A yoga instructor finds her restful pose disturbed by the snarling of a large dog. Outside her studio is a man who sells a local newspaper that supports homeless people. He's got a large German Shepherd. When Kate goes up to the man he introduces himself as George and the dog as Bella, and Bella sits, well-behaved. Then a client of Kate's comes by with a Lab puppy, and Bella promptly goes for it. She's not safe around other dogs.

MURDER STRIKES A POSE is set in Seattle, and Kate knows the local Animal Control laws are strict. She directs George to leave the patch for everyone's safety. Trying to practice yogic compassion, she buys his remaining papers. Next day of course, he's back.... Kate tries various solutions, including gaining the advice of a local pet store owner who has something more romantic in mind than the Downward Dog pose, and gets to know scruffy George as well as her slimy landlord. Then she discovers George lying dead following an altercation in an alley, and Bella is nowhere to be seen....

I liked the ethos of the story, as Kate determinedly tries to be a good person but gets dragged further into matters that were nothing to do with her - such as trying to find a good home for Bella, if she can first find the poor dog. How would Kate know who disliked a homeless street vendor? But since she can identify him, the police expect help from her. She tries to do her duty, although they're quite dismissive of a yoga teacher. Kate had paid a lot of attention to detail when setting up her studio, little touches like the right colours and scented candles, but now has difficulty making ends meet, which shows the true side of running a small business.

A non-dog owner caring for a large dog is amusing to read, and it also turns out that Bella has a digestive disorder arising from a pancreas condition, and requires special food - from the pet shop owner. Anyone who likes dogs but doesn't realise that they can be difficult and costly to care for responsibly, should read this book. The dilemma that arises over tracing Bella's first owner distracts Kate from the mystery of George's death. But it's a top-flight mystery right to the end. Tracy Weber has put together a book to attract the fans of Carol Lea Benjamin and Susan Conant, and MURDER STRIKES A POSE should appeal to all dog lovers.