Blaize Clement's Duplicity Dogged the Dachshund
Dachshund Themed Mystery Offers Gumption Galore in Florida Keys
Pet-sitter Dixie Hemingway (no relation to the famous writer) has found another body in Sarasota County, Florida, thanks to the tenacious miniature dachshund named Mame that Dixie has agreed to pet sit for three weeks while her equally elderly owners tour Italy.
Although gray-jowled and slow-moving, the red long-haired dog’s sense of smell leads her straight to the hidden decomposing body of neighbor Conrad Ferrelli, who had planned to build a retirement home for the large community of ageing clowns. As a former sheriff’s deputy with a tragic past, Dixie keeps her composure after finding the body and contacts the police, including handsome Detective Guidry, which forces her to re-examine her own problems while trying to protect the animals.
Dixie's brother Michael and his partner Paco live next door to Dixie (who curiously has no pets) and they continue to dote on her as Michael's only remaining relative. Paco's undercover work gives Dixie another welcome distraction as she realizes that she waved at Conrad's murderer, who now erroneously believes that she can identify him.
Dixie Hemingway Series Set in Florida
Duplicity Dogged the Dachshund is the second in the Dixie Hemingway series continuing with the same human characters in the small Siesta Key community. In this book, the initial spotlight belongs to a different animal in Dixie’s care than in the first but Mame’s story appears throughout the larger mystery in welcome relevant doses and will affect those who have cared for ageing pets.
Dachshunds, Dobermans, Cats, and Birds Fondly Described
Mame, who formerly danced when people sang her song, is just one of the expertly portrayed animals throughout the book. Dixie’s menagerie includes birds and various breeds of cats and dogs, so pet lovers will invariably find a favorite in this richly depicted life of a pet sitter who sniffs out trouble.
Clown Community in Key Siesta
The retired clown community also receives a sympathetic overview as one of the primary interests of the late Conrad Ferrelli. Dixie, who moves along easily among the various pockets of the neighborhood, becomes more appreciative of their skills and tight-knit group.
Blaize Clement Offers Fun Light Read With Heart
Blaize Clement (Raining Cat Sitters and Dogs) uses vivid imagery without being overly sentimental in well-structured sentences that can pack an entire scene in just a few words. As an extra bonus, Clement also offers detailed and non-stereotypical descriptions of southern Florida while maintaining the focus on the investigation of Conrad Ferelli’s murder.
The Dixie Hemingway series is technically a cozy series but occasional strong language, some disturbing imagery and rough characters occur in small amounts. This serves to heighten the realism and also to flesh out the characters, especially those not featured in the first book. Still light enough for a beach read or vacation book, this should entertain most American mystery fans.
Book Information:
Duplicity Dogged the Dachshund by Blaize Clement. St. Martin’s Press, NY. 2007. ISBN: 978-0312094770-5
Dachshund mix
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