Seattle-based legal investigator Sara Townley is ecstatic that her latest case takes her to San Diego. It's where her husband, Navy SEAL Connor McNamara, works and lives. Although they've been married six months, they've actually only spent fifteen days face-to-face. This case should be fairly easy, tracking down an identity thief impersonating a reclusive millionaire. Too bad Sara doesn't anticipate meeting her in-laws for the first time while in flagrante delicto and her case is more complex than it appears to be on the surface.

When a meet with a witness turns into an ambush, only Connor's quick actions prevent Sara from also being shot dead. Why would someone want to kill a conspiracy-nut radio jock before he can talk to Sara? Is the imposter pretending to be Charles Smiths a murderer as well as a liar? The dog Sara finds on the scene knows more but how can you get a dog to talk?

In between investigating her case, Sara must cope with her new in-laws, a meddling jealous ex-fiancée and a dog that appears to be following Sara wherever she goes. Oh, and get to know her new husband better. Plus, she has to deal with Connor's overprotective attitude and the guards—his SEAL friends—he has watching her every move. True, trouble seems to follow her, but Sara can take care of herself, can't she? Something's fishy about her case and Sara won't rest until she knows all there is to know about Charles Smiths and the so-called imposter. Especially after more death and other mayhem occur.

Second in the Animal Instinct mystery series, DOGGONE is an enjoyable mystery that will keep the reader guessing until the very end. I especially loved Sara's interactions with Connor and his SEAL friends. She gives as good as she gets, which isn't easy with this group of macho men. Ms. Herkert has penned a complicated mystery with a very likable heroine and hunky alpha men.