by Cynthia Chow

Details at the end of this review on how to enter to win a copy of Girl With the Dachshund Tattoo, along with a link to purchase the book.

Gambling, illegal drugs, brawling by competitors…who would have predicted that Dachshund racing could be so brutal? Melinda Langston thought her Miss America background prepared her for excessive levels of competition but it was unlike the lengths a dog owner will go to have their pup win. The Laguna Beach Dachshund Dash was supposed to be a way for Mel to promote her Bow Wow Boutique booth, selling dog paw-lish for nails, doggy shoes and boots, and other custom designed doggy wear. Mel was prodded into participation by her eighty-something, man-hunter assistant Betty Foxx. When accusations of the mistreatment of one of the reigning Dachshund racers gets Betty in an altercation with his owner, his subsequent murder becomes rather awkward. Neither Homicide Detective Judd Malone or Mel’s fiancé, undercover FBI agent, Grey Donavan, are happy (or surprised) at Mel’s involvement in the case.

While Betty is busy sexually harassing every male in the vicinity, Mel and BFF Darby attempt to discover who was responsible for Richard’s death. Not only was he last seen feuding with his wife, but a competitor accused him of dog doping, animal protestors objected to the overbreeding of Dachshunds, and there seemed to be ongoing gambling over the race. If only Mel could track down the Girl with the Dachshund Tattoo, a “dogumentary” filmmaker recording the entire event and also the last one in possession of Betty’s gun.

The two authors and friends who are Sparkle Abbey continue to craft a fun and funny mystery that follows the antics of animal-loving cousins. Betty’s outrageous antics are best taken in small doses. Personal problems force Mel into mature decisions that add an emotional realism to keep readers fully engaged and completely sympathetic with her dilemmas. The authors’ love and appreciation of dogs is clearly shown. Witty, clever dialogue combines with a smart plot to deliver a treat of a mystery.

To enter to win a copy of The Girl with the Dachshund Tattoo, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “Tattoo,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen December 13, 2014. 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.

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).