The Finders: A Mystery

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.