The Dog Sitter Detective by Antony Johnston – Book Review
Meet Gwinny, an unlikely bloodhound, and her four-legged friends determined to dig up the truth.
Penniless Gwinny Tuffel is delighted to attend her good friend Tina’s upmarket wedding. But when the big day ends with a dead body and not a happily-ever-after, Gwinny is left with a situation as crooked as a dog’s hind leg.
When her friend is accused of murder, Gwinny takes it upon herself to sniff out the true culprit. With a collection of larger-than-life suspects and two pedigree Salukis in tow, she is set to have a ruff time of it.
P.S. Nothing bad happens to the dogs!
The Dog Sitter Detective is Johnston’s first foray into the world of ‘cosy crime’, as he is better known for the Brigette Sharp novels, high octane international spy thrillers that are a million miles away from the plush London town houses and country estates that we see here. This is the literary equivalent of a warm blanket, a comfy chair, and cup of hot cocoa. Maybe even a chocolate biscuit or two on the side. Perfect for those afternoons when the real world is all a little bit too real, and you want to spend time with a good friend. Because that is exactly how Gwinny Tuffel come across. She’s the well-to-do girl at school that always wanted everyone to enjoy sports. The lady in the office who makes sure there is enough coffee and tea. Your mums friend who doesn’t need to ask you to call her Aunt because it comes naturally. Quite frankly, Gwinny is a delight.
Canine Capers
As are her canine friends, a pair of Salukis who attempt to steal the show every time they appear. Introduced as a plot point to annoy one of the main characters, they soon become every bit as fleshed out and as integral to the plot anyone else who appears on the pages of The Dog Sitter Detective. Johnston’s clear love of canines shines through the pages
Gwinny has more than a hint of the Jessica Fletcher to her – the unassuming looking older lady, who is easily dismissed by those who think they are smarter or superior. She is equal parts lost and secure, knowing how to make the most of others view of her whilst sometimes forgetting herself. There is plenty of set up in The Dog Sitter Detective for future adventures of Gwinny, and I certainly hope that we get to see more of her.
There is a hint of romance interwoven into the mystery, and it is wonderful to see a lady of certain age being given the opportunity to explore what that could mean for her, and how she views herself. Society has an unfortunate tendency to write off women once they reach an ever changing threshold, and Gwinny is a wonderful example of a lady gentling pushing against these restrictions, to see how far she can go without ruffling the wrong feathers.
The Dog Sitter Detective is published on 18th May by Allison & Busby.
You can follow Antony Johnston on Instagram and Twitter, or find out more on The Dog Sitter Detective website.
