CROSSING THE LION

Can a small-town pet detective hunt down a beast of a killer in its own lair?

Veterinarian Jessica Popper is still basking in newlywedded bliss when neighbors Betty and Winston beg her to investigate the suspicious death of Linus Merrywood, king of the corporate jungle. On stormy Solitude Island, the Merrywoods have enjoyed the lion's share of wealth for generations But from the suspects to the surroundings, Jess feels as if she's walked straight into an old-fashioned game of Clue-except here the stakes are life and death. There's a butler named Jives, a sexy assistant named Scarlett, teatime in the conservatory, and a house with secret passageways, moving walls, and a wailing aunt locked in the attic. With a storm raging around the island and Jess's least favorite police detective assigned to the case, things are looking dire until Jess's lionhearted husband, Nick, braves his way to Solitude to rescue her. Now it's the two of them against a family steeped in secrets-and a killer on the prowl who's ferociously determined to protect the biggest family secret of all. Cynthia Baxter is the author of the Reigning Cats & Dogs mystery series, as well as the Murder Packs a Suitcase mystery series, featuring travel writer Mallory Marlowe. Please visit www.cynthiabaxter.com Series praise: "Dead canaries don't sing, but you will after reading this terrific mystery!"-Rita Mae Brown, New York Times bestselling author "A cleverly constructed mystery chock-full of dysfunctional characters all hiding motives for murder. Readers-and particularly pet lovers-[will] savor this delightful cozy."-Publishers Weekly "Should be on your [summer reading list]."-Newsday "Loads of fun! Baxter's veterinary sleuth and her menagerie of animal companions are a great way to spend an afternoon. So pull up a chair and dive in."-T. J. MacGregor, Edgar Award winner and author of Category Five