In the meantime, though, Rowdy and Kimi's wolf gray and white didn't clash, and in any case, they'd have graced a hovel. Alaskan malamutes are the most beautiful dogs on earth.

Did lightning kill Rose Engleman? Or was the top obedience handler struck down by an act of vengeance? Rivalry? Jealousy? Hatred? Greed? Bigotry? Assisted by malamutes Rowdy and Kimi—and by her visiting teenage cousin, Leah—Holly Winter tracks down the truth about Rose's anything-but-natural death.Mistress of the Dog Lover's Mystery—and seven-time winner of the Dog Writers Association of America's coveted Maxwell Award—Susan Conant has chronicled the adventures of dog writer and dog trainer Holly Winter and her Alaskan malamutes since 1990. Originally published in 1991, PAWS BEFORE DYING is the fourth book in this beloved series.Praise for Susan Conant’s dog lover’s “Conant infuses her writing with a healthy dose of humor about Holly's Fido-loving friends and other Cambridge cliques; the target of her considerable wit clearly emerges as human nature.” Publishers Weekly on Gone to the Dogs“Come. Sit. Stay.” Kirkus Reviews on Gone to the Dogs“Even those not partial to canines will want to bark with pleasure at a good animal mystery in which the animals aren't portrayed as humans with fur.” Publishers Weekly on Creature Discomforts“The author keeps readers entertained between major breakthroughs in the story by relating all sorts of pointers about dogs in general, and more specifically Holly's own malamutes, who play a role in solving the crime. Holly comes across as self-assured, independent, and knowledgeable, and all of the other characters are precisely drawn through subtle details and expertly manipulated facts.” School Library Journal on Animal Appetite“A wonderful romp for canine lovers and others.” Library Journal on Ruffly Speaking“Sheer bliss awaits the dedicated dog-lover.” Kirkus Reviews on The Wicked Flea“There’s not a cat-writer around
Dog Lover Mystery #4 ( )

I really enjoyed this book and read it all in one day. Although Holly can get a little carried away in her interactions with her dogs, I still find her an interesting character. I liked the addition of Holly's cousin Leah in the story. I hope she comes back in future books. ( )

Each one gets a little better. ( )