I found another instance of trying to catch markets in UK and USA by mixing characters from each in a story. I prefer to find a genuine reason to blend the characters, contrast their life experiences and build a plot accordingly. STAY CALM AND COLLIE ON is a dog-lovers' mystery which does work hard to meet these goals.

The Buckingham Pet Palace is a business in historic Lewes, Delaware. Sue Patrick, dedicated owner and manager of the pet day care is a thorough Anglophile and has gained posh patronage from Lady Anthea Fitzwalter... through a charity aiming at putting women around the world in contact. We enter as this co-owner is on her way for a visit, with a parade and fun day planned to boost publicity. In keeping with her theme Sue regularly provides Earl Grey tea and suitable snacks. When Anthea arrives, though, there's no time for tea as Sue has to rush to an emergency.

The van delivering dogs to their homes has been found abandoned at a ferry terminal, blocking the queue, with no sign of the driver. Hoping Anthea can soothe officialdom, Sue brings her along and they rescue three dogs locked in the van on a warm day. The driver Henry is in the back of the vehicle, beyond help. The police and ferry port operators are security conscious, so investigations are immediately under way. Sue and Anthea have to restore the reputation of the pet care centre from lurid gossip about murder and dog thieves. They also want to find justice for Henry. Even if he was lying to the staff, and his fiancée.

The two women are well portrayed and I was chuckling as I racked up unorthodox issues for the widowed Amanda -- who does actually say "Carry on." I like that the dogs are fed hormone-free chicken, grass-fed beef and organic veg from BPA-free containers, showing that a lot of research went into the tale. Lane Stone the author is from Atlanta but lives in Lewes on weekends. She supports a dog foster care group and is on the Political Science Advisory Board of Georgia State University. STAY CALM AND COLLIE ON, her third book, is a highly entertaining read with characters we come to like a lot. I hope to read more in the Pet Palace Mystery series.