I suspect there are more than a few really talented authors that are forced by publishers to write compelling mysteries wrapped in a shell of silliness because the marketing department decided that's what's "hot". I suspect this is just such an author.

Annie Knox is a pseudonym for Wendy Watson who wrote a way-too-short-lived series about an ice cream shop. I thought the ice cream shop setting was beyond silly and passed the series by for ages before a friend assured me it was not only good, but better than most cozies; she was right. Unfortunately, I'm not the only person who must have been put off: the series was cancelled and the last book ended on a monster of a cliff-hanger.

Collared for Murder was a great read. Once you get beyond the marketing-approved premise you have a very well-written story set in small town Minnesota with an outstanding cast of complex, diverse characters who all like, or at least respect, each other. Knox writes real relationships between real people and is very talented particularly with achieving the perfect touch of romance that leaves the reader breathless; I miss that in my cozies nowadays; everything's so damn chaste.

The mystery plotting is good; a little convoluted, but easy enough to keep up with. The plot was TSTL moment free and the ending was great because it didn't follow the formulae of "MC's life must be in peril!"

These are definitely staying on the shelf. ( )

Collared For Murder is the third book in the A Pet Boutique Mystery series.

The Midwestern Cat Fanciers' Organization is bringing the cat show to Merryville, MN. Izzy McHale and Rena Hamilton, partners in Trendy Tails, will be having a booth at the show to market the pet clothes made by Izzy and the pet treats made by Rena.
On the first day of the show, Izzy becomes aware that there is a power struggle going on behind the scenes of the show. Pamela Rawlings, who is overseeing the show and Marigold Aames seem to be in a contest as to who might be the most important organizer of the show.
Early on the second day of the show, as Izzie is busy getting items together to take to Trendy Tails booth, Philip Denford president of M-CFO, stops by Trendy Tails and informs her that his company has been buying her clothing items and is very impressed with them, so much so, that he has out-sourced them to China. He will then be offering them at a much lower price and a price that she would be able to match. A couple hours later at the show, the electricity suddenly goes out and in a few minutes when power is restored Philips' body is found under one the tables and the extremely valuable collar that was going to be the grand prize is missing.
Then when Pris, owner of Prissy's Pretty Pets,drops her handbag and the collar falls out. Suspicion immediately falls onto Pris. Pris is far from being Izzy's friend, but still Izzy is sure that Pris is not a murderer and begins to do a little of her own sleuthing to find the murderer.
Most all the characters from previous books are back once again to help or provide support for Izzy. It looks good that there might be a little romance blossoming between Izzy and Jack, her favorite cop. Also, Rena has an important announcement, as do Ingrid and Harvy.
Will be watching for the next book in this fun series to see what happens next in Merryville. ( )

Author Annie Knox does not disappoint with her latest book in the Pet Boutique Mystery series. It was a pure pleasure to read. The first books were nothing short of brilliant. And this third installment, COLLARED FOR MURDER is pawitively purrfect! I was hooked on this book like a cat with a catnip toy.

The characters in this series are wonderful. I’ve enjoyed them since the beginning of the series. But in this newest book they really come to life and jump right off the page! The humor Ms. Knox brings with phrases like “a few walleye short of a fish fry”, the reader should be warned not to be drinking or eating while reading this for fear of doing a spit take. I laughed until I had tears in my eyes!

It was a little way into the story before the discovery of the body. That’s something I like very much. I enjoy getting involved in a book before all heck breaks loose. Never fear though, there is not one dull moment to be found in this book. But once that body is found, the action ramps up another notch and it’s a hang-on-for-dear-life ride from that point on.

With writing talent like she displayed in this book, author Annie Knox is going to be on the scene for a long time to come.

I can tell you with certainty, if you love a great mystery, fun & quirky characters, and pets of all kinds, this series is the one for you! ( )