The Quibbling Quartet

Case Number 17

The New Caldonia Quartet always had problems getting along with each other. Arguments over what music to play, how to interpret it, who should get the most center stage time, even what costumes to wear plagued them ever since the four members came together to form the group. Suzanne Cousins, probably the most talented member of the group, tried constantly to bring the members together. But at a friendly meeting, her friend, Paula Gurley, dies. The group finds itself under intense scrutiny. When the police come and arrest Suzanne Cousins, it looks like the group will split up.

Detective Cynthia Pierson knows Paula Gurley’s mother and wants the case solved. But Detective Pierson doesn’t think the detective assigned to investigate the case will do a good job. She needs Mark MacFarland to step in and solve the case.

At first MacFarland is resistant. But when he learns that the man who messed up the evidence chain of custody in his wife’s death is the detective assigned to this case, he has all the reason he needs to look into Paula Gurley’s death. Besides, it gives him a chance to work with Detective Pierson. The only obstacle is the Quibbling Quartet itself.

Its members don’t seem to be cooperative. What do they have to hide?

This is the seventeenth of twenty-seven books in the Hot Dog Detective series. Follow Mark MacFarland’s adventures as he redefines who he is.