by Cynthia Chow

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of Trigger Yappy. We also have a link to order it from Amazon, and from an indie bookstore where a portion goes to help support KRL.

After coming to Pacific Cove to help her sister Rachel run the Wine and Bark wine bar, Maggie Patterson is thrilled to finally be about to resume her job as a bookkeeper. Not only will she have the opportunity to work for the Soleado Mexican Riviera Cruise Line and sail off into the sunset, it also gives Maggie a less canine-focused occupation. Her plans veer off course when Rachel is hospitalized with a severe case of salmonella poisoning, leaving it up to Maggie to host Yappy Hour, the Friday when the Roundup Crew and their furry companions meet following their doggy walks on the beach. Further pressuring Maggie is the news that the editor of Doggie Day will be visiting the dog-friendly wine bar, and a cover feature could tremendously boost business. While those responsibilities definitely weigh upon Maggie, it is not until the owner of Chic Chickie is murdered that Maggie sees her opportunity to escape sail into the sunset.

Maggie never exactly admired the boutique’s feathered and chicken-themed couture, but that is no reason for Fran to be so brutally murdered. Maggie’s friend Yolanda had recently been incensed by Fran’s refusal to carry Yolanda’s faux-chicken handbags, and their very public argument places her very firmly on the suspect list. Maggie’s already overwhelming sense of guilt over leaving her sister and grand-uncle Grunkly is completely toppled over by the feeling of responsibility to help her friend, resulting in the two somehow investigating the murder. It’s an awkward situation only made worse by Maggie dating not only restaurateur Gus DelVecchio, but investigating Officer Brad Brooks as well. Gus may be off in New York competing on Gourmet Games, but Brad is very much in town, up for a promotion, and not happy to have Maggie questioning his investigation.

This highly entertaining follow-up to Yappy Hour continues to delight through its viewpoint from a somewhat dog-adverse heroine immersed in a canine-loving world. Maggie is beginning to appreciate the unconditional affection of their furry friends, especially when the Wine and Bark is threatened by the soon-to-open Kitty Corner. Maggie and Yolanda are enthusiastic, if not entirely skilled detectives, and their method of investigation often proves to be intrusive and bordering on illegal. The plans to make the Wine and Bark photo-ready for the Doggie Day cover are equally hilarious, and readers will be giggling at the results. Once Maggie accepts her fate in this dog-central town, her focus improves and events speed rapidly towards an unexpected conclusion. Even the most animal-adverse readers will find themselves captivated by this California town full of pet-loving residents, and all will succumb to the wit and humor of this quirky series.

To enter to win a copy of Trigger Yappy, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “trigger,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen December 12, 2016. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address, and if via comment please include your email address.

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Click on this link to purchase this book & a portion goes to help support KRL & an indie bookstore Mysterious Galaxy:

Trigger Yappy: A Mystery

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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).

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.