A review by theavidreaderandbibliophile
A Deadly Bone to Pick by Peggy Rothschild

4.0

A Deadly Bone to Pick by Peggy Rothschild has Molly Madison relocating to the West coast with her golden retriever, Harlow after the death of her husband. Molly is instructing the movers when a large Saint Berdoodle walks into her home (he is a drooler). It turns out that Noodle’s owner is too busy in the ER to take care of the affectionate dog or train him. Molly takes over the task and walks him on the beach each morning with Harlow. Noodle has a good sniffer. He uncovers a hand on the beach. Unfortunately, Molly becomes the prime suspect when the cops learn about what happened in Massachusetts. When Noodle digs up another item, it is clear the lead detective has it out for Molly. If she is going to get her fresh start, Molly needs to use the skills she learned as a copy and PI to uncover the responsible party. A Deadly Bone to Pick is the first book that I have read by Peggy Rothschild. I liked the author’s writing style. It made for an easy-to-read story with likeable characters. I like Molly and her canine companion, Harlow. We also get to meet some of her new neighbors. Noodle is a delight. He adds humor to the story as well as those “ahhhh” moments. Noodle is one clever canine. The author shares information about dog breeds and training as well as agility training. I learned some interesting facts. My dog is part St. Bernard (only drools when food is present) and I learned that he has a nose for scents (explains his tracking ability). The mystery was appealing, but there was not enough of it. I wanted more details and investigation. Solving the whodunit is a snap. I was not a fan of the nasty lead detective (I do not care if he is going through an acrimonious divorce—he should not take it out on Molly). His younger partner is much nicer and easy on the eyes. I loved eight-year-old Ava. She is extremely smart and has parents who are self-involved. Molly and Ava have a lot in common despite their age difference. Molly helps Ava train her dog, Huckleberry. I hope A Deadly Bone to Pick is just the beginning of Molly Madison’s adventures. A Deadly Bone to Pick is a charming new cozy with cute canines, a clever child, a diligent doctor, an exhumed hand, a distressing detective, a perturbing past, and a determined dog wrangler.