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. Mercy's husband, Troy, and his tracker dog, Susie Bear, are called away on a search that leads to another dead body in the woods near a private game preserve. Are the deaths related? Mercy is determined to help prove Homer's innocence, but she does concede to allowing her young cousin, Tandie, to stay and help care for her. 

Mercy's pursuit of clues puts her in the crosshairs of some dangerous people. With storms pummeling the area, a murderer on the loose, and a baby on the way, the stakes have never been higher for Mercy.

Paula Munier draws up another solid mystery with clues from her world and The Odyssey. Mercy's investigation leads her into sticky situations that provide thrills and frights. What stands out most is her warm and wonderfully drawn characters. Mercy, her family and friends, and especially those wonderful and amazing dogs, are a delight. This is a fine addition to an always interesting series.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publishers.