I watched Dog the Bounty Hunter a little bit back in the day but I knew nothing about his life. 6 wives and 13 children was news to me. The book gave an overview of the different stages of his life and I wanted to like it more than I actually did. I didn’t know he had several previous books. He made reference to these books rather than go into detail about some of his life experiences so that was disappointing as I didn’t get the full story in this book. I may check out his previous books to get a fuller picture of his life.

I found it intriguing how he was raised by a very religious mother. He didn’t always follow his religious training but now his calling is spreading the Word.

I was very excited to read this book and it didn’t disappoint. I was a fan of Dog the Bounty Hunter reality show when it initially aired. I hadn’t kept up with the Chapman family after the original show and wondered what became of them. Having said that, I don’t often read celebrity memoirs and was dubious about the reading experience. I needn’t have worried. Although he is a man of simple words, Duane Chapman packs a punch with his message.

Dog shares the gospel in such a raw, down to earth way. His love for Jesus is infectious. I will admit, I was turned off at first when he discussed Assemblies of God churches and speaking in tongues. That’s not my ‘style’ of church but I believe that his first hand experiences with God working in his life are real. He communicates them well, they are truly encouraging. Through stories about God showing up at various times in his life, Duane gives a message of hope, of trust in God, of picking up the pieces after everything goes wrong.

I happened to read the whole book in a hospital waiting area going through a very difficult time myself. I will not ever forget this book, this was a case of “right book, right time” for me. The title is a bit cliche and I’m sure there are probably critiques I could make on writing style or organization but they are ultimately not important. This book was a joy to read in one of the most trying times of my life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for providing this ebook for review.

In the bookstore where I work, I learn that the owner and manager wanted to contact an author by the name of Duane Chapman to come in for a book signing, one of my favorite parts of working in a bookstore. I didn’t know that name but they said you know,Dog the Bounty Hunter. I’d heard that name, but didn’t know he was a Christian author. He doesn’t look so much the part of what the public views as a Christian. So I requested Nine Lives and Counting, and after completing this book, I certainly know this prolific author and certainly hope he says yes to coming to visit our privately owned store.

This is his newly published book about his life, his family experiences, being a reality TV star and how he discovered and rediscovered Christ.
The book gets off to a sad start as he relays meeting his wife, Beth, and what they went through when he lost her to stage 2 throat cancer. She fought until the end and after her death he considered ending his life to join her in Heaven but God instructed him not to end the life that He gave him. He goes on to candidly share his many loves and wives, and he’s had a bunch of them.


I really enjoyed his telling of his relationship with his staunchly steadfast Christian mother who was an Assemblies of God minister and Sunday school teacher. He was brought up to believe in Jesus and to act as such. But he didn’t always reflect his maker. She never forsake her son no matter how far he strayed.

He quotes much scripture and Bible character references which enhance his life so vividly and presents a challenge to readers. When he came to know Christ and was reborn and he explains how it excites him to witness people lives being changed. He accepted Jesus as his savior when he was around 5 years old. He reveals his take on demon possession and speaking in tongues… practices foreign to the more main line denominations. I have witnessed both in my life and found both experiences quite uncomfortable.

Chapman explains how he studied the nine manifestations of the Holy Spirit. He was gifted with the gift of knowledge and God would assist him in his quests in his bounty hunting. He relates examples of this throughout the book. I’ve never watched the show, but plan to very soon.

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One experience he shares… He’d bern hanging out with the criminal gang, the Devil’s Disciples trying to get patched in even though he knew this wasn’t God’s will for him. One night they invite him to go coyote hunting and he’s all in. Then wife, LaFonda, strongly warns him he must not go. Her intuition told her something very bad was going to happen that night.:He refused to listen and proceeded to go out with these rough fellows. One of them wanted to go get a joint before coyote hunting. They decided to go see their other friend, Jerry Lee who would have a stash. The other friend shot Jerry Lee in the shoulder. Later it was confirmed that Jerry Lee was killed and they arrested Dog too even though he was in the car during the entire encounter. He clarified how Texas law found him guilty just because he was present at the time. He was sentenced to five years. He opened up about his different experiences he went through during his imprisonment and made a name there for himself in a positive manner. He was out in 18 months, but unfortunately LaFonda fell in love with his best friend, divorced Duane, married the best friend and took his two boys. 


I could go on and on about learning and sharing who Dog the Bounty Hunter really is, but I couldn’t do him justice in a few words. I highly recommend you read his books. I plan to read his previous offerings.

His candid and honest revelations of his life can be pretty raw and maybe uncomfortable. The placement of the scriptures in every chapter perfectly define this Duane Chapman I’m coming to know. Even though he is a hardened and rough around the edges child, God was able to reach down and change his life. He didn’t sugar coat any aspect of his life.

His desire is for anyone, regardless of past, to become a Christian. The book ends with a very practical and understandable plan of salvation for anyone ready to receive Him.

Come to Boone, NC, Mr. Chapman, you have a new and admiring fan.

In Nine Lives and Counting, Duane Chapman has written a brand-new book about his life and his experiences in being a reality TV star and how he discovered Christ. He was the star on Dog the Bounty Hunter and Dog and Beth: On the Hunt. In the book, he shared about meeting his wife, Beth. He explained what he went through when he lost her to cancer. She was diagnosed with stage 2 throat cancer. He admitted to how he refused to believe anything negative regarding the diagnose. He believes in the power of life and death is found in the tongue so he would watch his words. He shared how he even would make minister change his vows and take out til death do us part because he didn’t want to speak death at all. She was given the cancer free clear when only a year later it returned to stage 4 and spread to her lungs. She fought until the end. He admitted to how after her death he considered ending his life to join her in Heaven but God instructed him not to end the life that He gave him. In the book, he explained how he met his new wife Francie who also lost her own spouse. He also covered his past relationships and marriages and kids.


He revealed how he come to know Christ and was reborn and how it excites him to witness people lives being changed. He grew up as a Christian kid in the Assemblies of God and he grew up Pentecostal church. He accepted Jesus as his savior when he was around 5 years old. He revealed his take on demon possession and how very real this is. He witnessed people being delivered and in turn has seen it firsthand through his encounters with criminals and addicts. Satan is the author of the oppression and confusion and he tempts to torment people. He explained how he studied the nine manifestations of the Holy Spirit. He was gifted with the gift of knowledge and God would assist him in his quests in his bounty hunting. He shared a few examples of this throughout the book.


One of my favorite parts of the book was about him being warned about how he didn’t need to go out one night. He refused to listen and proceed to go out with his friends. They went coyote hunting. One of them wanted to go get a joint before going. They decided to go see their other friend, Jerry Lee who would have a stash. The other friend shot Jerry Lee in the shoulder. Later it was confirmed that Jerry Lee was killed and they arrested Dog. He clarified how Texas law found him guilty just because he was present at the time. He was sentenced to five years. He opened up about his different experiences he went through during this time.


I would recommend this awesome book about the life of Dog and his faith in Christ. It was very eye opening to read about his experiences and how he was at time rough around the edges and God was able to reach down and change his life. It’s interesting to read about how he was in a motorcycle gang, to being sentenced in prison to, being a bounty hunter on TV. I haven’t watched a lot of his TV series but I was curious to learn about him and reading about his faith was inspiring and to see how it has changed his entire life.




I received this book free from Thomas Nelson for my honest review.”

Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this book.

I really enjoyed this book and learning more about his life. I didn't know he had been raised in church and that he has gone through so much while trying to find and keep his faith. I felt like he was sitting in front of me and telling me his story as I read it. I got to know his on a more personal level than from what I know about him from TV. I would recommend this to anyone that want to know more about his life but also read an encouraging take on how to keep your faith no matter what.

Even though I don't agree with his theology I did enjoy this book. It was interesting and entertaining. Thank you to NetGalley for giving me a copy of this book.

I'd like to start out by saying I'm a huge Dog the Bounty Hunter show fan and I loved his late wife Beth. I almost quit reading the book and gave up when very early in, he started with shoving Bible quotes and Jesus stories down the reader's throats. I'm a Christian, and I respect the views of other religions immensely. It's totally unnecessary and a big distraction from the life history and wonderfully positive and upbeat messages Dog is willing to share, to have gone to the lengths he did with the unending Bible story references and attempts to convert the reader to his level of Pentecostal Christianity. I could understand if this book was targeted specifically for that market but I don't think it is. I would have given it five stars but have knocked it down to three for the attempted conversion tactics. Still a dog fan, despite feeling like he moved on from Beth awful quickly. In the book he says Beth had passed for two years when he remarried Francie, but from his social media presence postings I remember being shocked by how swiftly he seemed to have replaced his beloved partner in crime. Had it not been for the relentless preaching, I probably would have gone back and read his prior two books which he refers to in this one, but alas I will pass.

Interesting Diane Chapman has a few biographies and this was one okay, but nothing shockingly different from who and what we know of Dog the Bounty Hunter.

As a devoted fan of Dog the Bounty Hunter, I was eagerly anticipating Duane Chapman's latest memoir, "Nine Lives and Counting: A Bounty Hunter’s Journey to Faith, Hope, and Redemption." And let me tell you, it exceeded all my expectations.

In this captivating and deeply personal account, Dog invites readers into the inner workings of his life, offering candid insights into the trials and triumphs that have defined him. From his tumultuous childhood to his time behind bars, Dog lays bare the raw emotions and pivotal moments that have shaped his remarkable journey.

One of the most poignant aspects of "Nine Lives and Counting" is Dog's unyielding faith in Jesus Christ. As someone who has followed Dog's career for years, I've always admired his unwavering commitment to his beliefs. But reading about how his faith sustained him through the darkest chapters of his life was truly moving. Dog's story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith and the hope it offers, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

But this memoir isn't just about Dog's spiritual journey—it's also a riveting chronicle of his legendary career as a bounty hunter. From his early days navigating the streets of Hawaii to his most memorable captures, Dog takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through the exhilarating highs and gut-wrenching lows of life on the hunt. His storytelling prowess brings each thrilling chase and heart-pounding capture to life, leaving readers on the edge of their seats.

What sets "Nine Lives and Counting" apart is Dog's willingness to confront his own shortcomings and failures. Throughout the book, he candidly reflects on the mistakes he's made and the lessons he's learned along the way. It's a refreshing reminder that even our heroes are flawed, and that true strength lies in acknowledging and overcoming our weaknesses.

But perhaps the most inspiring aspect of Dog's story is his unwavering commitment to redemption. Despite the setbacks and challenges he's faced, Dog remains resolute in his pursuit of a better life. His journey is a testament to the power of resilience, perseverance, and the unshakeable belief that it's never too late to start anew.

In conclusion, "Nine Lives and Counting" is a gripping and emotionally resonant memoir that will captivate fans old and new alike. Dog's story is one of courage, resilience, and ultimately, redemption—a journey that will leave a lasting impression on all who have the privilege of reading it.

Dog is back with another memoir, his third. It may seem weird that a person has that much to say about their life, but Dog’s past has been nothing if not colorful. And if you think his latest memoir was used as an opportunity to polish his image after some pretty public missteps and a lot of mistakes, I’d like to say that, for the most part, if that was the intent, he did a terrible job. He did not hold back when it came to sharing the lowest of his life’s lows, especially when it would have been easier and less painful to gloss over them. So I see Nine Lives and Counting as a way for Dog to reflect on his past with renewed vision and a commitment to spending the rest of his time on earth leading as many people as he can to Christ.

I won’t pretend that I agree with all of Dog’s ideology or viewpoints, and while some of his theology was a little shallow, he did make some fairly profound points that will stick with me. He did not try to explain away his past crimes, including his felony murder conviction, and instead of playing the victim game, he wanted to use his tribulations and struggles as a springboard to helping others going through similar trials. As he pointed out, Joseph of the Bible would not have led the life he did had he not been forced to serve time in prison. We can take our circumstances and, with God’s guidance, allow ourselves to be used for His purpose. Also, Dog repeatedly pointed out that even the most egregious sin can be forgiven “as far as the east is to the west.” Dog reminded us about the criminal who was remembered and saved by Jesus on the cross. This is bound to be a comforting thought for those who maybe don’t believe their sins can be forgiven or that they cannot be redeemed. Dog told how, no matter how many times he stumbled in life, when he cried out to God asking for forgiveness, He forgave Dog and cleansed him of all his unrighteousness.

The only part where I thought Dog was dodging his responsibility to own up for a mistake was when he was talking about the phone call with his son that was leaked (by his son) and caused a public outcry. Dog claimed the phone call was edited and “taken out of context.” I’m not sure in what context racist language is ever appropriate, and making no excuses for that kind of behavior is going to be the best course of action in virtually every scenario. I will say that an imperfect apology is better than none at all, Dog seemed contrite (and not just because he was caught), and when he was writing about the situation he seemed to tread lightly regarding stories that weren’t necessarily his to tell. Telling his side of the story by divulging salacious details about other people would not have been the right maneuver either. It also gave me a lot to think about in terms of cancel culture that I don’t have properly sorted as I’m writing this so I won’t ramble about that right now.

Who is this book for? Dog’s fans, certainly, but also those who walked similar journeys as Dog and are searching for mercy and redemption. It also serves as a good reminder that we ALL sin and fall short of God’s glory, which is a message no Christian can hear too frequently. Some people might be put off by Dog’s alpha male persona, but truly, the heroes of his life were Jesus, his mom, and Beth…and while he didn’t use those exact words, he illustrated over and over again how weak he is and how much he relied on the strength of Christ and the fierce women in his life.

My rating is probably more like a 3.5 but I’m rounding up. Dog seems to have gained a lot of perspective as he’s aged and especially after Beth’s death, and he wants to spend the rest of his life fully devoted to Christ and sharing the gospel. My father-in-law died of cancer last year and he was the same age as Dog, and I’ve spent the better part of a year contemplating how finite life is and how to spend my time and energy on things that truly matter. So I can’t help but root for Dog, and I’ve always been a fan of the unconventional way he’s shared his faith with “the least of these.”

I wasn't too familiar with Dog the Bounty Hunter, outside of his name appearing in various headlines and seeing ads for his show on television and other places. But I felt intrigued to read his book, as I was curious to learn more about him. Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy for review.
This is a powerfully written memoir about the hardships that Duane "Dog" Chapman has faced in his life. His time behind bars, growing up in an abusive household, and the numerous marriages he's gone through. While most people may not have experienced what Dog has in his life, there's a lot to which one can connect if they've experienced divorce, loss of faith, and financial struggles. You can feel the emotion in Chapman's words, as he recounts his stories and shares what he has learned.
I am more curious to watch "Dog the Bounty Hunter" series and other series he has done after reading this book, and I am curious to read other books Chapman has written. This is a definite recommendation for those who like terrifically-written memoirs, whether or not they are familiar with Chapman's work. It's filled with humor, strong emotions, and is well-written.

Have you been wonder what Dog Chapman has been doing? If so, then you should read this book. Dog has always been a larger than life kinda guy, and he still is. This book sheds a bit more light on his life then and now. I definitely enjoyed this wonderful book.

This was an inspirational and inspiring memoir from Duane chapman aka ‘Dog’ . I loved watching dog the bounty hunter when I was younger and this did not disappoint! It was amazing to read how God had worked with Dog throughout his life from childhood to prison from grief to finding happiness again . I loved this book it was easy to read and most days I couldn’t put it down ! I was sad when the book was finished ! One of the most interesting memoirs I’ve read !

Thank you net galley for the advanced copy !

I flew through this book! Dog The Bounty Hunter was a huge part of my childhood with his tv show always tuning into the show, so when i saw he was coming out with a book i was very excited. He has such a powerful story about his life. He is truly impactful to his community and it really shows in this book. I enjoyed reading this and the story flows so well. I have already preordered the signed physical copy because i NEED this on my bookshelf. Thanks to NetGalley for the arc!

First, I want to thank Net Galley for the ARC.

I applaud Dog for being so raw and emotional with the readers of his books and his fans. He is a great storyteller, I didn't want to stop reading! He has been an inspiration and has helped more people than he will ever know.

Fantastic book. Thank you Dog!

#NetGalleyARC This book was okay. I had read his other book and hoped that this one would be as good, it was just okay. I would have loved to have learned more about his life with Beth and less about God.

I was among the millions who watched Dog and his family track down the convicts who chose not to show up for their day in court. I remember the chase, the arrest, the cigarette and Dog riding in the backseat. And I was among the millions who had no idea there was a reason he did all the things he did. I thought it was nothing more than a bounty hunter apprehending his guy/girl. I only knew what I saw on the show- which was a fraction of the whole picture. There was far more that I didn't know compared to what I did. However, that's no longer the case.

Within the pages of Nine Lives And Counting, you're going to meet a boy named Duane. He lived a straight and narrow life. He was an active church member who many believed he was destined to be a preacher. And by the time he was in seventh grade, he escaped an abusive homelife in exchange for being a member of a biker gang. From there, life took Duane in directions he never could have expected.

A life a crime caught up with him and landed him behind bars. And within those bars, the groundwork for a caring bounty hunter was laid. Dog tells you about how he found himself there and how it changed his life forever. He's going to tell you about his interactions with his fellow inmates. He's also going to share with you how sharing his faith within those concrete walls changed more than just one man's protectory.

You're going to learn about Dog's numerous marriages and his even more numerous children- the ones he knew of and the ones he learned of years later. He's going to share with you the good and the bad of his family life. The ways he succeeded in giving his children a better childhood than he had; and the ways he let his kids down.

He's going to tell you of his career and personal accomplishments. He's also going to share with you the losses that devastated his world. Dog is open , honest and candid about it all. And he'll also share with you how God never left him and helped pick him up off the ground, repeatedly, to start over.

I honestly didn't expect to love this book as much as I did. I didn't think I'd be captured by his story. I wasn't expecting him to be as humble and honest as he was. I definitely finished this book with a better understanding for this man who has been through far more than I ever thought of. Once you finish his book, you understand why he treated his bounties the way he did. He wasn't just in it for the money. He related to so many of his captures. He treated them as humans worthy of the opportunity to get their lives back on track, and not just as the criminals they were.

Thank you, Dog, for opening your story to us readers. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to get to know you better. Thank you for showing us how your faith was always important to you- even when you were lost to criminal activity, dependency or grief. You have left a lasting, touching impression on those you've met and those who have read your story.

My review is based on egalley I received.
The continuing story of Dog the Bounty Hunter. It is a fast enjoyable read. Duanne shares memories of his early life, life with Beth fighting cancer, his spirituality with God, how he has moved on and has remarried, his family.

It felt like his writing this book was almost like grief therapy for him.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book. I remember watching Dog the Bounty Hunter on tv several years ago, so I felt an urge to read Nine Lives and Counting. I enjoyed the book more than I thought I would. DOG doesn’t filter out events about his life; he is forthcoming which brings authenticity to his writing. You can hear him speak through the writing of this book, as he talks about how religion has helped guide him through thick and thin. The chapter I found the most fascinating was about a case he hasn’t yet found closure to. He discusses the case where a man allegedly murdered his girlfriend out West then traveled back home to Florida and allegedly committed suicide in the Myakka park area of Florida. Dog raises several points that are worth investigating into and makes the reader think about what they have heard from media.

If you have been interested in Dog, his show, and his family, then this read will not leave you disappointed.

Thank you NetGalley and Nelson Books for sending this early copy for review consideration!

Reading Nine Lives and Counting felt like you were having a conversation or listening to Dog speak directly. He goes through many of his major life events and experiences in a way that you can really see and feel all the emotions. The way they are broken up made it easy to follow and stay engaged.

Whether you are on your spiritual journey and/or a Christian already you will probably appreciate the Bible references and stories. If you are not an overly spiritual or religious person, I feel you can still get a lot out of the book, especially if you are a fan of Dog’s shows.

The only reason I didn’t give it a 4 was a few of the last chapters felt out of place for me. The entire book I felt like Dog spoke humbly of his experiences and was very transparent, raw and intentional with his sharing. Towards the end when he shared about his part in the Laundrie search, it felt forced and out of place. It really didn’t sit with me right even with my interest in true crime.

Overall if you grew up watching Dog the Bounty Hunter and following Beth and the family like me, you’ll enjoy this book and learning where he’s come from as an adult! Dog’s lived a full life and has a lot to share from his experiences.