Thomas Dunne Books (St. Martin's Press), 2007. ISBN 0-312-947704-4. Reviewed by Patricia Nordyke Pando Posted on 01/30/2008 Fiction: Mystery

Poor old Mame, an ancient Dachshund, hardly can walk, much less get into trouble. Still, when she bounds away through a thicket and begins frantic digging, she turns up trouble aplenty—a dead man.

Former sheriff's deputy and now pet sitter Dixie Hemingway recognizes a client—she had just waved at his silver BMW. But Conrad is dead, so who was driving the car? Who killed Conrad, and why?

This is the second of the Dixie Hemingway mysteries. Once again the former sheriff's deputy becomes involved in solving the crime. The story is strongly plotted story and the character of Dixie well-developed. She is recovering from the tragic loss of her husband and young daughter. She is realizing that she can have positive relationships without giving up cherished memories. She is growing.

Blaize Clement's strong sense of place enhances the unfolding story. Sarasota is circus country, and this story involves circus people, their relationships, and their work. This material adds considerable interest without over powering the mystery.

I look forward to additional books in this series.

Blaize Clement lives and writes in Sarasota, Florida. She spent her career as a psychologist in Houston. On her website she declares, "Bios are so boring!" She then offers a long and unorthodox rundown on her life, her views and her interest. You can check it out on her website.

©Copyright by the writer of the review (posted date above). Reprint ONLY with her written permission, and with a link to http://www.storycirclebookreviews.org. Contact our Book Review Editor (bookreviews at storycirclebookreviews.org) with your request and she will forward it to the appropriate parties.