“Murder Likes it Hot” A Downward Dog Mystery By Tracy Weber: Review/Giveaway

by Cynthia Chow

Details on how to win a copy of this book at the end of the review and links to purchase it.

Yoga instructor Kate Davidson may have finally begun to come to terms with her anger issues and phobia of men with beards, but a new obsession is forcing her into an emotional state of depression that leaves her feeling as though she has a hole in her heart. In the six months since she and Michael have been married, six times have they seen their dreams of Kate’s pregnancy shatter. After learning that without expensive IVF treatments there’s little chance of welcoming a baby into their lives, Kate has been isolating herself from her closest friends and family out of the fear she will break. Of course, having a best friend who owns a high-end baby boutique, and Michael’s pet store assistant being pregnant herself hasn’t helped the situation.



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A competing Some Like it Hot Yoga studio opening across from her own Serenity Yoga has Kate desperate to expand her classes, which leads her to teaching at the Teen Path HOME center for homeless youth. While Kate knows that yoga can help practitioners to process emotional trauma, even with gift card bribes few are willing to attend her sessions. One of the enlisted though is Rainbow, a young teenager who immediately catches Kate’s eye with an artistic talent and affection for Kate’s own emotionally troubled dog Bella. Suffering from an autoimmune disease, separation anxiety, and coincidentally a fear of beards, Bella adores Rainbow and thus the teen gains Kate’s support as well.
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Image Source Midnight Ink

When the site’s director is murdered and Rainbow becomes the police department’s most likely suspect, Kate ignores the protests of officials and her friends and chooses to do everything she can to protect the minor. Feeling guilty about his actions that sent a fearful Rainbow running into the streets, Michael uncharacteristically supports Kate’s efforts in investigating the youth center and the homeless teens who seek it out. While Kate may believe that her chances of becoming a mother are fading away with each monthly disappointment, she and Michael are seeing the results of what becomes of failed parenting.

This novel fascinatingly delves into the darker side of today’s society that attempts to ignore the growing problem of homelessness. There are few good options for teens and adults with no alternatives other than to live on the streets, with well-intentioned laws often restricting efforts. Kate’s relationship with her estranged mother adds layers of complication as both confront the meaning the motherhood, with Kate feeling like a failed woman and her mother regretful that she was absent from Kate’s life. There is still an abundance of humor and sharp dialogue threaded throughout, mostly stemming from the natural and very strong bonds of friendship built between the characters. Rainbow herself proves to be a shining star and is crafted by the author into a realistic, vulnerable, and very strong teenager. What can be appreciated is that while Rainbow may be forced by her situation into acting far too old for her years, she still retains the insecurities and dreams of a “normal” teenager. This continues to be a unique series that explores the complex elements of an ignored community while exploring realistic psychological issues.

To enter to win a copy of Murder Likes it Hot, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "hot,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen February 23, 2019. U.S. residents only. If entering via comment please include your email address. If entering via email please include your mailing address in case you win, we will not use your address for any other reason. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section in Kings River Life and in our mystery category here on KRL News & Reviews. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. And check out our new mystery podcast featuring mystery short stories and first chapters read by actors! A new episode goes up this week!

You can use these links to purchase the book. If you have adblocker on you may not be able to see the Amazon link:



Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.


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Comments

  1. Thanks for the chance to win. Sounds like a great read! JL_Minter (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  2. Such a fun series! I'd love to win a copy of the latest book, thanks for the chance!! crs(at)codedivasites(dot)com

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  3. I love this series. doward1952(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  4. Sounds like a great book - thanks for the contest - trwilliams 69 (at) msn (dot) com

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  5. I am a fan of this author! Thanks for the chance to win this book! lindaherold999(at)gmail.com

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  6. A plot to think about it’s good to have in a book. I’d like to read it. Thank you for the chance.

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  7. Great series, looking forward to reading.
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  8. This book touches on some of realities of life which isn't common in cozy genre. The book synopsis was excellent. oaktreehill@outlook.com

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