Who Would Have Thought? Sci-fi and Dogs!

TITLE: What's Bred in the Bone (XK9 Bones Trilogy #1)
AUTHOR: Jan S. Gephardt
PUBLISHER: Weird Sisters Publishing, LLC
PUBLISHING DATE: May 22, 2019

FROM GOODREADS: XK9 Rex is a dog who thinks too much—and it could get him killed. 

He and his Packmates were bio-engineered and cyber-enhanced to be the most advanced forensic tools available to law enforcement. Transplanted to a habitat space station in the Human Diaspora and separated from his Packmates, Rex has only his human partner Charlie to depend on. Then Rex’s rookie mistake during a catastrophic explosion on the space dock sends Charlie to the ICU. 

Now Rex is truly all alone. Without Charlie, he’s sidelined. Written off by the humans. But his keen senses picked up a vital clue on the space dock that the investigation needs know. He must get the humans to listen somehow! 

Rex doesn’t realize that larger forces are at work. The XK9s are more than just forensic tools, and they’re more than their new owners, the Orangeboro Police Department, ever bargained for. When Rex accidentally unmasks a disturbing secret, he blows open an international conspiracy that could destabilize the entire System—and places himself, his Pack, and all XK9s everywhere in mortal peril.

MY THOUGHTS: I honestly don't know where to start with this review.  Rex and his team are policed dogs who were once a pack, but are now split up between their human handlers. These canines are able to communicate with their handlers through a psychic mind link and with each other and non-handlers through a intercom.  During an investigation, Rex's handler is harmed and hospitalized and several of his pack have been assigned to find out what happened.  Rex desperately wants to help so he dives right in knowing his actions may lead to trouble.  However, will what he uncover actually help or harm him and his pack?

There were so many things to love about this book.  Not being a huge reader of science fiction, I was a tad hesitant but since there were dogs throughout I figured it was a good chance to take.  I am really glad I did.  The author, who did a canine guest post earlier this week, truly has a handle on dogs and their abilities/emotions.  While reading the book, I was captivated by the bond between the animals and their handlers.  I was also somewhat upset. The person who trained the pack was very abusive and at times, Rex is so fearful of repercussion of his actions that it's hard for him to function.  He doesn't trust a lot of humans but desperately wants to.  Add in the fact that he is not allowed to see his mate Shady, but only talk to her via com, and there are some really sad times.  However, Rex's joy when humans show him compassion and believe that he has a lot of offer society and mankind it very infectious.

But besides from all the animal goodness, there is a good mystery going on. I think this can best be described as a police procedural in space - and with dogs.  There's plenty of action and intrigue to keep the reader's attention.  It's just told from the dogs' point of views.  I will note that there were a few typos and grammar mistakes that weren't caught in editing and while it did bug me, it didn't damper my enjoyment and it shouldn't keep anyone from grabbing the book. 

I want to thank the author and her publicist for reaching out to me and providing this book for honest review.  I enjoyed every minute of it and at over 400 pages, there was a lot to enjoy.  I can't wait for the rest of the trilogy.  Bring it on!

RATING: 5 PAWS