There is a popular belief that dogs are man’s best friend. There is nothing that captures my interest more quickly than something that has to do with dogs. What matters is that the dog is happy and healthy after everything is said and done. As a murder mystery aficionado, I’m naturally drawn to mysteries that incorporate canines. This is also logical. Dogs and mysteries go together like peanut butter and jelly because of their remarkable sense of smell and their training abilities.
To put together this list, I noticed how many ways dogs appear in mysteries. It’s not uncommon for dogs to play many roles in a story: they might be an accomplice to the crime, a victim, or the narrator. From the Iditarod to pet-related companies, there are various shows centered on the world of dogs. Of course, there are stories in which dogs play an important role as the sleuth’s emotional support system or even as a source of humorous relief.
These are 10 books about mysteries in which dogs play an important role. Because I enjoy reading cozy fiction and there are a lot of novels about dogs in the category, many of the books I’ve read are actually cozies.
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HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES
BY SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE
Sherlock Holmes is a must-read for anybody interested in mysteries and dogs. Dr. James Mortimer turns to Sherlock Holmes for assistance when his friend Sir Charles Baskerville dies in a strange fashion, and he hopes that Holmes can uncover the truth and safeguard Sir Henry Baskerville, Sir Charles’s nephew. Despite the widespread belief that a ghost hound is to blame for the death of the guy, Holmes does not believe it. He appoints Watson as a watchdog on the heir apparent. I think this is Sherlock Holmes’ most gothic story, and it is surely one of my favorites.
MIMI LEE GETS A CLUE
BY JENNIFER J. CHOW
The Sassy Cat series by Chow Yun-Fat is my absolute favorite. Hollywoof, Mimi Lee’s new pet grooming service, has officially debuted in Los Angeles. When her sister drops over a talking cat, things get complicated. In addition to that, Marshmallow, the talking cat, discovers a dubious chihuahua breeder in the neighborhood. Of course, by conversing with the canines. When the authorities believe she killed the breeder after being overheard confronting him the day before, things take a turn for the worst. So, can Mimi cleanse her name, keep her business running, and safeguard her dogs?
DOG ON IT
BY SPENCER QUINN
Dogs have served as both props and victims in our films. To round up our selection, we have a show narrated from the perspective of a dog. Even though Bernie isn’t the most successful private detective, his dog Chet is in love with him. Chet is there for Bernie when he is hired to investigate the disappearance of a young girl. With Chet’s attention on fragrances, affection of his owner, and a poor memory, it’s amusing to experience the world through his eyes. The series now consists of 12 novels and novellas, the thirteenth of which, Bark to the Future, will be released in August.
MURDER ON THE IDITAROD TRAIL
BY SUE HENRY
Dog sledding is one of my favorite winter sports to watch, so this series on musher Jessie Arnold had to make the cut. The Iditarod, a 1,000-mile dog-sledding competition in Alaska, is Arnold’s latest challenge. The musher and their dogs are put to the test in this survival challenge. This is a case of escaping the elements, not becoming a murderer. In the wake of a string of strange fatalities involving mushers, State Trooper Alex Jensen sets out to uncover the truth and put an end to any further tragedies. In the Jessie Arnold and Alex Jensen series, there are a total of 13 novels.
THE POMERANIAN ALWAYS BARKS TWICE
BY ALEX ERICKSON
Veterinarians and animal rescuers are featured in this newer series. Furever Pets Rescue director Liz Denton and her adult son Ben are seeking to find a new home for Timothy Fuller’s Pomeranian, Stewie, who is nearly seven years old. Although Mr. Fuller’s son has showed up to take the dog away despite the fact that the son dislikes the dog, when they turn up to pick it up. They all depart to reassemble after an unpleasant meeting. When Timothy is discovered stabbed to death in the back, the police put the blame at Ben who was spotted in and about the area at the time of Timothy’s murder. Liz now needs to clear her son’s name in addition to helping Stewie. The Furever Pets Mystery series has two volumes thus far.
DROP DEAD ON RECALL
BY SHEILA WEBSTER BONEHAM
Photographer Janet MacPhail is the subject of this documentary series. Dog show events might be tense, but handlers aren’t expected to die by order of the judges. Whoever was responsible for the death of Abigail Dorn resolves to examine MacPhail and find out who was behind it. But, of course, she also needs to deal with her personal life and the well-being of her pets. It’s for those who are enthralled by the world of dog shows. Four novels in this series are available to the public.
IN THE DOG HOUSE
BY V.M. BURNS
Agatha Christie was the inspiration for the poodle’s name, Agatha. There’s no need to say anything else. Her ex-murder husband’s complicates Lilly Echosby’s new life with Aggie the Poodle. There are reports that Echosby is trying to settle previous grievances. When she needs help clearing her name, she turns to Scarlett “Dixie” Jefferson and her two poodles. Dog Club Mystery is a series that includes five volumes.
DEATH BY DUMPLING
BY VIVIEN CHIEN
Lana Lee is working at her parents’ noodle store as she sorts out her life after a relationship and a hasty choice to quit her career. Her parents’ restaurant is located in a mall, and she had no idea the mall’s property manager would come up dead with shrimp dumplings in front of him. In light of the fact that it was generally known that he had a severe allergy. Throughout the whole series, Lana’s pug, Kikkoman, is a constant source of comfort to her. Kikkoman is named after the soy sauce brand the dog resembles. The Noodle Shop Mysteries series consists of eight volumes.
THE THIN MAN
BY DASHIELL HAMMETT
On this list, there is some Dashiell Hammett. Although Nick and Nora Charles are known for their dark dispositions, they are a joy to be around when they bring their dog Asta along. Clyde Wynatt’s daughter begs Nick for aid when her father goes missing and an associate of her father’s is found murdered when they are in New York for the Christmas season. A little bit of everything is there (including a lot of drinking). Both the novel and 1934 film have Asta as the star.
ARSENIC AND ADOBO
BY MIA P. MANANSALA
After a tragic love affair in Chicago, Lila Macapagal has returned to her hometown of Shady Palms. Currently, she is working in her family’s Filipino restaurant. Police believe she and her family were trying to settle an old score when her ex-boyfriend/food inspector died at the restaurant after consuming poison from his meal. In order to clear their identity and cope with two incredibly handsome guys, Lila must come up with a solution The Filipino sausage-like sausage-like dachshund that Lila has is named Longanisa, after the dog. Pets come in handy when we are in a jam.
So whether your favorite cozy mystery series involves dogs as the main character, or they just make a cameo appearance, I think we can all agree that these furry friends add an extra layer of intrigue and fun to the story. In honor of National Dog Day, go grab your favorite book and curl up with a good (crime) novel and your best friend. What is your favorite cozy mystery series? Let me know in the comments below – I’m always looking for new recommendations!
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