Paperback, 304 pages
Expected publication: June 7th 2011 by Berkley Trade
(ISBN13: 9780425241196)
It's pug night at the New York Metropolitan museum of art in honor of Daphne Markham, one of the museums largest donors and a celebrity socialite in her own right. Hope McNeill, one of the museum's restorers, is in attendance with Max, her boyfriend Ben's pug. She's dog-sitting Max while Ben is working out of the country.
When Hope discovers the painting, Pansies, on her work table and not on the wall, she knows something is very, very amiss. After speaking to the director, he cautions her not to tell anyone that the painting she found is a copy and the real one is missing. He insists that the department will look into it without involving the police. He does however hire a private investigator who was recommended to him.
Thinking the P.I. is inept, Hope worries that someone will think she had something to do with the heist so when a somewhat mysterious clue lands in her e mail box, she starts her own investigation. With a little helpful advice from the elderly Daphne Markham, Hope interprets each clue she finds but one just leads to more questions than answers. Max, in his own way, is instrumental in helping Hope look at the case in a new light. What ensues is a fun scavenger hunt type mystery with delightfully quirky and loveable characters. I liked the interactions between Hope and Max. It's amazing how Pace manages to imbue Max with almost a human personality.
(ISBN13: 9780425241196)
It's pug night at the New York Metropolitan museum of art in honor of Daphne Markham, one of the museums largest donors and a celebrity socialite in her own right. Hope McNeill, one of the museum's restorers, is in attendance with Max, her boyfriend Ben's pug. She's dog-sitting Max while Ben is working out of the country.
When Hope discovers the painting, Pansies, on her work table and not on the wall, she knows something is very, very amiss. After speaking to the director, he cautions her not to tell anyone that the painting she found is a copy and the real one is missing. He insists that the department will look into it without involving the police. He does however hire a private investigator who was recommended to him.
Thinking the P.I. is inept, Hope worries that someone will think she had something to do with the heist so when a somewhat mysterious clue lands in her e mail box, she starts her own investigation. With a little helpful advice from the elderly Daphne Markham, Hope interprets each clue she finds but one just leads to more questions than answers. Max, in his own way, is instrumental in helping Hope look at the case in a new light. What ensues is a fun scavenger hunt type mystery with delightfully quirky and loveable characters. I liked the interactions between Hope and Max. It's amazing how Pace manages to imbue Max with almost a human personality.
This was my first reading experience with Alison Pace and I will definitely read anything else by her. While the ending was not a total surprise, it was still such a captivating and enjoyable read. A Pug's Tale is a light, delightful cozy mystery that is sure to be enjoyed by cozy fans or animal fans everywhere. 4*
Allison Pace is the author of numerous books and can be found on her website or on her Goodreads page.
Disclosure: A review copy of the book was provided by Berkley in exchange for my honest opinion.
This sounds like a great cozy mystery for a dog lover like me! I like how most of them are full of quirky characters. They are fun to read. I'll put this one on my list to read.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a lot of fun! On the TBR list :-)
ReplyDeleteI've had this book on my TBR list for a week or two, I'm still on the fence as to whether I want to buy it or not. Hopefully the library will get a copy of it, and I can borrow it.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like so much fun! I love a story with dogs!
ReplyDeleteMy husband loves pugs so he'd love the cover but he'd never read the book. (I'm still trying to figure out what books would entice him to read more.)
ReplyDeleteI have a copy of this one too and I'm thrilled to know that you gave it a 4!!
ReplyDeleteNot sure this is my cup of tea, but I love the cover. ;)
ReplyDelete