Nicolette Briggs doesn't do humans. As Wellington's premier, and possibly only, animal detective, Nicolette mostly investigates missing pets and cases of animal cruelty. So when her latest client asks her to investigate a case of a poisoned cat, it seems right up her alley. Until a body shows up, then another, and suddenly despite her resolve to not get involved, Nicolette is right in the middle of two murder investigations. Or is it just one killer?

When someone breaks into her house and one of her dogs is injured, Nicolette's reluctance turns to determination to not only solve this thing before the police, but show up her stubborn police detective brother in the process.

Along the way she has to navigate a daughter about to turn 15, a dwindling bank account, and a dysfunctional family that seems determined to fix her. Not to mention a killer who's turned their sights her way. No wonder she doesn't do humans.