Ronnie’s war dog

Before she became the strong female lead of a modern amateur sleuth series, fifty-something Ronnie Lake had saved a broken war dog. An atmospheric story about grief, loyalty, and second chances.

When Ronnie Lake’s son, Tommy, is killed by a sniper in Afghanistan, her world goes quiet in the worst way.

Then a letter arrives with a name she can’t forget: Warrior. Tommy’s German shepherd partner. Wounded in the attack. Still alive.

For a moment, Ronnie dares to believe there’s something she can still bring home.

But Warrior isn’t a simple rescue. The war left him scarred, anxious, and unpredictable—too much for most families, and too complicated for quick answers. Now he’s back in a Pennsylvania shelter with a file that makes people hesitate: “difficult to place.”

Ronnie knows what that really means. Warrior could wait and wait, passed over not because he’s bad… but because he’s hurting. Tommy promised he’d bring his partner home. He never got the chance.

So, Ronnie steps in to do what Tommy couldn’t.

Warrior is the emotional beginning of the Ronnie Lake Mysteries—a captivating, character-led female sleuth series packed with heart and page-turning suspense.

In Warrior, Niki Danforth delivers a powerful and deeply emotional story of grief, love and healing, where the bond between a fallen soldier’s family and a loyal military dog changes everything. A FINALIST and highly recommended!”
-- Wishing Shelf Book Awards, finalist in the Short Story category

Reviews from some of the Wishing Shelf Book Awards judges:

Claire, 41 — Warrior pulled me in immediately with its raw portrayal of grief and motherhood. Niki Danforth writes with real emotional honesty, and the connection between Tommy and the military dog is unforgettable

Ben, 36 — This story feels deeply human from the very first pages. The emotional weight of loss is balanced beautifully with warmth, memory and compassion. I was completely invested in the story.”

Sophie, 33 — I loved how intimate and cinematic the writing felt. Even in just the first few pages, the story creates such a strong emotional connection to the characters. Ronnie’s grief feels painfully authentic.

David, 52 — A moving and powerful story about family, grief and healing after war. The scenes involving Tommy’s memory and Warrior are especially touching. This is emotional storytelling done very well.

Rachel, 44 — Warrior is an emotional and beautifully written story that immediately draws you into the lives of its characters. Niki Danforth captures grief, love and resilience with real sensitivity, as they struggle to cope with loss after Tommy’s death. The inclusion of Warrior adds warmth and emotional depth without ever feeling forced, and the military backdrop gives the story a strong sense of realism. It’s the kind of story that quietly stays with you long after you’ve finished reading.