20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Terrific!, March 8, 2010
Plot/Storyline: 4 3/4 Stars
The reader is plunged into the story from the first chapter. This is not a "can't put it down" type mystery, but it is definitely one where the reader will want to continue reading to find out who the killer is.
While the novel was firmly entrenched in the "cozy mystery" genre, there was not a lot of boring filler. There was a lot of information about dog breeding and rescue organizations. However, it was so skillfully interwoven into the story, that I almost didn't realize how much information I was learning. Also, the author did a great job of not overstepping the line between giving information necessary for the plot and just proseletyzing on a favorite topic.
The mystery was interesting and definitely well-planned. My only issue with it was Dianne's epiphany regarding one of her dog's knowledge. It just didn't really make sense. That's really all I can say without giving anything away. That one thing didn't spoil anything at all and could easily have just been left out.
There was a romantic interest in the novel. However, it was downplayed considerably. I felt there could have been a little more play given to that thread.
Character Development: 4 3/4 Stars
Dianne was an interesting character, if a bit shallow. By that, I mean that I didn't really learn much about her outside of her interactions with dogs. Her actions and interactions were realistic, though, so she was definitely a good fit for this novel.
One thing I really enjoyed about this novel was that the dogs were "real". They weren't circus dogs and didn't do amazing tricks. They weren't genius dogs that astound humans with their intelligence. They were completely believable animals.
Writing Style: 5 Stars
The sentence structuring was terrific. Unlike a lot of cozy mysteries, this author did not drift into the `romance novel' tone. The descriptions were very good, also. The dialogue was a little formal at times, but still within realistic parameters.
Editing/Formatting: 5 Stars
Both were of professional quality.
Rating: PG for Violence and Descriptions of Animal Cruelty
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great new author and series, February 12, 2010
Mysteries with animals as characters range from the "supernatural" where the animals solve the mystery to the mundane where the animals are used solely to attract readers. Rottweiler Rescue falls somewhere in the middle with the dogs serving as important plot points but not taking over the story. O'Connell has written a solid cozy with interesting characters and an intriguing mystery. A debut novel (as far as I can tell) I hope this isn't the last we'll see of the author or the character. Highly recommended.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excited to discover this new author!, February 11, 2010
I have just finished Rottweiler Rescue and enjoyed it very much. The plot, pacing and characters all held my interest and I hope to see more in the series.
I am a dog-lover, and I think anyone who loves dogs, especially rottweilers, will enjoy this mystery. The dogs play an integral role in the story in a realistic manner.
My advice would be to check this book out, you won't be disappointed!
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