This is the 8th in series. I have read many of the series and always enjoy this series and the fun duo of police dog and officer. Thank you for the ARC. .My review opinions are my own. This book can be read as a stand alone.

Megan and Brigit have two new cases to solve in Fort Worth, Texas. Someone is stealing animals from the local zoo.! At the same time jewelry is being stolen and they have to solve that case as well. I loved the setting of the zoo and the descriptions of their efforts on behalf of the Zoo animals and bringing them back to safety. The jewelry theft was a secondary sleuth that added to the plot . It was fun to have multiple plots and sleuths to figure out as a reader.

This is a fun read with a great police dog and his trusty sidekick as a smart savvy sleuth who always solves her cases no matter if they are human or animal. There is a bit of a romance in this one which I do not usually like in my cozies but it was not overdone and fit the story without taking over . I loved the well crafted fun sleuth that had many twist and turns for the reader. I look forward to the next in series.

I found this book to be boring for the most part. I was really hoping to like this book but I found it overly descriptive and really not interesting. This is more of a police procedural than a cozy mystery book. The dog is also kind of a jerk when she talks so that isn't fun to read about. I really wish I could like this book more.


*I received a free copy of this book via the NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.*

Paw of the Jungle
A Paw Enforcement Novel #8
Diane Kelly
St. Martin’s Paperbacks, November 2019
ISBN 978-1-250-19737-5
Mass Market Paperback

From the publisher—

Police officer Megan Luz and her K-9 partner in crime, Brigit, are on all fours as they try to solve their latest Lone Star mystery.

AT THE ZOO

The weather is beautiful, work is slow, and her canine colleague could use a walk. What better day for Megan to take Brigit to the Fort Worth Zoo, where they can let loose and witness the law and order of nature unfold? But what begins as a fun field trip turns serious when a pair of rare hyacinth macaws named Fabiana and Fernando goes missing. Is the new custodian, a gentle soul who happens to be an ex-convict, to blame? Or is something far more sinister afoot?

AND ON THE HUNT

The birds are worth thousands of dollars, and the list of people on the premises who might have stolen them is long. Soon other animals start disappearing. . .and Megan and Brigit have their hands and paws full of suspects. But when a rare black rhino is taken from the zoo, presumably for its black-market-friendly horn, time is of the essence. Can Megan and Brigit find out who’s behind the mystery—before they too become prey?

Cozy mysteries featuring animals aren’t every mystery reader’s cup of tea, for sure, but there’s something about a K-9 that lifts the subgenre a little above the pack…pun intended 😉 If nothing else, the dog and his handler have a legitimate reason as well as the training to investigate and that’s certainly true with Megan’s and Brigit’s latest adventure.

Megan and Brigit are patrol officers, not usually involved in wildlife thefts and black market activities, but Megan has aspirations of getting into detective work and, when they’re fortuitously on site when two birds go missing, it’s a perfect chance for Megan to hone her detecting skills. Following various leads that arise with more animal-nappings, she—and the readers—learn a lot about poaching, trophy collecting, poorly run private zoos and the like. Meanwhile, the pair are also investigating some jewelry robberies.

Brigit sometimes shares her thoughts about her life, her duties and her love of treats, frequently making me smile. She and her partner are pretty darned good at what they do and are very appealing. I’ll definitely be back for more.

Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, November 2019.

Paw of the Jungle by Diane Kelly has a setting that I knew nothing about even though I had a friend who lived in Ft. Worth for many years. The zoo setting is wonderfully described, encouraging me to go online to experience it . The missing animals made for an attention grabbing hook into the story.

Then there is a second case to be solved so Police officer Megan Luz and her K-9 partner, Brigit are working overtime right during the holiday season. The signature dry wit humor that this series is known for along with the super intelligent K-9 make this an enjoyable read. You feel as if you are part of the investigations wanting to solve the cases too.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love this fabulous series; each novel is better than the last! I have enjoyed watching Megan grow into a responsible police officer and close to her partner, K-9 Sergeant Brigit. There is much LOL humor, especially the bad guy’s last attempt at being a bad guy. The mysteries are definitely challenging, and this time is no different.

Megan wants to become a detective but has to spend at least four years as a beat cop before applying. Giving traffic tickets isn’t her favorite thing to do, but that, and working with a couple seasoned detectives, is maturing her with regards to her behavior and honing her instincts to find and put together clues she observes. Brigit is happy about several things, including getting treats and being allowed to chase the bad guys and catch them. She rarely chews up Megan’s shoes now, but duct tape is holding together her duty shoes until she gets another pair. Brigit also adores Blast, the bomb-sniffing dog that is the partner of Megan’s boyfriend, Seth, a firefighter and bomb expert.

Megan is sent out to see two different women who have lost their rings, including expensive wedding sets. One claimed to have not left her home all day, and another was playing tennis after getting a manicure. There was no proof that workers around them were guilty, so all she could do was take a report and check the nearby pawn shops.

Megan and Brigit regularly walk through the zoo on their beat, so they are familiar with the layout and animals. They are at the zoo when two beautiful macaws go missing, and a custodian she recently met there was discharged when it was thought he either accidentally let them out of their enclosure or stole them. Not long afterward, a colobus monkey disappeared and was thought to be stolen – and the custodian no longer was there. It is then that Megan contacts one of the detectives she is learning from, Hector, as it sounds like someone is stealing from the zoo. If they can determine why and how, there is hope to find the whodunit.

I enjoyed this novel so much! It is like visiting old friends to see Megan, Brigit, Seth, Megan’s family and her roommate, Frankie. I like that Megan found critical clues that help her solve the crimes; the time she has spent being taught by detectives has been well-spent. Yes, she is great at putting things together herself, but has matured in many ways from the times she has been allowed to work with them. Brigit also sniffs out some good information that helps put the pieces together.

This armchair sleuth enjoyed following Megan on her adventures this time! There are surprises throughout, as well as the author’s trademark humor. As more zoo animals disappear, Brigit’s nose and the investigating skills of Megan and Hector put them hot on the trail of the less-than-bright thief. I highly recommend this mystery, and series, to those who appreciate well-written and LOL cozies, poignant moments between the bad guy and his adoring seven-year-old daughter, cops and K-9 partners, and romance.

From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this from the publisher through NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

New-to-me author and series. I really enjoyed the characters and the storyline. Officer Megan and ger K-9 partner, Officer Brigit, are fabulous. I plan on checking out the other books in this series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.

Series: A Paw Enforcement Novel - Book 8
Author: Diane Kelly
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Animal/Holiday/Police Procedurals
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Page Count: 365

From St. Martin’s comes the latest and perhaps the best one yet in the “A Paw Enforcement Novel,” a police dog cozy series by Diane Kelly, Paw of the Jungle.

This addition to the award-winning police dog cozy series is wonderfully enjoyable with just a slight hint of sadness. Whenever animals are endangered or abused, it is not pleasant, but when they are stolen from a zoo, and no one knows where they are, it’s even worse. Leave it to Megan and Brigit to stumble upon a theft ring just before the holidays. The victims are innocent animals; the perpetrator is not innocent but not necessarily a bad guy. In the end, he is caught, and the missing animals located; most of them are safe and back where they belong.

Characters in this series are always interesting, very human, and entertaining. Although this is a police dog cozy series, the human side is well represented. The animals involved have fantastic personalities. Brigit and Blast are two of the most adorable dogs ever written, brave, helpful, and they love their human partners and each other.

The writing in Paw of the Jungle is excellent, the plot realistic, and the characters relatable. Thought this is not a hard-boiled police detective or uncompromising police procedural, it is a police dog cozy series that fringes on both. If readers have never read any of the previous books in this series, they may wish to start at the beginning; otherwise, they could get lost trying to figure out the format it is written in and who each character is. Overall, however, this addition to the series will make readers keep turning the page and fill them with a sense of satisfaction and happiness.

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, Brigit. This is a standalone story and the first I have had the opportunity to read.

I found it well-written with a fast pace. This book has an interesting twist, some of the chapters are written from the dog’s point of view and some are from the poacher’s point of view.

I liked that there were several sub-plots going on in the book. Also, the romantic person of interest is a firefighter which adds a different twist to the cozy genre. I like having people from all walks of life included in the story.

If you’re like me and haven’t read much from this author, give her a try. You just might find a new author to add to your read list.

I found this an above average cozy mystery the plot was enjoyable and the characters engaging, the critters are adorable and at times hilarious, I highly recommend to cozy mystery lovers

Fort Worth Texas officer, Megan Luz is back with her K-9 service dog, Brigit. Her favorite guy, Seth, also has a service dog, a yellow Lab named Blast. Seth is a bomb squad technician and firefighter.

Once again, the story is told in multiple POVs, one being protagonist Megan, along with Brigit, and the antagonist, dubbed The Poacher, whose elevator never reaches the top floor. There is a little romance between the Lab and Brigit and Seth and Megan, but it never overpowers the well-plotted mystery.

In this series entry, a number of valuable rings go missing about the same time a pair of Hyacinth macaws go missing from the zoo. It is nearing Christmas and the mall is full, people in a rush, and Megan isn't sure that the ring owners haven't just misplaced them. But the birds? No way could the regular zoo staff have allowed them to escape.

Interspersed with these two, the reader is treated to information regarding the laws of hunting in Texas, game ranches and animal poachers, as well as ex-con recidivism rates depending on available prison rehab classes. I love the chapters devoted to Brigit and her take on humans, as well as the little hints on reading dog body language. And always, the author's sense of humor shines through, often injecting thought-provoking LOL moments.

The narrative grabs your attention and keeps a steady pace except with the explanatory bits noted above. The series has built an engaging set of characters you can't help investing in. Entertaining atmospheric setting coupled with an intelligent and anthropomorphic glimpse into the psyche of a magnificent, intelligent canine partner.

I was given this digital download by the publisher and NetGalley and was thrilled to have the opportunity to read and review another in the series. This functions fine as a standalone but these are too fun any. Recommended for any who enjoy K-9 associated books, police procedurals, suspense, and sweet and easy pseudo cozy. Looking forward to Book 9! 4.5/5 rounded down

“Paw of the Jungle” is told from the point of view of Megan Luz, an officer with the Fort Worth Police Department, as well as from her K-9 partner Brigit, and an unknown person called “The Poacher.” Megan and Brigit investigate a case of animals going missing from the Fort Worth Zoo, as well as a series of robberies. The black market for animals is a ruthless business and Megan has to solve the case to protect the animals as well as herself.

When I began reading this book, I didn’t realize there were so many books in the “Paw Enforcement” series before this one. However, I didn’t have a problem catching up the important characters in the book. I enjoyed seeing Megan work towards her goal of becoming a detective and her partnership with her German Shepard partner, Brigit. However, the book is slower paced that I had hoped and it takes a while for the action to begin. The humor throughout the book, especially in the scenes with Megan and Brigit going through their daily routine. I didn’t think I would like the chapters told from Brigit’s point of view, but I ended up really enjoying them. They were short and entertaining and helped break up the slower parts of the book.

Once things got going, I enjoyed the book and love the teamwork between Megan and Brigit. I also liked the bit of romance added in with the mysteries. I was satisfied with the way the cases wrapped up and really loved how the book ended overall. I’m sure readers who have followed the series will be pleased with the story and the ending. In addition, animal lovers and fans of humorous mysteries like Laura Levine’s Jaine Austen series will want to meet the terrific team of Megan and Brigit.

I received this book from NetGalley through the courtesy of St. Martin’s. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

Police officer Megan Luz and her K-9 partner Brigit love to wander the Fort Worth zoo and they set out for a fun field trip. In Paw of the Jungle by Diane Kelly, this casual trip turns into disaster. A pair of rare hyacinth macaws named Fabiana and Fernando goes missing. Worth thousands of dollars, Megan cannot figure out how the birds were stolen. The zoo is secure and it seems almost impossible for the birds to have flown away on their own. In Megan's mind, this looks like an inside job.
An engaging team of human and canine.

I decided awhile back to just give Diane Kelly her own spot on my must read list, regardless of what series she's writing. Bottom line, if she writes it I will enjoy every word. From her Death and Taxes series to her new House Flipper series - I'm a happy reader. Full of humor and information about very interesting things, she never disappoints me, eight books in this series and each a pleasure to read.
If you are new to this series, not a problem to read this as a stand alone but, if you come to the end of Paw of the Jungle and have enjoyed hanging out with Megan, Brigit, Seth and Blast, set aside some reading time to play catchup. In this entry the animals are disappearing from the Fort Worth zoo and everyone is up in arms, pushing the police to find the criminal ASAP. With mentoring from several detectives, the investigation falls to Megan and Brigit to solve and they are up to the task even though, as crimes go, it takes them from December into February to track down the Poacher. The chapters are written from the point of view of Megan, Brigit and the Poacher but it's not confusing at all. I have to say that Brigit's chapters are my favorite. As the case progresses Megan also tries to track down some very expensive missing rings. These are the cases that will, one day, lead Megan to her desired detective's badge. From traffic enforcement to missing zoo animals, it's all in a days work for Megan and Brigit. Along the way there is the growing romance with her boyfriend Seth. I'm so ready to read the next book in the series.

Great Cozy Police Dog Mystery
This novel is eight in its series and stands alone very well. I have not read the previous books and was not lost at all. Of course, I love this book so much that I will go back and read the others. This story has lots of animals, two great working dogs, a bit of romance, and an interesting mystery or two. I loved that it was not all about the details of who wore what and who ate what – that is just such a waste of book space! The book is all about a young policewoman and her K-9 partner. She has a good roommate, a loving family and a great boyfriend. I highly recommend this book. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

The story is set up in an interesting manner presenting mostly two different perspectives in alternating chapters. One is of the poacher, an ex-con trying to good. The other is of police officer Megan Luz, aspiring detective and dog handler. For fun there are short chapters giving police dog Brigit's thoughts.

I was questioning what was going on in the beginning because of the going back and forth between two unrelated characters but it all comes together nicely making an unique set up for this mystery. I also enjoyed the humor added by Brigit's chapters.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC. the opinions expressed are my own.

Officer Megan Luz and her K-9 partner Brigit enjoy their patrol duties in Fort Worth, TX. Sometimes when the weather is nice and the day quiet, they like to go patrol a bit at the local zoo. But unfortunately, an animal napper is at work at their favorite hang-out. First a pair of valuable Macaws go missing.....then other animals disappear...even a black rhino. Who is stealing animals from the zoo? Officer Luz and Brigit are determined to catch the animal thief and bring peace back to their favorite patrol spot!

I enjoyed this latest visit with my favorite Texas crime fighting duo! The mystery is light, as usual...but this one had some interesting twists, lots of investigation and several suspects. The story moves at a nice pace, with the usual banter and humor. I like Megan as a main character. She's a bit snarky and mouthy at times, but dedicated to her job....and she wields a mean baton! Brigit is an awesome character as well. I enjoy the short chapters from her point of view. I imagine my dogs think the same sort of thoughts about me at times. Luckily, they don't chew my shoes. :)

This series is cozy-ish. The mystery/investigation plots are light...nothing graphic. But there is some minor cursing and adult situations. I recommend a bit of parental guidance before giving this series to a teen younger than 13. And...those who like their cozies strictly cozy.....be aware this one pushes past the usual cozy limits just a bit. No graphic sex scenes but there is some adult humor and a bit of cussing.

Another cute, entertaining read in this series. I can't wait for the next book!

**I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book from St Martin's Press via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

I was given this book for free for the purpose of review.

This is book 8 in an 8 book series. I read book 7 and liked it and gave it a good review, so the author solicited me to read this. I decided to give it a whirl.

This book is about a police dog handler and her dog-partner, in their attempt to solve a series of animal thefts from a local zoo. Megan the detective is a fun character to be around, both serious but with a generous heart. Brigit her police dog is equal parts silly and professional.

I had fun reading this! My favorite part of this story is the author's narrative voice. This is a Police Procedural, but the prose is so lovely and friendly that it reads almost like a Cozy Mystery.

My second favorite part is the author's knowledge of Texas law. As a police procedural, the author relies upon her knowledge of the law to make a compelling plot. Her knowledge of Texas exotic animal trafficking laws added a depth of seriousness to the storytelling.

This is a crime novel, not a mystery novel. What's the difference? We (the reader) know who the criminal was early on. There was no mystery, just a police officer and her dog trying to solve the crime we're already aware of. This was a bit of a problem, because it reduced the tension slightly.

Overall I had good fun reading this. Check out the series if you're curious.

Paw of the Jungle by Diane Kelly is the 8th book in the Paw Enforcement series, and another great addition. Texas police officer Megan Luz and her partner police dog, Brigit are taking a break at the Fort Worth Zoo, when two rare Macaws go missing. As Meg and Brigit continue their investigation, soon more animals are being taking from the zoo. This is a great book with a wonderful story with well developed characters and plot. This book will keep you reading long into the night. I also love how Meg and her boyfriend get along. If you are looking for a good book/ series, I highly recommend this one. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and St. Martin's Press. Thank you.

I received this book from Netgalley for review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This time around, Mega Liz and her trusty sidekick K-9 partner, Bright are on a smelly case. The zoo has experienced a rash of missing and presumed stolen animals. No fear, Brigit has a nose for these things and she is following it to the very end of the case. To add to the trouble, it's the holidays and ladies are missing their rings after a day at the local Ft. Worth mall. Could the thefts be connected? Well written and fun, this is a cozy mystery to enjoy. The character development is good and they are memorable. I didn't enjoy an earlier book in the series but this installment had me hooked from the first chapter.

This was a difficult book for me to read due to the subject matter as I am very sensitive to anything regarding animals. That being said, I enjoyed the book immensely, especially the end. Good read!