Santa Louisa’s Independence Day celebrations lead to a case of cold-blooded murder in the latest highly entertaining Mary McGill dog mystery. It’s the 4th July and the town celebrations have gone off without a hitch. Except for the body in the oak grove, shot in the back. The unfortunate victim was a visitor to the town. Mary McGill and her cocker spaniel Millie had seen him only that morning, staring in the window of Lowell’s Jewellery store, his German Shepherd, Ranger, at his side. Could the diamond and sapphire necklace which caught his attention have some connection with his untimely death? What brought him to Santa Louisa in the first place? Having agreed to look after Ranger temporarily, Mary is unwillingly drawn into the murder investigation. She never dreamed that her enquiries would lead her into serious danger … and more murder. "This is a highly enjoyable book for dog-loving cozy fanciers, with charming characters, a fair play plot, and a hands-on heroine" ― Publishers Weekly Kathleen Delaney grew up in Glendale, California, and now lives in Georgia with her dog and cat. She is the author of five mysteries in the Ellen McKenzie series. Blood Red, White and Blue A Mary McGill Dog Mystery By Kathleen Delaney Severn House Publishers Limited Copyright © 2017 Kathleen Delaney All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-0-7278-8689-7 CHAPTER 1 Mary McGill, her cocker spaniel Millie tight by her side, stood in the middle of the bandstand in Santa Louisa's city park and watched the last of the costumed dogs depart. It had been an exhausting and exasperating morning. Judging the best canine costume for the Fourth of July dog parade had turned out to be a diplomatic nightmare. Even though there were different categories, there weren't enough to satisfy all the people who had turned their dogs, big and little, into Statues of Liberty, George Washington, Martha Washington or rebel soldiers. They'd pulled carts, been decked with blinking lights, had tri-cornered hats attached, and one poor dog represented the fife and drum corp. At least, Mary thought the thing attached to his mouth was a fife. It was certainly a drum that hung from his neck, banging his legs with each step. She'd thought for a moment that John Lagomasino, one of the other judges and part-owner of the Furry Friends Pet Shop, was going to jump over the judging table and remove it, but his partner, Glen Manning, stopped him just in time. John had to content himself with mumbling uncomplimentary things about the owner under his breath while crossing the dog off his list of possible prizewinners. But it was over and the next events didn't start until four. Those were scheduled for the large regional park just outside of town. Fireworks would start at nine. In the meantime, she and Millie, her uncostumed black cocker spaniel, could go home. Lunch sounded good. So did a glass of iced tea. It was hot, even for July. She picked up Millie's water bowl, emptied it over the side of the pavilion and tucked it into her tote. 'Let's go,' she told the dog. Millie seemed more than willing. They cut across the park and crossed the street toward the shops that faced it. There were a number of people out walking in spite of the heat, several with their dogs, and Millie had spotted one she wanted to greet. Stub of a tail wagging, she headed for a German shepherd who sat beside a tall, gray-haired man staring intently in the window of Lowell's Jewelry. Mary would have walked on by but Millie had other ideas. She pulled Mary up to the window and touched noses with the shepherd. Mary sighed. 'Good morning, Ranger,' she greeted the dog then smiled at the man. 'Nice to see you again, Mr Miller. I thought you and Ranger were on your way to Pismo beach.' He smiled politely at her then looked impassively at the dogs, who were still nose to nose. 'We were, but I heard it's foggy and cold over there. Thought we'd stay and enjoy your lovely town for another couple of days.' 'I hope you like heat then. We're supposed to be over one hundred today.' She glanced in the shop window, curious as to what had caught Mr Miller's eye. A new necklace piece held the place of honor. 'How lovely. Jerry Lowell must have made that. He does make the most beautiful pieces. I've never understood how someone can take something as clunky as a gold ingot and turn it into something as delicate as that pendant.' 'It takes a lot of skill.' Mr Miller turned once again to stare at the beautiful filigree piece. 'That sapphire is an old one and the diamonds are rose-cut.' He glanced at Mary. 'That means they're old as well. Georgian. You don't see them very often. But the necklace they're set in is new. Very innovative and very well done.' 'Yes.' Mary glanced once more at the piece, wondering how he could tell the sapphire was old and what rose-cut meant, then looked down the street toward home, iced tea and air-conditioning. However, rushing off might seem rude. 'Are you coming to the firew