The name Persephone, goddess of the Underworld sounds exotic. In my case, despite the fondest hopes of my myth loving mama, I am known as Perri, more wholesome girl next door than Greek temptress. Rather than ruling the Underworld when I’m not at dog or horse shows I toil in my workshop crafting custom products for those four-legged wonders. I’m a master leathersmith and proud of it.
Despite a rough start, I survived the foster care system, joined the Army and successfully combined my love for animals with artistic skill. My business, Creature Comforts, is solid and unpretentious, kind of like my modest homestead in tony Grand Falls, Virginia, a hamlet only twenty miles from Washington D.C. McMansions and vast estates tend to be the norm here and most of my pals, like Babette Croy, are socialites with time on their hands and megabucks to spare. Fortunately, Babette also has a kind heart and unquenchable spirit that helped her survive four marriages and several unfortunate flings. She has two obsessions in life: animal causes and finding a suitable mate for me. The former is commendable and the latter quite unnecessary. You see, my romantic partner Wing Pruett, is a sizzling investigative reporter and holder of the title “Sexiest man in DC”. Oh, he’s modest about that moniker. Our nation’s capital was once dubbed “Hollywood for ugly people”, so competition isn’t particularly keen. Looks aside, Pruett has a gentle soul and an added attraction: a winsome six-year-old moppet named Ella who loves animals and smothers me with affection.
When Babette, Ella and I took our four dogs to the Eastern States Exposition Center, aka the “Big E,” I wasn’t anxious. After all, dog shows are wholesome family events that follow a predictable path. Growling, snarling or brawls between canines or humans are strictly prohibited. Everything changed when a blizzard stranded us, and I stumbled over the corpse of huckster Lee Holmes with a pair of pretty pink poodle shears protruding from his heart. Lee was loathed by anyone who knew him. He betrayed his wife, swindled his business partners and wasn’t above an occasional spot of blackmail. With that track record suspects abound in the close-knit community of owners, handlers, and breeders. I’m no sleuth but my people skills are spot on. Babette on the other hand, fancies herself a modern-day Watson, a perception that often leads us straight into danger. When the killer strikes a second time, paranoia grips the Big E. It will take human cunning and canine instincts to penetrate the secrets of this show world where the ultimate prize is staying alive.
Giveaway: If you love dogs or the movie Best In Show, leave a comment for your chance to win a copy of Death by Dog Show. U.S. entries only, please. The giveaway ends March 7, 2019. Good luck everyone!
Read more about Persephone in Death by Dog Show, the first book in the NEW “Creature Comforts” cozy mystery series, coming March 5, 2018.
Army vet Persephone “Perri” Morgan has big plans, as her custom leather leashes, saddles, and other pet accessories are the rage of dog and horse enthusiasts everywhere. But when murder prances into the ring at a Massachusetts dog show, Perri must confront a cunning killer who’s a breed apart.
Accompanied by her bestie Babette and four oversize canines, Perri motors down to the Big E Dog Show in high style. Perri hopes to combine business with pleasure by also spending time with sexy DC journalist Wing Pruett. Until a storm traps everyone at the exposition hall . . . and a man’s body is found in a snow-covered field, a pair of pink poodle grooming shears plunged through his heart.
Turns out the deceased was a double-dealing huckster who had plenty of enemies chomping at the bit. But as breeders and their prize pets preen and strut, the murderer strikes again. Aided by her trusty canine companions, Keats and Poe, Perri must collar a killer before she’s the next “Dead in Show” winner.
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About the author
Former Federal Executive Arlene Kay is a lifelong mystery addict and passionate animal advocate. Among her slightly snarky published novels are Intrusion; Die Laughing; The Abacus Prize; and the Swann Series (Swann Dive; Mantrap; Gilt Trip; and Swann Songs). Perri and Babette return in Horseshow Homicide (10/19), and Therapy for Murder (2/20).
Learn more about Arlene and Grand Champion Lord Byron at arlenekay.com.
All comments are welcomed.
I love dogs. Enjoyed the movie Best in Show but still don’t understand dog shows very well. This sounds like a fun read–kind of like a “locked room” mystery.
You had me at Persephone
I like dogs, but from a distance.
Lol…
Thank you for the giveaway…
I love dogs, so this books sounds great. I can’t wait to read it!
I like dogs although I’m more of a cat person. I haven’t seen Best in Show.
Mostly a cat person, but I’d love to give Dog Show a try!
I love dogs and today is my birthday! I would love to win. I love that movie as well. We have a Jack Russell And a lab!
I like dogs and I LOVE the movie “Best in Show”. Congratulations to the author on a new series, and thank you for the chance to win.
Best In Show is good fun.
I love dogs! I always like hearing about a new dog series. Thanks!
I love dogs, especially my dog Bogie who is 15 lbs. and a delight . A loving companion, energetic, smart and loyal. Loved that movie. Entertaining and great.
My dog is a cute, small mix and can charm everyone. A devoted and unique dog. The movie was one of my favorites.
I’ve never seen the movie but we watch the dog show on TV.
I love the combination of dog shows and mystery. I don’t know much about dog shows, having cats myself, but I enjoy watching Westminster when it’s on.
Military family here!… I’d love to win this book Dru. It looks interesting enough that I’d even send it to my daughter in Texas to read when I’m done with it.
I have loved dogs since I was a wee baby. They are the great protector and great provider of love. Thanks for featuring Arlene Kay’s Death by Dog Show on your blog.
I’m a dog person! It is entertaining to observe other dog people. The gamut ranges from “normal” to absolutely nuts.
I always watch the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and congratulations to King. So the idea of a combination sounds great…please enter me and thank you.
Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
Sounds like a good read. Thanks for the giveaway.
I have four dogs and they are my babies. I love the movie Best in Show. it was very entertaining.
sounds like a fun read! I have 4 babies who are the world to me
I love dogs and have a few of them.. The books sounds good. Thanks for a chance.
I like dogs. Have two right now. Thank you for this chance.
Love reading books that are set in that part of the country. I’d love to win this one.
I love dogs and dog shows too. Sounds like a fascinating new series.
Love dogs.
I love dogs & Best in show was a funny movie.
What an awesome cover on this new book! It sounds like a really exciting mystery! I love dogs and animal mysteries! Looking forward to reading this new series! Thanks so much dear Dru for the chance to win! 😊💜
Sounds like a great series to me! I love dogs-any shape or size, but of course have had a few favorites of my own! Nothing quite like petting a dog and having them cuddle up with you!
Thanks for the chance to win a free copy of Death By Dog Show!!!
This looks like a fun book! Thanks for this chance to win it!
I love dogs and dog shows! West Minster hooked me over 30 years ago. Cannot wait to read this
browninggloria(at)hotmail(dot) com
I love dogs! My dog is my first baby!
I love dogs 🐕
Never seen the movie though
This book sounds really good 👍 Thanks for Sharing this book with us 😍❤😍 Thanks for the chance to win 😃💖😍💗
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**** WINNER ****
Death by Dog Show is Margaret Utsey
Congratulations!