Book Review: Wolf at the Door

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Wolf at the Door     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Ann Campbell
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Dogs   Amateur Sleuth
Series: Annie O'Hara and Claudius # 1
Signet, May 2000, $5.99, 256 pp.

Annie O’Hara prefers to never have a serious relationship with a man ever again. The Lee, New Hampshire resident rents rooms to boarders in the Old Thurston Inn where she also lives. She also owns an antique shop that she runs out of the Inn. Annie does not want to be responsible for anyone but her self. However, when her sister-in-law dumps Annie’s brother and abandons their dog, she welcomes the canine, Claudius, into her home. The half Husky-half German Shepherd dislikes Annie as much as she dislikes him.

The odd couple travels to Roswell, New Mexico together to assist Annie’s aunt after her relative recently underwent bunion surgery. As the New England duo walk around town, Claudius suddenly goes wild near a dumpster. Annie looks inside to find the corpse of an assistant pastor of the nearby church. Suspicion falls on Annie’s uncle. Annie and her uncle soon find another body in the desert that further substantiates the police’s belief that her uncle is the killer. An irate Annie begins her own inquiries to prove his innocence even as she does not yet realize the danger she is in from a cold-blooded murderer.

The new crime fighting team of Annie O’Hara and Claudius is an hysterical surreal experience that canine lovers and amateur sleuth fans will adore. The relationship between the hero and the heroine runs the gamut from disdain to trust, which leads to jocular moments that ease a serious story line. UFOlogists are also going to enjoy the satirical scenes that Ann Campbell augments her plot with. WOLF AT THE DOOR is a charming mystery starring amusing charcaters who deserve future appearances.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner