Citizen K-9 (The K Team, #2)

Publisher’s Summary

In Citizen K-9 , bestselling author David Rosenfelt masterfully blends mystery with dogs and humor to create an investigative team that readers will be rooting for book after book.

The Paterson Police Department has created a cold case division, and they want to hire the private investigators known as the K Team to look into the crimes. After all, Corey Douglas and his K-9 partner, German shepherd Simon Garfunkel, recently retired from the force. Plus, another K Team member, Laurie Collins, used to be a cop as well.

Their first cold case hits home for the K Team. A decade ago, at Laurie’s tenth high school reunion, two of their friends simply… vanished. At the time Laurie had just left the force, and Corey was in a different department, so they had no choice but to watch from the sidelines. With no leads, the case went cold.

As the team starts to delve deeper into the events leading up to that night―reopening old wounds along the way―the pieces start to come together. But someone wants to stop them from uncovering the truth behind the disappearance, by any means necessary.

Full Review

If you’re looking for a series that balances serious mystery with genuine humor, David Rosenfelt is a master of the craft. Citizen K-9 is a fun, fast-paced read that feels like the author is sitting right there, talking directly to you. There’s no unnecessary “fluff” or pages of dense description; Rosenfelt gets straight to the point, making this an excellent choice for readers who prefer plot-driven stories.

One of the best parts of this installment is the growing role of Simon Garfunkel. It’s rare to find a mystery that accurately captures the professional and emotional bond between a canine handler and their dog. Seeing Corey and Simon work together in the field is a highlight for any animal lover. While the subject matter involves cold cases and disappearances, the tone remains light-hearted and witty. I found myself laughing through much of it!

🎒 Classroom & Curricular Connections

• Criminal Justice & Forensics: Use the book to discuss the reality of Cold Case Divisions.

  • Activity Idea: Research how DNA technology or new witness testimony allows police to reopen “unsolvable” cases from ten or twenty years ago. How does this compare to the K Team’s methods?

• ELA (Voice and Tone): Analyze Rosenfelt’s “Direct Address” style.

  • Activity Idea: Have students write a short mystery scene using a “No Fluff” approach. Focus on dialogue and action rather than long sensory descriptions. How does this change the pacing of the story?

• Animal Science: Explore the bond between working dogs and humans.

  • Activity Idea: Invite a local K-9 officer to speak to the class (or watch a documentary) about the training process for German Shepherds. How long does it take for a dog to “retire,” and what happens to them afterward?

• Sociology (Community & Justice): Discuss the ethics of private investigators working on behalf of the police. What are the benefits and drawbacks of using “The K Team” versus traditional active-duty officers?