Killer Secrets (National Forest K-9 #3) by Kathleen Donnelly
Publisher: Harlequin – Romance, Carina Press
Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Mystery & Thrillers, Romance
Expected Publication Date: March 26, 2024

Killer Secrets is the third book in the National Forest K-9 series by Kathleen Donnelly. This book can easily be enjoyed as a standalone mystery or as part of the series.

I really enjoyed this book! I think it is well written, with fascinating characters and a captivating storyline. I can’t wait to read the next book! Please let there be many more books!!!

This series is in my must-read list for 2024!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was such an interesting book written by an author who definitely knows the finer point of K-9 training - loved the dog/handler relationship - Juniper is the best!. They do have personalities all their own. The book itself is a murder mystery with a lot of interesting side characters (Grampa on leave) love interest (Josh) and a couple less likeable too but good for the story. It takes place in the winter, avalanche season and delves into a lot of interesting issues on the part of the characters - PTSD, abuse, recovery - it's well thought out and presented in an informative manner letting you understand what led the characters to some of their past. The thriller part was good - starts out quick - then some slight exposition for the characters which have been featured in 2 prior titles - I do plan on going back to read them as this was my first title by the author but she does a fine job of drawing you in and filling in any spaces so it doesn't disrupt the mystery in the book, nor the continued relationship building in this title. As the mystery unfolds, the suspense also grows keeping you interested and unfortunately staying up way too late to see it to the end. A good read that will teach you quite a few things... and leaves you waiting for the next one.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin/Carina Press for the eARC. I am cool reviewing this book. This is the 3rd in a series. I have not read the others. This does read well as a stand alone. For me this was an interesting read. Learning about avalanches and all the K-9s can do. I did not really enjoy the addiction and PTSD parts of the book, but do realize that this is part of the characters. 3.5 stars. I would read another of these.

Though I have not read any of the earlier books in this series it was easy to follow the story line and the characters. I enjoyed both the law enforcement story line and the personal story of the two main characters. The search for the serial killer in the Colorado mountains during a blizzard added an additional level of tension to an already suspenseful story. I plan on going back to read the earlier books and see how the relationship of Maya and Josh takes shape. Will be looking for the next installment.

This was another winner in the National Forest K-9 series, it had everything that I was hoping for and enjoyed about the series. It had the characters that I was looking for and enjoyed how good everything worked. I enjoyed that it had that suspenseful feel that I was looking for and glad it was so well done. It was a strong third entry in the series. I enjoyed the way Kathleen Donnelly wrote this and can't wait for more in this series and from Kathleen Donnelly.

I didn't realize that this was book three in a series until I started reading it. It works as a stand-alone in my opinion. The author does sneak in bits and pieces of back story to keep the reader informed. It was almost too much info when I was really into the current story and didn't want to be distracted.
I received the advanced reader's copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my own unsolicited opinion.
This book grabbed me right from the start. Kathleen Donnelly does an awesome job of causing the reader to waver between different characters as the possible killer. I really appreciate that she 'lets' the characters tell the story. I think this is the first of her books that I've read.
Forest Service Officer Maya Thompson has a lot on her shoulders during her investigation. Deputy Josh Colton has family drama going on which heightens the tension between characters and has potential to destroy their growing relationship.
Juniper, Thompson's K-9 partner is a wonderful part of the story. The abilities of the K-9's are interesting to learn about.

Language - profanity. There is a crime scene, but the content is not overly graphic.

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart


Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

The National Forest K-9 series is a romantic suspense series with the same primary couple so far. Maya is with the Forest service. Her Pops and Josh are with the sheriff's department. There are continuing story lines from the first two books including an investigation into her grandfather the sheriff, and her relationship with Josh. Both Maya and Josh have had issues with addictions and military backgrounds so they understand those issues and support each other.

There are good parts with training and work by the dogs. I love to see them. Juniper really has energy and it's sad when she isn't working. Maya helps another handler train Finn, a golden retriever. Maya is sent to assist another sheriff when there may be a serial killer as many bodies are found.

The sheriff is angry and controlling and not helping himself on these cases. He is worried about his re-election coming up and a serial killer case is stressful. Also he has a wanna-be journalist and another relative who are only adding to his pressure.

Maya is doing better about not going everywhere without enough backup. It gets more difficult when she starts to think law enforcement may be involved and she isn't sure who to trust. She does her work as well as she can.

There's plenty of excitement with a serial killer on the loose. Maya does a good job of finding evidence and doing smart research to resolve the case. Maya and Josh have some big issues blow up and while they are irritated and apart because of their work, they still stay supportive of each other. I look forward to their relationship being more settled and having the bizarre cases in their work with plenty of K-9 time for future books..

Wow....just wow! This book is a very intense roller coaster ride of so many twists and turns!! The author does a fantastic job keeping you turning page after page with so many clues and twists and keeping the reader invested in this case.

There were challenges in the relationship between Josh and Maya but it added to the overall suspense and mystery of how everything was going to work and play itself out. The focus primarily is on Maya and her solving this serial killer case but you get more glimpses into Josh's background and upbringing before coming to Pinecone Junction, Colorado.

The book is more centered on solving the crime versus the romance so if you're looking for more romance theming, this book will not be for you BUT the writing and storyline of this book is truly awesome and highly recommend you give it a chance. Overall, the book is clean - a few profanity words mentioned but it is very minimal. There are several point of views - Maya, Josh, and the killer, which could be some triggers when you are reading from the killer's perspective. The details are not overly graphic as the author does leave some things to the imagination but some of the details one could find disturbing.

I should note that what I did not know when I read the book before this one that this is actually part of an ongoing/continuing series. I would recommend reading Book 1 and Book 2 before reading this book (which you will not be disappointed in reading them). Although you can read this as a standalone as far as solving the main storyline of this book, I will say that the ending leaves a bit of a "cliffhanger"/setup for the next book or what I would assume there will be another book in the series as there is still more to earlier plots that need to fully conclude as well as on Josh and Maya's relationship. There are reoccurring hints at the previous book's plot that still have more to fully get closure - or at least I need it! All that to say.....this book was very well done!! I highly recommend reading the entire series up to this book and be ready for the *hopefully* next one!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin - Romance, Carina Press for the advanced copy of the book. All my thoughts and opinions are all my own.

This book was very good . Maya and Josh were a new couple but both had struggled with addiction. She was a k9 handler for the forest department and Juniper was her very well trained dog. When two snow boarders set off an avalanche a body was discovered under one of them. Maya was called in to help find more bodies and then a cadaver dog was also called in. It was an intriguing case as the sherif did not want to help and it wasn’t until the last couple chapters that the killer was revealed. I had a suspicion but it could have been one of several people. A good story that I had trouble putting down

I got this book from Netgalley and am voluntarily writing a review

Killer Secrets is the third book in Kathleen Donnelly’s Nation Forest K-9 Series. This is a romantic suspense story with good characters, an quirky K-9, and an interesting storyline that kept me on the seat of my chair. The story was written in third person mainly from the point of view of the heroine. However, other viewpoints were also included which added to the drama and suspense. Please note the romantic connection is evident in the book but no steamy scenes were included.

In the neighouring town of Antler Valley, Colorado an avalanche uncovers a serial killer’s dumping ground and Forest Service Officer Maya Thompson and her K-9, Juniper are sent in to help with the investigation. But an overconfident sheriff, a meddlesome reporter, and a growing body count keep her busy, while troubles at home with Josh Colton, her boyfriend and her grandfather keep her stressed and distracted. When her investigation begins uncovering long buried secrets, will she become the next victim? Or will Josh and Juniper be able to save her? Read it and find out!

Maya, the heroine, is growing on me. She only slightly annoyed me in this book and she seems more willing to open up.The addition of the hero’s point of view definitely added more depth to the storyline. The case was solve but several elements were left open, hinting at a future complication. Can’t wait!

This is a voluntary review of an advanced readers copy received from Netgalley.

Another great book in this series!

This is the 3rd book in the series, and I enjoyed the way that Maya and Josh's relationship is growing. They are both more confident in their sobriety, their jobs and living together. Of course, just when things are going well is when it changes, and Maya is soon facing her own death, while Josh struggles with baggage from his past.

I love learning more about K-9 training and use in this series. Juniper is a great dog, still learning, but shows great potential. This was a quick read, clean, with a clever serial killer mystery. I recommend this for anyone who enjoys this type of book.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

I’m really enjoying this series! Then again, I LOVE doggie duo teams, whether they be law enforcement duos or search and rescue duos, LOVE them all. This is a good series about a really good search and rescue partnership. Maya is a former Marine, struggling with PTSD while maintaining her new sobriety (6mon). Juniper is absolutely wonderful, and the quintessential “Maligator” and a bit of a scoundrel in the most amusing and adorable ways.

The rest of the gang is back with Grampa, the local Sheriff of Pinecone Junction, who is on mandatory leave pending the results of an investigation of his actions in the last installment. There is also Maya’s love interest, Deputy Josh, who is as adorable as ever. There is also a neighboring Sheriff, Logan Jackson, that Maya has to work with on a case, who is an absolute jerk! From the get-go, my armchair detective persona immediately pegged Jackson as suspicious. There is also Forest Services Investigator, Ben Easton, who Maya is working with on the case. Jackson and Easton butt heads from the get-go over jurisdiction.

The book summary lays out the primary storyline of tracking a killer who is dumping bodies in the snow in the remote areas of the mountain (where there are no ski trails or chairs to). The mountain is considered Forest Services territory but they have to share jurisdiction with the local Sheriff’s office in Antler Valley. It’s revealed really early that the killer is watching the operation of removing a dead body from the mountain when it was discovered after a recent avalanche. Maya and Juniper are also working with a local search and rescue team, Tanner Drake and his K9, Finn, that was brought in by Sheriff Jackson.

There is a secondary storyline of Maya’s and Josh’s relationship and whether or not Maya wants to take it any further, which is hilarious since they are both hopelessly in love with each other and now living together. This particular storyline becomes complicated when Josh’s family shows up and who were not aware of Josh and Maya living together and don’t approve of Maya. Drama ensues!!! There is also another storyline, that is kind of a carryover from the previous installment, and that is that Maya is now wanting to find out who her biological father is. Nobody seems to know, except Abigail, who Maya captured in the last installment and who is now in prison and sending Maya letters. None of this is a spoiler since it was revealed really early in the story.

Most of the story revolves around the investigation and flips back and forth between Maya who is working the case in Antler Valley (2hrs from Pinecone Junction), the killer who is also in Antler Valley and Josh back in Pinecone Junction dealing with his really annoying and intrusive family. By the halfway point, there are several “obvious” suspects, however, the killer is just as likely to be someone who isn’t obvious or who hasn't even been introduced yet.

The fast-paced, action-packed ending was an intense and scary scene for the cast of characters, especially Maya whose fierce and totally bad@$$ goddess roared!!! LOVE MAYA!!! I want to thank NetGalley, Carina Press for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

#NetGalley #Carina Press #KillerSecrets

I picked up "Killer Secrets" by Kathleen Donnelly, drawn by its unique setting in Antler Valley, Colorado, and the compelling role of its protagonist, Maya Thompson, a Forest Service officer. The authenticity brought by Donnelly's K-9 narcotics expertise enriches the narrative, especially in portraying the partnership between Maya and her K-9, Juniper.

However, certain aspects tempered my enjoyment. The dialogue initially felt cumbersome, disrupting the narrative flow. Moreover, while the plot's structure was solid, its predictability and the occasional profanity were drawbacks. The use of profanity, in particular, didn't seem to add to character development or the story's emotional depth. Instead, it appeared as a shortcut for expressing disdain or hostility, which could have been more effectively conveyed through actions or subtler dialogue.

"Killer Secrets" excels in depicting K-9 operations and the authenticity of the protagonist's occupation. Despite this, the narrative is affected by clunky dialogue and a storyline that unfolds without significant surprises. Yet, Donnelly's commitment to exploring the bond between Maya and Juniper and her passion for her characters make it a noteworthy read for those interested in crime fiction involving canine partnerships.

A wonderful mystery to keep you guessing to the very end! I love the characters and setting! Juniper and Finn are icing on the cake! Never would have guessed at the perpetrators. A must read

We are back in Colorado with former Marine and nowadays Forest Service K-9 officer Maya Thompson in this clean suspense romance.
When an avalanche occurs and bodies are discovered, Maya and her K-9 Jupiter are sent to investigate who is the murderer. But dealing with the local sheriff is not easy, especially one who is keeping secrets.
Meanwhile in the home front, her beau Josh Colton’s family shows up causing a stir not only in Josh’s life but also in his future with Maya.
In the end, will the killer be found before he decides to make Maya his next victim? Will Josh and Maya finally get their HEA or will his past and his family ruin it for them?
Both the main plot and sub-plots kept this reader engaged. Especially since the characters were real and were as they dealing with real life issues.
Another good addition to the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Harlequin. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

An exciting page-turning romantic suspense. More suspense than romance. Thrilled to have guessed wrong. Great red herrings. Not a fan of serial killer stories or their details, but glad I was able to get past that issue and be engaged in the mystery. Terrific main characters and dog. I want to read more in this series as this was my first. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Killer Secrets
Kathleen Donnelly
March 26, 2024

There are areas in National Forests where skiing is not allowed. People are encouraged not to hike, ski or climb in these regions due severe weather and the risk of avalanche. Maya Thompson is a US Forest Patrol Agent. When working she drives the agency truck to different areas where calls have come in to assist or discover people who are within these areas. Recently college students have organized parties in different places within the Pino Grande National Forest in Colorado. They drink, smoke dope or use unlawful drugs while having fun to music, especially after dark. This story is based on the jobs of the local forest workers. In Maya’s case she has a K-9, Juniper, who helps with patrols, search and rescue. This novel is full of suspense and hazards. The small town area police are investigating the disappearance of local students who attend these parties, yet never return.
Killer Secrets will be published on March 26, 2024 by Canna Press of Harlequin Digital Sales. I was able to read and review Donnelly’s latest National Forest K-9 Series adventure via NetGalley. The novel was excellent although I had a bit of trouble getting into the story. This is #3 in the series and I have not read the first two. It wasn’t too far into the book however that I was drawn into the mystery and found it hard to put down. Do explore Kathleen Donnelly’s Forest books as they are well written and captivating; enjoy.

This is my introduction to this author, and also genre...It has been years since I read thrillers, and went into reading with a bit of trepidation. Immediately I was drawn to the characters and the story, and was really "thrilled" as I read on...

The most interesting characters are the dogs. I learned so much about what they can do when they are trained to find bodies...in the snow!

The writing was wonderful, and the dialogue and descriptions superb! Ms. Donnelly really knows how to write in a mean and manipulative character in the ex-fiancée...I disliked her immensely!!!

This book got more and more sinister, and I pushed forward, wanting to know how it was going to end. I was not disappointed, and am very glad I read it. Now I have to start with book #1 (this is the 3rd. in the series).

I highly recommend this book, which I was able to read thanks to Net Galley and Carina Press for allowing me to read an advance copy and leave a personal review!

A fast paced twisty turny tale of murder and secrets in a remote town. Oh my gosh I loved the characters especially the pups. This was well written with a solid plot that kept me guessing until the very end. The scenery was very well done plunging you into the snowy avalanche riddled location with the characters.
I adore the way the bond was written between the main character and her pup. This was a great fast paced dark read.

When the quiet town of Antler Valley Colorado is shaken by an avalanche that unburies a killer’s dumping site, and since it happened on national forest land Maya and her K9, Juniper, are sent to help any way they can. What they don’t count on is becoming the next one the killer fixes on.
This is a very good book full of action, suspense, police procedure, and K9 operations. The author knows dogs and I love that no dogs died in the book. I loved it and will need to go back and read the first two for sure now. I also can’t wait for book four to see what comes Maya’s way next.