DOGS DON'T LIE
by Clea Simon
An animal psychic depends on the voices around her to uncover the truth.
Pru Marlowe, almost-certified animal behaviorist, can’t quiet the voices in her head. No, she’s not crazy—not that way, at least; it’s just that she hears the thoughts of animals all the time. In fact, though Pru tells her neighbors in the Berkshires that she left the city to take care of her mother, the truth is that she had to get away from all those voices. Country life suits Pru, and she makes a bit of money dog walking and animal training. Things turn sour, however, when Lily, a pit bull Pru trains, becomes the lead suspect in her master Charles’ murder. Now Pru has to count on the voices of the animals to help her find the real murderer before she becomes a suspect herself. By her side, but not always on it, is her curmudgeonly tabby, Wallis. Added to the mix is every needy animal Pru finds on her path to the truth, including a few human specimens like Charles’ fiancée Delia Cochrane and his business partner and playboy Mack Danton.
If Simon (Grey Matters, 2010, etc.) is more cute and cloying than usual, the plot compensates with more intrigue. Readers who can stomach the constant animal chatter will be rewarded with a story with some surprisingly creative twists.