Exceptional serial killer thriller with great dogs and also romance

I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. I kind of stumbled across it and decided to read it because...well, dogs you know. This was a great mystery, a great serial killer story, a fun romance, and I loved the dogs.

Josie Shepherd never stays in one spot too long. She just left Estes Park, Colorado and drove in her battered Jeep to Rockglen, Colorado with her best friend, Fletcher, a Border Collie.

She grew up with no mother or father around, raised by a disabled grandfather and an abusive grandmother. So she is Leary of commitments.

She finds a job at the local kennel, which is a great fit for her, and starts meeting some of the locals including Deputy Gordon Wolfe, who has some major issues of his own to overcome.

The story takes place in 1986 and Josie, quite an athlete, stumbles over one of the victims of the "Kennel Killer" while she's out running one day.

The writing style was clear and concise. The dialogue is believable. The setting is beautiful. Take some time and read this excellent book.

I received this book from Champagne Books through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.

As a dog lover, I enjoyed this book. The book was well written with interesting characters. Scary in parts but a cosy romantic tale of two fragile people and a love of dogs. Thanks to Net Galley for my copy. I reviewed on Amazon, Goodreads and Facebook.

This is a wonderful thriller that also has a nice romance as key to the story. This compelling story includes a wounded warrior hiding his injuries and broken heart from love , a women running from relationships, a rescue dog that brings them together and a thrilling mystery to solve. I loved the characters , the theme of starting over and taking a chance in life when you feel all is lost. Its a nice read and I enjoyed the well crafted story. The sleuth is very well drawn .
Thank you for the ARC which did not influence my review.

Courageous Cain by D.J. Davis is a top-notched thriller. Having the story start with the villain’s perspective really ramped up the scary in this story but also made it a compelling read. Before that opening scene had finished I was concerned about the woman he set his sights on without even knowing her name. I had from then on a “Go-get-him” towards Cain (didn’t know his name at this point either).

From there the suspense never lets up. The plot is tightly written with engrossing scenes. The characters are genuine and well- developed. The possibility of second chances is deeply ingrained in the story as well as the intrigue and suspense. Courageous Cain is a story that stays with you long after you close the last page. Impressive, remarkable are the words that come to mind for the first book for me to have read by D.J. Davis. Highly recommend.

4.5 stars.
A quote:
“I was terrified of falling in love. Gordon was terrified no one would ever love him. What a pair we made.” (Loc. 2854)
A beautiful story about humans and dogs close relationship, with a gorgeous wounded beta hero and one of the most unassuming heroines I’ve ever read.
The writing is excellent and Gordon and Josie’s characterization superb; we see Gordon through the heroine’s keen point of view, both as a sure and confident officer and a sweet, shy man, with some insecurities.
From the wounded hero perspective, Gordon is a unique character, an adorable man full of contrasts. DJ Davis’ talent makes us forget he is just a fictional character and brings to life a large, gentle and kind man, who captivates the reader with his mix of strength and vulnerability (he even blushes…).
The suspense part is creepy, perhaps a bit contrived when we consider the police performance, the dogs world is symbolical and intense.

Courageous Cain is a very well written book. Loved the mystery and romance plot. I anticipate reading more of this author’s work.