Once a Mutt — Warren Murphy

A withdrawn widow of a once-famous animal activist comes forward with a $2 million claim, saying her furry-friendly husband has been dead for eight years. With an ocean-themed investment drying up his coffers, Trace sets out to find out if she's batty or if the husband flew the coop. But things get tricky when a gorilla-sized housekeeper gives Trace the strong-arm and a bored housewife tries to slither her way into his bed. Can Trace get out of this zoo alive?