Murder by Death

Nope.  This one is not for me.

When George, a homeless alcoholic, and his loud, horse-sized German shepherd, Bella, start hawking newspapers outside her studio,Yoga instructor and studio owner Kate attempts to convince them to leave. Instead, the three strike up an unlikely friendship.

Then Kate finds George's dead body. The police dismiss it as a street crime, but Kate knows he was no drug dealer. Now she must solve George's murder and find someone willing to adopt his intimidating companion before Bella is sent to the big dog park in the sky. 

The writing is very good, but I could not get on-board with the characters or the MC's investigatory style.  She was pushy, obnoxious and embarrassing.  She made it plain she thought the police were stupid and lazy.  The romance was...weird.  It felt like an editor chopped out the entire middle part of the courtship.  After one date he "forbids" her from further involving herself in the murder and towards the end they have a conversation about their relationship going forward.  Really?  After one date?  I have been known to move fast, but I'm pretty sure I waited until at least 2 or 3 dates before I participated in any "relationship" conversations.

The mystery plot was also weak.  The murderer wasn't at all a surprise, but I'm pretty sure there were never any clues given to the reader, or more importantly, Kate.  She just sort of mentally (I guess, it wasn't out loud, anyway) figured it out.  The plot just didn't feel well structured.

I liked Bella and I liked that the author chose a dog with very real challenges and didn't surgar-coat them.  Having made insanely expensive commitments to my cats' health in the past, I appreciate Ms Weber creating an owner/pet relationship that isn't just about food/walk/water/bath and yearly vaccinations.

The author is not without talent, and I think this book might be better enjoyed by others.  It's just not my style of cozy.