KIRKUS REVIEW
The possible dognapping of a pooch that belonged to her brother’s new girlfriend puts a dog lover on watch and maybe in danger herself.
Though her brother Neal has never been short on love interests, Carrie Kennersly is intrigued that he appears to be smitten once more. Janelle Blaystone, the young woman who’s caught Neal’s eye, is a newcomer to Knobcone Heights. Although Janelle seems friendly enough, Carrie thinks she sees sadness in her eyes. Her assessment is confirmed when Janelle reveals that one of her primary reasons for coming to town is to get away from reminders of the disappearance of Go, her dog. Later, however, Janelle shows a strong interest in the upscale area of Knobcone Heights and houses like the one belonging to the Arnist family. When Carrie follows up with Janelle, she learns that Go’s disappearance may have been a dognapping and that Janelle believes the perp is Ada Arnist. Carrie, who can’t imagine losing her beloved Biscuit, is eager to help. At the same time, she wants to determine whether Janelle is worth Neal’s attentions. In between indulging these impulses, she must contend with romantic overtures directed toward her by everyone from veterinarian Reed Storme, who’s practically her boyfriend, to, well, most of the other males who pass through town. More sensitive readers are warned that the interesting tidbits Carrie throws off about other characters often come off as judgmental rather than witty or informative.
No serious departures here from Johnston’s series debut (Bite the Biscuit, 2015) or oeuvre (the more recent Knock on Wood, 2015).
