The Otter of Death

The Otter of Death
A Gunn Zoo Mystery
Author: Betty Webb
Poisoned Pen Press
Scottsdale, Arizona
ISBN; 978-1-4642-0992-5
Trade Paperback
2018
$ 15.95
265 pages

Theodora “Teddy” Bentley loves her work as a Zookeeper.  It always provides variety even with boring tasks.   While completing the annual “otter count” at Gunn Landing Harbor in California, Teddy discovers her favorite otter, Maureen is holding a smartphone.  You think of the possible fun in getting a phone away from an otter.
When Teddy actual examines the phone, she finds that the camera had been in use recently capturing a crime in action, a murder.
The phone belongs to Dr. Stuart Booth, part of the otter census crew and a marine biology instructor.  Stuart in not known for his good behavior, but has a tendency to sexually harass his female students who idolize him, at least for a while.
Fortunately or unfortunately, Teddy’s fiancé is Sheriff Joe Rejas.   He is handsome, hunky and doesn’t like Teddy nosing into his business.
So what is Teddy to do when her friend, Lila, an accuser of Booth’s conduct, is arrested for his murder?
Being Teddy, she follows her own ambitions and delves into the investigation if only to prove her friend innocent.
Teddy also reveals another side of her life, partying with the upper crust of the ultra-rich.   These events she does not usually attend by her choice, her mother tends to be involved a little too much.
The Otter of Death is Webb’s fifth novel in his Gunn Zoo series.  Yes, for those not acquainted with the series look for a puffin, an anteater, koala, and llama.  Each one involves many of the fictional zoo animals who tend to have many human characteristics.
Betty Webb was a journalist and has interviewed U.S. Presidents and Nobel Prize winners.  
Webb has also written another well-known mystery series featuring Lena Jones.   These books delve into the life of polygamy with Desert Noir, Desert Wives, Desert Shadows, Desert Run, Desert Lost, Desert Cut, Desert Wind, Desert Rage, and Desert Vengeance.  All of these are well-written mysteries included with the actual events of many of these unfortunate women.
I thoroughly enjoy all her books since there is always a piece of each one of us in her characters. Her settings, plots, and characters are realistic and visual to her readers.