Veronica and her devoted Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Leda, are back on the case in this second book in the Veronica Kildare K-9 Mystery Series, pivoting from breathtaking wilderness rescues of missing persons into investigation mode.
Veronica possesses a natural affinity for training dogs—and a passion for locating missing people. As "Lawyers, Dogs, and Money" unfolds, Veronica trains peanut allergy alert and prison contraband sniffing dogs—and joins her search and rescue colleague, a Deputy Sheriff for Boulder County, in trying to ascertain the source of threats against Kadri Ilves, a co-worker of Sgt. Donovan's daughter at a high-end import/export business. The woman being targeted is a native of Estonia and has a long history of advocating for social justice causes. As efforts to harm Kadri escalate in an alarming fashion, Veronica's team and Sgt. Donovan desperately attempt to pinpoint the person behind the threats.
Veronica's father assists the investigation by researching Kadri's background, including her work to end racial disparity in prison sentencing, and legal claims she has filed relative to disputed lands in Estonia. Has Kadri put herself in the crosshairs of the California branch of the Russian Mafia? Can Veronica and her canine partner, Leda, save Kadri before events turn deadly?
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Lawyers, Dogs, and Money is an accomplished mystery novel featuring believable and likeable characters. Carter's well-developed plot is harmless, yet entertaining, highlighting loyalty, durability and the beauty of canine companionship.
Prose: Carter's text is confidently written and maintains the reader's interest throughout with an intriguing and adventurous plot at its center. The second installment in the K-9 Mystery Series, Lawyers, Dogs, and Money is well organized, accessible, and leaves plenty scope for further entries.
Originality: Lawyers, Dogs, and Money is an above average mystery thriller, noteworthy for its well-written characters and entertaining plot. Carter's great passion for dogs shines through, with the bond forged between Veronica and Leda an undoubted highlight.
Character/Execution: Veronica Kildare and her dog, Leda, are the central protagonists of Lawyers, Dogs, and Money, and they extend their charming relationship in a well-written adventure mystery. Carter has a knack for making both humans and animals shine in this charming story.
Blurb: An entertaining mystery yarn.
Date Submitted: April 23, 2024
"Lawyers, Dogs, and Money is a story of resilience, bravery, and the unwavering bond between humans and their loyal canine companions...Tracy Carter is a remarkable author who has written a literary gem!"
"I love Leda, Veronica's service dog—well-trained, courageous, and always eager to work...Dog lovers...will fall in love with the various dogs in the story and will cheer Veronica on as she strives to solve the puzzling mystery of Kadri's stalker."
"Verdict: ★★★★★ Lawyers, Dogs, and Money is the second book in author Tracy Carter's marvelous working dog-centric series, the Veronica Kildare K-9 Mysteries, and continues the suspense-filled story of the title character and her canine partner, Leda, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever rescue. Carter set the bar high with the series' excellent debut, Dogged Pursuit, but she definitely met and surpassed it in this exciting follow-up...The book's opening sequence is attention-grabbing and exceptionally well done, absolutely setting the pace for what's yet to come. There is a central mystery to solve with a wide array of possible suspects and motives that must be checked out and eliminated. Just when I felt I knew where the threat was coming from, new details would emerge to send the characters off in an alternate direction...With its engaging characters, exciting plot, and non-stop action, I recommend LAWYERS, DOGS, AND MONEY to mystery readers, especially those who enjoy stories featuring working dogs, search and rescue, drug detection, or books set in Colorado."
"A young hiker has gone missing...and a wildfire rapidly approaches. Luckily, this is the pressure Veronica Kildare and her dog Leda thrive on. The intense action begins with a perilous search and rescue and the book never loses its punch throughout the story as Veronica stares down further hazards in the succeeding chapters....Veronica...and Leda are characters who will win your heart as they attempt to resolve their latest case. Every scene between the pair is written authentically, with moments of humor and thoughtfulness."
