A Punishing Breed by DC Frost was a fun and interesting look into the diverse culture of Hesperia College. On the surface, it is a liberal arts college that encourages critical thinking from its students. But underneath it all, there is a dark history fueled by sex and alcohol.

Danny Mendosa is, understandably, nervous when he calls in a murder that occurs on campus. He was locked up for 10 years, and his arresting officer is the lead detective on the case.
Ferencia (Fern) Lake is attacked at night while she walks shamefully back to her dorm. The high pitched scream of someone telling her to run terrifies her.
DJ Arias remembers the case of the girl that was tragically struck down by a drunk college student. When he finds out that the same person called in the murder, he leans harder on Danny than any of the others. All the while he is trying to better his personal life. He sucks at it. His grumpy attitude and baiting tongue tends to piss a few people off. But he gets the job done. A dog comes into his life at the right time, and we see a definitive shift in DJ's personality.
With a wide cast and a multitude of suspects, this is a journey that needs to be read from start to finish.

My rating for this book was affected mainly by errors in spelling and format that took me out of the story, as there were quite a few. It had great potential as a book and I see a great future for the series.
The only other personal criticisms with the book I had were:
The over sexualisation of some instances. There were a lot of remarks about how sexy someone looked, in situations where I feel they weren't needed.
The constant use of both full names of characters, and cars. There are many times where, even if the character is having a conversation, the full name was used. It took me out of the story and I didn't enjoy it.

But here is what I loved:
Warren was by far the most interesting character and I really liked him. I hope to see more of him in the series.
The book ended nicely, where some might think it doesn't need a series. It was wrapped up so tidily that one may forget a certain conversation that a key character had with themselves as things were coming to a close. This conversation made me think of any other mention through the book.
I really liked that it was logical, and throughout the book, the reason why the killer murdered who they did. It was there! And to those sleuths, there were even more clever clues hidden throughout the book to lead you to the killer. This was really smart and really enjoyable to look back on.

Overall I give A Punishing breed 3 stars.

In the claustrophobic confines of a liberal arts college, Detective DJ Arias navigates a treacherous landscape of hidden tensions, dark secrets, and murderous intent in DC Frost's gripping novel, "A Punishing Breed." The serene facade of the campus, with its progressive curriculum and idyllic setting, conceals a simmering cauldron of jealousy, racial and sexual fault lines, and a rigid hierarchy that harbors destructive forces. Arias, a seasoned detective whose grim outlook on humanity fuels his investigative prowess, finds himself pitted against a community seemingly united in its denial of the darkness that lurks beneath the surface. As he delves deeper into the case, he encounters a cast of characters whose motives are as murky as the secrets they guard. From the enigmatic college community to the reclusive neighborhood loner and a young Latino gardener bearing the scars of a past encounter with Arias, each individual becomes a puzzle piece in the complex tapestry of deception. As Arias pieces together the fragmented clues, he discovers that appearances are but a veil, concealing hidden identities and twisted desires. The investigation becomes a personal journey of self-discovery for Arias, as he grapples with his own demons and the realization that his past actions have far-reaching consequences. The adoption of a stray dog, whom he aptly names Evidence, becomes a symbol of his transformation, a beacon of hope amid the encroaching darkness. The narrative builds momentum as Arias uncovers a crime rooted in a dark secret, not confined to the past but thriving in the present. This revelation sets off a chain of events that threatens to unleash destruction and murder upon the unsuspecting inhabitants of the campus. Arias races against time to decipher the intricate web of deceit, aware that failure could unleash a torrent of devastation. DC Frost's masterful storytelling and evocative prose paint a vivid picture of a community on the brink of collapse, where the pursuit of truth becomes a dangerous obsession. "A Punishing Breed" is a compelling exploration of the human psyche, delving into the depths of despair, betrayal, and the resilience of the human spirit. Frost deftly exposes the cracks in the facade of a seemingly progressive society, revealing the primal instincts that simmer beneath the surface. The novel is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling, captivating readers with its intricate plot, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes.

In a normal murder mystery, all possible villains would be eliminated one by one by the authorities, but this isn't the case in A Punishing Breed by Denise Frost.
Detectives Arias and Talbot are presented with the problem that almost no one regretted anything and that there was an endless line of people waiting to be chosen—it was just a matter of who and when someone would take the sword.
The main characters' collaboration between a Buddhist detective and a grumpy detective made for a compelling setup. The supporting cast members' backstories were gradually revealed, and they were also masterfully written.
When it comes to puppy love, the Evidence is undeniable.
An independent review for NetGalley / Canis Major Books .

I enjoyed this book, but felt like it took me a while to get through. There were great array of characters that could easily have you looking in the wrong direction. I was able to piece together who was the murderer and why, but the story wasn't ruined by that. The grass is not always greener on the other side, or at the expensive liberal arts college. You never know when your dream job is going to be infiltrated by the enemy. The ending ties everything together nicely!
Pros:
-cute dog rescued
-its a mystery
-a good mix of personalities


Cons:
-rape/womanizer (but essential to the story)
-arrogant college president

This start of a series makes curious for the next one. There are enough suspects to make the mystery interesting. The characters range from naive to eccentric, some less damaged, others more. But the best thing is the writing style. I just loved the beautifully crafted sentences.