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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Book Review: PUPPIED TO DEATH (A Dog Lover's Cozy Mystery - Barkview Mysteries Book 9) by C. B. Wilson

About the Book 

A Murder, an Ancient Secret, and a Puppy You Can’t Help but Love 

A desperate call from her sister sends investigative reporter Cat Hawl on a rescue mission to Hawaii. But when she arrives, it's more than she bargained for. Not only is a tea sommelier found dead, but a mischievous puppy has turned the crime scene into a dog’s breakfast. And to top it off, Cat’s sister, Lani, has gone missing. Is she a witness or on the run? 

With local police suspecting the worst, Cat takes matters into her own hands. Armed with the help of the sharp-witted Miss Marple Mahjong Mamas, she starts uncovering clues that point to a centuries-old mystery tied to the Forbidden City. Could a thousand-year-old legend be the key to the mounting body count and chaotic puppy mayhem? 

Review 

Cat leaves her mostly normal habitat of Barkview, CA to return to Hawai where she hasn't lived in many years. She doesn't have any choice, when a professor is found dead and her sister, Lani vanishes. Aside from helping out the professor, Lani also dog-sat and now Cat's  Mahjong-loving mother is stuck with two puppies and an ornery cat, convinced the dogs will help find Lani. Cat goes from kidnapped and treated to a special tea, to keeping the Mahjong mothers out of trouble. Her husband, Russ, joins her and is the sanest of the bunch. Besides, he's FBI and has contacts.

Leaving Barkview behind and weaving culture and ancient treasures, the result is a well-orchestrated mystery with unexpected surprises. True to form, the French Bulldog adds to the sleuthing. The quirky characters and the rivalries for the secrets to the special tea further add to the novelty of the book. It was hard to guess at the killer until the very end - always a good thing for a mystery. 

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.  

AMAZON

About C.B. Wilson  

C.B. Wilson is the award-winning author of the Barkview Mysteries series. Her love of writing was spurred by an early childhood encounter with a Nancy Drew book where she wrote what she felt was a better ending. She later studied at the Gemology Institute of America, where she developed a passion for researching lost, stolen, and missing diamonds. 

C.B.'s love for dogs and their owners inspired her to create Barkview, California--the dog-friendliest city in America. Her books perfectly blend mystery, dogs, and passionate owners, making them a must-read for all mystery lovers. 

When she's not writing, C.B. enjoys playing pickleball and traveling to participate in tournaments. She currently resides in Peoria, AZ, where she continues to write captivating mysteries that keep her readers on the edge of their seats.

AUTHOR LINKS

AmazonAuthorPage ~ Website ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads