A Good Dog's Guide to Murder (A Paws & Claws Mystery)

A Good Dog's Guide to Murder by Krista Davis was a delight to read. It is the 8th A Paws and Claws Mystery. It can be read on its own, but you will be missing out on a great series. I like Krista Davis's writing style (friendly, relaxed, engaging). I was quickly drawn into the story, and I did not want the tale to end. I love visiting Wagtail. It is a charming town with friendly residents and pet friendly places. I just love that the pets can go everywhere (except the kitchens of the restaurants). It is Thanksgiving week which means an influx of tourists to the cozy mountain town. The gingerbread competition is being held at the new convention center. When a large branch falls off the tree in front of the convention center, it is cause for concern. They learn that the tree is rotten and needs to come down. Unfortunately, Orly's will (the man who left them land) specified that his tree could not be chopped down by the town. When the tree is bulldozed, they discover why Orly did not want the tree removed. They find two shoes sticking out the bottom and those shoes have feet in them. Holly soon learns that a number of people have gone missing from Wagtail over the years. Holly works on narrowing down the list so she can identify the victim. She also does some sleuthing with help from her Jack Russell companion who has a nose for murder. I enjoyed this whodunit. It was a fun one to follow and solve. It was complex with some surprises along the way. I liked the various events that happened (kept things lively). I love how Trixie helps with the investigation. I loved the chapters from Trixie's point of view. They were entertaining. Holly's mother is in town, and she has some unforeseen news for Holly and Oma. There is a delightful surprise at the end of the book. I loved the holiday atmosphere with Thanksgiving and the Christkindl Market (reminded me of my childhood in German Village). I did not want A Good Dog's Guide to Murder to end. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. A Good Dog's Guide to Murder is a charming cozy with a gingerbread challenge, convention center conundrum, multiple missing people, an enhanced canine sniffer, a family visitor, and a happy holiday.