by Cynthia Chow

Details on how to enter to win a copy of Fifty Shades of Greyhound at the end of this review along a link to purchase the book where a portion goes to help support KRL.

There is little doubt that the Greyhound rescue organization, Greys Matter, was calling their all-gray dress code fundraiser a Fifty Shades of Greyhound Charity Ball in order to cash in on the fervor for the popular book. However, the worthwhile charity group has been instrumental in saving racing greyhounds who were once put to sleep at the end of their careers even though they could have lived for another ten more years or more. For Caro Lamont, a trained therapist and Laguna Beach Professional Animal Wellness Specialist (PAWS), this is a cause close to her heart. As a pet therapist, Caro specializes in improving the behavior of animal companions, even when the problems are usually caused by human misbehavior and miscommunication.

The event seems to be going smashingly until an uninvited bunny arrives and the greyhounds’ instincts kick in, resulting in bedlam and a distraction for a guest to literally be stabbed in the back. Because he was last seen arguing with Eugene Perry, the twin brother of Caro’s secretary, Caro will be in the middle of another investigation. The CEO of Grey Matters (who clearly has her own secrets) asks Caro to counsel the greyhounds who witnessed the murder. Caro must deal with a fugitive computer hacker, a rigid FBI agent, a con man, and dog nannies. Those Be Safe self-defense classes Caro and her octogenarian (and former Hollywood actress) friend are taking will come in handy. The donning of a Lara Croft cosplay outfit to interrogate computer gamers is more unexpected.

So much of the joy for me in reading these books is rooted in Caro’s sessions with her clients and how they are counseled. From overprotective owners to overprotective Australian Cattle Dogs guarding their human herd, the tales are as entertaining as they are informative. Equally compelling is Caro’s personal dilemma of how to advance her relationship with Sam Gallonos, whose admirable taste in pets conflicts with Caro’s skittishness after her divorce and “The Big Mess.”

In the five books in this series, co-written by the authors Mary Lee and Anita Carter, narratives alternate in each book between Caro and her cousin Melinda Langston, the owner of Laguna Beach’s a Bow a Wow Boutique. Since Grandma Tillie’s death and the will that left her brooch to her “favorite granddaughter,” the cousins have played a game of larcenous tag with the piece of jewelry. Both share an unapologetic love of all non-human companions, though, and their voices are filled with wit, intelligence, and dedication to animals. Readers will enjoy this continually surprising mystery where Caro’s love for her friends is rivaled only by her dedication to her furry clients.

To enter to win a copy of Fifty Shades of Greyhound, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “Fifty,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen June 14, 2014. U.S. residents only.

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Fifty Shades of Greyhound

Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).