Brady, Eileen

This follow-up to Last but Not Leashed is for those who enjoy small-town mysteries and engaging animal characters.

Brady's sophomore effort (after Muzzled) is an appealing mix of murder and medicine. Kate is an amiable heroine with lots of spunk. Not willing to leave well enough alone, she joins the list of cozy amateur sleuths such as Laura Childs's Theodosia Browning and Jane Cleland's Josie Prescott.

Winner of the Poisoned Pen Discover Writers Contest, Brady's series debut is stellar. She weaves in details about the veterinary practice without overwhelming the plot, and the scenic Hudson River setting (think Rhinebeck) enhances the mystery. Recommend for Beth Groundwater readers: gentle but exciting, too.