Step into the thrilling world of the Kate Killoy Mystery series, where dog shows meet high-stakes suspense! Penned by Peggy Gaffney, this delightful blend of cozy mystery and romantic thriller follows Kate Killoy, a savvy dog handler and knitting designer, as she navigates murder, intrigue, and her beloved Samoyed dogs. Perfect for dog lovers and mystery fans alike, this series is like Die Hard meets Best in Show, offering a unique spin on the genre.
With her champion Samoyeds by her side, Kate tackles cases that unravel in the glamorous yet competitive world of dog shows. From New York City’s kennel club events to the snowy Adirondacks, Gaffney’s stories are packed with heart-pounding action, a sprinkle of romance, and plenty of fluffy canine charm. Ready to discover why this series has won hearts and awards? Let’s dive in!
How Kate Killoy Mystery Began
Peggy Gaffney, a Connecticut-based author with over fifty years of experience breeding and showing Samoyed dogs, channeled her passion into the Kate Killoy Mystery series. Inspired by her life in the dog show circuit, Gaffney crafted a heroine who mirrors her own expertise as a dog trainer and knitwear designer. Her debut novel, Fashion Goes to the Dogs, released in 2015, earned a Sisters in Crime Award, launching a series that blends her love for Samoyeds with her knack for suspenseful storytelling.
Gaffney’s background as a teacher, librarian, and dog enthusiast shaped Kate’s world. Drawing from real-life experiences—minus the murders, of course—she created a series that feels authentic to the dog show scene while weaving in thrilling plots. Her goal? To give readers a glimpse into the canine world through fast-paced, dog-centric mysteries.
The Heart of Kate Killoy Mystery
The series kicks off with Fashion Goes to the Dogs, where Kate, preparing for a New York City dog show and her first fashion show of dog-themed knits, stumbles into international intrigue. A case of mistaken identity pulls her and former FBI agent Harry Foyle into a web of espionage, with her Samoyed, Dillon, stealing the spotlight. In Puppy Pursuit, the second book, Kate and Harry face cyber-thieves while transporting a puppy cross-country, blending high-tech crime with canine loyalty.
National Security, the third installment, ups the ante at the Samoyed National, where a friend’s murder thrusts Kate into a national crisis. With killers on her tail, she teams up with a retired Russian spy to uncover a deadly clue. North Country Honeymoon, the fifth book, sees newlyweds Kate and Harry solving crimes during their honeymoon, with dead bodies and Samoyeds complicating their bliss. Themes of loyalty, bravery, and community shine through, set against vivid dog show backdrops and Gaffney’s witty, fast-paced style.
Kate’s adventures blend romance, suspense, and canine camaraderie, appealing to readers who love a smart heroine and a good mystery. The Samoyeds—Dillon, Liam, and Quinn—aren’t just pets; they’re partners in crime-solving, adding heart and humor to each tale. Gaffney’s knack for weaving dog show details into gripping plots makes the series a standout in cozy mysteries.
Why Kate Killoy Mystery Resonates
The Kate Killoy Mystery series has carved a niche among dog lovers and mystery enthusiasts, earning praise for its unique setting and engaging plots. Fans on Goodreads and Amazon rave about the “clean, idealistic” stories and the vivid portrayal of the dog show world, with reviews calling Guard Kate the series’ best yet for its military intrigue. The series’ appeal lies in its ability to balance thrilling stakes with the warmth of canine companionship, making it a refreshing take on the genre.
Gaffney’s work has also left a mark through her Sisters in Crime recognition and her influence on dog-centric fiction. By showcasing the bond between humans and their pets, the series celebrates loyalty and resilience, resonating with readers who see their own dogs as family. Its growing fanbase eagerly awaits more adventures, proving that Kate and her Samoyeds have staying power.
- First Book Published: 2015 (Fashion Goes to the Dogs)
- Number of Books: 7, including a box set
- Awards: Sisters in Crime Award for Fashion Goes to the Dogs
- Key Setting: Dog shows across the U.S.
Grab Fashion Goes to the Dogs and dive into Kate Killoy Mystery’s world of suspense, romance, and fluffy Samoyeds! Whether you’re a dog lover or a mystery buff, Kate’s adventures are sure to keep you hooked.