I did not request this book to review. However, I have read other books by Clea Simon and enjoyed them.

This is the first book in the Pru Marlowe series I have read, and although a good story, it wasn't for me. I am not a big fan of "talking animals". This book has the protagonist, Pru, able to sense what an animal is thinking, almost like a telepath. Her cat, Wallis, is her confidante and sounding board. Pru is a bit standoffish, not wanting to get to close to people. She is also smart and with the information she gets from the animals, she is able to solve crimes and mysteries.

In this outing, Pru discovers the body of a rich but obnoxious tourist. Pru realizes that there is a dog around and when the police can't find one, she searches the forest looking for him. Spending time with Pudgy (Stewie as he wants to be called) draws Pru into the investigation. The main suspect is his trophy girlfriend Cheryl. Pru gets her information from the animals, but the information isn’t clear so she keeps asking questions. It turns out that the murder is tied to the theft of an extremely valuable painting that has been missing for while. Both the feds and the mob are also looking for the painting. Pru's boyfriend and police detective Creighton, is sidelined when the feds take over the case. Can Pru figure out what is going on before there is a major showdown.

The mystery itself is a good one and there are a few suspects. The story moves quickly and there is a side story involving a wild bunny who has been kept as a pet. The humour adds to story with some laugh out loud moments. In a mystery where the humans are not always what they seem, it takes the animals to provide the clues that help to reveal all in this murder mystery. As I said above, this was not the story for me, but the writing and mystery presented were well done.

I liked this book, it's #6 in the Pru Marlowe series and I hope there are more. Pru is an animal psychic and this time she's trying to communicate with a wild bunny and a dog. This is a g0od cozy series and animal lovers will especially enjoy.

Loved the premise of being able to communicate with animals--and that it's not as easy, or as obvious, as you would think! Definitely a different kind of heroine, full of contradictions, fears, and loyalty. I enjoyed this slightly complicated, confusing mystery This is the first of these I've read and I would read the next one in the series. Animal lovers will love this.