Knock on Wood — Linda O. Johnston

Rory Chasen, now the manager of the Lucky Dog Boutique in Destiny, California, is delighted when her best friend Gemma arrives a day early for her visit. Gemma's just broken up with her boyfriend in Los Angeles, so Rory is especially eager to cheer her up. But before they get a chance to talk, two of the town's most eligible bachelors sidle in. Their amorous advances -- and an unexpected job offer -- seem to take Gemma's mind off her ex ... until he arrives in Destiny.

As Gemma tries to sort out what to do, one of her suitors is murdered, leaving Rory to wonder if a black cat has crossed Gemma's path. Is Rory's friend guilty of murder -- or is she just having a run of bad luck?