A NEW LEASH ON LIFE, page 1
A
NEW
LEASH
ON
LIFE
(A Canine Crew Cozy Mystery—Book Three)
FIONA GRACE
Fiona Grace
Fiona Grace is author of the LACEY DOYLE COZY MYSTERY series, comprising nine books; of the TUSCAN VINEYARD COZY MYSTERY series, comprising seven books; of the DUBIOUS WITCH COZY MYSTERY series, comprising three books; of the BEACHFRONT BAKERY COZY MYSTERY series, comprising six books; of the CATS AND DOGS COZY MYSTERY series, comprising nine books; of the ELIZA MONTAGU COZY MYSTERY series, comprising nine books (and counting); of the ENDLESS HARBOR ROMANTIC COMEDY series, comprising nine books (and counting); of the INN AT DUNE ISLAND ROMANTIC COMEDY series, comprising seven books (and counting); of the INN BY THE SEA ROMANTIC COMEDY series, comprising five books (and counting); of the MAID AND THE MANSION COZY MYSTERY series, comprising five books (and counting); of the ALICE BLOOM COZY MYSTERY series, comprising five books (and counting); of the MAGNOLIA BAY COZY MYSTERY series, comprising five books (and counting); of the TOGETHER IN TIMBERLAKE series, comprising five books (and counting); and of the ALWAYS ASHVILLE ROMANCE series, comprising five books (and counting); of the PENNY HAWTHORNE cozy mystery series, comprising seven books (and counting); of the DELILAH GREEN cozy mystery series, comprising five books (and counting); of the HAZEL STITCHWORTH cozy mystery series, comprising seven books (and counting); of the MILLIE SWISS cozy mystery series, comprising five books (and counting); and of the CANINE CREW cozy mystery series, comprising seven books (and counting).
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Copyright © 2025 by Fiona Grace. All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior permission of the author. This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
SERIES BY FIONA GRCE
DARLA DIGBY COZY MYSTERY
CANINE CREW COZY MYSTERY
MILLIE SWISS COZY MYSTERY
HAZEL STITCHWORTH COZY MYSTERY
DELILAH GREEN COZY MYSTERY
PENNY HAWTHORNE COZY MYSTERY
ALWAYS ASHVILLE
TOGETHER IN TIMBERLAKE
MAGNOLIA BAY COZY MYSTERY
TIMBERLAKE TITANS HOCKEY ROMANCE
ALICE BLOOM COZY MYSTERY
THE MAID AND THE MANSION COZY MYSTERY
INN BY THE SEA ROMANTIC COMEDY
THE INN AT DUNE ISLAND ROMANTIC COMEDY
ENDLESS HARBOR ROMANTIC COMEDY
ELIZA MONTAGU COZY MYSTERY
LACEY DOYLE COZY MYSTERY
TUSCAN VINEYARD COZY MYSTERY
DUBIOUS WITCH COZY MYSTERY
BEACHFRONT BAKERY COZY MYSTERY
CATS AND DOGS COZY MYSTERY
CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE: GRACE
CHAPTER TWO: EVIE
CHAPTER THREE: MARGO
CHAPTER FOUR: GRACE
CHAPTER FIVE: MARGO
CHAPTER SIX: GRACE
CHAPTER SEVEN: EVIE
CHAPTER EIGHT: GRACE
CHAPTER NINE: MARGO
CHAPTER TEN: EVIE
CHAPTER ELEVEN: GRACE
CHAPTER TWELVE: MARGO
CHAPTER THIRTEEN: GRACE
CHAPTER FOURTEEN: EVIE
CHAPTER FIFTEEN: MARGO
CHAPTER SIXTEEB: GRACE
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: EVIE
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: MARGO
CHAPTER NINETEEN: GRACE
CHAPTER TWENTY: MARGO
CHAPTER TWENTY ONE: GRACE
CHAPTER TWENTY TWO: GRACE
CHAPTER TWENTY THREE: GRACE
CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR: GRACE
CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE: MARGO
EPILOGUE
CHAPTER ONE: GRACE
Grace Hill walked briskly toward Pampered Paws, Princess prancing at her side on a bright pink leash. The little Shih Tzu's long white and gray coat flowed elegantly, drawing appreciative glances from passersby on the bustling Mapleton Cove sidewalk. It was evening, and Grace was glad to have gotten such a late appointment.
Grace led Princess along the wooden boardwalk just as a crisp fall breeze seemed to welcome them. She paused to take in the sky—a blend of orange and gold that hinted at the coming sunset. Under her feet, the boards were coated in a light dusting of sand mixed with a few pine needles, their crunch a gentle reminder of the shifting season.
She closed her eyes briefly, allowing the tang of salt in the air to fill her lungs. Seagulls cried out in the distance, wings spread wide over the calm, slate-gray ocean. Near the shore, narrow bars of pink light flickered across the water, briefly illuminating each wave as it pulled back into the sea, leaving a thin fringe of foam on the sand.
Grace turned her attention to an old pier that stretched into the water, the posts still slick from the retreating tide. Nearby, a small cluster of fishing boats bobbed in easy unison, their lines and nets silhouetted against the early evening light. A faint engine rumble drifted across the waves, and she wondered if a lone fisherman was coming in with the day’s catch—just as her grandfather once had.
When she turned toward the town, a fond warmth spread through her. Gray-shingled cottages and two-story clapboard houses lined narrow, winding streets. Some porches glowed with a soft light, signaling that a few houses were already preparing for the night. Beneath one of the taller maples—its leaves already a gentle flush of orange—a cat eyed her languidly, then sank back into a fading patch of sunlight.
From a distance came a ribbon of chimney smoke, carrying with it the faint aroma of a wood fire. The smell reminded Grace of tranquil evenings and hot cups of tea, and she drew her jacket closer around her shoulders. Wind chimes tinkled somewhere nearby, adding notes of music to the gentle hush of the evening. The whole town felt as though it were breathing in calm unison, unhurried by the demands of the day that it bookended.
She paused by a clump of dune grass touched with early autumn color, taking a moment to savor the balance of brisk air and salt-tinged breeze. A sense of deep contentment settled over her; the scene offered a comfort and stability that never failed to steady her thoughts. With one last glance at the ocean, Grace continued down the winding street with the tiny dog, the sound of waves fading into the background.
As she neared the salon entrance, Grace exchanged a smile and nod with Jessica, another regular client with her prize-winning poodle. The two had commiserated at many a dog show about the trials and tribulations of competitions.
"Another day, another chance at a blue ribbon, right, Princess?" Grace murmured, reaching down to lovingly smooth the dog's silky ears. Princess looked up at her with adoring brown eyes. Grace's mind flashed to the events of the past year - the shocking murders she and her friends, Evie and Margo, had helped solve through their dog walking business, and especially, in this case, her friend, Katie Morrison, and the case involving the show dog, Caesar. It made caring for Princess—who actually belonged to a client—a little anxiety-provoking.
But Grace had her friends to lean on. The three women called themselves the Canine Crew, a band of sisters brought together by their love of dogs... and now, apparently, their knack for unraveling mysteries.
Grace shook her head with a wry chuckle. Thank goodness things are finally getting back to normal, she thought as she pulled open the glass door to Pampered Paws. Time to focus on fluffing and primping, not hunting down killers!
The moment she stepped inside, a wall of sound and activity hit her - dogs barking excitedly, electric clippers whirring, blow dryers blasting. The heady aroma of lavender shampoo mixed with undertones of kibble and the rich scent of brewing coffee from the staff room.
"Ah, controlled chaos," Grace said under her breath with a smile. "Just the way we like it, right, girl?"
Princess wagged her plumed tail in agreement. Grace knew the prize pooch loved nothing more than being the center of attention at the groomers. She took a deep, energizing breath, ready to get her favorite four-legged friend back into show-stopping shape.
Grace approached the reception desk, where she spotted one of the groomers, Denise Porter, deeply engrossed in conversation with another client. The woman was gesticulating wildly, her hands fluttering like startled birds as she regaled Denise with some juicy bit of gossip.
"And then, if you can believe it, she had the audacity to wear white to the wedding!" the client exclaimed, her eyes wide with scandal.
Denise leaned forward, hanging on every word. "No! The nerve of some people," she tutted, shaking her head in disapproval.
Grace suppressed an amused smile. Denise's love for gossip was as well-known as her talent for grooming. She could extract a dog's life story from its owner faster than she could snip a matted coat.
It was
As she waited patiently for Denise to finish, Grace's mind wandered to Princess's upcoming show. The Shih Tzu's silky coat needed to be absolute perfection to impress the judges. Grace had no doubt that Denise, despite her penchant for chatter, would work her magic and transform Princess into a vision of canine beauty.
Finally, the gossiping client departed, and Denise turned her attention to Grace. "Grace, darling! And the lovely Princess, too. Here for her pre-show glow-up, I presume?" She reached over the counter to ruffle the dog's ears affectionately.
"You know it, Denise," Grace replied with a warm smile. "Princess has a big day coming up, and we need her looking her absolute best. The breed standard is very specific - her coat should be long, flowing, and touch the ground. I'm counting on you to work your usual miracles."
Denise waved a hand dismissively. "Say no more, Grace. I've got this. Princess will be the belle of the ball when I'm through with her. Trust me, I know exactly what I'm doing."
Grace nodded, feeling a flicker of relief at Denise's confidence. She handed over Princess's leash, watching as the groomer led the little dog towards the back of the salon.
"See you in a bit, Princess," Grace called out. "Be a good girl for Denise!"
As she settled into a chair in the waiting area, Grace texted Princess’s owner, Mabel, who was currently on a business trip in London.
Princess is on the grooming throne! She wrote.
Mabel wrote back: Awesome! I bet she has a better time than I’m having at this meeting. Send pics when she’s done!
Grace picked up a well-worn copy of Modern Dog magazine from the side table, hoping to distract herself from a sudden unease in her gut. She flipped through the glossy pages, her eyes skimming over articles about canine nutrition and the latest trendy accessories. Despite her best efforts to focus on the content, her mind kept wandering back to Princess and the critical grooming session happening just beyond the door.
The waiting area felt strangely quiet, despite several other people waiting, save for the distant hum of clippers and the occasional muffled bark from the grooming room. Grace glanced at her watch, surprised to find that only fifteen minutes had passed. Time seemed to be crawling by at an agonizingly slow pace.
Grace reminded herself that Denise's professional reputation was impeccable. The groomer had a way with dogs, coaxing even the unruliest pups into submission with her gentle yet firm touch. Surely, Princess was in capable hands.
And yet, the nagging doubt persisted. She strained her ears, trying to discern any signs of distress from Princess. A few sharp barks punctuated the air, followed by Denise's muffled voice, cooing words of reassurance. Grace took a deep breath, silently willing herself to relax. Princess was a seasoned show dog, accustomed to the grooming process. She trusted Denise to handle her with the utmost care and professionalism, just as she had countless times before.
But as the minutes ticked by, the unease in Grace's stomach only intensified. The magazine lay forgotten in her lap, her fingers tapping an anxious rhythm against the armrest. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but something felt off.
Grace closed her eyes, sending a silent prayer to the universe that her instincts were wrong, that Princess would emerge from the grooming room looking every inch the polished, perfect show dog she was meant to be.
Another twenty minutes passed. Much longer now, in total, than the typical grooming session took.
Then, the door popped open.
Grace's eyes widened in disbelief as Denise emerged from the grooming room, a satisfied smirk on her face. In her arms, Princess squirmed, her once resplendent coat reduced to a patchwork of uneven tufts and bare patches. The Shih Tzu's eyes darted around the room as if seeking solace from the indignity of her new appearance.
"What on earth have you done?" Grace demanded, her voice rising an octave as she rushed forward to scoop Princess into her arms. She ran her fingers through the dog's butchered fur, her heart sinking with each passing second.
Denise shrugged, unfazed by Grace's reaction. "It was time for a style update," she said, nonchalantly examining her nails. "Princess was looking a bit outdated, don't you think?"
Grace's shock morphed into a simmering anger. "Outdated? She's a show dog, Denise! There are breed standards to maintain, and this," she gestured to Princess's uneven coat, "is not it."
"Oh, come on, Grace," Denise scoffed, rolling her eyes. "It's just a little haircut. No need to get your panties in a twist."
Grace's jaw clenched, her free hand balling into a fist at her side.
The audacity of this woman, she thought, to dismiss the importance of Princess's appearance like it’s nothing more than a trivial fashion choice.
"This is not just a little haircut," Grace said through gritted teeth, struggling to keep her temper in check. "This is a complete disregard for my instructions and Princess's well-being. How is her owner supposed to show her like this?"
Denise waved a dismissive hand. "You're overreacting. It's just hair. It'll grow back."
Grace took a deep breath, fighting the urge to lash out. Stay calm, she told herself, losing your cool won't solve anything. She looked down at Princess, who gazed up at her with trusting eyes, and felt a surge of protectiveness wash over her.
"This is unacceptable," Grace said, her voice low and steady. "You've ruined Princess's chances at the upcoming show, and you've betrayed my trust as a client. I'll be taking this up with the shop owner."
Denise's eyes narrowed, a flicker of unease crossing her features before she schooled her expression back into one of cool indifference. "Do what you need to do," she said, shrugging once more. "But I stand by my work. Princess looks fabulous, and you'll see that once you get over the initial shock."
With that, Denise pulled out her cell phone from her back pocket.
“Say cheese!” Denise said. Then, she snapped a picture of an incredulous Grace holding Princess.
Grace shook her head, not trusting herself to speak.
Around them, the salon quieted as curious eyes turned their way. Patrons paused mid-magazines, aghast at the confrontation. Staff members exchanged silent looks, unsure whether to intervene.
Denise rolled her eyes. "Look, your instructions were about as clear as mud, Grace. You said you wanted Princess to look her best, and that's exactly what I did. It's not my fault if you can't appreciate a little creative flair."
Grace's jaw clenched, her voice steady despite the rising irritation. "I specifically told you to maintain her breed standard cut, Denise. There was no room for misinterpretation."
Denise scoffed, her lips curling into a smirk. "Well, maybe you should've been more specific. I can't read minds, you know. Besides, Princess looks modern and chic now."
Grace's fingers tightened around Princess's leash as she set the dog down, and the little dog pressed against her leg for comfort. She took a deep breath, trying to rein in her frustration. "This isn't about fashion. It's about adhering to the guidelines set by the breed association. Princess was supposed to showcase the epitome of a Shih Tzu, not some trendy haircut."
Denise's eyes narrowed, a hint of malice flashing behind her false smile. "You know, Grace, maybe if you spent less time meddling in other people's business and more time focusing on your own life, you wouldn't be so uptight about a little haircut. And I would calm down if I were you. There are consequences to this kind of public hysteria."
Grace's blood ran cold. She knew Denise's reputation for gossip and blackmail, but to have it directed at her was a new level of unease. She straightened her spine, refusing to be intimidated. "This has nothing to do with my personal life. This is about your blatant disregard for my instructions and the impact it has on Princess's show prospects."
The tension in the salon was palpable, the air thick with anticipation. Patrons leaned forward, eager to catch every word of the unfolding drama. Staff members busied themselves with menial tasks, trying to avoid being caught in the crossfire.
