I've read multiple cozy mysteries with female entrepreneurs opening various types of businesses related to cooking from coffee shops to tea rooms to restaurants so the thought of a catering business was a welcome addition. Ready for a fresh start, DeeDee Wilson is moving to Bainbridge Island to reside in the family home willed by her parents and will begin her own business of Deelish Catering.

I really enjoyed multiple aspects of this cozy. One delight was a "Prologue" providing the special event where the murder occurred rather than waiting multiple chapters for the escalation to the murder. Chapter 1 begins the lead-in that led to the special event and continues through the investigation to conclusion. All the transitions flow naturally even at the timing of the "scene of the crime" there is no repeat of the details previously provided in the "Prologue" and the story continues fluidly.

I also enjoyed the protagonist as DeeDee was given a very level and natural personality from the excitement of the opportunities of her fresh start to the moments of anxiety in the multiple changes in her life all beginning simultaneously even though they were of her own creation. DeeDee is someone that one would like to have as a friend and/or hire as a caterer.

I've been fascinated by the Iditarod Race since a family member was the volunteer (actually only one in the group that volunteered) for a short sled ride during a tour in Alaska. I loved the aspects of the story that created the opportunity for DeeDee to own a husky. The weave of the Iditarod and husky dogs rescued from Alaska woven into the story captivated my attention especially when DeeDee and Balto were walking or playing catch on the beach. This addition to the story also brought lovely memories of a former neighbor who owned a Siberian Husky. Huskies are beautiful animals.

DeeDee is a great amateur sleuth without endlessly mulling over question after question during her private time that is often very annoying in a cozy. Due to the timing of the murder it was also possible for DeeDee to take on the investigator role without leaving her business unattended. Another frequent annoyance in a cozy is how often the new entrepreneur leaves their new business in charge of recently hired employees to go sleuthing about town.

A terrific opener of the "Northwest Mystery" series. I'm looking forward to spending more time with DeeDee, Balto, and another character that will surely make more appearances in this series. ( )