Doghouse

John Cunningham has been invalided out of the army. He caught a tropical virus while serving in the Falklands War. With his pension, savings, and a partner, he is striving to make Three Oaks Kennels a going concern. He trains the dogs, his partner Isobel handles them at field trials, and Beth, John's significant other acts as both kennel maid and nursemaid to them both. In this novel, Beth's uncle, the famous artist, George Muir, is killed in an explosion and has left Beth a painting and his Labrador puppy, Jason. John and Beth travel north to collect both and visit with the widow, Aunt Hattie. John isn't satisfied that the explosion was an accident, and notifies the local police, but doesn't tell Beth or Hattie. Other family problems arise involving the inheritance and Muir's other paintings.There is more than enough going on in this mystery to keep anyone happy. Family squabbles, murder, swindlers, and goodness knows what else. I was a little offended by the author referring to Beth as John's mistress, but other than that, I enjoyed the mystery thoroughly and hope to work my way through the whole series.