Buried Lies
Full Praise
“Nobody captures the amazing K-9 spirit like Kathleen Donnelly.”
—Jeff Circle from The Writer’s Dossier
“Wow. I really enjoyed Buried Lies. In fact, I devoured it in one sitting. The earlier books in the National Forest K-9 series were good but this one felt great to me.”
—Anne, Books of My Heart
“I became a fan of this series from book #1, and am glad that I read this one, which is the 4th in the series. Author Kathleen Donnelly has a brilliant writing style, and I appreciate the huge amount of research she does for her books to become a reality.”
—Luis, NetGalley Reviewer
“Be prepared to be sucked in from page 1… and to possibly not be able to put it down.”
—Jennifer, NetGalley Reviewer
Killer Secrets
Awards
Full Praise
“Kathleen Donnelly has penned a novel that contains everything I like: an authentic love story, wild country, a compelling heroine, an original murder, a diabolical killer (maybe two), and a canine companion who more than once has a chance to display his remarkable skills. After reading the last National Forest K-9 book I came to appreciate Maya Thompson’s knack for getting into (and out of) trouble—especially with the help of her intelligent companion Juniper. And I was happy to see continued assistance of all kinds from her roommate/lover Josh… Killer Secrets does not disappoint. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next.”
—Author Cary J. Griffith
“Kathleen Donnelly shows yet again how well she knows dogs and K9 training. Killer Secrets is a packed novel with fast movement, stress, danger and cold, cold mountainsides. I will be looking out for Maya and Juniper’s next case.”
—Fresh Fiction Review by Clare O’Beara (Read more)
“Suspense and intrigue heavy enough to keep you flipping the pages long after your allotted reading time.”
—Barbara S. NetGalley Reviewer
“This book has all you can expect from mystery and thriller. Shocking reveals, plot twists and emotional moments too, I was really hooked. I can’t wait to read more Maya and Juniper adventures.”
—@Mike_Bookworm Instagram Reviewer
“Great suspense, intrigue, action packed, murder, mystery, a fantastic who done it and some crazy twists and turns! The storyline was very interesting and kept me glued to my Kindle! I highly recommend reading this book as it was well worth reading!”
—Debbie B. NetGalley Reviewer
Hunting the Truth
Awards
Full Praise
“U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officer Maya Thompson and her K-9 partner, Juniper, come out swinging in Maya’s quest to solve the cold case murders of both her mother and grandmother. But an ice-cold killer has something entirely different in mind… and Maya finds herself in the crosshairs. In Donnelly’s page flipping follow-up to Chasing Justice, we find that truth itself can be as twisty and sharp as barbed wire.”
—Jeffrey B. Burton, award-winning author of The Finders, The Keepers, and The Lost
“If you love mysteries, strong, human, central characters, and dogs, you’ll love Hunting the Truth. Start reading the second book in Kathleen Donnelly’s National Forest K-9 series and you won’t put it down. At its heart are Maya and Juniper, the handler/canine team that follow the trails, survive the battles, and have each other’s backs. Maya is determined to get to the truth of her past. Along the way we learn about her terrible losses, and the toll it has taken on her life. Thankfully, she is assisted in her quest by the uber-sleuth Juniper. The Malinois has more spunk, life and smarts (and antics) than Lassie and Rin-Tin-Tin combined. And did I mention the romance? There are sparks in this novel. I am looking forward to the Maya/Josh flame that is certain to find its full flower in the next National Forest K-9 series. And I can’t wait to see what Juniper chews up next.”
—Cary Griffith, author of The Sam Rivers Mystery series
“Five stars! The excitement of adventure, mystery, and slow-build romance possibility of Book 1 gave intrigue as to how Book 2 would progress. For this reader, it was a page-turning read that kept me on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend this series. I can’t wait to read the further developments.”
—Enthusiastic Reader (read more on Facebook)
“I’m a huge fan of K-9 stories…. With law enforcement groups and mysteries, it’s the kind of story I enjoy…. I found this fun and exciting to read.”
—Books of My Heart (read more)
Chasing Justice
Awards
Full Praise
“Chasing Justice is a smart, action-packed, and compelling debut. Donnelly’s depiction of the relationship between the protagonist, U.S. Forest Service Officer Maya Thompson, and her K-9 partner, Juniper, is filled with warmth and authenticity. A romantic subplot adds spark, and the topic is as timely as it gets. Put this book at the top of your ‘must read’ pile!”
—Barbara Nickless, author of the award-winning Sydney Parnell mysteries
“Kathleen Donnelly’s thrilling debut, Chasing Justice, takes the reader on a wild ride in the beautiful yet dangerous Colorado mountains. Donnelly created strong characters, especially her main character, Maya Thompson. Maya, a Marine veteran who has returned home to Colorado to heal from losing her military K-9 in Afghanistan soon finds herself facing her deepest fears including, bonding with and working a rambunctious Malinois, ‘Juniper’ for the U.S. Forest Service law enforcement. Donnelly is a K-9 handler herself making the dog work realistic. I look forward to reading more from this author!”
—Clay Stafford, Killer Nashville founder, bestselling author, filmmaker, composer
“Chasing Justice is an exciting debut with a terrific new crime fighting duo—U.S. Forest Service Officer Maya Thompson and her K-9 partner Juniper. An experienced drug dog handler herself, Kathleen Donnelly delivers an authentic thriller with plenty of outdoor action. A must read for dog lovers and crime fiction lovers alike.”
—Margaret Mizushima, author of the award-winning Timber Creek K-9 Mysteries, including Hanging Falls
“Debut author Kathleen Donnelly has crafted a textured and compelling first novel in Chasing Justice, the story of returning Afghanistan veteran, Maya Thompson. The narrative opens as Thompson returns home to her rural small town, to complete her training as a US Forest Service law enforcement officer, where she is forced to confront her personal demons, and the emotional scars left by the losses she suffered in wartime, most particularly the tragic death of her K-9 partner. As compassionate as she is competent, Maya is thrown into the investigation of a shocking case that makes her question everything (and everyone) she once thought she knew. The author’s extensive experience as a K-9 trainer lends a palpable level of realism to every page, and her sure and confident voice as a storyteller propels a narrative that makes Chasing Justice a genuine joy to read. I look forward to more from Kathleen Donnelly, and this compelling new series.”
—Baron R. Birtcher, multi-award-winning author of Rain Dogs
“This is the author’s debut novel, and it was an enjoyable debut. Her real-life experience as a narcotics dog handler added realism to Maya and Juniper’s relationship; it was clear that she’s very knowledgeable about working K-9’s in the field. If you enjoy suspense and books involving K-9’s, this may be a book for you. There’s plenty of action as the characters also begin the process of healing, forgiving, and learning to move on from the past.”
—Harlequin Junkie (read more)
“Chasing Justice has a lot to recommend it. I really liked how the dog, Juniper, was very involved in the story and we got to see her actually do some work… I enjoyed reading and the layers of story with the “police” investigations, K-9 training and work, personal relationships and romantic elements… I’m hoping this will be a series and we will see more of these characters and setting.”
—Books of My Heart (read more)
“In all, I enjoyed Chasing Justice, and would happily return to this world for more. If you like a gritty suspense story with a touch of romance, love K-9 dogs involved strongly in the plot and love to put puzzle pieces together, then this story is perfect for you.”
—Happily Ever After Romance (read more)



