The dog-friendliest city in America is no place for a cat person, especially when the fur flies. My name is Cat Hawl, and I don’t hate dogs. In fact, over the years, I’ve developed an appreciation for many canine characteristics. When my over-the-top, dog-loving sister enrolled in Barkview University and my mother tasked me with protecting her, I figured I’d get to know the sister I hadn’t seen in ten years.
Far from a model college student myself, I’d expected some drama. What eighteen-year-old didn’t have the occasional crisis? It turns out that Lani attracts trouble like Fido does fleas. When my mother insisted Lani spend her summer break on Oahu with her, I felt like I’d hit the lotto.
All I needed to do was drop her at the airport. No problem. I even arrived at her dorm thirty minutes early, prepared for Lanigagging.
The mound of clothing on the bed beside her gaping suitcase didn’t faze me. I could fix that with twenty minutes to spare. The week-old garbage smell and red splatter on the kitchenette sink posed no problem either. But Lani, under the bed with only her calves showing, didn’t bode well.
A high-pitched, squeaky woof confirmed my fears. A dog intervention? No, not today.
Suddenly, a dark blur scurried across my sandals. My scream lodged in my throat. That was no fluffy lap dog but a long-tailed, drowned rat. Never good in an emergency, I froze.
Lani’s shout barely registered. “Grab him.”
Me, touch that? Not happening.
With a gymnast’s grace, Lani stood, her blood-stained T-shirt conjuring visions of extensive rabies testing and the inevitable explanation to Mom. I needed to stop her…
Fearlessly, my sister lunged toward the animal, nearly leveling me. Cornered, the creature darted behind the loveseat.
“Get on the other end of the couch. Grab him when I move it,” Lani instructed.
My sister issuing orders? Had she even thought through her actions? I must’ve shaken my head. Lani’s huff struck a nerve. Like any of this was my fault.
“Señor Chili is a Chihuahua. A skunk sprayed him this morning. I just finished washing him in ketchup,” she explained.
The smelly egg odor made sense, as did her red-stained T-shirt. “Whose dog is he?” If she said hers, I’d kill her myself.
“He belongs to my neighbor—the girl who broke her arm. I had to help her.”
Of course, she did. Lani helped everyone with no thought of her own needs or safety. Admirable. Just not today. Mom would not understand if my sister missed her flight.
In the interest of time, I obeyed Lani’s request, knowing full well my white capris would pay the price. Fortunately, the plan worked, and I captured the quivering handful of a pup.
Lani scratched the dog’s ear as she took him from me. “I’ll be right back.” She sprinted out the door.
Catching the dog had taken the extra time I’d allotted. Mom’s voice in my head motivated me. I dumped two armfuls of clothes into the suitcase and zipped it closed before Lani returned.
She touched my arm. “Don’t worry. We’ll make it.”
I chewed my lip. It was going to be close—too close.
In the end, Lani had been right. Thanks to my lead foot and high-performance SUV, we arrived at the airport with ten minutes to spare.
Lani Watch officially ended; euphoria washed over me. Prematurely, as it happens. Lani’s trouble was just beginning…
Puppied to Death: A Barkview Mystery, Book 9
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release: February 2025
Format: Digital (Print to follow)
Purchase Link
A murder, an ancient rivalry, and a puppy you can’t help but love…
A frantic plea from her sister sends Cat Hawl on a rescue mission to Hawaii. What should’ve been a simple mediation between Lani and their mother turns deadly. Not only is a tea sommelier murdered, but a puppy has turned the crime scene into a dog’s breakfast and Cat’s trouble-prone sister is nowhere to be found. Has Lani been taken by the killer or is she on the run?
Since the police suspect the worst, it’s up to Cat to dig deeper. With her mother and the Miss Marple Mahjong Mama’s help, Cat uncovers an ancient rivalry rooted in the Forbidden City. Can a thousand-year-old tea reading be the cause of the current puppy pandemonium and mounting body count?
Puppied to Death is the charming ninth book in the Barkview Mysteries series. If you like characters out of their comfort zones, spectacular twists, and plenty of paw-friendly humor, then you’ll love C.B. Wilson’s biscuit of sleuthing.
About the author
Award-winning author C.B. Wilson’s love of writing was spurred by an early childhood encounter with a Nancy Drew book where she wrote what she felt was a better ending.
An animal lover, the Barkview Mysteries combine C. B.’s love of mysteries and dogs. The current 10 book series follows Cat Wright, a feline-loving, former investigative reporter’s, journey to find the right dog for her. C.B.’s motivation to grow this popular series is a result of her belief that every animal deserves a forever home. You will likely find adoptable dogs at her appearances.
Join C.B. in Barkview and help Cat decide if there is a perfect dog for our resident cat lover.