Murder Unleashed

July 18, 2011
In Brown's provocative second novel featuring wealthy Reno, Nev., octogenarian Jeep Reed (after 2010's A Nose for Justice), Jeep takes on nothing less daunting than solving the national financial crisis. Starting with a handful of foreclosed homes currently occupied by homeless squatters, she endeavors to rejuvenate the community, aided by great-niece Mags Rogers and local realtor Babs Gallagher. Too bad unscrupulous Patrick Wentworth, who's running for Congress, is working at cross purposes to the trio to further his political campaign. When a murder and then a young man's death appear to fan the flames of Wentworth's heated rhetoric, Jeep has no recourse but to fight back. Naturally, Jeep's trusty shepherd mix, King, and Mags's dachshund, Baxter, prove wiser than their humans. RMB fans, dog lovers, and those sharing her point of view will likely enjoy Jeep, an outspoken, no nonsense Mary Sue with a heart of gold. Others should be prepared for some flimsily veiled social proselytizing.

August 1, 2011

The mortgage crisis meets murder in Reno, Nev.

When Mags Rogers' Wall Street career crashed and burned, she and her wire-haired dachshund Baxter moved in with her aunt Jeep Reed. Now that their friend, real-estate broker Babs Gallagher, has discovered a number of desperate families living in foreclosed homes with no heat or water, the friends mount a campaign to do something about it. That means taking on the banks and utility companies. Meanwhile, another friend, police officer Pete, and his partner Lonnie, find a murdered man in an abandoned house taken over by drug dealers. The whole mess is grist for the mill of politician Patrick Wentworth, who, oblivious to the plight of his constituents, has eyes only for sin. Jeep, who owns a big ranch, must also contend with the problems of her neighbor Howie, who gets shot and wounded, presumably by the miscreants who are rustling has cattle. Too bad Jeep and Howie can't consult more closely with Baxter, Jeep's German shepherd mix King and Howie's Zippy, who know a lot about rustlers and an unidentified man who's discovered the treasure long rumored to be buried on Howie's ranch. Mired in her merely human abilities, Jeep must call in a lot of favors before there's any sign of success.

Fans of Brown's long string of popular series featuring animal sleuths (A Nose for Justice, 2010, etc.) will note that her latest is less mystery than political polemic.

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

November 28, 2011
This delightful second book in Brown’s Mags and Baxter Series set in Reno, Nev., finds transplanted stock trader Mags Rogers; her elderly great-aunt, Jeep Reed; and real estate broker Babs Gallagher trying to find a solution to the local foreclosure crisis. But when a body turns up in an abandoned house, Mags and her wire-haired dachshund, Baxter, must once again take it upon themselves to crack the case. Narrator Johanna Parker ably conveys Mags’s gracefulness and intelligence, Babs’s enthusiasm, and Jeep’s warmhearted crankiness. But where Parker really shines is in giving voice to the ladies’ crime-fighting dogs. Baxter speaks with a speedy squeak, while German shepherd King is deep, thoughtful, and almost regal. Parker is equally successful in providing voices for a kindly neighborhood coyote and her spiky, bickering brood. Honorable canines, good-hearted people, a serious discussion of current financial woes, and top-notch narration make for a surprisingly winning mix. A Ballantine Books hardcover and consumer digital download from Recorded Books.