August Online Book Club: Poodle Versus the Assassin by Anne Shillolo

Poodle Versus the Assassin by Anne Shillolo

Poodle Versus the Assassin opens in a men’s bathroom, of all places.

Our somewhat reluctant female sleuth Zora Flynn’s first regret is not paying attention to bathroom door signs. Once the town mayor is murdered, she quickly ends up on the wrong side of the murder investigation.

As an experienced newspaper publisher, Zora is well-equipped to clear her name. Luckily her young reporters Olivia and Brady, best friend Marley, and her hilarious poodle Rocco help her get answers in their small Canadian town. 

I liked Zora’s snarky humor and the banter between her and the other characters. Even the assassin contributes to the zaniness of the story. The mystery is well plotted with twists I didn’t see coming. 

Before you settle in to read Poodle Versus the Assassin, I recommend you get a beverage and comfy spot ready first. Then buckle your seat belt for a fast-paced ride filled with suspects. You probably won’t want to get up until you finish the last page.

The Cottage Country Cozy Mystery series has ten books and they all seem as fun as the first. Anne Shillolo is a retired teacher who has written three series, but the Poodle Versus series is the longest. Check them out!

Kelly Brakenhoff is the author of 15 books and a seasoned ASL interpreter. She splits her writing energy between two series: cozy mysteries set on a college campus and children’s books featuring Duke the Deaf Dog.

Parents, kids, and teachers love the children’s books and activity guides because they introduce ASL and the Deaf community through fun, engaging stories. And if you enjoy a smart female sleuth, want to learn more about Deaf culture, or have ever lived in a place where livestock outnumber people, the Cassandra Sato Mystery series will have you connecting the dots faster than a group project coming together the night before it’s due.

A proud mom to four adults, head of the dog-snuggling department, and grandma to a growing brood of perfectly behaved grandkids, Kelly and her husband call Nebraska home.