Today is no ordinary day. After four years, today is the day I get my life back.
Okay, my sister Dru would chide me for being too dramatic, my sister Lucy would argue that I’m still woefully in need of a life, and my best friend Rena would slap me on the head and insist that I’ve had a life this whole time, I just haven’t been living it well.
Potato, po-tah-to. I’m getting my life back.
Here’s the skinny. I started dating Casey Alter during our sophomore year at Merryville High, and I’d stuck with him through undergrad, med school, and his residency, all the while putting off my own dream of being a fashion designer. When he left Merryville with a perky little nutritionist instead of me, I fell into a bit of a slump. I worked part time at the Merryville Gift Haus, lived above the store, and spent my spare time reproducing the latest runway fashions for my cat Jinx and my dog Packer. (Don’t judge. I was depressed.)
But about a month ago, my boss and landlady, Ingrid, announced that she was moving to Boca to rekindle an old flame and permanently closing the doors of the Gift Haus. With Ingrid’s moral support and my Aunt Dolly’s financial support, I decided to take over the Gift Haus space and open up my very own pet boutique, Trendy Tails, catering to Merryville, Minnesota’s high-end tourist trade. Today’s the day I sign the lease and launch this next chapter in my life.
Sure, it’s not quite what I had in mind when I went to design school, but I love the challenge of reconfiguring the latest styles into creations that will fit four-legged fashionistas. In addition to my hand made pet couture, I’ll sell toys, leashes, trendy collars, and adornments. Rena, who’s a wiz in the kitchen, will sell organic homemade pet treats, too. It’ll be great. Or we’ll go under in a week. Who can say?
Rena and I are supposed to meet Dolly and Ingrid downstairs in about ten minutes so we can sign papers and exchange checks. I take a deep, trembling breath and give myself one last look in the mirror. I can’t help but notice that the barrette holding back my night-black hair is a bit askew, but otherwise I’m looking pretty sharp. White blouse, gray slacks, a swath of crimson scarf at my throat . . . I look like I might just be an entrepreneur. Me, Dizzy Izzy McHale. Proprietor.
Rena’s waiting for me in my kitchen. Even with a ladder of earrings marching up her ear, her purple hair spiked straight to heaven, and a pair of combat boots on her feet, she looks perky, excited, and sweet. The yellow sundress billowing from her tiny body, the basket of blueberry muffins hanging from her forearm, and her ferret Val draped over her shoulder all soften my friend’s usual tough-pixie look.
“Izzy,” she yells, her excitement tinged with just a bit of impatience, “let’s go.”
“I’m coming,” I yell back. I scratch Packer and Jinx behind their ears, just for luck, and, with a deep calming breath I leave my bedroom to begin my day.
Today. The day I get my life back.
You can read more about Izzy in Paws For Murder, the first book in the new “Pet Boutique” mystery series, published by Obsidian. Books are available at retail and online booksellers.
GIVEAWAY: Comment on this post by noon EST on January 8, and you will be entered to win a copy of Paws For Murder. One winner will be chosen at random. Unless specified, U.S. entries only.
Meet the author
Annie Knox doesn’t commit–or solve–murders in her real life, but her passion for animals is 100% true. She’s also a devotee of 80s music, Asian horror films, and reality TV. While Annie is a native Buckeye and has called a half dozen states “home,” she and her husband now live a stone’s throw from the courthouse square in a north Texas town, in a crumbling historic house.
Visit Annie at her website or on Facebook
Follow dru’s book musing on Facebook for book giveaways, contests, posting about discounted books and some of my reading musings.
I’m looking forward to this one, Dru. Congrats, Annie!
Love books about or including animals!
a new cozy series!!! yippeys!!!!
thanx for the giveaway!!!
Looking forward to reading this latest book, sounds like a very interesting read especially if one could sit down in a comfy chair by the fireplace on this horribly cold….cold couple days in Ohio! Thank you for the giveaway chance.
Sounds like a great book, would love to win/read it.
Sounds like a good book. Thanks for the chance to win.
this looks awesome!
This is going on definite to read list!
Looking forward to trying this new series. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
I have dogs and cats too. I love to watch them interact. It is funny to read books that uses their antics . Wonder is my crew could solve crimes? Please enter me in this contest I know I will enjoy this book!
This sounds great!
I love the sound of this one, I didn’t want to stop reading what was written here. Thanks for the chance to win.
Dru – Thanks for hosting me on your blog today! Or, rather, hosting Izzy. She’s anxious to share her adventures with the world TODAY!. 🙂
Can’t wait to read this one! Sounds awesome!
This sounds like fun. I love books with cats and dogs and feisty women. Would sister Dru be named after “our” very own Dru?
I love starting out with the first book in a series and this sounds like one I’m going to enjoy! Thank you for the giveaway!
Thank the Goddess that my two younger siblings NEVER thought about dressing up Cuddles in doll clothes or for Halloween. I think the poor pup (mini schnauzer) would have had a nervous breakdown right along with mommy dearest.
But, since this is about a book, a cozy one at that, I’d love to win a copy to see how it all plays out.
Toss the hat please Dru.
Dizzy Izzy sounds wonderful—I want to see what she does with her life.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
I love cozies. This sounds like a great one to add to my collection. I hope I win.
Thank you for the chance to win this fun book
The look on that dog’s face is priceless!
Packer and Jinx sound as if they will fun to the mystery.
This sounds fun. Love books with animals!
One to add to my 2014 reading list for sure. Thanks.
I’ve already pre-ordered it and can’t wait to read it!
I am a big fan of dog or cat cozies! This sounds great. Thank ou for the chance!
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
….Annie Knox is a fun, funny author …Buy the book.
Thanks again for hosting me, Dru. And thank you, too, for all the posters kind words. Cheers, everyone!
Such a nice blog today. Can’t help but want to read a story about animals as we are true animal fans, and also cozy mystery fans at our house as well. This would be a great book for both my daughter and me and I/we would love to be the recipient of it. I hope that Annie has a wonderful series planned as this sure seems like a great start to a really adorable mystery series. Much success Annie. And thank you Dru for another great blog. You are the best!!!!
Keep warm everyone.
Cynthia in frigid Massachusetts
Cheers to Izzy for taking a leap of faith in order to get her life back! Sounds like PAWS FOR MURDER will be a rollicking start to this new series of cozies. I look forward to reading more!
Can’t wait to read this one. Love Wendy’s/Annie’s writing style. I’m a pet lover & this series looks like it is going to be a lot of fun. Thanks for the giveaway. Would love to win! 🙂
contest is closed.
This looks like a great cozy mystery!
Thanks for the chance to win!