Member Reviews
Perhaps you'll start this book, as I did, by wishing it had been Elvis Cole #14 and/or Joe Pike #5. But you will definitely finish it cheering and hoping that it is actually Scott & Maggie #1!
This was a great new read from Robert Crais with a cast of new characters (although the hyper sex-drived SID criminalist John Chen from the Cole/Pike books makes a cameo appearance in his usual sleazy style) centring around two post-traumatic stress syndrome damaged survivors trying to make a go of it again. The trick is, one of them is a dog!
This isn't one of those anthropomorphic animal books where the dog is assigned all sorts of unlikely human-like thoughts. Maggie the german shepherd comes across as a real dog with dog-like characteristics and no more than that, but those traits are more than enough to make you love her.
And by the end you will be looking at your closest loved ones and smiling and thinking to yourself: "Pack!"
Highly recommended!
This was a great new read from Robert Crais with a cast of new characters (although the hyper sex-drived SID criminalist John Chen from the Cole/Pike books makes a cameo appearance in his usual sleazy style) centring around two post-traumatic stress syndrome damaged survivors trying to make a go of it again. The trick is, one of them is a dog!
This isn't one of those anthropomorphic animal books where the dog is assigned all sorts of unlikely human-like thoughts. Maggie the german shepherd comes across as a real dog with dog-like characteristics and no more than that, but those traits are more than enough to make you love her.
And by the end you will be looking at your closest loved ones and smiling and thinking to yourself: "Pack!"
Highly recommended!
Given the fact that Elvis Cole and Joe Pike are getting on in years and their exploits are becoming a bit of a stretch given their access to senior discounts at the mega-mart, it was time for Robert Crais to give us another couple of characters to follow. He's come up with a twist on the buddy act - a cop and his dog. Not a pet. A partner. Two cops. One gun. Six legs. All heart.
I don't read a ton of detective thrillers, but enough and I can't recall another K-9 duo. I guess Turner and Hooch of movie fame is close, but since I haven't seen it, I can't really give an opinion. So as changes of pace go, it's a nice one. Scott and Maggie are both beaten up and basically discarded by their respective units; in Scott's case the LAPD and in Maggie's, the Marines. Battle-scarred and weary they end up together because no one else will have them.
Early on, Scott is of the opinion that working as a K-9 officer will be easier because if he loses another partner it's just a dog. I shook my head ruefully because I knew that attitude couldn't stand and wouldn't last as soon as the two bonded. I was right. Soon Scott begins to see Maggie's intelligence and after a few episodes he begins to trust her. There's nothing magical or extrasensory about their communication; it's still dog and master, but the connection feels real. So does Scott's alienation. Once part of the team at LAPD and on the move to bigger and better units, now after almost being killed he's grudgingly allowed to stay on show more the force, but his options are limited. Not only does he have to deal with these circumstances, but he's still healing from his multiple gunshot wounds and has daily rounds of pain-killers which make him feel conflicted. He doesn't want to get addicted or take the easy way out, but the agony of the twisting scar tissue both inside and out makes him need the meds.
Chapters are divided into sections featuring the thoughts and actions of different characters, Maggie included. At first I was leery of these thinking they'd be anthropomorphized versions of what Crais imagines a dog thinks. Luckily he didn't go there. Instead Maggie's parts feel like they come from a dog. Very single-minded and simple. Pack. Crate. Protect. Protect Pack. Protect Crate. Her initial confusion and isolation make us feel for her plight. Then there are the smells. Smells are to dogs what colors and lights are to us. Dogs live by their noses in ways we can only dream about. Crais does a good job illustrating that otherness of how dogs slip through the world, but even though it's alien, it's also comforting and knowing and relatable. Maggie's character almost makes me want to get a dog of my own. Almost.
Because it seems Crais was so enmeshed in giving us character, background and relationship it seems that he took his eye off the ball when it came to plot. Yes Scott does some actual detecting and things become clearer with each link in the chain he produces, but the ending seemed kind of rushed. The real villain is discovered, coerced, trapped and taken down in just a few pages. I'd have liked a bit more of a dance, but that's just me and my experience of the Cole novels. Maybe he's trying out something a bit more dynamic with this set of characters and circumstances. It wasn't unsatisfying exactly. The time we spend with Scott while he's actively squirming on the hook is emotionally engaging, but it is short.
Overall I like the direction I think this series (and who are we kidding, it's going to be a series) will take and I'll be up for the next installment for sure, even if it's just for another pervy cameo from John Chen. show less
I don't read a ton of detective thrillers, but enough and I can't recall another K-9 duo. I guess Turner and Hooch of movie fame is close, but since I haven't seen it, I can't really give an opinion. So as changes of pace go, it's a nice one. Scott and Maggie are both beaten up and basically discarded by their respective units; in Scott's case the LAPD and in Maggie's, the Marines. Battle-scarred and weary they end up together because no one else will have them.
Early on, Scott is of the opinion that working as a K-9 officer will be easier because if he loses another partner it's just a dog. I shook my head ruefully because I knew that attitude couldn't stand and wouldn't last as soon as the two bonded. I was right. Soon Scott begins to see Maggie's intelligence and after a few episodes he begins to trust her. There's nothing magical or extrasensory about their communication; it's still dog and master, but the connection feels real. So does Scott's alienation. Once part of the team at LAPD and on the move to bigger and better units, now after almost being killed he's grudgingly allowed to stay on show more the force, but his options are limited. Not only does he have to deal with these circumstances, but he's still healing from his multiple gunshot wounds and has daily rounds of pain-killers which make him feel conflicted. He doesn't want to get addicted or take the easy way out, but the agony of the twisting scar tissue both inside and out makes him need the meds.
Chapters are divided into sections featuring the thoughts and actions of different characters, Maggie included. At first I was leery of these thinking they'd be anthropomorphized versions of what Crais imagines a dog thinks. Luckily he didn't go there. Instead Maggie's parts feel like they come from a dog. Very single-minded and simple. Pack. Crate. Protect. Protect Pack. Protect Crate. Her initial confusion and isolation make us feel for her plight. Then there are the smells. Smells are to dogs what colors and lights are to us. Dogs live by their noses in ways we can only dream about. Crais does a good job illustrating that otherness of how dogs slip through the world, but even though it's alien, it's also comforting and knowing and relatable. Maggie's character almost makes me want to get a dog of my own. Almost.
Because it seems Crais was so enmeshed in giving us character, background and relationship it seems that he took his eye off the ball when it came to plot. Yes Scott does some actual detecting and things become clearer with each link in the chain he produces, but the ending seemed kind of rushed. The real villain is discovered, coerced, trapped and taken down in just a few pages. I'd have liked a bit more of a dance, but that's just me and my experience of the Cole novels. Maybe he's trying out something a bit more dynamic with this set of characters and circumstances. It wasn't unsatisfying exactly. The time we spend with Scott while he's actively squirming on the hook is emotionally engaging, but it is short.
Overall I like the direction I think this series (and who are we kidding, it's going to be a series) will take and I'll be up for the next installment for sure, even if it's just for another pervy cameo from John Chen. show less
I saved Suspect by Robert Crais for when I needed a treat read. Crais delivered, as usual. The book opens from the point of view of Maggie, an explosive sniffing German Shepard. I knew what was coming, sort of, but I still winced as I read. Crais handles Maggie's trauma with the same sensitivity he handles Officer Scott James's trauma. Crais delivers a mystery woven into the lives of two characters, one canine, one human, who need each other as they search to find family again. The devotion Maggie and Scott show one another as they bond over their losses is inspiring. I blinked back tears several times, sometimes tears of sadness, sometimes tears of jubilation, especially when Crais examined Maggie's reactions. The chapters written from Maggie's point of view left me longing for more. Suspect offers just the right doses of intrigue, suspense, and emotion to bring the characters to life and keep the story engaging.
This was my first read by Robert Crais (pronounced crase; his fans call themselves "craisies") which follows LAPD cop Scott James, who is recovering from a shooting that left him seriously injured and his partner, Stephanie, killed. Scott has refused a medical retirement but after many months is still battling pain and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
He's desperately seeking a slot somewhere, ANYWHERE, within LAPD and is forced upon the K-9 unit. There he partners with Maggie, a former Marine explosives-sniffing dog who lost her partner to an IED and sniper attack. She also is suffering from PTSD and may be dropped from the force. Together, she and Scott help each other heal while they seek out the identity of the men who murdered Stephanie.
One does not need to be a dog fan to enjoy this mystery. The story is told from both Scott's and Maggie's points of view. Maggie is not anthropomorphized, and her chapters are fascinating as we learn how Maggie relates to the world. Scott is allowed on the fringe of the investigation because of his involvement as a victim, and he's the one to notice a few irregularities which others dismiss. He and Maggie end up on their own and in serious danger. The characters and their backgrounds held my attention, nor did I guess "whodunnit" though I had some very broad, overall suspicions in that general direction. Good mystery, good suspense, likable characters, pleasing epilogue; overall a satisfying read. Crais also writes the Elvis show more Cole, Joe Pike mysteries. show less
He's desperately seeking a slot somewhere, ANYWHERE, within LAPD and is forced upon the K-9 unit. There he partners with Maggie, a former Marine explosives-sniffing dog who lost her partner to an IED and sniper attack. She also is suffering from PTSD and may be dropped from the force. Together, she and Scott help each other heal while they seek out the identity of the men who murdered Stephanie.
One does not need to be a dog fan to enjoy this mystery. The story is told from both Scott's and Maggie's points of view. Maggie is not anthropomorphized, and her chapters are fascinating as we learn how Maggie relates to the world. Scott is allowed on the fringe of the investigation because of his involvement as a victim, and he's the one to notice a few irregularities which others dismiss. He and Maggie end up on their own and in serious danger. The characters and their backgrounds held my attention, nor did I guess "whodunnit" though I had some very broad, overall suspicions in that general direction. Good mystery, good suspense, likable characters, pleasing epilogue; overall a satisfying read. Crais also writes the Elvis show more Cole, Joe Pike mysteries. show less
3.5 stars-
It all started with Afghanistan, an explosion and a lost soul.
Maggie was just trying to protect her pack Alpha when it happened. She was damaged, he was weakened but still she had to protect him. The other humans tried to come near him but she stood guard. She would never be the same after his death. This is how it starts, with a horrible war time real life drama. We watch as poor Maggie and her handler are torn from each other by hate. Many of us don't often think about the non human casualties of war time, that will change after reading this. Animals suffer from PTSD in many ways like humans.
Scott, was on a normal patrol with his partner when the unthinkable happened. He watched as his partner was taken down by gunfire and heard her screams while he could do little but crawl for help. Recovery has taken everything he can give, nightmares, skittishness, and physical aliments still haunt him. He transfers to the K-9 unit where against the lead trainers judgement he works with a dog that has some issues that make her unserviceable on the police force. Maggie, afraid of noises, skittish and untrusting of most humans reluctantly goes with Scott. He has two weeks to see if she can be turned into a police dog.
The death and shooting of him and his partner has never been solved. Maggie's nose brings some new evidence to light that may lead them to finding the criminals. The two struggle, trying to build a bond id not easy when you are so broken.
This was a show more heartbreaking journey of trust, love and living life. Following these two was at times painful and amazing too. The patience, the love, the understanding needed was written so well into the story I felt I was reading about two real lives. show less
It all started with Afghanistan, an explosion and a lost soul.
Maggie was just trying to protect her pack Alpha when it happened. She was damaged, he was weakened but still she had to protect him. The other humans tried to come near him but she stood guard. She would never be the same after his death. This is how it starts, with a horrible war time real life drama. We watch as poor Maggie and her handler are torn from each other by hate. Many of us don't often think about the non human casualties of war time, that will change after reading this. Animals suffer from PTSD in many ways like humans.
Scott, was on a normal patrol with his partner when the unthinkable happened. He watched as his partner was taken down by gunfire and heard her screams while he could do little but crawl for help. Recovery has taken everything he can give, nightmares, skittishness, and physical aliments still haunt him. He transfers to the K-9 unit where against the lead trainers judgement he works with a dog that has some issues that make her unserviceable on the police force. Maggie, afraid of noises, skittish and untrusting of most humans reluctantly goes with Scott. He has two weeks to see if she can be turned into a police dog.
The death and shooting of him and his partner has never been solved. Maggie's nose brings some new evidence to light that may lead them to finding the criminals. The two struggle, trying to build a bond id not easy when you are so broken.
This was a show more heartbreaking journey of trust, love and living life. Following these two was at times painful and amazing too. The patience, the love, the understanding needed was written so well into the story I felt I was reading about two real lives. show less
Before I go any farther, I have a warning: have a hankie in hand as you begin reading the prologue-- especially if you are a dog lover. I found the prologue in Suspect to be gut-wrenching, and although I wanted to wait a few minutes to calm down before continuing to read, I was already hooked.
Crais provides excellent insight into the mind of a dog, in particular the mind of a war or police dog. When Scott and Maggie are partnered, it's a learning experience for both of them, and it was so rewarding to watch them heal each other.
This isn't just the Scott and Maggie Show, however. Crais gives us some marvelous secondary characters in fellow police officers Cowley, Leland, and Budress. Leland as the hard-as-nails head of the K-9 unit and Budress who constantly risks reprimand for helping Scott may be a touch two-dimensional, but they're the sort of characters you love regardless of their cardboard tan tinge. The female detective Cowley is another story. You're never quite sure what she thinks of Scott. You're never quite sure what she's willing to do to help. You're never quite sure how tough she is. By book's end, your questions will be answered.
The investigation into Scott's partner's death is filled with plenty of danger. Crais is a pro at ratcheting up the suspense. As is always the case when a dog is a member of the cast, readers always wonder about Old Yeller Syndrome, especially in a story involving the police and lots of flying bullets. I'm not about to enlighten show more you here. All I'll say is that I was hooked from the prologue and couldn't read fast enough. Scott and Maggie are going to stay with me for a long time. They're that good. show less
Crais provides excellent insight into the mind of a dog, in particular the mind of a war or police dog. When Scott and Maggie are partnered, it's a learning experience for both of them, and it was so rewarding to watch them heal each other.
This isn't just the Scott and Maggie Show, however. Crais gives us some marvelous secondary characters in fellow police officers Cowley, Leland, and Budress. Leland as the hard-as-nails head of the K-9 unit and Budress who constantly risks reprimand for helping Scott may be a touch two-dimensional, but they're the sort of characters you love regardless of their cardboard tan tinge. The female detective Cowley is another story. You're never quite sure what she thinks of Scott. You're never quite sure what she's willing to do to help. You're never quite sure how tough she is. By book's end, your questions will be answered.
The investigation into Scott's partner's death is filled with plenty of danger. Crais is a pro at ratcheting up the suspense. As is always the case when a dog is a member of the cast, readers always wonder about Old Yeller Syndrome, especially in a story involving the police and lots of flying bullets. I'm not about to enlighten show more you here. All I'll say is that I was hooked from the prologue and couldn't read fast enough. Scott and Maggie are going to stay with me for a long time. They're that good. show less
Police/suspense novel set in LA with one great big distinction -- it's mostly about a dog. The dog, Maggie, is a Marine bomb-sniffing German Shepherd, whose handler is killed in Afghanistan. Wounded in the attack and psychologically damaged, she is sent back to the States, and ends up in an LAPD K-9 training compound. There, she is teamed up with an policeman who was badly wounded in an attack in which his partner was killed. The cop is totally focused on finding out what happened and bringing those responsible to justice, and has ended up in the K-9 program because no one wants him anywhere else. He wants to do well, but isn't much interested in the dogs.
From this, the plot line will be clear -- damaged dog bonds with damaged man, to the benefit of both. But the way in which the plot is worked out is fascinating. The author clearly knows a lot about dogs -- military and police dogs in particular, but also a lot about dog pyschology that's only recently been widely written about. This is fascinating stuff on its own, but he transmutes it into a sympathetic and (to me at least) convincing dog character. He also conveys the growing bond between the man and the dog without getting slushy. Some of the story is told from the viewpoint of the dog, which I just loved. Yes, there is a mystery too, and it is nicely wrapped up at the end. For me, however, this was mostly about the dog.
From this, the plot line will be clear -- damaged dog bonds with damaged man, to the benefit of both. But the way in which the plot is worked out is fascinating. The author clearly knows a lot about dogs -- military and police dogs in particular, but also a lot about dog pyschology that's only recently been widely written about. This is fascinating stuff on its own, but he transmutes it into a sympathetic and (to me at least) convincing dog character. He also conveys the growing bond between the man and the dog without getting slushy. Some of the story is told from the viewpoint of the dog, which I just loved. Yes, there is a mystery too, and it is nicely wrapped up at the end. For me, however, this was mostly about the dog.
Start of a Beautiful Relationship
It's been awhile since we've read a Crais book, and we're happy to see he's lost none of his skill at writing a compelling tale, if this 2013 outing is indicative of his current work. What makes this effort so special is how he is able to portray the developing relationship between Officer Scott James and his K-9 corps dog Maggie. If you have any heart at all, any feeling for your fellow man and for beautiful, loyal, and determined dogs, you'll find yourself growing misty-eyed in the final moments of the book.
Maggie is an ex-Marine dog. She suffers from the loss of her Marine handler killed by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan, as well as PTSD and wounds in the attack. Officer James also suffers from PTSD and wounds received in a brutal shooting incident, as well as the loss of his partner. They come together at the LAPD canine training facility.
As we follow them learning about each other and developing a trusting relationship, we develop an attachment and affection for their partnership, and, in particular, for Maggie, the best friend a man could ever have. Our education about military and police canines, their almost incredible abilities and their unbreakable loyalty to their handlers, is the real strength of the novel. Crais does a good job of putting us into the mind of Maggie, so much so that by the end we feel as attached to her as Officer James does.
There's not much more to say, except pick up a copy and discover a crime story with show more real heart. show less
It's been awhile since we've read a Crais book, and we're happy to see he's lost none of his skill at writing a compelling tale, if this 2013 outing is indicative of his current work. What makes this effort so special is how he is able to portray the developing relationship between Officer Scott James and his K-9 corps dog Maggie. If you have any heart at all, any feeling for your fellow man and for beautiful, loyal, and determined dogs, you'll find yourself growing misty-eyed in the final moments of the book.
Maggie is an ex-Marine dog. She suffers from the loss of her Marine handler killed by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan, as well as PTSD and wounds in the attack. Officer James also suffers from PTSD and wounds received in a brutal shooting incident, as well as the loss of his partner. They come together at the LAPD canine training facility.
As we follow them learning about each other and developing a trusting relationship, we develop an attachment and affection for their partnership, and, in particular, for Maggie, the best friend a man could ever have. Our education about military and police canines, their almost incredible abilities and their unbreakable loyalty to their handlers, is the real strength of the novel. Crais does a good job of putting us into the mind of Maggie, so much so that by the end we feel as attached to her as Officer James does.
There's not much more to say, except pick up a copy and discover a crime story with show more real heart. show less
If Police Officer Scott James had done something different that evening his partner Stephanie Anders would still be alive. But, she isn't because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time as Scott James was looking for a very specific noodle place a Rampart Robbery detective had raved about. Nine months later, she is still dead, the suspects involved in a brutal murder are still running free, and Police Officer Scott James is haunted by terrible physical pain and horrific nightmares.
Having refused a medical discharge, James is trying to come back with a new role in the K-9 division. James knows nothing about dogs, no matter what he told the LAPD, and is learning on the fly as fast as he can. He is eventually paired up with Maggie, a beautiful German Shepard, who is suffering her own physical pain and mental anguish after her most recent tour with the Marines in Afghanistan.
Shifting in point of view primarily between James and Maggie Suspect by Robert Crais charts their recovery as well as their involvement in working the case of his shooting. A complicated mystery that is about not only redemption, but persistence despite the odds. This book clearly reads as a potential first novel in a new series from this talented author.
Those who are strict about such things will take issue with the point of view sections from the dog's perspective. They will say it isn’t possible to get inside the mind of a traumatized dog looking for a new pack leader. But, those sections do show more work and make Maggie come alive for the reader in ways she otherwise would not have. PTSD in dogs as well as humans is a documented fact and author Robert Crais, while fictionalizing some things, illustrates the issue well without preaching to the reader. That aspect is just one part of the mystery and serves as character development while Scott James and Maggie work the shooting case.
Certainly this is not a Joe Pike/Elvis Cole type novel and is not intended to be one. Readers and reviewers expecting that kind of novel will be disappointed. Taken for what it is, something new and very different than his previous books, Suspect is a good book from a very talented author and well worth your time.
Suspect
Robert Crais
http://www.robertcrais.com
G. P. Putnam’s Sons (Penguin Group USA)
http://www.penguin.com
2013
ISBN# 978-0-399-16148-3
Hardback (also available in e-book and audio book forms)
315 Pages
$27.95
Material supplied by the good folks of the Plano, Texas Public Library System.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2013
Mind Slices and Carpathian Shadows, Volume II show less
Having refused a medical discharge, James is trying to come back with a new role in the K-9 division. James knows nothing about dogs, no matter what he told the LAPD, and is learning on the fly as fast as he can. He is eventually paired up with Maggie, a beautiful German Shepard, who is suffering her own physical pain and mental anguish after her most recent tour with the Marines in Afghanistan.
Shifting in point of view primarily between James and Maggie Suspect by Robert Crais charts their recovery as well as their involvement in working the case of his shooting. A complicated mystery that is about not only redemption, but persistence despite the odds. This book clearly reads as a potential first novel in a new series from this talented author.
Those who are strict about such things will take issue with the point of view sections from the dog's perspective. They will say it isn’t possible to get inside the mind of a traumatized dog looking for a new pack leader. But, those sections do show more work and make Maggie come alive for the reader in ways she otherwise would not have. PTSD in dogs as well as humans is a documented fact and author Robert Crais, while fictionalizing some things, illustrates the issue well without preaching to the reader. That aspect is just one part of the mystery and serves as character development while Scott James and Maggie work the shooting case.
Certainly this is not a Joe Pike/Elvis Cole type novel and is not intended to be one. Readers and reviewers expecting that kind of novel will be disappointed. Taken for what it is, something new and very different than his previous books, Suspect is a good book from a very talented author and well worth your time.
Suspect
Robert Crais
http://www.robertcrais.com
G. P. Putnam’s Sons (Penguin Group USA)
http://www.penguin.com
2013
ISBN# 978-0-399-16148-3
Hardback (also available in e-book and audio book forms)
315 Pages
$27.95
Material supplied by the good folks of the Plano, Texas Public Library System.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2013
Mind Slices and Carpathian Shadows, Volume II show less
From Amazon:
LAPD cop Scott James is not doing so well. Eight months ago, a shocking late-night assault by unidentified men killed his partner Stephanie, nearly killed him, and left him enraged, ashamed, and ready to explode. He is unfit for duty - until he meets his new partner. Maggie is not doing so well, either. A German shepherd who survived three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan sniffing out explosives before losing her handler to an IED. They are each other's last chance. Shunned and shunted to the side, they set out to investigate the one case that no one wants them to touch: the identity of the men who murdered Stephanie. What they begin to find takes them both on a journey through the darkest moments of their own personal hell. Whether they will make it out again, no one can say.
My Thoughts:
While it is not an Elvis Cole/Joe Pike novel for which Robert Crais always excels...it may well be one of Robert Crais best efforts, making it worthy of so many more than 5 stars. Maggie almost died protecting her person, who she considered her Alpha and pack member. LAPD police officer, Scott James was shot and left for dead in an ally, his partner killed. It's a long road back for both of them, as Maggie and Scott both suffer from PTSD. Maggie becomes Scotts partner and they must both work to overcome their handicaps and learn to work together and trust each other. The bond between them strengths and grows as Scott works to uncover the perpetrators involved in his shooting and show more Stephanie's murder. While the book is an excellent mystery, involving corrupt cops, murder, greed and larceny it is really the story of two misfits who are no longer regarded as a viable, productive unit. Maggie is the heroine of this book and a very worthy heroine she is. She will give her all, and put her life on the line to protect her Alpha over and over again.
I really loved the story from Maggie's point of view. How she looked at the world. I knew very little about what Military Working Dogs or their K-9 counterparts actually did. It is interesting reading, the intensive training and commitment that is expected from these wonderful animals. They give so much. show less
LAPD cop Scott James is not doing so well. Eight months ago, a shocking late-night assault by unidentified men killed his partner Stephanie, nearly killed him, and left him enraged, ashamed, and ready to explode. He is unfit for duty - until he meets his new partner. Maggie is not doing so well, either. A German shepherd who survived three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan sniffing out explosives before losing her handler to an IED. They are each other's last chance. Shunned and shunted to the side, they set out to investigate the one case that no one wants them to touch: the identity of the men who murdered Stephanie. What they begin to find takes them both on a journey through the darkest moments of their own personal hell. Whether they will make it out again, no one can say.
My Thoughts:
While it is not an Elvis Cole/Joe Pike novel for which Robert Crais always excels...it may well be one of Robert Crais best efforts, making it worthy of so many more than 5 stars. Maggie almost died protecting her person, who she considered her Alpha and pack member. LAPD police officer, Scott James was shot and left for dead in an ally, his partner killed. It's a long road back for both of them, as Maggie and Scott both suffer from PTSD. Maggie becomes Scotts partner and they must both work to overcome their handicaps and learn to work together and trust each other. The bond between them strengths and grows as Scott works to uncover the perpetrators involved in his shooting and show more Stephanie's murder. While the book is an excellent mystery, involving corrupt cops, murder, greed and larceny it is really the story of two misfits who are no longer regarded as a viable, productive unit. Maggie is the heroine of this book and a very worthy heroine she is. She will give her all, and put her life on the line to protect her Alpha over and over again.
I really loved the story from Maggie's point of view. How she looked at the world. I knew very little about what Military Working Dogs or their K-9 counterparts actually did. It is interesting reading, the intensive training and commitment that is expected from these wonderful animals. They give so much. show less
Start of a Beautiful Relationship
It's been awhile since we've read a Crais book, and we're happy to see he's lost none of his skill at writing a compelling tale, if this 2013 outing is indicative of his current work. What makes this effort so special is how he is able to portray the developing relationship between Officer Scott James and his K-9 corps dog Maggie. If you have any heart at all, any feeling for your fellow man and for beautiful, loyal, and determined dogs, you'll find yourself growing misty-eyed in the final moments of the book.
Maggie is an ex-Marine dog. She suffers from the loss of her Marine handler killed by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan, as well as PTSD and wounds in the attack. Officer James also suffers from PTSD and wounds received in a brutal shooting incident, as well as the loss of his partner. They come together at the LAPD canine training facility.
As we follow them learning about each other and developing a trusting relationship, we develop an attachment and affection for their partnership, and, in particular, for Maggie, the best friend a man could ever have. Our education about military and police canines, their almost incredible abilities and their unbreakable loyalty to their handlers, is the real strength of the novel. Crais does a good job of putting us into the mind of Maggie, so much so that by the end we feel as attached to her as Officer James does.
There's not much more to say, except pick up a copy and discover a crime story with show more real heart. show less
It's been awhile since we've read a Crais book, and we're happy to see he's lost none of his skill at writing a compelling tale, if this 2013 outing is indicative of his current work. What makes this effort so special is how he is able to portray the developing relationship between Officer Scott James and his K-9 corps dog Maggie. If you have any heart at all, any feeling for your fellow man and for beautiful, loyal, and determined dogs, you'll find yourself growing misty-eyed in the final moments of the book.
Maggie is an ex-Marine dog. She suffers from the loss of her Marine handler killed by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan, as well as PTSD and wounds in the attack. Officer James also suffers from PTSD and wounds received in a brutal shooting incident, as well as the loss of his partner. They come together at the LAPD canine training facility.
As we follow them learning about each other and developing a trusting relationship, we develop an attachment and affection for their partnership, and, in particular, for Maggie, the best friend a man could ever have. Our education about military and police canines, their almost incredible abilities and their unbreakable loyalty to their handlers, is the real strength of the novel. Crais does a good job of putting us into the mind of Maggie, so much so that by the end we feel as attached to her as Officer James does.
There's not much more to say, except pick up a copy and discover a crime story with show more real heart. show less
This is officially my favorite Robert Crais book. Obviously, I’m biased because it’s about a German shepherd. But I have pretty high standards for dog books. Way higher than my standards for suspense novels.
Suspect is about a cop who lost his partner in a shootout, and a military dog who lost her handler to an explosion in Afghanistan.
Some of the chapters are written from the dog’s point of view, but not in a cutesy way. Crais nails the way German shepherds feel about their people. He also depicts accurately what it is like to live with a German shepherd, what it’s like to drive with one sitting astride the console between the seats, scanning the view out the front windshield.
Elvis Cole and Joe Pike are an extremely entertaining and compelling pair of detectives, but I can’t say that I relate to either of them. Cole is the self-proclaimed “World’s Greatest Detective,” after all. He’s a trifle cocky. And as much as I love Pike, he’s kind of a sociopath. So it was refreshing to read about inexperienced K9 Officer Scott James developing his relationship with Maggie the wounded German shepherd.
Crais also does a masterful job conveying Maggie’s body language and how she alerts to smells. Early on, I wished there were pictures. I wanted to see Maggie beyond the silhouette on the cover. Turned out, I didn’t need photos, because she is written so well.
What a tribute to German shepherds. I hope this is the first in a series of Scott and Maggie books.
Suspect is about a cop who lost his partner in a shootout, and a military dog who lost her handler to an explosion in Afghanistan.
Some of the chapters are written from the dog’s point of view, but not in a cutesy way. Crais nails the way German shepherds feel about their people. He also depicts accurately what it is like to live with a German shepherd, what it’s like to drive with one sitting astride the console between the seats, scanning the view out the front windshield.
Elvis Cole and Joe Pike are an extremely entertaining and compelling pair of detectives, but I can’t say that I relate to either of them. Cole is the self-proclaimed “World’s Greatest Detective,” after all. He’s a trifle cocky. And as much as I love Pike, he’s kind of a sociopath. So it was refreshing to read about inexperienced K9 Officer Scott James developing his relationship with Maggie the wounded German shepherd.
Crais also does a masterful job conveying Maggie’s body language and how she alerts to smells. Early on, I wished there were pictures. I wanted to see Maggie beyond the silhouette on the cover. Turned out, I didn’t need photos, because she is written so well.
What a tribute to German shepherds. I hope this is the first in a series of Scott and Maggie books.
"A "must hear" for dog lovers"
Maggie, the ex-marine police dog, transforms "Suspect" from a good police drama into a memorable book.
Anyone who knows dogs will recognize the accuracy of Robert Crais' description of their behavior and the bond that they build.
The passages written from Maggie's point of view were fresh, compelling and thoroughly believable.
The police officer's character is also well drawn and develops through the story as his relationship with Maggie changes the way he sees himself.
If you're a dog lover who enjoys police procedure novels, this is custom made for you.
If you're not a dog lover yet, you may be by the time you get to the end of this book.
Maggie, the ex-marine police dog, transforms "Suspect" from a good police drama into a memorable book.
Anyone who knows dogs will recognize the accuracy of Robert Crais' description of their behavior and the bond that they build.
The passages written from Maggie's point of view were fresh, compelling and thoroughly believable.
The police officer's character is also well drawn and develops through the story as his relationship with Maggie changes the way he sees himself.
If you're a dog lover who enjoys police procedure novels, this is custom made for you.
If you're not a dog lover yet, you may be by the time you get to the end of this book.
This book is fantastic. The first section is actually really hard to read; the description of a Marine dying in combat from the point of view of his dog is utterly heartbreaking, and very well written. Likewise, the mirroring event where Our Hero loses his partner in the crossfire of a shootout is heartwrenching. The narrative of man and dog helping each other to recover from their trauma draws on all of the old Man's Best Friend tropes, and turns it around into a new kind of mystery thriller where the reader is given cues and clues from two radically different perspectives. In summation: read it, and make sure you have kleenex handy.
LAPD cop Scott James is battling PTSD after a violent incident where his partner, Stephanie, was killed and Scott was seriously wounded. More than nine months have slipped by and the detectives assigned to crack the case have come up empty. Meanwhile, Scott has joined LAPD’s elite K9 squad, a position he may not be capable of filling given his frequent flashbacks, anger and an inability to let go of the guilt he feels every time he thinks of Stephanie.
Maggie is suffering from PTSD too – but hers is of the canine variety. After surviving three tours as a marine K9 in Iraq and Afghanistan, the dog is back in the United States after witnessing the sudden and violent death of her handler. Donated to the LAPD for evaluation, her chances at a come back as a police canine don’t look too promising – she reacts with fear when a gun is fired, and seems to have lost her heart for the work she was bred to do.
Scott and Maggie seem meant for each other. It isn’t long before both are plunged deeply into the murder investigation of Stephanie, but someone doesn’t want them to get any closer to the truth. What they discover together will either kill them both, or help them find their way back to the jobs they love.
Robert Crais has written a suspense-thriller with loads of heart. I was only 15 pages into the novel and found myself riveted…and crying. I have to confess, I am often put off by novels that feature working dogs. I almost always find errors or plot holes that show more don’t fit with my knowledge of what it is like to work a dog. So I was pleasantly surprised to find myself pulled convincingly into Suspect, a book which captivated me and kept me reading nearly non stop.
Crais clearly has done his research (although he offers an author’s note which explains some looseness with the “facts” for the sake of the story). I loved that he chose a female German Shepherd as the working K9 in the book. When I was working my dog in Search and Rescue, I was dismayed that so many law enforcement personnel thought the best dogs in police work had to be male…a belief I frequently argued against based on my female dog’s heart, drive, courage and intelligence.
Suspect is first and foremost a fast paced thriller. But it is also something a little more. Crais explores the after effects of violence on those in law enforcement – both human and dog. He also creates a love story of sorts between Scott and Maggie. Anyone who has ever opened their heart to a dog knows the power in that relationship.
There are sections in Suspect which are written solely from Maggie’s limited point of view – a technique that can quickly go awry if not done well. Crais clearly knows what it is like to live inside the brain of a dog and these parts of the novel were some of the best.
Suspect is a novel which will appeal to anyone who loves dogs or has worked a dog – but it will also reel in readers who love great characters and fast-paced writing. Alone, Scott and Maggie are just characters struggling to recover from trauma, but together they are a crime team with incredible heart who will win over readers.
Highly recommended. show less
Maggie is suffering from PTSD too – but hers is of the canine variety. After surviving three tours as a marine K9 in Iraq and Afghanistan, the dog is back in the United States after witnessing the sudden and violent death of her handler. Donated to the LAPD for evaluation, her chances at a come back as a police canine don’t look too promising – she reacts with fear when a gun is fired, and seems to have lost her heart for the work she was bred to do.
Scott and Maggie seem meant for each other. It isn’t long before both are plunged deeply into the murder investigation of Stephanie, but someone doesn’t want them to get any closer to the truth. What they discover together will either kill them both, or help them find their way back to the jobs they love.
Robert Crais has written a suspense-thriller with loads of heart. I was only 15 pages into the novel and found myself riveted…and crying. I have to confess, I am often put off by novels that feature working dogs. I almost always find errors or plot holes that show more don’t fit with my knowledge of what it is like to work a dog. So I was pleasantly surprised to find myself pulled convincingly into Suspect, a book which captivated me and kept me reading nearly non stop.
Crais clearly has done his research (although he offers an author’s note which explains some looseness with the “facts” for the sake of the story). I loved that he chose a female German Shepherd as the working K9 in the book. When I was working my dog in Search and Rescue, I was dismayed that so many law enforcement personnel thought the best dogs in police work had to be male…a belief I frequently argued against based on my female dog’s heart, drive, courage and intelligence.
Suspect is first and foremost a fast paced thriller. But it is also something a little more. Crais explores the after effects of violence on those in law enforcement – both human and dog. He also creates a love story of sorts between Scott and Maggie. Anyone who has ever opened their heart to a dog knows the power in that relationship.
There are sections in Suspect which are written solely from Maggie’s limited point of view – a technique that can quickly go awry if not done well. Crais clearly knows what it is like to live inside the brain of a dog and these parts of the novel were some of the best.
Suspect is a novel which will appeal to anyone who loves dogs or has worked a dog – but it will also reel in readers who love great characters and fast-paced writing. Alone, Scott and Maggie are just characters struggling to recover from trauma, but together they are a crime team with incredible heart who will win over readers.
Highly recommended. show less
Is it weird to find a thriller charming? Well, this one is. Two characters with PTSD find each other in a K9 unit. Of the two, there's no question that Maggie is the star. She's a German shepherd, and she has a lot of character. Scott James isn't nearly as interesting, but it is the shooting that killed his partner and two other people and which almost killed Scott that is the focus of the plot. Scott learns about the investigation from the two detectives currently in charge of it, and soon he's finding new clues to a case that seems to have stalled.
Crais can be sentimental, but in an effective way. i enjoyed this book a great deal, though there is a bit of manipulation in the climax that I could have done without.
Crais can be sentimental, but in an effective way. i enjoyed this book a great deal, though there is a bit of manipulation in the climax that I could have done without.
While SUSPECT by Robert Crais is a suspense/mystery/thriller it is also a love story. It tells of the bond between two devoted friends - a dog and his master. Maggie is a German shepherd, a bomb sniffing "soldier" wounded in Afghanistan while trying to protect "her pack". She has now been returned to the US for retraining and reassignment to a K-9 unit. Scott James is a police officer wounded in the line of duty who has refused a medical retirement and is attempting a comeback of sorts via the K-9 division at the LAPD. Both dog and man have been traumatized by their experiences and failures and are in the process of trying to rebuild their lives and relationships.
While this is not one of Crais' typical Joe Pike/Elvis Cole novels it definitely presents a story worth telling and is worth the time you will invest in reading it. It is a crime drama filled with action, as well as a story with a heart that will occasionally have you tearing up as the relationship between Maggie and Scott develops and ultimately leads to their mutual healing. Often written from Maggie's point of view and expressing what a dog is willing to do to please or protect us, the narrative is compelling and convincing. We also learn that a dog's sense of smell and how the animal uses it is something that all of our vast technology has, to date, been unable to duplicate.
The relationship between Maggie and Scott develops slowly, as does the story, but the pieces all come together in the end, producing a show more most satisfying result. This is a subtle tale that will appeal to those who love crime thrillers as well as those who love dogs and appreciate their immeasurable contribution to our lives. show less
While this is not one of Crais' typical Joe Pike/Elvis Cole novels it definitely presents a story worth telling and is worth the time you will invest in reading it. It is a crime drama filled with action, as well as a story with a heart that will occasionally have you tearing up as the relationship between Maggie and Scott develops and ultimately leads to their mutual healing. Often written from Maggie's point of view and expressing what a dog is willing to do to please or protect us, the narrative is compelling and convincing. We also learn that a dog's sense of smell and how the animal uses it is something that all of our vast technology has, to date, been unable to duplicate.
The relationship between Maggie and Scott develops slowly, as does the story, but the pieces all come together in the end, producing a show more most satisfying result. This is a subtle tale that will appeal to those who love crime thrillers as well as those who love dogs and appreciate their immeasurable contribution to our lives. show less
My favorite parts were the chapters written from the dog's point of view. The mystery and action is somewhat lacking, but I still enjoyed the book. The details of K-9 and PTSD were interesting, but even the author admits he took some dramatic license in those regards.
Two wounded warriors in this new novel by Robert Crais: LAPD cop Scott James who is haunted by the death of his partner Stephanie in a late night, five-man assault on a pair of men driving a Bentley in a bad neighborhood and German shepherd, Maggie, who is haunted by the lose of her Marine handler to a suicide bomber. Both were shot, and are offered a last chance together. Scott starts to look into the murders as some memories return, drawing out the perpetrators. One of the interesting highlights is Crais writing from the perspective of Maggie, and her sensitivity to smells and her other senses. The relationship between man and dog is the key dynamic here, with Maggie coming up with some key contributions in solving the mystery.
Maggie made this book for me. Maggie is a German Shepherd who was first trained by the Marines to be a dual-purpose dog smelling out IED's and protecting her platoon. Actually her only interest is protecting her handler/her alpha/her pack of two: the rest of the platoon just benefits from this relationship. The reader gets an amazing insight into the mind of Maggie and what it's like to be a working dog, first with the Marines and after a harrowing traumatic incident on the battlefield, a police dog with the LAPD's K9 unit.
The K9 unit is where she hooks up with Scott James, an officer newly assigned to the unit following a harrowing traumatic incident of his own, after which he refused to take a medical retirement.
James and Maggie bond together and prove they both still have it while looking for suspects in James' shooting that has remained unsolved.
I can not believe that Crais has not done more with these characters other these characters other than, I understand, a part in one of his Elvis Cole/Joe Pike books released last fall. I'm going to have to go back to working my way through that series, not a favorite, just to get more Maggie. She's that good.
The K9 unit is where she hooks up with Scott James, an officer newly assigned to the unit following a harrowing traumatic incident of his own, after which he refused to take a medical retirement.
James and Maggie bond together and prove they both still have it while looking for suspects in James' shooting that has remained unsolved.
I can not believe that Crais has not done more with these characters other these characters other than, I understand, a part in one of his Elvis Cole/Joe Pike books released last fall. I'm going to have to go back to working my way through that series, not a favorite, just to get more Maggie. She's that good.
This is an awful effort by a writer who had previously become one of my favorites. Crais' trademark humor and decent dialogue are missing, there's no character development to speak of, the prose is generic at best, and the plot wasn't particularly exciting. The only romantic involvement, another of Crais' standbys, is between man and dog.
Crais seems to have caught the Michael Connelly disease: reach a certain level of popularity, then try to squeeze as much out of it as possible by cranking out 'product'.
Crais seems to have caught the Michael Connelly disease: reach a certain level of popularity, then try to squeeze as much out of it as possible by cranking out 'product'.
Robert Crais has the knack for engaging the reader from the first paragraph. I’ve read a number of highly regarded books this year that started slowly and didn’t create a sense of engagement until the second half of the book. I read the first 100 pages of before taking a break, an unusual occurrence recently.
Los Angeles patrolman Scott James and his partner were parked amidst deserted warehouses and run-down commercial businesses late one night when a crew of five masked gunmen ambushed a car. The occupants of the car and James’ partner were killed and James was gravely wounded. Nine months later he is attempting to recover from the physical and psychological effects of the horrendous experience.
Maggie is a black and tan German shepherd trained by the Marines for patrol and explosives detection. She is suffering from PTSD after surviving an explosion that killed her handler. During the incident Maggie was also shot by a sniper as she stood guard over her dead partner.
Now Maggie and Scott are teamed: two injured souls haunted by their horrific experiences and the loss of a partner. Both face a challenge if their efforts to convince the police administration that they are fit to return to duty.
James is determined to identify the men who killed his partner and left him for dead but his situation becomes dire when a drug dealer he questioned is murdered. Suspicion falls on him and he is not sure who he can turn to for help.
Suspect is not like other Crais novels and show more readers will especially like the scenes that are written from Maggie’s perspective. The story drags somewhat in the last quarter of the book but picks up again for the climax. show less
Los Angeles patrolman Scott James and his partner were parked amidst deserted warehouses and run-down commercial businesses late one night when a crew of five masked gunmen ambushed a car. The occupants of the car and James’ partner were killed and James was gravely wounded. Nine months later he is attempting to recover from the physical and psychological effects of the horrendous experience.
Maggie is a black and tan German shepherd trained by the Marines for patrol and explosives detection. She is suffering from PTSD after surviving an explosion that killed her handler. During the incident Maggie was also shot by a sniper as she stood guard over her dead partner.
Now Maggie and Scott are teamed: two injured souls haunted by their horrific experiences and the loss of a partner. Both face a challenge if their efforts to convince the police administration that they are fit to return to duty.
James is determined to identify the men who killed his partner and left him for dead but his situation becomes dire when a drug dealer he questioned is murdered. Suspicion falls on him and he is not sure who he can turn to for help.
Suspect is not like other Crais novels and show more readers will especially like the scenes that are written from Maggie’s perspective. The story drags somewhat in the last quarter of the book but picks up again for the climax. show less
Feel good" book. Awful prose.
The question:"Is it worth the read?".
If you're a dog lover yes. If you're a good fiction lover, no. I found the writing worse than pedestrian; it's almost incompetent at times. This another good example of "bland writing". Moves forward in a rudimentary, what-happens-next fashion, it doesn’t live, it doesn’t spin, it doesn’t shine. Every line is merely plunked down like one more cinder block on a construction site.
The best part of the book is the interaction between Scott and Maggie as they struggle to overcome PTSD, learn to trust, love and rely on one another, and discover that each offers the other the best chance for a new start in life.
As for the rest, go find greener pastures.
"
The question:"Is it worth the read?".
If you're a dog lover yes. If you're a good fiction lover, no. I found the writing worse than pedestrian; it's almost incompetent at times. This another good example of "bland writing". Moves forward in a rudimentary, what-happens-next fashion, it doesn’t live, it doesn’t spin, it doesn’t shine. Every line is merely plunked down like one more cinder block on a construction site.
The best part of the book is the interaction between Scott and Maggie as they struggle to overcome PTSD, learn to trust, love and rely on one another, and discover that each offers the other the best chance for a new start in life.
As for the rest, go find greener pastures.
"
An interesting thriller set in the police world.
I have never read Robert Crais and would not have picked it up if left by myself. Thanks to Goodreads, I got the chance to try and discover a liking for his writing.
As the jacket suggests, the man and the dog are the main characters in the story. Before you start conjuring up ideas of a sob story about bonding and loyalty, the tagline suggests otherwise and well, that is what is different about this one.
Gist
A policeman, Scott James goes through a bad time when he and his partner were shot by late at night, while off duty. A traumatised Crais is then transferred to a platoon that trains dogs for police work. Maggie, too has a similar history. She was shot while detecting explosive devices and saw her handler die by her side. Considered unfit for work, James and Maggie have a last chance of making it when they are paired off together. Each has a healing effect on the other and together they try to find out what happened on the fateful night when James' work partner was killed and he was left for dead.
What works:
A cracking story. Maggie's and James' voices are done very well and their slow bonding is done in a subtle and succint manner instead of overdoing it.
The story is weaved beautifully and the depiction of the police world sounds authentic.
What doesn't:
The workings of the police system sometimes seems too complex for my liking.
Even the way the detection is made is slightly complicated for the layperson. I had to read it show more twice to make sure that I got it.
In a nutshell, a great book for crime lovers who like the detection more than the violence associated with a crime thriller. Good writing style that is easy to read and keeps you hooked. What else does one need? show less
I have never read Robert Crais and would not have picked it up if left by myself. Thanks to Goodreads, I got the chance to try and discover a liking for his writing.
As the jacket suggests, the man and the dog are the main characters in the story. Before you start conjuring up ideas of a sob story about bonding and loyalty, the tagline suggests otherwise and well, that is what is different about this one.
Gist
A policeman, Scott James goes through a bad time when he and his partner were shot by late at night, while off duty. A traumatised Crais is then transferred to a platoon that trains dogs for police work. Maggie, too has a similar history. She was shot while detecting explosive devices and saw her handler die by her side. Considered unfit for work, James and Maggie have a last chance of making it when they are paired off together. Each has a healing effect on the other and together they try to find out what happened on the fateful night when James' work partner was killed and he was left for dead.
What works:
A cracking story. Maggie's and James' voices are done very well and their slow bonding is done in a subtle and succint manner instead of overdoing it.
The story is weaved beautifully and the depiction of the police world sounds authentic.
What doesn't:
The workings of the police system sometimes seems too complex for my liking.
Even the way the detection is made is slightly complicated for the layperson. I had to read it show more twice to make sure that I got it.
In a nutshell, a great book for crime lovers who like the detection more than the violence associated with a crime thriller. Good writing style that is easy to read and keeps you hooked. What else does one need? show less
I have been a fan of Robert Crais for years. His Elvis Cole /Joe Pike novels are always wonderful. When I first heard this wasn't going to be an Elvis-Joe novel, I was a bit disappointed. I now hand my head in shame for feeling that way. This is my new favorite Crais novel, and I am hoping it will be the start of a new series.
This book tells the story of a damaged police officer and a damage military service dog that manage to find each other and help one another to heal. The mystery is compelling as always, and the characters are ones that I would love to meet in real life. Highly recommended!
This book tells the story of a damaged police officer and a damage military service dog that manage to find each other and help one another to heal. The mystery is compelling as always, and the characters are ones that I would love to meet in real life. Highly recommended!
This Audible audio version of the book moved at a fast pace, and was interesting, but didn't really resonate with me. A former military dog and a human both have PTSD, and need each other, but perhaps both will fail.
The narrator's voice distracted from the story, especially when he did women's voices. Whiny, prissy, irritating – I don't think that is what he was trying for. His voice when praising the dog was silly, but his “command” voice sounded more like anger and panic than a firm command.
The story line moved too fast. Within hours, things that would take weeks or months to accomplish with a damaged dog already happened. The time frame just was not right. Some of the dog-human interaction just didn't ring true.
As an aside, dogs should not have to fight in human wars or be used as weapons. If humans choose war and violence, leave the animals out of it.
The narrator's voice distracted from the story, especially when he did women's voices. Whiny, prissy, irritating – I don't think that is what he was trying for. His voice when praising the dog was silly, but his “command” voice sounded more like anger and panic than a firm command.
The story line moved too fast. Within hours, things that would take weeks or months to accomplish with a damaged dog already happened. The time frame just was not right. Some of the dog-human interaction just didn't ring true.
As an aside, dogs should not have to fight in human wars or be used as weapons. If humans choose war and violence, leave the animals out of it.
SUSPECT is a crime novel,and it's not great literature. Although I prefer more literary books (and, yes, there is such thing as a literary crime novel), this book is more than just a who-done-it.
Robert Crais describes a wonderful man-dog relationship. Unlike so many man-dog relationship fiction, such as RACING IN THE RAIN, this story never sounds childish. This is why I rate SUSPECT highly.
Robert Crais describes a wonderful man-dog relationship. Unlike so many man-dog relationship fiction, such as RACING IN THE RAIN, this story never sounds childish. This is why I rate SUSPECT highly.
Quick read about a cop suffering from PTSD after a shooting that was fatal to his partner and the K-9 dog with which he teams up. Maggie was injured and traumatized in Afghanistan where she sniffed for evidence of IEDs. Scott and Maggie help each other cope with their psychological wounds as they try to solve the mystery behind the shooting. Crais illuminates the bond between man and dog without giving Maggie special powers and creates two likable and flawed characters. The mystery takes backseat to the relationship but it's adequate for a nice, summer read.
Having never read a book about K-9's before, I was happy to see the bond and respect between a handler and his canine. The mystery/thriller captured me and brought me through a one-sitting read, always searching for whodunit.
If there was one drawback, it was in Mr. Crais' professional treatment of the one female investigator on the case. He seemed to be somewhat hesitant in making her a strong woman. It seems he feared that making her strong would detract from the protagonist's swashbuckling actions. Not so in the real world of investigators, Mr. Crais.
If there was one drawback, it was in Mr. Crais' professional treatment of the one female investigator on the case. He seemed to be somewhat hesitant in making her a strong woman. It seems he feared that making her strong would detract from the protagonist's swashbuckling actions. Not so in the real world of investigators, Mr. Crais.
3.5 stars
Maggie was a military dog whose handler died and she herself was shot. Scott is a police officer who was shot and his partner murdered. Maggie and Scott are later paired up, and months later, Scott wants to find who killed his partner and shot him.
I listened to the audio and never lost interest. I loved Maggie and the story was good. I thought about upping the rating, just for Maggie, but I kept it to a respectable 3.5 stars (good). There is another in this series that I will plan to read.
Maggie was a military dog whose handler died and she herself was shot. Scott is a police officer who was shot and his partner murdered. Maggie and Scott are later paired up, and months later, Scott wants to find who killed his partner and shot him.
I listened to the audio and never lost interest. I loved Maggie and the story was good. I thought about upping the rating, just for Maggie, but I kept it to a respectable 3.5 stars (good). There is another in this series that I will plan to read.
This is disappointing, a bit of a dog. I like Crais. I've met him at book signings, He seems appreciative of his readers and I've read many of his Elvis Cole novels. I have also enjoyed some of his stand-alone novels, such as "Demolition Angel". I had stopped reading the Elvis books a couple of years ago because they became too much of the same and I just got tired of the same leads. But recently I noticed blurbs for "Suspect", the plot seemed interesting, I thought I'd give it a try.
I was very disappointed. It's not a bad book, but it just didn't seem up to Crais's usual standards. There are two war zone scenes early on, one in Aghanistan and one in LA. Both were great conceptually, but somehow just missed. The characters were dull, very cardboard. I didn't care for any of them. The attraction between the two main characters, no not the cop and dog - the other two, guy cop and gal cop, just seemed flat. I remember one scene, at a rather odd moment, where it is mentioned he "touched" her. Where? How? How did she react? Nothing mentioned, confusing. The Cole novels are loaded with wit and chemistry. Both were missing here. Hero Scott takes some incredibly stupid, risky chances, and comes off as a bit dumb and naive. And sometimes he's tough as nails, other times he's a marshmallow.
It seems Crais puts all his focus on the real hero of the book, dog Maggie, at least in the first half. She seems to disappear for much of Act Two. There are also some improbabilities (spoilers, show more so no further comment) but unfortunately they're critical to the story. So, if you are new to Crais, read just about anything of his (recommended) except this one. show less
I was very disappointed. It's not a bad book, but it just didn't seem up to Crais's usual standards. There are two war zone scenes early on, one in Aghanistan and one in LA. Both were great conceptually, but somehow just missed. The characters were dull, very cardboard. I didn't care for any of them. The attraction between the two main characters, no not the cop and dog - the other two, guy cop and gal cop, just seemed flat. I remember one scene, at a rather odd moment, where it is mentioned he "touched" her. Where? How? How did she react? Nothing mentioned, confusing. The Cole novels are loaded with wit and chemistry. Both were missing here. Hero Scott takes some incredibly stupid, risky chances, and comes off as a bit dumb and naive. And sometimes he's tough as nails, other times he's a marshmallow.
It seems Crais puts all his focus on the real hero of the book, dog Maggie, at least in the first half. She seems to disappear for much of Act Two. There are also some improbabilities (spoilers, show more so no further comment) but unfortunately they're critical to the story. So, if you are new to Crais, read just about anything of his (recommended) except this one. show less
Robert Crais at his best. Great plot, characters and resolution. No suspension of disbelief necessary.
In some ways brings to mind his book Demolition Angel - which also featured a police officer trying to recover from a devastating event.
The icing on the cake for the reader is getting to know Maggie, Scott James' new partner. She too has gone through a traumatic experience. Both has been diagnosed with PTSD and each holds the other's last chance to be what they've trained to be in their hands/paws.
In some ways brings to mind his book Demolition Angel - which also featured a police officer trying to recover from a devastating event.
The icing on the cake for the reader is getting to know Maggie, Scott James' new partner. She too has gone through a traumatic experience. Both has been diagnosed with PTSD and each holds the other's last chance to be what they've trained to be in their hands/paws.
Robert Crais is an excellent writer, but I felt the execution in this effort missed the boat. This is about a troubled LAPD cop and his similarly emotionally-challenged dog Maggie. Crais introduces the conceit of writing alternate chapters from Maggie�ês point of view. Do dogs really think like this? He was consistent in limiting her abilities to reason, but, perhaps for that reason, it just got tiresome. The ending was predictable.
What saved the day for me was the narration by MacLeod Andrews. He was terrific.
What saved the day for me was the narration by MacLeod Andrews. He was terrific.
Having never read a book about K-9's before, I was happy to see the bond and respect between a handler and his canine. The mystery/thriller captured me and brought me through a one-sitting read, always searching for whodunit.
If there was one drawback, it was in Mr. Crais' professional treatment of the one female investigator on the case. He seemed to be somewhat hesitant in making her a strong woman. It seems he feared that making her strong would detract from the protagonist's swashbuckling actions. Not so in the real world of investigators, Mr. Crais.
If there was one drawback, it was in Mr. Crais' professional treatment of the one female investigator on the case. He seemed to be somewhat hesitant in making her a strong woman. It seems he feared that making her strong would detract from the protagonist's swashbuckling actions. Not so in the real world of investigators, Mr. Crais.
Scott and Maggie have both been seriously wounded and suffer from PTSD. Scott is a police officer. Maggie is a German Shepherd who worked in Afghanistan. Her beloved handler died there and Maggie is getting a try-out with LAPD. The story is about the relationship of Scott and Maggie and about Scott trying to solve the mystery of who shot him and killed his partner. Both aspects of the story are riveting. I loved that the author mixed in a few short chapters where we see the perspective of Maggie on what is happening. I highly recommend this book. It is my first by this author, so I'm eager to see what else he's got in that large number of books he's written.
Enjoyable novel. If you are a dog lover you will love the interaction between Maggie and her new K-9 handler, Scott. Both were wounded in their previous jobs - Maggie in Afghanistan and Scott as a police officer in L.A. Scott's injuries were serious enough to have him qualify for a medical retirement from the police force but his partner was killed when he was wounded and he is determined to apprehend the killers. He qualifies for the K-9 unit and receives his new partner, Maggie, just as he is brought back into the murder case of his partner. Scott and Maggie not only need to bond together but also start working together on the leads. The characters are finely drawn and both have lots of baggage from their previous personal tragedies. A good buddy story but one buddy is a dog. Nicely done.
Well, it's not Elvis or Pike. I don't like Elvis books very much (too much "humor") but I really like the Pike ones (pleasant butt-kicking books) This was somewhere in the middle.
There is a lot of effort spent "developing" the relationship between man and dog, but not enough time passes in the novel to make this believable. If the dog was as traumatized as indicated, it probably wouldn't have bonded the day after it was taken home. But anyway... who knows what dogs think... maybe this is perfectly normal.
The "mystery" here was a mix of being quite convoluted and being a little light. The crime occured in the past so it was a "cold case" and yet all the evidence needed was available all of a sudden. But, don't worry, this sudden ability to solve an old case is explained - can't tell you how 'cause that's really the crux of the story. Well, the crux of the non-emotional-I-love-this-dog part of the story.
Overall... it was okay. I'll read more Pike books by this author, but that's probably it.
There is a lot of effort spent "developing" the relationship between man and dog, but not enough time passes in the novel to make this believable. If the dog was as traumatized as indicated, it probably wouldn't have bonded the day after it was taken home. But anyway... who knows what dogs think... maybe this is perfectly normal.
The "mystery" here was a mix of being quite convoluted and being a little light. The crime occured in the past so it was a "cold case" and yet all the evidence needed was available all of a sudden. But, don't worry, this sudden ability to solve an old case is explained - can't tell you how 'cause that's really the crux of the story. Well, the crux of the non-emotional-I-love-this-dog part of the story.
Overall... it was okay. I'll read more Pike books by this author, but that's probably it.
as a dog lover, I enjoyed this, as a mystery lover- I only thought it was so- so. I don't think the plot is particularly well done, but the characters are likable and intriguing enough that it is still a good read
Crais introduces us to a new hero or should I say two new heroes in this novel. Scott James is a LAPD officer who is almost killed in a shooting in which he lost his partner. Recovering from PTSD he is reassigned to the K-9 unit where he meets Maggie, a German Shepard which is also suffering from PSTD after being wounded in Afghanistan and losing her handler.
Despite his inexperience, Scott quickly melds with Maggie and after nine months asks if he can study the files on his unsolved shooting. Slowing he sees inconsistencies and missed evidence and when he questions certain possible witnesses, they are killed. Harassment from some officers but support from other plus with the aid of Maggie's amazing nose he slowly figures out who was responsible for the attack on him and his partner.
The reader learns a great deal about how dogs track using their amazing ability to smell thousands of senses and sort out the ones they want to follow. Each breed uses different techniques with some like hounds tracking on the ground while Shepherds follow sent through the air.
Scott and Maggie appear again in the Crais novel, The Promise.
Despite his inexperience, Scott quickly melds with Maggie and after nine months asks if he can study the files on his unsolved shooting. Slowing he sees inconsistencies and missed evidence and when he questions certain possible witnesses, they are killed. Harassment from some officers but support from other plus with the aid of Maggie's amazing nose he slowly figures out who was responsible for the attack on him and his partner.
The reader learns a great deal about how dogs track using their amazing ability to smell thousands of senses and sort out the ones they want to follow. Each breed uses different techniques with some like hounds tracking on the ground while Shepherds follow sent through the air.
Scott and Maggie appear again in the Crais novel, The Promise.
I thought that was an excellent thriller with good characters, fast paced plot and - a big factor - great and sentimental dog story. Overall, easy read thriller with heartwarming add-on.
After reading some of the reviews, I was skeptical after a friend recommended this book. I LOVED it. Was worried about violence, but even that was tastefully done (as much as it can be).
Maggie is a military dog in Afghanistan. When her handler gets killed and she gets wounded she's shipped stateside where she ends up a police dog in L.A.'s K-9 corp. Scott is a policeman whose partner is killed and he's wounded with major wounds. The two 'misfits' get paired up. Scott is obsessed with closing the case in which his partner was shot and a new team of investigators has taken the case on, so it's promising.
Of course, Scott finds things the new investigators don't.
This is my first Robert Crais book and while I may not look for more of his books, this was an interesting and quyick read.
Of course, Scott finds things the new investigators don't.
This is my first Robert Crais book and while I may not look for more of his books, this was an interesting and quyick read.
Many of the chapters of this book are from the perspective of a dog who serves with the military in Afghanistan until his handler is killed and then becomes part of a police K9 team. It's a murder mystery as well but the reason it strongly appealed to me was because of the insights into the relationship of dogs and their humans.
Dog lovers , this is a book you will love. A great story (minus Elvis and Pike) about a police officer assigned to a K9 unit and the dog he bonds with. Both man and dog are recovering from past experiences that that have scarred them physically and emotionally. A fast and engrossing read.
Just started reading; the prologue begins the story of one of the main characters, Maggie, a German Shepherd Marine patrol dog. As a dog lover, this immediately locked me into the story. I've read other Crais books and liked them, so I'm confident that I'll like this one as well.
Half-way through and liking this one even more; possibly my favorite Crais and probably will be a favorite for me to recommend to friends.
Half-way through and liking this one even more; possibly my favorite Crais and probably will be a favorite for me to recommend to friends.
What a great book. Putting the feelings & thoughts of the dog as one of the characters elicits an visceral emotional link that you don't find very often, and carries you through the whole book.
This is a standalone book, not part of Cole/Pike series.
Scott is a police officer who loses his partner in a shootout and Maggie, a German Shepherd, loses her partner in Afghanistan. Both are badly wounded physically and emotionally and both need to find themselves again in the new relationship they will forge.
This is the back-story to the ongoing investigation into who was involved in Scott's shootout.
On the whole a good, though not outstanding story. Perhaps just a bit too much hand-wringing going on. Crais deals well with the dog part of the story--it seems quite realistic. As usual, the end of story is a typical fast-moving, exciting climax.
Scott is a police officer who loses his partner in a shootout and Maggie, a German Shepherd, loses her partner in Afghanistan. Both are badly wounded physically and emotionally and both need to find themselves again in the new relationship they will forge.
This is the back-story to the ongoing investigation into who was involved in Scott's shootout.
On the whole a good, though not outstanding story. Perhaps just a bit too much hand-wringing going on. Crais deals well with the dog part of the story--it seems quite realistic. As usual, the end of story is a typical fast-moving, exciting climax.
Really enjoyed this book. The chapters from the dogs point of view were great, and the love the K9 cops showed for their dogs was touching.
Ok, so maybe I'm rounding up with this book but it's just what I needed and I read the whole thing in a single session. There was no way to tear me away from the climax of the story... and of course MacLeod Andrews is always a great narrator. This was a really fun book.
Excellent book. The information on PTSD was correct and wonderfully presented. I think this partnership should appear in other books. The crime elements were not too difficult to work out but it is always nice to read a detective story with nice characters.
3.5 stars -- a good, pretty suspenseful story. Crais handled shifting the points of view nicely, and the mutually healing relationship of man and dog was convincing and warm.
What makes this story so interesting is the dog as protagonist. The dog is one of main characters and has an interior life. Overall a good story.
A traumatized combat veteran meets a police officer recovering from his own wounds and trauma. They fall in love and band together to solve the bizarre nighttime shooting and the murder of the officer's partner. It's touching and suspenseful. The combat veteran happens to be a very loyal and intelligent German shepherd.
I have no idea how to rate this. i had great difficulty suspending disbelief but i was hooked on Maggie the dog and her story. so for Maggie, it's a 3.5 and for the story, characters, plot and such, it's a 2 but Maggie's story is worth the read.
"Suspect" was a quick, fun read and I enjoyed the relationship of Scott James and his K-9 platoon dog, Maggie, however, not quite as much as the Elvis Cole/Joe Pike series. I will definitely read the next Maggie story, if there is one. "The approved K-9 diet does not include baloney." Good to know.
I listened to this with my husband and we both enjoyed it. Some parts of the book are written from the dog's perspective, which, if the information is accurate, teaches a lot about a dog's ability to recognize scents. There is a lot of swearing, but based on the story, it's needed to lend credibility.
During a shootout 8 months ago, on a quiet night unindentifed men shot two people in a car, LAPD Scott james and his partner Staphanie. Scott is the only survivor and not only is he physically in pain but also mentally.
Maggie is a explosive tracker German shepherd in Afghanistan, lost her handler and herself got shot. She has a hard time connecting to people.
Scott notices her at the K-9 training facility and a unlikely partnership is discovered.
Scott still want to know who wanted to kill those two men that night and avenge his partner's death, him being shot and also the nightmares.
A very suspenful novel. The author did a great job with the characters. The connection between Scoot and Maggie was so well written, he took time to make them know each other. Emotional at times, anybody who is a dog lover will understand the bond you have when you choose your dog.
There is some funny parts but the action in this book is the star. This is a stand alone book but I wish this was a series.
Worth the read. This was my first time reading this author and will check out his other novels.
I give this book 5 stars!
Maggie is a explosive tracker German shepherd in Afghanistan, lost her handler and herself got shot. She has a hard time connecting to people.
Scott notices her at the K-9 training facility and a unlikely partnership is discovered.
Scott still want to know who wanted to kill those two men that night and avenge his partner's death, him being shot and also the nightmares.
A very suspenful novel. The author did a great job with the characters. The connection between Scoot and Maggie was so well written, he took time to make them know each other. Emotional at times, anybody who is a dog lover will understand the bond you have when you choose your dog.
There is some funny parts but the action in this book is the star. This is a stand alone book but I wish this was a series.
Worth the read. This was my first time reading this author and will check out his other novels.
I give this book 5 stars!
Excellently told story, largely from the perspective of the dog.
I enjoyed the book and found his take on Maggie, the dog, interesting, but so far it doesn't rival the Elvis and Pike series.
This suspenseful action thriller tells the story of K-9 Maggie.
At the start of the story, Maggie is with her Marine handler, Pete. Both are shot by snipers. Pete is killed and Maggie wounded.
At a later time, we view a shootout in Los Angeles where LAPD officer Scott James is wounded and his partner Stephanie, is killed.
After a time, Scott returns to work and transfers to the K-9 unit. He's paired with Maggie who was retired from the Marines. Now she must be retrained as a police guard dog.
Both Maggie and Scott have a period of getting to know and trust each other. What makes this interesting and emotional is that we follow the action from the points of view of both Scott and Maggie. Her thoughts are excellent as we see her learn to love Scott. She feels that he is Alpha and should be guarded and protected.
Both characters continue to bond and Scott devotes his time to finding those responsible for the shootout when Stephanie was killed. Having Maggie is helpful as her sense of scent helps with the evidence.
There are many levels to the story. On one hand we see the faith and friendship between Scott and Maggie and admire Scott's devotion to finding Stephanie's killer.
There are a number of twists and surprises and the conclusion is such that the reader will want to cheer.
At the start of the story, Maggie is with her Marine handler, Pete. Both are shot by snipers. Pete is killed and Maggie wounded.
At a later time, we view a shootout in Los Angeles where LAPD officer Scott James is wounded and his partner Stephanie, is killed.
After a time, Scott returns to work and transfers to the K-9 unit. He's paired with Maggie who was retired from the Marines. Now she must be retrained as a police guard dog.
Both Maggie and Scott have a period of getting to know and trust each other. What makes this interesting and emotional is that we follow the action from the points of view of both Scott and Maggie. Her thoughts are excellent as we see her learn to love Scott. She feels that he is Alpha and should be guarded and protected.
Both characters continue to bond and Scott devotes his time to finding those responsible for the shootout when Stephanie was killed. Having Maggie is helpful as her sense of scent helps with the evidence.
There are many levels to the story. On one hand we see the faith and friendship between Scott and Maggie and admire Scott's devotion to finding Stephanie's killer.
There are a number of twists and surprises and the conclusion is such that the reader will want to cheer.
Ex-Military dog turned police dog and his PTSD beginning K-9 officer go through 1) relearning how to be an officer, 2) retraining the dog as a police dog, and 3) finding (often inappropriately) the killer of his partner.
Not at the standard of most Robert Crais books.
Not at the standard of most Robert Crais books.
Readable. Just. Even with the fascinating depiction of a trained dog's abilities, sense of smell, etc.; but I certainly did not become one with the "pack," nor care much about the dog or the man.
I loved this book! As a dog lover I was enchanted with the two new characters and the author's respect for the K-9 unit and the human/dog relationship. Thank you Robert Crais!!
AUTHOR: Crais, Robert
TITLE: Suspect
DATE READ: 04/07/13
RATING: 4.5/B+
GENRE/PUB DATE/PUBLISHER/# OF PGS: Crime Fiction/2013/Putnam/309 pgs
SERIES/STAND ALONE: SA
TIME/PLACE: LA/Present
CHARACTERS: Scott James/LAPD Cop; Maggie/German Shepherd -- military working dog
FIRST LINES: They were on that particular street @ that specific T-intersection at that crazy hour because Scott James Was hungry. Stephanie shut off their patrol car to please him.
COMMENTS: Scott is on patrol w/ his partner Stephanie when an unusually quiet night turns into a tragedy. Stephanie is killed and Scott is severly injured. He is offered full medical leave but opts for the canine unit and is determined to find his partner's killers. He is paired up w/ Maggie -- a former military working dog who survived several tours of the middle east, unfortunately her pack/partner did not survive. These 2 share physical and emotional wounds and help ea other not only get thru each day but to excel as a team. Robert Crais is a sure thing for me!
TITLE: Suspect
DATE READ: 04/07/13
RATING: 4.5/B+
GENRE/PUB DATE/PUBLISHER/# OF PGS: Crime Fiction/2013/Putnam/309 pgs
SERIES/STAND ALONE: SA
TIME/PLACE: LA/Present
CHARACTERS: Scott James/LAPD Cop; Maggie/German Shepherd -- military working dog
FIRST LINES: They were on that particular street @ that specific T-intersection at that crazy hour because Scott James Was hungry. Stephanie shut off their patrol car to please him.
COMMENTS: Scott is on patrol w/ his partner Stephanie when an unusually quiet night turns into a tragedy. Stephanie is killed and Scott is severly injured. He is offered full medical leave but opts for the canine unit and is determined to find his partner's killers. He is paired up w/ Maggie -- a former military working dog who survived several tours of the middle east, unfortunately her pack/partner did not survive. These 2 share physical and emotional wounds and help ea other not only get thru each day but to excel as a team. Robert Crais is a sure thing for me!
Wow! The parts from Maggie's POV are fantastic but you had better keep the Kleenex handy for the first few.
Suspest is about a cop who lost his partner in a shootout and a military dog who lost her handler in Afghanistan. This is the 1st Robert Crais novel I have read and I enjoyed it.
Very good story about Maggie the dog who was hurt in Afghanistan and Scott who is a cop who was shot and lost his partner really good ending. Exciting book and great voice on the audio
I cried. I cried over Pete. I cried over Leland. And I cried over the damn dog. TWICE.
I read at least one book a week and this is the BEST book I have read in a long, long time. If you like dogs and police procedural books, this is a good one!
not one of his best ...
Detective inherits a retired and injured War dog an solves crime.
If I could give this book ten stars, I would. I hope this isn't the last of Maggie and Scott.
Great K9 story!
Nothing specific, but I just couldn't get into this book.
Another excellent Crais Novel. Good reading.
The explosive new masterpiece of suspense from the #1 New York Times–bestselling author. LAPD cop Scott James is not doing so well. Eight months ago, a shocking nighttime assault by unidentified men killed his partner Stephanie, nearly killed him, and left him enraged, ashamed, and ready to explode. He is unfit for duty—until he meets his new partner. Maggie is not doing so well, either. A German shepherd who survived three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan
Terrific audio---LOVED Maggie!
just OK german shepherd
Maggie was an eighty-five pound black and tan German shepherd dog. She was three years old, her full name was Military Working Dog Maggie T415. Corporal Pete Gibbs was her handler. He had been hers and she had been his since they met at Camp Pendleton one and a half years ago. They were now halfway through their second deployment as a patrol and explosives detection team.
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