Death and The Dogwalker: A Jason Lynx Novel

Jason Lynx #2

by A.J. Orde

Fred Foret looked so lifelike when Jason Lynx's dog found him dead in a Denver park. Jason, a compulsive puzzle solver, is fascinated and investigates on his own. When beautiful Melody Steinwale's body is also found dead in the park, Jason tries to make the pieces fit. The ugly picture that emerges tells Jason more about himself than he cares to know....

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Animals, Cozy, Mystery Thriller, Cozy Mystery, Dogs

216 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

A.J. Orde is a pseudonym of Sheri S. Tepper.

Reviews

[Eugene · Rating 3 out of 5]

🍷🍷🍷
Thoroughly enjoyed this. A short, 5 book series I recently discovered, this is #2, but I’d recommend reading them in order, as the development of the main character Jason Lynx is quite extensive. Well worth the search.
Here Jason discovers the dead body of Fred Foret, an acquaintance, while out walking his pets in the park. He of course notifies authorities and Foret’s sister Marge Beebe, whom he knows. And when Marge asks him to look into her brother’s murder, Lynx, a compulsive puzzle solver, is unable to resist. This story has a lot, plenty of characters of interest, a twisty winding plot, the story of Jason himself, and a very satisfying denouement. Highly recommended.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

1997: 2nd in a very likeable series—I like for the main character—an antiques dealer with a very interesting past— and [as much for] his relationships and empathy and the cosy way he arranges or helps some people, as for the mysteries themselves. A bit formulaic in some details, but I don’t mind.

2020 note: I like this series very much. I’ve read it all the way through several times. I was attracted from the time I picked up the first book, even though the main character is an antiques dealer who absolutely should not be tripping over mysteries every time he turns around—usually a turn-off for me but not always.

This is a good series for people, like me, who see the mystery as a good way to use the structure and plot of the mystery as a way to spend some time with the detective in his or her daily life, as much as for the mystery its self.

Each book builds on and sometimes refers to the prior ones, so I recommend reading the series in order.

[Margaret]

I love this author's science fiction works as Sheri Tepper, but I'm not so sure I love her cozy mysteries as A.J. Orde. I had trouble holding my interest in this story. It is very cozy - after finding the body (no violent action, no blood), the rest of the story is just the amateur detective's investigation which mainly consists of thought and discussion. There was very little action in this book however there was a good degree of character development. I think I need a better balance of activity and thought to carry me along though. Having said all this, I would still try another in this series to see if this is her cozy mystery style or just a one-off.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very cozy murder mystery. No violence, no graphic sex.

There are two murders to be investigated, both shootings in the park discovered after the fact.

Jason is asked to investigate, along with his usual antique selling business.

After talking with all of the involved people he determines the killer/s.

Unfortunately, this is a mystery where justice is not carried out. This may not set well with all readers.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think what I enjoy most about this series is reading about Jason Lynx's life. He owns an antique business which takes precedence over solving the mysteries that seem to find him. This mystery involves some complicated families which are in contrast to Jason's complete lack of family.

The trick now is to find the rest of the books in this series.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A corpse is found in the park, posed as if in meditation. Jason investigates and finds suspects in abundance, family secrets, blackmail, academic malfeasance, infidelity, bad art, and so many pet dogs.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the first book in the series. Too many characters, and two overly complicated murders. I liked the addition of the cat though.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a little off-the-mark at times, but still a good mystery. I would read another by this author, although they are a bit hard to find.

[Mary Helene · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second in the series, but the first one I read, and it was easy to pick up on. I was intrigued by the hero, an interior designer. The local details and the love story ~ all rather satisfying; the plot moved along without being breathless and the writing startled me in it's clarity. All I need in a great mystery!

[SarahJaneSmith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jason is a nice character, but I`m even more fond of Grace. It`s so much fun to have a female protagonist who is described as permanently hungry and enjoying enormous portions without being told to have some kind of eating disorder.

[Helen Fleischer · Rating 3 out of 5]

not as good, annoying continuity error, loose ends, no justice

[Arlene Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish Tepper hadn't given up on her mystery series. A master plotter like she is - mysteries were a natural.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I knew who did it. I was wrong.

[Jane The Pale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love her writing. Not the same emotional trip and intrigue of the first Jason Lynx, but close. Looking forward to the third.

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jason Lynx has a dog. Is cat sitting for a large Maine coon cat.
He is an antique furniture broker and does neat decorating jobs.
Two murders in a park.
Good.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent mystery - a series