Stefan Bechtel

Dogtown is a shelter for stray dogs, misbehaving dogs, and discarded robot dogs, whose owners have outgrown them. Chance, a real dog, has been in Dogtown since her owners unwittingly left her with irresponsible dog-sitters who skipped town. Metal Head is a robot dog who dreams of being back in a real home. And Mouse is a mouse who has the run of Dogtown, pilfering kibble, and performing clever feats to protect the dogs he loves. When Chance and Metal Head embark on an adventure to find their forever homes, there is danger, cheese sandwiches, a charging station, and some unexpected kindnesses along the way.

Need a little extra luck? Sprinkle nutmeg on your lottery tickets. Put some money in the pockets of a new suit before wearing it. Carry a Virginia fairy cross, like Charles "Lucky" Lindbergh. Walk up a flight of stairs backwards. Eat sauerkraut on New Year's Day. And if you accidentally put an article of clothing on wrong side out, wear it that way all day long. Good luck!

Some cases are unusual - even for Jill Kismet. When her police contact asks her to look into a "suicide", she suddenly finds herself in a labyrinth of deception, drugs, murder -- and all-too-human corruption. The cops are her allies, except for the ones who want her dead. The hellbreed are her targets, except for the ones who might know what's going on. Her city is in danger, time is running out, and each lead only draws her deeper.How far will a hunter go when her city -- and her friends -- are on the line?Just far enough.Step into Redemption Alley...