This is my all time favorite dogs-and-murder series. It has been a long time since we saw a new installment and it was worth waiting for. It has all the major characters we love to see: Holly Winter, the protagonist dog trainer and columnist for Dog's Life; her barely civilized father Buck; her gracious and tactful step-mother Gabrielle; her calm and wise veterinarian husband Steve; cameo appearances by protege trainer Leah and police detective Lieutenant Kevin Denehey and his strict mother; upstairs neighbor psychiatrist Iris and her horrible little dog Willie; some odd neighbors and dog training associates; a shady breeder; some suspect applicants for rescued malamutes; and of course, all their dogs: Holly's three malamutes, Steve's German Shepherd and shy pointer, Gabrielle's Yorkie, various other dogs belonging to other characters -- the only one missing seems to be Buck's wolf dog, which is probably just as well. Plot is always good in a Conant book, coupled with a little humor -- sometimes a lot of humor-- but her especial gift is characterization. Now any good writer can make a lot people seem real, but Ms. Conant even gives each dog a distinct and believable personality, well described by Holly's wry comments about the strengths and shortcomings of her own and other characters' dogs. Oh, I hope there will be more of these books soon! I've been reading Holly Winter mysteries since the first one came out in 1990 and they are like comfort food to me. Holly is both endearing and irritating in her love of all things dogs and her at times canine viewpoint of humans. This installment is a leisurely mystery with a far-fetched (sorry. -- couldn't resist the pun) motive for the murder. Still, I enjoyed spending some time with Holly, her family, friends and dogs. At just over 200 pages, this is a quick, uncomplicated read.
What do You think about Brute Strength (2011)?
Excellent book, very realistic dipction of human/dog interaction. Good mystery.
—Makayla
I like the series and the character. Good book with a nice twist at the end.
—krasrya
Loved it. But Kimi,Rowdy and Sammy are my favorites. So I am prejudiced.
—rachelvelarde
She's back--and not over the top either. A good one.
—johnny
Love ALL of the Susan Conant dog mysteries!
—rebelgirl
