loribonesscaswell

Dollycas’s Thoughts

I admit it, I am a bit superstitious. Cross my fingers, knock on wood, and I would never walk under a ladder.

The town of Destiny, California is all about superstitions with the Broken Mirror Bookstore, Wish Upon A Star Children’s Shop, Lucky Dog Boutique and more but the town still has it’s share of skeptics. Police chief Justin Halbertson calls himself a superstition “agnostic” but don’t let his boss the mayor hear that. The mayor, Bevin Dermot, represents his town and all the superstitious beliefs to the hilt, even dressing in clothes that make him look very leprechaun-ish.

Rory Chasen and her dog Pluckie have come to town to get some answers so that she can get her life back on track but from the start her trip doesn’t go as planned. She meets Martha and because of the “good luck” that a black and white dog brings they become fast friends. Rory has a big heart and finds she can’t say no to Martha’s request.

The premise of this story seems pretty unique. I had never heard of a town like Destiny and never had heard that black and white dogs are good luck. I have a black and white dog that I love but I don’t think she has ever given us good luck for a business meeting or in any other way but she she is great to cuddle with while I read or keep my feet warm as I type.

We meet some very interesting characters, like the bookshop owners, the one who died had written a type of guidebook to superstitions.The mayor is a bit quirky too but most of the other characters seem pretty down to earth. I do realize this is just the first book in the series so there is still much to learn about the residents of Destiny and its visitors.

I enjoyed that most of the businesses in town including the eateries allow dogs. In fact most of the restaurants had patio areas perfect for pets. After reading other series by this author I know how important pets are to her so I knew Pluckie would play a major role in this story. Like all mysteries there is the last good twist that gives us readers that “aha moment”.

Linda O. Johnston is off to a good start with this series. I am looking forward to a return trip to Destiny to see what Rory and Pluckie are up to next.