Good morning, fellow humans. And I do mean morning. My best friend and business partner, Izzy McHale, insists on getting moving at the crack of dawn. No one in Merryville lets me forget that I have quite a mouth on me, so I’d give Izzy heck if I really cared about the long hours. Honestly, though, I’m having the time in my life. Turns out baking organic pet treats satisfies something in my soul. Plus, I get to work with Izzy.
Right now I’m enjoying a leisurely walk from my dad’s house on the wrong side of the tracks (literally) to the heart of Merryville, 801 Maple Avenue, a sprawling Victorian building that houses Izzy’s apartment and our store, Trendy Tails. I’ve got a pan of my famous pecan sticky buns in my messenger bag, and I can almost smell Izzy’s coffee from across town. Hey, we work hard, but we take time out for the finer things.
Lately, the finer things have included gossiping about Daniel Colona, the darkly handsome man who has moved into the second floor of 801 Maple. He says he’s a writer, but that’s all we can get out of him. And, believe me, we’ve tried. Izzy’s aunt Dolly and I have been the most persistent. I try to be discreet, subtly drawing out clues to his past. Dolly takes a more forthright approach: “So, tell me about your life.” Neither of us has had any success.
So, while Izzy knits pug-sized argyle sweaters and stitches zippers into cat parkas, I dust the display shelves and keep an eye on my baking treats, and the two of us speculate—in careful whispers—about the man on the second floor. Thankfully, we can always hear him coming because his Weimaraner Daisy May tumbles down the steps, all legs and energy. Daniel may as well sound a bullhorn when he exits his apartment.
In any event, my personal theory is that Daniel was in the mob. Somehow he’s retired—maybe he’s in witness protection? that would be so cool!—and he’s writing his memoirs. Izzy thinks he’s a novelist. Yawn. Izzy’s had stars in her eyes for the past few months. I’ve never seen a girl so ready to meet a boy. (Actually, she’s met a couple, but nothing much is happening with either one.) Anyway, Izzy’s convinced he’s hiding himself away while he recovers from a broken heart.
So which story do you like better? The mobster in witness protection or the lovelorn novelist? Any other possibilities you want to toss around?
You can read more about Rena in Groomed For Murder, the second book in the “Pet Boutique” mystery series, published by Obsidian. The first book in the series is Paws For Murder.
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 6 p.m. eastern on September 4 for the chance to win a copy of GROOMED FOR MURDER. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
About the author
Annie Knox lives in North Texas with her husband and three spoiled felines (who refuse to wear clothes).
A mobster in witness protection with his dog. I wonder if the dog had to get a new identify? Too funny.
Novelist, I want him to be a good guy.
There’s always the international spy theory!
Let me tell you how truly awesome it would be if I could walk right into the awesome Trendy Tales Pet Boutique to buy stuff for my precious kitties. Izzie is such an awesome character and love how she has animals along with her to solve the crimes. I also love, love, love the covers of her awesome books. Jinx and Packer was so funny in her first terrific book. I so can’t wait to read this new one. I would absolutely love, love, love to win a copy of this book as I already know that it will be a winner!!!
I love cozies with pets , can’t wait to read this one !
I have not read any of this author’s books, looks great, thank you for the chance to win 🙂
Neither – but I’m not giving away any secrets….hahaha.
I love cozy pet mysteries and this one sounds great
Sounds like an interesting read, would love to win!
Sounds like a good book
As long as it has pets, in the story, I’m ready for whatever the author imagines!
I would love a copy, a mystery and animal lover. You can’t go wrong.
New author for me.thanks for giveawy.
Sounds like an interesting plot.
I like the idea of a mobster in witness protections—sounds like a great book!! Thanks for the contest.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Since I already have Paws for Murder, it would great to be able to have this one too.
Going with the lovelorn novelist. Don’t keep us in suspense too long. Curious whether there’s a shrine on that second floor.
Does this book require you to read the first book in the series? Either way it should be well worth getting to read this one too. Thanks for the heads up.
Don’t think he’s in WitSec. I’m going to say he’s a PI doing some work for someone. If he was a novelist you’d hear the pecking of the typewriter – scratch that, computers don’t make a lot of noise. I’ll stick with the PI.
sounds like a good read.
This sounds great. Think I need to get the first book in the series too. Thanks for the offer.
Sounds great! Would love to win a copy!
I go with writer, no bad guys upstairs, maybe he can be a good guy undercover?
I think I would like the lovelorn novelist.
lovelorn novelist for sure
Lovelorn Novelist.
Paws for Mureder on my TBR list. In this instance to be read list so I’ll be ready for Groomed for Murder. Thanks for the nudge and giveaway!
Like Linda K, I vote for international spy.
My pick is the lovelorn novelist. Thank you!
Lovelorn novelist.
I go for lovelorn novelist,
kaye.killgore@comcast.net
the mobster in the WIP!!!
thank you for the giveaway!!
I would love to read this book—thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
The lovelorn novelist. The mobster in the witness protection program has been done way too much.
Love this series. So glad to have the chance to win this one.
Thank you for the opportunity.
Witness protection has so many possibilities
I love books with pets in them, this sounds great.
Mobster, it just adds that edge of danger to what promises to be a great book. Thanks for the giveaway.
Love it.
Pet lovers will enjoy this cover and those who enjoy good cozies will love this story I am sure..
Cynthia
The witness protection program, but he’s also nursing a broken heart since he had to leave his love!
contest is closed.