What do You think about Dead Canaries Don't Sing (2004)?
This is the first book in the Cynthia Baxter "Reigning Cats and Dogs Mystery Series." It got me kinda hooked on them! The book feature Dr. Jessica Popper, DVM and her canine sidekicks Max, a tailess Westie and Lou, a one-eyed dalmation, on her travels throughout Long Island in her moblie veterinary clinic. On her way to a visit with a sick horse, Popper and her dogs discover the dead body of a local PR big-wig that no one was particularly fond of. Max digs up a canary next to the body which gets Jessica wondering what he was about to sing. She enlists the help of her off-again boyfriend Nick Burby (off-again because she rejected his romantic Maui marriage proposal) to help her investigate the crime and inevitably gets herself in over her head as the killer gets closer to her.Some of the characters are annoying and the outcome a bit predictable, but it was an entertaining, light read. I liked it enough to continue reading the series. Very much in the same genre as the Rita Mae and Sneaky Pie Brown "Mrs. Murphy" series, but those are much better!
—Samantha
I couldn't for the life of me figure out which book came first in this series, but after reading the reviews I decided that this was number one, but as I write this, I realized...look at the copyright dates, that would be a clue...duh. Anyway, this is a slow start for me...it seems to be a theme these days, with 3 books so far started, but not making it much past the starting gate...they're not complete rubbish, so I keep on keeping on with em, just at random intervals. For me the actions and interactions, as well as the dialogue seem very forced, but I'm hoping thats something that passes, or at least I lose focus of if the story becomes more involved for me.The writing got better as the story went along, it wasn't that bad. Just hoping the next in the series is even better =)
—Krystal
This should be three and a half stars. I enjoyed the main character, and the mobile Veterinary Van as a way of getting around, but I just didn't understand why she should be so interested in the mystery. I loved the locale largely because without using a spoiler, I know from personal experience with the area that what she says is true, still. And she did a great job of mixing up place names (which I assume she'd have to do for fear of retribution)The thing about cozies is that you pretty much know the path they are taking. That is true here as well, but even though I thought it was a bit long, I'll read the next in the series.
—G Hodges
