Jobbing actor, some-time dog sitter and amateur sleuth Gwinny Tuffel is heading to an audition in Bath, with a director who she has a history with – and, after the first rehearsal, not much of a future, it seems. Still, it gives her a chance to meet up with Roy Singleton, a man she came across in her late father’s papers, who might be able to tell her something about what her dad was involved in. Be careful of what you wish for…

Accompanied by her paramour DCI Birch (retired), his labrador Ronnie and a badly trained Cocker Spaniel she is looking after, she meets up with Roy at the secluded residence that he shares with five others – five other ex-spies. And then that night, the snow comes down and Roy disappears…

So, something of an oddity, this review. You’ll recall that I loved The Dog Sitter Detective and The Dog Sitter Detective Plays Dead – please don’t be put off by the “cosy” title as they’re deeply layered mysteries full of misdirection, suspicion and, oh yes, clues! And dogs. And Gwinny is a fine lead character, as is the dog who is helping her – a different dog every book, and, as per Antony Johnston, one who’s special skills are always relevant to the case in hand.

So, the oddity isn’t that I’m reviewing it – I fully expect it to be utterly fabulous – but that I haven’t finished it yet. I want to read it but I also don’t want to finish it so I thought I’d share my thoughts on it so far.

Obviously, I’m loving it, or I wouldn’t be pratting around reviewing it in a weird way. The series is great – I’m officially saving The Dog Sitter Detective Takes The Lead for the next time I need a literary pick-me-up. Even after only reading two books in the series, I knew I was going to love this and by golly I do.

Yes, we’re snowed in with a murderer – that’s never happened before! – and a bunch of spies to boot – just like SPOILER in fact – but this just feels so fresh. Clear, distinct suspects, loads of secrets hiding under the surface, some touches of reality to ground things in case you think spying is all fun and larks…

Oh, and one other thing – I haven’t a blooming clue who the murderer is. Well, actually, I have a guess. I’m 80% in and want to know if I’m right – but to be clear, at this point, it is just a guess… Right, I’ll be back in a mo. I need to finish the book. I’ve waited long enough.

The Last 20% Later

Bugger, I was wrong. Honestly thought Antony was going for Murder Mystery Cliché #3 but I’ve a feeling that he meant for smart-arse’s like me to think that way.

Anyway, what an enjoyable satisfying read that was. The first time in a while I’ve been carrying my Kindle around, grabbing a quick chapter at anything approximating downtime. Yes, it’s comfortable (in case you think “cosy” is a term to avoid) but it’s a proper mystery with in the Golden Age style, with characters, both detective and suspects, that you end up caring about. And the two dogs as well…

Oh, one thing – it’s got a lot of snow in it, but it’s not actually that Christmassy. In case you care about that sort of thing. Which you shouldn’t.

Many thanks to Alison & Busby for the review copy. The Dog Sitter Detective’s Christmas Tail is out this Thursday and is a perfect stocking filler… once you’ve read it yourself, obviously!