Yet another phenomenal and cozy story from Juneau Black. Loved this so much. ( )

Election time in Shady Hollow. Police Chief Theodore Meade, who prefers fishing over law work, is up for re-election. This year he is being challenged by Deputy Orville Braun, who is serious about law enforcement — and Vera Vixen. The campaigning becomes fierce between the two.

Meanwhile Dorothy Springfield, considered a bit eccentric, is claiming her husband is dead and the rat claiming to be him isn’t her husband. Vera becomes very interested in Dorothy’s claims and starts investigating. Somethings don’t seem right, but is Dorothy right about her claims? Digging deep, Vera finds family history and inheritance matters may have a hand in Dorothy’s claims.

With a close election and a question of identity to be solved, Vera is a very busy reporter!

This is the third book, but I’m hoping there could be a fourth some time. ( )

Mirror Lake is the third book in the Shady Hollow series by Juneau Black.

I love this “no humans allowed” series. I enjoy trying to imagine the various animals interacting with each other. The dialogue is top-notch, and it will sometimes bring a chuckle or laugh.

Vera, a fox and reporter for the Shady Hollow Herald, and her bear deputy Orville are enjoying strolling around the annual Harvest Festival, taking advantage of various food and drinks. Suddenly, Orville spots his boss, Chief Meade, greeting people. Orville is distraught as Meade said he would stay with and crew at the police station. Suddenly Orville calls for everyone's attention. The crowd begins to murmur, and some feel that he will propose to Vera. But Orville surprises everyone by announcing he will be running for sheriff of Shady Hollow. When Vera’s boss, BW, learns this, he wants Vera to start writing articles on the election, following Orville as he campaigns for sheriff.

Vera doesn’t feel BW’s request is proper and heads to the nearby community of Mirror Lake with a lawyer about what to do if her boss forces Vera to write articles. As Vera and the lawyer leave his office, they hear a terrifying scream from next door and immediately head towards the cry. They find Dorothy Springfield, a rat, screaming that her husband is dead and someone murdered him. But standing next to her is what appears to be her husband, very much alive. Vera decides that there might be a story here that, if she pursues, may keep BW from wanting her to report on the upcoming sheriff’s election. Vera will call on Lenore, owner of the Nevermore bookshop, and Lefty, the hapless raccoon, to help her in the investigation. Sui Lin, owner of a local cafe, will again have a paw in assisting Vera with her investigation.

This story is a very enjoyable, well-written, and plotted story. All the animals are interestingly presented and adorable. Most of the main characters of the previous books are back once again.

An entertaining series that I am looking forward to more books. ( )