by Lorie Lewis Ham
At the end of this article are details on how to enter for a chance to win a copy of this book!
Beaglemania is the first book in a new series by mystery author Linda O. Johnston, author of the Kendra Ballantyne Pet-Sitter Mysteries. Linda calls on her own experience working with animal rescue to create a very believable character in Lauren Vancouver, and a very believable setting in HotRescues, a no-kill animal shelter in Southern California. 
The book begins with Lauren on the scene of an Animal Control seizure at a puppy mill where several of the dogs are Beagles–hence the title. She learns of the possible involvement of Efram Kiley, a man who is working at her shelter in an effort to rehabilitate him, and she is not happy. It does not bode well for Lauren when he turns up dead on HotRescues property; and she quickly becomes the police’s prime suspect.
Determined not to let herself be railroaded into jail, Lauren begins to investigate on her own with some fumbles along the way, but ever present determination. Things get even worse as she is attacked and the evidence against her starts to stack up. Her life also gets more complicated as she becomes involved with Animal Control officer Matt Kingston, who is also on her possible suspect list.
Lauren is a strong woman and the single mom of two college-aged kids. This book is filled with wit, romance, a strong mystery and heart. Having worked in animal rescue myself, I can tell you Linda’s portrayal of that world is spot on and she brings you right into that world with her in this story bringing not only the human’s alive, but the dogs as well. I wanted to bring rescue dog Honey home myself.
Read Linda’s article on Pet Rescue in this issue.
To enter for a chance to win a copy of Beaglemania, simply email KRL at life@kingsriverlife.com with the subject line “Beagle”, or comment on this article. U.S. residents only please. A winner will be chosen next Saturday, March 26, 2011.
Purchase a copy of Beaglemania & support independent bookstores!
I love dogs & animal rescue. This sounds like a great new series. Just added to my “want to read” list.
Animals and mystery – an unbeatable combination!
This sounds like a fun book to read!
This one sounds very interesting – please enter me!
I’d love to read this book.
I think this sounds like a great book – of course I am a dog person.
I raise foster kittens for the local humane society, so animal rescue is a subject near and dear to my heart! I really enjoyed Linda’s shelter article and would love to win a copy of this book. Thanks.
Jackie Wisherd is the winner of this book! Thanks to all who entered-please keep checking back for more mystery fun and giveaways!
Lorie Ham, KRL Publisher