Saturday, January 16, 2016

Karma's a Killer by Tracy Weber - #review


When Seattle yoga teacher Kate Davidson agrees to teach doga (yoga for dogs) at a fundraiser for a local animal rescue, she believes the only damage will be to her reputation. But a few downward-facing dogs are the least of Kate’s problems when an animal rights protest at the event leads to a suspicious fire and a drowning.
The police arrest a woman claiming to be Kate’s estranged mother and charge her with murder. To prove her innocence, Kate, boyfriend Michael, and German shepherd sidekick Bella dive deeply into the worlds of animal activism, organizational politics, and the dangerous obsessions that drive them. All while discovering that when it comes to murder, there’s no place like hOMe.

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MY REVIEW

Ah.  The course of true agape never did smooth.

Kate was volunteered to conduct a 'doga' (dog yoga) class for a local animal shelter's fundraiser, which was organized by her boyfriend, Michael.  Michael's employee, a 20-something named Tiffany would love to come in-between the couple.

Before the fund-raiser starts, Kate overhears an argument between two members of an animal rights group.  Raven, the more zealous of the two, threatens to ruin Dharma's relationship with one of their other activists, when Dharma wants to back out of what seems to be a violent demonstration.

What is wrong with people?  You can't bring the world into balance by using devious, unethical, destructive or violent means.  Some animal rights groups need to learn that, also right-to-lifers who think it is a good thing to blow up abortion clinics.  And terrorists?  'Nuff said.  OK.  I'm reining myself back in now.  I did appreciate Kate's struggles to practice what she preached and not react to people in a negative manner, even when their actions seemed to beg for it.  Of course, on this day, she didn't want her actions to affect the fundraiser (or her boyfriend's repuatation) in a negative manner.

It turns out there is a drowning at the vent, and Dharma, the activist that rejected the planned violence, gets accused of the murder.  Why should Kate (or any us) care.  Oh, maybe because Dharma claims to be Kate's mother.  So natch, Kate feels obligated to help her mother beat the rap, which is big of her, considering the woman abandoned her years ago.  And I think it's great that Bella, Kate's German Shepherd gets in on the investigating.

Years ago I was in a massage therapy training program, and they offered free classes a couple of nights a week on Tai Chi and Qigong for the students.  I don't have much (um, read just about nil) experience with yoga, but there is enough information woven into the story that I feel like I know a little bit more about it now.

I can't believe I read the first book in the series, and now have read this most recent installment, but somehow missed the 2nd Title, A Killer Retreat.  But it has been nice to see Kate's character grow over the two books I have read.  I hope Kate goes on spreading her brand of goodwill for many more outings.

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MEET THE AUTHOR



Tracy Weber is the author of the award-winning Downward Dog Mysteries series featuring yoga teacher Kate Davidson and her feisty German shepherd, Bella. Tracy loves sharing her passion for yoga and animals in any form possible. Her first book, Murder Strikes a Pose won the Maxwell Award for Fiction and is a 2015 Agatha award nominee for Best First Novel.

Tracy and her husband live in Seattle with their challenging yet amazing German shepherd Tasha. When she’s not writing, Tracy spends her time teaching yoga, walking Tasha, and sipping Blackthorn cider at her favorite ale house.

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GIVEAWAY!!!

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Click on the link to go to the tour page, where you will find more reviews, as well as interviews and guest posts.  You can also sign up to be a tour host yourself!

(Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book from the author and publishers via Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours and NetGalley in exchange for my objective review.  This post may contain affiliate links.)

5 comments:

  1. Thanks so much for having me here today on Back Porchervations! If your readers have any questions for me, I'd be delighted to answer them.

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  2. I confess that the title is not my cup of tea, but I've passed it on to my wife (a devoted yoga class attendee); I also note that I am pleased to have discovered your blog via the Shakespeare Challenge, which I have also joined at my brand new blog: http://shakespearescreations.blogspot.com/
    I look forward to the Shakespeare discussions in the future.

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    1. Always glad to 'meet' another Shakespeare fan, Robert! I hope your wife enjoys the book!

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  3. Thanks for passing it on, Robert! I hope your wife reads and loves it!

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