Reviewer: Janet Davies
Title: Cinderella and the Wolf: A Cindy Nesbit Mystery
Author: J. Lee Taylor
Publisher: Hard Shell Word Factory
ISBN: Paperback 0-7599-0806-2
E-book 0-7599-3708-7
Release Date: July 2006
Genre/Sub-genre: Contemporary Romance/Mystery/Paranormal
Year/Setting: Present Day - California
Overall Rating: 4.0
Sexual Content Rating: None
Language (Profanity) Rating: None
Violent Content Rating: Minimal – The odd fight scene and Dog napping
J. Lee's Website: None found
Who is dognapping the elite pooches of California? Investigator Cindy Nesbit has been called in on the case to answer that question. Usually her business, Finders Inc, finds lost things. Providing security for show dogs is not the norm for Cindy but a lack of money and a pressing need to pay bills makes her accept the dog watching job, as a girl has to do what it takes to get by. So when socialite Erika Stanley wants to pay Cindy for making sure her dog Rusty does not fall victim to the dognappers, Cindy learns there’s a lot to the cut throat world of Best in Show dogs.
So who is trying to steal Rusty, the dog Cindy falls in love with? Is it a jealous rival dog owner or a vengeful employee? There appears to be no obvious motive. And the dark and dangerous Dane Wolf, dog trainer and groomer, is not helping the situation. He could not make it any plainer to Cindy that he does not like her hanging around playing security guard. The tension between them is obvious. But just what sort of tension is it exactly and does in spell trouble for our heroine? Is there more to the brooding Dane Wolf than meets the eye? And why is Cindy even looking at Dane when she already has Ty Rhodes, the man who calls her Cinderella at her beck and call? Ty is the love of her life. Is she looking at Dane as a suspect or something else? But then a girl can look can’t she?
As dogs continue to be taken, Cindy starts to view everyone with suspicion. Clearly someone is trying to eliminate the competition for Best in Show. But who is it and why are there no ransom notes? Dane Wolf appears to want to help her search for the missing dogs but is there more behind the aid he offers? There is also his family. Is there more to them than there appears? And what exactly is the story between her man Ty and the self absorbed Erika Stanley? Is jealousy rearing its ugly head? And what to do about it if it is?
I like Cindy Nesbit. She is interfering, fearless and likeable. The rules apply only when it is absolutely necessary to Cindy. I particularly like the fact that she is capable of handling life on her own terms. She does not need a man, but she is also not averse to having one around.
I read the previous book in the series to this, and although some may think it is preferable to read one before the other, I don’t believe it is necessary as J. Lee Taylor writes in a way that makes you understand the characters and their motivations. And I loved the ending of Cinderella and the Wolf. It keeps you guessing. That’s perfect in a book series as you want to read the next one, as I know I will.
I’ll admit I am not a dog person but who knew so much intrigue could centre on the world of show dogs? I will be looking at dog owners in a whole different light now.
Cinderella and the Wolf has all the best ingredients for a book. Jealousy, lust, betrayal, murder and dognapping. What more could you want in a book?
Janet
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