Paw of The Jungle is the 8th book in the Paw Enforcement series by author Diane Kelly, which focuses on Fort Worth Police Officer Megan Luz and her K-9 partner, Briget. The author has a sharp wit that shines through in her storytelling, including the chapter headings. (My favorite in t his book was Chapter 17 “Who Dung It”).
In Paw of The Jungle, the plot centers around animals that mysteriously disappear from The Fort Worth Zoo. The chapters are told through the eyes of Officer Megan Luz, Briget the K-9 dog, and the bad guy known in the chapter headings as “The Poacher.” It is interesting to see the mindset of the poacher, who was just released from prison for stealing from his employer.
The story begins just before Christmas and ends at Valentine’s. It follows the sometimes slow, but methodical means law enforcement has to follow in order to capture the wrongdoers. In this case, there is a great deal of public pressure to find the missing zoo animals quickly, but the poacher has been very careful to hide all evidence that would implicate him.
In addition to the stolen zoo animals, Megan is also dealing with the theft of valuable rings from several women in the area. Plus, her handsome firefighter boyfriend, Seth, has become the object of attention of a cute new paramedic at his station. Megan and Briget certainly have a lot keeping their hands and paws busy! The surprise ending makes me excited to read the next book in the series.
Not only does Diane Kelly weave an exciting mystery, she also educates us on the world of animal poachers, cheap roadside zoos, and exotic game hunting ranches. There is also valuable information on prisoner recidivism and job training programs. It is apparent that a great deal of research went into this novel.
5 Stars. This book will be available on November 26, 2019. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my ARC in exchange for a review.
Be sure to check out my Author Interview with Diane Kelly regarding her House Flipper book series.
And Now For My Recipe Recommendation
Fort Worth Officer Megan Luz’s beat is right by the Fort Worth Cultural District. One of my favorite restaurants there is Fireside Pies, a local chain in the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex. Not only do they serve creative, artisinal pizzas and salads, the bar is also excellent. My favorite cocktail served there is a Grapefruit Rickey. Here is my spin on their recipe. Of course, I always think BIG, so my recipe is for a pitcher of Grapefruit Rickeys. Cheers, Y’all.
1 1/2 cups vodka (such as Sobieski)
2 cups fresh-squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice (from 2 – 3 grapefruit)
1/2 cup elderflower liqueur
1/2 cup lime juice (5 – 6 small limes)
1/2 cup simple syrup
Club Soda
Fill highball glasses with ice. Pour mixture over ice, top with club soda and garnish with grapefruit.