Missing zoo animals and missing rings! Megan and her K-9 Brigit have found themselves dealing with two challenging cases right around the holiday season. Is there an animal trafficker stealing the valuable animals? This could be deadly, especially when a black rhino is taken. You get the "poacher" perspective as well as Megan and Brigit's, which is a nice way to tell the tale. I would have been happy with just the animal angle but the ring thefts rounded things out. I'd not read any of the books in this series so this was a standalone for me- and it was great. I like that Seth, Megan's romantic interest, is a fire fighter as it adds a different angle. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I'm going to look for more from Kelly.

I have been introduced to a new author who I will definitely seek out and read more. Great concept, a female police officer and her female K9 partner, I love and read many mysteries. This one was a very engaging. It read quickly and was pleased the author did not see the need to use unnecessary violence and gore to make its point. Very creative in its crimes and methods. Did not give too much away as it lead up the the conclusion. I thought the addition of chapters from the K9's perspective - endearing and funny. - was a good literary tool. Made Brigit a full character. Great last line - perfect for the story. I would recommend the book to those looking for a mystery that is both engaging and sweet.

Paw of the Jungle is the 8th in Diane Kelly's popular Paw Enforcement cozy mysteries. The series is set in Fort Worth, Texas and stars young police officer Megan Luz and her beloved K-9 partner, Brigit.

This time Megan and Brigit investigate the theft of exotic animals from the Fort Worth Zoo and also begin to wonder about the number of cases of expensive jewelry being 'accidentally' lost in Fort Worth. Naturally, they get to the bottom of both, and the episode ends on a high note for Megan.

3.5 stars - Whether chasing shoplifters or investigating missing jewelry, Fort Worth Police Officer Megan Luz and K9 Brigit are on the job. While enjoying their patrol through the zoo, two hyacinth macaws are reported missing. Did they escape or were they stolen? When other animals disappear, she knows that these are organized thefts, but by who? Megan’s boyfriend Seth, a firefighter along with K9 Blast, mentioned a new paramedic at the station, but what he didn’t mention was that the new paramedic, Alex, is a very attractive female. They will be working together, should Megan be worried? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

Megan is a police officer in Fort Worth, Texas. Her partner is Brigit, a German Shepherd. She has two cases on the go. Women are losing their rings and Megan is determined to find out who is stealing them and how. The second case involves animals that are disappearing from a zoo and it's up to Megan and Brigit to figure out who is stealing them.

I've read many books by this author and I liked this one. Though it's the eighth in the Paw Enforcement series, it can work as a stand alone and you don't have to read the others to know what's going on (there is enough background provided).

I liked the writing style ... it was amusing at times. It is written in first person perspective from Megan's point of view and third person perspective from Brigit's point of view (which is funny) and the Poacher's perspective.

I like Megan. She's gotten more confident as time goes on. Brigit's funny and likeable and it's fun to get into her head. Though she is a trained police dog, she can be naughty when she wants to be (like stealing tennis balls or being a bum at supper time).

Zoo animals are stolen. Megan and Brigit are on their trail. Interesting detective work following the clues. The story being told from three different viewpoints, criminal, cop, and dog was a fun change of pace. This is an entertaining series.

Paw of the Jungle: A Laying Down the Law Mystery
By Diane Kelly
St. Martin’s Paperbacks
December 2019

Review by Cynthia Chow

If there’s one thing that Forth Worth Police Officer Megan Luz knows, it’s that nothing is ever all black or all white. That’s never more apparent than during the Christmas holiday season, when desperation drives some to commit crimes for what they believe are for “good” reasons. This is also what one of the other narrators of this novel believes, and his tale is told from the viewpoint known only as “The Poacher.” Recently released from prison, the ex-con initially only wants to be reunited with his family and provide them with the Christmas they deserve. It doesn’t take long before his temper and prison record restrict employment options, while his pride leads him down the path to the crimes that give him his name.

Those acts are what place him in the path of the ambitious police officer Megan, whose partnership with police dog Brigit has boosted both Megan’s career and her personal life. While patrolling the zoo Megan and Brigit happen to be on hand when two hyacinth macaws go missing, a tragedy that is at first blamed on a custodian’s carelessness. Unfortunately, that is but the first of a string of wildlife thefts from zoos, and Megan’s love of animals has her desperate to find them before they are lost forever. Megan’s observation skills, along with Brigit’s nose and athleticism, make them vital assistants for the investigating detective as they track down the profitable, cruel, but barely punished crimes of illegal poaching. Along the way Megan continues her normal patrols that involve jewelry thefts in a mall, where the solution is never as obvious as it at first appears to be.

Through clever writing and misdirects, one is never certain of the identity of the mysterious narrator even as he is shown descending further and further down a dark path. Through Megan’s research the extent and damage of poaching is revealed, with the stories being as heartbreaking as they are so compelling. Equally as compelling are scenes of Megan’s personal life, which depicts her strong and ever-growing relationship with her boyfriend, fireman Seth. A new paramedic threatens Megan’s security in their status, but Seth and his own K9 partner Blast prove to be worthy companions for our heroes. What is so refreshing about this series is how it differs by presenting a police officer who hasn’t lost her idealism and continues to believe in humanity and redemption. She maintains this belief despite the fact that for police officers the holiday season herald in an increase of domestic fights, burglaries, drunk drivers, and fires. At least tackling a shoplifter gives Megan the opportunity to spot a nice Christmas gift for her sister and allows Brigit to get a lot of exercise. Brigit’s narrations continue to be clever and perfectly suitable coming from a dog, as she enjoys teasing Blast and sniffing up fantastic odors. Beginning with Christmas and ending with the Valentine holiday, this novel is a wonderfully entertaining police procedure full of humor, the exploration of animal trafficking, and a woman’s bond with her best friend.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Wonderfully entertaining book! So glad to see someone write a K-9 member into a story. I highly recommend this book to someone that is looking for an easy to read, fun mystery. Enjoy! 📚

Couldn’t connect with the story and characters.
The plot was not engaging and the chapters about the dog thinking was off-putting

I love this series of books. As always this book was a fun enjoyable read. Brigit's parts are some of my favorite. I am happy to see things moving forward with Seth and Megan. The only negative about these books is that there it too much unneeded filler. Too much info about history or geography or back story that does not further the story and I find myself skipping over. This one seemed like a slower read to me and needed more action.

I have read all the books in the series, which helped with my enjoyment of this one. The writing was good and the two cases interesting. Since I live in the town the book is set in, I know all the streets and places that are mentioned in the book. This makes the book more fun. I like Officer Megan and her dog Bridgit. I did wish we had more background and read more about the other characters in the book. They were all mentioned but more would have fleshed the book out. I do like hearing Bridget the dog’s point of view which is very funny. Thank you, Net Galley, for an advanced copy to read for an honest review.

Paw of the Jungle is the delightful eighth book in the Paw Enforcement series written by author Diane Kelly. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance copy.

A story with animals always grabs a reader, but this one won't let go until the end. With disappearing animals, a supposedly likely suspect, and clues that just keep you guessing, this book is definitely full of twists, turns, and fun.

Fun cozy mystery. While I didn't find it as good as previous ones I read, it still kept me interested and engaged. Brigit is a great partner and the characters are fun and hard working. a few twists you might not expect make you want to keep reading.

I got a copy of this e-book from Sara Beth Haring, from St. Martin's Press. I want to thank her for this opportunity to read the latest in this series. As always, the characters are great, I truly love Brigit! If you like cozy mysteries, you should try this series, but start at the first, they are well-written, enjoyable, and just overall fun! I received an e-book from NetGalley in return for an unbiased review.

Paw of the Jungle is a fabulous mystery with great characters and storyline. This would be a great gift for the holidays.

I have read other books in this series so I knew going in it would be a decent read. Brigit, the dog, has her perspective on events and is very much Megan’s partner in solving crime. The author sprinkled in fun facts about the animals in the zoo so I learned a thing or two as well. Overall, a cute, well-written mystery with a romance element. I would recommend it to everyone who loves this genre.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this ARC.

Paw of The Jungle is the 8th book in the Paw Enforcement series by author Diane Kelly, which focuses on Fort Worth Police Officer Megan Luz and her K-9 partner, Briget.  The author has a sharp wit that shines through in her storytelling, including the chapter headings.  (My favorite in this book was Chapter 17 "Who Dung It").

In Paw of The Jungle,  the plot centers around animals that mysteriously disappear from The Fort Worth Zoo. The chapters are told through the eyes of Officer Megan Luz, Briget the K-9 dog, and the bad guy known in the chapter headings as "The Poacher." It is interesting to see the mindset of the poacher, who was just released from prison for stealing from his employer. 

The story begins just before Christmas and ends at Valentine's. It follows the sometimes slow, but methodical means law enforcement has to follow in order to capture the wrongdoers. In this case, there is a great deal of public pressure to find the missing zoo animals quickly, but the poacher has been very careful to hide all evidence that would implicate him. 

In addition to the stolen zoo animals, Megan is also dealing with the theft of valuable rings from several women in the area. Plus, her handsome firefighter boyfriend, Seth, has become the object of attention of a cute new paramedic at his station.  Megan and Briget certainly have a lot keeping their hands and paws busy! The surprise ending makes me excited to read the next book in the series. 

Not only does Diane Kelly weave an exciting mystery, but she also educates us on the world of animal poachers, cheap roadside zoos, and exotic game hunting ranches.  There is also valuable information on prisoner recidivism and job training programs. It is apparent that a great deal of research went into this novel.

5 Stars.  This book will be available on November 26, 2019.  Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my ARC in exchange for a review. 
Be sure to check out my recipe recommendation to go with this book at www.kerrinsbookreviews.com where I give book reviews and recipes too!

This is one of my favorite series. I know Officer Megan Luz and her canine partner Brigit will always deliver laughter and interesting mysteries. Getting the canine point of view is one I look forward to. Diane Kelly has definitely mastered the canine language.

In Paw of the Jungle someone is stealing valuable zoo animals and no one can figure out how it's happening.
The zoo is a regular stopping point for Megan and Brigit when they're on patrol so Megan is happy to help Detective Bustemente work the thefts. Her goal is to one day become a detective. Her willingness to put in the extra time and effort is a step in that direction.

No Megan and Brigit story would be complete without Seth and his dog Blast. Seth is Megan's hunky firefighter, bomb squad boyfriend; Blast is his bomb sniffing dog and Brigit's BFF. I can't tell you about their Christmas gift exchange but I can say I will be waiting impatiently for the next book.

I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from St Martin's Press through NetGalley.The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Paw of the Jungle is a fun mystery. Loved the plot and the. A very well written and entertaining book. I highly recommend this book. Thanks to the publisher for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.