First, I am sucker for animal related books, so one about a cadaver dog immediately interested me. And I loved all the dog scenes in the book, especially the ones with Vira, who might even developed extra sensitivity and talent from her abuse as a puppy. However, the creepy serial killer didn't hold my interest. Overall it's a good read for dog lovers, but a only qualified recommendation for other readers. I'm rounding up from 3 and 1/2 stars because I enjoyed the parts about the dogs so much.

Oh My! Only a cold fish won't love this book. Dished up with warmth, humor and a compelling narrative laced with unexpected twists, Burton hits a home run with this first entry into a series featuring trainer Mason (Mace) Reid and the real stars ... the canines. The biggest star is a golden retriever pup ... later named "Vira". The puppy is discovered on a bed of discarded rags, lifeless, in a garage occupied by a running car and infused with carbon monoxide. Officer, patrol woman, Kippy Grimm discovers the abusive owner overcome and dead from the fumes in the adjacent kitchen, and then notices a glimmer of movement in the puppy. Eventually the pup is turned over to the care of dog trainer Mace Reid. Mace not only trains dogs for obedience and sometimes to detect drugs and explosives, but primarily for detection of human remains (HRD) - often referred to as "cadaver dogs."
With humor and the "pulling of heart strings" Mace Reid and his "family" of canines are introduced .... the alpha male "Sue" (thanks to the Johnny Cash song) a German Shepherd and the two female collies are presented ... each with their own unique personalities, and skill-set and all devoted to their "father" / trainer Mace . Later the golden retriever puppy, "Vira" joins the family and proves to be the actual star of the book. Mace feels that she is "the smartest and most intuitive" dog he has ever trained ....."Vira is off the charts ... she's a freakin' genius."
Mace and his crew are enlisted by the Chicago Police to aid in an ongoing investigation of the "Velvet Choker Killer" who is targeting young women passing through the Chicago area. Some of the chapters provide insite into the psyche of this emotionally blunted sociopath ... fear and love are meaningless ... his most useful sensation is the adrenaline rush he receives with each kill. He proves to be a quite capable and despicable villain.
Burton weaves a compelling, inventive and suspenseful narrative with unexpected twists culminating in a thrilling denouement. Multidimensional characters with complex motivations compliment the propulsive prose that leads to an entertaining and enjoyable read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sara Beth Haring from St Martin's Press for providing an electronic uncorrected proof in exchange for an honest review. I sincerely look forward to. further tales of Mace Reid and his crew.
#The Finders Book. ( from readersremains.com)

If you enjoy cozy canine mysteries, you'll like Jeffrey B. Burton's "The Finders", first in the Mace Reid K-9 series.

Its talented doggy heroine, golden retriever pup Elvira, is adopted by Mason 'Mace' Reid, and works with him abd his other cadaver dogs in human remains detection in the Chicago area.

In this first episode, they track down a serial killer, alongside Chicago Police Officer Kippy Gimm, as Kippy and Mace discover how much they have in common.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this fantastic book

who doesnt like k9 books and this one is spookily good....

when the police are called to a domestic they find to their horror a house filled with carbon dioxide from a car...the owner is dead in the kitchen as the smoke had entered the house but to the horror of the police as they went to switch the engine off in the corner is a puppy....left for dead...

mace reid calling it to train dogs to find cadavers but he has been known to train dogs to find missing people as well...

mace takes on vira and the adventures sure start early with this pair

this story kept me captivated from the very beginning and can only hope that there are more adventures to be had with mace and vira

will be keeping an eye out for more of this authors works

Overall I really liked this novel about dog trainer Mace Reid and his canine crew. The story lagged a bit in the middle, but picked up speed in the end. I look forward to reading more in this series and hope that Kippy and Mace share more than their love for Vira, the amazing Golden and true star of the novel. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for allowing me to be an early reader in exchange for my unbiased review.

The first in a new series. A quick read to catch a killer who wants the Dog Man dead. Absolutely loved the dog part in this book. Not a normal genre for me but anything with a dog will always pull me in. Enjoyed the read. Thanks to Netgalley and the offer from the Publisher for the ARC

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!

As an avid reader, and a dog lover, I was thrilled to learn a new series was being launched by Jeffrey Burton. And, in a twist, this series would feature cadaver dogs. The book is divided into four parts. The first part, understandably, serves to introduce us to the cast of characters (good guys and bad guys). However, it's in the second part that the book really takes off. The characters find their voices and the plot races forward to a great showdown. Burton's villain is sufficiently clever and despicable. The chapters from his point-of-view are among the best. You'll find yourself warming to the characters in this book (human and canine) and looking forward to their next adventure. Thank you to Sara Beth Haring, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for my advanced reading copy of #TheFindersBook.

First few chapters were total tear jerkers and I debated continuing, but once past them the story was well written. The identity of the antagonist was hidden until the end of the book and was a total surprise. Well written characters, looking forward to reading more in the future.

I just wanted to hug this book and read it again! A golden retriever is rescued as a puppy. Puppy is placed with Mason Reid who trains dogs and cadaver dogs. But this dog, Elvira, called Vira for short, is very different. You have to read this to find out. It is beautifully written and I just loved all the dogs. They each had a distinct personality and Mason had a very close affinity with each one. There was humour and I laughed many times. There certainly was a twist towards the end which I never expected. And it looks like maybe there was a start of a romance. I was delighted to learn this was just the first book in a series. I cannot wait for the next one!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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

Fascinating book about a "genius" cadaver dog. The story seemed a little jumbled to me at first but once it got going. WOW! It was funny, tightly written, and kept me thoroughly mesmerized.

Really enjoyed this novel. Mace and his canine buddies are well worth the read. When he brings home a shelter puppy with seemingly paranormal abilities, the plot thickens. His relationship with Kippy is icing on the cake. Prepare to enjoy

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.

For anyone who loves stories about rescue or cadaver dogs, this book is great. Promises to be a good series.

The Finders is my introduction into Jeffrey B Burton’s writing talents...my take away is that he’s definitely on my “Watch” list for future releases.

From the opening paragraph, I was mesmerized by the plot and the exceptional character dynamics...including the K-9’s in that mix...especially Vira. The story was fast paced, twists and turns evoking my genuine curiosity as to the identity of Everyman...when that is finally revealed, not only was it a complete blindside, but a surprise with a, “Well I didn’t even guess it.” moment. Those are my favorite types of Mystery/Thrillers...where you are completely stumped until the author chooses to reveal all. I definitely don’t enjoy stories where I can see where the plot is headed way too early, thereby destroying my enjoyment of a good “Who Done It?” The lead in to the reveal was perfectly timed to keep the reader engaged and invested in the outcome.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

I was so happy to get this book. I got more excited as it was about a dog.. it reminded me of Turner and Hooch and a little bit like scooby doo. Brilliant author cant wait for the next one

A new superstar is introduced— no cape and no spandex, just four legs and an uncanny ability to sniff out trouble. Vira is her name, and as a cadaver dog, she is without peer. Finding an inept serial killer leads to an even more complicated case. Co-stars of the book include Dog Man Mace and Kippy the Cop. Hopefully, we’ll meet this characters again in future stories.

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.