the series.
Huge thanks to NetGalley who provided a free eBook advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review. This is as honest as it gets...

The Finders by Jeffrey B. Burton
Review by Sandra Murphy

Mason (Mace) Reid and his dogs live just outside Chicago. The collies, Delta Dawn and Maggie May, and a male German shepherd named Sue (the song, you know?) are trained human remains detection dogs (HRD). It doesn’t matter if the human is recently dead or is a matter of being only bones, HRD dogs can find them. Working with law enforcement, the dogs help bring closure for families as well as provide clues to solve the case.

Paul Lewis, executive director of Chicago Animal Care and Control, is a good friend who also alerts Mace to dogs with potential to become HRD trained. Now there’s a golden retriever puppy who has had a rough start in life that’s caught his attention. Mace names her Elvira, Vira for short.

Although Vira appears to be only nine weeks old, she takes to training like no other. She watches the other dogs and trains herself, too. When she’s a year old, she’s ready for her first search. The location is a recently demolished building, now reduced to rubble, chunks of cement, and piles of bricks. Vira finds the body of a young woman in record time—under two minutes. One odd thing—when she found the right spot, instead of patting with her paw as she was trained to do, Vira began to shake, almost like she was having a seizure. It lasted less than a minute, and she was fine.

Then disaster. While waiting for police to secure the scene, Vira begins to growl, then bark. Standing at full alert, she’s watching the crowd behind police lines, there to gawk. Before Mace can figure out what set her off, she yanks the leash from his hand, runs through the crowd and attacks a man, causing serious damage.

As with any serious dog bite, especially seemingly unprovoked, she’s thought to be a dangerous dog which puts her life in danger. Mace has twenty-four hours to prove she had a reason for the attack or Vira will be put down.

From here on, the story is a race to save the lives of Vira, Mace, Kimmy a policewoman, and a kidnapped teen. Readers will be torn between reading faster and the risk of missing clues. With all the requirements for a thriller—suspense, high body count, serial killer, a deadline—there are moments of humor. Mace is a flawed character but knows it. Freshly divorced, he’s not progressed much past high school level social skills around women. He’s just better around dogs.

It’s a tightrope walk to infuse a book with background on dog training, police procedures, likable characters, and added tension, without using the traditional and hated information dump. Burton manages it flawlessly. This is the rare book that once read, I want to flip from the last page to the first and read it again. And again. Hopefully, there will be many more tales of Vira and Mace to follow.

As Mace says, there are people who like dogs, and there are people who love dogs. This book is for dog lovers.

The Finders by Jeffrey B. Burton is a really fun start to the Mace Reid K-9 mystery series! I love books that focus on animals, and even though some of what happens made me sad, I still loved the focus on all of Mace's dogs. I'm not sure that Vira could be as smart as what the author is touting in this book, but I'm certainly no dog expert and there are tons of super-smart dogs out there. While you do have to suspend some disbelief for this one, it was good escape read that also happened to really surprise me. I didn't see the killer coming until it was revealed, and I loved having his viewpoint as well as Mace's in the book.

The best way I can think to describe the writing is masculine, but I loved the way The Finders flowed and the fast pacing. The chapters got really short towards the end and it was great for building the suspense even further. There were a lot of things happening throughout which kept things interesting, and I loved the moments that made me laugh which there were quite a few of. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did such a great job. I don't know if Matt Godfrey's voice is what I would have picked for Mace because I think he sounded older than that character is supposed to be (although I have no idea what Godfrey's age is), but besides that I was really impressed with his narration and afterward read a very interesting interview with him on http://horrorafterdark.com

This is my first time reading a book by Burton, and I love that he's a Minnesota author since that's where I am from. I was completely endeared to Vira right off the bat, and I also came to have a soft spot for Mace even if he was a little awkward. It made him more realistic for me even if the plot itself wasn't super realistic, but I didn't have any issues with that personally. I will definitely be looking forward to the next installment of this series!

Thank you to the publisher for my advance review copy via NetGalley. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

i enjoyed getting to know vira and mason, the characters were really enjoyable and I liked the mystery part of the book. I look forward to more in the series.

Loved the premise of this one and the fact that it was a different story line than I typically read.
I will definitely be recommending to friends and family.

This is a great, fun and quick read for those who love mystery books with rescue dogs as the heroes and fans of David Rosenfelt!!!! Jeffrey Burton writes with humor and keeps the story flowing. I'm looking forward to reading his next book The Keepers. Thanks for a great read!!

If you love dogs and are interested in their abilities, you'll enjoy The Finders. Mason Reid lives with his many working dogs and has recently adopted a golden retriever puppy Vira. Vira's early life was traumatic but she proves her intelligence and curiosity early on. When Vira attacks a bystander near a crime scene, she's at risk of being put to sleep. Mason believes that Vira was acting on a reason and snoops around the victim's home. When Mason discovers a kidnapped girl, we're drawn into the larger hunt for a serial killer.

Despite the gruesome details, The Finders is upbeat and generally hopeful. Reading about Mason and his pets and his close relationship with Vira gave The Finders a different appeal. While we have the complexity and tension of a detective thriller, the cadaver dogs and the strong relationship Mason has with his companions elevates this book. It's a real treat and I"m looking forward to reading more about Mason and Vira and the others!

When you combine dogs and mystery’s/thrillers, you’re giving me a twofer so I was super excited to read The Finders. Special thanks to the author, St Martins Press and NetGalley for the advanced readers copy!

This book was so good, the details were perfectly placed, the twists were perfect in number and the story was good.

Mason Reid is a dog trainer, he trains his dogs to discover and find the dead. He doesn’t intend on involving himself in the hunt for a killer but, somehow becomes involved. Then becoming the target of the killer, simply because of his dog, Vira.

I’ve always thought rest stops were creepy and the perfect setting to be abducted and that’s what happens in this story. It made for a really great and suspenseful story. A story I can’t wait to read more about in Jeffrey’s second installment, The Keepers. Special thanks to NetGalley and St Martins Press for approving me for the second. I’m so excited to continue the story between Mace and Officer Kippy!

I definitely recommend this read!! Grab it whenever you buy your books or Amazon.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Serial killer books are not my thing. However, I am a sucker for books with dogs and the premise sounded interesting.

Overall, I was impressed with the story. The characters were well-written. The plot moved quickly and the dogs were icing on the cake. I did skim toward the end, when the book became more violent, but my pleasure was only slightly muted.

My plans were to read the next book in the series.

First time reading this author but will definitely seek his other works! This book was so much fun. Think Stephanie Plum without all the bedroom scenes. I love dogs and one can't help but love "the girls". I just cringe when I think one of them may be hurt but thankfully all his girls make it fine. Told in the voice of 'Mace' ,the main character is a likeable dude as are all the 'good guys' in this book. Read the cover it gives info on story line. I will just say I loved the book!
I was provided an advanced reader copy and was under no obligation to provide a review. The opinions expressed are my own. Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.