REVIEW: Dial Meow For Murder

Dial Meow For Murder
Author: Bethany Blake

Daphne Templeton knows she's in for a bad night when she shows up to the annual gala fundraiser for Fur-Ever Friends Pet Rescue dressed as a witch....only to discover nobody else is dressed in Halloween costumes. The Flynt Mansion is elegantly decorated with twinkle lights, black chandeliers and jack o'lanterns. Everything is perfect for a great fundraiser to benefit charity....until Lillian Flynt's body is discovered. The eccentric woman has been electrocuted in an upstairs bathroom.  The investigation into Lillian's death soon becomes a homicide investigation. Who killed the eccentric, wealthy old woman? The investigation turns up everything from old family secrets to a questionable local cat rescue. Daphne realizes she needs to discover the identity of the killer quickly....because someone is stalking her!

I really enjoy this series! Dial Meow for Murder is the second book in the Lucky Paws Petsitting series. Daphne is a bit of an air-head about some things (her cell phone never works, she loses things, and she's never on time for anything....), but when it comes to amateur sleuthing, she's tops! She's a fun, feisty and intelligent main character. Former Navy Seal turned local detective Jonathan Black really wishes that Daphne would stop discovering dead bodies and meddling with investigations. Daphne's mother and sister also disapprove of her sleuthing. But Daphne is bound and determined to jump right into danger to solve a mystery!

I like the pet sitter/baker theme of this series. Recipes for the Halloween pet treats mentioned in the story are included at the back of the book. The pet sitter theme doesn't overpower the mystery portion of the plot, but adds to it. Daphne's dog, Socrates, is a great side character! Not to mention Jonathan's one-eared chihuahua and lab dog, too! The mystery moved along at a nice pace, with plenty of twists, turns and surprises. The Halloween theme is nicely done as well. This book is definitely a fun, enjoyable autumn read! I loved the atmosphere of the dark, creepy, possibly haunted old Flynt Mansion. :)

To find out more about Bethany Blake and her books, check out her website: http://www.bethanyblakeauthor.com/   A third book in the Lucky Paws series, Pawprints & Predicaments, will be coming out in spring 2018!! I can't wait!! :)

**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**