The Koala of Death

The Koala of Death
Author: Betty Webb
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
Total Pages: 278
Release: 2012-06-30
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 1615952527

When zookeeper Theodora "Teddy" Bentley fishes the body of Koala Kate out of Gunn Landing Harbor, she discovers that her fellow zookeeper didn't drown; she was strangled. The clues to Kate's killer implicate other animal keepers at Gunn Zoo, including Outback Bill, marsupial keeper and Kate's Aussie ex-boyfriend; and Robin Chase, the big cat keeper who's got it in for Teddy. Also displaying suspicious behavior are several "liveaboarders" at the harbor; Speaks-To-Souls, a shady "animal psychic;" and even Caro, Teddy's much-married, ex-beauty queen mother. But murderers aren't all Teddy has to worry about. Her embezzling father is still on the run from the Feds, and the motor on her houseboat is failing. To pay for the repairs, Teddy agrees to appear on a weekly live television broadcast featuring misbehaving animals that range from a cuddly koala to a panicky wallaby - and all hell breaks loose in the TV studio. All the while, the killer is narrowing in on Teddy....

The Llama of Death

The Llama of Death
Author: Betty Webb
Publisher:
Total Pages: 256
Release: 2013
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 9781464200663

Investigating the murdered body of a reverend from a local wedding chapel, zookeeper Teddy Bentley discovers that the victim was actually an escaped convict and that every wedding he has performed is invalid, a case that implicates a spoiled beauty queen, a vengeful family member and Teddy herself. Simultaneous.

The Puffin of Death

The Puffin of Death
Author: Betty Webb
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
Total Pages: 247
Release: 2015-11-03
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1464204179

California zookeeper Theodora Bentley travels to Iceland to pick up an orphaned polar bear cub destined for the Gunn Zoo's newly installed Northern Climes exhibit. The trip is intended to be a combination of work and play. But on day two, while horseback riding near a picturesque seaside village, Teddy discovers a man lying atop a puffin burrow, shot through the head. The victim is identified as American birdwatcher Simon Parr, winner of the largest Powerball payout in history. Is Teddy a witness—or a suspect? Others include not only Parr's wife, a famed suspense novelist, but fellow members of the birding club Parr had generously treated to their lavish Icelandic expedition. Hardly your average birders, several of them have had serious brushes with the law back in the States. Guessing that an American would best understand other Americans, police detective Thorvaald Haraldsson grudgingly concedes her innocence and allows Teddy to tag along with the group to volcanoes, glaciers, and deep continental rifts in quest of rare bird species. But once another member of the club is murdered and a rockfall barely misses Teddy's head, Haraldsson forbids her to continue. She ignores him and, in a stunning, solitary face-off with the killer in Iceland's wild interior, concludes an investigation at once exotic, thrilling, and rich in animal lore.

ABC Death

ABC Death
Author: Shane Hawley
Publisher: SCB Distributors
Total Pages: 69
Release: 2023-03-27
Genre: Humor
ISBN: 1943735646

ABC Death is a hilarious, educational picture book for folks of all ages. Written by Shane Hawley with intricate cartoon illustrations by Joel Erkkinen, ABC Death takes you on a journey through the alphabet of animals that can kill you, especially if you make poor life choices. From vengeful dolphins to toxic newts, you'll never see the alphabet the same way again. Full of fun, grisly facts for the inquisitive child and wry humor for all readers, ABC Death is a macabre treat for children and adults alike.

The Panda of Death

The Panda of Death
Author: Betty Webb
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
Total Pages: 232
Release: 2020-03-03
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1492699160

The next book in A Gunn Zoo Mystery Series finds zookeeper Theodora "Teddy" Bentley taking on dangerous secrets, kooky animals, and new family members California zookeeper Theodora Bentley is now happily married to Sheriff Joe Rejas. The Gunn Zoo is celebrating the arrival of Poonya, an adorable red panda, who forms a strong bond with Teddy. All appears fairytale blissful in the small Monterey Bay village of Gunn Landing until Teddy's mother-in-law discovers through DNA testing that Joe has sired a son he knew nothing about. Dylan Coyle, 18, arrives to meet his biological family... and then is arrested for murder. But Teddy—with her animal companions—hops onboard the case. Panda of Death, the new addition to the acclaimed series, finds Teddy facing down zookeeper's secrets, wild rumors, and death itself. She'll do everything in her power to protect her family—humans and animals alike. This humorous, quick-paced mystery is: Perfect for fans of Sheila Connolly and Donna Andrews For animal lovers who enjoy cozy mysteries

The Otter of Death

The Otter of Death
Author: Betty Webb
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
Total Pages: 259
Release: 2018-05-02
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1464209936

"While examining some timely social issues, Webb also delivers lots of edifying information on the animal kingdom in an entry sure to please fans and newcomers alike." —Publishers Weekly While taking the yearly "otter count" at a marsh near Gunn Landing Harbor, California, zookeeper Theodora Bentley sees Maureen, her favorite otter, swimming around clutching someone's expensive smartphone. When Teddy rescues the device, she discovers a photograph of a murder-in-progress. A hasty search soon turns up the still-warm body of Stuart Booth, PhD, a local Marine Biology instructor. Booth was a notorious sexual harasser of young female students, so the list of suspects is long enough to make Teddy wonder if the crime will ever be solved. But when her friend, Lila, one of Booth's original accusers, is arrested and charged with his murder, Teddy begins to investigate. This creates considerable tension with Teddy's fiancé, Sheriff Joe Rejas. He believes the ever-inquisitive zookeeper might be putting her own life at risk, and so orders her to butt out. Concerned for her accused friend, Teddy ignores Joe's ultimatum. She questions not only members of Gunn Landing's moneyed social elite, but also the other side of the financial spectrum—the financially strapped young women willing to do almost anything to pay for their college tuition. Alarmed by Teddy's meddling, Booth's killer fights back—first with a death threat, then via gunshot. In this fifth Gunn Zoo Mystery, Teddy is torn between living a peaceful life on her Monterey Bay houseboat with her three-legged dog DJ Bonz, or moving inland to marry Joe, who comes with kids and a mother who has her own mysterious agenda. The choice is scary for Teddy—who has barely been managing her own many-times-married mother, and her imperious employer, Aster Edwina Gunn, overlord of the famed Gunn Zoo. Teddy's life is further complicated by a wayward snow monkey named Kabuki, taunter of teenage boys. The zookeeper's dedication to her charges—including the anteater, the koala, the llama, and Magnus, the polar bear cub from Iceland (met in Teddy's last adventure, The Puffin of Death), never falters in a cleverly plotted series rich in characters and in animal lore. Gunn Zoo series: The Anteater of Death (Book 1) The Koala of Death (Book 2) The Llama of Death (Book 3) The Puffin of Death (Book 4) The Otter of Death (Book 5) Praise for the Gunn Zoo series: "'High Society meets Zoo Quest.' I've always been a sucker for zoos, so I also relished the animal details in this highly enjoyable read." —RHYS BOWEN, New York Times bestselling and award-winning author "Webb skillfully keeps the reader guessing right to the dramatic conclusion." —Publishers Weekly for The Puffin of Death "Teddy's second case showcases an engaging array of quirky characters, human and animal." —Kirkus Reviews for The Koala of Death

The 99th Koala

The 99th Koala
Author: Kailas Wild
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Total Pages: 282
Release: 2020-11-01
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 1760858102

After bushfires devastated Kangaroo Island's koala population, Kailas Wild went to help. This is the inspiring and sometimes confronting story of what happened next. An arborist by trade and conservationist at heart, when Kai heard that some of the injured koalas could only be reached by a tree climber, he drove 1500 kilometres to volunteer. Seven weeks later, he had participated in the rescue of over 100 koalas, become an international social media sensation and formed a special bond with a baby koala – Joey Kai. In words and pictures, The 99th Koala shares Kai's experience and introduces us to some of the koalas of Kangaroo Island. Sometimes tragic, sometimes hopeful, above all Kai’s story commemorates our unique wildlife, and demonstrates the power of one person trying to make a difference. ‘At a time when many people have felt helpless to act against the immensity of the fires or the threat of climate change, Kai's daily descriptions and videos of saving helpless animals have been a welcome dose of personal courage and deep humanity.’ ABC 'In words and photos that are impossible to look away from, Kai introduces some of the koalas on Kangaroo Island, painting a powerful picture of Australia's unique wildlife ... a gripping reminder of a summer that feels like it's in our country's distant memory.' Mamamia 'Harrowing, touching and uplifting.' The Courier Mail 'The 99th Koala is a plea for wildlife, it's a tribute to the volunteers who strive to save animals and rehabilitate them. It's an emotional rollercoaster that shows the devastation and damage ... but it's a tale of love and dedication.' Good Reading

The Very True Legend of the Mongolian Death Worms

The Very True Legend of the Mongolian Death Worms
Author: Sandra Fay
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company (BYR)
Total Pages: 21
Release: 2022-02-22
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 1250862108

A 2024 Washington Children's Choice Award Nominee A funny picture book celebrating the universal truth about wanting to be loved just as you are, fangs and all, inspired by the real-life legend of Mongolian Death Worms. Like the ongoing search for Big Foot and the Loch Ness Monster, scientists have searched the Gobi Desert for these giant worms. Reported sightings claim that their skin is blood red; their fangs razor sharp. The worms are supposedly poisonous and electrifying . . . or are they? In this funny story, we meet the Mongolian Death Worm family: Beverly, Trevor, Neville and Kevin. In spite of their deadly reputation, they’re determined to make nice and win over the other animals. Their overtures of friendship are . . . not reciprocated. But when disaster strikes, it’s the Mongolian Death Worm family to the rescue! With additional information about the legend, this book is perfect for storytime and discussions of legends and science. Perfect for fans of Ben Clanton, Sandra Fay's The Very True Legend of the Mongolian Death Worms will leave readers of all ages laughing and heartwarmed! Godwin Books

The Death of a Wombat

The Death of a Wombat
Author: Ivan Smith
Publisher:
Total Pages: 80
Release: 1972
Genre: Fire in art
ISBN: 9780725102234

Picture fiction for older readers.

Koala Roundup: Mission Fox Book 8

Koala Roundup: Mission Fox Book 8
Author: Justin D'Ath
Publisher: Penguin Group Australia
Total Pages: 78
Release: 2013-02-27
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 1742534686

'It's not a race!' puffed Harry. He was wrong, Jordan thought. It was a life and death race. When a bushfire threatens the Nullambine Koala Sanctuary, Mission Fox is on the case. It's a race against time, but with a little help from doggy friends both old and new, thirty koalas might just have a chance of survival . . . Looks like their smoky-est adventure yet!