Yappy Hour

Maggie Patterson, the narrator of this charming series debut from Orgain (Nursing a Grudge), has relocated from New York to picturesque Pacific Cove, Calif., in part to seek a new career, and in part to be closer to her sister, Rachel, the owner of the Wine and Bark, a bar that caters to dog lovers and their pets. When Rachel suddenly leaves town, it’s up to Maggie to host the bar’s Yappy Hour. Things don’t go as planned as Maggie finds a body in the bar that turns out to belong to Dan Walker, a partner in the restaurant next door. What’s worse, there may have been bad blood between Rachel and Dan, caused by the bar’s open door policy for dogs. Officer Brad Brooks doesn’t want her snooping, but Maggie sets out to clear Rachel anyway with help from Yolanda, a loyal Yappy Hour customer, and Gus DelVecchio, the bar’s chef. Multiple suspects, a little romance, and a good dose of humor make this cozy a winner. Agent: Jill Marsal, Marsal Lyon Agency. (Nov.)