Sniffing Out Murder

October 15, 2023
A newly minted author will be blamed for the death of a hometown diva unless her bloodhound can sniff out the real killer. Priscilla Cummings' decision to leave teaching for full-time writing is reinforced during her last parent-teacher conference with her former high school heartthrob, Joe Kelley, and his wife, forever mean girl Whitney. If their daughter, Clarice, grows up to be like them, she'll become even more of a cartoonish baddie than she already is. Pris is relieved that she'll never have to deal with these parents again, especially after Whitney suggests that Pris' 3-year old bloodhound, Bailey, a registered therapy dog, has no place in the classroom. In her role as chairwoman of the school board in Crosbyville, Indiana, Whitney even threatens Pris, though Pris' resolve to focus on her writing puts her safely out of Whitney's jurisdiction. Pris is eager to put out a worthy sequel to The Case of the Missing Maltese, her middle-grade title, which is already enjoying moderate success. Though Pris thinks she's finally washed her hands of Whitney and her ways, she couldn't be more wrong, for soon after Pris and Bailey uncover Whitney's body in the begonias, she's anointed prime suspect in her murder. New police Chief Morgan seems unimpressed at Pris' claims of innocence, but his gentle demeanor with Bailey makes her wonder if maybe he's more of a softie than he lets on. With Pris' freedom at stake, finding the real killer is im-paw-rative. Deserves to sit and stay.

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November 1, 2023

Inspired by her bloodhound Bailey, Priscilla Cummings writes the first in a children's mystery series featuring a bloodhound detective. Sales are good enough that she's able to move home to Crosbyville, IN, buy a house, and quit her teaching job. But first she has one last parent-teacher conference. She's been dreading her meeting with Whitney Kelley, who was a mean girl in high school. As the new president of the school board, Whitney is threatening to cut Priscilla's pet-assisted reading program. The day after they argue about the cutbacks, Bailey digs up Whitney's body in a city park, and Whitney's sister accuses Priscilla of murder. With the new police chief viewing her as a suspect, Priscilla does a little digging of her own and finds evidence of cheating, affairs, and blackmail. Then, another murder victim is discovered. VERDICT Writing as Benjamin, V.M. Burns introduces a charming cast of characters in this new cozy series. Fans of Burns's "Mystery Bookshop" series, featuring an author and poodles, will appreciate.--Lesa Holstine

Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2023
Priscilla Cummings has quit her teaching position in order to concentrate on writing the next installment of her Adventures of Bailey the Bloodhound, Pet Detective, series. Her final parent-teacher conference ends badly with her high-school nemesis Whitney Kelley storming out of the meeting. Later Priscilla threatens Whitney, the new president of the school board, during a loud argument at her aunt's diner when Whitney states she plans to cut the arts curriculum. When Priscilla's bloodhound, Bailey, finds Whitney's body during a morning walk, Priscilla becomes a suspect, and Whitney's sister demands she be arrested. To clear herself and to protect Chief of Police Gilbert Morgan's job, Priscilla investigates, against his wishes. Complicating matters, the chief and an undercover police officer are both attracted to Priscilla. Priscilla, along with her beloved bloodhound, surreptitiously interviews suspects and tries to unravel clues. Framed by the importance of family and friends, this dog-centered cozy series starter, with its cast of well-drawn characters, will appeal to dog-lovers and fans of Laurien Berenson's Melanie Travis dog-themed mysteries.

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