Better, less quipping, fewer unrealistic dog stunts, nicer choice of romantic partner. Stories about people killing the homeless has a high squick factor for me.Give A Poor Dog A Home
When a stray terrier leads Jackie to the dead body of a homeless woman, she and Jake have their hands (and paws) full. The police rule the woman’s demise an accidental death, a case of drinking too much and freezing to death—but the woman’s friend claims she never drank. Now, between watching out for the orphaned dog and watching for clues to a possible murder, they’re entangled in a mystery that may put them in the doghouse with some of Palmer’s most prominent citizens… ( )

Enjoyable book about a film teacher who finds herself trying to solve the mystery of a homeless woman. She gets help from her former police dog, Jake, and a cast of friends and relatives. The mystery was not easy to figure out. A good beach read. ( )