UNLEASH THE MUTTS featuring "A Doggone Scandal" by Teresa Inge

Who let the dogs out? Nobody…yet! But the Mutt Mystery authors are ready to release the hounds (and other breeds). On March 3rd, you'll be able to purchase your copy of To Fetch a Scoundrel, the 2nd installment in the Mutt Mysteries series. The four fun "tails" of scandal and murder showcase dogs of all shapes and sizes, with one thing in common: they help their owners chase down killers and bring them to justice. This last week before the big release we're posting an excerpt from each story, and insight as to why an author chose a particular setting for their “tall tail.”  

Today’s feature…

“A DOGGONE SCANDAL” by Teresa Inge

We asked Teresa where her story is set, and why she chose that location:

I wrote “A Doggone Scandal” to continue featuring Catt Ramsey, a dog walker in the Mutt Mysteries Series. I take Catt and her dogs Cagney and Lacey on the road to the Outerbanks to solve a mysterious note in a pet supply order. Since I love the OBX and it’s my favorite place to be, I choose this setting for my story. 

And now read this:

CHAPTER ONE

Catt Ramsey slid her desk chair toward the window of the small apartment she rented over her sister’s cottage in Virginia Beach. The space served a dual role for both home and business.

A man in a blue uniform shirt and shorts approached, carrying a small blue box. He took the outdoor stairs two at a time.

Her Yorkshire Terriers, Cagney and Lacey, stood on their hind legs, barking at him through the bay window.

After a few quick taps, he pushed the screen door open and entered. “Delivery,” he said.

Cagney and Lacey jumped from the window seat to the floor and made their way toward the man, sniffing his shoes and socks.

Catt recognized the dog and cat graphics on the side of the blue box from her pet supplier, but not the man carrying it.

“Where do you want it?” he asked.

“I don’t recall ordering any supplies.”

“It’s addressed to the Woof-Pack Dog Walkers.” The man wiped his forehead with his shirt sleeve.

“Well, that’s us.” Catt pointed toward a table near her desk then reached into the mini-fridge on a shelf. She grabbed two bottles. “Care for some water?” She extended one toward him.

He set the box down and reached for the proffered water. He twisted the top and gulped. When the bottle was nearly empty, he recapped it. “Thanks. I needed that.”

“You’re not the usual delivery driver,” Catt said.

“No ma’am. I’m Shane. Charlie retired last month.”

“Oh. I didn’t realize he retired.”

“Yes, ma’am. I’ll be your driver going forward.” He reached down and petted Cagney and Lacey. “Well, if there isn’t anything else. Have a nice day.” He made his way out the door and down the stairs.

Catt grabbed a pair of scissors from her desk. She slid the pointed end across the top of the box, opened it, and yanked out the packing material. After pulling out the last piece, she grabbed a small red ball from the box and squeezed it in her hand. She pulled out the company information card included with every order. Catt turned it over and found a hand-written note. You solved a model’s murder and theft . . . Now come to Pet Products in OBX to solve the rest.

CLICK HERE to read more about the authors.

CLICK HERE to read more about the stories.

CHECK BACK March 3rd to see how you can purchase a copy of To Fetch a Scoundrel, Four Fun “Tails” of Scandal and Murder.