Last Dog Out by Candace Irving is Book 4 in A Military Veteran/K-9 Suspense Series.
In Last Dog Out Candace Irving created her usual multi-faceted, complex mystery/suspense/thriller. Her heroine Katie Holland, "Kate," is now an official Special Investigator appointed by the governor for high profile cases with special attention to those involving the military/veterans. Ruger, her devoted and talented German Shepherd, is also her official K-9 partner.
When a man is found in a ditch by the side of the road with ugly injuries and a particular tattoo, it's learned he's one Jared Williams, only to discover that's not who he is at all. Needless to say, when Kate inquires about who the man truly is, using her NCIS contact, she begins to figure out this entire murder is not as it seems.
A unique and well-known CAD (Combat Assault Dog) "Baka" is given to the parents of his handler (Paxton) when their son is killed in action. The Malinois is depressed and mourning the loss and spends almost all of his time in the bedroom where their son's scent remains. When Paxton's father dies suddenly, his mom continues to do her best with Baka but one day discovers upon returning home from her weekly grocery shopping that Baka's been stolen.
That's when all the puzzle pieces begin to connect but are still scattered and in disarray.
*****SPOILER ALERT*****
Candace has done her research to be able to portray the parts of this story that are truly heart-rending. This is a genuine tear-jerker in places due to the underlying subject matter of dog-fighting. It's educational for those who've never given it much thought or perhaps assumed because it's illegal that the problem is solved which it is NOT.
*****Review Resumes*****
The suspects continue to amplify but clarification comes via an unexpected visitor to Kate's place. When she and her deputy friend Seth get closer to their solutions, people are turning up dead in a hurry.
There are several twists and definitely unexpected turns in the story as the hunt for the initial murderer ties into all the rest of the mystery surrounding that first death and the theft of Baka. Each page brings intrigue and finally the evasive final piece to the massive puzzle. Ruger is sensational in his new job and amazes Kate with a final grandstanding effort.
Toward the end of all of this, Kate receives some shocking news.
Some of the worst of humanity is portrayed accurately in this story and is a reminder of the depraved psyches of some who engage in the worst of behaviors and activities to gain wealth and power.
In spite of considerable tears on my part, this is a 5-star novel for Candace Irving's fourth book in the series.
(Profanity present.)
Father, you know all hearts and minds. You define good and evil. May you bless Candace and her family and continue to provide what she needs to tell the stories you have just for her to tell. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
*A postscript to this story and its review. These are hard times for many people. I'm positive because of the degraded state of our Union, charities have taken financial hits. However, if you're a dog lover and you have a little extra to contribute to aid those who seek to destroy this terribly cruel "sport," here are two very hard-working organizations doing their best to combat and rescue dogs from these evil places: