Occupation: Fort Worth Police Officer
As part of a K-9 team, my day starts with feeding my furry, four-footed partner Brigit and taking her outside for a quick walk. The two of us not only work together, but we live together, too. The arrangement is all part of solidifying our “pack.”
Though I bought a nice, comfy bed for Brigit, she only uses it when lounging in front of the television watching Animal Planet. The rest of the time she insists on sleeping on my futon with me. Yeah, the two of us are still working out our place in the pack. That’s what happens when two smart, stubborn females are paired together. Both of us want to be the alpha.
Despite our constant head-butting off duty, on duty the two of us make an unbeatable team. While I can put clues together, handcuff a suspect, and recite Miranda rights, Brigit can chase and tackle fleeing suspects I’d never be able to catch. She can also sniff them out, too, when they try to hide.
Chief Garelik reassigned me and Brigit from our usual beat to work the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. The annual three-week event attracts every rowdy shit-kicker in a hundred-mile radius, and livestock dealers from even farther away. Attending the event as a civilian can be fun. Working it as a cop is not. Too many drunks. Too much noise. Too many feet that could step on my partner’s paws. Besides, Brigit keeps eyeing the goats and pigs and chickens in the livestock barns and licking her lips. If I don’t keep a tight enough grip on her leash, she just might jump into a pen, take down a Brahma bull, and enjoy a rare steak.
Unfortunately, while most people attend the rodeo to see the animals, listen the bands, and ride the rides or play the games at the midway, someone has been using the event as an opportunity to snatch purses and pick pockets. Brigit and I have kept our noses to the ground—her, literally and me, figuratively. So far, we’ve been unable to nail the culprit, but I have no doubt we’ll figure things out. The two of us have dogged determination.
Meanwhile, we’ve been having some fun with Clint McCutcheon, a mounted deputy with the Tarrant Country Sheriff’s Department who’s also been assigned to work the event. I know, I know. If I want things to work out with Seth, the bomb squad officer, I shouldn’t be flirting with Clint, accepting his advances. But Seth broke my heart last fall and if he thinks he can get me back without working for it, he’s got another thing coming. Besides, a little jealousy might teach him not to take me for granted.
So, all in all, my days are one-part patrol, one-part crime-solving, and one part romance. A good balance, wouldn’t you say?
I hope you’ll enjoy my adventures in Paw and Order, the second book in the “Paw Enforcement” mystery series, published by St. Martin’s Press. And look for book #3, Laying Down the Paw, next August. The first book in the series is Paw Enforcement.
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 6 p.m. eastern on January 5 for the chance to win a copy of PAW AND ORDER. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
About the author
A former tax advisor, Diane Kelly inadvertently worked with white-collar criminals. Lest she end up in an orange jumpsuit, Diane decided self-employment would be a good idea. Her fingers hit the keyboard and thus began her “Death and Taxes” romantic mystery series. A graduate of her hometown’s Citizen Police Academy, Diane Kelly also writes the hilarious K-9 cop “Paw Enforcement” series.
Diane’s books have been awarded the prestigious Romance Writers of America Golden Heart® Award and a Reviewers Choice Award.
Be the first to receive book news by signing up for Diane’s newsletter at www.dianekelly.com. “Like” Diane on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.
I just got tickled thinking that when my husband asked what I was doing, I could answer,”I’m having a Paw & Order marathon!” Happy New Years; great prize.
Happy New Year to you, too! I’m so glad it’s starting off with a new book release! What a fun way to set the year in motion.
I loved the first one. Having a Paw and Order marathon sounds fun.
Thanks! I hope you’ll find #2 just as fun!
Stories with dogs, what could be better…
Nothing! : ) It’s been really interesting writing a canine character. She can pick up on things the human characters can’t.
I got sucked in by the cover of the first one on its new release day and bought it, and I’m holding you responsible! Haven’t read it yet, but I’d surely like to win book 2 to go along with 1. I agree with others about stories with dogs. And I love the Paw and Order marathon references.
The cover artists do a great job, don’t they? I’ve been so pleased with all of my covers!
I definitely need to read this one…
Thank you for the giveaway….
Oh cute title. Have a great New Years!
Thanks! Every installment will have the word “Paw” in it . . . until we run out of paw puns!
looks like a fun series, thank you for the chance to win it 🙂 Happy New Year!
Good luck, Lisa! Happy 2015 to you, too!
I would love to win this book! Thank you for this giveaway! Happy New Year!!
Got my fingers crossed for ya, Mary!
Love the humorous voice of the protagonist! Sounds like great fun!
She’s a bit sassy!
Looks like a great series and good that the author had that work experience. Thank you for the chance to win.
I loved attending my town’s Citizen Police Academy. I learned so much about what it’s like to be a cop – and how scary!!! I stunk at the gun drills and traffic stop scenarios, but I was good at building searches. All that hide-and-seek I played as a kid paid off!
Sounds like a great read~thank you for the contest!
Best of luck to you, Betty!
What a giveaway! Must be difficult for these two headstrong girls to live together.
Brigit is based very much on my own shepherd mix, although mine is male. He and I are always butting heads to see who’s really in charge. Sometimes it’s me. Sometimes it’s him.
I will get the first book in this series and hope I’m lucky enough to win this second book from this drawing! This series sounds enjoyable and will look forward to the third book too. Thank you.
Thanks, Polly!
Sounds like a fun series.
Happy New Year everyone.
Right back at ya! I hope everyone has a great 2015!
Another book to add to my to be read list. Thanks for the wonderful blog.
I wonder if I’ll live long enough to finish my TBR list! If not, I hope I go to heaven so I can curl up on a cloud and catch up. : )
This series sounds great–cops and doggers!
Love the pun! I just might have to steal it from you, Ann!
My husband is hooked on Law and Order—-I think I’ll get hooked on Paw and Order. Thanks for the contest.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Laws, paws – It’s all about the justice! : )
It sounds like a fun read. I just love crime solving with romance. Thanks for having the giveaway.
Clues and kisses – a perfect combination!
Sounds like a fun book. Thanks for the chance to win.
Good luck, Patti!
I read and enjoyed the first book in this series. I would love to win a copy of Paw and Order. Thanks for the opportunity to win. (And I strongly recommend Ms. Kelly’s other series, too. Her Death and Taxes series is one of my favorites!)
You rock, Linda!
Thanks to everyone who’s stopped by and commented so far! Good luck! (And thanks, Linda MH for recommending my Death and Taxes series, too!)
The three-part day including patrol, crime fighting, and romance sounds perfect. Adding this to my TBR list!
I wanted my heroine – Fort Worth Police Officer Megan Luz – to have it all! : )
Sounds like an interesting series….love books with dogs included in them.
Dogs are a huge part of my life – I have three! I’ve had so much fun getting into Brigit’s furry head in this series.
Sounds good
Thanks for stopping by, Anita!
I love this series and I if you want more laughs check out Diane’s humorous series featuring Tara Holloway.
Thanks, Dru!
You’re a new author to me, Diane, but I’m excited about your work. The series sounds exciting. And, we all need adventure and romance in our lives. I did have a golden retriever and my son has a labradoodle and she definitely has an alpha personality! Never a dull moment. Thank you. Diane, and Dru for the chance to win this giveaway . 🐶 👮 🐶 👮 🐶
Dogs sure do make our lives more fun and interesting, huh? Good luck in the giveaway, Ruth!
I have to say I am a Tara Holloway fan and own all the books. When Book one of this new series came out I was skeptical that it would be as good as the other books. Then I read it! What fun Diane! I love the way Brigit “thinks” and out smarts Megan. I can’t wait to read the new book and appreciate the chance you are giving us all to win a copy!
Happy New Year Diane and Dru!
Thanks, Barbara! So glad to bring some fun to your day!
Love stories about dogs! Thank you for the giveaway- looks like a great story!
Brigit definitely steals the show! Thanks for coming by, Vivian!
I need some laughs. Sounds like this is another for my wish list.
The Paw Enforcement series will make you howl with laughter! Arooo! :-),
Arooo back at ya! This sounds like a fun series. A mystery and a dog can’t miss.
I loved the first book. I also love Tara in Death, Taxes…
Sounds like an interesting read. Always looking for new twists in the stories I read.
Resolution
READ EVERYDAY!!!!!
Oneponychick66@hotmail.com
Love your books! lkleback@hotmail.com
Sounds like a great read. Thanks for the giveaway.
Sounds like a great read.
Love the title!
Dogs and books are two of my favorite things.
Read the first one, great read.
sounds good would love to win
Love finding new series to try…thanks for the giveaway!
Have several rescue animals. Love reading about animal books.
Happy New Year! Sounds awesome!
Love reading a good mystery that includes an animal. Thank you so much for the opportunity.
I would love to win this. Always looking to add new cozy authors. And any book that includes an animal is a plus for me!
I love to read
love finding new authors and sharing stories at mystery club
Sounds like a good book. Thank you
I like mystery series with animals. The Texas location sounds colorful.
I have the utmost respect for K-9 units. I think reading about a female officer and her partner will be fun.
My kind of read.
Love the plot in this and it sounds like a fun read..
Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
Great description of the two strong female leads! Thanks for the chance to win
Sounds like a great book! Thank you for the contest!
I would love to read this book—thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
interesting cover
I have been wanting to read these books. I love books with animals. I would love to win a copy. Thanks for the chance.
Can’t wait to read
Would love to win a new (to me) author. Sounds wonderful. Thanks for the chance.
Cute titles. Thanks for the giveaway.
thanks Diane for commenting and interacting with my readers.
the contest is closed.