Tag: dogs

REVIEW: Holy Chow by David Rosenfelt

REVIEW: Holy Chow by David Rosenfelt

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Andy Carpenter knew Rachel Morehouse because she adopted a chow chow named Lion from his foundation/rescue. In fact, she had called him to talk about arrangements for Lion in case something ever happened to her. She was hoping her step-son would agree to take the dog, but Andy was her back up.

When Rachel died, it took a few days for the authorities to discover it was murder. By then, Andy had met her step-son, Tony, and he felt a connection to the case. When Tony is arrested, Andy agrees to represent him.

The prosecution’s case is solid, but circumstantial. And when Andy starts looking for other threads to pull, he’s drawn into a dizzying case. The question is if the things he discovers will be enough to convince a jury of Tony’s innocence.

Review

I have been an Andy Carpenter fan for years, but this new story hits a new high for me. I loved this! It drew me in right from the start. And it was a wild ride.  There were no slow spots – the pacing was perfect. I flew through this story, captivated by all of the twists and turns.

The wrap up was a little abrupt, but it felt like it was just a natural progression after the pace of the whole story. I was thrilled with the whole thing.

Series fans should not miss this new book. Readers who have enjoyed Rosenfelt’s K-Team series will see the team help in this story, too, so they should pick this up as well. I think newcomers could start here – I read my first Andy Carpenter by picking up something mid-series and had no issues following it. This would be an excellent starting place for this great series.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ – Outstanding!

REVIEW: A Plus One for Murder by Laura Bradford

REVIEW: A Plus One for Murder by Laura Bradford

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Berkley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Emma Westlake’s travel agency wasn’t as lucrative as it had once been. In fact, as more and more of her clientele starting handling their own arrangements, she was starting to consider how she was going to pay her bills.

The Friend for Hire idea wasn’t Emma’s but it seemed to be working. She had the older woman she had tea with every week. Then there was the elderly man who wanted a date for a Senior Center dance. And the middle-aged woman who needed a workout/accountability partner.

If only Emma had stopped there.

But no. She agreed to attend open mic night and clap for the writer who was going to read first. But right after telling her about the folks in the audience who wanted him dead, Brian keels over in the middle of his poem.  Now, Emma is a murder suspect. And she’s going to have to find her own way out of trouble because the good-looking deputy is looking at her far too suspiciously for her comfort.

Review

Such a fun series launch from Laura Bradford! The set up is clever – I liked the business idea of Emma being a “friend for hire.” It builds her circle and pulls people in for this mystery – and will keep launching new stories and characters and situations for the future.

I got a huge kick out of Emma getting pulled into sleuthing by her cozy mystery-loving friends! The wink-wink nature of a few moments in the book really added to the fun.

The mystery was excellent, with questions and reveals all the way to the end. The set up for the crime and suspects was great. The only wrinkle for me in the whole thing is my fear that the author is setting up two potential love interests for Emma. Love triangles are not my jam. But I’ll have to wait for book 2, A Perilous Pal, to see how things develop. And I will definitely be reading book 2 since this was such a delight. This is a series I’ll be sticking with!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read

REVIEW: Whistle by E. Lockhart

REVIEW: Whistle by E. Lockhart

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and DC Entertainment in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Willow is trying to do it all – marching and protesting to care for her community, earning money to take care of her sick mother, spending time with a boy she likes. When her mother’s old friend, E. Nigma, reaches out, she agrees to work for him at his shady secret poker games. The money she makes is helping keep her mother alive.

But working for E. also puts Willow on the radar of a killer. But when she fights back, trying to save herself and the stray dog she loves, something very strange happens – to Willow, and to the  dog.

Review

This is an origin story for a new hero in the DC Universe written by E. Lockhart (We Were Liars – ♥♥♥♥, The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks – ♥♥♥♥). I think dog lovers are going to get a huge kick out of this hero duo.

I felt like Willow’s story was far more compelling than the hero bits. Her ethical dilemma about working for E. – a criminal and someone her mother doesn’t want in their lives – while being able to save her mom was fascinating. The hero pieces were okay – but I would have liked a stronger exploration of how Willow gets her powers. There’s also a bit of romance here that also could have been stronger.

Readers who love the dog angle or who are intrigued by the ethical questions here, as well as those who love to be in on the beginning of a new hero arc should give this one a try. (Some language)

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

* ♥♥♥½ = Good+

REVIEW: Mad About Meatloaf by Maureen Fergus

REVIEW: Mad About Meatloaf by Maureen Fergus

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Tundra Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Summary

Weenie is a meatloaf-loving weiner dog. His best friends are a grumpy, sarcastic cat named Frank and a wise, encouraging guinea pig named Beans. They all live with a guy named Bob who takes care of them. When Weenie eats Bob’s meatloaf right off the counter, Bob’s pretty mad. So Weenie tries to think of a way to make things right with Bob.

Review

This is a darling graphic novel for new chapter book readers. Weenie is a big goof, and Frank and Beans are (mostly) faithful friends. Sure, Frank isn’t always the best influence. (It cracked me up to see Frank as the devil on Weenie’s shoulder while Beans was the angel.) But when Weenie needs him, Frank is there along with Beans.

Kids are going to get a kick out of these three friends and the troubles they find all because Weenie loves meatloaf, maybe a little too much.  Don’t miss this graphic novel series launch perfect for animal fans, dog fans, and fans of funny books and graphic novels.

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½ = Good+

REVIEW: Best in Snow by David Rosenfelt

REVIEW: Best in Snow by David Rosenfelt

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book now releases next week on October 19.]

Summary

It was bad enough that Andy’s dog, Tara, found a dead body in the snow. Finding out it’s the body of Paterson mayor, Alex Oliva, puts the whole town on edge, including Andy’s friend, Vince Sanders.

Vince is the editor of the local paper. And one of his reporters, Bobby Nash, lost his job over an article he wrote about the mayor. The police are looking for Bobby. And Vince wants Andy to defend him.

Things look bad for Bobby, especially when there’s a second murder tied to his article. Andy and his team will have their hands full trying to prove Bobby’s innocence – and trying to keep him alive.

Review

Another fun Andy Carpenter mystery to keep you guessing until the end. There are some fun twists to the case that kept it from feeling like it’s following a pattern. (This is the 24th book in the series – freshness is important.) I read this immediately after Dog Eat Dog, and I enjoyed how Rosenfelt changed things up with his cast, too. While the K-Team was involved with both books, this one relies more on electronic evidence, bringing in a different part of Andy’s team. This was a fun addition to the story.

Series fans will want to pick this up just to stay on top of what Andy and his team are up to. Newcomers can probably jump in here without a lot of issues. You’ll have missed how the team came together and a lot of the history and maybe a few inside jokes. But that just makes it more fun to go back and pick up the stories you’ve missed.

This is a must-read series for me. I always enjoy Andy’s humor – sarcastic and snarky – and court room antics. And the mysteries are usually intricate enough to keep me guessing until the end. Mystery fans should check this out. (Language)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

REVIEW: Dog Eat Dog by David Rosenfelt

REVIEW: Dog Eat Dog by David Rosenfelt

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

While out walking their dogs, Andy and Laurie see a man yelling at and kicking his pug. As they move toward the scene, another man comes up and punches the abuser until he is down. When the police arrive, the hero and the abuser get arrested.

The dog’s hero is Matt Jantzen. And Matt is wanted for a double murder in Maine. Andy wants to help the guy, but he can’t find a Maine lawyer willing to take on the case. So Andy, Laurie, and the rest of their investigative team head to the land of lobster rolls for the trial.

Review

This is a great mystery in this fantastic series. I love the humor and snark in this series. The mystery in this one keeps you guessing all the way to the end. I loved the change of setting for this. It introduced a few new characters in addition to Andy’s usual team, including a new dog, which is always fun.

Mystery lovers, dog lovers, and readers who enjoy courtroom dramas should not miss this series. The court case starts a little later than usual in this book which made for another nice change of pace. I enjoyed the ways Rosenfelt changed things up for this novel.

I find this to be a series you can start in the middle without much issue. My first Andy Carpenter book was The Twelve Dogs of Christmas (♥♥♥♥♥), which is the 15th book in the series. (This is #23.) I loved the book, but I was intrigued by the team and had to go back to the beginning to see how it all came together. I think newcomers could easily start with this book and then go back and pick up some of the earlier titles as well as checking out the spin-off series, The K-Team. Some of my Andy Carpenter favorites are The Twelve Dogs of Christmas as well as  Bury the Lead (♥♥♥♥♥), and Play Dead (♥♥♥♥♥). The second K-Team book, Animal Instinct, is also terrific. Check them out! Book 24 in the Andy Carpenter series, Best in Snow, will be out this October, and I’ll be reviewing it then.  (Language)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might-re-read

REVIEW: What Comes Next by Rob Buyea

REVIEW: What Comes Next by Rob Buyea

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Delacorte Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

When Thea’s best friend, Charlie, died, Thea stopped speaking. Going back to school was excruciating, so her mom homeschooled her to finish out the year. But her parents decided that the family needed a change, so they moved to a new town.

On top of a change in location, Thea’s dad promises her younger sisters that the family will also get a dog. Thea has no interest in a puppy, especially as her frequent nightmares shift to start including a puppy she can’t save. But at the shelter, Jack Jack reaches a paw out to touch Thea, and she is converted. He picked her – just like Charlie once did. And that’s only the first of many examples of how special Jack Jack is.

Review

Oh, this was lovely! I was immediately drawn in by Thea, and I loved her on every page. I loved her whole journey – with Charlie, with Jack Jack, and with the folks she meets in her new home. But Jack Jack was the star of the story. He was exactly what Thea needed – but not just Thea. His story was so much bigger.

There’s a great epilogue here that goes farther into the future than you usually get in a middle grade novel. It was the cherry on top of this terrific story!

I loved every moment of this – and I cried through several of them. This is another hit from Rob Buyea – do not miss it!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

BONUS REVIEW: To Fetch a Felon by Jennifer Hawkins

BONUS REVIEW: To Fetch a Felon by Jennifer Hawkins

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Berkley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Emma Reed is starting over in Tervena, a village she remembers fondly from vacations in her childhood. She’s left the hustle and bustle of the London financial scene to follow her dream of opening a village tea shop.

Emma isn’t alone in this launch of her new life. She has Oliver, her corgi, with her. Her talking corgi. That’s right, Emma can understand Oliver. And Oliver has a lot to say – commentary on the smells of their new home, on the fish and chips counter in town, and on the fox he can smell at the house of the lady who yelled at Emma.

Emma’s first encounter with Victoria Roberts doesn’t go well. It’s even worse when she realizes Victoria owns the building Emma wants to use for her tea shop.

To make amends, Emma bakes the disagreeable woman some scones. But when Emma and Oliver try to deliver them, they find Victoria dead. And Oliver is certain something smells very wrong.

Review

This was the second of two books in a row that I read where a dog is a point of view character. It’s a fun plot device, and it’s especially well executed here. Oliver is a treat! The author does a great job of writing Oliver and figuring out the “rules” for this world she creates including how a dog could be a factor in a mystery. Oliver tells part of the story in his own words, which is also a lot of fun. Oliver’s “voice” is fantastic and helps make a great story even better.

The mystery here is excellent. It’s twisty and Emma’s sleuthing – along with Oliver’s – is perfect. I loved the ways Oliver is able to help. But the author establishes some nice limitations to keep him from being too good at solving things. I was impressed with the whole construction of the story.

To Fetch a Felon is the first book in the new Chatty Corgi Mystery series. And it’s the perfect cozy launch – I loved Emma and the other characters in Trevena. The setting is lovely, and Oliver is a delight. Book 2, Murder Always Barks Twice, will release this summer and it’s already on my wishlist. This is a not-to-be-missed book for those who love cozy mysteries as well as for dog lovers. I can’t wait to read more of Emma and Oliver’s adventures.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

REVIEW: Joint Custody by Lauren Baratz-Logsted and Jackie Logsted

REVIEW: Joint Custody by Lauren Baratz-Logsted and Jackie Logsted

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Berkley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Gatz the dog is convinced The Man and The Woman still belong together. And since he helped bring them together 3 years ago, he figures he can help pull them back together now.

First, he eats the box of chocolates. Yes, Gatz knows it’s dangerous. But he loves The Man and The Woman enough to risk his life for their love.

When that doesn’t work, Gatz settles into their shared custody arrangement, still looking for ways to push them together. But no one is truly happy.

And then The Woman meets New Man.

Review

This is a cute, clever story told by Gatz the dog who loves The Man and The Woman and will do all he can to get them back together.

The authors do an exceptional job with the details of this story – how Gatz understands what is happening, how he knows what happens when he is not present, etc. There were no discernible “holes” in the story, which was impressive from a writing standpoint. Gatz has a terrific “voice” for the story. He’s funny, smart, and surprisingly well-read, and uses dog-appropriate behavior for most of the book to pursue reconciliation for The Man and The Woman.

Sadly, this clever premise created a little too much distance for me to really connect to the human characters enough to get caught up in the romantic pieces of the story. I never felt like I knew, or really liked, either The Man or The Woman. And that made it hard to feel invested in the efforts to get them back together.

I am happy to have read this story. Animal lovers will get a kick out of Gatz. But as a romance, I didn’t enjoy this as much as I had hoped to. (Language, references to sex)

Rating: ♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥ = Fine/solid/good

BONUS REVIEW: Silent Bite by David Rosenfelt

BONUS REVIEW: Silent Bite by David Rosenfelt

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Andy Carpenter’s status as a retired defense attorney is in jeopardy again when his business partner, Willie Miller, asks Andy to take on a new client. Tony Birch was Willie’s cellmate once, and Tony has been arrested again. The prosecution’s story is that Tony was angry at the guy who testified against him and put him in jail. But when more bodies start piling up, it seems that Tony might have been set up.

As Andy and his team dig further into the case, the frame up becomes more clear, but the reasons are elusive. If the defense can’t catch a break, Tony could go to jail for something he didn’t do.

Review

This is book 22 in the fun Andy Carpenter series. As always, this has a terrific dog as well as Andy and his top notch team.

I am happy to say I puzzled out what was really going on before Andy did, although he did fill in a couple gaps for me in the end to round the case out. This one was tricky, and for awhile I wondered if Andy was going to pull it together in time.

While this takes place around Christmas, the holiday is not a major factor in the story. And other than a new cast member, there weren’t any big non-case-related surprises here for the series.

Series fans will enjoy spending some snark-filled hours with Andy, watching him wrestle through another case. This hits all the usual beats for the series. Newcomers should be able to enjoy this on its own without issue. But if you love the team here like I do, you’ll want to go back and pick up some of the earlier books. Some of my favorites are: Bury the Lead (♥♥♥♥♥), Play Dead (♥♥♥♥♥), and The Twelve Dogs of Christmas (♥♥♥♥♥).

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.