The latest, Begging For Trouble
is just as much fun as the first three books in this mystery/paranormal series.Normally, I'm not much of a fan of the "paranormal" genre, but this is just so much fun.... it's not to do with vampires and shapeshifters (which I admit, I do not get at all) but rather with a regular, every day girl next door, who just happens to be able to talk to dogs!
Ellie is a professional dog walker in New York City (one of my favorite settings in books), and when one of her clients, who happens to be a drag queen, invites her to his newest show, she jumps at the chance. She "drags" along her boyfriend Sam of the NYPD.
During the show, screams are heard backstage. When Sam goes running to investigate, he finds Ellie's friend Rob leaning over a body, weapon in hand. Ellie does not believe that Rob is guilty of the crime, and unfortunately, the only witness was Rob's tiny poodle/chihuahua mix, Bitsy.
Ellie tries to get as much information as possible from Bitsy, but it seems she is suffering from post traumatic stress disorder after witnessing the crime, so she is not very forthcoming with any clues. Which, much to the chagrin of boyfriend Sam, leaves Ellie to do some sleuthing on her own.
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I love this series! I love the setting, the characters, the talking dogs! Like I said, I guess talking canines does lend a touch of the paranormal, but if you are a pet lover (like I am), it definitely works! Dog (and cat) lovers on the whole, I think, prefer to think that their companions can tell them things! Maybe not to the extent that Ellie's friends can, but that's what makes this series fun.
I love how Judi McCoy gives the dogs certain personalities. For instance, Bitsy is a poodle/chihuahua mix. Her personality is delicate and demure. Where as Mr. T, a rough and tumble, Animal Planet watching Jack Russell acts tough as nails, to match his name!
The romance between Ellie and Sam doesn't overpower the heart of the mystery. It's a nice addition to the series, but Ellie and her charges definitely take center stage. I kind of feel like if I wanted to read a scorching love story, then I'd pick up a scorching love story!
If you want fun whodunnit mystery, with very light romance, and a whimsical touch of the paranormal, you should really give the Dog Walker series a try.
Begging For Trouble is the fourth title in the series. Previous titles are:
1. Hounding The Pavement
2. Heir Of The Dog
3. Death In Show
**this book was graciously sent to me by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review, just an honest one. Thank you to Berkley Prime Crime for this opportunity.
