Book Review of 'Tracing a Kidnapper's Trail' by Katy Lee

Happy Saturday Bookworms!

It's been awhile since I've popped in on the weekend but I couldn't wait to share my thoughts on the latest book I've devoured. This novel was just released this week and is the perfect weekend read.

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Inspirational Romantic Suspense and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours.

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Tracing a Kidnapper's Trail by Katy Lee, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Tracing a Kidnapper's Trail
Series: K-9 Search and Rescue #18
Author: Katy Lee
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: February 24, 2026
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Solving an abduction case

means a relentless K-9 manhunt…

When search and rescue worker Hunter Shelton and his bloodhound Libby are called to a crime scene, he discovers his ex-fiancée murdered and her young daughter missing—and he's attacked. Soon, he realizes the little girl may have been taken by drug runners, and could possibly be his own child. With no one else to turn to, Hunter teams up with DEA Agent Marlee Price and her narcotics K-9, despite their rocky history. As they face escalating threats and uncover a rising body count, an old enemy from Marlee's past resurfaces. Will they be able to rescue the child and bring dangerous criminals to justice before time runs out?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

My Review

I had to take a deep breath when I finished Tracing a Kidnapper’s Trail, as I didn’t realize I had been holding my breath! This one was intense from the first sentence, and that suspenseful and action-packed mood continues the more the story unfolds. This is a pretty dire situation with some very serious consequences, and it’s clear that neither Marlee nor Hunter are here to play.

On top of a bounty, a crime investigation, and hunting for a kidnapped child, you have two leads who have a significant and nuanced history. Talk about complicated! There is a lot going on, but the author handles the situation masterfully and adds such depth to Hunter and Marlee and their situation, creating the perfect balance of suspense with emotion and threads of faith.

The ending warmed my heart, though I wish it didn’t have to be so rushed. I would’ve loved an epilogue where there could’ve been more time to savor the satisfaction of the ending of a rough case and a much-deserved happily ever after, but alas, that was not to be. Still, I enjoyed this nail-biting romantic suspense that was action-packed with emotion, faith, and a love story that can be felt through the pages.

My Rating: ★★★★

About the Author

#1 Publishers Weekly, best-selling author Katy Lee writes character-driven romantic suspense that thrills and inspires her readers, keeping them coming back for more. She is a multi-award winner and nominee for the Rita Award, the Daphne du Maurier Award, Holt Medallion, and Selah Award, celebrating excellence in mystery and suspense. Katy lives in Utah's beautiful, rugged mountains and is also a special education teacher. She runs a literary nonprofit called Story Haven Writers, helping people write their healing stories from trauma. Keep up with Katy and her latest news, including her monthly newsletter, "Novel Ideas" at www.KatyLeebooks.com.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 VISA gift card with a plush Bloodhound and a matching signed bookmark!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 24, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 3, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!