When she was in high school, Izzy McHale had her life planned. She and her true love, Casey Alter, would attend college together in Madison, and then medical school for Casey; internship and residency in their hometown of Merryville, Minnesota; then off to the Big Apple for fame, fortune, and the good life. Casey completed this agenda, but left for the Big Apple with the cute dietitian from Merryville Hospital. He not only left Izzy, but their dog, Packer, and cat, Jinx.

Tonight Izzy is having the grand opening for her chic "Trendy Tails Pet Boutique", using her degree in textiles to design clothes for four legged clients. Her best friend, Rena, is serving pet canapés from their "barkery" for the open house.

Sherry Harper is a trust-fund, hippy activist, and she thinks it isn't right to put clothes on animals. Therefore, she plans to boycott Trendy Tails tonight. At one time or another, Sherry has aggravated every shop owner in town.

Sean Tucker loved Izzy most of his life and declared himself to her right before high school graduation. Izzy had plans with Casey and broke Sean's heart. Sean returned to Merryville after getting his law degree from Ole Miss. He is dating Carla Harper, Sherry's cousin. When Sherry is found murdered and Rena is arrested for it, Sean spends a lot of time and effort, along with Izzy, trying to clear her name.

For all you cozy mystery aficionados, there's a new kid on the block, and she is wicked good! Annie Knox's debut novel, PAWS FOR MURDER, is clever, mature, and a real page turner. Izzy has a younger sister, an aunt, and a lot of friends in town that will probably bring a tale or two to the Pet Boutique Mystery series. PAWS FOR MURDER is exceptionally well written and just when you think you know "who dunnit", you're proven wrong. Ms. Knox's narrative is pitch-perfect and the dialogue is intelligent. Maybe the time will soon be right for Sean and Izzy to bring a little romance to future offerings. This reviewer is looking forward to the next book, Groomed for Murder, which will be out this fall.

Book Summary

Izzy McHale wants her new Trendy Tails Pet Boutique in Merryville, Minnesota, to be the height of canine couture and feline fashions. But at the store’s opening, it turns out it’s a human who’s dressed to kill…

Izzy’s own beloved pets are dressed to the nines for the grand opening of Trendy Tails. Feisty feline Jinx is large and in charge, and happy mutt Packer is lapping up the attention. Izzy and her best friend Rena have their hands full meeting Merryville’s menagerie and serving tasty pupcakes and kitty canapes from their “barkery.” The last thing they need is the town’s local activist, Sherry Harper, scaring off customers and getting tongues wagging by picketing the event.

The two manage to stop Sherry’s protest in its tracks, but the trouble for Trendy Tails is just beginning. Sherry is found murdered in back of the shop, and Rena is immediately named as the lead suspect. Now Izzy and her furry friends have a new pet project—collaring a killer.