A chance encounter reminiscent of One Hundred and One Dalmations (1961) has Michael and Elizabeth leaving the park with insults flying (instead of sparks) and each other’s dogs. 

I’d consider this book a very low level but cozy mystery. The reader knows “who’s done it” but it’s still fun to get there at the end with the MCs. It’s essentially grumpy/sunshine, and I wasn’t sure if I liked Michael at first but he grew on me. You could tell he took constructive criticism and tried to improve how he interacted with others. 

Elizabeth (Bitsy) was refreshing because a lot of FMC’s are pretty but don’t know it, awkward, bookish, not like like other girls, but Elizabeth knew her strengths (interpersonal communication, her looks, social maneuvering) and used them to their advantage during their investigation. 

Jimmy and Sally? Adorable. 

Memorable Quotes:

“Leaning forward, Sally put a hand on his knee and kissed him on the cheek. “My compass doesn’t point north, Jimmy Bly. It points toward you.”

 “You know, it’s customary to wrap a bouquet with a ribbon,” she stated.
“I didn’t have a ribbon.”
“Then I’m afraid you’ll have to wrap them with an apology.”