Copyright 2012 by H. L. Stephens
Fiction, Mystery
315 pages
5 stars on Amazon.com!
If you love a good mystery, and you love pets, you will love this book. A friend of mine picked it up on my advice, and she read it in one weekend!
The heroes are a marmalade cat named Mister Marmee, and a dachshund named Sir Happy Heart. Mister Marmee is sent to stay with a renowned London veterinarian while his mistress is away. Here he meets Sir Happy Heart, an experienced canine detective. As soon as he arrives the mystery is unfolding, and Sir Happy starts teaching Marmee his skills. There have been several brutal attacks, apparently by a dog, and Sir Happy and Marmee set out to find out who is behind this. From Victorian London’s dogfighting rings, to the rural countryside, they chase after clues with the help of Sir Happy’s master Dr. Hanover, as well as his assistant veterinarian in training and a Scotland Yard detective. Or is it the other way around? It is interesting to watch the progression of the humans realizing that they are being led by the canine and feline detectives!
This book is a classic mystery with all the plot twists, intrigue, and suspense that any good mystery has. What makes it special to me is the characters of Marmee and Sir Happy. They alternate between being very human in nature (in fact, in the first chapter you are kept wondering whether they really are humans or animals); to showing the true characteristics of the cat and dog that they are. Marmee is as suitably preoccupied with food and napping as any cat is. Sir Happy has the nose of a hound dog obsessed with a scent, and his loyalty to his master is true to his canine character.
While taking place in Victorian England, the topic matter is also relevant to the present day which makes it even more compelling!
H. L. Stephens is a dog lover from a family of dog lovers and writers. The character of Sir Happy Heart was inspired by her own real life miniature dachshund who sadly passed away last February. She now shares her life with a Pomeranian named Peanut Pumpkin Pie who you can follow on Facebook. This is the first book in a series and the second book is due out by the end of this year. I can’t wait!
This book is currently available through Amazon.com in the kindle or paperback version.
Read and enjoy!!
I’m not usually much of a mystery reader, but this sounds fun. Thanks for posting!
I think the animal characters make it more entertaining. Your book is next on my review list, Jackie! 🙂
Sounds like a good book! Hey, we have a favor to ask! We would really love for you to vote for Phe! We plan on donating part of the winnings to the animal shelter where Phe came from and the rest of it will buy our doggie food if she wins! You can find out more here: http://dogsnpawz.com/black-and-white-sunday-vote-for-phe-the-destroyer-dog.html
Sure hope you will vote!
Thank you! I would love to vote for Phe and help her win. Headed over there now!
We love mystery’s, will check that one out 🙂 xx0xx
Mollie and Alfie
Thanks Mollie & Alfie! I hope you will read it and enjoy it! Let me know if you do! xxoo
Dearest Jan,
You are so wonderful for writing this blog post and reviewing my auntie’s first novel! Thank you so much. You had a GREAT way of talking about how the story unfolds and how the characters are written. Beautiful. Thank you my friend!
Love & hugs, Pixel
You are very welcome, Pixel. I was so glad to be able to let other’s know about your auntie’s wonderful book. I am pleased that you liked the review.
Love, Jan
Mom loves a good mystery and this looks like it will “fit the bill”!
I hope your Mom will enjoy it, Sage!
This sounds so great! I’m adding it to my “To Read” pile!
Oh super, I really think you will like it! You have one of those piles too, huh? 🙂
Sounds like a fun book..thanks for sharing.
Thank you for stopping by to read about it!
Sounds like an excellent read!
Thanks, it really is, Finn!
This sounds like a fun read…i’m putting it on my Goodreads list now 🙂
Oh, good! I really think you’ll enjoy it….let me know!