Book Review: In the Dog House

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

In the Dog House     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Melissa Cleary
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Dogs
Series: Jackie / Jake # 11
Berkley, Jan 2000, $5.99, 248 pp.

Like green eggs and ham with Sam, Jackie and a homicide investigation with anyone seems to be the norm. Her friends and acquaintances in her small Ohio hometown expect Jackie to become embroiled in a murder investigation. However, currently Jackie is simply enjoying being on the set of movie being directed by one of her star university pupils, John McBride, who hopes to win an award at the Central State Film Festival.

The movie, “Under the Dog Star”, is a 1940’s film noir loosely based on Jackie’s experiences. Things start well until the producer suffers an appendicitis attack. Renowned Hollywood producer, Cameron Clark, who is teaching at nearby Rodgers University, agrees to take over. However, Cameron behaves like a pompous tyrant, alienating everyone on the set. When he dies in a hit and run accident, the police arrest John whose vehicle is the murder weapon. He was supposedly having an affair with the victim’s wife. John pleads with Jackie to prove his innocence. She begins to make inquiries, which places her life in jeopardy from the real villain.

The eleventh entry in “The Dog Lover’s” mystery series is as entertaining as the previous tales were. IN THE DOG HOSUE is darker than Melissa Cleary’s other works have been, but the story line remains delightful. Jackie’s companion Jake the former police dog enchantingly plays a major role in a plot that he steals. An entertaining tale that will please series fans.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner