Book excerpt: A cop struggles with the judgement of her community and herself while her partner investigates a tragic incident in this novel by the author of Earnest. Two years ago, police officer Andrea Brady fell madly in love with a black-muzzled, slightly rumpled German shepherd who showed up at her house one misty autumn day. Now, with the brave and intuitive Justice as her expert K-9 drug sniffer, she’s found an unbeatable partner. Then the unthinkable happens. A savage attack leaves a teenager dead and Andie trapped in every cop’s worst nightmare. Placed on administrative leave, she’s pursued by media and investigated by a deputy sheriff whose handling of the high-profile case could earn him a coveted promotion. Haunted by self-doubt, Andie is in danger of losing everything—her career, her freedom, and the critically injured dog who’s her soul mate. But as she finds kind allies in her Puget Sound island community, the road back becomes a journey of healing for both Andie and her canine companion. And Andie learns important lessons about justice—and about Justice—as she struggles to find the courage to forgive herself and reclaim the gift of her life . . . Praise for A Healing Justice “Perfect homage to people in law enforcement, exploring the split-second decisions that they must make. Another pet lovers’ delight.” —USA Today “Nobody writes about animals better than Kristin von Kreisler.” —Reader’s Diges “A deftly crafted novel by an author with a genuine flair for originality and narrative driven storytelling, A Healing Justice is an extraordinary and highly recommended addition.” —Midwest Book Review