It's been a while since I've read one of the Andy Carpenter Mystery books by David Rosenfelt, but Holy Chow seemed more ... intense than those in the past. Andy considers himself to be a retired lawyer, but the right case will change that, and this is one of those. The Tara Foundation has a Chow in need of a new home. The big dogs are harder to adopt out, and this is an older dog as well. Still, the perfect home opened up: an elderly, widowed woman! Things are going well until she is found dead, not too long after an estranged step-son reappears in her life. He is arrested for murder, but Andy is not convinced he did it. Lots, and I do mean lots is going on here, so pay attention when you read!

Here's a good, traditional, old-fashioned cozy! Murder for Christmas, a Mordecai Tremaine Mystery, by Francis Duncan. Benedict Grame holds an annual Christmas gathering at his place. Some guests have been invited for years, others are new. This is Mordecai's first time and he feels there is ... tension in the air. Why? Is there a connection with the guests? Now, Benedict Grame likes to dress as Father Christmas and sneak downstairs and hang gifts for everyone on the tree on Christmas Eve. When the body is found, and it is dressed as Father Christmas, everyone assumes it's Grame ... until the body is turned over. Why was this person dressed the way he was? Just a nice, winter read.

Reading Hermit With Dog