Purebred Dead by Kathleen Delaney / Reviewed by Sharon Marchisello
Killer Nashville Book of the Day
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Kathleen Delaney conducting a writing workshop for 6th graders at Holcomb Bridge Middle School in Georgia
Purebred Dead by Kathleen Delaney
Reviewed by Sharon Marchisello
Mary McGill, widow and long-time resident of Santa Louisa, a small coastal town in the California wine country, has found plenty to do since retiring from a career as a home economics teacher. She is the go-to person for heading up charitable committees and organizing almost every community fundraiser.
Purebred Deadopens amid the chaos of the Christmas Extravaganza, when Mary must reroute the Posada at the last moment after two children discover the blood-soaked body of local veterinarian Cliff Matthews lying in the manger. More fascinating for the children is the tiny Cockapoo puppy they found crying near the body.
Mary quickly realizes that the children saw the person who stabbed Cliff to death, but since many of the townspeople were wearing similar costumes that night, they are unable to make a positive identification. Unfortunately, the killer spotted them as well, which puts their young lives in danger.
The plot thickens when, a few days later, a local pet store owner is found stabbed to death in his shop. Mary believes the murders are linked and have something to do with dogs. Along with the reader, Mary receives an education in dog breeding, and suspects abound as she learns that many of the Santa Louisa residents are connected with the industry. Her amateur sleuthing leads her and the children to a confrontation with the murderer, and only their wits can prevent them from becoming the next victims.
Purebred Dead is the first in a new series by Kathleen Delaney, author of the Ellen McKenzie cozy mystery series. It is an entertaining read, and with a likeable heroine and charming setting, the series promises to be a winner.
Sharon Marchisello is the author of Going Home, a murder mystery inspired by her mother's battle with Alzheimer's. She has a Masters in Professional Writing from the University of Southern California and is a member of the Atlanta Chapter of Sisters in Crime. She lives in Peachtree City, GA, with her husband and cat, and does volunteer work for the Fayette Humane Society.
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