Here's a book (first in a series) with a fun twist: the main character and her cat and dog can understand each other! Leta, recently widowed, has retired to the Cotswolds. Not long after her dog and cat (Dickens and Christie) were able to join her, she comes across a body. The local police are not all that friendly or helpful, so Leta and some of her new friends (and their pets) set out to solve the murder. Bells, Tails & Murder, the first in the Dickens and Christie Mystery series, by Kathy Manos Penn was a most enjoyable read.

Kent Coast Oyster Obliteration is the 11th title in Steve Higgs Albert Smith's Culinary Capers mystery series. In an area where wine is made in England, three growers have gone missing. Albert is sure it is the work of the Gastrothief and heads there to see if he/she can finally be caught. He is also puzzling over just how theft of oysters might happen ... the plot thickens, as the saying goes, because now the criminals know Albert is on the trail, and they know exactly who he and Rex are. The police are starting to take more of an interest, too, more than just Albert's children who have been helping out on an unofficial basis. Things are heating up!

Reading Hermit With Dog