Dogs are better behaved than people in this new cozy mystery where a pet behaviorist finds herself the prime suspect in an upscale murder, perfect for fans of Eva Gates and Victoria Gilbert.

Nikki Jackson-Ramanathan is struggling to get her pet behaviorist business off the ground, making ends meet as a dog walker while keeping her eyes peeled for greener pastures. An appointment in a rich suburb of Saint Louis seems to be her ticket to success. The wealthy Mrs. Van Meer wants Nikki to help the family’s old hound dog, who is grieving the loss of his owner. But then Mrs. Van Meer turns up dead. 

With a multitude of suspects like the sketchy landscaper, the judgy housekeeper, and the rest of Mrs. Van Meer’s money-obsessed family members, Nikki’s happy to sit back and let the police solve the crime. Until she learns that Mrs. Van Meer’s will leaves Nikki in charge of a sizable amount of money and the police start dogging her every step.

Life would be a lot easier if she just had to deal with the animals, but Nikki resolves to catch the real culprit and convince the cops they’re barking up the wrong tree.