cover image Chihuahua of the Baskervilles

Chihuahua of the Baskervilles

Esri Allbritten. Minotaur, $23.99 (288p) ISBN 978-0-312-56915-0

Set in Manitou Springs, Colo., Allbritten's debut offers eccentric characters, a lively pace, and adorable tiny dogs, but the sometimes silly humor won't be to every taste. The staff members of a dying paranormal travel magazine, Tripping, are hoping to capitalize on the story of Charlotte Baskerville, owner of a successful dog-clothing business, who's seen the ghost of her beloved late Chihuahua, Petey, and on the town's haunted restaurants, coffin races, and rich ghostly history. The Scooby-Doo%E2%80%93like team%E2%80%94fashion plate ace photographer Suki, skeptical writer Michael, and boss Angus, who reminds them that "as far as we're concerned, this is a real ghost"%E2%80%94find themselves chasing growing evidence that someone wants to kill rich, anxious Charlotte, while trying not to lose their spook story in the realities of household drama. Dog lovers and those who like their mysteries on the light side will be charmed into overlooking the parts that don't work. (July)