Review: Muzzled by Eileen Brady

A Mysterious Review of Muzzled by Eileen Brady. A Kate Turner, DVM Mystery.

Review summary: There is a lot of credible misdirection along the way in this first in series murder mystery, but also clues to the solution of whodunit even if they aren't necessarily seen as such at the time. With an appealing amateur sleuth leading the way, this is an entertaining and strong start to this series. (Click here for text of full review.)

Our rating:

Muzzled
Eileen Brady
A Kate Turner, DVM Mystery
Poisoned Pen Press (April 2014)

Publisher synopsis: On a house call one wet spring morning, veterinarian Dr. Kate Turner rescues a family's hamster from a vacuum cleaner, then visits an estate whose owners breed champion Cavalier King Charles spaniels. Instead of sharing traditional tea with the couple, she confronts a bloody scene of bodies and twenty-seven blue-ribbon dogs running wild.

Police initially suspect a murder-suicide, but when Dr. Kate proves the famous best-in-show champion is missing, a darker reality intrudes. She remembers her grandfather saying that there are two motives for murder — love and money. While treating local pets, Dr. Kate discovers suspects and motives everywhere in this charming town filled with people who wanted the couple dead.

Was the couple murdered for money their champion could bring to another breeder? How is their daughter, anxious to rid herself of the pampered dogs, handling the wealth she inherits? Would the celebrity filmmaker living nearby kill to end a multi-million dollar lawsuit? Did long-buried personal secrets cause the deaths? And what's going on at the office behind her back? Is Dr. Kate now in danger?