by Antony Johnston
SYNOPSIS
Gwinny Tuffel is preparing for her first acting role in a decade in the West End, but she is dog-sitting on the side to keep the wolf from the door. So, when ageing rock star Crash Double needs help with his Border Collie, she jumps at the chance. After all, looking after the charming Ace on Crash’s Little Venice houseboat shouldn’t be an onerous task. But that’s before the singer’s dead body surfaces during the annual Canal Carnival festivities.
While the police dismiss the death as an accident, Gwinny suspects murder most foul. With a medley of suspects and some far-fetched motives to make heads or tails of, it is up to Gwinny, with Ace’s on-the-ground knowledge, to make sure the killer faces the music.
REVIEW
Last year I had the opportunity to read the first book in this series - The Dog Sitter Detective. I have to admit, I wasn't sure how it would work but I was quickly swept away into the story and loved the idea of Gwinny teaming up with a dog from her dog-sitting business to solve a crime. This time, Gwinny is tasked with looking after Ace, a Border Collie owned by an Irish rock star who then turns up dead!
There's no doubt that this book is more 'cosy crime' than 'violent serial killer thriller' but I felt that the murder (and subsequent investigation) in this second book was more plausible and intriguing. I loved the Little Venice canal community setting, I thought it worked really well with the context of this particular mystery, and for me a body turning up in a canal is a classic crime scenario.
I originally didn't think that Gwinny would be the type of character I would warm to but I found her completely charming and actually think she does a very effective job as an amateur sleuth. Her attitude and her humour are totally entertaining. If you love cozy crime mysteries then this series is a brilliant addition to the genre. You don't have to be a dog lover to enjoy these stories, it will obviously be a big part of the appeal for some readers but if not it's just a quirky little extra on a more typical cozy crime mystery.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Antony Johnston’s career has spanned books, award-winning video games and graphic novels including collaborations with Anthony Horowitz and Alan Moore. He wrote the New York Times bestseller Daredevil Season One for Marvel Comics and is the creator of Atomic Blonde which grossed over $100 million at the box office. The first book featuring Gwinny Tuffel, The Dog Sitter Detective, was the winner of the Barker Fiction Award. Johnston can often be found writing at home in Lancashire with a snoozing hound for company.
Thanks to Allison & Busby @AllisonandBusby for the opportunity to read and review.
Fiction: Mystery / Cosy Crime
Publisher: Allison & Busby
ISBN: 978-0749030100
Pages: 320pp