Perfect for dog lovers, this is the second in a really lovely series about dogs and journalism. It may seem like an odd combination but it really works! Penned by Clara Vulliamy, author of the Dotty Detective and Marshmallow Pie books, it's a simple but gentle story with a great twist.

When Eva and her friends take Wafer to a whippet racing competition, Eva is super proud of her pet. But something is amiss - some underhand cheating is going on and Eva smells a new story...

We really loved the characters in this series. Wafer, of course, is star of the show but Eva and her friends have a lovely dynamic. The author creates an ominous sense of peril with some grumpier characters and there is also an element of mystery which Eva must uncover if she wants to write her story. This is great for anyone who prefers 'real-world' stories. Eva's love for her pet, Wafer, is really relatable and the books fit really well into the pet genre that is really popular with chapter book readers, whilst also offering a new and specific angle.

Review to come in a few days to my blog/other places.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

I absolutely LOVE Clara Vulliamy's books so when I saw this one up on Netgalley I had to request it. It is apparently the second book in the series, but I can tell you that is not a problem. You get a little recap + introduction to the characters in this one so it doesn't feel like you miss out. I will definitely be checking out the first book though, I could use a new fun series by this author~

In this book we meet Eva and her adorable and cute dog, named Wafer (AWWWW) and learn about her newspaper, The Newshound. I was instantly invested in the story. At first we read all about the adorableness that is Wafer and I can tell you that I wanted to step into the book a couple of times to pet him. Such a good boy! I loved that Eva was helping him out, Wafer is pretty shy and she brings him to a shy doggo group to help him out and that is how she learns about whippet racing and so the story really begins!

Because whippet racing is just adorable and I wish I could experience it in real life. Yes, I have heard about it before, never seen it live. Maybe I should do some Youtubing to see if I can find a clip of it. Because the book really makes it so fun. And I love how everyone is cheering for the dogs and it is all about having a good time and enjoy meeting friends, new experiences and more.

Well, OK, I say it is all about the good time, but there is something happening at the races! Something sus. Something mysterious. And I just love that Eva and her friends are on the case and try to figure out all the clues, find hints, and get some answers. It was just so fun. I loved that there are two peeps who are suspicious. Though eventually you can clearly see it leading to just one. I don't consider that a spoiler and I also didn't mind it was an easy mystery. I still had fun. I still loved going with Eva, Wafer, and her friends on an investigation.

Oh, and I love that one of the characters, Ash, is non-binary.

The book is also full with illustrations. And I just love them!

All in all, I would highly recommend this fun series to all. You like dogs? You like mysteries? You like friendships? Be sure to check this one out!

It is a very sweet, uplifting book about a puppy with a heart of gold. Maybe it is not politically correct for me to say this, but I think children might identify with Wafer and learn about how they can fit in and how it is more important to care for others than to win.

The illustration is also super cute.

I once bought a few copies of a book in The Newshound series as presents for my LKS2 students. They all love it so much that they have asked their parents to buy the rest in the series. I am sure that they will love this one too.