A cozy mystery series with a unique amateur sleuth. And where the animals are true characters, not just plot points. A MUST READ for fans of cozy animal mysteries Lily, a dedicated animal shelter worker, spends her days finding forever homes for furry friends. Little does she know that her routine will be turned topsy turvy when her boyfriend is found dead and his dog brought to the shelter. With both her human and canine pack, Lily sniffs out a trail of clues that lead her to the truth. She’ll scratch past the surface, digging until the motive is uncovered. Will Lily be able to untangle the web of deception and collar the cunning culprit before it's too late? Join her on this pawsitively delightful adventure filled with humor, heart, and the irresistible charm of her dogs, Boone and Crockett. "Clues From The Canines" is a cozy mystery that will have you laughing, gasping, and falling in love with both the two-legged and four-legged characters. Prepare for a purr-fectly delightful whodunit that will keep you guessing until the last tail-wagging twist! "the author's experience as a rescue volunteer gives an air of authenticity to her descriptions of shelter work and the sensitive attention given to animals in a well-run no-kill facility. And, of course, readers will find the pups entertaining. A whodunit with a promising premise and likable characters." - Kirkus Reviews Q: What inspired you to write a book? I was at Bouchercon in Toronto, listening to a panel of authors who all had protagonists with jobs that involved working with dogs. It occurred to me that I had never read a book with a protagonist who worked in an animal shelter. I had been volunteering at a no-kill shelter for several years and thought a way to have people understand the important work these agencies perform would be using the setting as the backdrop of a mystery.   Q: Why did you decide to write a series? A good writer crafts characters who impact you. Therefore when you read a series, you see the growth and development of the characters. I wanted to allow an audience to follow a set of characters involved in the work of animal shelters. One of the biggest compliments I received on my book was from the Director of the Haddonfield Library. He said, "I'm so glad to know that you're writing a series because I really liked the characters in the book and want to see more of them."   Q. Why are dogs crucial in your stories? Dogs are essential to my stories because dogs are important to my life. I once told my dog's Veterinarian that I was a better person when I had a dog in my life. It's true. The constant joy, companionship, and love that dogs have to give make me a happier individual.   Q. What character in your books is most like you?   Mickey, she is quick-witted and is never bullied. Although some of my friends were eager to point out the character traits that I share with Lily.   Q: What other authors do you read or admire? Ninety percent of what I read is mysteries. I like following the clues and untangling the puzzles, but I also want to learn something new while figuring out the puzzle. I read Jacqueline Winspear's Massie Dobbs series. Her setting is so vibrant and realistic I can imagine being huddled in a bomb shelter during an air raid. I also read Tony Hillerman, now written by his daughter Patricia Hillerman. They incorporate so much culture and Native American tradition into the stories. Each book is a window into another world. I also read for entertainment. I read Janet Evanovich because she makes me laugh out loud. She puts Stephanie Plum in situations that are so over the top but hilarious. Q. What book left the most lasting impression on you? Educated by Tara Westover. The number of emotions that I felt while reading her book was exponential. Her family life was surreal. There were times when I wanted the book to be fiction because I could not believe what was happening. In the end, I have the highest admiration for her. What she has achieved, what she has overcome, and her resilience is inspirational.   Q: What are the high points of your author's journey?   I have met so many talented people on this journey. I belong to Sisters In Crime and three of their branch groups. I've met authors at all stages of their careers from diverse backgrounds. It has been fascinating to hear how other authors got the inspiration to write that first book and where their journeys have taken them. At Bouchercon in Minneapolis, someone asked me to sign their program. I was ecstatic.   Q. What three books in your genre would you recommend to readers? A Deadly Inside Scoop by Abby Collette Two Parts Sugar One Part Murder by V.M. Burns Death A Sketch by Cheryl Hollon Other Books by Darlene Dziomba Up Close And Pawsonal Set in a small town in New Jersey, Clues From the Canines combines witty dialogue with tension and intrigue. Lily, the Adoption Coordinator at the Forever Friends Animal Shelter, is stunned by the new