"Blessing of the Dogs" By Neil S. Plakcy: Review/Giveaway

Review by Lorie Lewis Ham

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win an ebook copy of the book and a link to purchase it.

Blessing of the Dogs is the 18th book in Neil S. Plakcy’s Golden Retriever Mystery series. While the mystery in each book stands on its own, I recommend reading them in order so you can enjoy all of the character development. This series features semi-reformed computer hacker Steve Levitan and his mystery-solving partner, a Golden Retriever named Rochester. After turning his life around, Steve moved back to his hometown of Stewart's Crossing, PA, was rescued by Rochester, took a job at his alma mater, Eastern College, and is now about to marry his fiancée Lili. These days Steve only uses his hacking skills to help his police detective friend Rick.

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In this book, Steve and Lili are planning the finishing touches of their rapidly approaching wedding. Unfortunately, a dognapping spree takes some of Steve’s attention from the planning as he not only worries for Rochester’s safety but is asked by Rick to help find the culprit when the vice-mayor’s dog is among those taken. As he and Rochester investigate, Steve begins to worry that the dogs may be being sold to a testing lab. As if that wasn’t enough distraction, a Billy Joel tribute performer dies and Steve and Lili’s wedding caterer is a prime suspect. Could these things be connected? Will Steve, Rick, and Rochester be able to sort it all out before the wedding or will they also be looking for a last-minute caterer?

This book hit close to home for me as one of my dogs was taken several years ago and sadly he didn’t have Rochester on his side to give him a happy ending. But I can tell you that Neil did his research well—it was very true to the real thing.Thankfully, these books always have a happy ending!

I love this series, but while there is always a well-written and compelling mystery, it is the characters and the warm and cozy feeling you get each time you pick them up that I like best! You feel like you are visiting old friends, and you end up wanting to take Rochester home for yourself. I highly recommend this book and this series!

If you would like a taste of what they are like, this series is featured several times on Mysteryrat’s Maze Podcast.

To enter to win an ebook copy of Blessing of the Dogs, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "blessing,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen July 6, 2024. US residents only and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via comment please include your email address so we can contact you. 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 which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors! 

You can click here to purchase this book.

Lorie Lewis Ham is our Editor-in-Chief and a contributor to various sections, coupling her journalism experience with her connection to the literary and entertainment worlds. Explore Lorie's mystery writing including her latest mystery novel One of You, the latest Tower District Mystery, at Mysteryrat's Closet.

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.