[A Thousand Islands Doggy Inn Mystery 13] • The Case of the Mellow Maltese

As B.R. Snow’s The Thousand Islands Doggy Inn Mystery series reaches its halfway point, serious change is in the air for Suzy and her mom.

It’s 147 time in Clay Bay, a water-based triathlon Suzy’s mom has organized to help extend the tourist season a bit longer. And while Suzy and Josie are more than comfortable enjoying the event as mere spectators, Chef Claire is determined to participate in the grueling event. But as her training regimen accelerates, she soon finds herself agreeing with both of them that she’s lost her mind.

When they find a Maltese stranded on a paddleboard in the middle of the River during one of Chef Claire’s training sessions, they’re able to rescue the dog and soon reunite her with her owner. But Suzy is convinced that the dog being out on the water all by itself was no accident and certain that Maria, the dog’s owner, was being sent a message. And when one of the participants is shot during the race, the stakes are raised in a hurry as Suzy begins her search for clues.

But before Suzy can even begin to find her bearings regarding who might have killed the kayaker, she is banished from the investigation by Chief Abrams, who is following the mandate laid down by her mother that she refrain from doing what comes naturally. Miffed and petulant about being cut out of the case and sent to the sidelines, the Snoopmeister sets out on her own investigation, and is soon up to her neck in the middle of a mystery that involves a diverse cast of characters who work for the company that is organizing the 147, a few of their corporate sponsors, and an ex-gangster bookmaker from her mother’s past.

Forced to cut a deal with her mother, Suzy agrees to focus on her personal life in exchange for her mother’s agreement to mind her own business. And when Suzy and Chief Abrams find themselves in Mexico trying to track down the killer, along with her mother and her new boyfriend, Suzy has a chance encounter with a stranger who just might be a ‘keeper’ and bumbling through a series of adventures that will hopefully lead her and the Chief down the trail they need to put the pieces together in a very strange and funny puzzle.

The Case of the Mellow Maltese is the latest installment in B.R. Snow’s increasingly popular Thousand Islands Doggy Inn Mysteries and deals with dogs, food, and the power of friendship set in one of the most beautiful spots on the planet.