Beka Cooper and her family moved from the Cesspool into the home of the Provost: commander of the Provost Guard, known as dogs, who keep the King's Peace in the capital, Corus. Beka shows, at a young age, her tendency toward Guardwork. When she is old enough the Lord Provost allows Bekka to join the Dogs.
After a year of training Beka Cooper becomes a Puppy - trainee dog. To her surprise, Puppy Cooper is placed with two of the best Dogs in the city. Tunstall and Goodwin are veteran Dogs who not only care for their jobs, but also care for the justice and people in the Lower City.
Soon two extensive cases come to their attention: the murder of nine diggers who mine in the basements of the Lower City for precious fire opals, and the kidnapping and murder of Roland Letz grandson. Letz is one of the city's most powerful "scales" known as Crookshank. He goes mad with his grandson's death and creates tension in the Underworld's Court of the Rogue allowing a foreigner, Rosto the Piper and his companions Aniki and Kora, a foothold in the unstable Underground.
Beka admires the two women, but Rosto and his attentions make her uneasy. When push comes to shove, Beka is grateful for her new friends and the insight they bring. With more diggers turning up dead and with Beka's closest friend's husband, Crookshank's son, kidnapped next, the Lower City Dogs have their work cut out for them.
The Puppy becomes a favorite among the lower City--not only for her past in the city, but for the tenacity which earns her the name Terrier. Beka Cooper learns to harness her talents and fights her fears to seek justice for citizens of Tortall, just as many of Pierce's heroines do.
She is feisty and stubborn, but has her fears too. Readers who enjoy fantasy and historical fiction will find a relatable character. Terrier is more appropriate for mid-teen readers with some suggestive content.
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