If you've read previous books by Liz Clarke, on the "Shell" series, you've met the aunt who raised her. Aunt Ellie now lives in Charlotte, North Carolina and has acquired a mixed breed, very large, shaggy pup named Mutt. While dog walking, Mutt decides he's part bloodhound, and being stronger than his owner, he drags her off the path to the scene of a murder. You will also meet Kathryn (Kat) Banks, members of her family, a local judge who also violates the law by feeding the ducks at Ellie's favorite pond. They attempt to assist the victim's daughter, who has been left to operate the family business, a well-known restaurant. Ellie takes a job as chef in an attempt to catch a killer.