Misfit Mutts and Mayhem (Heywood Hounds #5), by Carly Winter

 

Diabolical is Daisy the talking dog's new favorite word and it definitely describes the plot to frame her human Gina for murder. I can't say too much about the plot without giving away something but will say it's quick moving and Gina seems to bounce from one suspect to another almost in the blink of an eye. I can't say I blame her. I mean, being accused of not just murder but accused because your DNA has been found on the scene that you never visited is enough to make anyone a bit driven. Gina's an interesting character, more comfortable with dogs than people most of the time and has little time for idle gossip or goings-on in town. That's both a plus and minus as it means she's woefully uninformed about some aspects of the case, not to mention that her lack of people skills make her questions come off as, well, downright accusatory. It's no wonder she finds herself in frequent danger. 

I lean toward feeling that even though I'd generally like Gina, I don't think I'd like spending a great deal of time with her. Well, unless goofy Daisy is along with her super sniffer. You'd think by now Gina would have learned to trust that nose, huh? We get to meet some new friends of Daisy's, the Misfit Mutts, mascots at the Hold Your Horses Bar. It's always great fun to try to keep up with Daisy's blink of an eye swings from serious sleuthing dog to typical, easily distracted dog. And, she hates that fake vest she has to wear to get into some places. Makes me glad my Daisy dog can't talk to me given some of the side-eye looks she sends my way when I've somehow failed to live up to her standards. 

Bottom line, this is a quick, fun read that may leave your head spinning at times. Who killed bar owner Kevin Cox? Nope, not telling aside from noting that their are several suspects. Amazing the things that go on in some small, seemingly safe towns. And, will Gina's campaign to get Trevor elected sheriff be successful? Why's that reporter hanging around? Is he friend or foe? For that matter, are the town residents supportive of Gina's efforts or tired of her occasional confrontational questioning tactics? What do drugs have to do with anything? Does someone want Gina behind bars? Uh, oh, who'd take care of Daisy? What '80s look will Annabelle come up with next? And, whoa, what a twist at the end. Thanks #BookSirens for the early invite to drop in on Gina, Daisy, Trevor, and Annabelle once again. Phew. There's never a dull moment when she's around.