Jeff Popple reviews three new novels about murder, mystery and dachshunds. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com

The Dachshund Wears Prada by Stefanie London

HQ, $24.99

It is difficult for a dachshund owner like myself to go past this enjoyable new novel by Stefanie London. Set in Manhattan, The Dachshund Wears Prada is an engaging tale about a failed social media consultant, Isla Thompson, who finds herself working as a dog minder for a spoilt dachshund named Camilla. Camilla’s owner, the very rich and reclusive Theo Garrison, has a reputation for being tough and unapproachable, but gradually under Isla’s spell he begins to let his guard down. This is an entertaining story with some interesting insights into the world of social media and influencing. Good fun.

Lying Beside You by Michael Robotham

Hachette, $32.99

Michael Robotham is an author who rarely disappoints and his latest novel, Lying Beside You, is another terrific thriller. The third in his series about forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven, and troubled young adult Evie Cormac, it finds Cyrus dealing with problems on several fronts, including the pending release of his brother from a psychiatric hospital. More pressing, however, for Cyrus, who is a consultant to the London police, is the abduction of a young woman from her home. This is a well-crafted and clever mystery that quickly draws the reader in and keeps them enthralled all the way to the startling conclusion. Recommended.

Stone Town by Margaret Hickey

Penguin, $32.99

Margaret Hickey made an impressive entry into Australia’s crime writing ranks last year with Cutters End, and she has now followed it up with the even better Stone Town. Detective Mark Ariti took the posting to the small outback town he grew up in to be with his dying mother, but stayed on enjoying the relative peace. That quietness is destroyed, however, when a property developer is found murdered and Ariti becomes caught up in the search for a missing policewoman. This is an impressive piece of crime fiction, with good characters, a twisty plot and crisp descriptions of an outback town undergoing change.

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