All Shots

Susan Conant has done it again another great adventure that dog lovers everywhere will enjoy. I couldn't put it down.

What happens when a dog-walker loses the blue malamute that has been entrusted to her and refuses to tell anyone the name of the owner because she finds out that the woman--Holly Winter--was murdered? To add to the dog-walker's dilemma, a dog rescuer--a second Holly Winter--shows up to help her find the lost dog. As if that weren't enough, a third Holly Winter emerges to protest the theft of her identity. Mayhem ensues when a Harley-riding stranger who mistook Holly Winter the dog rescuer for the dead Holly Winter shows up at her house looking for...guess what! It's a good thing the dogs know one Holly from another because they become the human rescuers. Susan Conant weaves this who's-who mystery around interesting people and places with catchy names--like dog owners named Yappel and Woofenden (do their dogs yap and woof a lot?), the LaundroMutt (a self-service dog wash), and the Loaves and Fishes supermarket. She also gives us some insight into dog shows, dog trainers, and folks who rescue dogs. Aren't dogs lucky that there are people who are so dedicated? There's also some history thrown in about Massachusetts and Maine. This story has it all--murder, mystery, drug dealers, identity thefts, dog rescues, and a pack of out-of-the-ordinary characters. Sometimes I was confused, but maybe Conant meant for that to happen with the identity thefts of people and dogs alike. Still it's a delightfully convoluted plot made even more so by all of the sub plots. So, curl up in your favorite chair--with your favorite furry friend if you have one--and enjoy. by Doris Anne Roop-Benner for Story Circle Book Reviews reviewing books by, for, and about women

I've been a fan of Susan Conant's books since the beginning and I don't understand why some long time fans seem so disapointed by this. It's the usual mix of cheery off topic discussions, odd characters and dog training. What's not to like. What I especially liked was that the husband wasn't around. I think he's a bore, I don't know why Holly married him and I can't imagine how the author is going to use him in the future. If you're a fan of the series you'll enjoy this, and if your not a fan, but want a funny, light murder mystery with dogs, you can't miss with this one.

Great read, but then all of hers are. So what, she talks about some products she uses. These are not in the book for advertising, but for people like me who appreciate all tips that work for dogs and cats. The story is what matters most. And like all the books before I will be waiting for the next one. If you have never read Susan Conant before start with the first one and read all in order. You will not be disappointed.

I have read and loved this entire series, but was a little worried about this one. Many series authors seem to tire of their characters after a while, and later books are not as good as the early ones. Not true here. This may be the best of the series: a good plot, well developed, just enough danger, great characters. Holly's hunky veterinarian husband and his oddly matched pair of furkids are absent, on a trip to the wilds, throughout the book. I missed him a bit, but their presence would only have complicated an already complicated plot. As always, Holly's two Malamutes are a delight, busy being big, charming, strong-willed creatures, and a Malamute puppy adds charm. Some interesting new characters are introduced, and are well-developed.