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Downward Dog Mystery Books In Order

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Publication Order of Downward Dog Mystery Books

Murder Strikes a Pose (2014)Description / Buy at Amazon
A Killer Retreat (2015)Description / Buy at Amazon
Karma's a Killer (2016)Description / Buy at Amazon
A Fatal Twist (2017)Description / Buy at Amazon
Pre-Meditated Murder (2018)Description / Buy at Amazon
Murder Likes It Hot (2019)Description / Buy at Amazon

US born Tracey Weber is the author of the award-winning Downward Dog Mystery series. With a background in chemical engineering and career in business consulting, Weber made the unlikely decision in 2001 to quit her role at Microsoft and pursue a new career teaching yoga. 16 years on and she still teaches regularly in her Seattle based studio, where she got some unlikely inspiration to write.

Although Tracey had loved reading mysteries, she’d never even considered writing her own until protagonist Kate Davidson popped into her head and inspired her now widely successful series.

The Downward Dog Mystery series which follows yoga teacher, Kate and her German Shepherd, is now critically acclaimed. Weber’s first book, Murder Strikes a Pose, won the Maxwell Award for Fiction and was a nominee for the Agatha Award as best first novel in 2015.

The first book in the series, Murder Strikes a Pose, sees Kate Davidson, a yoga teacher trying to lead the zen lifestyle she craves. Her struggling yoga business, rooky dating life and the passing of her father all make Kate’s life challenging.

Then, into Kate’s hectic world comes a homeless alcoholic, George, and his German Shepherd Bella. As if Kate’s Savasana wasn’t challenged enough, the pair warm to her yoga studio entrance as a place to pass the time. Kate soon learns that Bella is sick and that George has a secretive plan to get what she needs.

However, George is murdered and it is simply dismissed by the police as another drug related crime. Kate quickly learns that having a murder take place on her doorstep is not ideal for attracting new students. Caught up in a sticky situation with an ill dog now reliant on her, Kate decides to take it upon herself to solve George’s murder. Caught up in a sticky situation with an ill dog now reliant on her, Kate decides to take it upon herself to solve George’s murder.

An unlikely pair, Kate and Bella soon become sidekicks on a mission to uncover what happened. However, Kate soon realises that the murderer is onto her and has to work quickly to solve the mystery for her own safely. With Weber’s clever plot twists it makes for a gripping read which culminates in a climatic conclusion.

The second book in the series, A Killer Retreat, sees protagonist Kate Davidson accept an invitation to teach yoga classes at Elysian Springs resort. Along with her boyfriend, Michael, Kate packs her bags for what sounds like a fun adventure, she’s even happy to endure the wedding of resort caretakers Emmy and Josh.

During her stay, the yogi soon becomes acquainted with Monica who’s terrier has a run in with Bella. This sets a sour tone amongst the women and Kate goes as far to joke that she’d poison her whilst having dinner with Michael.

Kate’s run of good luck soon takes a nasty turn when she shockingly discovers the body of a Monica in the spa hot tub. As the first person on the scene, Kate is number one suspect for the police. An eccentric lawyer soon comes to the rescue and helps Kate to stay out of jail for the time being.

However, to avoid a lifetime behind bars, Kate is forced to team up with best friend Rene, boyfriend Michael and sidekick Bella to find the real killer and prove her innocence. Weber delivers yet another gripping read with all the twists and shocking turns you’d expect.

Next in the series come Karma’s a Killer which sees Kate agree to teach yoga to dogs (dogs) at local animal rescue fundraiser. A seemingly unusual request, Kate is more worried about her reputation than what could possibly go wrong. She soon finds herself in a sticky situation when the session is disrupted by animal protesters claiming her estranged mother murdered one of their activists.

Although Kate still feels hostility towards her mother Dharma who abandoned her as a child, she refuses to believe that she’s guilty of murder. Kate calls upon her friend Dale Evans to defend her mother who advises Kate to stay away whilst the investigation takes place. He instead asks her to collect her mother’s belongings from a nearby Motel where Kate finds a box containing letters between her mother and father. She proceeds to read them and discovers a childhood she has absolutely no memory of.

Weber creates yet another gripping read and goes a step further with this book by including a very controversial topic. The animal rights group protest in an obnoxious yet sympathetic way, giving the reader the opportunity to see both sides. This is also revisited when Kate, along with her boyfriend and trusty dog Bella, delve into the world of animal rights activism, discovering the dangerous lengths the groups go to.

Karma’s a Killer proves to be yet another unputdownable thriller delivered with Weber’s usual wit and entertaining charm.

A key selling point of the Downward Dog Mystery series is its social relevance. People are intrigued by a yoga teacher turned sleuth attempting to solve crimes with a trusty German Shepherd. It’s not your everyday plot line by any means but the books definitely make for an entertaining read.

Her enigmatic leading lady, Kate Davidson, is relatable character for many, navigating through life’s daily struggles. A non-existent love life and struggling business, Kate is the kind of person people can empathize with. Weber’s witty way with words creates some laugh out loud moments whilst her ability to transfix with unexpected twists makes for great reading.

Yoga aside, the way Weber captures the relationship between Kate and Bella is nothing short of touching. Bella is never a picture of heath, she hates other dogs and suffers from Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), a disease which basically means she can’t digest food. Kate’s unlikely relationship with the German Shepherd ends up saving them both. The series is the perfect, well-plotted cozy mystery suitable for most. If you’re a yoga lover, you’ll love Kate and if you’re a dog lover you’ll love Bella.

If you would like to find out more on yoga or rescue organizations for special need animals, Tracy’s website provides some great information.

Book Series In Order » Characters » Downward Dog Mystery

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