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.
I love that Teresa Inge's stories feature locations I know! That Woof-Pack Dog Walkers is set in Virginia Beach is great . . . and, in this story readers go with Catt Ramsey to the Outer Banks!
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