Death by Dog Show is not the type of cozy mystery that readers are used to reading. There are numerous references to the male physique (Wing's especially) and how it affects Perri's ânether regionsâ. The sexual exploits of other characters are referenced throughout the story along with their looks. The author seems focused on appearances along with people's finances. There is an emphasis on the financial disparity between characters (the rich versus Perri who grew up in the foster system). I found the writing to be awkward and the pacing slow. Some of the author's word choices were unusual and it felt like the author had swallowed a dictionary and thesaurus (peripatetic and plutocrats are two examples). Arlene Kay used some unusual names for her characters. They include Yael Lindsay, Roar Jansen, Wing Pruett and Persephone Morgan. There is an abundance of foul language (which is unusual for a cozy mystery) and repetition of information. The characters lacked development. Do not expect warm, friendly characters (that includes Keats and Poe) in this cozy. Perri is an unlikeable protagonist who is focused on people's looks and finances (comes across as shallow and jealous). Perri is one of those people who judge based on first appearances. She is especially intent on getting the âhandsomeâ Wing Pruett undressed and into her bed (while someone else watches Wing's daughter). Babette seems perpetually on the prowl for her next bed partner and husband. As I was reading Death by Dog Show there were references to a previous crime. I felt like I was dropped into the middle of A Creature Comforts Mystery series. There are references to a previous crime. The mystery was uncomplicated and can be figured out long before the reveal. The dog show elements were confusing and not explained properly. I am not sure what the author was aiming for with this story. It seemed out of date. I found Death by Dog Show to be âruffâ and it missed the mark for me.

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