Friday, July 20, 2012

Going to the Dogs by Elle Druskin

This work was first posted on the Romance Reviews

I was drawn into this story from the very beginning which was both intriguing and raised my curiosity. Romance built around a dog show with mystery, murder, and mayhem is only the tip of the ice burg. The tension is hot and the characters are fun. A whodunit in the cozy fashion, the animals are as amusing as the characters and at times even more so. When I say characters, that is an understatement, eclectic and just a tad unbalanced about their pets many of the owners and breeders fit the fascinating and oft reclusive people we sometimes wonder about.

When Sam Kendall our cop on a mission meets the suspect in this smuggling operation, he is immediately smitten. Jodie McBride is everything he has never looked for in a woman. To help his cover story he is teamed up with a suave canine. Not a dog lover at all, his companion is not only annoying, but a poodle. What self- respecting officer would have a poodle for a partner? The hijinks turn dangerous and deadly as Sam tries to find the connection between his suspect and the death of his prior partner. He is on a mission to avenge her death, but Jodie is not at all what he expected. When danger comes knocking on her door as well, can Sam put all the pieces together in time? Who amongst the strange and crazy crew of dog people is at the bottom of the smuggling operation? Can Sam work with his dog to find the answers, or will his refusal to budge ruin his chances at catching a killer? Can he overcome his feelings for Jodie and hold her responsible for the death of his partner as well as the jewel heist? His heart is telling him something is wrong, will he be able to find the truth?


This is a funny and intriguing tale with a group of eccentric characters which include the suspect. They are fun and slightly bizarre and are fanatics about their pets. We are given backstage passes to the dog show and the preparation to make it successful. We follow the strange ritual of breeding, and the theories and goals to breed champions. Throughout it all we follow the trail of a brutal killer, but shrouded in smoke and mirrors we are truly unsure of who is responsible.


The passion between our characters is hot and sexy, filled with both tension and longing. The interplay with the animals is fascinating and both charming and hilarious. While the police procedural may not be exact, the story is fun and well told.


Druskin has given us a story with teeth, both suspenseful and funny. The interaction is wonderful and engaging. I was unable to put the book down once I began. This is a wonderful find for the romance and animal lover with enough suspense to keep you interested.


Rating 4/5
This book was received as a free copy, all opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.

No comments: