Breaking Creed by Alex Kava

Description:  Ryder Creed and his dogs have been making national headlines. They’ve intercepted several major drug stashes smuggled through Atlanta’s airport. But their newfound celebrity has also garnered some unwanted attention.

When Creed and one of his dogs are called in to search a commercial fishing vessel off the coast of Pensacola Beach, they discover a secret compartment. But the Colombian cartel’s latest shipment isn’t drugs. It’s human…

Meanwhile, FBI agent Maggie O’Dell is investigating a series of murders she suspects to be the work of a brutal assassin. By the time she uncovers a hit list with Creed’s name on it, it might be too late to help him. For someone is already on the way…

Breaking Creed introduces a new character for Alex Kava in the form of Ryder Creed. Creed is a dog trainer who helps law enforcement find everything from drugs to missing persons or bodies. He’s a likeable enough character, but I never completely warmed to him. Maggie O’Dell, the veteran of several other Alex Kava thrillers comes across as a more assured and likeable character. Her, along with Creed’s dogs (especially Grace) are the real stars of this book.

Since the story here revolves around drug smugglers and one young girl’s attempts to escape them, half-hearted as it is, there should have been more sympathy for the girl. I just never liked her that much. Many of her actions, and Creed’s as well, were just too stupid to forgive. You can accept a certain amount of character stupidity if there is a reason for their actions, be it acting on bad information or making emotional decisions that are recognized as bad upon reflection. That doesn’t happen here. There is no excuse given for some of the mistakes and lapses in judgement.

The bad guys aren’t much smarter, just more ruthless, which I guess evens things out. The action is good, especially an attack on Creed at his home which cleverly involves Creeds well trained dogs. The writing flows well and Maggie O’Dell is an interesting character, but the dogs are the real star of the show. I listened to the audio book and the narration was done well.

Breaking Creed is an interesting book but not a standout. Maggie O’Dell is a more interesting character and I’m more likely to follow her stories than ones with Creed, although I will miss the dogs.

I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this book.