murder strikes a poseMurder Strikes a Pose by Tracy Weber is the first book in the new “Downward Dog” mystery series. Publisher: Midnight Ink, January 2014

When George and Bella—a homeless alcoholic and his intimidating German shepherd—disturb the peace outside her studio, yoga instructor Kate Davidson’s Zen-like calm is stretched to the breaking point. Kate tries to get rid of them before Bella scares the yoga pants off her students. Instead, the three form an unlikely friendship.

One night Kate finds George’s body behind her studio. The police dismiss his murder as a drug-related street crime, but she knows George wasn’t a dealer. So Kate starts digging into George’s past while also looking for someone to adopt Bella before she’s sent to the big dog park in the sky. With the murderer nipping at her heels, Kate has to work fast or her next Corpse Pose may be for real.

Who knew a big old dog twice her weight would earn her way into Kate’s heart. That’s what happened when Bella’s owner was found dead from a drunken brawl, however, Kate suspected there was more to this and took it upon herself to look for clues to his death. This was a good read with a mystery that kept me turning the pages until the killer was identified. Bella will warm your heart in this wonderful new series and I can’t wait to see what exciting adventure this duo tackle next.

FTC Disclosure – The publisher, via NetGalley, sent me a copy of this book, in the hopes I would review it.