Desperate Creed

Ryder Creed K-9 Mystery Series, Book 5

By: Alex Kava

Narrated by: Joshua Mackey

Length: 8 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's Summary

A trailblazer in the K-9 fiction genre, Kava creates a "dynamic between Ryder and his canines that reveals a world rarely shared in fiction and perhaps nowhere presented more effectively than in this series." (Phil Jason, Florida Weekly)

Award-winning author Alex Kava pulls listeners into the middle of the storm and has them gasping for air.

A storm is coming.

In Alabama: A deadly outbreak of tornadoes sends K-9 handlers Ryder Creed and Jason Seaver with their scent dogs, Grace and Scout, to search for survivors. As storms intensify and Ryder and Jason race against time to save victims, they end up racing to save themselves.

Not everyone’s storm is the same.

In Chicago: Francine "Frankie" Russo is irritated when her young co-worker calls at 5:00 a.m. for a video-chat and catches her in only a towel. She's so annoyed with Tyler Gates that she’s barely paying attention when two men confront him on the street. In a matter of seconds, Frankie witnesses Tyler’s murder. Then, the killers pick up the phone. And suddenly, they know what Frankie looks like, who she is, where she works and lives. She knows absolutely nothing about them. But one thing’s for certain - they’re coming for her next.

When the storm hits.

Frankie calls the only people she knows can help: her childhood friend, Hannah Washington, and Hannah’s business partner, Ryder Creed. Hannah tells her to "come on home," and she arranges a meeting for Frankie to meet with FBI Agent Maggie O’Dell.

Meanwhile, in the Florida Panhandle: Creed’s sister, Brodie, is dealing with her own storm. She’s realizing that after 16 years of captivity, surviving was only the first step.

With the killers hot on her trail, Frankie races to meet Maggie. But she has no idea that she’s driving straight into the grasp of another killer - a monster storm system. She and Maggie will need Ryder and Jason’s help, but no one is safe from the devastation. And by the time the sky clears, none of them will ever be the same.

Who will be strong enough to survive?

In Desperate Creed, Alex Kava, once again, delivers her signature trademark combining "well-developed characters" (Publishers Weekly) with "a highly original plot" (Suspense Magazine), then packing it with "twists, turns and suspense galore" (Modern Dog).

"Did I mention the dogs? They and their human partners are simply the heart and soul of everything." (Florida Weekly)

©2019 Sharon Kava (P)2019 Sharon Kava

It falls short, but I still want to like this series

The story has great potential. I don’t know if the cause is the almost monotonous narration or it’s the writing, itself. I like all the characters. They’re believable and have depth. The presented basic plot line (search and rescue dogs combined with military vets) is quite interesting and has “built-in” opportunity for numerous stories. This is my 2nd book in the series -both Audibles. I might try a kindle version for the next one to see if my issue is just with the mediocre narration. There are many Audible narrators who are LOTS worse, however.

Desperate Creed

A nice series that always delivers the right mix of excitement, great K-9 info and family. Highly recommend.

Action packed!

I love Ryder Creed books. He and Grace, Justin and Scout are such heros! I can not wait for the new book to reach audible.

another great book by Alex Kava...

can't wait for the next book to come out...l love the wat she develops the characters

Good story, but reported rather than told

There are basically three story lines in this book (1) tornadoes and the associated search and rescue, (2) the struggles of abducted victim as she tries to recover, (3) a murder involving greed and a pesticide. Each could have been a stand alone story of its own. Trying to weave or 'force' the murder into the rescue story line felt forced. In addition, the stories feel like they are reported rather than felt. The facts are written/read but they aren't felt. There is no depth ... we are somewhat removed from the characters, I didn't feel as 'close' or intimate with the characters as in other books. Maybe if it was told in first person? I can't decide if it is the narration or if it is the writing. It does seem Joshua Mackey reads the book rather than performs yet it could also be the writing. The book is filled with graphic and what I assume is accurate descriptions of the destruction tornadoes deliver in the spring. It was very eye opening! The descriptions of Brodie's struggles also shine a light on what victims likely experience. I wanted to love this story and the characters but the 'reporting' style- "just the facts mam" style was a turn off. Do I recommend this book? Yes with reservations ... If there is a 6th book will I listen to it ... most likely not because there are so many more rewarding listens.

Great Read

Alex Kava has done it again! I think this might be one of my favorite Creed books. It's a must read

The next book can't come soon enough!!

This series by Alex Kava is probably my favorite. It combines my love of mystery/investigative stories with my passion for dogs. I preordered book 5 and finished it in 3 days. The biggest disappointment is now I have to wait for book 6. Please oh please come quickly!!

Nice, easy listening

Nice listen. Not much tension or excitement, just easy listening, not taxing, while doing other things.