To Collar a Killer [Mass Market Paperback]

Lee Charles Kelley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 30, 2004

In this delightful and witty third book in our wonderful series created by veteran dog trainer Lee Charles Kelley, a clever kennel owner, his lady love, and his loyal canines must solve their most sinister mystery yet!

One of Maine kennel owner Jack Field's favourite pastimes is spending quality time with a fun-loving pooch--which is why he's playing fetch with a Corgi named Tipper instead of mingling at a July 4th shindig. But when Tipper returns with a bloodstained boating cap in his teeth, the ex-New York cop decides to investigate...and finds an anonymous dead body clutching the tennis ball Jack tossed away moments before. The local law think Jack's the killer, since he had the opportunity and, as it turns out, a motive. Even his loyal and lovely fiancée, sometime medical examiner Dr. Jamie Cutter, is troubled by evidence that contradicts Jack's tale. Someone's going to great lengths to frame Jack Field, and he's determined to find out why--even though everyone, from a powerful tycoon to a Miami drug lord to a whole passel of professional killers, is equally determined to see him doggoned dead!

Editorial Reviews

Review

“A terrific story with equally terrific characters...don’t miss this one.” (Rendezvous Magazine )

“Smart and witty, fast-paced . . . the best of mysteries a la canine.” (Shirley Rousseau Murphy )

Praise for A Nose for Murder:“This is the most perfect book...the mystery is beautifully written, fast-paced and engrossing. What could be better?” (Delia Ephron, author, screenwriter and producer )

“This is not only a great mystery novel, it should also be sold in every pet store in America.” (Kevin Behan, author of Natural Dog Training )

“A very clever canine caper.” (Romantic Times BOOKclub )

About the Author

Lee Charles Kelley is a successful New York dog trainer whose critiques of the alpha theory and operant conditioning have made him a controversial figure in the dog world. The author of five previous novels featuring Jack Field—Dogged Pursuit, 'Twas the Bite Before Christmas, To Collar a Killer, Murder Unleashed, and A Nose for Murder—Mr. Kelley lives on the island of Manhattan with a Dalmatian named Fred.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Avon (November 30, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060524952
• ISBN-13: 978-0060524951
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,062,768 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I'm a songwriter, a dog trainer, and a mystery novelist. I live in New York City with a Dalmatian named Fred. My novels are best described as a combination murder mystery, romantic comedy, and dog training manual. The titles include A NOSE FOR MURDER, MURDER UNLEASHED, TO COLLAR A KILLER, and 'TWAS THE BITE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, which was a Featured Alternate Selection for The Mystery Guild. DOG WORLD MAGAZINE said of me, "Both Lee Charles Kelley and his fictional detective are dog trainers, and it's obvious they know their stuff."

My short story, "The French Poodle Connection" is featured in the dog mystery anthology, BARK M FOR MURDER, along with stories by fan favorite Virginia Lanier, prize-winning novelist Chassie West, and New York Times bestselling author, J.A. Jance. My next novel, titled DOGGED PURSUIT, will be out in July of 2006.

I'm a member of ASCAP. I wrote the book and lyrics for the musical comedy IT'S ONLY MONEY, with partner David Forrest. I've written the theme songs for two independent motion pictures that you've probably never heard of. Other tunes have been praised by Carly Simon, Charles Strouse, Ric Derringer, Tierney Sutton, and others.

The dog training techniques I use are based on NATURAL DOG TRAINING by Kevin Behan. They're unique in that they don't rely on dominance or food rewards but utilize the dog's prey drive to stimulate obedience and solve behavioral problems naturally.

I'm in my mid-50s. Fred died peacefully in his sleep of congestive heart failure on June 28th, 2007. He was 15 years old.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars To Collar A Killer, January 5, 2005

By 

Huntress Reviews (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: To Collar a Killer (Mass Market Paperback)

Jack Field is a dog genius. Any questions you may have, he has the answers. He thought, when he retired as a NYC cop and bought a kennel in Maine, that the rough life was gone. He is proven wrong when a man is found dead. Worse yet, Jack is the prime suspect!

The person framing Jack is doing a good job too. For this case goes from Maine to a San Diego drug lord. But they apparently did not know who they were messing with.

***** Very clever! The author had me guessing for a long while. Dog lovers (the tips really do work!) or not, if you like mysteries, you will love this one. *****

Reviewed by K. Blair.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Enough Stars, November 25, 2004

By 

darkblueclocks (Santa Fe, NM) - See all my reviews

This review is from: To Collar a Killer (Mass Market Paperback)

I do not like the cutesy titles, I do not like the cutesy artwork, but I love the novels of Mr. Lee Charles Kelley. My only problem is I gave five stars to one of his previous books, and now I don't have room to give this one the kind of stellar accolades it deserves.

It's a great mystery, but more than that, you care about the characters' lives, you laugh yourself silly at times, and you find yourself crying your eyes out at others, all while being kept in suspense about how the hero (and his lovely lady friend) are going to "Collar a Killer".

Six and a half stars, at least . . .

4.0 out of 5 stars Reviewed by Barb Radmore, January 25, 2007

By 

Front Street Reviews www.frontstreetreviews.com - See all my reviews

This review is from: To Collar a Killer (Mass Market Paperback)

So what is it that is so very appealing about this series? Maybe for me it is the setting- my own adopted state of Maine. Or could it be the characters? Jack Field, ex New York detective, is the owner of a dog kennel/ training business. He is usually in the company of or thinking about Jamie Cutter, the Medical Examiner. Living with Jack is his foster son, 'Duke" a crime victim from NYC. A steady, well written cast of characters traveling from one book to another to make this a cohesive, fun group of books to read. The starring roles though are assigned to the various dogs that populate the scenes. Much space is also given to dog training tips- a system based on play and praise.
Kelley writes with his tongue firmly planted in his cheek. He seems to understand that Jack makes Sherlock Holmes seem dense and plots are more interesting when they appear impossible. The asides and comments to the reader draw the casual reader into his world. He cleverly admits that these are just good mystery stories that are enjoyable to read- and what more can we ask from a cozy?
(Next step would be a top rated tv show! Anyone out there know any producers..but remember it was my idea first!)

Three Hints for reading this series:
1. It is not neccesary to read them in the order written but would be more enjoyable to follow the continuing plot lines in order.
2. Just remember- the dog is always innocent ! (oops- is that a spoiler?)
3. If you do not have a dog when you start the series you probably will by the end!

To Collar a Killer
Tipper, a corgi, and Jack are playing fetch at the July 4th picnic when they discover a dead body.
Whan all the clues point to Jack as the murderer he must put all the pieces together to
figure out who is trying to frame him.