“Deadly Dog Days” A Dog Days Mystery By Jamie Blair

by Cynthia Chow

Details on how to win a copy of this book at the end of the review.

Closing in fast on forty, Cameron Cripps-Hayman never expected to be unemployed, separated from her husband, or living in historic but isolated Metamora, Indiana. She certainly never intended to discover the body of a young woman, floating in a canal next to the town’s duck mascot. That shock pales upon the realization that Cameron was perhaps the only one in Metamora unaware of the rumors circulating that the late Jenn Berg had been dating Metamora’s only police officer, Ben Hayman, Cameron’s estranged husband. When news surfaces that Jenn had been pregnant, the town sees the two with the biggest motives to do in the local waitress as Cameron and the possible baby-daddy, Ben.

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Her mother-in-law may be slowly absconding with Ellsworth House antiques out from under Cameron, but Irene Hayman’s dedication as the President of The Daughters of Historical Metamora does have the benefit of providing Cameron with a ragtag team of investigators. Cameron’s two overachieving high school volunteers and court-mandated community service workers enthusiastically transition into the Metamora Action Agency, whose entire purpose is to investigate the murder and clear both Cameron and Ben.

Cameron will need their assistance considering that she somehow managed to also find herself the guardian of Jenn Berg’s ill-trained Newfoundland, cranky German Shepherd, terrifying Rottweiler-Doberman, and two twin canine tanks. Cameron’s teenaged stepdaughter arrives to further strain the household, as Mia shows a mastery of teen eye-rolling and manipulation of her father. It will take more than Cameron’s black hole of a purse to contain the chaos descending on her historical, and colorful, new home.

Image source: Midnight Ink

This debut series balances the light-hearted antics of Cameron’s Scooby Gang and canine crew with the heart-wrenching dilemma of a woman facing the end of her marriage. Cameron’s Agency, which includes an ex-con, a kleptomaniac, and a charming alcoholic are undeniably effective when utilizing their specific skill sets, but Cameron herself is the one having a difficult time finding her place in Metamora. Having moved to Indiana for her husband’s career, Cameron was herself without a job, alienated by her mother-in-law, and neglected by an always-working Ben. So it shouldn’t have been surprising that Cameron found herself miserable and isolated. It takes a murder to spark a sense of purpose in Cameron, and awakens her to just how much she has grown to love Metamora, her new canine roommates, and perhaps even the man she married. A possible new career could help save the future of Metamora along with Cameron’s marriage, while her visiting sister’s new passion provides tasty doggy treats.

This is a delightful novel that introduces a relatable and very engaging heroine who is led by her heart, sense of humor, and newfound affection for Metamora.

To enter to win a copy of Deadly Dog Days, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “doggy,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen November 12, 2016. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please included your mailing address.

You can use this link to purchase the book:

Deadly Dog Days

Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.