Have you ever enjoyed a moment of Zen while interacting with your pet or another friendly animal?  When is the Zen moment?  It is that moment, where each of you feels and shares a special connection, the ultimate peace that touches your very soul.

Holly L. Lewitas, a nurse and an author knows about this connection and has written an engrossing book, which centers on that very connection and the relationship between humans and animals, titled The Nose Knows. However, this book is not only a story about the spiritual connection that can develop between humans and animals; it is also a great mystery novel that keeps the reader engrossed in the story until the end.

The Nose Knows is the story of Dr. Hannah Richards and her spirited pets, which include a feisty terrier mutt named Spunky, and four tomcats named Bobby, Sweetie, Fearless and Fancy Pants. Spunky, the terrier is wise, intuitive, and witty. She tells the story from her point of view and what a point of view it is, she seems to know more about humans than humans do. Spunky and the others behave just as one would expect cats and dogs to act, they fuss, they fight, they are mischievous and they are very lovable. 

 Dr. Richards and her animals have an endearing relationship and rely on each other for their survival. The animals actually turned out to be the heroes of the book as their animal senses help to solve the mystery that threatens their “mom”.  They are also key in helping with the healing process of the doctor and others in the story. Dr. Richards is a psychologist traumatized by two disheartening events in her life; she was held hostage by one of her patients and soon after abruptly lost her husband to illness. The traumatic occurrences in her life left her alone and scarred and reluctant to deal with people at all.  However, with the help of her animals and her own bravado, she gets back into practice in life and in love.  

As a mystery story the pace is well kept, the story does not lag and it keeps the reader guessing.  The characters are interesting and intelligently written.  In addition, it is also a heartwarming story, which takes the reader on an emotional ride that will sometimes, makes you laugh, cry, cringe, sympathize and cheer. Overall, this is an enjoyable book that is appropriate for readers of all ages; I recommend it as a satisfying summer read.