Elvis and the Grateful Dead (Southern Cousins Series #2) »

Every year, a hip-shaking herd of Elvis impersonators descends upon the King's birthplace of Tupelo, Mississippi, for the annual Elvis festival. Usually the main attractions are lot of sequined jumpsuits and even more off-key singing, but this year something much more deadly has the town all shook up

When the first Elvis impersonator is found slumped over his piano, a heart attack seems the likely suspect. But when a second keels over mid-swagger at Callie Valentine Jones's party, suspicious minds begin to wonder if something foul is afoot. Because everyone knows two dead Elvis impersonators add up to only one thing: murder.

As it turns out, Callie's cousin Lovie-a 190-pound bombshell who's had more lovers than the King had hit records-turns out to be suspect #1. Callie knows she's innocent but to prove it, she and Lovie will have to find out who the real killer is. Could it be Texas Elvis, who's sworn to out-swivel his rivals? Maybe the female Elvis from Australia, with the fake sideburns? Or one of the endlessly bickering officers of the fan club?

It's a mystery fit for a King, and with a little help from Callie's hunk-a-burnin' love ex Jack, and her talented hound dog Elvis-who's convinced he's the true reincarnation of the King-Callie and Lovie are determined to have the killer singing Jailhouse Rock. But they need to move fast and be ready for the killer's next move, because their chance may be now or never!

Publishers Weekly

Webb's slap-happy second Southern Cousins mystery featuring Elvis Presley reincarnated as a basset hound (after 2008's Elvis and the Dearly Departed) is as corny as all get-out, but Elvis fans are in for a treat. Hair-stylist Callie Valentine Jones and Lovie, her best friend and caterer, are each doing their bit for the annual Elvis Festival in the king's hometown of Tupelo, Miss. A highlight of the festival is the rockin' Elvis impersonator competition. Alas, when the impersonators start dropping dead, all poisoned by peach tea, Lovie becomes the prime suspect. Elvis the hound dog sniffs for clues as Callie and Lovie slip into detective mode. Meanwhile, Jack Jones, Callie's husband from whom she's almost divorced, and amorous vet Luke Champion vie for Callie's heart—and Elvis, who shares narrative duty with Callie in this comic crime caper, worries which dog “parent” will win custody of him if their divorce ever becomes final. (Oct.)