Black Ribbon

Not even the most dogged canine fancier is likely to stay the course of Conant's latest dog-world mystery, a disappointing follow-up to her well-received Ruffly Speaking. Here Holly Winter, Dog's Life columnist, heads to the Maine woods with Rowdy, her Alaskan malamute, for fun and games at Waggin' Tail, a week-long camp for the doggie set. The food and activities schedule are disappointing; most disconcerting is the presence of a dog sympathy card and pamphlets advertising pet cemeteries. Another problem is Eva, the thoroughly obnoxious owner of an untrained Labrador. Readers who quickly recognize Eva as the tale's victim will also expect her murder to be resolved and will rightfully object when Conant has the killer observe, while destroying evidence of guilt, ``I hope you understand.'' The author's knowledge of the dog fancy and all things malamute would have been better kept on a tighter lead. As Holly herself warns the reader, ``I could go on and on, and, if I'm not stopped, will probably do so at extreme length and in minute detail.'' Fair warning. (Jan.)