Publisher's Weekly Review
In Johnston's so-so third Superstition mystery (after 2015's Knock on Wood), the town of Destiny, Calif., where superstition generally keeps the residents safe, is hit by a rash of very bad luck, including vandalism, theft, and the murder of real estate agent Flora Curtival, whose death is foretold by a dog howling in the middle of the night. Rory Chasen, the manager of Lucky Dog Boutique, and her fellow business people decide that they have to help find a solution before the tourists leave for a more fortunate venue. Police chief Justin Halbertson, Rory's sometime boyfriend, moves fast to keep ahead of his amateur helpers, including Rory's spaniel-terrier mix, Pluckie, but it takes all of them to identify the killer. Johnston's loyal readers will probably enjoy this installment, but this book reads more like an overview than a complete story, with insufficient attention devoted to motivation and character development. (Oct.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Kirkus Review
A murder in a town obsessed with luck leaves residents unsure what they can do to protect themselves while the prime suspect tries to clear her name.As she concludes her public talk in Destiny, California, about animals and superstitions, Rory Chasens excited to share her newest products with her neighbors in her adopted home. The manager at the Lucky Dog Boutique, a store that specializes in the luckiest of accessories and food (yes, lucky food) for pets, Rorys come up with a line of pet toys infused with luck, like a stuffed rabbit with an oversized foot. Though it may be corny, the towns residents and visitors have all come to Destiny to share in the luck, and every interaction is sanctified by knocking on wood or crossing fingers. Rory (Knock on Wood, 2015, etc.) feels pretty lucky herself. Having come to Destiny to investigate the death of her fiance, shes thinking of staying indefinitely, even shopping for an apartment or house to share with her best friend, Gemma, an even more recent transplant. Learning of their plans, pushy real estate agent Flora Curtival forces her services on Rory and Gemma even though the two arent sure theyre ready to commit. Nor is Rory the only person Flora is antagonizing. Rumors link her to a series of break-ins evidently intent on bringing storekeepers bad luck. Rory hears about the rumors from her boyfriend, policeman Justin Halbertson, though shes also informed that its bad luck to talk about the crimes. Guilty or innocent, Flora is soon found murdered with one of Rorys lucky rabbits feet stuffed in her mouth. Now Rory will need all the luck she can find to maintain her innocence. Johnstons gentle but bland heroine, now making her third appearance, and her lack of subtlety in handling the theme of luck will either amuse or repel readers. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.