Shady Hollow

Shady Hollow is by Juneau Black. The first book in the fantasy Shady Hollow Mystery series. Shady Hollow is a quiet little town run by various animals, instead of humans. When the local curmudgeonly toad is found murdered in the pond, the town is rocked by fear and suspicion. The Deputy Orville Braun, a brown bear, and Vera Vixen, a fox and star reported for the local paper, must solve the crime before someone else dies. Perhaps Shady Hollow is not as idyllic as they have always thought. This is a thoroughly enjoyable cozy mystery series. I can't wait to read the next installment. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content).