Book Review: Ruff Way to Go

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Ruff Way to Go     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Leslie O'Kane
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Amateur Sleuth   Dogs
Series: Allie Babcock # 2
Fawcett, Feb 2000, $6.50, 272 pp.

Allie Babcock recently moved back to her hometown to live with her mother. Allie tries to establish a behavior therapist business that works with dogs in an effort to integrate the canine into a family and eliminate any behavioral problems. Allie meets her neighbor Cassandra Random, whose daughter shows off the puppies they are fostering. She also meets another neighbor Edith who is obtaining a divorce.

Edith asks Allie to mediate custody of the family Silky Terrier Shogun since both she and her estranged spouse want the dog. Allie goes to Edith’s home to see whom Shotgun prefers as his human pet. However, as she steps onto the outside deck, the murdered corpse of Cassandra greets Allie. She also learns that Shotgun is missing. Allie begins to search for the lost canine and uncover the individual setting her up to take the fall in a neighborhood that seems to be in Eerie, Indiana.

The second Allie Babcock mystery is so good that it appears author Leslie O’Kane will gain awards for the series. The lead protagonist loves dogs so much that she knows their names but fails to recall the names of their owners, a quality that will endear her to animal lovers. RUFF WAY TO GO is an action-packed amateur sleuth novel that effortlessly moves from one character driven scene to another. Ms’ O’Kane has another triumph with the lovable Ms. Babcock.

Harriet Klausner

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