Book 1, 2019

Pawprints & Predicaments by Bethany Blake

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Thursday night, I finished reading my first book of the year, Pawprints & Predicaments, which is the third book in Bethany Blake's "Lucky Paws Petsitting" mystery series. The books feature Daphne Templeton, pet sitter, baker of organic pet treats, owner of a PhD in philosophy, and all around bohemian beatnik.

Daphne is excited for Sylvan Creek's "Tail Waggin' Winterfest". However, she and many other townsfolk are becoming increasingly annoyed with TV producer Lauren Savidge, who's in town to report on Sylvan Creek as one of the most pet-friendly places in the country. When both Daphne and Lauren, along with 80 other people, take part in the Polar Plunge, Lauren doesn't make it out alive. Daphne is the one who almost trips over Lauren's body, and she's the one who summons help. For that reason, she finds herself at the epicenter of yet another murder mystery. This time, Daphne isn't at odds with Detective Jonathan Black, since he's had to excuse himself from the investigation when his ex-wife becomes a suspect.

Daphne would like to dislike Elyse Hunter-Black, but she can't. Furthermore, she can't see the woman as a killer, either. When certain things about the case niggle at Daphne, she can't resist asking questions and hunting up clues on her own. Her meddling puts her in the killer's sights, and Daphne may not survive this one.

I enjoy this series. Daphne is an engaging heroine. She's charming and zen, yet she can be relentless when in the pursuit of justice. I adore all of the returning characters, especially the pets that make up part of the cast.

Only minor annoyances with this story: One, why must the main character always seem to end up in a life or death situation at the end? It gets tedious after a time. Two, I thought that we could focus on a developing romance between Daphne and Jonathan, now that her sorta-kinda boyfriend, Dylan, has left town. Instead, the author introduced a new, potential suitor for Daphne. Grah!

Favorite lines:
♦ It was almost like I'd known I would get trampled in a half-frozen lake and need a warm treat at the end of the day.
♦ He shook his head and snuffled with regret, indicating that he felt sorry about my public humiliation, although I also knew that he'd never supported my decision to jump in a lake.
♦ "Why would I want to go out with a guy who tries to embarrass me, when I am very capable of doing that myself?"
♦ "You've been really nice to endure my screams of terror all afternoon."

Overall, very good book, in spite of the small aggravations. Five stars!