GUEST POST + BONUS BOOK REVIEW: Cinco de Murder by Rebecca Adler (Cozy Mystery)

Here in Texas, spring has sprung and the dog days of summer have arrived! The beautiful dogwood and redbud trees are in bloom on every block in spite of the heat, providing delicious shade for my early morning walks.  

If warm, or even sizzling hot, weather has made an appearance in your neck of the woods, you probably aren’t the only one jumping for joy. How about your pets? In Cinco de Murder, the third book in my Taste of Texas mystery series, reporter-turned-Tex-Mex-waitress Josie Callahan and her spunky long-haired Chihuahua Lenny are gearing up for that beloved Texas celebration of Mexican culture, Cinco de Mayo. And since we both jump for joy at the sight of dogwood blossoms, I began to wonder about the positive effects of warmer weather on our pets especially our canine friends.  

Here’s what I found in a wonderful article by K9 Magazine. 

Banish the winter blues! Did you know that recent research shows pets can suffer from seasonal affective disorder just like humans? The lighter mornings and longer days mean more time for you and your dog in the great outdoors—always a great way to enjoy a more active, healthy regime. 

More opportunities to socialize with friends! With more time outside in the great outdoors—even if it is early morning or evening–it follows that dogs, and owners, will widen their social circle.  

More crops of fresh produce! With more fresh fruit and vegetables available, you and your dog can add more healthy treats to your diet. 

Winter skin is banished! If harsh winter weather can wreak havoc on our own skin, you know it can harm our pets’ skin. Colder weather can mean our dogs and other pets suffer from dry skin during the winter months too. 

More Vitamin D! With warmer weather, your dog and other pets can soak up more natural goodness from the sun just simply by being outdoors for longer – vitamin D helps to build immunity and strong bones. 

In Cinco de Murder, the third installment in my Taste of Texas Mystery series, the citizens of Broken Boot, Texas, are still enjoying a delightful spring celebration called Cinco de Mayo, a festival to show pride for the wonderful Mexican culture with dancing, bright colored costumes, parades, traditional music, and eating lots of yummy Tex-Mex. Tex-Mex waitress and amateur sleuth Josie Callahan, her feisty abuela, and her spunky long-haired chihuahua Lenny are polishing their traditional folklórico dances for Saturday’s big Cinco de Mayo parade. (If you’ve never had the delight of seeing a dog dance while wearing a mariachi costume, then this book if for you.) 

One of the joys of writing the Taste of Texas mystery series has been sharing with readers my love of dogs especially my fictional fur baby, Lenny the long-haired chihuahua. Why are mysteries with dogs, cats, birds, and even a hamster named Rex so appealing to readers? Why not? Pets are such an important part of our lives, generously giving us unconditional love and affection. How could we possibly leave them out of our books?May you have a beautiful summer, wherever you call home. And if you’re in the mood for a tasty, fun-filled mystery—with Tex-Mex recipes and a delightful dog named Lenny—I hope you’ll pick up a copy of Cinco de Murder.