by Cynthia Chow
Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of Blood Red, White and Blue, and a link to purchase it from Amazon, and an indie bookstore where a portion of the sale goes to help support KRL.
As the chairwoman for Santa Louisa, California’s Fourth of July celebration, Mary McGill had thought that her most challenging tasks would be judging the canine costume contest while also ensuring that her own beloved black Cocker Spaniel Millie was shielded from the loud fireworks event. That very same explosive display is used to cover the shooting of the town’s newest visitor Ian Miller, whom Mary had seen being very fascinated with a necklace displayed in Lowell’s Jewelry store. When Mary learns that Ian Miller was not a tourist, but an agent with the California Bureau of Investigations following a string of jewelry store robberies across several states, she can’t help but make the connection. 
While everyone in Santa Louisa optimistically believes that the murder must have been done by an outsider, Mary reluctantly suspects a connection with Lowell’s and the adjacent We Buy Gold shop, both owned by the surly and anti-social Jerry Lowell. The recent arrival of his son Tommy further complicates the matter, as the talented jewelry artist has taken a shine to Ian Miller’s German shepherd Ranger, who seems to share the sentiment.
Having proven her skill at coaxing out information and connecting dots others seem to miss, Mary seamlessly falls into the investigation. While it helps that the chief of police is married to Mary’s niece, what doesn’t is Miller’s abrasive former partner. Special Agent Eric Wilson already has his suspect in sight, and with a score to settle, he’s not about to consider any alternative. Mary finds newer agent Emma Baxter much more amenable, and together they begin to uncover connections between the robberies, Miller’s presence in town, and the inability of some to forgive or forget.
Although only the third in the Canine Cozy Mystery series, the residents of Santa Louisa feel fully established and as relatable and real as any next-door neighbor. Mary realistically becomes involved in criminal investigations, as it is her friendships and history in town that make her essential to law enforcement. As before, canines provide not just happy companionship, but prove essential in tracking down and delivering proper justice. As Mary delves into the world of home computers, she also learns the nuances of the jewelry business and crime. This is a delightful cozy mystery with a very smart and engaging heroine, one whose senior years never inhibit her lifestyle or her investigations. Always accompanied by the adorable Millie, Mary heralds in another charming mystery sure to please those who love small-town intrigue, a dash of crime, and an ample share of doggy affection.
To enter to win a copy of Blood Red, White and Blue, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “canine,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen July 1, 2017. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address, and if via comment please include your email address.
Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section.
Use this link to purchase the book & a portion goes to help support KRL & indie bookstore Mysterious Galaxy:
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Fun! Thanks for the chance!
The Cover is cute and the plot sounds good. Thank you.
Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
new to me author. Thanks for the chance.
kckendler at gmail dot com
This sounds like a delightful mystery series and so timely for the summer! Thanks for the opportunity to win.
I loved this book. The relationships among the people and between the people and dogs were the highlight for me but the mystery plot was excellent, too.
This is a new to me series but I love the title (very patriotic) and it has dogs in it. Who can resist a mystery with dogs? Happy Summer to Every one!
Thanks for the chance to win the book Blood Red, White and Blue.
bah195@yahoo.com
I am new to this series and I’d love to win a copy of Blood Red, White and Blue! Thanks for the review and chance to win!
Sounds like Kathleen Delaney has all my favorite things in this mystery. I’d love to win this copy!! Thanks for the chance to win Blood Red, White and Blue. nschwenkner (at) gmail (dot) com
Any book which has such a beautiful Cocker pictured on the cover gets my attention. And the story sounds good too.
I think this sounds so good and would love to read and review on goodreads and amazon ptclayton2@aol.com thanks for the chance
Love finding new to me authors who I feel I must become acquainted with. Book sounds great!
Beautiful pup.
raineybird at yahoo dot com
I love the premise for this story.
maceoindo(at)yahoo(dot)com
Love anything with animals – parkeremma2003 at yahoo dot com
Sounds like a great read.
The Cocker spaniel on the cover reminds me of the first dog who I remember being our family pet. Her name was Taterhead and was my father’s buddy. Thanks for the opportunity to enter the giveaway. robeader53(at)yahoo(dot)com
Love the cover! A perfect read for this time of year. Really enjoyed the description of the book and I’m looking forward to reading it.
diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
This sounds so interesting; I had Cocker spaniels in the past and would like to have one again someday. They are so loyal and sweet! Have not read a book by this author before. Thank you for the chance to win!
I generally read cat mysteries; but will try a dog mystery; then maybe compare.
I haven’t read this series yet but I’m so glad it was featured since I’ve found a new series to read.
scarletbegonia5858(at)gmail*dot)com
We have a winner!