Get Fluffy: A Review

Get Fluffy

by

Sparkle Abbey

A Review

Get Fluffy is a fun read, though not a great book.

First, what did I like about the book - I liked the local in which the local pet store owner lived, Laguna Beach, CA, and environs.  The story stirred up memories of a visit we made to that location last summer - the eccentric people, the small shops, the landmarks - all brought back pleasant memories.  I also enjoyed exploring the many dog breeds mentioned throughout the book.  I took time to look several of the new ones up on the AKC web site.  Finally, the book served as a running commentary on cultural phenomena known as haute couture.  Name dropping of the well known designers that clothed and adorned the rich was a much a feature of the book as the dropping of canine breeds.  I received an education on a lifestyle that I will not be participating in.

The characters were well developed - broken enough to be believable, yet complex enough to hold this reader’s attention.

A couple of details contributed to problems with the book.  First, Get Fluffy is a sequel to the earlier Desperate Housedogs.  Though the protagonists differ in each book (Caro and Melinda are cousins), the second book assumes a great deal of prior knowledge from the first book.  Though no critical plot lines are carried from book one to book two, relationships, occupations, and personalities all are assisted by reading Desperate Housedogs prior to reading Get Fluffy.  Incidentally, the publisher did include both books when this reader requested a review copy of Get Fluffy.   

Secondly, rather than guiding the reader to the resolution carefully through the entire book, Get Fluffy (and, the earlier, Desperate Housedogs) rely on details released in the final chapter or two of the book.  This is a greater problem in the first book, but the problem does repeat itself in the second book.  

I have read a number of cozy mysteries and found them both fun and great.  Get Fluffy would not be one of them.  Having said that, I will look forward to reading the next book in the series, Kitty Kitty, Bang Bang.  Though it will not be great, it will be fun.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review.  The opinions expressed are mine alone.