It's the week before Christmas and things are getting busy for Gina Dunner. She not only has family, including her father and son, coming for the holiday but suddenly has eleven motherless puppies to care for as well as a perplexing crime to figure out. Talking dog Daisy isn't exactly happy to have to share the attention with eleven adorable Bermese Mountain Dogs and doesn't hesitate to share that sentiment with Gina. Yes, Gina can understand her talking dog. I'm sure some would be put off by that but, well, I found it was a fun touch, maybe partly because my dog's name is Daisy. Now, true, though I frequently wonder what she'd have to say to me if she could speak human, I'm not sure I really want to know, so maybe this is just my way have having a vicarious experience. Whatever the reason, it's a fun, quick read that I enjoyed.
I've also got to admit to being glad no actual murder was involved. Charlie is pet-sitting reindeer and other small animals for the upcoming Christmas doings in town but is attacked. Not only is one of the reindeer missing but someone sets the other animals loose and runs them away from the shelter of the barn. And, baby, it's definitely cold out there, so Gina and police investigator Trevor hustle to find and return them to the shelter and relative warmth of Charlie's barn. Fortunately, some townspeople with horses show up to help.
There aren't many suspects this go-round, it is a novella after all, but Gina is happy to accompany Trevor as he investigates. Hmm.... So, anyway, who knocked poor Charlie on the head? Why were the animals being boarded at his place anyway? Is the attacker the same person that swiped the reindeer named Rudolph? Can the Christmas celebration go on without a Rudolph? Why can't Gina share all the info she has garnered with even Trevor? It's complicated. Will Daisy learn to love puppies? Umm, maybe "like" puppies? Is there romance blooming in the frigid cold winter? Why....oh, enough teasers. I'll simply add that I'm glad that Carly Winter addressed the need for service animals and training as well as emphasizing the need and reasons the puppies really needed to be united with their mother. Daisy's canine translations between human and dogs is helpful but it's hard to explain things to kids, er, puppies, even if Daisy's often childlike reactions are a hoot.
Bottom line, a fun story, nicely done for the holidays. I'm looking forward to seeing where Gina's fledgling relationship with Trevor, if we can even call it that, is going in future books. Hey, he likes puppies! That's a plus. Thanks #BookSirens and author #CarlyWinter for allowing me a sneak peak at this Christmas mystery.
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