Dog Gone

Title: DOG GONE
Author: Eileen Key
Publisher: Heartsong Presents Mysteries
2008
ISBN: 978-1-59789-710-5
Genre: Inspirational/cozy mystery

Arabelle Blevins thought cleaning houses would be a calm, quiet job. But when a rash of dog thefts start happening right in her backyard, she begins to investigate the world of show dogs. Why would anyone steal a beloved family pet?

Belle soon learns that there is a world of dognappers out there. But the thieves don’t seem to be contacting the owners for ransom money. Are the valuable show dogs being sold in the black market? Are they going to a dog fighting ring? What are happening to the dogs? And even more important, will Belle find the thieves in time to save the family farm?

DOG GONE is the first book in Ms. Key’s Feather Duster Mystery. At first I didn’t know why DOG GONE would be a feather duster mystery, but once I learned that Belle is a house cleaner by profession the series title became clear.

I enjoyed getting to know Belle, she seems a loveable character, and the set of well-rounded secondary characters fill out the cast. The world of show dogs was interesting, especially since my family used to enjoy watching some of the shows on television in years past.

I didn’t notice much of a faith message, but the story is still very good with a touch of a romance to keep the interest level up. I’m looking forward to reading the other two books in Ms. Key’s series. DOG GONE is definitely a book that cozy mystery fans will enjoy. $6.95. 252 pages.