Book excerpt: On their farm nestled in upstate New York, veterinarian Austin McKenzie and his wife Madeline keep themselves busy looking after ailing farm animals and pets in poor health. But while they may be able to mend creatures great and small, they have yet to find a cure for murder. During his career, Austin has met several snakes—and none of them was meaner than turkey farmer Lewis O’Leary. So it’s no surprise when O’Leary’s dead body is found in a dumpster. Circumstantial evidence points to a turkey feed salesman, whom police have arrested. But the doc has a feeling the guy was framed. To prove it, though, Austin will have to narrow down the list of Old Man O’Leary’s enemies—but how, with so many? His family is ready to gobble up any inheritance from the turkey farm; an animal rights activist wanted his head on a platter; and this case will be anything but gravy. “A savvy sleuth with a kind heart.”—Richmond Times-Dispatch