Death by Dog Show

Arlene Kay

Mar 2019 · A Creature Comforts Mystery Book 1 · Lyrical Press

About this ebook

When murder prances into the ring at a Massachusetts dog show, Army vet Persephone “Perri” Morgan and her canine sidekicks must confront a cunning killer who’s a breed apart in this cozy mystery sure to thrill fans of Molly Fitz, Judi McCoy and Susan Harper.
 
Accompanied by her bestie Babette and four oversize canines, Perri motors down to the Big E Dog Show in high style. Perri hopes to combine business with pleasure by also spending time with sexy DC journalist Wing Pruett. Until a storm traps everyone at the exposition hall . . . and a man’s body is found in a snow-covered field, a pair of pink poodle grooming shears plunged through his heart.
 
Turns out the deceased was a double-dealing huckster who had plenty of enemies chomping at the bit. But as breeders and their prize pets preen and strut, the murderer strikes again. Aided by her trusty canine companions, Keats and Poe, Perri must collar a killer before she’s the next “Dead in Show” winner. 
 
Praise for Arlene Kay’s Boston Uncommons Mysteries
 
“Reminiscent of the comedy-mystery movies of the thirties . . . An entertaining first entry into the Boston Uncommons Mystery series.”
—New York Journal of Books on Swann Dive
 
“Highly entertaining . . . I can't wait for the next book in the series!”
—Jaye Roycraft, author of Rainscape

Ratings and reviews

Death by Dog Show is not the type of cozy mystery that readers are used to reading. There are numerous references to the male physique (Wing’s especially) and how it affects Perri’s “nether regions”. The sexual exploits of other characters are referenced throughout the story along with their looks. The author seems focused on appearances along with people’s finances. There is an emphasis on the financial disparity between characters (the rich versus Perri who grew up in the foster system). I found the writing to be awkward and the pacing slow. Some of the author’s word choices were unusual and it felt like the author had swallowed a dictionary and thesaurus (peripatetic and plutocrats are two examples). Arlene Kay used some unusual names for her characters. They include Yael Lindsay, Roar Jansen, Wing Pruett and Persephone Morgan. There is an abundance of foul language (which is unusual for a cozy mystery) and repetition of information. The characters lacked development. Do not expect warm, friendly characters (that includes Keats and Poe) in this cozy. Perri is an unlikeable protagonist who is focused on people’s looks and finances (comes across as shallow and jealous). Perri is one of those people who judge based on first appearances. She is especially intent on getting the “handsome” Wing Pruett undressed and into her bed (while someone else watches Wing’s daughter). Babette seems perpetually on the prowl for her next bed partner and husband. As I was reading Death by Dog Show there were references to a previous crime. I felt like I was dropped into the middle of A Creature Comforts Mystery series. There are references to a previous crime. The mystery was uncomplicated and can be figured out long before the reveal. The dog show elements were confusing and not explained properly. I am not sure what the author was aiming for with this story. It seemed out of date. I found Death by Dog Show to be “ruff” and it missed the mark for me.

It's a great read⭐

About the author

Arlene Kay spent twenty years as a Senior Federal Executive where she was known as a most unconventional public servant. Her time with the federal government, from Texas to Washington, DC, allowed her to observe both human and corporate foibles and rejoice in unintentional humor. These locations and the many people she encountered are celebrated in her mystery novels. She is also the author of the Boston Uncommons Mystery series as well as Intrusion and Die Laughing. She is a member of International Thriller Writers. Visit her on the web at arlenekay.com.