Where There's a Will, There's a Wag

According to Samantha Spayed, percipient dog detective, ""When it comes to books there's sometimes more between the covers than just the pages.'' As usual, Sam is right. From the double pun of its title to its irresistible end, this new Sam Spayed title is a cleverly conceived, delightful spoof. Sam not only tells the story of the search for a missing will, she solves the crime. (Her human partner Barlowe is too dim-witted to follow a clue.) The mystery could easily stand on its own, but Glass's shadowy black-and-white drawings add just the right touch of affection and grit. (9-12)