Picture a Colorado storyteller spinning heart-pounding thrillers from a ranch filled with horses and dogs—meet Jodi Burnett! A bestselling author of mystery and suspense, Burnett crafts gripping tales that blend small-town charm, law enforcement grit, and a spark of romance. With over twenty novels since her 2018 debut, she’s carved a niche for stories that keep readers up all night.
Born in Boulder, Colorado, Burnett’s life as a military wife, equine therapist, and mother of four infuses her work with authenticity and heart. Her novels, often set in rugged landscapes, feature K9 partners and complex characters, making her a standout in the thriller genre.
The Making of Jodi Burnett
Jodi Burnett grew up in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, playing with dogs, horses, and her vivid imagination. Her father’s storytelling sparked her love for narratives, while authors like Robert Ludlum fueled her passion for suspense. As a military wife, she raised her family across North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Okinawa, Japan, before settling back in Colorado. When her children left for college, Burnett channeled her empty-nest emotions into writing, encouraged by her husband, a retired Marine. Her first novel, Letting Go (2018), marked the start of a prolific career, with her earning six figures in her second year as an author.
Before writing, Burnett ran Horses Healing Hearts, a business offering equine-assisted therapy for at-risk teens and foster families. This experience, coupled with her work as a traumatic brain injury and cerebral palsy therapeutic riding instructor, deeply informs her novels’ themes of healing and resilience.
Jodi Burnett’s Unforgettable Stories
Burnett’s bibliography spans multiple series, each showcasing her knack for suspense and richly drawn settings. Her Tin Star K9 Series, starting with Renegade (2021), follows Deputy Sheriff Caitlyn Reed and her K9 partner, Renegade, as they tackle crime in Wyoming’s Black Hills. The series, now at eleven novels, is beloved for its action and the bond between human and dog.
The Flint River Series, set in a fictional Montana town, kicks off with Run For The Hills (2019). This romantic suspense trilogy follows the Stone brothers battling evil while protecting their loved ones, with equine therapy woven into the narrative. Her FBI-K9 Series, including Avenging Adam (2020), dives into Denver’s elite K9 unit, tackling serial killers and trafficking. Burnett’s latest, the US Marshal Dirk Sterling Series, features WITSEC (2025), a high-stakes thriller about a family in witness protection.
Known for her “suspense with a spark of romance,” Burnett’s style blends fast-paced plots, emotional depth, and authentic details from her rural life. Dogs and horses often play central roles, reflecting her love for animals and their therapeutic power. Her vivid settings—whether Montana’s hills or Denver’s urban sprawl—ground her stories in a sense of place.
Why Jodi Burnett Matters
Jodi Burnett’s impact lies in her ability to weave real-world issues like PTSD, trafficking, and healing into page-turning thrillers. Her focus on equine therapy and K9 partnerships brings fresh perspectives to the genre, resonating with readers who crave both excitement and emotional depth. As a member of Sisters in Crime, Romance Writers of America, and Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, she’s an active voice in the writing community, inspiring aspiring authors.
Her stories, rooted in her Colorado ranch life, celebrate resilience and the human-animal bond, making her a unique voice in suspense fiction. With upcoming releases like Detonate (2025), Burnett continues to captivate a growing fanbase.
- Born: August 17, 1964, Boulder, Colorado
- Key Works: Renegade, Run For The Hills, Avenging Adam, WITSEC
- Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Romantic Suspense
- Notable: Bestselling author, equine therapy advocate
Snag Renegade and dive into Jodi Burnett’s thrilling world of suspense, dogs, and heart!