Misfit mutts and mayhem, p.1
Misfit Mutts and Mayhem, page 1
Misfit Mutts and Mayhem
A Talking Dog Cozy Mystery
Heywood Hounds Cozy Mysteries
Book Five
Carly Winter
Edited by
Divas at Work Editing
Cover By
CoveredByMelinda.com
Westward Publishing / Carly Fall, LLC
Copyright © 2024 by Carly Winter
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This is a work of fiction. Unless otherwise indicated, all the names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents in this book are either the product of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Cover by: CoveredbyMelinda.com
Contents
About this book
Previously in the Heywood Hounds…
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Epilogue
Also by Carly Winter
About the Author
About this book
Someone killed a man. Someone set her up to take the fall.
When a local bar owner is murdered, Gina Dunner doesn't give the event much notice—until the police find her DNA at the crime scene.
With no known connection to the victim, Gina realizes she’s being framed. Alongside her quirky, talking dog, Daisy, Gina sets out to clear her name and uncover the real killer. She unearths a suspect list full of unsavory characters—each seemingly more guilty than the last. But none of them had the opportunity to plant the incriminating evidence. Could the killer and the person framing her be different people?
As Gina and her friends hatch a desperate plan to reveal the murderer and discover who planted her DNA, a shocking revelation comes to light. It will shake Gina to her core, and the citizens of Heywood may never be the same again.
Previously in the Heywood Hounds…
In Dog Treats and Death:
When Gina Dunner’s brother, Vic, is accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend, Gina isn’t surprised. Living the life of a womanizing ranch hand with questionable friends and a lifetime of bad choices had to catch up with him at some point.
After the Sheriff announces she has the right man, Vic vehemently denies the murder. When he begs Gina to help prove his innocence, she attempts to puts her doubts aside, despite him being the last one to see the woman alive. She and her rescue mutt, Daisy—a sweet, yet sassy, talking dog—start sniffing around into their own investigation.
In Paw Prints and Problems:
When restaurant owner, Sally Turner, finds her chef murdered, she realizes she’s in deep trouble… especially when she was the last one to see the victim alive and they’d been arguing when she left him. She turns to Gina for help in finding the real killer.
As Gina assists Deputy Trevor Hutchison exploration into the chef’s past, they find a cast of unsavory characters, lies and danger. Amidst the investigation, an unexpected guest - a rambunctious golden retriever named Zeus - lands on Gina’s doorstep. Juggling the search for a murderer and managing the mischievous canine tests Gina’s patience, leading to conflict with those around her.
With her talking dog, Daisy, at her side, will Gina be able to find the destructive Zeus a suitable home and navigate the investigation without becoming a victim herself?
Meanwhile in Furballs and Fatalities…
When the owner of Hammer and Nail Hardware is found dead, Gina's most loyal customer, Erika, becomes the prime suspect.
Despite having every reason to kill Molly Burton, Erika vehemently denies involvement and pleads with Gina to help uncover the real murderer. With almost all evidence pointing to Erika, Gina and her talking dog, Daisy, along with Deputy Trevor Hutchinson, delve into the secrets concealed behind the aisles of the hardware store. However, the clues they unearth leave them with more questions than answers.
Adding to the chaos, Gina takes in a bonded pair of dogs who prefer solitude. Daisy is determined to break them up, despite Gina's pleas to let them be.
As danger escalates, can Gina and Daisy hammer out the details and expose the true murderer?
In Puppy Love and Panic…
An innocent has never looked so guilty…
When a girl is found dead at an all-night house party, the sheriff accuses Gina’s son, Jacob, of being the murderer.
Despite the evidence stacked up against him, Gina is determined to find the real killer and bring them to justice. However, her quest for the truth is complicated by two unexpected obstacles: the fluffy, blonde puppy that is now in her care, and the return of her long-estranged mother.
As she works to track down the murderer with her talking dog, Daisy, at her side, Gina realizes that her unscrupulous family history just might come in handy in helping her solve the case.
But how far will a mother go to prove her child’s innocence?
And now on the Misfit Mutts and Mayhem…
Chapter 1
A summer day in Heywood. Was there anything more beautiful? Birds chirping, the sun high in the sky, a light summer breeze… it couldn’t be beat.
“Gina, what is that organization that looks after the welfare of dogs and makes sure they aren’t being abused by bad people?”
I glanced down at my talking canine as we strode through the town of Heywood, Arizona, the afternoon sun blazing above. “There are a few,” I replied, almost whispering. No one needed to hear my side of the conversation with my dog, especially since her voice wasn’t audible to anyone, except me. “Why?”
“I think I may die. I’m taking my last steps, after which I’ll collapse into a pile of beautiful fur while my spirit leaves my body. And when I do, I want you to get into trouble for making me walk in this horrible heat.”
So much for the beautiful summer day.
I rolled my eyes, thankful no one but me could hear her dramatic proclamation. Yes, it was summer. Yes, it was hot. No, my dog didn’t appreciate the heat. However, she complained just as much about the winter snow.
“I think you’re going to be fine,” I muttered. “We’re almost there.”
“When we get there, please turn on the air conditioner and get me some water. Because I really do think I may die and everyone would be so sad if I did.”
Moments later, I shoved my key into the lock at my nail salon, File it Away. As I swung open the door, a blast of chilly air hit me in the face. I hadn’t left the air conditioning on overnight, but the old building had retained some of the cooling from yesterday.
“Oh, thank goodness,” Daisy huffed as she stretched out on the tile. “I’m not made for weather like this.”
“You sound like an old lady,” I replied, then turned on the lights. My first appointment would arrive in ten minutes, and I still had some towels to fold, so I hurried over to the dryer and pulled them out.
“You are an old lady,” Daisy mumbled before closing her eyes.
She wasn’t wrong. Some days I felt downright ancient, especially in the middle of the summer. There weren’t enough fans in my house to dissipate the heat radiating from me.
Just as I folded the last towel, the door chimed. Daisy didn’t bother to lift her head, but I smiled. “Come on in, Adrienne,” I called. “Take a seat.”
Adrienne and her husband owned the local wine store, Never Quit Wining. With her long red hair, slim body, and the ability to walk across the floor as if she were floating, I always thought she belonged on a New York catwalk, not in the small town of Heywood, Arizona.
“Hi, Gina,” she said. “How are things going?”
“Pretty good.”
“What’s wrong with Daisy?” she asked while leaning over to pet her.
“I’m hot,” Daisy said, slowly thumping her tail against the floor. “So, so hot, Adrienne. I think I may die.”
“She gets a little slow when it gets warm,” I replied. “She doesn’t seem to like extreme temperatures.”
In the winter, she complained about the cold. There were only a few months a year when the weather didn’t bother her.
“It is hot,” Adrienne replied. She slipped off her brown sandals and took a seat as I started the water in the foot tub.
We chatted a little more about the weather, which I secretly found stupid. It was cold in the winter and warm in the summer in the Arizona mountains. It had always been this way, but people needed to discuss it, so I smiled and nodded.
“How’s Trevor doing?” Adrienne asked.
“Good,” I replied, thankful she’d changed the subject. “He just left for Phoenix this morning.”
My boyfriend, Trevor, had been fired from the sheriff’s department. Not for doing anything wrong, but for standing up for what was right. Sheriff Mallory Richards was rotten to her core.
Trevor had been out of a job for a couple of months. After moving in with me, he’d found high-paying employment in Phoenix in a security position. He worked four days, then came home for three. I hadn’t been happy about the arrangement at first, but it had gone smoothly. I did appreciate my time alone and his absence made me value our days together even more.
“And you’re still okay with him being gone every week?”
I nodded. “Yes. He seems really happy, and we have a great time when he’s home. He’s also making a bunch of money, so that’s good.”
“Are you two going to get married?”
I glanced up at her and grimaced. “I don’t think so. I did that whole marriage thing once and I’m not excited to do it again.”
“If you’re with the right person, it can be pretty great,” she replied, smiling.
“Or it can ruin everything.” I shrugged. “Things are good the way they are, so if it’s not broke—”
We both turned as the door chimes sounded again.
My friend, Annabelle—whose wardrobe, music and vernacular were stuck in the eighties—rushed in wearing a black and white checkered ruffled skirt, a black tank top, and matching fishnet stockings. To complete her ensemble, she wore black combat boots. A white bandanna held back her crimped blonde hair.
“Oh, my gosh!” she exclaimed. “It’s, like, so hot!”
“Tell me about it,” Daisy replied. “I like you a lot, Annabelle, but I’m not leaving this tile to say hi to you.”
“Come sit over here with us,” I said. “But we’re done talking about the weather, so you’ll have to find something else to complain about.”
Adrienne snorted as Annabelle walked over. “What’s wrong with Daisy?” Annabelle asked. “Usually, she comes right over to me.”
“She’s hot,” Adrienne and I said in unison.
“Who isn’t?” Annabelle replied. She waved her hands in front of her face as she sat down.
“So what’s going on?” I asked as I scrubbed Adrienne’s foot. “Why aren’t you at the store?”
Annabelle owned the local herbal apothecary, Sage Advice.
“Because I had to come talk to you,” she said. “I have big news.”
“Why didn’t you just call?” I asked.
“Because I need to see the look on your face when I tell you.”
Furrowing my brow, I set aside my tool and stared at my friend. “What?!” Sometimes, Annabelle was weirder than normal, and this was a perfect example. “What do you have to say that you’d want to see my reaction to? Did someone die?”
Her eyes widened. “Do you know? How did you find out? You always know everything first, Gina, and this time, I, like, wanted to be the one to break the news!”
Oh, no.
“Who died?” Adrienne asked.
Silence fell around us, except for Daisy’s soft snores.
“So, you guys don’t know about it!” Annabelle shrieked while clapping excitedly.
“No,” I replied. “And don’t be so happy over someone’s death. That will bring you bad juju.”
“Yeah,” Daisy chimed in, her eyes still closed. “That’s being a bad dog, Annabelle.”
Her smile faded and she nodded. “You’re right. I’m a better human than that.”
“Who died?” Adrienne asked again.
“Kevin Cox,” Annabelle answered.
Adrienne furrowed her brow. “Who’s that?”
“The guy who owns the bar, Hold Your Horses.”
Ah yes. The dump on the outskirts of town that catered to the underbelly of the Heywood area. It wasn’t long ago that my brother had been a regular there, along with other convicts and biker gangs. Drugs were prevalent, as was violence. But I had no idea someone named Kevin Cox owned the place.
“I thought Rainy Birch was in charge over there,” I stated.
“Oh, she is,” Annabelle said. “She’s running the show, but she’s not, like, the owner.”
I picked up my brush and returned to scrubbing Adrienne’s feet. “Do we know how he died?”
“He was murdered,” Annabelle said.
“Oh, wow,” Adrienne muttered. “Another murder in our sweet, little town.”
“Do we know who did it?” I asked.
Annabelle sighed. “My guess is with the clientele over there, the suspect list is long.”
“No kidding,” I agreed. “It’s a rough place.”
“I’ve never been there,” Adrienne said. While Annabelle and I had grown up in Heywood, Adrienne was a fairly new transplant. I didn’t expect her to be familiar with the bar, or its clientele.
“That’s okay,” Annabelle replied. “You wouldn’t be able to get the stink out of your pretty hair if you did visit. The place is vile.”
Adrienne grimaced. “Really? How bad?”
“Well, Gina’s brother used to be a regular,” Annabelle replied. “And if that’s not bad enough, I’ve seen a cockroach in there.”
“Are you equating my brother to cockroaches?” I asked, smirking.
“Well, maybe in his past,” Annabelle said.
“That’s not very nice,” Adrienne replied.
“Not nice, but accurate,” I sighed. “What color for the toenails today, Adrienne?”
“Oh! Purple!” Annabelle squealed. “Purple looks so pretty on you!”
“I was thinking pink,” Adrienne said. “Something flowery and summery.”
“Look at the rack to the right.” I pointed at the nail polish display. “That has the summery colors.”
After Adrienne had stood and hurried over to the nail polish, I turned to Annabelle. “Have you spoken to Rainy? Is she okay?”
She shook her head. “I haven’t. We aren’t that close.”
“I’ve known her for years,” I muttered. More than once she’d called me to come pick up my brother for a fight or overindulging in the bar’s offerings. I’d describe us as friends who were too busy to see each other often. “Maybe I should stop by and give her my condolences.”
“It might not be a bad idea. The gossip I heard indicated she was pretty upset. Someone saw her at the market this morning and she was crying while trying to pick out some limes.”
“Maybe Rainy has more information on who killed him.”
“It’s too bad Trevor got canned,” Annabelle said. “His murder solving skills would, like, come in handy.”
“Agreed. Instead, we’ll have to see if Mallory can find the killer.”
She rolled her eyes. “As the saying goes, when pigs fly out of my rear end. She’ll just try to railroad someone innocent.”
It was a recurring theme with the lazy sheriff. She zeroed in on the first suspect and didn’t bother to look elsewhere. That’s why I was campaigning relentlessly to get her voted out of office and put Trevor in.
I chuckled as Adrienne returned with her bottle of Cotton Candy Pink—a very accurate description. “Are you sure Daisy’s okay?” she asked, sitting down.
“She’s fine,” I muttered as I took the bottle from her. “She’s a bit of a drama queen. I bet if I mentioned something along the lines of dog treats or walks, she’d perk right up.”
The three of us turned to her. She opened one eye and her tail thumped lazily against the floor. “Nice try, Gina,” she grumbled. “I’m too hot for treats and you can go walk yourself, drama queen.”
“I think she, like, needs to go to the vet,” Annabelle said. “She hasn’t moved, and I know walks and treats are her favorite things.”
“Mustard is her third,” I said.
Daisy sprung up from the floor and glanced around the store. “Mustard? Where’s my Musty?”
Back in the spring, I’d found a blonde puppy in the dumpster behind the emergency clinic. I’d taken her home, and Daisy had named her Mustard. Annabelle had kept the dog, who now weighed almost sixty pounds.
