Occupation: The Lazy Bones Bookshop dog

Humans don’t understand how complicated the life of a bookshop dog can be.

Let’s review one of my typical days. Bailey, the human I oversee, leads me into the backyard each morning before giving me breakfast inside, then disappears for an hour or two. She goes running, cycling, or paddleboarding—all activities that sound boring. I’m a Great Pyrenees; I run when it’s needed, like when treats are involved.

Once Bailey is back, and ready to walk to the shop (side note, she never offers to share her breakfast, even when it involves peanut butter), I must pick out my bandana of the day. A proper bookshop dog needs jaunty accessories. Bailey keeps my bandanas in a bin; sometimes, I let her pick one. If she tries to leave before tying one around my neck, I dig in all four paws and stare at her until she handles the bandana situation.

When we finally leave, we walk through our Elyan Hollow neighborhood to downtown. There’s so much one can learn on our walks if one is willing to stop and sniff the bushes. Bailey never sniffs, although she’ll usually give me a moment before insisting we get our paws moving.

Once we enter the Lazy Bones Bookshop, I immediately walk the perimeter and sniff out any changes to the nooks and crannies. You never know what might have happened since yesterday. Once I’ve inspected the store to my satisfaction, I retreat to my bed behind the counter. Sometimes, I’ll sprawl in one of the aisles, which makes Bailey joke that I look like a furry area rug or that I’m creating an obstacle course.

Then, I keep an eye on the customers who come in. It’s my job as a guardian, although my ancestors—and cousins today–protect sheep, not book-loving humans. Most people are boring, although the discerning customers squeal when they see me and call me handsome. I might let those humans pet me. There are regulars that I need to greet. Sometimes Colby, Bailey’s librarian BFF, drops by. I suspect I’m the glue that keeps their relationship together, given that she immediately pets me and talks quietly into my ear.

What does she talk about? That’s between Colby and me.

Most days are quiet, except for the shrieks when new Romantasy books come in. Although when the weekly children’s story hour gets boisterous, I might head into the backroom, where I have a second bed, or upstairs to Bailey’s small office, where it’s quieter. People never grab my tail upstairs.

At lunch, we stroll so I can scope out downtown. Sometimes, we see Bailey’s uncle, Hunter, who acts like he isn’t impressed by me but then whispers that I’m a good dog in my ear when Bailey isn’t looking. Ash, who owns the Elyan Hollow Mortuary & Deli taproom, always has treats for me, so I insist we drop in whenever possible. Then I must drop by the Boorito food cart, Wine Ghouls, Morning Broo, Bad to the Bone, and others, because they also stock dog treats for me.

After lunch, we return to the shop. After I patrol the store, I settle in for an afternoon nap. But I sleep with one eye open. I must keep an eye on Bailey, after all.

Because the life of a bookshop dog might be quiet . . . and sometimes, Bailey and I have a murder to solve.

Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop, A Halloween Bookshop Mystery Book #1
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release: July 2024
Format: Print, Digital, Audio
Purchase Link

The first in a new Pacific Northwest-set mystery series inspired by the real “Halloweentown!”

Bailey Briggs adores her year-round Halloween-themed town of Elyan Hollow, Oregon. But when she takes over her grandfather’s beloved bookshop, Lazy Bones Books, she accidentally discovers the town’s secret dark side . . .

Normally, spooky season is Bailey Briggs’ favorite time of year, and her Halloween-themed small town’s time to shine. But between managing Lazy Bones Books, working on her graphic novel-in-progress, and running the Spooky Season Literary Festival, Bailey hardly has a moment to enjoy Elyan Hollow’s spot-on seasonal vibes. Not to mention, at every turn she seems to be tripping over the contentious crew of Gone Ghouls, a ghost-hunting reality TV show currently filming around town. Bailey tries to stay focused on the Lit Festival, which is supposed to kick off Elyan Hollow’s annual Halloween Fair; instead, this year’s festival begins with a murder . . .

It’s bad enough Bailey discovered the victim, but now, as a lead suspect with some (admittedly) damning evidence pointing her way, she’s got to clear her name! With the help of her librarian friend, Colby, and Jack Skeleton, her world-class bookshop dog (and the absolute bestest boy ever), Bailey sets out to solve a murder . . .

As her investigation weaves through family secrets, professional rivalries, and town feuds, the list of suspects is growing fast . . . and unfortunately, so is the list of victims. If Bailey doesn’t find the killer soon, Elyan Hollow’s haunted reputation will get a little too real . . .

About the author
Like her Ground Rules Mystery series, Emmeline Duncan is based in Portland, Oregon. Her Ground Rules Mystery series includes Fresh Brewed Murder, Double Shot Death, Flat White Fatality, Death Unfiltered, plus more to come. The first book in her Halloween Bookshop Mystery Series, Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop, was released on July 23rd. Emmeline also writes for teens as Kelly Garrett. Her debut YA novel, The Last To Die, was an Oregon Book Awards finalist. She also received a 2020 Oregon Literary Fellowship. When not writing, she spends her time seeking out new coffee shops and hiking trails to explore, frequently accompanied by her Great Pyrenees sidekick. You can track her online at emmelineduncan.com.