In Plain Sight

Although Syracuse pet store owner Robin Light (seen last in Twister) complains that business is off, she spends little time at Noah's Ark Pet Shop in this third in the series. A former neighbor, teacher Marsha Pennington, who has filed for divorce, asks Robin to investigate the suspicious tax returns of her husband, who is suing for custody of her two shih tzus, dogs he despises. Before the two women can meet again, Marsha's body is found floating in a reservoir outside town. Although the police rule the death a suicide, Robin, who has involved her friend George, a former cop, in the case, is convinced it is murder and resolves to find the killer. Meanwhile, a high school principal, one of the pet shop's regular customers, asks Robin to look for a missing student whom he wants to help before the girl gets into deeper trouble. At the same time, area residents are calling the store for help in removing bats from their homes while a shady exterminating company hawks attic sound systems meant to prevent the pests' return. As Block labors to unite her story lines, the action bounces unevenfully from problem to problem. Only Robin's unflappable common sense and practicality will keep readers turning pages. (Aug.)