Detecting Concealed Evidence

by Dana Mentink

Sniffing out the enemies

requires a K-9’s help.

A panicked call sends detective Chase Wolfe and his search-and-rescue bloodhound, Tank, racing right into the path of his neighbor—who’s just barely escaped an abduction. But Pilar Alonso has no idea who’s after her or why. Now she must rely on Chase to keep her safe while they work together to track down the unknown assailants targeting her. Only, their investigation reveals layers of a much more sinister agenda, and danger is rapidly closing in. Drawn into a web of deceit, can they untangle the mystery…before they’re permanently silenced?

From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.

Security Hounds Investigations

Book 1: Tracking the Truth
Book 2: Fugitive Search
Book 3: Hunted on the Trail
Book 4: Following the Clues
Book 5: Detecting Concealed Evidence

Genres: Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Christian Fiction, Romance, Mystery, Love Inspired Suspense, Contemporary

207 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2025

About the author

USA TODAY bestseller Dana Mentink enjoys writing in many different capacities. She currently writes for Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense and Poisoned Pen Press.

Dana is the recipient of a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, two ACFW Carol Awards as well as a Holt Medallion.

Dana loves feedback from her readers. Contact her via her website at www.danamentink.com. and be sure to follow her on Bookbub!
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/dana-...

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment the bullet hit the windshield of an unsuspecting delivery driver to the final page, I was captured by Dana Mentink’s well-paced and compelling story. This is the fifth installment of the Security Hounds Investigations, but it certainly can be read as a standalone.

I appreciated the unique storyline and character names, the spotlight on living with elderly parents with memory issues, and the themes of ‘doing whatever it takes’ and the blessing of music. The mystery kept me glued to the pages, Chase’s attentiveness and the well-balanced humour kept me smiling, and the familiarity with Pilar’s struggle assured me that “we do a lot of things for the people we love most.” It was good to read about someone with similar issues who had a lot more on her plate than most, yet survived with the help of her faith and a good friend with a lovable bloodhound. Sometimes we just need to read to remember that we are not alone in our circumstances. This book was good for me.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detecting Concealed Evidence is the fifth thrilling installment in the Security Hounds Investigations series. Ms. Mentink once again excels in combining fast paced suspense, sweet romance, and inspiring faith to create an exciting, riveting read. The intriguing plot's clever and impactful twists kept me guessing at the outcome. Emotions run high as the danger heightens. Bossy detective/K9 handler Chase Wolfe and reserved but strong-spirited musician Pilar Alonso along with faithful security bloodhound Tank kept me fully invested in their adventure from start to finish! I appreciate the gentle faith thread incorporated naturally into the story. I love the Wolfe family and can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I read an early copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this story was a five star read for me from start to finish. Dana did an amazing job weaving together suspense, mystery, and romance, each element perfectly balanced until the incredible conclusion. Once I started reading, it just kept getting better, and I didn’t want to stop.

Pilar was only supposed to be transporting a package for her job, but what seemed like a routine assignment quickly turned deadly. From a crash to an abduction and danger constantly at her heels, she finds herself relying heavily on Chase and the Security Hounds Investigation team to keep her safe. But it is about more than just survival. It is about uncovering why she is being targeted in the first place. What was in the package? Who was involved?

Chase is determined to protect her, but as time passes, he realizes his motivation is shifting. Maybe it is not just about making sure she has a future. Maybe he is starting to hope she will consider a future with him in it.

This story had everything. The mystery behind the package, the suspense of not knowing who is responsible, the danger at every turn, and a romance that grew naturally alongside it all. I absolutely loved it. Add in Tank, the other Security Hounds, and Chase’s amazing family, and I was completely invested.

I definitely need to read more books in this series before the final installment releases later this year.

I received a complimentary copy, and this review reflects my honest opinion.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC with no expectation of a positive review. What a fabulous suspenseful book. Pilar picked up a package from her employer to deliver. According to the manifest it was an expensive plant. Next thing she knew she had a bullet hole in her windshield and her van went out of control. Join Pilar as she is found by Chase and Tank as they try to unravel this mystery and all the suspense that goes along with it. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat as the clues unfold. This is a must read for all suspense fans.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another on-the-edge-of-your-seat suspense with fast-paced action. There is also a lot of mystery that happens throughout the story, which I didn't figure out until almost the end. The main characters, who previously hated each other, are thrown together amid a series of killings. When Pilar is kidnapped, things get worse from there.

The story kept me engaged from the beginning, and the ending wrapped everything up nicely. Chase's dog, Tank, was a hoot. I could stop laughing at some of his antics—a very enjoyable and exciting read.

I received a complimentary copy from the author via Netgalley; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the previous books in the Security Hounds Investigations series Chase and Pilar's story does not disappoint. I enjoyed getting to know Chase and Pilar along with Chase's hound Tank. From the first moment I began reading the book I had a hard time putting it down because I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. Pilar and Chase both went through so much while investigating the reason she was abducted. Despite everything neither of them let that stop them and found themselves not only relying on one another but also on God and family to get the the resolution of the case. A must read for anyone who loves Dana Mentink's books as well as enjoys the Security Hounds Investigations series.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was impossible to put down and an entertaining and easy read. Pilar Alonso is an accomplished, talented cellist with a lot of talent, but she has been forced to go home to take care of her father with dementia and try to earn a living with whatever jobs she can find. One of her jobs is as a delivery driver and I certainly never expected her to be shot at, kidnapped and then stalked for some mysterious reason. The surprises in this book keep coming as Chase Wolfe, her neighbor, comes to the rescue of reluctant and stand-offish Pilar. Most of the characters are bearing the burden of secrets that they want to keep deeply buried, but discovering those secrets might help keep Pilar alive. I loved the riveting suspense in the novel and the characters were all lovable and relatable, even the spunky and forgetful Mr. Alonso. My favorite character was Tank, the canine superhero who is laid back and seems somewhat disengaged until there is danger and then he enthusiastically protects Chase and Pilar. The storyline was creative and absorbing, and the characters made me want to meet them in person. Great story written in an original way and with plenty of surprises along the trail to the happily ever after.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, but I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

When checking with Mr. Alonzo if he had seen Pilar as he and Pilar were to meet, Chase hears a very cryptid call he thinks is from Pilar while Mr. Alonzo who has very bad memory issues slams the door in Chase’s face. Chase can’t let it go and he and his search and rescue K9 Tank go looking for her and that is the start of everything including several murders and maybe some romance.
There is so much more to this book than I can tell or want to tell as it is nice to find out things as they happen sometimes. But this is a great audiobook narrated by a wonderful voice actor, Abby Craden, who brings this book to life through her voice. This audiobook has great characters and a wonderful plot that is smooth and flows wonderfully. I really like this book and hope to see what these characters get up to next

This audio review copy was provided by Netgalley

[Tara Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the Security bloodhounds series. It can be read as a stand a lone. Ms. Mentink knows how to grab your attention from the beginning to the end. This story is exciting, action packed, intense, sitting on the edge of your seat, heart pounding, heart stopping, K9 suspense with the mystery of what's in the package Pilar is transporting for her job and trying to stay alive with the bad guy after you!! If you haven't read the other books in this series I recommend going back and reading them. These are awesome stories!! I was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Ethelann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detecting Concealed Evidence starts out exciting and keeps it going until the end.
Pilar Alonso is a delivery driver whose truck is ambushed, someone is looking for something and now they're after her.
She calls her neighbor, Chase Wolfe, of Security Hounds Investigations, for help.
And Chase would help her and protect her no matter what. As they try to figure out what's going on, the danger closes in. This story has great twists and turns and the ending was a total surprise!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 in the Security Hounds Investigations series is full of suspense and action from the beginning. It started out with a bang and maintained that same level of action and unexpectedness throughout the story with many twists and turns. I love that Pilar Alonso’s family and Chase Wolfe’s family, including his K-9 Tank and other family K-9s, play a significant role in the story as does their faith. I voluntarily read an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[SARAH TAYLOR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detecting Concealed Evidence is another great suspense book that will keep you up late reading and turning the pages to see what is going to happen next and to see who dun-it with wonderful characters I highly recommend this book I was given a compilatory copy and this is my own honest opinion！

[Laurie Bower Lupin · Rating 5 out of 5]

#5 in the Security Hounds Investigations Novel series by Dana Mentink. The Wolfe gang has a group of bloodhounds trained to sniff out the target for their tracking service, but this time, Chase Wolfe’s neighbor, Pilar Alonso is nearly abducted but even she has no idea why…. Now she must rely on Chase and his worthy stead, Tank, to keep her and her father safe. Not only must they trace down her tracker, but they must find out why? You’ll be on the edge of your seat discovering their more sinister agenda…. Can the Wolfe’s untangle the mystery before Chase and Pilar are permanently silenced? Find out in this hair raising adventure….

Note: (A real page turner!) I received an ARC that in no way affected this review, I’d of bought and read it anyway.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several books by this author and have enjoyed them all. The suspense starts right from the very beginning and continues until the very end. This novel had so many twists and turns. I really enjoyed the interactions between Chase and his family. The K-9s added a lot to the plot as well. This novel was well-written and the mystery behind the crime was so good. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants an edge of your seat suspense novel with a little bit of romance sprinkled in.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. The opinions in this review are my own.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detecting Concealed Evidence by Dana Mentink, narrated by Abby Craden. Great suspenseful mysterious romance. Grabs you from the first chapter, making you want to keep listening. Thank you to #NetGalley and #Harlequin Audio for this Arc. This is my honest review.

[Laramee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this fast paced suspense! I especially enjoyed how the narrator brought the story to life!

I received an audio ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

[Pianosue · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting, edge of your seat story. Chase Wolfe is at the neighbors house wanting to buy some acreage but Mr. Alonso is not welcoming. Chase overhears a phone conversation that is requesting help. So he begins to investigate - someone may need his help! He finds Pilar Alonso has wrecked and is being chased and shot at!? What is going on? Who is trying to hurt Pilar? Can they move past their dislike for each other and work together to figure out what is going on and who is trying to harm her?

Check it out!

[Elaine. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many twists and turns I didn’t know the villain until the end

[Susan Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an exciting story! I was pulled into the action on the very first page and stayed totally involved throughout the entire book. Dana Mentink never ceases to amaze me. Just when I think I’ve read her best book, she pens another equally thrilling one. Detecting Concealed Evidence certainly fits that description.

Musician Pilar Alonso works part time for a courier service to support herself and her father who is declining in health. She is simply trying to deliver the box stowed in the back of her van when a bullet piercing her windshield causes her to have an accident. She awakens bound as a prisoner in a lava tube but has no idea how she got there. She only knows she has to escape. She makes a run for it when her captors are distracted and smacks headlong into a neighbor she has never cared for.

Chase Wolfe’s family operates the Security Hounds Detective Agency from their ranch next to the Alonso’s property. Chase has been hoping to purchase land from Mr. Alonso for his brother to build a house so the Wolfe family can stay together. While talking to Mr. Alonso, he overhears a snippet of a cryptic phone message and realizes Pilar is in trouble. He knows Pilar has never liked him, but he has to try to help her. He and his bloodhound, Tank, race to find her.

Pilar has no idea who is after her or why, but she is forced to rely on Chase for protection as they try to fit together clues that will unravel the mystery that they are unwittingly a part of. But danger finds them at every turn. Will they be able to bring the perpetrators to justice before they meet their doom?

I found myself gasping for breath and patting my pounding heart as if I, too, raced to escape danger. Dana Mentink describes the various settings so well that I could easily imagine myself right there. Her well-developed characters are very relatable and likable despite—maybe because of—their flaws. Even the canine characters have unique, lovable personalities! The plot moves very quickly, which kept me turning pages well past bedtime.

Detecting Concealed Evidence is a perfect blend of suspense, romance, and faith. I have nothing but praise for this novel. It is the fifth installment in the Security Hounds Investigations Series but can definitely be read as a stand-alone. Just make sure to clear your schedule. Once you begin reading, you won’t want to put the book down!

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unbelievable plot. Characters fairly good. Go bloodhounds !
Second (or third) Security Hounds book that has been a disappointment ….

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The mystery of who is after Pilar captivates the reader. Thankfully she has Chase and his family to support her throughout the challenges.

I listened to this as an audiobook and I wanted to speak to this as well. She did a great job being clear and articulate.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

[Misty Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action packed suspense thriller that takes you on a fast-paced adventure. Numerous twists and turns that had me guessing who was the villain and their motive until the end. The story took many exciting turns that I did not see coming that kept me immersed in the story.

While this is the fifth book in series, it can easily be read as a standalone. With excellent storytelling and enduring characters, do yourself a favor and read the series. You will not be disappointed!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chace Wolfe and his dog, Tank, protects Pilar Alonso from an unknown bomber.

[Harlequin Books]

Inspirational Suspense, Wholesome Romance, Animal Fiction, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Security Hounds Investigations (Book #5)

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the fifth book in the Security Hounds Investigations. I read this book by listening to the audiobook, and I liked the narrator. The narrator was easy to understand. I just never really connected to the characters in this book. I also follow parts of this book to be boring and hard to follow. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Becky Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Panic crawled along Pilar Alonso’s nerves like an army of ants.”

And so best-selling author Dana Mentink begins another taut romantic suspense novel, Detecting Concealed Evidence. Somebody help me! I feel like I may be becoming a romantic suspense fiction junkie! I swear that’s not my fave genre, but I sure am getting more and more drawn into it, and expert writers like Mentink are largely responsible!😊

How can one not like a novel that deals with a clueless courier ( Pilar) who only wants to protect her father, whose personality has drastically changed, becoming more paranoid and unreasonable. Indeed, “…each week, he seemed to be floating away from her, like a boat improperly anchored.” Score one point for Mentink. Readers who deal with a loved one with dementia will identify with Pilar’s lonely journey.

Dogs. Put dogs in romantic suspense, and I believe many readers’ ears perk up. I know I sit up and take notice. Each hound in this series, Security Houndd Investigations, is a valued member of the Wolfe family business. But Mentink infuses new life into these hounds. Each hound also has special personality quirks. Detecting Concealed Evidence presents Chase’s dog, Tank. With a heart as big as his name and a floppy body to match, just imagining Tank and his attempts at heroic rescues are enough to set me into gales of laughter.

Unfortunately, Chase, Tank’s human and Pilar’s irritating neighbor, has a great desire to help people, but he tends to be controlling. He runs roughshod over others’ abilities to think or plan. His sister Stephanie tells Chase one time he has run Pilar off, “Your heart’s always in the right place, but you have to let people make their decisions, even if they might get hurt.” Can Chase step back enough to allow God room to direct people’s paths?

Can Pilar, running from several different people, with no idea why, trust both Chase and God to take care of her and her unpredictable father? When Pilar feels beholden to Chase, he shows his best side: “…this is what people do who care about each other. There’s no price tag on that. We’re helping.”

I enjoyed this mystery, with its humor, character growth, dementia moments, mystery, faith, and twists! I am sad that there is only one more book in the series left.

I received a copy of the book from the author and publisher via BookFunnel. I also pre-ordered my own ebook. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“Seems like you’re ready to step into a real big-boy relationship. This one’s about character and being who you were meant to be, and sometimes that isn’t all roses and laughter. It’s about how you move together through this life with God, regardless of the feels.”
- Garrett

“Perhaps the one thing about having memory issues that might be at all positive was you could forget the scary stuff too.”😢🙂

“being strong didn’t mean a person didn’t feel overwhelmed and sad and frustrated and the millions of daunting emotions that came along too.”

“Her emotions were a cascading bunch of dissonant notes without any rhythm or cadence.” -Pilar

“Unscarred meant you were untested. He didn’t want to go through life not giving his all. He suspected Pilar felt the same way with her music.”- Chase

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detecting Concealed Evidence is an interesting and fast-paced story full of danger, mystery and intrigue, adventure and misadventure. I was hooked from the very first page. I really enjoyed going along Pilar and Chase as they attempted to figure out what was going on and why. And Tank, Chase's search-and-rescue bloodhound was one of the highlights of the story.

This is book five in the Security Hounds Investigations, but I don't think it's necessary to have read the previous books to enjoy this exciting read. Highly recommend

[Inspirationalfictionreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Gripping, Twist-Filled Ride with Heart and Humor!
I thoroughly enjoyed Detecting Concealed Evidence! From the very first chapter, I was hooked. The story is packed with suspense, and just when I thought I had things figured out, another twist would completely throw me off. Dana Mentink does an incredible job keeping readers on their toes—there was never a dull moment, and I genuinely couldn’t guess who the culprit was until the very end! I love stories that keep me guessing like this one did.

The romance between Chase and Pilar added a perfect emotional layer to the story without overshadowing the mystery. Their chemistry felt natural and compelling, and I found myself rooting for them from the start. And I can’t forget Tank, Chase’s loyal and hilarious K-9 partner—he brought just the right touch of humor and warmth to balance the tension.

Even though Detecting Concealed Evidence is the fifth book in the Security Hounds miniseries, it works perfectly as a standalone. I can’t believe there’s only one book left—I'm both excited and a little sad to see this series wrap up!

Dana Mentink has truly delivered another fantastic read. If you love suspenseful stories with heart, clever twists, and a bit of romance, this one is a must-read!

[Harlequin Books]

Inspirational Suspense, Wholesome Romance, Animal Fiction, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Security Hounds Investigations (Book #5)

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It’s like I don’t even know you.”

That quote comes to us courtesy of our adorably-befuddled hero Chase and is directed at his normally-reserved bloodhound Tank who seems to have uncharacteristically developed a bit of a crush on our story’s heroine, Pilar. Dana Mentink describes this nontraditional love triangle between Tank and Pilar and Chase so endearingly that I grinned my way through this book from start to finish. The banter between Chase and his siblings and his friend Lon had me giggling right along with Pilar too, and it provided some fun relief from the high-stakes danger that never really leaves them alone. Whew, I stayed on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading – even with the pauses for giggling and grinning and swooning. There’s threats coming from several different fronts and trying to figure out how – or if – they are connected kept me on my toes, left me holding my breath, and surprised me more than once.

As a huge fan of this series, I’ve been eagerly waiting for Chase’s story. Yes, he tends to barrel into a situation and take over. Yes, he comes on a little strong, even pushy. BUT I love him anyway because there’s no question, once you get to know him, that his heart is unequivocally in the right place and he just wants the best for whomever he happens to be steamrolling into his way of thinking. And, besides that, it’s super swoony to watch an overconfident hero get thrown off balance by falling in love. Enter Pilar, who in the wake of some life upheavals, is just trying to hold it all together and avoid the infuriating Chase as much as possible. However, considering that he and Tank show up in the nick of time as she’s running for her life, neither one of those plans are working out so well for Pilar. I loved the contrast in their personalities as well as the way they complement each other in unexpected ways and the gentle chemistry that begins to spark between them. The three of them – Chase, Pilar, and Tank – make an amazing team, and it was truly a pleasure to follow their journey to the same conclusion.

Bottom Line: Chase, Pilar, and the ever-lovable Tank stole my heart in Detecting Concealed Evidence, a story that’s equal parts danger, heart, humor, and swoon. Dana Mentink once again proves why this series is such a delight (and my fave by her so far), mixing high-stakes suspense with laugh-out-loud humor, quirky dogs, and tender romance. These characters feel like friends -the dogs too – and I so enjoyed spending more time with them. If you’ve been waiting for Chase’s story, you’re in for a treat—and if you’re new to the series, prepare to get hooked. I loved everything about this fun, faith-infused, and pulse-pounding addition to the Security Hounds Investigations family, and I can’t wait for book six!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower