Susan Conant Bride & Groom

Bride & Groom

Susan Conant

Berkley, Feb 2004, $22.95, 279 pp.

ISBN: 0425194124

Now that Cambridge, Massachusetts veterinarian Steve Delaney's divorce is final, he is able to marry the woman he really loves Holly Winters. She is a dog trainer; a columnist for Dog's Life and the author of her first book 101 WAYS TO COOK LIVER. Her friend, veterinarian and fellow author Mac McLoud is sharing book signings with her. Between getting ready for the wedding and doing her best to promote her book, Holly doesn't have a moment to breath.

When the first murder occurs, Holly doesn't think anything of that because the victim is a doctor from out of town that she never met. The second victim of the Cambridge killer is known in dog circles for her canine tarot cards. By the time the third killing occurs, Holly is becoming concerned because the victim was a woman who Holly once interviewed. As more murders occur, Holly realizes she knows each of the victims and it becomes obvious that the culprit is someone amongst her dog-loving friends. Holly starts investigating so that she can discover who the killer is and put an end to the crimes so she can enjoy her wedding.

Between Steve and Holly, they have five pedigreed dogs and a ferocious cat. The animals steal the show with their antics and lessen the tension when it threatens to overwhelm the reader. Each victim is female, bludgeoned to death and is then given an injection of medicine that most vets use in their practice. BRIDE AND GROOM is a romantic mystery that will appeal to dog lovers and readers who like a fantastic who-done-it.

Harriet Klausner