Speaking as someone who has read a large number of cosy/mystery novels in the last year or two, Susan Conant's dog lovers mysteries are in a class by themselves. Really well written and absorbing. Even the ones that I find hard to read because of subject matter like puppy mills.

Set during an Alaskan Malamute National Specialty Show, Conant's latest foray into the competitive world of purebred dogs proves lethal for the judge, who is found bludgeoned to death by a blunt object as tasteless as the murder itself. And who might benefit from the judge's death? Many, as it turns out--from the woman who has inherited his job to the organizer of the show, and the handler whose dog now has a good chance of winning.

Dog's Life writer Holly Winter is on the scene with two dogs entered in the show. She know who has access to the murder weapon, but it is a former lover, now working for a firm that specializes in canine reproductive technology, who unwittingly puts her on the trail of the killer. ( )

This is the 9th book in the series that I have read. I originally picked it up because I like dogs and I like cozy mysteries. However, I am finding this series to be just average. There is a lot of preaching about proper dog care, anti puppy mills, and the glory of dog shows. OK for a book or two, but every one is the same. The mystery aspect is oftentimes thrown away for the sake of the dog info. I keep reading it at this point because at one time I bought a bunch of this series at a used book store and I feel I have to read them.

This one had a pretty decent mystery, wrapped up in tons of dog show intrigue and infighting. A little too much info about show dog lineage for my taste. ( )