The Otter of Death

California zookeeper Theodora "Teddy" Bentley is helping with the local otter count when she catches one of her favorite otters with a cell phone. On the phone is a photograph of a bloodied and dead Stuart Booth, a local marine biology instructor. Many women had accused the dead man of sexual harassment, so the suspects are numerous. Teddy's fiancé, Sheriff Joe Reyes, is primarily investigating Teddy's friend Lila, one of Booth's original accusers. But convinced of Lila's innocence, Teddy begins asking questions, resulting in a death threat and gunshots. Although Webb's fifth series outing (after The Puffin of Death) takes a light, amusing tone, the engaging conversational style belies the serious issues at play (sexual assault, the environment, endangered species). Teddy is a spirited, courageous woman, coping with complex problems as well as handling pressing details involving her upcoming marriage.