Aussied to Death

A REMOTE ISLAND, A MURDER,

AND A HUSBAND IN CUFFS...

In author Wilson's delectable new cozy, newly married Cat Wright finds herself honeymooning alone on a remote island while Russ, her shiny new husband, cools his heels in an Australian jail. Not the stuff dreams are made of. No sooner has the happy couple arrived on Canine Cay, by all reports the perfect honeymoon hideaway, than their pilot, an old buddy of Russ's, is summarily whacked. Then Russ is arrested and whisked off to lockup on the mainland while Cat's left to find the real killer herself.

A former reporter, she detects with her usual dogged determination, adorably assisted by Lizzie, the victim's Australian shepherd and the most vivid of the series pooches so far. Cat has the eerie feeling Lizzie's smarter than she is, but then lots of people think that about Aussies. The thing is, Lizzie perfectly understands English; and can also read Cat's mind.

It's not a Barkview mystery if the pup-du-jour doesn't upstage the humans, and also if said humans aren't busily engaged in chicanery-and often treasure hunts-involving priceless jewels. In this one, we get diamonds and pearls, the pearls being many, varied, and eminently desirable. (You may get a case of the covets.)

Of course Cat could solve this one by herself, but she feels down under in more ways than one each time a plane lands that isn't carrying a newly-freed Russ. That is, until the Barkview cavalry arrives-meaning her quasi-uncle the police chief, her aunt the mayor, and Sandy, her own brilliant assistant. Now it's a party!

Barkview fans will eat this one up like Australians eat vegemite, as will fans of Amy Vansant's Pineapple Port series, Neil Plakcy's Golden Retriever Mysteries, every breed of dog person, and cozy readers in search of a treat to go with their tea.