Reviews
Praise for Sick as a Dog, Book 3 in the Veronica Kildare K-9 Mystery Series:
Must read 
This ‘must-read’ for dog lovers hits the ground running and never lets up!
“SICK AS A DOG is the third book in author Tracy Carter’s exciting dog-themed series, the “Veronica Kildare K-9 Mysteries,” featuring the energetic dog handler and trainer, her talented Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Leda, and a host of amazing service and support dogs. With an engaging group of recurring characters, their dogs, and several diverse, interwoven storylines, Veronica’s latest adventure is action-packed from page one as she and Leda complete the first of many search and rescue missions.
Veronica Kildare is a young 30-something with a tragic past, a summary of which the author skillfully weaves into the current action. Although this is the third book in the series, the concise retelling of how Veronica came to be in Colorado, the owner of a successful dog training business and well-appointed facility, will provide readers new to the series with an excellent foundation to enjoy this one as a standalone. Veronica continues to suffer the emotional and physical aftereffects of what occurred in Ohio, leading to her relocation to the Rocky Mountains, but she is slowly coming to terms with her past, altered future, and the reality that she needs to move on and live the rest of her life. Her dedication to helping find persons lost or in trouble in the surrounding Colorado mountains has, in turn, helped her as well.
As previously mentioned, the plot takes off quickly with Veronica and Leda on the trail of a missing rock climber and with little pause they are called upon to assist in a new concern involving the suspected illegal dumping of hazardous waste that appears to be impacting a local river and the water source for a large natural area as well as downstream agri-businesses. When Leda discovers the semi-nude body of a young woman in the same location and the park ranger who initially asked for assistance is critically injured in a single-car accident that was no accident, Veronica, her father, Leda, Officer Tim Donovan, and a local investigative reporter dig in to find answers and determine if these diverse events are related.
The descriptions of the natural areas Veronica and Leda search are vividly drawn, and you can almost hear the insects, birds, and other wildlife or breathe the fresh mountain air as you read. The detailed recounting of the search and rescue missions puts you on the scene and is a highlight of the book, as are the descriptions of the dogs’ training sessions and their often amusing and clever antics.
I recommend SICK AS A DOG and the entire “Veronica Kildare K-9 Mystery” series to mystery readers, especially those who love working dogs and canine family members.” — Reedsy Discovery
“A thrilling mystery draws Veronica Kildare, a skilled search and rescue expert, and her remarkable canine companion, Leda, into its web against the stunning backdrop of the Colorado wilderness… As they delve deeper into the mystery, each clue they uncover adds a new layer of intrigue, leading them to a discovery that will shock and surprise you…
Tracy Carter’s writing is like a brushstroke on the canvas of suspense. Her exquisite attention to detail and how she carefully paces the narrative transform each scene into a vivid masterpiece, drawing readers into an enchanting and thrilling world. As you turn the pages, prepare to be spellbound; Carter’s artistry ensures that you will be on the edge of your seat, eagerly expecting what lies ahead, even if it means sacrificing a few hours of sleep.” — Midwest Book Review
“Aptly named, “Sick as a Dog” sees Veronica and Leda back on the case as they investigate the dead fish and environmental disaster that seems to be plaguing the Repentant River. As Ronnie, her father, Sgt. Tim Donovan, and award-winning, freelance, investigative reporter Kimana dig deeper into the ecological mystery, more nefarious activity seems to pop up. From murders to trafficking, shipments, and late nights, the team may have gotten themselves in over their head.
Peppered with missing hikers, wandered off children, and drug searches, Leda continues to do what she does best amidst the backdrop of something more sinister at play. Keeping this read light, yet suspenseful, engaging and cozy, author Tracy Carter returns with the third in this not to be missed series. Drawing out laughs with Michael’s comedic K-9 t-shirts, dangling an ever-developing romance in front of reader’s faces, and penning more of the Leda and Veronica adventures we’ve come to cherish, “Sick as a Dog” might be Carter’s most action-packed read yet.
Never a dull moment, Dogged Pursuit K-9 is an extraordinary operation. Training rescues and giving purpose and love to those previously abandoned, the Veronica Kildare K-9 Mystery Series always feels like coming home. Leda is the ultimate heroine as this Chesapeake Bay Retriever propels Carter’s stories to epic finishes. Building a community, nurturing friendships, and keeping Colorado safe are just a few of the cornerstones that have made this such an endearing ride.
Carter takes her passion for animals and their talents to the page as she shows us once again why dogs are a girl’s best friend! ” – Jill Rey
“Veronica is well acquainted with danger, having faced down a psychotic killer in the past, but her new and thrilling case involves…a pair of perpetrators unafraid to kill inconvenient witnesses or interlopers…
Veronica’s relationship with Leda transcends the owner & pet dynamic and resembles an inspired friendship…The book is a study in fascinating contrasts, as Veronica, her father, and friends represent the benevolence of human nature, while the antagonists they face possess a repugnant amorality. The author does an excellent job of keeping the knaves hidden while revealing their motives in a piecemeal fashion. The author’s clever use of a subplot or two will keep the reader riveted until the very end…
Sick as a Dog serves as an excellent new entry in the story of Veronica Kildare and her dog, Leda. Tracy Carter has written an engaging book packed with suspense, drama, and a continued appreciation for the warmth provided by man’s best friend.” — The Book Review Directory
“Sick as a Dog is an action-packed mystery that had me hooked from page one thanks to the fearless duo of Veronica Kildare and her canine partner, Leda. Their search-and-rescue missions are thrilling. The author’s vivid descriptions of nature make the wilderness feel like a character in its own right, full of danger and beauty. There’s a bit of romance blooming as well, with Veronica taking the first steps to healing from her tragic past. Did I mention she’s also a kick ass? I can’t wait to see what Veronica and Leda take on next!” — Marla A. White, Award-Winning Author of Cause for Elimination
Tails, Trails, and a Body Count
“I need to start with just a personal observation… I Love These Books!! Tracy Carter has created an incredible set of characters, both human and animal, with these stories, and every single book so far in the series has been superb. If you are a fan of animals, excellent mysteries, well-developed characters, or simply looking for an exciting read, then Sick as a Dog is definitely the book for you…
Sick as a Dog is fun and exciting from the very first page to the last, mostly because there is so much going on and the reader will feel involved in every part of it… from the mystery to the life of each character to the lives of all of the various dogs. Tracy Carter has an excellent writing style that really brings the characters to life, and the reader will end up feeling they could be friends with each of them…
I cannot recommend Sick as a Dog enough to everyone out there. I am very excited to see from the ending of this novel that there will definitely be a fourth book in the series. There is simply no way around it, thank goodness! This series is definitely a winner, and I hope that Ms. Carter continues for a very long time sharing the adventures of Veronica, Leda, and all of their friends and family. 5 Stars!!!” — Reader Views
“Veronica and her search and rescue dog, Leda, are on the hunt again. After finding and rescuing an injured hiker, high up in the mountains, the two find themselves drawn into an investigation where wildlife is threatened. In Tracy Carter’s Sick as a Dog, the mystery becomes more intense when they discover the remains of a dead woman. Identification is the real challenge, and the mystery thickens as plots and subplots lead to both national and international criminal activity. As the two combat and follow the clues, Veronica continues to be plagued by the haunting reality that there is a serial killer who sets his sights on taking her down. The killer is imprisoned, for now, but he will find a way out. And he will find Veronica.
Tracy Carter’s novel, Sick as a Dog, is a thrilling K-9 mystery, the third book in the Veronica Kildare K-9 Mystery series. The plot follows the rescue team, particularly Veronica and Leda, as they rescue and resolve different issues in the Colorado wilderness. Between training specialty dogs and making rescue attempts, Veronica keeps her body and mind active and busy to help dull the knowledge that there is a price on her head. The narrative intrigues and engages as the author leads readers through the dog/handler team’s various activities. The dog training segments are interesting and demonstrate how well the author knows the subject of dogs, dog training, and, especially, rescue dogs. Dialogue is used effectively, developing the characters and moving the plot forward. A fast-paced, action-filled mystery that will thrill dog lovers.” — Readers’ Favorite 5-Star Review
Praise for Lawyers, Dogs, and Money, Book 2 in the Veronica Kildare K-9 Mystery Series:
Must read
Verdict:
“Lawyers, Dogs, and Money” is the second book in author Tracy Carter’s marvelous working dog-centric series, the Veronica Kildare K-9 Mysteries, and continues the suspense-filled story of the title character and her canine partner, Leda, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever rescue. Carter set the bar high with the series’ excellent debut, Dogged Pursuit, but she definitely met and surpassed it in this exciting follow-up…In addition to Veronica, there are several well-developed and very engaging secondary characters integral to her personal life and business operations, most notably, her father, Bob Kildare, and her assistant trainer, Michael Fletcher, a young man she rescued from off the streets of Denver in the previous book…The book’s opening sequence is attention-grabbing and exceptionally well done, absolutely setting the pace for what’s yet to come. There is a central mystery to solve with a wide array of possible suspects and motives that must be checked out and eliminated. Just when I felt I knew where the threat was coming from, new details would emerge to send the characters off in an alternate direction…With its engaging characters, exciting plot, and non-stop action, I recommend LAWYERS, DOGS, AND MONEY to mystery readers, especially those who enjoy stories featuring working dogs, search and rescue, drug detection, or books set in Colorado.”— Reedsy Discovery
“Lawyers, Dogs, and Money is a story of resilience, bravery, and the unwavering bond between humans and their loyal canine companions… Tracy Carter is a remarkable author who has written a literary gem!” — Midwest Book Review
“Lawyers, Dogs, and Money…maintains the reader’s interest throughout with an intriguing and adventurous plot at its center…Veronica Kildare and her dog, Leda, are the central protagonists…and they extend their charming relationship in a well-written adventure mystery. Carter has a knack for making both humans and animals shine…An entertaining mystery yarn. — The BookLife Prize
“I love Leda, Veronica’s service dog—well-trained, courageous, and always eager to work…Dog lovers…will fall in love with the various dogs in the story and will cheer Veronica on as she strives to solve the puzzling mystery of Kadri’s stalker.” — Readers’ Favorite 5-Star Review
“A young hiker has gone missing…and a wildfire rapidly approaches. Luckily, this is the pressure Veronica Kildare and her dog Leda thrive on. The intense action begins with a perilous search and rescue and the book never loses its punch throughout the story as Veronica stares down further hazards in the succeeding chapters… Veronica…and Leda are characters who will win your heart as they attempt to resolve their latest case. Every scene between the pair is written authentically, with moments of humor and thoughtfulness.” — The Book Review Directory
Praise for Dogged Pursuit, Book 1 in the Veronica Kildare K-9 Mystery Series:
“…This is an exceptional debut novel! Extremely well plotted with thoroughly described settings and interesting characters, this book will leave the reader hanging repeatedly just to catch them before they reach bottom. So well done! Kudos to Ms. Carter!! I very much enjoyed this book and do recommend it!”
★★★★★ — Amazon Reviewer
“Wow! This is supposed to be a debut book for a new author, but this book read like a polished professional wrote it. The author brought the reader along on a great journey into the world of canine search and rescue. I really enjoyed seeing the inside of what it takes to train dogs for this purpose. The characters (both human and canine), were believable and easy to relate to. I felt like I was with them step by step on their journey, and I LOVED LOVED LOVED the ending!…I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series. Get busy, Ms. Carter- your fans await!”
★★★★★ — Amazon Reviewer
“I’m in love with these characters! The mystery is exciting, the setting is beautiful, the dogs are amazing. I can’t wait for book two!”
★★★★★ — Amazon Reviewer
Tracy Carter’s Dogged Pursuit is #1
“I have already pre-ordered the second novel in this series. Lawyers, Dogs, and Money comes out at the end of June! I can’t wait! Tracy Carter’s style combines everything that I love in a novel: A good mystery, a sassy woman, a heart-stealing doggie, a smart plot, powerful description, subtle clues, and well-researched content. Keep’em coming Ms. Carter! I’m a fan!”
★★★★★ — Amazon Reviewer
“Non-stop action, a very good story line. I could NOT put this book down, just forgot my glass of wine, and Kept reading! Read it all in just one sitting. This is a very good writer, friend. And well trained dog, as well! You will like this book, I promise.”
★★★★★ — Amazon Reviewer
“…This one is not JUST a mystery with a dog, but is smooth reading for anyone who wants a story with depth and subplots. I LOVED it! The characters are well developed and the story is well written. I liked all the discussions and tangents to the main plot. They are interesting bits of history, useful information, commentary, all set in the magic of the Rocky Mountains.”
★★★★★ — Amazon Reviewer
“Dogged Pursuit is a fast-paced story and the narration was so very well done to give these characters personality and make for an entertaining listen!
Solid characters with a brief background so you know where the lead is coming from. I love how it has so many twists and turns and keeps you guessing how it will work out.
The whole thing is fast-paced, but by the last few chapters, I couldn’t put it down.”
— Texas Book Nook
“4 1/2 stars for me. This was an interesting story. I loved the tracking, clue hunting, bravery and compassion of Veronica Kildare. Her connection to Leda, her main tracking dog, was wonderful. Hunting for a missing professor led to danger, shoot outs, and near misses. The descriptions of the wilderness, mountains, and more had me wishing to be there. There was a lot of research done for this story. I enjoyed this and look forward to the next in the series. The narration by Alyssa Baumann gave an added dimension to the story. She was clear and wonderful to listen to.”
— Iron Canuck Reviews
“Dogged Pursuit by Tracy Carter. Dogged Pursuit is a great cozy mystery that will delight dog lovers everywhere! The story is very engaging with duel mysteries. First the mystery of the main character, Veronica Kildare’s past that is slowly revealed to the reader through out the book, and the missing person that Veronica and her search and rescue dog is looking for. This is a great audiobook that is easy to listen to and will keep you engaged to the very end.”
— The Cozy Green Library