Bride and Groom

I've read all of Susan Conant's books and this is one of the best. Maybe the plot got a little confabulated at the end, but that's a minor point. This is a really good read for an animal lover. The writer has such warmth for her dogs, as well as for her human friends, that reading this is like basking in the warm sun. Even the villains were quite nice, you couldn't really hate and revile them.The writer has assembled an interesting cast of characters who appear in this series, and she has the knack of getting her readers involved in their lives so that we really care about Rita's love-life and Althea's health as well as Holly and Steve and their dogs. For once I can actually remember who the characters are when I pick up the book again - I find them well drawn and very true to life. I enjoyed her digs at the intellectual elitism of the town, and her irreverent attitude to most things, including her own wedding. This was a very pleasant, light read. The love of dogs shone through it and made me realize how much my own dog means to me.

As an avid fan of Susan Conant, I found this book to be one of the best -- if not *the* best -- of the Holly Winter series. Of course, I'm biased. You may not feel the same way if you're new to the Conant series. And of course, you may not feel the same way if you're not a dog-lover. Holly finally is ready to marry her true love, veterinarian Steve Delaney. They'll join not only their lives but also their dogs. Holly reconciles herself to the wedding rituals when she realizes she'll be holding the place of honor as Best of Show. Of course, the dogs will be in the wedding party, which limits their choice of locations. And she's signing copies of her new cookbook for dogs, featuring her favorite liver treats. As Holly whirls through the preparations, a serial killer seems to be targeting women who have some connection to dogs. Holly doesn't get involved but inadvertently puts together pieces that point to a killer surprisingly close to home.Experienced mystery readers will recognize the red herring dangled before them. They'll realize this person can't be the murderer, but I have to admit I wondered how the author could come up with another plausible killer. About eighty pages before the end of the book, she drops clues with a thud, and most readers will guess the real villain's identity. And they'll admire the way Conant pulls it off, dropping hints to add motive and plausibility.I was never tempted to peek at the end. I waited for the author to solve the crime at her own pace and enjoyed every moment along the way. Long-time readers will love the last scene. Right after capturing the killer, Holly and Steve hold their rehearsal and dinner. Next day, they're joined in a wedding ceremony that will leave dog fanatics misty-eyed. If you've never had a dog, you may think it's over the top, but it's what I would want for myself. And let's thank the author for sparing us the recipes. The only omission is Holly's new cat, Tracker, described as ugly and unloveable. Cats may be independent, but I've seen cats warm up to affectionate, patient owners. Leaving the poor cat alone all day won't improve its disposition! Author Conant's bio includes reference to two cats, so she should know! Hopefully Tracker will get more attention in the next volume.

Susan Conant never fails to satisfy her readers. Bride and Groom is non-stop suspense and entertainment. She has Holly multi-tasking when she is planning her dream wedding and promoting her new book. To add to her schedule, a killer is on the loose and the victims are women that she knows in the dog business. There is no time to spare with her wedding date getting closer.

Had Jane Austen met and married P.G. Wodehouse the product of their union would have been Susan Conant. Bride & Groom is her best effort so far (and all are gems)- subtle, humorous and sophisticated. The characters are endearing for their huanity and she doesn't make it simple to guess the "villain" (who doen't necessarily fit the traditional role of villain). All in all, a delicious read. If I were still teaching English I would use it as a perfect example of excellence in modern mystery writing.

Now that Cambridge, Massachusetts veterinarian Steve Delaney's divorce is final, he is able to marry the woman he really loves Holly Winters. She is a dog trainer; a columnist for Dog's Life and the author of her first book 101 WAYS TO COOK LIVER. Her friend, veterinarian and fellow author Mac McLoud is sharing book signings with her. Between getting ready for the wedding and doing her best to promote her book, Holly doesn't have a moment to breath.When the first murder occurs, Holly doesn't think anything of that because the victim is a doctor from out of town that she never met. The second victim of the Cambridge killer is known in dog circles for her canine tarot cards. By the time the third killing occurs, Holly is becoming concerned because the victim was a woman who Holly once interviewed. As more murders occur, Holly realizes she knows each of the victims and it becomes obvious that the culprit is someone amongst her dog-loving friends. Holly starts investigating so that she can discover who the killer is and put an end to the crimes so she can enjoy her wedding.Between Steve and Holly, they have five pedigreed dogs and a ferocious cat. The animals steal the show with their antics and lessen the tension when it threatens to overwhelm the reader. Each victim is female, bludgeoned to death and is then given an injection of medicine that most vets use in their practice. BRIDE AND GROOM is a romantic mystery that will appeal to dog lovers and readers who like a fantastic who-done-it.Harriet Klausner