Win or Lose by Amy Shojai

This novel is part of a series and is the sixth down the line. I have not read the previous books and found this one read rather well on its own. There are snippets of backstory included and I found them sufficient to understand the plot in the end.

This is a suspenseful thriller for animal lovers. The heroine is September, a dog trainer, and she has an amazing dog, Shadow. I had no idea dogs could be trained to do so much. September had even trained one dog to call 911 when its master fell into diabetic trouble. There is much I learned about dog training and play and even a unique way to bandage an abrasion. There is even a cat hero in the novel but that happened more by accident. You know cats. I really appreciate Shojai's note at the end revealing the fact and fiction of the animal behavior she has included.

The story is told from the viewpoint of several characters, including animals. It was a little disorienting at first as I did not know the initial character, one from a previous novel. Gaining action insight from a dog's point of view was interesting. And I liked learning so much in reading this book. I learned about a different form of drug running, black market drugs bought in one country at a low price and then smuggled into another country where the price is higher. I also learned about roses and about painted churches in Texas. And who knew the innovative use of a pizza stone?

I enjoyed this informative and entertaining novel of suspense combining police procedure (September's fiancé) with the work of an amateur sleuth. While this novel is concluded nicely, including a good dose of suspense at the end, there is still a villain out there so I know there will be more in the series. I'll be watching.

You can watch the book trailer here.

My rating: 4/5 stars

Amy Shojai is a certified animal behavior consultant, and the award-winning author of more than 35 bestselling pet books. She has been featured as an expert in hundreds of print venues and television productions. She is also a playwright. You can follow her blog at https://AmyShojai.com and check out her website at https://shojai.com.

Furry Muse Publications, 293 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through the author. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)