Another enjoyable outing in the Maid Ivy Cosy Mystery Series.

In this book a Pooch Pageant comes to the glamorous hotel where Ivy is the headmaid, and wouldn't you know it, one of the champion breeders drops dead during the competition. And it's not from the excitement, it's poison.

But who could the culprit be? There's plenty to choose from with the dead woman's competition all apparently having an axe to grind, her nephew who doesn't like dogs but puts up with the ill-treatment from his aunt if he might inherit her fortune, the judges who have secrets of their own.

I will be honest and admit I didn't guess it until just before the grand reveal. Avid readers of the series know that there will be plenty of repartee between Ivy and her posse of fellow employees, and that somewhere along the track one or the other of them will chance upon a clue while spying on the guests of the hotel, and that Ivy will have to save the day in the end even at the risk of her own life.

A quick and enjoyable read to take your mind off the real world.

I received an early copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. ( )

Hazel Smith takes us into the cutthroat competition at London’s annual Pooch Pageant which is being held at the Hotel LaFontaine. But even though everyone wants to come out with the top dog, nobody expects to win because of the death of a top poodle breeder.

Maid Ivy and her friends once again do some sleuthing in an effort to find the murderer. Is it a jealous competitor, one of her own employees, or someone with another reason to dislike her? There are multiple people who might want to see the breeder out of the picture.

The author easily intermixes some lighter moments into the tense investigation. Ivy and her friends enjoy each other’s company – and some tasty treats from the hotel kitchen. There is the hint of romance as Ivy’s relationship with the hotel owner, Max, continues to bloom.

As a reader, I enjoyed the friendships, the mystery, and the dogs. I smiled at the antics of some of the dogs and the camaraderie between Ivy and her co-workers. It is impossible not to be concerned when Ivy finds herself in dangerous situations.

Although Killer Contest is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone novel.

I requested and received an advance copy of Killer Contest since I have enjoyed earlier books in this series. There was no promise made of a positive review, but I am happy to report that this book met my expectations and I can easily recommend it to other cozy mystery readers. ( )