This is my first exposure to this author, and I must say I was pleasantly surprised by what I read. When a New York City detective dies, he names pet therapist and private detective Rachel Alexander as his executor. Why? He has a brother and sister who survive him. As Rachel digs into the deceased man's life, she uncovers childhood mysteries that could explain why his death seems more like suicide than an accident. She uncovers truths that may also explain why she was chosen as the executor--an odd choice considering the cop had only met Rachel briefly when she and her well-trained Pit Bull Dashiell visit the support group to which the cop once belonged.

The author's writing style makes this a compelling read throughout. You won't be bored or grumble about a slow pace. It was a bit disappointing to me in that it became a little formulaic as Rachel collapses into the sack with a cop who is working the investigation into his colleague's death. Can't these female private detectives have relationships with people other than cops? Just once? Please?

That said, you'll quickly discover that Rachel's character is one you'll come to appreciate almost immediately. There's nothing not to like. She's someone you'll easily cheer for, and the end isn't one you'll necessarily see coming.

This is also relatively clean reading until near the end when Rachel and the cop take a concurrent glide on the matress. But even that scene is mercifully brief. The book is well structured, and the author clearly has a firm grasp on the craft of good writing. Will I read more books in this series? Absolutely. That said, Rhyss Bowen's Molly Murphy remains near the top of my personal list of favorite female PI's. Incidentally, you'll even like the pit bull a lot before this is done, notwithstanding the breed's reputation.