Kerry Greenwood, author of the ‘Phryne Fisher’ novels, also writes mysteries featuring Corinna Chapman, who’s buxom, beautiful and a baker extraordinaire. As Corinna opens the door to her Melbourne bakery early one morning, a young man hands her an envelope. This is the first of four intriguing mysteries.

The young man is Alasdair Sinclair, a former soldier returning from Afghanistan with PTSD. He suffers nightmares, terrifying flashbacks and there’s a high risk of suicide. Alasdair has been attacked and his beloved dog stolen. On the envelope handed to Corinna is a note to Daniel Cohen, Corinna’s partner in life and a private investigator, requesting he find Alasdair’s dog.

The second mystery materialises when Corinna’s assistant shouts out that the shopkeeper next door is attempting to murder his computer technician. Corinna agrees to sort out the problem after diffusing the situation, but it turns out to be a problem that’s not easily solved. I know about those.

Mystery three involves another young man, Dion Monk, and an elderly resident of an apartment in Corinna’s building who comes out of his study to find a comatose person in his lounge room. The police are called.

Two break-ins to Corinna’s own apartment constitute mystery four. The first time it happens she confronts the intruder, receives two black eyes for her trouble and the prowler escapes. The second time, she’s prepared.

Greenwood’s easygoing style makes The Spotted Dog a pleasure to read. Humour, courage, recipes and eccentric characters add to the enjoyment.

Reviewed by Clive Hodges