C. Dexter Van Holt, a sharp-witted, high-powered attorney, had it all — until he dropped dead during a tennis match.

But fate has a sense of humor.

Dex is back, reincarnated as a dog named Eddie. Now living with his unsuspecting ex-wife Claire and her family, he quickly realizes his return comes with a purpose: solving his own murder.

As Eddie, Claire, and their new ally — Claire's student Tristan — delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding Dex's death, they encounter a cast of colorful and unsavory characters. Evidence, motives, and truths are revealed, drawing the three ever closer to a solution that threatens their very lives.

Paws and Rewind is a witty, suspenseful tale of redemption, second chances, and one very determined dog detective. It plays its absurd premise completely straight — and that's exactly what makes it work. The humor is dark. The mystery is real. And the dog might be the most honest character in the entire production.

This was the first joint novel by Chavez and Shultz, and it set the tone for everything that followed.