I've followed this series from book one and loved every entry. I took some time to try to figure out why I've so enjoyed it, well, aside from the corgi connection, this time around. First, the author obviously knows corgis. I chuckled when the book mentioned Sherlock giving the, oh, so disdainful, disapproving side eyed look that lets you know you haven't lived up to expectations. Been there. Gotten that look. Special abilities aside, they are dogs, not super dogs. Second, the characters. Poole has created an intriguing cast of characters, all centered about Zack Anderson, or, Zack and the dogs, and it's like spending some time with ol' friends and family. Heck, we even get to know a bit more of the backstory on corgi Sherlock this book. And, finally, the setting. Pomme Valley sounds like a lovely, small town to live in. One where everyone seems to know everyone else and, more importantly, care about each other. The scene evolving around the town's overnight efforts to provide assistance to the homeless is particularly telling of both human and town character.
As for the mystery, it begins with robbery. But, seriously, who'd rob a place just for its ice cream? Not only that, but one specific kind. Zack and Jillian hear about her shop being not just robbed but trashed as they are heading back from Sitka, Alaska. Then, another robbery of, yep, ice cream. And, then....yep, you guessed it. Another ice cream heist. In the midst of all this, two bodies are found. What's going on? What's the connection? Why? Who?
The humans are frustrated but Sherlock and his female partner in crime solving, Watson, are on the case. I won't detail the plot further as the fun is in imagining the humans' bewilderment at the seemingly random, unconnected clues the dogs point out to them. How? Well, basically by, yes, stopping, sitting, ,looking and then looking back at Zack until it finally dawns on him to take a picture. Picture taken, they seem to figure they've done their job and more on. It's up to the humans to decipher what the various clues mean. I always find myself grinning as Zack's friends and associates come together to try to figure out what the dogs have so neatly laid out in front of them. I mean, did they want Zack to take a picture of kids? Was it about kids, their back packs, the bus, or were they simply implicating a group. That's how confusing the corgi clues are for the humans. Yet, the fun in watching the group try to sort it all out is both fun and satisfying. You'll find yourself going, "Of course. How obvious". Of course, obvious only after it's been figured out.
Seriously, I love this series. I could ramble on but, well, just read the book. Even if you're new to the series, you'll find all the background info you need to feel at home quickly. Well, except for "How do they (the dogs) do it?" Even Zack hasn't figured that one out yet.
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