Poison and Pooches
by Sandra Balzo

Introducing Arial Kingstondog-sitter, amateur sleuth, and owner of a guesthouse with a body under the floorboards.

Lucky dog-sitter Arial Mayes Kingston has inherited property in Monterey, California. But the novelty of being a first-time homeowner is short-lived due to a noxious termite fumigation in the guest house and the discovery of a body under the floorboards.

Foul play seems most likely, but who was the victim? And why would the killer stash the body under the guest house? Determined to put her observational skills to good use—and with her first doggie client, the adorable Monty, by her side—Arial must overcome neighborly tensions, unravel mysterious disappearances and mop up canine misdemeanors as she attempts to sniff out a killer!

A page-turning cozy mystery full of clever twists, cunning characters, and canines! Fans of Laurien Berenson, Krista Davis and dog lovers everywhere will adore Poison and Pooches.

Reviews

“A challenging puzzle with an ingenious twist that’ll keep you awake more effectively than a shot of espresso”

Kirkus Reviews on Brew Unto Others

“A story chock full of family secrets and plot twists”

Booklist on Brew Unto Others

“An inventive mashup of cozy subgenres”

Kirkus Reviews on Any Pot in a Storm

“The body count rises quickly as Balzo’s quirky cozy turns darker than a freshly brewed espresso”

Kirkus Reviews on French Roast

“Vividly drawn characters and dialogue crackling with wit propel the fair-play plot”

Publishers Weekly on French Roast

“Balzo’s latest will keep readers on their toes . . . Solid cozy fare”

Booklist on French Roast

“Connecting murders past and present provides a welcome challenge for coffeehouse cozy fans”

Kirkus Reviews on The Big Steep

“Lively, intelligent characters and Maggy’s refreshingly anxiety-free relationship with her fiancé, Brookhills County Sheriff Jake Pavlik, make this stand out from the cozy pack. This is a perfect entry point for newcomers'”

Publishers Weekly on The Big Steep

Sandra Balzo

Sandra Balzo built an impressive career as a public relations consultant before authoring the successful Maggy Thorsen coffeehouse mysteries, the first of which, Uncommon Grounds, was published to stellar reviews and nominated for an Anthony and Macavity Award. She is also the author of the Main Street Murders mystery series published by Severn House.

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Editions

Poison and Pooches by Sandra Balzo is available in the following formats

Hardback97814483143867th October 2025144 X 222mm224$29.99
Hardback97814483143867th October 2025144 X 222mm224£21.99
Ebook97814483168477th October 2025N/A224$14.99
Ebook97814483168477th October 2025N/A224£12.99
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