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An Animals in Focus Mystery #1
Drop Dead on Recall
Dogs, cats, and murderous misdeeds
Animal photographer and dog show handler Janet MacPhail knows it’s the sure-footed, finely trained canine competitors that steal the attention in the obedience ring. But all eyes are on widely disliked star handler Abigail Dorn when she falls down dead at the drop on recall command with her border collie, Pip, an Obedience Trial Champion.
Janet suspects foul play when she uncovers a bitter rivalry between Abby and Suzette, the owner of Fly, Pip’s top-ranking competitor. Balancing her dementia-afflicted mother, threats aimed at her beloved pets, and a flirty-hunk dog handler, Janet investigates as another murder takes place. And her nosing around reveals an ugly scandal in the dog show circuit.
Animal photographer and dog show handler Janet MacPhail knows it’s the sure-footed, finely trained canine competitors that steal the attention in the obedience ring. But all eyes are on widely disliked star handler Abigail Dorn when she falls down dead at the drop on recall command with her border collie, Pip, an Obedience Trial Champion.
Janet suspects foul play when she uncovers a bitter rivalry between Abby and Suzette, the owner of Fly, Pip’s top-ranking competitor. Balancing her dementia-afflicted mother, threats aimed at her beloved pets, and a flirty-hunk dog handler, Janet investigates as another murder takes place. And her nosing around reveals an ugly scandal in the dog show circuit.
389 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2012
7 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
About the author
Sheila Webster Boneham
27 books70 followersSheila Webster Boneham writes fiction and nonfiction, much of it focused on animals, nature, and travel. She doesn't like to be labeled -- just as she reads across genres, Sheila also writes across genres. She is currently working on a novel, a series of short stories, a series of essays about traveling the U.S. by train, and a book-length meditation on the human-canine connection. Sheila teaches writing workshops and classes, and often speaks about writing, creativity, and related topics.
Sheila's debut mystery novel, Drop Dead on Recall was named on the Top Ten Dog Books of 2012 by NBC Petside. The sequel, The Money Bird , was released in 2013, and Catwalk is scheduled for September 2014.
Sheila holds a Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing from the Stonecoast MFA Program/University of Southern Maine, and a Ph.D. degree in folklore from Indiana University. She has taught writing, folklore, and literature at universities in the U.S. and the Middle East. She is a member of the Associated Writing Programs, the North Carolina Writers Network, and several other professional organizations.
Sheila and her husband and dogs have enjoyed getting to know different parts of the U.S. over the past few years. They currently live in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Sheila's debut mystery novel, Drop Dead on Recall was named on the Top Ten Dog Books of 2012 by NBC Petside. The sequel, The Money Bird , was released in 2013, and Catwalk is scheduled for September 2014.
Sheila holds a Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing from the Stonecoast MFA Program/University of Southern Maine, and a Ph.D. degree in folklore from Indiana University. She has taught writing, folklore, and literature at universities in the U.S. and the Middle East. She is a member of the Associated Writing Programs, the North Carolina Writers Network, and several other professional organizations.
Sheila and her husband and dogs have enjoyed getting to know different parts of the U.S. over the past few years. They currently live in Wilmington, North Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
June 1, 2012
This is a really fun mystery, set in the AKC dog world--in this case, the dog obedience circuit.It captures in a fun way both the nutty obsessiveness and the genuine love of animals that so often characterize the competitive dog world.
Janet McPhail is a professional photographer who competes, for fun, in dog obedience with her Aussie (Australian shepherd), Jay. On one fine, sunny morning, they're at a competition, and a far more serious competitor, Abigail Dorn, falls to the ground, in obvious distress--and dies in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. As one of the first to Abigail's side, along with her husband Greg Dorn, and the person who takes home her dog, Pip, and cleans up the food at the Dorns' crate set-up, Janet becomes at least officially a "person of interest" for the police, when they determine that Abigail was poisoned.
Of course Janet can't keep from poking around, talking to people, asking questions. There are a lot of potential suspects, because Abigail Dorn had a rather abrasive manner and didn't suffer fools gladly, but the more she learns about her, the more Janet regrets that she didn't know the woman better. As she learns about natural plant poisons from her eccentric neighbor, Goldie Sunshine, gets to know major hunk Tom Saunders--who turns out to be Abigail's cousin and a possible suspect, and wonders over the unpredictably prickly behavior of her friend Connie, all while trying to move her increasingly senile mother into a nursing home, Janet gets more and more alarmed. When the Dorns' dogs disappear and Jay is threatened, she's terrified--and still not ready to back off.
This is a nicely done mystery, with very real dogs and dog people, and I'm looking forward to more.
Becki's Rule Note: No animals die in the course of this book.
Recommended.
Janet McPhail is a professional photographer who competes, for fun, in dog obedience with her Aussie (Australian shepherd), Jay. On one fine, sunny morning, they're at a competition, and a far more serious competitor, Abigail Dorn, falls to the ground, in obvious distress--and dies in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. As one of the first to Abigail's side, along with her husband Greg Dorn, and the person who takes home her dog, Pip, and cleans up the food at the Dorns' crate set-up, Janet becomes at least officially a "person of interest" for the police, when they determine that Abigail was poisoned.
Of course Janet can't keep from poking around, talking to people, asking questions. There are a lot of potential suspects, because Abigail Dorn had a rather abrasive manner and didn't suffer fools gladly, but the more she learns about her, the more Janet regrets that she didn't know the woman better. As she learns about natural plant poisons from her eccentric neighbor, Goldie Sunshine, gets to know major hunk Tom Saunders--who turns out to be Abigail's cousin and a possible suspect, and wonders over the unpredictably prickly behavior of her friend Connie, all while trying to move her increasingly senile mother into a nursing home, Janet gets more and more alarmed. When the Dorns' dogs disappear and Jay is threatened, she's terrified--and still not ready to back off.
This is a nicely done mystery, with very real dogs and dog people, and I'm looking forward to more.
Becki's Rule Note: No animals die in the course of this book.
Recommended.
June 10, 2023
I enjoyed the book, but somehow didn’t work for me to be a great book. I can’t seem to put a finger on why, so will need to leave it up to other reviewers. I never claim to be a great reviewer, just someone who shares what I like. The book starts with a handler in an obedience trial keeling over:
'Abigail had keeled over at the judge’s signal. Pip, her Border Collie, had come flying when Abigail called, then dropped to the grass twenty feet out on her “Down!” command. According to the American Kennel Club rules, Abigail should have called him again when the judge gave the signal. I’m no expert on the finer points of scoring, but I was pretty sure that falling flat on her face was a serious handling error.'
One or more people get murdered in the book. The main character of the book, Janet, tries to figure it out as she is familiar with the players. It is helpful there is a list of characters and their animal or breed in the front of the book for reference.
The book is written in a mildly funny way but didn’t remember anywhere busting out loud chuckling. Janet has the hots for another character Tom and borders on bawdy. Nothing I thought obscene Here is one little example:
‘Nice rear assembly. I thought. I felt a mild twinge of guilt, considering Abigail’s plight, but I couldn’t help evaluating Tom’s retreating posterior, and putting it in terms of canine structure was second nature.’
I liked how a couple of cops were involved. You always have to answer that question, ‘why not just leave it to the police? There is a competent female detective Jo and a male detective Homer who is drawn on the bumbling side. It is Jo who makes the comment though:
“Don’t do anything stupid. That’s our job.”
As in most murder mysteries there comes that point of worry that the killers’ sights are on you:
“And the killer knows you and doesn’t know how much you’ve figured out.”
I liked how the ending was different than your typical dog book. Overall I enjoyed the book and it ticks off another one I can tick off toward my goal of reading book one of the 53 mystery + dog series I have identified making this number 16 so far.
The only minor, for those who have read the book, was that finding a mouse in your house would have caused more of a fuss.
'Abigail had keeled over at the judge’s signal. Pip, her Border Collie, had come flying when Abigail called, then dropped to the grass twenty feet out on her “Down!” command. According to the American Kennel Club rules, Abigail should have called him again when the judge gave the signal. I’m no expert on the finer points of scoring, but I was pretty sure that falling flat on her face was a serious handling error.'
One or more people get murdered in the book. The main character of the book, Janet, tries to figure it out as she is familiar with the players. It is helpful there is a list of characters and their animal or breed in the front of the book for reference.
The book is written in a mildly funny way but didn’t remember anywhere busting out loud chuckling. Janet has the hots for another character Tom and borders on bawdy. Nothing I thought obscene Here is one little example:
‘Nice rear assembly. I thought. I felt a mild twinge of guilt, considering Abigail’s plight, but I couldn’t help evaluating Tom’s retreating posterior, and putting it in terms of canine structure was second nature.’
I liked how a couple of cops were involved. You always have to answer that question, ‘why not just leave it to the police? There is a competent female detective Jo and a male detective Homer who is drawn on the bumbling side. It is Jo who makes the comment though:
“Don’t do anything stupid. That’s our job.”
As in most murder mysteries there comes that point of worry that the killers’ sights are on you:
“And the killer knows you and doesn’t know how much you’ve figured out.”
I liked how the ending was different than your typical dog book. Overall I enjoyed the book and it ticks off another one I can tick off toward my goal of reading book one of the 53 mystery + dog series I have identified making this number 16 so far.
The only minor, for those who have read the book, was that finding a mouse in your house would have caused more of a fuss.
August 4, 2012
In a word, meh. The subculture of dog obedience trials rang true for me. (I have learned a bit about dog shows second-hand from my wire-haired fox terrier breeder. BTW, wires are not big on obedience.) An in-bred world (I’m talking about human inter-relationships, not the dog kind) produces jealousy, envy, long-held grudges, suspicion, everything that goes with hyper-competition. It’s an expensive undertaking (not unlike dressage, in the news now), with little financial compensation to show for it, so it is done for pride. And we all go what that goeth before.
I enjoyed that part of the book – I even knew what a Dremel was. However, I prefer the harder-boiled variety of mystery, and there was very little of either in this book – either hard-boiled or mystery. When the murderer was revealed, I couldn’t remember which character it was. The biggest mystery was whether Janet was finally going to end her, apparently, long-term celibacy with beautiful Tom. Boneham may have read too many bodice-rippers to find so many descriptions of what Tom looked like, talked, acted, and inspired in Janet’s libido. Spoiler: nothing ever happened. Maybe that’s being left for the next installation. If so, I guess I’ll just have to wonder; this is not a series I’m interested in following.
I enjoyed that part of the book – I even knew what a Dremel was. However, I prefer the harder-boiled variety of mystery, and there was very little of either in this book – either hard-boiled or mystery. When the murderer was revealed, I couldn’t remember which character it was. The biggest mystery was whether Janet was finally going to end her, apparently, long-term celibacy with beautiful Tom. Boneham may have read too many bodice-rippers to find so many descriptions of what Tom looked like, talked, acted, and inspired in Janet’s libido. Spoiler: nothing ever happened. Maybe that’s being left for the next installation. If so, I guess I’ll just have to wonder; this is not a series I’m interested in following.
May 18, 2013
Oh, my. I wanted to like this book...dogs, dog obedience, mystery, romance, 50-something heroine ...but oy vey,the writing!If drowning in metaphors like you're a leaf in a high wind lost at sea without a paddle in the whirling windy tornado is the way you want to spend your summer vacation, this book is for you.
My favorite sentence comes after the narrator/heroine has just listened to a voice mail threatening her dog. She says, "The ice in those words blasted like brainfreeze through my skull, but the taste in my mouth was definitely not ice cream."
My favorite sentence comes after the narrator/heroine has just listened to a voice mail threatening her dog. She says, "The ice in those words blasted like brainfreeze through my skull, but the taste in my mouth was definitely not ice cream."
September 21, 2013
If you love dogs, love mysteries, or even just love a funny, lighthearted read, this book is for you. Ms Boneham's work reminds me a lot of Susan Conant's early work. A light-hearted, easy read filled with amusing characters and lots of true-to-life info form the dog show world. Highly recommended!
March 10, 2013
f you aren’t a dog lover, this might not be the right book for you. I like dogs but I’m not a dog lover and at times the story dragged. We get an up close and detailed look at dog shows and their culture, as well as a look at breeding purebred dogs. Mixed in with the murder mysteries are a sweet budding romance and the travails of an aging parent.
Janet is likable; she isn’t a morning person, loves animals, has bills to pay, puts housekeeping low on her priority list (which actually works to her benefit later in the story), and has family problems. When a competitor and aquaintance, Abigail, literally falls ill at a show, she rushes over to help but Abigail dies en route to the hospital. She helps Abigail’s husband by taking the dog, Pip, home to her house for a few days. That’s when the trouble begins. She is hounded by another competitor and Pip’s breeder to turn Pip over to them and the police keep questioning her. She gets drawn deeper and deeper into the investigation, unable to turn away.
Boneham pushes one suspect very hard; so hard that I became convinced that that person wasn’t actually responsible. There are other suspects and I thought I knew who it was. Boneham sprinkles clues and red herrings throughout the story, leaving the reader wondering just who the killer is. The ending was a bit cliched, and the dog details could get incredibly dry. The book goes on too long, it could have been trimmed by a quarter and been the better for it. The story was okay but I doubt I’ll bother with the next book.
This review first appeared at BookTrib - http://beaconnors.booktrib.com/review...
Janet is likable; she isn’t a morning person, loves animals, has bills to pay, puts housekeeping low on her priority list (which actually works to her benefit later in the story), and has family problems. When a competitor and aquaintance, Abigail, literally falls ill at a show, she rushes over to help but Abigail dies en route to the hospital. She helps Abigail’s husband by taking the dog, Pip, home to her house for a few days. That’s when the trouble begins. She is hounded by another competitor and Pip’s breeder to turn Pip over to them and the police keep questioning her. She gets drawn deeper and deeper into the investigation, unable to turn away.
Boneham pushes one suspect very hard; so hard that I became convinced that that person wasn’t actually responsible. There are other suspects and I thought I knew who it was. Boneham sprinkles clues and red herrings throughout the story, leaving the reader wondering just who the killer is. The ending was a bit cliched, and the dog details could get incredibly dry. The book goes on too long, it could have been trimmed by a quarter and been the better for it. The story was okay but I doubt I’ll bother with the next book.
This review first appeared at BookTrib - http://beaconnors.booktrib.com/review...
September 11, 2012
Janet MacPhail, animal photographer and owner of an Australian Shepherd, watches the cutthroat dog obedience trial competition, and witnesses Abigail Dorn collapse as she commanded her Border Collie to "drop on recall." While Abigail's death is on the verge of being declared a homicide, Janet is wondering who would want Abigail, who was not well liked in dog circles, dead? Plus someone thinks Janet is too close to the truth: Scary things have been happening, including an attempted poisoning of Janet's Aussie, Jay; and the kidnapping of her cat, Leo.
Dog lovers will especially love this mystery! Don't worry if you are not a dog person--Janet is good at explaining the terminology associated with dog obedience training and breeding. Janet has to sort thru several red herrings, all the while wondering if her new love interest, Labrador Retriever owner Tom, might be a suspect; considering that Abigail was a distant cousin of his plus "bad blood" in his family. I recommend curing up with your pet (dog or cat) and enjoying this fun "cozy."
Dog lovers will especially love this mystery! Don't worry if you are not a dog person--Janet is good at explaining the terminology associated with dog obedience training and breeding. Janet has to sort thru several red herrings, all the while wondering if her new love interest, Labrador Retriever owner Tom, might be a suspect; considering that Abigail was a distant cousin of his plus "bad blood" in his family. I recommend curing up with your pet (dog or cat) and enjoying this fun "cozy."
November 23, 2023
This was OK, a little over full with characters, with not much difference between them. I couldn't remember which one was Suzanne and which one was Connie. The "romance" was a little cringe worthy some of the time, but over all it was an OK read. I know other reviews have said the parts about her mother weren't needed but I found them to be the most realistic and made me like the main character more. All in all, not a bad book, but not a great one. I probably wouldn't bother reading the next one in the series.
November 27, 2023
Very, very cute!! A book full of dogs (& a cat), a “mature” protagonist, the world of dog competitions and training as well as mystery and a bit of romance thrown in for good measure. Just a few minor editing errors—mostly because I’m so familiar with the location of the story. Delighted to see this is the 1st of a series! Will look for next one for sure!
August 2, 2017
I really enjoyed this book! I was really engaged, and enjoyed the characters. The author was spot on about the world of competitive obedience. Well, that is, except for the part about the competitors murdering each other. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
September 7, 2024
Great! Love the humor, love the characters. Some details may be a bit beyond those not familiar with the dog sport scene, and frankly, I am not a "sporting breed" (ie-hunt tests) fan, but muddled through. Started the 2nd in series now, and these definitely should be read in order.
January 22, 2020
just not my taste.
January 16, 2016
When a top-ranked competitor keels over at a dog obedience trial, photographer Janet MacPhail is swept up in a maelstrom of suspicion, jealousy, cut-throat competition, death threats, pet-napping, and murder. She becomes a “person of interest” to the police, and apparently to major hunk Tom Saunders as well. As if murder and the threat of impending romance aren't enough to drive her bonkers, Janet has to move her mother into a nursing home, and the old lady isn't going quietly. Janet finds solace in her Australian Shepherd, Jay, her tabby cat, Leo, and her eccentric neighbor, Goldie Sunshine. Then two other “persons of interest” die, Jay’s life is threatened, Leo disappears, and Janet’s search for the truth threatens to leave her own life underdeveloped – for good.
Dollycas's Thoughts
I absolutely loved this story!!!!! As the parent to two Border Collie/Blue Heeler mixes and 3 rescue kitties this book hit me on a very personal level. Pet lovers know all about the way our furry friends delight us.
This author knows the dog training world very well and takes us behind the ropes at the competition level. Is this competitive circuit cutthroat enough for people to get murdered??
Janet MacPhail is the perfect amateur sleuth to find out. With her camera and her own canine she can get up close and personal with all the suspects. Janet is a mature woman that I can easily relate to dealing with real life issues. Taking care of an aging parent is so very hard and making the decision to remove much of their independence is a very tough issue many of us face. The author takes on this issue with love and mixes in wonderful bits of humor that helps ease the pain we know Janet is feeling.
The author's sense of humor is what really stands out to me in this story. The mystery is top notch, character development spot on, a bit of romance, wonderful animals, but it is the laughter that will make me remember each and every page of this story. There is a part where Janet is in a cafe waiting to meet a detective that had me laughing out loud and almost rolling on the floor. The comedic timing is excellent. I can't believe this is Sheila Webster's Boneham's first dip in the fiction pool. This book is so dog gone good!!!
Fans of Linda O. Johnston and Susan Conant will love this story. All animal lovers who like great mystery will enjoy it as well. Heck I think mystery lovers will find it delightful whether they love pets or not. It is a wonderful read!
Dollycas's Thoughts
I absolutely loved this story!!!!! As the parent to two Border Collie/Blue Heeler mixes and 3 rescue kitties this book hit me on a very personal level. Pet lovers know all about the way our furry friends delight us.
This author knows the dog training world very well and takes us behind the ropes at the competition level. Is this competitive circuit cutthroat enough for people to get murdered??
Janet MacPhail is the perfect amateur sleuth to find out. With her camera and her own canine she can get up close and personal with all the suspects. Janet is a mature woman that I can easily relate to dealing with real life issues. Taking care of an aging parent is so very hard and making the decision to remove much of their independence is a very tough issue many of us face. The author takes on this issue with love and mixes in wonderful bits of humor that helps ease the pain we know Janet is feeling.
The author's sense of humor is what really stands out to me in this story. The mystery is top notch, character development spot on, a bit of romance, wonderful animals, but it is the laughter that will make me remember each and every page of this story. There is a part where Janet is in a cafe waiting to meet a detective that had me laughing out loud and almost rolling on the floor. The comedic timing is excellent. I can't believe this is Sheila Webster's Boneham's first dip in the fiction pool. This book is so dog gone good!!!
Fans of Linda O. Johnston and Susan Conant will love this story. All animal lovers who like great mystery will enjoy it as well. Heck I think mystery lovers will find it delightful whether they love pets or not. It is a wonderful read!
August 6, 2014
Drop Dead On Recall by Sheila Webster Boneham is a great mystery that takes place in the world of dog obedience training. It is suspenseful, informative and very well written.
Janet is a freelance photographer, whose specialty is pet photos. She is also involved in obedience training with her dog Jay. During one of the competitions, another trainer collapses and eventually dies. Janet unknowingly places evidence in her dishwasher and cleans up possible clues. Because of this, Janet is a “person of interest” for a short period of time. Not liking how this feels, she decides to snoop around and she if she can solve the murder before she is placed back on the suspect list. After there is another murder in the dog obedience world and a poison attempt on her own dog, Janet is more determined than ever to find the killer.
The mystery is carried on well throughout the entire book and there is no shortage of suspects with motive and opportunity. Even Janet’s possible new love interest, Tom, could be the killer. I was so sure that I had figured out the culprit about halfway through the book, but I was wrong. When the killer was revealed at the end of the book, it was a very plausible conclusion, and one that I did not see coming. I really like when that happens.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book was an easy read. There is so much information revealed in the book, about dog obedience, breeding and even toxic plants that I was learning while enjoying the story. The author is either very knowledgeable about a lot of things or she did a lot of research on the different subjects. I was very impressed with this.
The characters are well-developed, well rounded and three dimensional. They seem very realistic and some of their worries are things that everyone worries about. Janet’s mother is showing signs of Alzheimer’s and Janet is not sure what will happen to her. Janet is divorced and she is afraid of getting in another relationship, for fear of heartbreak. She has “Good Janet and Bad Janet” sitting on her shoulder and sometimes she just wants to ignore them both.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted mystery. The fact that it takes place in a “dog world” is an added bonus and in my opinion made the book even more enjoyable. This is the first book that I have read by this author but I already the next two books in the series to read. I’m looking forward to those very much.
Janet is a freelance photographer, whose specialty is pet photos. She is also involved in obedience training with her dog Jay. During one of the competitions, another trainer collapses and eventually dies. Janet unknowingly places evidence in her dishwasher and cleans up possible clues. Because of this, Janet is a “person of interest” for a short period of time. Not liking how this feels, she decides to snoop around and she if she can solve the murder before she is placed back on the suspect list. After there is another murder in the dog obedience world and a poison attempt on her own dog, Janet is more determined than ever to find the killer.
The mystery is carried on well throughout the entire book and there is no shortage of suspects with motive and opportunity. Even Janet’s possible new love interest, Tom, could be the killer. I was so sure that I had figured out the culprit about halfway through the book, but I was wrong. When the killer was revealed at the end of the book, it was a very plausible conclusion, and one that I did not see coming. I really like when that happens.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book was an easy read. There is so much information revealed in the book, about dog obedience, breeding and even toxic plants that I was learning while enjoying the story. The author is either very knowledgeable about a lot of things or she did a lot of research on the different subjects. I was very impressed with this.
The characters are well-developed, well rounded and three dimensional. They seem very realistic and some of their worries are things that everyone worries about. Janet’s mother is showing signs of Alzheimer’s and Janet is not sure what will happen to her. Janet is divorced and she is afraid of getting in another relationship, for fear of heartbreak. She has “Good Janet and Bad Janet” sitting on her shoulder and sometimes she just wants to ignore them both.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted mystery. The fact that it takes place in a “dog world” is an added bonus and in my opinion made the book even more enjoyable. This is the first book that I have read by this author but I already the next two books in the series to read. I’m looking forward to those very much.
December 13, 2012
I’ve never been to a dog show, although I’ve often thought I’d like to do so (or perhaps a cat show). In the meantime, I enjoy the various shows on TV and can easily imagine the drama and shenanigans that must go on behind the scenes. I don’t usually imagine murder but I also don’t think such a thing is impossible, especially when the desire to win runs high.
Drop Dead on Recall is a delight, a good mystery with characters I came to like very much. I can relate to Janet having to balance work with concern for her mother’s failing health and, in this particular case, her sleuthing actually makes some sense. While most mystery novels offer some information on topics tangentially involved with the crime, Ms. Boneham provides all kinds of interesting tidbits on pet care, poisons, photography, dog training, etc., and she does so very well, giving just enough to let the reader understand what’s going on but not so much that it seems like lecturing.
I also completely fell in love with the pets in the story, especially Jay and Leo (Australian Shepherd and tabby cat, respectively). These two are actively part of the tale (but not in human-like ways) and they add immeasurably to Janet’s appeal. So, a good mystery with plenty of diversions, likeable human and animal characters, a little knowledge I didn’t have before—what more could I want?
Well, how about good writing? Sheila Webster Boneham has experience writing nonfiction but that background doesn’t necessarily translate into being able to write a novel. Happily, in her case, it did and the result is smooth prose that flows easily with a distinct lack of construction errors such as grammar and plot cohesion.
All in all, this author is a welcome addition to those who write pet mysteries and I’m looking forward eagerly to her next book.
Drop Dead on Recall is a delight, a good mystery with characters I came to like very much. I can relate to Janet having to balance work with concern for her mother’s failing health and, in this particular case, her sleuthing actually makes some sense. While most mystery novels offer some information on topics tangentially involved with the crime, Ms. Boneham provides all kinds of interesting tidbits on pet care, poisons, photography, dog training, etc., and she does so very well, giving just enough to let the reader understand what’s going on but not so much that it seems like lecturing.
I also completely fell in love with the pets in the story, especially Jay and Leo (Australian Shepherd and tabby cat, respectively). These two are actively part of the tale (but not in human-like ways) and they add immeasurably to Janet’s appeal. So, a good mystery with plenty of diversions, likeable human and animal characters, a little knowledge I didn’t have before—what more could I want?
Well, how about good writing? Sheila Webster Boneham has experience writing nonfiction but that background doesn’t necessarily translate into being able to write a novel. Happily, in her case, it did and the result is smooth prose that flows easily with a distinct lack of construction errors such as grammar and plot cohesion.
All in all, this author is a welcome addition to those who write pet mysteries and I’m looking forward eagerly to her next book.
September 19, 2012
A Delightful Murder Mystery
I wondered about the title for this review when I first began this post, but I could not think of a better way to describe Sheila Webster Boneham's mystery other than delightful. I picked up this novel knowing that I was biased in her favor. Sheila is one of my writing friends, so it was a marvelous thing to pick up her first novel and find myself forgetting about my good friend Sheila as I became immersed in the mystery.
As I watched the mystery unfold one clue, one death at a time, I found myself truly transported by the wry humor of the protagonist, Janet McPhail. No amateur sleuth, she is surrounded by death for the first time in her life and seeks answers for herself and her friends. She is drawn into the mystery much the same way the reader is, one step at a time. In the end, she is forced to solve the mystery to save her own life.
As interesting as the mystery was, and I did have trouble putting down the book to go on with my own work, I was most drawn to Janet and her relationship with her furry family, orange tabby cat Leo and Australian Shepherd Jay. As the murders take place among dog lovers, there are many animals in the book. Every animal is as well drawn in personality as the humans around them. I know very little of dog breeding and training, and I felt as if I entered another world entirely, one with its own set of rules and assumptions that was fascinating to step into.
This is a well written mystery which builds suspense from the first page. We watch as one human after another falls to a killer within the community, and the sense of betrayal grows with each death. These people know each other, and I cared about them as I watched them die.
Friend though I am, I highly recommend this novel. Whether you are an animal lover or a mystery lover, or if you just love a good story, pick up this novel. You won't be sorry.
I wondered about the title for this review when I first began this post, but I could not think of a better way to describe Sheila Webster Boneham's mystery other than delightful. I picked up this novel knowing that I was biased in her favor. Sheila is one of my writing friends, so it was a marvelous thing to pick up her first novel and find myself forgetting about my good friend Sheila as I became immersed in the mystery.
As I watched the mystery unfold one clue, one death at a time, I found myself truly transported by the wry humor of the protagonist, Janet McPhail. No amateur sleuth, she is surrounded by death for the first time in her life and seeks answers for herself and her friends. She is drawn into the mystery much the same way the reader is, one step at a time. In the end, she is forced to solve the mystery to save her own life.
As interesting as the mystery was, and I did have trouble putting down the book to go on with my own work, I was most drawn to Janet and her relationship with her furry family, orange tabby cat Leo and Australian Shepherd Jay. As the murders take place among dog lovers, there are many animals in the book. Every animal is as well drawn in personality as the humans around them. I know very little of dog breeding and training, and I felt as if I entered another world entirely, one with its own set of rules and assumptions that was fascinating to step into.
This is a well written mystery which builds suspense from the first page. We watch as one human after another falls to a killer within the community, and the sense of betrayal grows with each death. These people know each other, and I cared about them as I watched them die.
Friend though I am, I highly recommend this novel. Whether you are an animal lover or a mystery lover, or if you just love a good story, pick up this novel. You won't be sorry.
September 24, 2012
Although cats are my primary passion, I have long been a fan of the dog mysteries of Susan Conant, Lauren Berenson, and Donna Ball. Drop Dead on Recall, the first Animals in Focus Mystery by Sheila Webster Boneham, rates right up there with the best of the best. Animal photographer/dog enthusiast Janet MacPhail, her Australian Shepherd Jay and orange tabby Leo (who has a predominant role in the story, even cluing this reader in to the identity of the killer based on his actions), drew me right into their little world. The mystery is compelling, and had me quickly turning the pages as Janet attempted to solve "the dog lady deaths." I was so touched by the subplot involving her mother moving into a nursing home, and how incredibly sweet her love interest Tom was through it all. I really look forward to seeing this relationship develop. Janet's neighbor Goldie is another wonderful character, and I'm very concerned as to why she appears so sickly. The action in the end involving Janet's heroic pets was the icing on the cake. This book is a must read for dog lovers and cat lovers.
June 22, 2013
(3.5 stars) The first book in a new series introduces us to Janet, a freelance photographer specializing in pet photography. Janet also trains her dog, an Australian Shepard in obedience. While at an obedience trial, a top competitor begins to act strangely and collapses in the ring. Janet offers to take her dog temporarily. When news gets out that the woman has died, Janet is shocked by the news, particularly when she finds out that the death was suspicious. Janet is under suspicion herself when the police find out that she washed out some food containers that were with the set-up of the deceased. Janet is also dealing with a mother that is showing the signs of Alzheimer's disease, a brother who has his own priorities, and a potential romantic interest in a fellow competitor. She also has a quirky neighbor named Goldie Sunshine. Will Janet be able to find out what happened to help clear suspicion from her own name? This was a fun introduction with lots of information on competitive dog sports, toxic plants, and has a touch of humor and romance.
March 4, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. The author has written many other books, mostly nonfiction, but this is the first of a new series. You MUST love dogs to read this because everything revolves around them. Her style is easy to read and flows nicely with touches of humor that are just right. The mystery is good, although I figured it out pretty early, but that's all right. The action moves along and the touch of romance is nice - and funny when you can relate to a more mature woman who is not a size 2 and hasn't dated in a while. My only criticism is one that happens often in dog-related mysteries. This person is closer to her dog than anybody else in the world, spends most of her time with him, and has him obedience-trained. Why can't she recognize that the dog is alerting her to danger and instead says, "What in the world is wrong with you?" and puts him outside. This, of course, leads to nothing good. Other than that less than creative way of separating her so she can get into it with the bad guy, this is a good read.
May 21, 2014
Series Debut
I liked some pieces and parts of this story, but for me, things did not gel as well as they should have.
I loved her description of her Aussie, Jay. He reminds me so much of my friend, Pam's dog, Abby. She seriously nailed the description, especially the bouncing.
I am glad that she included a cast of characters at the beginning of the book. I sincerely believe that author, Boneham had way too many characters in this story. It was hard to keep track of who was who, even later in the story.
I don't understand why some of the characters are in the story. Boneham's side story about her mother with Alzheimer's really did nothing for me, and the only thing that I can see that it really did for the story was that it gave Boneham someplace (a good place) to place one of the dogs at the end of the story.
Needless to say, I will not be reading another story in this series.
I liked some pieces and parts of this story, but for me, things did not gel as well as they should have.
I loved her description of her Aussie, Jay. He reminds me so much of my friend, Pam's dog, Abby. She seriously nailed the description, especially the bouncing.
I am glad that she included a cast of characters at the beginning of the book. I sincerely believe that author, Boneham had way too many characters in this story. It was hard to keep track of who was who, even later in the story.
I don't understand why some of the characters are in the story. Boneham's side story about her mother with Alzheimer's really did nothing for me, and the only thing that I can see that it really did for the story was that it gave Boneham someplace (a good place) to place one of the dogs at the end of the story.
Needless to say, I will not be reading another story in this series.
October 26, 2012
This was a debut novel revolving around the world of animal training and performing.
A competitor dies during a trial test and what at first appears to be a heart attack is anything but. Our new friend animal photographer, Janet MacPhail turns sleuth when her good-neighbor action (taking home the deceased's pet home for a while,) gets her targeted.
The novel is filled with information on dog training, and the lives of persons that take on the difficult job of being a dog owner, trainer, or both! We are shown that jealousy and envy can filter to the backstaging area and further.
Janet is also introduced to a Ethnobotanist named Tom Saunders. What if Abigail was poisoned? Janet is compelled to seek out answers. I enjoyed the humor between these two characters.
The book was entertaining and I look forward to the next one in the series next fall.
A competitor dies during a trial test and what at first appears to be a heart attack is anything but. Our new friend animal photographer, Janet MacPhail turns sleuth when her good-neighbor action (taking home the deceased's pet home for a while,) gets her targeted.
The novel is filled with information on dog training, and the lives of persons that take on the difficult job of being a dog owner, trainer, or both! We are shown that jealousy and envy can filter to the backstaging area and further.
Janet is also introduced to a Ethnobotanist named Tom Saunders. What if Abigail was poisoned? Janet is compelled to seek out answers. I enjoyed the humor between these two characters.
The book was entertaining and I look forward to the next one in the series next fall.
December 12, 2012
Sheila Boneham came to my NC Triangle Sisters in Crime meeting and gave a presentation on tracking with her adorable Lab. I knew that I would have to read her mystery, Drop Dead on Recall that features animal photographer and field trial competitor Janet MacPhail. Janet finds herself in the middle of not one, but two murder mysteries involving fellow competitors. Risking her own safety and that of her Australian Shepherd Jay and her cat Leo, she investigates while coping with her Mother's illness and the attentions of a good-looking dog owner (who's a little bit too good to believe). It's a good read with lots of action,recommended especially for dog owners and trainers.
October 10, 2014
my favorite part came in the begining, i was wondering, why? at the dog show she was noticing a pen full of malamutes, without mentioning their humans, a few paragraphs later.... oh! that's why the malamutes. :) (you will just have to read to find out why) i really enjoyed the single older(ish) protagonist, who did not behave stereotypically. of course, i enjoyed the dogs and cat. "the who dun it" kept me guessing till the end. i can't wait to hang out with Janet and her gang again! (and hopefully again, and again) i also loved it when Janet the character, came upon the rescue book by Sheila Webster Boneham.
July 12, 2014
Competition in the dog world sometimes gets fierce and owners do not always agree and others covert other owners dogs. At one competition a dog handler falls to the floor and she dies. At first it was thought it was a bee sting shock but it was later to be found out that it was poison that killed her.Janet McPhail can hardly believe someone would resort to murder. Janet has to take care of her mother who is in the stages of dementia and trying to find a safe home for her. Janet's friends with their dogs are all getting involved as another murder occurs.
October 3, 2012
Pet photographer and dog lover Janet MacPhail is at obedience trials when wealthy Abigail Dorn suddenly dies. Abby was respected for her love of dogs, but resented for her often superior attitude. Since she was a young, healthy woman, the police investigate, and Janet is asked to explain some dog-related terms. A second death follows and Janet, fearing she's a suspect, does a little snooping on her own, which leads to danger for her and her pets.
December 8, 2012
I'm surprised that this is the author's first foray into fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this "cozy" mystery - even though it wasn't very mysterious. I liked the characters, the humor and the cleanliness of the writing.
I'll be sure to watch for the next installment.
(Although, I still wonder at that unfinished part of the story about the neighbor, Goldie, and what was wrong with her...or did I read too fast and miss the resolution?)
I'll be sure to watch for the next installment.
(Although, I still wonder at that unfinished part of the story about the neighbor, Goldie, and what was wrong with her...or did I read too fast and miss the resolution?)
May 8, 2015
I really enjoyed this story. It was a great first book in the series. I cant wait to read the next one. Janet is a photographer and she also shows her dog, Jay, at competitions. At one of those competitions a competitor falls over dead. Is it murder? Janet intends to find out. She knows more than the murderer would like and her life is then put in danger, not to mention her dog and cat's lives as well. A great read.
August 14, 2012
Any book with dogs and their persons love for them is a good read. I always enjoy looking into the dog show world from the outside and learning more of rules and how-tos. I guessed the killer before the end, but only after making a few wrong guesses along the way. Would love there to be a sequel, the romance was just getting started at the end.
March 23, 2013
What a fun read! This first book of the Animals in Focus series is fun, yes, but more than that it is a complicated mystery with a complex plot and a cast of dog-world characters that are so life-like it's actually kind of scary. I know a lot of them from my 20-plus years hanging around the show ring and performance world. It is a wild, somewhat whacky--oh, and deadly--tale.
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