Flavia de Luce's sister is getting married. It is a beautiful ceremony. Until a human finger is found in the cake (not a spoiler, this is on the back cover!). And so starts The Golden Tresses of the Dead, the next of the Flavia de Luce Novels by Alan Bradley. Flavia and Dogger are on the case, discovering where (and to whom) the finger belongs. Poisons are involved, naturally, something Flavia loves, and two rather mysterious missionary ladies, in town to give a talk on their time in Africa. Are those coffee beans really coffee beans? The interaction between Flavia and Dogger is a delight to read.

I am cautious about reading animal stories, and Riding Reader knows this, so when A Dog's Way Home, by W. Bruce Cameron appeared under the Christmas tree I was willing to give it a try. This book brings up all kinds of issues: rescuing feral animals vs. tearing the buildings down where they are hiding ('progress'); issues and treatment of returning veterans (and how dogs help); laws concerning BDL (breed discrimination legislature) which can condemn dogs just because they look like a particular breed; and of course, the love dogs bring into our lives. Told from the view point of Bella, it proved to be worthy read.

Reading Hermit With Dog