BARKING UP THE RIGHT TREE Poppy, Book 1

Helen Keeley enlivens this cozy mystery, set in a quaint English village. Listeners meet charming but naïve 24-year-old Sophie, whose boyfriend, Ben, leaves her when she loses her job. But Sophie is rejuvenated when she inherits her aunt's house, though she must care for her aunt's dog, Poppy, to comply with the bequest. Soon, Sophie meets feisty tea shop owner Hannah and flirty Toby, who takes a shine to her. Things darken when Sophie suspects her unstable neighbor, Alice, of murdering her aunt. Smarmy, egotistical Ben and Alice, whose mood shifts are truly disturbing, are Keeley's best creations. The epilogue features a lively interview with author Leigh Russell, who shares how a real dog inspired Poppy and her new cozy series. An entertaining listen even for non-dog people. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2023]