Top Dog Murder

A newly wealthy Rhode Island empty-nester hones her sleuthing skills in the latest novel in this fun and fast-paced new cozy series from the New York Times bestselling author of the Lucy Stone mysteries.

Carole Capobianco knows life can take unexpected detours—and not just the kind her beloved Brittany spaniel, Poopsie, drags her on during their daily walks. Sometimes, those surprises are delightful—including the family’s recent windfall thanks to her husband Frank’s plumbing invention. But sometimes, they’re shocking, like the sudden death of her daughter Connie’s boyfriend, Jared.

Jared was gunned down outside a Providence restaurant, and Connie, who sustained minor injuries at the scene, is grief-stricken. True, Connie hadn’t known Jared Mayes long. In fact, as Carole does a little digging, she starts to wonder if there was an awful lot about Jared that her daughter didn’t know. His shooting seems to have been a targeted attack and may be connected to a new movie being filmed in nearby Newport. Clearly, Carole will have to infiltrate behind-the-scenes . . .

Snagging a role as an extra alongside her mother-in-law, Carole reluctantly swaps her designer duds for a scullery maid’s faded costume. Between on-set antics, a very friendly producer, and keeping various relatives—and pampered Poopsie—out of mischief, she has plenty to keep her busy while she works to catch a killer. It’s no easy feat, as Carole quickly learns there’s no more convincing actor than one determined to get away with murder . . .

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs