Acclaimed author Melinda Wichmann’s latest book, Exercise Finished, is a “masterfully crafted whodunit”

Exercise Finished, the latest novel from Amana-based author Melinda Wichmann, was released this month and is now available at independent bookstores across Iowa.

This cozy mystery follows the adventures of obedience trial chairman River Kincaid and her friends, all members of the Cedar Valley Dog Trainers, as they try to discover who killed a fellow club member. Kincaid must navigate the quirky sub-culture of competitive dog obedience in order to solve the murder as old grievances and unexpected secrets threaten the future of the kennel club that’s like her second family.

“Exercise Finished captures the competitive dog obedience world with authenticity, humor, and heart,” said Robert Self, editor of Front & Finish™ The Dog Trainer’s News. “Melinda Wichmann has created an engaging mystery that competitive exhibitors and general readers alike will thoroughly enjoy.”

Released by Cedar Falls-based independent publisher Hayseed Press, Exercise Finished is available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, Amazon, and several independent bookstores throughout Iowa including Beaverdale Books in Des Moines, Dog-Eared Books in Ames, Pageturners Bookstore in Indianola, and River Lights Bookstore in Dubuque. The arresting cover was designed by Christoph Truemper of C. True Designs based in Cedar Rapids.

“We are honored to share Melinda Wichmann’s latest novel with our Iowa audience and dog lovers all across the country,” said Hayseed Press co-founder Nick Narigon. “In Exercise Finished, Melinda takes us deep inside the inner workings of dog obedience trials. Meet the truly unique characters of the Cedar Valley Dog Trainers, learn their quirks, and follow them as they work together to solve a murder mystery that strikes deep at the heart of their close-knit group. It is an entertaining romp that will keep you guessing, and entertained, to the last page. Think White Lotus meets Best in Show.”

Melinda Wichmann is a former journalist who writes women’s fiction, paranormal and cozy mysteries set in her home state of Iowa. In 2025, she published her debut novel, How to Live with a Ghost.

Melinda holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication from Iowa State University and is a member of Sisters in Crime and the Dog Writers Association of America, as well as the Iowa City Dog Obedience Club and the United States Australian Shepherd Association.

Melinda draws on fifty years of show ring experience to explore the traditions and eccentricities of the sport of competitive dog obedience training in her second novel, Exercise Finished. A trainer and handler since age nine, she has earned multiple Obedience Trial Championships and enjoyed national rankings with her dogs, as well as serving as president, board member, class instructor and trial chairman for her kennel club.

This lifelong passion for competitive dog obedience training is evident in the pages of Exercise Finished.

“Set in the fascinating world of canine obedience competitions, this story sets the bar high for page-turning entertainment,” said Anne Marie Duquette, member of the Writers Guild of America and Dog Writers Association of America. “With its unique characters and four-footed partners, Exercise Finished is a must-read for both mystery fans and dog lovers alike.”

BOOK TOUR

Exercise Finished Book Launch
Thursday, July 30 Beaverdale Books
Des Moines, IA6:30–8pm
Event Details

Melinda Wichmann Author Event
Tuesday, August 4
River Lights Bookstore
Dubuque, IA
6–7pm
Event Details

Melinda Wichmann Book Signing
Thursday, August 13
Montezuma Public Library
Montezuma, IA
4:30pm
Event Details

Melinda Wichmann & Whiskers TNR of Warren County Collaboration
Saturday, August 22
Pageturners Bookstore
Indianola, IA
10am–12pm
Event Details

PRESS CONTACT

Nick Narigon
Hayseed Press co-founder
http://www.hayseedpress.com
hayseed@hayseedpress.com
(914) 424-8788