I just finished the last of these books, Mastiff: The Legend of Beka Cooper #3, this morning.

This is a YA series with great voice, a brave and tough heroine, a few fabulous friends, and all set in the very well-developed world of Tortall where other Pierce books have been.  Even as an adult reader, I was fully enthralled with these books which are really better described as in the 9-90 age range.