M.K. Clinton

I got a tremendous amount of enjoyment from this book. Very clever and HIGHLY entertaining! It gives the term "good fun" a whole new twist, as an Angel, a cat and four wonderfully believable dogs (oh, and one FBI agent) struggle to bring a really, really bad man to justice!

The dogs characterizations were spot-on. I could hear and see these guys in my head the whole time I was reading. Have I said it was funny? Ah, the pictures in my head! If you are a dog lover, this is absolutely a book you should read. The characters of the dogs are perfect for their breeds, as well as for the personalities of the people they used to be. Back before they had an "oops" moment that sent them to the "Heavenly Returns Department" upstairs. Oh, well, even angels make the occasional mistake!

If you have a great sense of humour, a good attitude and the ability to "make yourself comfortable" with dogs who sew costumes, work on car engines and generally behave like I can imagine my own dogs behaving, don't miss this one. I am eagerly watching for the next!… (more)

Showstoppers is HERE! Woo Hoo!

The Returns 2 ~ Showstoppers has been published, and it is just as good as the first book! Hey, maybe even better, but then, since they are both so good anyway, does it matter?

In The Returns, we meet four people who made it to the Pearly Gates a little early. Oops. A little trip to the “Early Returns” department and they are now back on Earth in new bodies. Four very furry, very four-footed bodies! Bentley, the basset hound who used to be an FBI agent, Pierre, now a West Highland White Terrier, a fashion designer and MIT graduate at age 16, Tucker, now a Golden but previously a Navy Seal, and finally Bones, former World Featherweight Boxing Champion and now a rough, tough Chihuahua and master mechanic. The Returns are guarded and guided by Faith Fullilove, their first-year Guardian Angel and her own Mentor Angel, Miss Gitty the gray tabby cat.

All four, with the addition of Bentley’s ex-partner in the FBI, Aiden, were involved in the takedown of a horrible bad-guy who was directly involved in the deaths of at least three of The Returns. Now, with Showstoppers, the team is back in action, using their skills and capabilities to track down and stop the theft of show dogs.

From their home in New Orleans to Madison Square Garden, the team goes on a fun and brilliantly designed romp through the world of high-stakes dog shows. Again filled with fun, humour, excitement, and a brilliant insight into the minds and personality of dogs, this is definitely NOT a book to miss!

Once again, the dog characterizations were spot-on. I could hear and see these guys in my head the whole time I was reading. And let me say again – if you love humor in your reading, this is perfect! Ah, the pictures in my head! If you are a dog lover, this is absolutely a book you should read. The characters of the dogs are perfect for their breeds, as well as for the personalities of the people they used to be. Well, I suppose they still are those people in their hearts and souls!

Filled with humor, thoughtfulness, and love, this is a perfect book – as M. K. says, “for anyone from 12 to 112!”

Note: I am the editor for both The Returns and The Returns 2 ~ Showstoppers. However, I wouldn’t have taken the editing if I didn’t truly believe in the books, and these are definitely two of my favorites of all the books that I have edited!
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More Fun than a pile of puppies!

The Returns series is made up of humans that lost their lives too early and are returned to earth in the form of dogs, cats and guardian angels. I was so excited when book 2, “Showstoppers” came out, I bought it immediately. Keep in mind that this book is rated G for general audience and for great fun!

In book 1, Bentley, former FBI agent dies and comes back as a Basset Hound, who, by the way, was in the middle of a case when he got killed. He ends up in New Orleans with Guardian Angel (and former model) Faith Fullilove, mentoring angel cat, Miss Gitty (former Broadway Star), and the “boys” Golden Retriever, Tucker (former Navy SEAL), West Highland Terrier, Pierre (teenage MIT Graduate, famous couture fashion designer and gourmet chef) and last but certainly not least the Chihuahua, Bones (former world featherweight champion. With the help of Aiden, Bentley’s former human FBI partner, The Returns, using their various talents become crime fighters. Aiden is always amazed at how they live and interact with each other. The house has been setup to support each one to their very best and worst. Sadly, in Book 2 – Faith still cannot cook without setting off the fire alarm.

Showstoppers, brings new adventures and new friends to The Returns. The FBI is trying to catch some scary dog-nappers who have targeted the dog show champions of the world, and Aiden comes to New Orleans to enlist the help of The Returns. They will need to infiltrate the dog show circuit, but they cannot do it on their own. Several similar dogs and cats help along the way. Pierre, for his finesse and training, is chosen to be the contestant at the dog shows. It is said that his only true competition is a beautiful and talented German Shepherd named Madison. Unbeknownst to the team, Madison (former NY Cop who died a hero’s death on 9/11) is also a return. Her handler is sent off on an emergency, and cannot compete in the upcoming shows. To the ultimate delight of Tucker, Madison is now working closely with The Returns to solve the crime.

This book is easy and fun to read. Showstoppers can be read as a standalone book – but you would enjoy it much more if you start with book 1. If you are not a dog lover when you start this book, you will be now.… (more)

Gotta love ghosts, angels and dogs!

This comedy has one of the most original story lines I have come across in a long time. It is truly a feel good book! A group of people die before their time, they are sent back as animals and an angel so they can solve a crime. The four dogs and one cat live with the most beautiful guardian angel out there. This angel is probably the world's worse cook, but they all love her anyways. The Golden Retriever usually says the blessing before the meal, and you guessed it - he prays for better food. Each of the dogs bring a special talent or two that they had when they were human. One of them was a designer and now makes them all costumes; another can fix cars, and so on. Can you imagine a small dog at a sewing machine or a basset hound trying to undo the lug nuts on a flat tire? Besides being hilarious, the book is for the most part PG rated, so the tweens at your house can enjoy the book with you. The author says this will be a series, if so; I cannot wait for book 2.… (more)