A Day In The Life Of Jack Collins by Annie Knox

Jun 2, 2015 | A Day In My Life

Collared for MurderI’m a cop.

I deal with evidence. Cold hard facts. I don’t usually spend a lot of time dwelling on feelings. But lately, that’s changed.

I’ve been dating Izzy McHale, owner of Trendy Tails Pet Boutique, for several months now, and it’s already getting pretty serious. At least on my side, it’s serious.

Izzy drives me crazy, in both the good way and the bad way. For starters, she’s a knock-out: long black hair, even longer legs, big green eyes a man can lose himself in for days. You get the picture. But Izzy’s so much more than a pretty face. She’s kind and honest and funny as heck (though sometimes she doesn’t mean to be). She doesn’t have a lick of guile anywhere in her, and I kind of love that about her.

Love? Did I just say ‘love’? Man, am I in trouble.

Because, you see, Izzy drives me crazy in the crazy sort of way, too. First, there’s her strange relationship with Sean Tucker. Those two have some sort of history, though I’m not really sure what it is. I suppose I could ask, but I’m not sure I’d like the answer I get.

Seriously, it’s not like me to hide from the truth, but I can’t bring myself to pry into Izzy’s relationship with Sean. Sleeping dogs, and all that.

Second, Izzy has a killer knack for finding trouble. Did I mention I’m a cop? It’s my job to put the kibosh on trouble, but Izzy’s always smack in the middle of it. There was the murder at the grand opening of her store. And then the murder at the wedding she was throwing. Not only does murder seem to follow her around like a second shadow, but she can’t resist the urge to investigate. That’s my job. Not hers. Like I said, she makes me crazy.

I’m hoping that we’ve put all the crime and mystery behind us. Izzy’s store is really taking off, and she’s got a plum location at the pet-related event of the year: the Midwest Cat Fanciers’ annual cat show and retreat. Izzy’s gotten to know the movers and shakers in the organization, and I’m hoping her store is going to keep her too busy to get into any more trouble.

A guy can dream, right?

So today marks a turning point for me. I’m going to meet Izzy at the cat show, and I’m going to hug her senseless. I’m going to try to pretend that her friendship with Sean doesn’t bug me. I’m going to focus on a future free of murderous shenanigans. And I’m going to get in touch with my feelings.

You can read more about Jack in Collared for Murder, the third book in the “Pet Boutique” mystery series, published by Obsidian. The first two books in the series are Paws for Murder and Groomed for Murder.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 12 a.m. eastern on June 9 for the chance to win a copy of Collared for Murder. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Winner will be notified within 48 hours after giveaway closes and you will have three days to respond after being contacted or another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your SPAM folder.

About 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 in a crumbling historic house just a stone’s throw from the courthouse square in a north Texas town. Visit Annie at annieknoxauthor.com.

59 Comments

  1. servedogmom
    servedogmom on June 2, 2015 at 1:07 am

    I absolutely love this series! Cozie mystery and pets (for me especially dogs) are a perfect combination. servedogmom@yahoo.com

  2. noraadrienne
    noraadrienne on June 2, 2015 at 1:08 am

    Love it Dru, so I’m in it to win it.

  3. Barbara Hawk
    Barbara Hawk on June 2, 2015 at 1:12 am

    I need to find out where this relationship is going. As I am sure there is more trouble to find! Thanks for the opportunity!

  4. Maureen
    Maureen on June 2, 2015 at 1:26 am

    Sounds like a fun continuation if this cool series 🙂

  5. Brian Frauenknecht
    Brian Frauenknecht on June 2, 2015 at 1:27 am

    I love this series. It is one of my favorites

    Frauenb@aol.com

  6. Pamela Woodfield
    Pamela Woodfield on June 2, 2015 at 1:29 am

    This series looks good. I’ve not read any yet but would love to.

  7. jeaniejackson
    jeaniejackson on June 2, 2015 at 1:58 am

    I have to get this series, it sounds like my kind of book. Thanks! I had looked at them, but this day in the life pushed it over.

  8. Jen
    Jen on June 2, 2015 at 3:13 am

    Collared for Murder sounds like an excellent cozy! I will have to read the books in this series. Thank you for the chance to win.
    myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com

  9. Verna Gass
    Verna Gass on June 2, 2015 at 3:16 am

    Jack seems like a great guy, hope the relationship with Izzy works out. Definately want to read more especially to find out more about both the romance and the mystery.

  10. Meg Mims
    Meg Mims on June 2, 2015 at 4:41 am

    What a GORGEOUS cover. This sounds like a great cozy!

  11. Nancy Funkhouser
    Nancy Funkhouser on June 2, 2015 at 5:03 am

    This looks like a good story . It appears to be the kind of cozy that I like-Some mystery and some romance coupled with a bit of humor.

  12. Debbie Carnes
    Debbie Carnes on June 2, 2015 at 5:42 am

    Sounds like a fun , cute cozy . Is on my TRL now

  13. Beverly Guy
    Beverly Guy on June 2, 2015 at 5:46 am

    This looks like a really awesome book and I can’t wait to read it!!!! I love, love, love the cover too!!!! Any mystery involving cats and dogs is my kind of mystery!!!! Annie Knox novels ROCK!!!!! Thanks for the opportunity to win it!!! God bless you!!!

  15. B Handy
    B Handy on June 2, 2015 at 6:08 am

    Fun series – thank you for the opportunity to enter your giveaway.

  16. Lisa Brown
    Lisa Brown on June 2, 2015 at 6:40 am

    love the cover, looks great; thanks for the chance 🙂

  17. Jess dimovski
    Jess dimovski on June 2, 2015 at 6:42 am

    Would love to read this title

  18. sarah
    sarah on June 2, 2015 at 7:04 am

    Would love this!

  20. ladyjanel
    ladyjanel on June 2, 2015 at 7:07 am

    Love to read this. It sounds really awesome. Thank you for the chance.

  21. Shelli King
    Shelli King on June 2, 2015 at 7:15 am

    Love this cover! Thanks for the opportunity.

  22. Dotty Kelley
    Dotty Kelley on June 2, 2015 at 7:26 am

    Looking forward to reading this one.

  23. griperang
    griperang on June 2, 2015 at 8:15 am

    Thank you for the chance to win this book, it looks like a fun one

  24. Gram
    Gram on June 2, 2015 at 8:22 am

    I’ve got to start this series!

  25. Robin L. Coxon
    Robin L. Coxon on June 2, 2015 at 8:42 am

    Yep, another one added to my to get to read list. Thanks for giving some insight into the characters of the book. robeader53@yahoo.com

  26. Judy Weaver
    Judy Weaver on June 2, 2015 at 9:03 am

    Would love to read this book!! Characters sound great! Thank for the chance to win it!

  27. Karen Candee
    Karen Candee on June 2, 2015 at 9:19 am

    Can’t wait to read this book!

  28. Debbie Price
    Debbie Price on June 2, 2015 at 9:26 am

    Thanks for the chance to win this book 🙂

  29. Annie Knox
    Annie Knox on June 2, 2015 at 10:25 am

    Thanks to Dru for letting Jack spill his guts to you all! I hope everyone enjoys the book.

  30. Rita Wray
    Rita Wray on June 2, 2015 at 10:33 am

    Sounds like a great read. I love the cover.

  31. marylouh
    marylouh on June 2, 2015 at 10:54 am

    Sounds like an interesting story. would love to give it a try.
    thanks.

  32. anne
    anne on June 2, 2015 at 11:09 am

    Thanks for this great giveaway.

  33. Debbie S
    Debbie S on June 2, 2015 at 11:27 am

    This sounds great, I haven’t read this series…yet, looks like I had better get started. Thanks for the chance to win.

  34. Penny
    Penny on June 2, 2015 at 11:28 am

    I have been waiting for this book since the last page of Paws for Murder:) I have fingers,toes,legs, and we even have paws crossed here:) Thank you for this giveaway

  35. Libby Dodd
    Libby Dodd on June 2, 2015 at 11:33 am

    Keep dreaming, sweetheart!

  37. peggy clayton
    peggy clayton on June 2, 2015 at 12:28 pm

    Thanks for the great giveaway as this sounds like a series that I should of started awhile ago.

  38. Jenne
    Jenne on June 2, 2015 at 1:22 pm

    This looks like a fun series! Thanks for the chance to try it out 🙂

  39. Kaye Killgore
    Kaye Killgore on June 2, 2015 at 4:28 pm

    This looks like fun, and I really like this author.

  40. Jennie Knight
    Jennie Knight on June 2, 2015 at 5:52 pm

    Thank you for this chance to win. This author is already on my must re-read list.

  41. Kay
    Kay on June 2, 2015 at 6:16 pm

    Love this series and any that feature a dog or even a cat if it has to, lol. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

  42. Amy Gill
    Amy Gill on June 2, 2015 at 7:02 pm

    I’d like to have this in my collection.

  43. rhowell71
    rhowell71 on June 2, 2015 at 7:54 pm

    The synopsis has me itching to read the first two books. I love cozies. Especially ones with animals and pets involved. My first two series I read with pets in them are the “Sneaky Pie Brown” series which may or may not be a cozie series and the “The Cat Who…” series. I miss the adventures of Koko and Yum Yum. Then a library friend turned me onto the Dixie Hemingway series.

  44. Jeanie Dannheim
    Jeanie Dannheim on June 2, 2015 at 8:24 pm

    Great point of view, as I’m used to the POV of the person “narrating” tales in first person – usually the female sleuth or ass’t to the sleuth. Looking forward to reading this and staying current with the series; thank you for the chance to win!

  45. Rhonda
    Rhonda on June 2, 2015 at 8:44 pm

    Sounds perfect for me

  46. bettyl
    bettyl on June 2, 2015 at 11:09 pm

    I love Annies books, would love to win.

  47. sallycootie
    sallycootie on June 3, 2015 at 4:51 am

    New series to me, interesting post from the man’s perspective.

  48. Jill Broussard
    Jill Broussard on June 3, 2015 at 7:17 am

    This looks like a book I’d really enjoy reading! Thankyou for the opportunity.

  49. Lisa Garrett
    Lisa Garrett on June 3, 2015 at 11:33 am

    What a clever title! I would enjoy this.

  50. cyn209
    cyn209 on June 3, 2015 at 9:11 pm

    Love, love, LOVE this cover!!!!
    Thank you for the giveaway….

  51. Cozynookbks
    Cozynookbks on June 4, 2015 at 8:00 am

    I want this book!! I want to know what happens between Jack and Izzy, and if Sean will still be in the picture. Love the cover!!

  52. Kathleen Bylsma
    Kathleen Bylsma on June 4, 2015 at 10:40 pm

    My curiosity is piqued! I have to know about Sean, Jack and Izzy…the cat is the icing on the cake!

  53. Kari
    Kari on June 5, 2015 at 1:10 am

    Great series. Looking forword to this new one.

  54. Laura
    Laura on June 5, 2015 at 10:13 am

    I would love to win. Looks like a perfect summe read.

    wismomworks@gmail.com

  55. holdenj
    holdenj on June 5, 2015 at 12:39 pm

    I look forward to this new book! Thanks for the chance to win!

  56. Meg C
    Meg C on June 5, 2015 at 11:39 pm

    Sounds like a great book that I’m looking forward to reading. Thanks for the chance to win.

  57. jagjhd
    jagjhd on June 7, 2015 at 9:58 am

    I am a native Buckeye also, but can claim only two state residences (but many cities). I love to read local authors and happy to hear a transported one has a new release. The characters certainly sound lively. Judy D.

  58. rochf
    rochf on June 7, 2015 at 8:56 pm

    I love a book with animals and mystery–looking forward to this.

  59. Dru
    Dru on June 9, 2015 at 4:46 am

    contest is closed.