Customer Reviews

Amorous Accident: A Dog's Eye View of Murder

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Jean Keating's "Amorous Accident" is a really wonderful adventure from beginning to end. Not only is there a very puzzling but thoroughly performed murder investigation, but more than a liberal dose of animal/human interplay from which I learned a great deal about Papillons. You can't help but fall in love with this breed of dog. Anyone with an affinity for four-legged companions will enjoy this book. Toss in a very engrossing mystery in the form of a murder taking place in an experimental lab with LOTS of possible suspects, and you have a book that you'll be hard-pressed to put down. I can guarantee animal lovers and those who are mystery aficionados to be happy they read this book. Be sure to read the stunning poem "Brown Eyes" - it will touch your heart and leave its' mark long after you've finished the book.

I started reading this book with some trepidations. I, a confirmed cat-person, ventured into dog-teritory only because of a recommendation by a friend. But this little book was worth it. I still have to admit that the thought of 15 bouncy little dogs (which I understand is how many Jean Keating, the author of AMOROUS ACCIDENT has) is a bit overwhelming. I put those qualms aside, though, and found a good read that builds a strong case for animal advocacy and that teaches the uninformed a great deal about the endearing little butterfly dogs.

Now, if this were about cats, I'd rate it five stars!

Jean C. Keating is a retired aeronautical engineer with NASA. She holds degrees in Physics, Mathematics, and Information Systems, and authored more than 50 reports and studies in her work at NASA and as Research Coordinator for Virginia's higher education board. Amorous Accident was originally published in 1999, and her follow-up is in progress under the title of Brainy Bear: Death Takes Best Of Breed. Her specialty in the dog kingdom is papillons.

Kevin Andrews is called in to investigate a particularly grisly homicide at an animal research lab. No one is too upset about the death of the scientist, Michael Porter, chief of research at a cancer institute. Andrews is a kindly veteran cop who loves animals. He enlists the help of his son and daughter-in-law, who have special expertise in the care of dogs and cats, by claiming two dogs whose future is dire if left in the lab. He has a long list of suspects, as Porter was not a popular figure, and the symbolic death left little doubt that the perp was an animal lover:

"The senior detective paused to sip his coffee before continuing. 'Twill said the victim was killed by having acid poured down his throat, a rather brutal method wouldn't you think?' he asked rhetorically. 'Porter was awake and aware for a considerable time, about four or five very long minutes maybe. There were numerous ways to kill Porter without resorting to torture, if ending his life was the only objective. He was knocked unconscious first with a blunt instrument. He was helpless. Then he was trussed up in that metal rack for some reason and acid was forced down his throat.'"

This remake of the classic Frankenstein/evil scientist story is a most satisfying plot for any dog lovers who worry about what goes on in research labs. Keating does a wonderful job of making the case against animal experimentation, and points out how the financial rewards can and do outstrip the usefulness of such practices. The plot moves along briskly; Keating hides the killer where no one thinks to look; and the characters (including the four-legged furry kind) are sweet beyond compare. Amorous Accident provides good instruction on just how smart and lovable animals are and how they are abused by greedy and sadistic people who belong not in a lab, but probably in jail. But don't fear...the story is compelling and well planned.

Shelley Glodowski
Reviewer

This book is delight to the eye, mind and soul. From the sky background cover which reflects the main canine character Sky to the fast paced plot which provides all the clues and dares you to solve the mystery, this story sings! I suspect the author reads poetry to her dogs, or maybe mysteries, or both. Caution: do not undertake as a bedtime story. You will not be able to put it down until you finish.

This book seems to be the first work of Jean Keating. I found this title, intelligent and comical. The plot surrounds the brutal death of a research scientist known to use live animal subjects for his work. This book touches on the plight of the research animal and truly tugs at the heart strings. Meanwhile the comical lead detective and his furry nemesis are sure to keep you off the prozac. Only thing cuter than this cranky dieting sluth is the endearing world of Sky. A toy Papillon dog who "owns" his humans. A must for mystery buffs and dog lovers a like. I really enjoyed this book. I could not put it down. This book will speak to your mind as well as your soul.

Anyone who loves animals is going to love this delightful and poignant mystery, in which companion pets help to solve the murder. However the animals act like animals--loving, sensitive, intelligent companions--but nonetheless animals. No Rocky Raccoons or even Lassies here. In Amorous Accident, the animals' natural fears and memories are used to help solve the case.

That is not to say there are no human detectives in the story. In fact, Kevin Andrews, a bulging at the seams Richmond police detective is joined by a full cast including his side-kick junior officer, uniformed officers, photographers, forensic pathologists, plus Andrews' godson and his loving wife Genna who is determined to keep the canines out of the cancer research facility where the gruesome murder occurred.

Did an animal rights fanatic kill the research doctor to avenge the cruelty the research doctor inflicted on the animals he used in his research? Or, is the brutal nature of the murder merely a red herring meant to confuse the detectives? Could the murderer actually have been the victim's lovely wife who believes he was having an affair with his secretary? Or, could it be one of his research associates at the cancer institute who found the doctor's arrogance offending? What about the head of the institute who seems to be hiding something? What about one of the cleaning crew who worked outside the doctor's office the night the doctor was murdered?

Author Jean Keating leaves us turning pages to find out whodunit. At the same time, the companion animals warm our hearts. Apart from the mystery, my favorite part was the birth and tender-loving care of little Amorous Accident.

Carole Chapman is the author of Blessed, The Golden Ones, and When We Were Gods.

The real theme of this book is animal abuse and torture during research. The mystery involves a scientist who gets treated like he treated the dogs in his lab. Now, who could have dunnit?

You'll be rooting for the dogs in this one. The book is an easy read, with a serious message. I enjoyed it!