Murder Strikes a Pose

Weber’s debut, which launches the Downward Dog series, should appeal to anyone who likes canines, yoga, and a determined sleuth. Seattle yoga teacher Kate Atkinson has her sense of calm disrupted when, one day, she discovers an intimidating German shepherd, Bella, outside of her studio. Also waiting at the front door is Bella’s owner, a homeless man named George, who works selling copies of a local newspaper on the street. Getting over her initial discomfort, Kate befriends George, who is subsequently found dead in her studio’s parking lot. When the police dismiss the crime as the result of a dispute between drug dealers, Kate is determined to find both George’s murderer and a home for his very large and not particularly sweet dog. Cozy fans will eagerly await the next installment. Agent: Margaret Bail, Andrea Hurst & Associates Literary Management. (Jan.)