Writer Elizabeth "Lizzy" Hornwhistle and her waggish dachshund Mavis find themselves hobnobbing with the rich and famous at Kirkland Schwartz's luxury desert oasis.

Kirk's friendship, his professional chef, and his glorious saltwater pool are just what Lizzy needs to unwind. But Kirk, known for his eccentric celebrity clients and extravagant parties, decides to surprise her with a weekend mystery event.

What begins as a game of murder becomes very real. The victim, universally disliked and feared, is no surprise to anyone. The complete isolation from the outside world is.

Lizzy soon discovers nothing is as it seems. Secrets, betrayals, and romance emerge as the body count climbs. She and Kirk must race to discover the culprit before one of them is next.

Through it all, Mavis sniffs out clues and wreaks havoc as only a dachshund can do.