MURDER MOST OWL

Returned to her aunt’s farm, a screenwriter investigates an enigmatic landowner’s death with the help of the deceased’s canine companions.

Many years ago, Georgie Johansen left her Aunt Olivia’s Oregon farm and planted her roots in Los Angeles. That should have been the right place for her given her line of work as a screenwriter, but the second Georgie sets foot back on Olivia’s farm in coastal Twilight Cove, she feels as if she’s come home. The beautiful grounds now house both a farm and a sanctuary with some adorable animals, and Callum, the new farmhand, is pretty easy on the eyes, too. The only thing Georgie isn’t as keen on is the presence of Dorothy Shale, an enigmatic woman living in the woods whose reputation as a real-life witch fits her weirdly prophetic way of interacting with the world. Georgie must not be the only person who isn’t a fan, for Dorothy is found murdered shortly after meeting her, leaving behind all that she had in the world: her two spaniels, Fancy and Flossie, and her coveted plot of land. Georgie, happy to take custody of the dogs, is certain that whoever killed Dorothy must have been interested in taking custody of Dorothy’s land. Though Georgie begins to investigate the town’s residents, suspicion falls on her and her aunt, especially after people find out that Dorothy bequeathed her land to Olivia. Luckily, Georgie has help from Fancy and Flossie, whose uncanny abilities may keep Georgie safe as she tries to find the real killer.

Even dogs with magical powers don’t distinguish this from the rest of the pack.