Stud Rites

On the scene to cover the Alaskan Malamute National Specialty Show for Dog's Life magazine, writer Holly Winter follows the trail of a killer when the show judge is found bludgeoned to death. Reprint.

Like the previous books in her popular Dog Lover's series, Susan Conant's Stud Rites is "highly recommended for lovers of dogs, people, and all-around good story-telling." (Mystery News) Set during an Alaskan Malamute National Specialty show, Conant's latest foray into the competetive world of purebred dogs proves lethal for the judge, who is found bludgeoned to death by a blunt object as tasteless as the murder itself. And who might benefit from the judge's death? Many, as it turns out--from the woman who has inherited his job to the organizer of the show, and including the handler whose dog now has a good chance of winning. Dog's Life writer Holly Winter is on the scene with two dogs entered in the show. She knows who had access to murder weapon, but it is a former lover, now working for a firm that specializes in canine reproductive technology, who unwittingly puts her on the trail of the killer.Once again Susan Conant combines an insider's knowledge of the world of purebred dog fanciers with an intricately plotted and wittily told mystery that is certain to earn a rousing "Paws up!" (Publishers Weekly) from her many loyal fans. "Come. Sit. Stay...Conant's readers--with ears up and alert eye--eagerly await her next." (Kirkus Reviews).