Title: Dog Fight: A Sam Holden Novel
Author: Diane Moat
Genre: Suspense, Crime Fiction, Women Sleuths
Book Blurb:
Wherever a helpless animal whimpers in the dark--whenever the system fails to protect an animal--she’ll be there, and she isn’t giving up anytime soon. You’ve been warned.
When Sam Holden receives a tip about a brutal dog fighting ring, she embarks on some of her most dangerous acts of vigilantism yet. The monster known as The Puppeteer circles Sam’s world as she unknowingly circles his. As they chase each other, will Sam put those she loves most in harm’s way in order to bust up the ring? With time running out and animals in need, the dangerous life she’s created begins to eclipse any other life she could ever lead.
My Review:
If there’s an animal in need or an animal abuser on the rampage, Sam Holden is at the ready. Think of her like a Superman against animal cruelty and abuse. After what happened in Dog Gone (no spoilers but you need to read it to understand what’s going on in this one), Sam is suffering from guilt. She buries her feelings, but they rear their ugly heads when she least expects it.
To get the word out about animal rights and animal abuse, she starts a blog. It’s a huge hit and she feels like she’s making a difference. When an anonymous tip alerts her to a dog fighting ring close to home, she dons her superhero cape and starts investigating. Her boyfriend, Daniel, isn’t willing to stand on the sidelines anymore and together they investigate the dog fighting ring and the Puppeteer. Now, Sam’s conflicted because her two worlds are colliding, and she worries for Daniel’s safety. Can she take down the dog fighting ring or has she gambled all those she loves to save innocent animals?
I remember first hearing about dog fighting rings when Michael Vick got caught doing it two decades ago. While it’s beyond cruel to throw abused dogs in a ring and watch as they fight to the death, those running the rings are the true monsters. These atrocities are brought to life in Dog Fight and Diane Moat accurately portrays those who attend and those who run these rings.
Dog Fight is an addictive suspense novel I couldn’t put down. Subtle sub-plots and minor characters kept me turning the pages. The action is very realistic and a little pulse-pounding. The ending shocked me, and I can’t wait to see what happens next! A must read for any animal lover and those who love a good mystery. While this is book two in the series, it is a standalone. Though, I highly recommend reading Dog Gone (book one) first.
Favorite Character/Quote: Sam. She’s the main character in this series and while her protectiveness of animals is admirable, it’s her vulnerability that makes me love her as a character. She’s complex, being both strong and weak, which makes her the perfect suspenseful heroine. Her quick thinking gets her out of hot water situations yet at the same time, she seems addicted to the adreneline.
My Rating: 5 stars
Buy it now:
Author Biography:
Diane Moat is an award-winning author of books for all ages. She is a Tennessee transplant, animal rescuer, and nurse. Diane is assisted by her many rescue dogs.
Social Media Links:
Website https://www.dianemoatauthor.com/
Reviewed by: Mrs. N