Putting On The Dog

Reigning Cats & Dogs Mystery #2

by Cynthia Baxter

Putting on the Dog (Reigning Cats

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Animals, Murder Mystery

400 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

(from author's website)

Dear Reader,

Thanks for taking the time to check out my web site! I love the fact that the Internet makes it so easy to "talk" to readers (and to hear from them, too - my email address is below).

My favorite thing to do is read - and my second favorite is to write. Since 2003, I've been writing The Reigning Cats & Dogs Mystery Series, which features veterinarian Jessica Popper. The books also include the antics of Jessie's menagerie: her rambunctious Westie, Max; his shy sidekick, Lou the Dalmatian; aging pussycat Catherine the Great; newcomer Tinkerbell, a tiger kitten with the personality of a diva; mouthy Prometheus, a Blue and Gold Macaw with attitude; and last but not least, the silent yet seemingly wise chameleon Leilani. The newest book in the series is CROSSING THE LION.

I also launched a second mystery series, The Murder Packs a Suitcase Mystery Series, which will run concurrently with Reigning Cats & Dogs. The first book, also titled MURDER PACKS A SUITCASE, introduces Mallory Marlowe. Recently widowed at the age of 45, Mallory is still struggling to find her old self when she falls into a new job as a travel writer. In addition to researching exciting destinations, she happens upon the occasional murder - and she can't help getting involved in finding out whodunnit. The first book is set in Orlando, where she goes to discover whether or not the "old Florida," with alligator farms and pink plastic flamingoes and seashell jewelry, still exists despite the proliferation of glitzy theme parks. The second book in the series, TOO RICH AND TOO DEAD, is set in glamorous Aspen, where Mallory is trying to find out if even a non-skier can have a fun vacation.

Working on two different mystery series has been an interesting challenge. I've tried to make the two series different - but at the same time to include the same elements in the new series that readers of the original series seemed to enjoy. That means a likeable heroine, a compelling mystery with some quirky suspects and a few surprises, a touch of romance, and lots of humor. I'm really looking forward to seeing how readers respond to my new character and her adventures!

I always enjoy hearing from readers, so please don't hesitate to write and say hello. In the meantime, I hope you continue to enjoy my books!

Best wishes, Cynthia Baxter

Contact Cynthia: Cynthiab1@optonline.net

Reviews

[QNPoohBear · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Jessica Popper - that's Popper with an o, not Pepper like the softdrink- is standing in for Marcus Scruggs at an SPCA charity event in the swanky Bromptons, summer playground of the rich and famous. (i.e. The Hamptons). Jessica's on-again boyfriend Nick chooses to stay home to study for the LSAT. Jessica begins to regret her decision to fill in for Marcus when she gets lost along the country roads, splashed with mud and yelled at by a strange man and photographed by a papparazzo. The man, Shawn Elliott, turns out to be a major movie star and Jessica's landlord for the week. Shawn and his bulldog Rufus are enjoyable companions and Shawn promises to introduce Jessica to his celebrity friends. Jessica befriends Chass LaMont, an outsider who provides her with lots of gossip and an introduction to movie star Kara Liebling. Jessica is more impressed with the giant ice sculptures of famous movie dogs until one of them falls on a much-hated paparazzo and kills him. While Devon Barnett was the most hated man on both coasts, the police are convinced his death was an accident and blame Rufus for accidentally knocking the sculpture over. Shawn is worried about his dog and wants Jessica to help him figure out what really happened. Jessica agrees the death was suspicious and is eager to find out what happened but when Nick shows up to surprise her with a romantic getaway, he's furious that she would involve herself in something dangerous yet again. Jessica vows to show Nick and the dismissive police that she CAN solve the mystery! She'll be fine, really...

I was sucked into the mystery right away. Death by ice sculpture is a new one. I was shocked at the lack of police investigation (actually not really because the event takes place on a movie mogul's estate) and couldn't put the book down until I knew who the murderer was. I never guessed which one did it. I was horrified by the lengths the killer went through to stop Jessica's investigation. The killer is really psycho.

This book was published in 2004 and likely written earlier. It feels SUPER dated! There are references to videotape, video stores, CDs, calling 411 (does that still exist?) and gay slurs. That one REALLY bothered me. The f-word was used twice. I thought New Yorkers were more progressive than that. The amount of homophobia in this novel was a bit shocking. I think Hollywood is more tolerant now but sadly not so tolerant if one particular character was a real person. I was also surprised that Jessica seemed surprised that a gay couple wanted to make their union official. Sadly, at the time the story takes place, gay marriage wasn't legal in New York so they would have to go to Vermont. Finally, there's a lot of sexual harassment that's treated as funny or flirty behavior. It's funny how much has changed in just a short time.

While I enjoyed the mystery, I did not enjoy the setting. While I adore Gilded Age Newport and Downton Abbey English manor settings, I can't stand the modern equivalent. I follow celebrity news culture but I don't have any interest in being a part of that world, especially as it is portrayed in this novel. That hard partying lifestyle is not for me. I wouldn't want to be hounded by paparazzi just for associating with celebrities or like Jessica, being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

None of the characters in this novel are all that appealing either. Jessica is massively immature. She thinks she's clever and special but she really isn't. I admire her dedication to animals and the care she gives them but her emotional maturity needs work. It's one thing to want to know what happened and set out to investigate but to continually be like "nah nah nah! I'll show YOU!" is another. Every time Nick says don't it makes Jessica act like a brat. Nick knows it's dangerous! He's a trained Private Investigator so it would make more sense for him to investigate. Nick telling Jessica not to get involved is perfectly acceptable because he doesn't want Jessica to get hurt or worse. She persists in her investigation even after horrific warnings. She keeps reassuring Nick she'll be OK but gets into trouble. She breaks a million laws and I'm pretty sure the evidence she finds and the confession she gets are not going to be allowed in court since it wasn't done legally.

Jessica is also immature when it comes to personal relationships. She and Nick are not on the same page. He is trying too hard to force Jessica into a commitment she isn't ready for and Betty isn't helping. Nick is ready to settle down but Jessica enjoys doing her own thing. She also flirts with Shawn a bit. That's OK if you're not in a relationship. I think Nick should let Jessica grow up more and walk away. I actually like him more than her. He doesn't deserve her at all.

Shawn may think he's an unaffected celebrity trying to live a normal life but he's a sleaze and a player. He truly does think he should be admired and assumes all women are going to fall all over him. His behavior with Jessica, a guest on his property and a professional, is unacceptable. He's constantly harassing her by showing up in skimpy Speedos, beige swim trunks, flirting, taking her to private property off limits to "normal" people but apparently not him. I loathe his giant ego. His attitude towards the feral cat on his property is horrendous! He does seem to love Rufus but I think Rufus is an extension of his own ego.

Devon Barnett was an unethical, awful person. I think he was a wannabe and acted out his jealous feelings trying to ruin celebrities. He was just a horrible, horrible man and I don't think anyone will miss him.

Chess LaMont is Jessica's second new friend. He's a hanger-on and a wannabe celebrity. I cringed all the time at the stereotype of gay man. Chess lets Nettie control him and bully him. Why isn't he more curious about what's in the basement? I think Chess is a sad character because he has nowhere else to go and no one who will accept him. He desperately wants to be a part of the glittering celebrity lifestyle and have people adore him. I almost feel bad for him but he comes across as selfish to me. Zsa Zsa is sweet and he does seem to adore his little furry companion but he is also quick to forget about her and his supposed grieving when he has the opportunity to do something else. His housekeeper Hilda is terrifying but doesn't deserve to be fired just because she's formidable and obsessed with cleaning. I suspect Chess could be the murderer.

Kara Liebling, a famous actress, is the only one of the celebrities I actually kind of liked. She seems nice and relatively normal. She's friends with Chess when no one else really wants to be his friend. Her dog, Anastasia, a Borzoi, is a little too elegant and well-mannered for me.

Emily Bolger, daughter of the movie mogul party host is a sweet little girl. I can relate to her not having a lot of friends nearby. Animals are better than people! She's very sweet with the dogs but I wouldn't just let her take my dogs for an afternoon without me! I feel sorry for Emily because her divorced parents don't get along and put her in the middle. They selfishly only care about themselves and not about their daughter. There are rumors Emily's mom is in rehab. When Jessica discovers the whole story, I was shocked that something like that could happen and felt even worse for Emily. Jessica is sweet with Emily and I really like their relationship. It's nice for Emily to have someone to look up to and I hope she does become a veterinarian some day. Since her parents are in show business perhaps Emily will become an animal trainer for the movies and TV instead. I hope her parents get her an animal companion soon. She could use a friend.

I suspect Emily's dad, Russell Bolger, could be involved in the murder. I expected a Harvey Weinstein type and while Russell Bolger is not Harvey Weinstein, he seems shady to me. He has secrets he doesn't want known - big secrets that could bankrupt him and ruin his career. I don't want him to be a murderer for Emily's sake. Another suspect is Hugo Fontana, an action star. I suspected he was based on Ah-nold since the movie titles resembled The Terminator but Hugo is from Long Island and has different secrets. I feel really bad for him. He seems to care about his dog but it's hard to tell. Hugo is lacking in the brains department for sure and probably talent too but he makes up for it in looks. He's a celebrity heartthrob and certainly has the strength to knock over a 300 lb. ice sculpture. Phyllis Beckwith, the caterer, is another celebrity hanger-on. She gets business from them and tons of money. Could Devon have discovered something about her business that isn't on the up and up and she killed him? One final suspect is Devon's estranged wife Sydney. There was no love lost between Sydney aka Sizzle and Devon. I do feel bad for her for finding out his secret the way she did but she had every reason to want him dead. Their divorce has been dragged out too long and he didn't want to share his money. With her husband dead, Sydney stands to inherit everything. I don't think she did it though. She's an artist and more of a bohemian type than celebrity hanger-on.

Lieutenant Anthony Falcone, chief of homicide, is also a celebrity hanger-on. He ignores Jessica and refuses to even consider murder. That would be bad for tourism. Falcone is a wannabe celebrity himself and enjoys the spotlight more than investigating. He puts his career and his own ego ahead of his job and that is just not right.

Gary Frye, the ice sculptor, is the only one I feel sympathy for. His talent sounds amazing and now he's on the verge of losing his business forever. He knows he secured those sculptures even though the caterer didn't like it. I don't think he has a motive for murder and is the only innocent victim in all of this. He's not the greatest cat dad though.

Suzanne Fox, D.V.M. is Jessica's old college friend. Suzanne is completely irresponsible and unprofessional and so is Jessica. Their reunion is absurd. No veterinarian would interrupt another at work in surgery, not even if she's almost done. I was horrified and terrified the dog was doing to die! Even if the vet assistant is there, the vet should finish the surgery first. I would never let anyone else have the keys to my office, let alone someone I haven't seen in years and just give them free reign to use the copy or fax machine or whatever. Suzanne's relationship woes border on slut shaming and her attraction to Marcus is icky at best. I was hoping perhaps her intelligence would make her reject Marcus but he would find the one woman worth fighting for honestly. He's such a sleaze bag and creep that I wanted him to get his comeuppance. I didn't expect what happens here and was about as thrilled as Jessica.

Gus, the nosy busboy, is a homophobic, bigoted, creep. I wouldn't trust anything he says. I would be looking into his alibi for the night of the murder and anything else in his background. Please let him be the murderer! He's the most awful character.

The very best characters are the animals. There are a bunch besides Max and Lou but Jessica's furchildren play a major role in the story. Max with his teddy bear face makes me want to squeeze him but I know terriers DO NOT enjoy being picked up and held like babies or hugged. They're little warriors with a feisty, independent spirit. Maybe Max is different because he was mistreated before Jessica adopted him. I love the scene in the car in the beginning of the book. I know VERY well what it feels like to have the full weight of a terrier standing on you looking out the car window. It hurts! You wouldn't think so but somehow the little buggers become three times the size they really are when they're fixated on something. Lou, the one-eyed Dalmatian, looks to his little brother for guidance. That's SO typical for a terrier. Lou is sweet and loving. They're my favorite characters.

I did not enjoy this series enough to want to read more. If I do, I'll skip ahead to see if Jessica shows any growth.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun series.

[Dakota · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some spoilers......


First book for me by this author despite it being the second book. The book started out pretty good for me actually. The lead was likeable I like the dogs But from the arrival of Nick it all fell downhill for me and its not because Nick is a bad character. I hated how self-righteous she was and some of the decisions she has made on her love life made me want to throw something at her. I felt that the book might be better if she was more likeable as the story progresses. Maybe I missed something because I didnt read the first book, or the book was bit overwritten so the parts that irritated me kept popping up. The part about how desperate her friend came out kind of annoyed me too. I know Nick wasnt very supportive of her "sleuthing" but she could have convinced him to help her. A lot of side characters could have been used more effectively and we could see more of their development too. Some of the bits were pretty cliche but the mystery was quite enjoyable.
All in all, it was a pretty fast read despite the length and had potential so might give another book in this series a chance. Hopefully her other book/s are a little better.

[Julie H. Ernstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second entry in the "Reigning Cats and Dogs" series takes you to the star-studded (and thinly veiled) "Bromptons" (a.k.a. the Hamptons). An overly zealous photographer is killed by a 200-pound ice sculpture, and Dr. Jessica Popper--who happens to be attending the ASCPA-sponsored event at which this (un)fortunate event unfolds--investigates. Possibly because the first book in the series got a bit of the character development out of the way, this one is a much better (i.e., more complex) mystery. There are still a few improbable bits that stretch my capacity for willing suspension of disbelief. For instance, if someone were leaving dead animals on your doorstep--first a mouse, then a rat, and then a cat, wouldn't it occur to you that you ought to not leave your two dogs unattended? Likewise, if you lock your doors at home as a common-sense measure of protection, why in the world don't you do that when on vacation in another part of Long Island? Those limitations aside, this was an entertaining story with the local color I'm coming to expect from the series.

[Bonnie Drummond · Rating 5 out of 5]

A exciting rump that will leave you breath less with all a Stars their with there dogs for a Grand Dog Show and a murder that know one is very interested in solving. Except a very determined Vet and her 2 best canine company's and her Handsome PI boyfriend that just wants to have a nice vacation with her when she's off duty at the vet table at the dog show.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book latest of Cynthia's Baxter's series with Dr. Jessica Popper. It's a good book with twists and turns about a dog shadow and an ice statue with revenge and intrigue. A good read.

[Krystal · Rating 2 out of 5]

The series is definitely getting better than my first impression of them. Its still not as thrilling or as well written as some of my other favorite sleuthing character books, but not bad.

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book, but Jesse drove me a bit nuts.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found a few inconsistencies. During a dog show it's mentioned that a dog won 2nd prize. In the dog show world a dog 'takes 2nd place'.
"Misbehaving in the ring is a no-no" But not really a big deal in the show ring (obedience ring however, yes it is!) Severe misbehaving IS a no-no. but the incident where the comment was used was not an offence.
There were complaints about dog food in the ring. But in the real world there's always food tossed around, it's used to focus the dog.
Brutus, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever was at the show, but it wasn't mentioned if he was entered in conformation. If he HAD been entered, trimming his coat to treat the hot spot, wouldn't have been a good idea, nor would the hot spot itself, it's likely he would have been pulled from the competition, in my experience.
The Havanese was spoke of being so small, but their weight range is between 10 and 16 pounds. On the other hand a Yorkshire terrier is 4-7 lbs
Later in the book, I had to wonder why 'vizsla' was never capitalized, while all the other dog breeds were?

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I enjoyed the main characters and the animals in the story line, Baxter is a bit too wordy and had way too many characters in this, her second book in the series "Reigning Cats and Dogs." Still, I'll try the next book of hers that I have because I really enjoyed the two dogs (Max, the Westie, and Lou, the Dalmatian) that belong to the main character, a veterinarian by the name of Jessica Popper.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun story, the writing was good, but I didn't love the characters. Especially Nick, he seemed pretty flat, needs some development there, to be a partner with Jessica or something. The mystery was pretty good, lots of directions it could have taken

[Kathy Govreau · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book was okay but I enjoyed this one much better. I will definitely read the third one.

[Ewa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice story, although again animals are killed and there are some slow moments.

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like animals and like mysteries, you'll enjoy this book. A bit of glamour, a bit of mystery and a bit of fun.

[Jennifer Daun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun twisty murder mystery! I couldn’t stop reading, had to know who done it! Onto #3!

[Suzanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Premise was promising!
Just never really delivered!
Liked the animals featured.
Distracting editing errors.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A female veterinarian is afraid to move on with the man in her life. But she’s willing to solve a murder with her two dogs.

[Susan Moxley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read that will have you turning the pages wanting to know what is going to happen next.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series!

[Regan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute addition to the series except I could have done without the stray black cat being killed. I don't deal well with books that kill animals like that.

[Kit · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm a few chapters into this book in paperback. Its an interesting story and I want to continue it, but I am frustrated by the printer's poor choice of production. The words fall into the center seam and it is bound so tightly that I have to practically stand on the open page to open it enough to read the text. Reading would be much more pleasurable if I could hold the book with one hand and not be struggling with physical pressure to get at the words. I like the writing, though it could have a bit less descriptions for my taste. Perhaps, if others complained about this, a future book in the series will be easier to handle. Anyone else frustrated by this type of issue? I'll revise my review, if I ever get through it.
Okay, I got through it. I started skipping to read only the first sentence of paragraphs. Then whole pages to get to the end. Plot developed too slowly for my taste.

[Marty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Jessica Popper story. Jessica is asked to stand in for a fellow vet at a week-long charity dog show on the posh east end of Long Island. She accepted manning the “Ask the Vet” booth thinking that she and her boyfriend, Nick, would have a bit of a vacation with expenses paid. Of course things don’t go as planned. During the opening ceremony, one of the most obnoxious paparazzi is killed by a falling ice sculpture. The police seem to think it an accident, but Jessie thinks “murder.” In “snooping around” Jessica learns a lot about the lives of the rich and famous – and of dog shows. … Another well-written story that should be welcomed by animal lovers who also like a good mystery.

[Lillian]

DNF at page 156.

This was somewhat cute, but I have too many books to read to take the time on one I can’t take seriously.

I’ll finish this up with two points, because I worked at and in several dog shows for years and my insider knowledge kept throwing my suspension of disbelief out of whack every time something stupid or factually incorrect about dog shows was said. It’s a pet peeve. (Get it?)

One: Dr. Jessie Popper’s idea of exotic breeds is…interesting. While I definitely wouldn’t say Chinese crested, Lowchen, affenpinschers, or schipperkes are common, I’m definitely not surprised to see them at smaller dog shows, so why on earth would they not be at a fancy mock show with the rich and famous?

Two: here’s a quote.

” A sturdy black schipperke, an imposing breed that looks like the inspiration for the big bad wolf.”

In real life, schipperkes are between 10-13 inches tall. inches Also, they look like living stuffed animals. Not exactly the big bad wolf here.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This (Book #2) was actually my favorite of the "Reigning Cats and Dogs Mystery Series." This installment finds Jessica Popper and her canine sidekicks venturing to the ritzy East End of Long Island to work at a charity dog show. At a reception, an annoying photographer is killed by a giant ice sculpture. Accident or not? Jessica is determined to find out. This book is a more entertaining read as there is a bit of an assumption that you know the characters somewhat and it can avoid the main character description in the previous novel. The setting is engrossing and the story is entertaining. It takes absolutely no brain power to read these stories and that's the kind of story I've been looking for lately! Quick, light, predictable and to the point.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one more than some of the others in the Cats & Dogs Mysteries, probably because of the glamorous setting and characters she encounters.
The constant peril the main character manages to get in to, however, gets a bit old after reading the first few books. Of COURSE the murderer somehow finds and captures her. Of COURSE she's saved just before imminent death... It's a fun read, but a little cliche.

[Julie Marks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Veterinarian Jessica Popper thinks volunteering at the "Ask the Vet" booth at the SPCA charity dog show on Long Island's celebrity filled East End will be fun and relaxing. When a famous tabloid photographer is found dead at the opening benefit dinner, Dr. Popper (not Dr. Pepper!) discovers the animal instinct in the large cast of dog lovers who could have had motives. Maybe Jessie will get a vacation in the next installment of the "Reigning Cats and Dogs" mystery series...

[Bridget · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't say it was my favorite mystery, maybe I'm missing some key info since I started on the second book. It just didn't grab my attention the way I had hoped. I'll go back and give the first book a try sometime. The story plot was interesting which makes me want to start the first book to see if I missed some key character info.

[Pat Barnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

We read this for our Book Club, and I thought it was going to be some frothy mystery, but it turned out to be pretty good! Love dogs, so a book about an intelligent veterinarian and her pets who solve murders is a winner! Nice setting in the Hamptons, though why she had to call them the Bromptons is a mystery in itself!

[Vicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another cozy mystery series which is based on a veterinarian and she stumbles on her mysteries by having a vet-mobile to visit her patients which also gives her the chance to find all kinds of murders that she can solve. This series involves animals, but not the talking type. I enjoyed these WHEN I just wanted very light reading….

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book. I'm glad the library has most of this series. Dr. Jessie Popper is an intelligent, funny vet. She's asked to work at a dog show. When someone dies, she's the only one who thinks it's murder rather than an accident. Trying to solve a murder while rubbing shoulders with Hollywood's elite is not as easy as it looks.