Now between the two of them and their son and daughter, there are more therapists and life guides than Holly could imagine existed. Yet, her concern is mainly Dolfo’s well-being, and thus Holly agrees to give Ted and Eumie private training lessons at their dog-friendly, if one can consider sleeping in the bed Dolfo uses as a litter box dog-friendly, home.

When Holly arrives for her first lesson, she is immediately put off when Ted asks her to rouse Eumie from her bed. Gritting her teeth, Holly does this for Dolfo’s sake, but she finds Eumie dead of an apparent overdose. Daughter Caprice, as neurotic and unhappy as they come, tells Holly it was murder, that she knows where all the skeletons are hidden and is certain one of their owner’s did her mother in. Holly isn’t really interested in getting involved, but sees Caprice as a stray, and treats her as she would a stray puppy. Soon Holly finds herself entangle in a web of Cambridge therapists, each connection to one another more bizarre than the last.

Those readers who enjoy more off-beat mysteries are sure to find plenty to enjoy here. Each supporting character is almost a humorous caricature, adding vividness to them. Interpersonal relationships are very tangled in this mystery and Holly is very adept at following the threads, untangling them and getting to the bottom of things. While the murderer and motive are pretty obvious, Holly’s trip to the solution is part of the fun as she encounters all sorts of local characters. Dog lovers and those looking for a fast, quick-paced read with a good dose of humor are sure to find much to enjoy here.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry