I received a review copy of this book from Allison & Busby via NetGalley for which my thanks.
Recent years have seen several mysteries (among other titI received a review copy of this book from Allison & Busby via NetGalley for which my thanks.
Recent years have seen several mysteries (among other titles) with older characters among which the Dog Sitter Detective series is one, but from the (few) I’ve read so far, what stood out in this book was how these characters weren’t all retired or living in retirement communities or isolated lives—some were continuing with or turning to new careers, while our main character Gwinny was returning to hers, in a sense starting afresh.
Gwinny Tuffel is sixty years old and returning to her acting career after a 10-year hiatus when she was taking care of her father who was ill. Now after his death and money becoming tight, despite her still having the family home in affluent Chelsea, she must return to work. While she has secured a part in a play (which doesn’t quite turn out as promised), to make ends meet, she is also taking up dog-sitting jobs. In this book, the second in the series (which I hadn’t realised when requesting, though it wasn’t a problem at all) Gwinny is called by a former Irish rock star Crash Double who lives on a narrow boat in Little Venice to look after his dog Ace, a border collie, while he is away for an annual weekend gig with former bandmate Johnny Roulette in Dublin.
But while Gwinny goes to the boat and takes over Ace’s care as discussed, not long after, Crash’s body surfaces in the canal, right in the middle of the annual carnival, which Gwinny has been roped into joining. Her friend/love interest, retired police detective Birch and his dog Ronnie are close at hand. But though the case is being handled by Birch’s old boss, she isn’t inclined to accept that the incident is anything more than a suicide. Gwinny, needless to say, thinks otherwise and dives right into the investigation, digging into everyone and everything connected with Crash. Secrets are revealed and Gwinny’s suspicions deepened and it is up to her (and Birch) to get to the bottom of things.
This was a fun cosy read with an interesting mystery (with a fair few suspects and possibilities), quirky characters and the dogs adding to one’s enjoyment. I also enjoyed returning to the Little Vencie setting which I explored in another cosy read last year.
There are two dogs in the book, Ace whom Gwinny is looking after and Ronnie who belongs to Birch and we get to know them all through—Ace’s border collie characteristics are brought out well in the things he does and his reactions to situations (including herding just about anyone—human or animal) as are Ronnie lab traits, showing us that the author does know his dogs. Ace is also highly energetic and must have cardboard boxes to tear, and Crash has taught him to dance with him to Irish songs as well. While the dogs have their individual personalities and are very much a part of the book, they aren’t as such part of the investigations, even if always with Gwinny and Birch (and they’re absolutely safe all the way through). I very much liked how the title worked in two meanings, both Gwinny taking the ‘lead’ in the investigation as well as getting Ace to go on a lead, something he isn’t used to.
The mystery was nicely done with a range of suspects all of whom had reasons to do away with Crash. As Gwinny looks into things, plenty of secrets are revealed, some more unsavoury than others leaving readers (and indeed Gwinny) with plenty of possibilities. The solution that was revealed was not the kind one could have guessed at but a satisfying one nonetheless.
Besides the mystery and dogs, we also get an idea of Gwinny’s life and work (especially trouble getting work because of her age, but also some interesting consequences that the modern-day world ends up having for her), as well as her friendship with Birch who is quite conventional and formal, addressing Gwinny as ‘Maam’ at all times and their ‘dates’ so far simply friendly meetings, though there is deeper interest. Gwinny also has to have her house repaired (despite lacking the funds) and must deal with her next-door neighbour, Lady Ragley, more or less breathing down her neck to have it done. I liked that Gwinny also does jigsaws which I enjoy as well.
Overall, a book that I enjoyed reading and a series I’d like to explore more of (also interestingly my second ‘tail wagging’ book of the year already)! ...more
Lady Clementina
>
Books:
anthony-johnston
(1)
Loading...
