Book Review: DOODLED TO DEATH - A Dog Lover's Cozy Mystery (Barkview Mysteries Book 4) by C.B. Wilson

ABOUT THE BOOK 

In Barkview, the dog-friendliest city in America, TV producer Cat Wright faces her worst nightmare—becoming the temporary guardian to a mischievous Golden Doodle. A confirmed cat person, Cat reluctantly takes in the victim's dog while investigating two intertwined mysteries: anonymous accusations against an aviation pioneer from the 1920s and the suspicious drowning of her sister's professor boyfriend. 

As earthquakes rattle the coastal town, Cat discovers the charismatic canine might be her best ally in uncovering century-old family rivalries, hidden speakeasies, and the legend of a missing diamond. With treasure hunters closing in and her sister as the prime murder suspect, Cat must solve both puzzles before another death occurs. 

Through underground tunnels, beachside dives, and encounters with eccentric locals, Cat's reluctant partnership with her four-legged companion teaches her unexpected lessons about loyalty, intuition, and opening her heart—even as she races to catch a killer hiding in plain sight. 

A cozy mystery where historical intrigue meets canine charm, "Doodled to Death" chronicles one cat person's surprising journey into the world of dogs, detection, and devotion. Fans of animal cozies will love the mix of humor and intricate plotting—and they’ll go nuts for G-Paw. 

REVIEW 

All the books in the Barkview Mysteries are fun reads and this was no exception. This one has two mysteries - one involving Skye and a treasure from years past, and one the current murder. Cat - a cat person- and her current dog, G-paw, make a great team as Cat sets out to prove her sister's innocence. There's a bit of historical context, a bit of humor, and many twists, turns, and secret doors. The book is well-written and held my interest. Fans of cozy mysteries and dog lovers will enjoy this one.

AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-Winning Mystery Author CB Wilson Blends Puzzles, Pups, and Precious Gems Diamonds & Dogs. An award-winning author CB Wilson launched her writing journey after finishing a Nancy Drew mystery where she rewrote the ending. A lifelong animal advocate, she created the beloved Barkview Mysteries, blending her love of puzzles and pups. 

Her newest series, Gem Hunters, sparkles with adventure and authentic detail, inspired by her Gemology degree from the Gemological Institute of America. CB believes the best stories—like the best chocolate—should be savored slowly.

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Spotlight: HER LAST BEST FRIEND (Shadow Lake Ranch Murders Book 1) by Nellie H. Steele

Her Last Best Friend (Shadow Lake Ranch Murders)

Psychological Thriller 1st in Series

Setting – Shadow Lake Ranch, a working ranch in Montana Publisher ‏ : ‎ A Novel Idea Publishing, LLC 

Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 23, 2025 

Print length ‏ : ‎ 316 pages 

About the Book:

A friendship. A betrayal. A body. Welcome to Shadow Lake Ranch…where friendships come to die. 

Quiet Lindsey isn’t sure about spending twelve weeks at Shadow Lake Ranch. Her best friend, Mel, swears the luxury retreat will be the perfect escape—horseback riding, yoga, emotional bonding. A killer summer. 

But from the moment they arrive, something feels off. Lindsey can’t shake the dread curling in her stomach. And when she meets Travis—the charming cowboy who seems to only have eyes for her—things get even more complicated. 

Especially when it seems Mel has set her sights on him, too. 

As the lines between truth and paranoia blur, Lindsey begins to question everything—her friendship, her relationship, even her own mind. 

And when Mel turns up dead, Lindsey becomes the prime suspect.

Was she the jealous best friend who finally snapped? Or is someone else hiding a much darker secret? 

At Shadow Lake Ranch, nothing is what it seems. 

And there’s only one truth: You can’t trust anyone. 

Her Last Best Friend is a twisty psychological thriller perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover’s Verity, Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl, and Ruth Ware’s The It Girl. 

AMAZON

About the Author

Nellie H. Steele is a storyteller who doesn’t just write books—she writes the stories her characters tell her. With distinct voices and minds of their own, her characters often take over, guiding her through tales of romance, mystery, adventure, and suspense. 

A lifelong bookworm, Nellie vividly recalls sitting on the concrete floor of her childhood library, eagerly devouring Nancy Drew books and dreaming of solving mysteries of her own. Now an award-winning author, she spends her days crafting immersive worlds and unforgettable characters that feel like old friends. Her house is a zoo—literally—thanks to her rescue animals who seem perfectly happy napping while she writes. 

Nellie’s writing process often involves background TV she never actually watches because she’s too wrapped up in her characters’ antics. When she’s not spinning stories, she works as a professor of statistics, where students who know her as an author are often surprised to find she really does teach math. 

If you love twisty mysteries, soap-opera-style romance, and thrilling adventures, dive into Nellie’s books today and discover worlds you won’t want to leave. Connect with Nellie:

Website ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads ~ YouTube

GIVEAWAY:   

https://kingsumo.com/g/1rjel23/her-last-best-friend-shadow-lake-ranch-murders-by-nellie-h-steele

New Release: DEATH ON DICKENS ISLAND - A Books on the Beach Mystery by Allison Brook

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Crooked Lane Books  

Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 21, 2025 

ABOUT THE BOOK 

A divorced sleuth in her thirties must bring peace back to her small town after a murder tears neighbors and family members apart in this series debut from Agatha Award nominee Allison Brook, perfect for fans of Cynthia Riggs and Eva Gates. 

Delia Dickens has come home to Dickens Island, a small island in the Long Island Sound, after a twelve-year stint in Manhattan. She’s looking forward to helping her father revitalize the general store that the family owns as well as curating a small book nook. Most importantly, she wants to reunite with her fifteen-year-old son. But Dickens Island isn’t the peaceful town Delia remembers–and she might be in more danger here than she ever was in the big city. 

Delia’s Aunt Reenie and Uncle Brad, both prominent community leaders, are at odds over the sale of a farm and its future use. This has created friction, not only in their marriage, but amongst the citizens of the town. When a young woman, new to the town council and friendly with Brad, is found murdered, everything escalates and reaches a new boiling point. 

With Reenie and Brad both suspects in the case and at each other’s throats, the townspeople start to take sides. When the ghost of her grandmother visits her, Delia learns how past events have impacted the present, and it is up to her to expose the farm’s sordid secrets in order to catch a murderer and restore peace to her beloved island. 

AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

A former Spanish teacher, Marilyn Levinson writes mysteries, novels of suspense, and books for kids. Her books have received many accolades.

As Allison Brook she writes the Haunted Library series and the Books om the Beach mystery series.  D Other mysteries include the Golden Age of Mystery Book Club series, the Twin Lakes series, and Giving Up the Ghost. Her suspense, Come Home to Death, was released in April, 2024, and her suspense, Dangerous Relations, was  republished in March 2025.

Marilyn loves traveling, reading, knitting, doing Sudoku, and visiting with her grandchildren, Olivia and Jack, on FaceTime. She is co-founder and past president of the now defunct Long Island chapter of Sisters in Crime. 

Her website is:  https://www.marilynlevinson.com

 

Stop by and visit. She loves to hear from readers.

Book Review: WITHOUT A SHADOW OF DOUBT - An Olivia Penn Mystery by Kathleen Bailey

 Cozy Mystery 5th in Series 

Setting – Virginia 

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Rhino Publishing LLC 

Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 4, 2025 

About the Book

Find the cat. Crack the case. 

The Highland Games have arrived just outside Apple Station, Virginia, bringing bagpipes, kilts, and a tide of tartan-clad tourists to the cozy small town. Advice columnist Olivia Penn is ready for a weekend of fun now that her life has finally settled into a quiet, steady rhythm. But when a local turns up dead in one of the town’s most iconic homes, a cryptic message from a friend draws her into a tangled mystery. 

As Olivia investigates, family secrets and surprising motives surface, linking three brooches, an antique cross, and a 17th-century Scottish Bible. Clues connect seven suspects to the crime, and each has something to hide. When her friend can’t be found and the police start asking questions, the mystery hits closer to home and runs deeper than she ever imagined.  

After an unlikely witness makes a shocking revelation, Olivia enlists her friends and a heroic search and rescue golden retriever to help her follow the trail before it goes cold. The man she loves is caught in the crosshairs, and to protect him, she’ll have to risk everything. Justice hinges on a missing cat, a chase through the woods, and a stare-down with a mama bear.   

Without a Shadow of Doubt is the gripping fifth installment in the award-winning Olivia Penn Mystery Series. This fast-paced, heartwarming cozy mystery features charming characters, small-town intrigue, and a heroine you’ll love to root for. Perfect for fans of amateur sleuths, cozy suspense, and clean, feel-good mysteries with lovable cats and dogs. 

Review 

The story starts with the Scottish Highland flavor, complete with bagpipes and kilts but set in Virginia. The murder of a local amidst the festivities shifts the focus as Olivia, an advice columnist, gets involved. Olivia is resourceful, collects clues, and takes risk to uncover the killer, even if it might strain some of her relationships. 

This is my first book by Bailey and my introduction to Olivia, a great, no-nonsense character. She and her friends are likable and relatable. The story moves along quickly, with unexpected discoveries to keep Olivia - and the reader - on their toes. The setting lends itself to the story, the secrets, and the mystery.  Then there's the dog, the cat, and the mama bear. I'd recommend this book to those who enjoy a good cozy mystery - and easily read as a stand-alone. That said, I plan on reading the previous books in the series. 

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

About the Author

Kathleen Bailey is the award-winning author of The Olivia Penn Mystery Series. She writes mysteries with heart and humor that keep to the traditional and cozy sides of crime. For over twenty years, she worked as a pediatric physical therapist with children who have special needs, drawing on degrees in English, psychology, and physical therapy. 

She now writes in Virginia with her feline assistant, who insists on supervising every draft. When she’s not writing, Kathleen can usually be found covered in cat hair, surrounded by far too many sticky notes, and plotting new twists to keep readers guessing. She is a member of Sisters in Crime. 

 Author Links

 Website ~ Instagram ~  BookBub ~  GoodReads 

Purchase Links 

Amazon  ~ All Retailers

Giveaway

https://kingsumo.com/g/3zj82j1/without-a-shadow-of-doubt-an-olivia-penn-mystery-by-kathleen-bailey

Book Review: MISSING AT CHRISTMAS by Deena Alexander

About the Book

A dangerous family legacy. 

A race to save a baby in jeopardy.  

When journalist Lexi McKenna receives a desperate call for help, she rushes to her sister’s home, only to find her sister dead and one of her twin nieces missing. With her past mafia ties resurfacing, Lexi must go on the run with agent Noah Thompson to protect herself from her father’s enemies. 

Although Lexi is the daughter of the mob boss who murdered Noah’s brother, Noah will do anything to take down her family—even work with her. As danger looms from all sides, they must find the abducted baby and dismantle a criminal empire before Lexi and her nieces end up as collateral damage. 

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith. 

Review 

Escaping from her father and his mob with her sister, Lexi has done everything to stay disconnected from the 'family' for years. Her sister wanted to move back home, and they did. Now, with her sister dead and a niece missing, Lexi has no choice but to go to her father's home and beg for the money to get the twin back. A stand-off, as she leaves someone kills her father and she's the prime suspect and the heir to the mob finances. Enter Noah, his brother killed by her father, who steps in to help her find the abducted baby. 

This is another well-written mystery by Deena Alexander. Her characters are well-developed and the back story of why Lexi and her sister ran away, the only deal her father would make, and the cunning of the man who likely killed him and now needs to marry Lexi to take over the mob. It's convoluted with childhood memories of Lexi's mother, long deceased, and not knowing who she can trust. The pace of the story is steady, gaining in intensity as the story comes to a peak. An enjoyable read for any mystery lover. 

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

Purchase Links

AMAZON ~ B&N ~ Kobo

About the Author

Publishers Weekly bestselling author, ​Deena Alexander grew up in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island, where she met and married her high school sweetheart. 

She recently relocated to Florida with her husband, three kids, son-in-law, and four dogs. Now she enjoys long walks in nature all year long, despite the occasional alligator or snake she sometimes encounters. 

Deena's love for writing developed when her youngest son was born and didn't sleep through the night, and she now works full time as a writer and a freelance editor. 

Webpage ~ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter/X ~  Goodreads 

BookBub ~ Newsletter ~ Amazon Author Page  

 

Book Review: I'LL CALL YOU HOME (Enderlin Calling #2) by Sharon L. Clark

About the Book 

When her father is injured on the family horse ranch, Charlotte Trevino rushes home to Zearing, Texas, the small town she put in her rearview mirror years ago. Her brother and father insist that everything is under control, but the recent odd - and costly - run of bad luck on the ranch tells a different story. The books haven’t been in the black for months, they’re plagued by equipment troubles and supply chain failures, and their neighbors are selling their property to a shady businessman who won’t take ‘no’ for an answer. But Charlotte refuses to give up and sets out to save the ranch, however she can. Despite being confronted by the painful past she tried to leave behind: her high school sweetheart, Jason Archer. 

Jason has a calm and comfortable life in Zearing. He works for his uncle as a respected financial analyst, takes care of his Alzheimer’s-ridden mother, and spends downtime with friends. But then one day the whirlwind known as Charlotte blows back into town and everything is turned upside down. He’s never forgiven himself for breaking her heart, but he’s never gotten over her, either. Determined to earn her trust once more, he offers to help save the ranch, and the lingering heat between them bursts into flame whenever they’re together. 

It soon becomes clear that her family’s trouble is far more than simple bad luck. When Charlotte starts to inch the ranch back toward financial stability, the bad luck turns to threats and near-misses, and the trouble draws closer to home. Jason is right by her side, lending a hand as they grow closer and closer. But secrets come to light and Jason is torn between the woman he never stopped loving and the family that has given him everything. As the danger intensifies, the question is no longer if Charlotte can save the ranch…but will she survive if she does.

Review

Charlotte has rarely returned home since leaving for college. Her return, her father in the hospital, and her first love affect her emotionally. Still, she's determined to save the ranch and the horses she loved. Then there's Jason. It's awkward and tense as more "accidents" occur immediately followed by pressure to sell.  

Charlotte is a great main character, a determined young woman who intends to save the ranch no matter what. She's dealing with conflicts, threats, and understanding what went wrong after high school graduation. Jason is also key to the story and not sure he can let her get away again. The story is well written and the pacing kept me reading. It's the second in the series, and it didn't matter that I hadn't read the first one. I'd recommend this book to those who enjoy a good romantic suspense with second chances and a HEA for all.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. This has not affected the content of my review in any way. 

AMAZON

About the Author 

Sharon L. Clark is a romantic suspense author hailing from Des Moines, Iowa, where she never outgrew her enormous imagination and continues to feed both her hopeless-romantic heart and her villain-wannabe brain. 

An avid reader from a very young age, Sharon still enjoys living vicariously through the heroines in adventure novels, falling in love again and again through romances, and getting the tar scared out of her now and again. After attending the University of Northern Iowa Sharon met her husband, Andrew, and together they have raised three pretty cool humans and a handful of dogs. It wasn’t until she was nearly an empty nester that she decided to focus on writing, and let other people see what goes on inside her head: the good, the bad, and the bizarre.

I’ll Call You Mine is her debut novel, but you can check out her short stories and other musings on her website or her social channels. She also has a collection of short stories and serials at Channillo. She is represented by Amy Brewer through Metamorphosis Literary Agency.

Website ~ FaceBook ~ Goodreads ~ BookBub 

Book Review: DEADLY SECRETS AT BALLYFORD CASTLE (The Ariadne Winter Mystery Series Book 2) by Ellen Butler

About the Book 

From Paris runways to country manors, danger is always in fashion. When intrepid journalist Ariadne Winter leaves behind the glittering cafés and haute couture of 1958 Paris for the misty hills of rural Ireland, she expects champagne toasts and countryside charm at her cousin's engagement celebration. But amidst party prep excitement the festive mood at Ballyford Manor is shattered when a body is discovered among the ruins of the ancient castle grounds.  

The local inspector suspects an accident—but Ariadne knows better. 

Armed with her sharp wit and a reporter’s determination, Ariadne peels back the polished façade of the O’Connell family, uncovering simmering tensions and long-held grudges that refuse to stay buried. As she navigates a world of crumbling aristocracy, whispered scandals, and dark family legacies, Ariadne realizes someone will do anything to keep the past hidden — even if it means making her the next victim. 

Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Jacqueline Winspear, this stylish, atmospheric mystery captures the glamour and shadows of 1950s Ireland, blending intrigue, secrets, and a sleuth you won’t forget. 

Review

Ariadne's visit to Ballyford Castle for her cousin's engagement celebration in Ireland is marred first by tension within the fiancé's family, their insistence the wedding take place in the castle instead of America, and by the discovery of the caretaker's dead body. Ariadne, Julia, and Cormac are caught in the middle, with Julia's parents trying to keep the peace. 

The police initially call the caretaker's death an accident, only Ariadne's not so sure. She and Julia discover hidden passages that lead to the window ledge the caretaker "fell" from, only it's clear he was pushed. As they explore passages, someone scares them and they pick up clues to the killer. 

Butler's tale is well-written with unexpected twists and turns, well-developed characters with distinct personalities, and a well-paced plot. The point of view shifts from Ariadne (first person) to third person at times, providing a different perspective and furthering the story along. The resolution makes sense and is not a surprise, though I considered a few characters as the killer.  This is the second in the series and easily read as a stand-alone. Still, I think it's best to start at the beginning of a series to watch characters grow. 

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way. 

Purchase Links

Amazon ~ B&N ~ Kobo ~ Apple

About the Author 

Ellen Butler is the international bestselling author of the Karina Cardinal mystery series. Her experiences working on Capitol Hill and at a medical association in Washington, D.C. inspired the mystery-action series. Multiple books in the series have hit #1 on Amazon bestseller lists in the US and abroad. Book critics call the Karina Cardinal mysteries, “intelligent escapism." 

Butler is also the author of the award-winning historical suspense novel, The Brass Compass. The Brass Compass has won multiple awards for historical fiction including: 2022 Speak Up Talk Radio Firebird Book Award, 2018 Indie Reader Discovery Award, 2019 Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal Winner. Butler started writing in the romance genre and won the The Romance Reviews Readers’ Choice Award 2015 with her novel Planning for Love. Her 12th book Operation Blackbird, a Cold War Spy novel, was published in October 2022 and won a Next Generation Indie Book Award gold medal for historical fiction.

Author Links 

Website ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Bookbub ~ Goodreads 

$25 Amazon Gift Card & Signed Book