DOGGED BY DEATH

The prolific Scott launches a new series starring a veterinarian, her grandfather, and a boxer dog.

Ally Winter has returned to her hometown of Willow Bluff, Wisconsin, after her former fiance and business partner embezzled money from their clinic and dumped her with just enough money to buy the practice of a retiring veterinarian. Her crime-obsessed grandfather is recovering from a broken hip in a small rehab home where the three resident ladies compete for his regard. Things are so slow for Ally that she’s added grooming and dog walking to her repertoire. But when she arrives to walk lawyer Marty Shawlin’s boxer, Roxy, she finds Shawlin with a crushed skull. The lead detective is her high school crush, Noah Jorgenson, who starts their reunion off on the wrong foot by calling her by her hated nickname, Hot Pants, recalling an embarrassing incident with fire ants. Lots of people have been angry with Shawlin because he charged them for legal work he never completed. And that includes Gramps, who had thrown him out of the rehab house. Although business is picking up, Ally still has enough time to aid Gramps, who’s determined to solve the crime, much to the despair of Noah—especially after Ally starts getting violent warnings to butt out. Ally is well aware that Roxy could name the killer if only she could talk. Even without a voice, though, she helps Ally winnow down the suspects.

An entertaining cast of characters makes for a kickoff sure to please dog lovers.