The Night Woods by Paula Munier
One would think that being nine months pregnant would slow Mercy Carr down, but it's going to take more than that to keep her out of trouble. Approaching spring in Vermont means snow, rain, and mud. That won't keep her and her beloved dog, Elvis, from hiking in the woods to play Scrabble with her friend and semi-hermit Homer Grant. It also helps her avoid her mother's insistent questions about decorating her home on Grackle Tree Farm and planning a baby shower. When Mercy and Elvis reach Homer's cabin, they find a dead body on the floor, along with scattered pages of The Odyssey. A quick search outside turns up a badly injured Homer. With the help of Elvis and Homer's dog, Argos, Mercy manages to get Homer to a place where she can call for help. At the hospital, they learn that Homer is the chief suspect in the murder. His head injury leaves him unable to recall the event. Mercy is determined to help clear her friend's name, much to her mother's dismay. M
