Paw and Order. V.M. Burns
ANOTHER CASE OF MURDER
“I honestly don’t understand what’s going on,” I said. “I love this neighborhood. I love being close to businesses and people and still having privacy.” I paused. “I know it isn’t as fancy as the subdivision where I was renting, but…it makes me happy.”
“That’s what’s important.” Stephanie stood up and gave me a hug. “Besides, at least you haven’t found any dead bodies in this neighborhood.” She smiled before adding. “Yet.”
I was silent for several moments.
“I was just kidding, Mom.”
“I’m sorry, dear. I was just thinking. You know, I don’t believe in coincidences, but I haven’t had any problems until Archibald Lowry was murdered two days ago. Since then, someone has tried to steal Rex and an intruder has gotten into my backyard.” I shook my head. “I may not have discovered a dead body, but I think I’m going to need to find a killer if I want to have peace.”
“Alright, Sherlock.” Stephanie clapped her hands. “Let’s get this investigation underway!”
Books by V.M. Burns
Mystery Bookshop Series
THE PLOT IS MURDER
READ HERRING HUNT
THE NOVEL ART OF MURDER
WED, READ & DEAD
BOOKMARKED FOR MURDER
Dog Club Series
IN THE DOG HOUSE
THE PUPPY WHO KNEW TOO MUCH
BARK IF IT’S MURDER
PAW AND ORDER
Published by Kensington Publishing Corporation
Table of Contents
Paw and Order
V.M. Burns
LYRICAL UNDERGROUND
Kensington Publishing Corp.
To the extent that the image or images on the cover of this book depict a person or persons, such person or persons are merely models, and are not intended to portray any character or characters featured in the book.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.
LYRICAL UNDERGROUND BOOKS are published by
Kensington Publishing Corp.
119 West 40th Street
New York, NY 10018
Copyright © 2020 by V.M. Burns
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.
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Lyrical Underground and Lyrical Underground logo Reg. US Pat. & TM Off.
First Electronic Edition: August 2020
ISBN-13: 978-1-5161-0993-7 (ebook)
ISBN-10: 1-5161-0993-7 (ebook)
First Print Edition: August 2020
ISBN-13: 978-1-5161-0994-4
ISBN-10: 1-5161-0994-5
Printed in the United States of America
Acknowledgments
Thank you to John Scognamiglio and everyone from Kensington, and to Dawn Dowdle at Blue Ridge Literary Agency.
Thanks to my fantastic work family: Linda Kay, Monica Jill, Tim, Chuck, Lindsey, Kristie and Sandy. Thank you to my wonderful team: Amber, Derrick, Eric, Jennifer, and Robin. Plus, special thanks to the wonderful training team who have done so much to support and promote my books: Grace, Deborah, Tena, and Jamie. Thanks to Abby Vandiver, Alexia Gordon, and E.L. Reddick for legal and medical advice. Thank you Lori Boness Caswell for coming up with the name.
As always, special thanks to my family and to my good friends, Shelitha Mckee and Sophia Muckerson.
Special thanks to Addison Abbott for allowing me to include you