The Fashion Hound Murders by Elaine Viets is the 5th book in the “Josie Marcus, Mystery Shopper” cozy mystery series. Publisher: Obsidian (Penguin), November 2009
Mystery shopper and mom Josie Marcus knows how to keep a low profile—in style. On her latest assignment she finds that some people in the adorable world of canine couture are really bad to the bone.
Josie has no idea that the business of fashion-forward puppies could get so ugly—until she’s hired to check out a big pet store’s involvement with puppy mills. After she gets a tip from a disgruntled pet shop employee named Edna, Josie discovers that behind the cashmere sweaters and bejeweled collars, cruel means of breeding designer dogs are being used.
While working the case, she’s led to a puppy mill and sees the horrible conditions firsthand. Something has to be done, and she has the footage from her hidden camera to prove it. But when Edna is found dead, Josie realizes that sinking her teeth into this cause just might land her in the doghouse.
Josie’s next mystery shopper assignment has to do with pets and soon she gets in way over her head. This was an enjoyable mystery. My rating: 4 stars