The co-op bookstore for avid readers
Book Cover for: Poison and Pooches, Sandra Balzo

Poison and Pooches

Sandra Balzo

Introducing Arial Kingston--dog-sitter, amateur sleuth, and owner of a guest house 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.

Book Details

  • Publisher: Severn House
  • Publish Date: Oct 7th, 2025
  • Pages: 224
  • Language: English
  • Edition: Main - undefined
  • Dimensions: 8.74in - 5.40in - 0.70in - 0.85lb
  • EAN: 9781448314386
  • Categories: Mystery & Detective - Cozy - AnimalsMystery & Detective - Women Sleuths

Praise for this book

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"
A charming novel with community at its heart . . . Fans of Laurien Berenson and David Rosenfelt will enjoy meeting Monty-- "First Clue Reviews"
A worthy extension to Balzo's coffeehouse franchise-- "Kirkus Reviews"
A charming read with appealing characters both human and canine and a meaty murder mystery-- "Booklist"