Collateral Death: A British Mystery, by J. Kushley

 

As anyone who has read my reviews regularly surely knows by now, I'm a sucker for a book with a dog. Even more so if that dog happens to be a corgi. Yet, I hesitated to request this book for review. It wasn't that I thought it wouldn't be good, it's reviews are top notch, but it's "darker" than my usual mystery choice, cozies. Heck, I don't recall if it was a blurb or part of one of the reviews I scanned but it even clearly says this one isn't for those who prefer their mysteries light and cozy. Yet, having lived a decade plus with a corgi mix, I began to notice that my Daisy seemed to share many of Percival Hoover's traits. Intelligent, judgemental, sees all and knows all, stubborn and grumpy but yet with a sense of humor and quirky sense of right and wrong, with me the one usually not living up to her high expectations. She also came from a shadowy background that I never fully knew or, for that matter, maybe didn't want to know. So, here I am. Having read this amazingly book and writing a review. 

Yes, much to my surprise, I was fully into the book from the beginning. I'll note that had I not read the blurbs and a handful of reviews, the prologue would have lured me in without me realizing that the main character is a dog. An amazing dog, true, but a dog. You're only stopped short when you become aware you've read the word "paw" and not "hand", How did Percival become not just a talking dog but a detective. Beats me. It is what it is, bottom line, and no real explanation is given. If you're like me, it won't matter, however. You'll find yourself invested in the story and description of Percival's home with specific to his needs accommodations, including clothing that sounds quite Holmes-like. You'll also discover that although we don't learn much this go-round, there is something in his past that seems to send him spiraling. I found it interesting to see how he manages his demons. Then, as you'll discover, he knows one of the orphan victims although it isn't clear why or how. "His Chloe", he remembers.

While contending with his own demons, Percival seeks justice for the two victims that the police seem determined to label as accidental deaths. Percival is a firm believer in the idea that people seem to feel putting a name to something somehow makes it less of a problem, hence his reaction to the label. Don't get me wrong, there is humor here, too, with the focus on Percival's rather dry wit, so you may find yourself laughing one moment and feeling heartbroken the next. 'The focus is as much on the way social institutions operate, more for the ease of operation that humanity, as the actual crime. Gotta protect one's reputation, you know. Stiff upper lip and all that. An interesting aspect of the investigation is seeing it from Percival's perspective where he sees even the smells his canine nose picks up as colors. Again, all this is simply the way it is and you come to accept it easily. It's not a gimmick. It's simply an investigative tool he uses. 

The town of Bellwick itself could be considered a character, too, with it's quirky and lovable and not-so-lovable characters who simply accept Percival as he is. It contributes to the overall mood of the story. The pace is steady and it's likely you'll wind up finding Percival Hoover one of the most complex sleuths you've read as the suspense builds. I'm being deliberately vague, sorry, but you'll understand why I'm so reluctant to share much as you read. Thanks to the author and #NetGalley for making this book available to me. I definitely won't hesitate to pick up the follow-up as I've grown fond of Percival and want to know more. I somehow think my Daisy would approve of his grumpy humor. Grin. 

A Murder at the Mansion (A Novel Detectives Mystery, 3), by Ellie Alexander

 

Publication July 21, 2026

Annie and Fletcher tackle what is surely their most high profile case yet. An elderly, reclusive heiress, Bernadette Garst, has gone missing and Detective Caldwell asks for their help. The story jumps right into the mystery, so you're pulled in immediately. Time is, of course, of the essence, although it's the one thing they don't have in abundance. Fletcher is now not only working as a detective while maintaining his bookshop job but is also immersed in college classes. Annie is happy to have hired some solid help but feels bad simply leaving them and, hey, maybe more importantly, her romance with Liam is getting serious and they are having some serious discussions about moving in together. Never mind, though, as everything else is now secondary, well, other than Fletcher's college demands, and they're on the case. I rather wonder when he sleeps. 

I won't detail the plot much as encountering the clues as Annie does is part of the fun. I found myself wondering about a few, only to have the author answer that question for me soon thereafter, so you may have the same experience with your questions.  Helps us wannabe sleuths sort out the meaningful clues from distractions. One distraction is the family's seeming disconnect and Bernadette's missing lawyer. The only one who seems to be the least bit genuine is teen Preston, who even that super hyped/trained up poodle seems to like. I decided I'd probably be giving it a wide berth, too, though I loved its name, Dorothy Barker. Dog person that I am, I was delighted to see dogs play a role in this go-round. Where is the lawyer? Who would have taken or, gulp, killed the elderly Bernadette? That mystery lingers awhile but, double gulp, the missing lawyer's body is found in a boat shed by the pond. So now Annie has two mysteries to solve. Detective Caldwell, known to Annie still as Dr. Caldwell due to her having been one of Annie's most admired college professors, is good about being on call but Annie does have a knack for stumbling into places she might want to leave for the police to investigate. What secrets are the family members hiding? Why? Could Paula really fly the dog to a doggie spa for grooming and pampering on Bernadette's dime? (Answer, yes. Read the author's notes at the end.) 

Bottom line, I fully enjoy this series and fell into this one immediately. The quick start of the action was a real plus. The characters are well fleshed out and their connections shared early on even as Annie begins the investigation. I still have to marvel at how unlikable I found Annie way back when as opposed to how much I've grown to like and admire the character over the course of the books that feature her. The fact the characters are there for each other and have their own lives is a plus, too. It was fun to catch up with Annie's best friend, too, although she played a minor role. Liam is, as usual, a rock for Annie. Finally, the side mystery involving Hal and his belief in his connection to Agatha Christie has been a continuing story, so looking forward to seeing how that plays out. I'm leaving out lots but, well, want you to enjoy the discoveries as they happen and see how life is progressing for all of them. Thanks #StormPublishing for introducing me to Annie originally and providing the early peeks into life in Redwood Grove as the dynamics between the characters play out. Loved the ending and what it meant for Fletcher in particular and all that may happen as a result. Nope, not telling. Read the book. If you enjoy cozies, you'll like this one. Heck, you'll even pick up some sleuthing hints. Grin. . 

Murder in the Reading Room (Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mysteries #6), by Anita Davison

 

Publication June 24, 2026

This is one of those books one reads with a sense of sadness knowing it's the grand finale of the series but can enjoy seeing how life for the characters you've grown to care about ends in a satisfactory way.  As the story begins, Armistice Day is only a month in the past and England is still feeling the effects of the war with shortages and, of course, the empty tables at homes across the nation. Shop assistant Penny is aniously awaiting the return of her Archie while Hannah is lucky enough never to have had Darius far away. True, his job with MI5 with the British government was often shadowy and left Hannah wondering, but he's home now to stay. As for Aunt Violet, she and former Scotland Yard police chief Aidan Farrell seem to be content to remain unmarried although they might as well be. Read that as you will. Grin. They're also busy running an upscale hotel where Hannah and Darius find themself staying while their home is being remodeled, so the family is together. I don't know about you, but that's a biggie for me as a series draws together. You do want to see your virtual friends happy even while they confront a confusing murder. You'll encounter lots of new or at least not part of the inner circle characters as the story unfolds although Hannah's friend Matilda Gilmartin is front and center and a vital cog in solving the mystery.

Of course, this being a cozy mystery, you know Hannah may face some danger, much to Darius' discontent. This leads them to face some life-changing decisions but I'll leave that for you to discover as you read. So, who killed the seemingly innocuous scholar Theodore Pryme in the middle of a crowded research library? Maybe more to the point, why? What does a lovely statue rumored to be a part of the de Medici family collection have to do with anything? And how does an aristocratic but financially strapped family fit into all this? Heck, one of them was even severely wounded in the war? Yet, there's an art expert and another wannabe art collector showing up with connections to the statue. Where does Hannah fit in all this? Why is she attacked? Well, she is snoopy. Asking too many questions? Too many questions to the wrong people? And, did she ever find that Shakespeare related book that set her off on this adventure? In the meantime, there's suffragette talk -- I never realized there was an age limitation on women voting after the voting right was given -- and you'll learn quite a bit about the role of women in the early post-WWI days in England (and elsewhere). Trust me, Aunt Violet wouldn't let us not be fully informed on that if we drop in on her. 

Bottom line, enough teasers. While I'm not sure this series was in my top ten, it's one I've enjoyed in the past as much for the history of the era as the characters. Don't get me wrong. They're quite likable and mostly believable, even the crusty Detective Inspector Wilson. It's been fun to follow Hannah's growth through the series, including a stint in a military hospital, and see her relationship with Darius bloom despite her chafing at giving up any of her independence. I liked the ending, so wish these virtual characters well and, oh, can't forget Bartleby the shop cat. May he thrive, too. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for introducing me to Hannah and her circle of friends and family and the early peeks at how life during and just after the war was going. In a way, I'm going to miss them and that touch of history.  

Death on the Books (Blue Ridge Library Mysteries #10), by Victoria Gilbert

 

Publication August 4, 2026

Apparently librarian Amy Muir  doesn't even have to go far to find a dead body. In this case, the victim actually stumbles into the Blue Ridge library and dies. Of what? No one is really sure initially. But, no surprise, it turns out to have been murder. Amy vows not to get too involved in the case, even promising husband Richard she's stay out of danger but if you're read this series, I'm sure you know Richard probably knew that wouldn't happen. I do give her credit. She did try, initially limiting her sleuthing to internet searches and speaking to possible suspects when with a crowd. Sometimes, though, danger just always seems to find Amy.

In any case, lots going on here. The victim turns out to be connected to quite a few people Amy knows, even family. Unfortunately those connections lead to intrigue, missing and priceless Faberge eggs from 1922, the not so savory side of the art world, drugs, and more. Much more. And, hey, where did BFF Sunny's boyfriend disappear to? In the midst of all this, Amy is coping with her real world, which includes not only her library job but a husband and two way-energetic twins, so you'll get to meet up with them and the rest of the extended family as the story progresses. I'd sort of forgotten Richard's family background, so it was a bonus to get a short recap of his growing years and newfound connection with his mother. Watching him work hard to ensure his children don't have a largely uncaring, missing dad is a delight, especially since Amy and he seem to largely be on the same page. True, the twins wish they'd waver on the proper amount of cookies per day but, hey, it's obvious they love and respect them. Needless to say, lots of dance and art talk throughout but the plot seems to move along nicely. In other words, the side stories are fun but don't distract from discovering whodunit for long. It works well as a standalone And you'll come away feeling like these are people you could know. True, you may not be able to discuss art with Lydia or Kyle but they're far from one dimensional. The dialogue not only flows naturally, it's realistic no matter what the topic. 

Bottom line, this has proven a solid, entertaining series with characters I enjoy spending time with. The touch of history dealing with the Faberge eggs of the Romanov empire was a real bonus for this former history major and teacher. Toss in an intriguing murder, lots of shadowy characters, and even more characters that would make great friends and it's a fun read. Thanks #CrookedLaneBooks for introducing me to Amy's world and keeping me in the loop for an early peek whenever possible. Amy's energy levels sure put me to shame when, after dealing with those oh, so, energetic twins, especially on a cookie high, she's still sleuthing. 

Purranormal Activity: A Cat Cafe Mystery (Cat Cafe Mystery Series, 10), by Cate Conte

 

Publication July 28, 2026

 Maddie is delighted when her mother's best friend from decades ago calls to make an appointment for Maddie's JJ's House of Purrs to host a cat birthday party for her granddaughter. When they drive out to Olivia McAllister's family home, the Mermaid Cottage, however, Maddie finds Olivia dead. To add to the mystery, she finds the body in a hidden room with the help of a, oh, you guessed it, cat. Only, this cat is different. How different Maddie will find out as the story unfurls. '

As it turns out, that's not to only mystery connected to Mermaid Cottage. Seems that Olivia' s family moved away suddenly decades ago and no one seems to have heard from them sense. Olivia's aunt had just gone missing and the police were waved away from the case for reasons that seem odd but, okay. What even brought Olivia back with her daughter, Tess, and grand-daughter Piper? Maddie finds Piper alone, playing on the nearby beach and oblivious to the drama at the house, but there's no sign on Tess. She she's up at the police station but only after the worried ex-husband has showed up. Where was she? This is where Maddie's sleuth mind begins, well, sleuthing and a host of suspects emerge. I liked that while not completely cautious, after all this is a cozy mystery, she's also not to stupid to live. That's TSTL for those not familiar with text shorthand. I know I'm woefully behind knowing it all, so no pointing fingers. Grin. In any case, suspects are many, including a quirky young woman who shows up claiming a plan to start a, get this, cat party shop. Uh, Maddie knows competition isn't in itself bad but is astonished, especially when it appears this woman might be a suspect, too. 

That's about all the teasers I'll share. The regulars are well-fleshed out and likable, both human and feline. You'll learn more about the various characters and suspects as the book goes along and although there are quite a few characters, the author's ability to flesh them out for us helps keep them straight. The small town on Daybreak Island is quirky and everyone seems to know everyone else and their business, and the pace was steady despite diversions like mystery cats and their potential history, and you get two mysteries, not just one, to solve. Nope, didn't know until the big reveal which seemed almost calmly done. Again, kudos to Maddie for her ability to not freak out and remember to use the tools in hand's reach to help nail whodunit. There's humor, too, and I loved the description and manner of her cafe manager who is far fonder of cats than people. The touch of purranormal was just right, too, allowing readers to ponder the likelihood of a ghost cat without quite discarding it no matter what their mind was telling them. In other words, fun. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for the early peek while allowing us to get to know those surrounding Maddie's life better.  JJ deserves some virtual treats at least for being such a good babysitter. Grin. 

A Hearse With No Name, by Nicholas George

 

Publication July 7, 2026

This was one of those books that I neither loved nor hated. It just seemed to have a lot going on and at times seemed to get bogged down. I did like the characters, however, especially former rock stars Adam and his wife Shawna. Heck, most of the suspects were relatively likable as the story went along. The only generally unlikable character seemed to be the victim. Let's just say, I'm glad they aren't part of my world. The small town of Cordoba itself is the sort of town one wouldn't expect murder to happen in but, well, Adam's already found himself helping out the local police, one of whom is related, on two cases. 

As for what's going on, let's see. We have flag pole sitting, family drama, retired rock stars, family issues, art, reunions, explosions, collapsing scaffolds and, well, more. Adam becomes involved when he reports the presence of an unmarked hearse with tinted windows parked near his record store. No one is particularly disturbed by it, so it sits around awhile until the police finally come to remove it. That's when the body of the crusty, okay, downright nasty female victim is discovered inside. In the meantime, a local celebrity is staging a flag pole sitting stunt to....oh, I'll leave that for you to discover. I would have liked to have seen Shawna in that outfit, however. In the meantime, Adam and Shawna are contacted and persuaded to take part in a reunion tour of their old band only to have a "not doing so well" band mate show up at their door. One with sticky fingers, no less. All this mixed in with tales of feuding neighbors, hated artwork, and secrets of the past. And, I'm leaving quite a bit out. As noted, lots going on with made for a, to me, relatively slow pace. I was intrigued enough to keep reading, however, and lost track of the number of times I changed my mind about whodunit. 

Bottom line, a relatively quick, easy read that while it didn't blow me away, hence the 3.5 rounded up to a 4 star, was still a fun read. I like the main characters enough that I will definitely be looking for the next in the series, too, so don't let my review put you off. The author does an excellent job fleshing out most of the characters. Thanks #SevernHouse and #NetGalley for the intro to Adam and Shawna and allowing me an early peek at the doings in supposedly sleepy Cordoba. Small towns definitely have their share of secrets and drama. 

Romantic Hero, by Kirsty Greenwood

 

Publication June 16, 2026

If you've ever wished a character from a much loved book could show up at your house, then this might be the book for you. Maybe. How about if it isn't your favorite character that shows up? How about if, whoa, it's the villain of the story. Even worst, you're the one who wrote the story and made them a villain? While there's far more depth to it than this, that's what happens to romance author Gertie Bickerstaff who thoroughly enjoys writing happily ever afters. Unfortunately for Gertie, real life isn't as easy. She's been dumped by boyfriend Henry. Gertie is complicated but aren't we all?

Enter River Oakley, the ruggedly handsome, hot cowboy who has been the "bad guy" in Gertie's popular romance series. River is just as confused about why he's there as Gertie. I mean, his character resides in a small town in Texas where he's all about, well, everything being a cowboy involves, but he now finds himself in England in Gertie's studio apartment. The entire scene of Gertie discovering him on her couch as she emerges from her bath is hilarious. I'm leaning toward thinking most of us would be just as bumbling and confused as her, even if fully clad. That scene, which appears to be the result of a manifestation ceremony held by her quirky but lovable neighbor Mrs. Casablanca with an assist from her adorable little dog Squishy, is hilarious. And that's just the beginning of this romp through a magical (in more ways than one) romance. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the characters, real and supposedly fictional. 

I don't want to give away much of the plot as it's too delightful not to be met fresh. Let's just say, Mrs. Casablanca's efforts to help solve not only Gertie's writer's block but help her past her grief over not just her own broken romance but the death of her sister start the ball rolling. I guess Mrs. Casablanca got tired of having her sleep interrupted by Gertie wailing in her bathtub at night in the next apartment. It's great fun watching River thaw gradually and mellow as he and Gertie move from being strangers to friends to romance. Not to mention as he learns about life and the foods of England. Let's just say, he definitely wasn't a tea fan. Squishy adores him from first encounter, however, and, well, I've also said "listen to the dog". There's fake dating initially as Gertie thinks maybe River can help her win back boyfriend Henry, but deeper issues abound. Far from being a villain, River helps Gertie find herself, so to speak, and become stronger. Gertie has never healed from the death of her sister, who Gertie had leaned on all her life, and even now can't bring herself to take flowers to her grave despite several efforts. Henry came into Gertie's life soon after her sister's death and Gertie had fallen into using him as her shield much as she's done all her life with her sister. River's unexpected appearance kicks start lots of changes, in both of them, actually. 

They face big decisions and while it isn't easy, there is hope. Has Gertie found her own happily ever after? There is lots of humor in the story and the back-and-forth between Gertie and River is a delight, not to mention the adoration Squishy has for him. But, then River finds his way home. What now? I'm definitely not giving away any of the ending. It may make you both laugh out loud and cry. Of course, this is a romance, so you know the happily ever after is coming. It's a fun ride getting to it, however. For those who care, there is some open door spice but it's well-handled and not offensive. Self-reflection abounds is all I'm going to add.  Thanks #BerkleyPublishingGroup for this early introduction to the work of author Kirsty Greenwood. This was my first read of her but it most definitely won't be my last. In fact, I have the previous novel on order. Grin. 

Dead Men Don't Play Fetch: An Andy Carpenter Mystery (An Andy Carpenter Novel, 33), by David Rosenfelt

 

Publication July 7, 2026

Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter never lets me down. Always well written with not just great characters and frequently laugh out loud humor, but dogs. Andy has been trying to retire as a lawyer for about as long as I've been reading this series but never quite manages. This time he's roped into a seemingly impossible case with all the evidence seeming to point at his client. Why would any self-respecting lawyer, especially one wanting to retire, take on such a case?  There's a dog involved. For long time fans, that will come as no surprise as Andy is all about dogs and started the Tara Foundation. The Tara Foundation is real, btw, and headed by Rosenfelt. If you're new to his work, make sure you find the non-fiction story of his cross-country move with, well, lots of dogs. 

In any case, back to this book. I won't detail the plot as the book's blurb does an excellent job doing that. Instead, I'll simply say you will enjoy a mystery with lots of twists and turns, legal wrangling, a well-fleshed out regular cast, and humor. And, did I mention, dogs? You'll enjoy Andy's one-sided chats with Tara during their walks, I'm sure. As for the human characters, Andy's investigative team, headed by Laurie, his ex-cop wife, is top notch and, did I mention, includes a K-9 member? Have fun getting to know them all. His newspaper editor and police chief friends are also fun, albeit I'm sure even Andy has lost track of the tab they're run up on him at their favorite meeting place. You'll even meet a few less savory types, hopefully when Marcus is around to keep Andy from getting himself killed. He does seem to have the knack of annoying some organized crime figures. His lawyer opponent in the courtroom is an old nemesis, so it's fun to see them spar, too, although I'm sure just about any judge would prefer Andy be a bit less snarky and more by the book. 

Bottom line, I  recommend this book to anyone who enjoys humor and is curious about how a lawyer might go about collecting evidence via investigating.  His easy relationship with his wife and the team members is a plus and you'll feel like you're among friends as you listen to their plans and shared info. And, of course, there are the dogs. The client's dog, Hope, is a huge part of why Andy finds himself back in the courtroom despite all his best(?) efforts to avoid taking cases, of course. Andy's sarcasm is nicely fine-tuned but so is his legal mind, one lucky enough to have a fantastic team behind him. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for allowing me this early peek into Andy's latest courtroom drama and all the humor, snark, and dogs that surround him. Something tells me Laurie won't allow his brain to atrophy too long before the next case even if Tara continues to remain mum on her opinion. 

The Case of the Christie Wedding Affair: The Detection Club, Book 4, by Kelly Oliver

 Publication June 2, 2026

I'm usually drawn to this series for the history mixed with the story but this time the focus seemed to be, while drawn from a real event, more of an ominous good story than history. Don't get me wrong. I fell into the ooze of the story immediately and I use the word "ooze" deliberately. While we don't get much history here, we do get a grand overview of the moody isle of Sky. That's where Agatha Christie married her archeologist beau Max Mallowen in reality. The tone is essentially set from the first page when Christie associate Eliza Baker's beagle Queenie is being tossed about on on the decks of the ferry taking Eliza and her associate and potential romantic partner Theo to the ceremony to meet up with others. The party had expected to be the only ones at the lodge but discover they're sharing the premises with a hunting party put together by a rather haughty Lord Blackwood. His wife is with him but, well, rather obviously not happy to be there. You'll find out why as you read. Let's just cut to the chase and  say the hunting party of four goes hunting and only three of them return. They all had good reasons to be glad he didn't. 

The author does an excellent job describing the wild, seemingly largely uninhabited area with its many potential dangers. And, what's that talk from lodge hostess, young Maisie, about ghosts? Why is she so nervous? The hunting party just laughs off Lord Blackwood's failure to return, saying it's not out of the usual for him. His wife adds that he has done this before, simply going off to the local village for awhile. Eliza isn't so sure but, well, her Scotland Yard training has her "something isn't right" nerves on edge. As for Theo, he has her back but is more of a dreamy poet type, one fonder of fiction as opposed to Eliza's "just the facts" sensibilities. Hard to believe they've danced around a relationship so far but it's obvious Theo is thoroughly smitten while, shh, as reluctant as her heart is to admit it, Eliza has grown fonder and fonder of him. You'll get the background for her reticence when it comes to being involved as the story goes along. Theo, who is the son of an Earl, came from a much more privileged background than Eliza but has been a disappointment to his father the Earl. Agatha Christie is focused on her upcoming marriage, of course, but one has to believe that both she and friend Dorothy Sayers are taking notes for future books. We meet the groom to be late in the book but also Agatha's daughter, While I probably did know about her, I had long forgotten, so that was a bit of new info to me.

In any case, lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing as you try to nail whodunit before Eliza and Theo. There are some rather spooky scenes. I mean, how does a dead body get out of its grave? Who kidnaps both Agatha's daughter and young Callum, part of the lodge managers' family? For whom or what does the bell toll? (Sorry, couldn't resist.) Would you go merrily traipsing off onto the moors alone with a murderer about? Yep, you guessed it. Eliza does. She also is rather rash in her questioning, in my mind making herself a target. You'll also get to know both Eliza and Theo better as you're given insight into their mind set on their budding romance. And....oh, plenty more, including climbing towering bell towers, wandering through a graveyard, and daring to follow a potential killer into dangerous, seemingly uncharted caves. And, oh, yes, the missing children. 

But, enough teasers. While I was disappointed not to get my usual history lesson this go-round, the odd mix of budding romance and the ominous, spooky mood, and, shiver, some of the events definitely kept me reading. I actually figured out a plot twist fairly early on, yea, me, but still didn't manage to put it all together until the rather unexpected big reveal. I definitely liked seeing Queenie being a real part of the plot rather than just an accessory, too. Virtual treats for Queenie. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for introducing me to this intriguing set of characters and letting me time travel back (September 1930) for an early peek at how life is treating the curious and oh, so, determined Eliza and her back-up and wannabe more than friends friend Theo. That ending definitely has me ready for the next book!

 

Probable Caws: A Meg Langslow Mystery (Meg Langslow Mysteries #39), by Donna Andrews

 

Publication August , 2026

First, a brief digression. When I sat down, I realized I had three reviews to do and was reaching for one when I happened to notice that this would be my 1000th review for the NetGalley review program. I immediately began to debate which review to give that distinction (which no one but me cares about, most likely) to and ultimately opted for "Probably Caws" by Donna Andrews. Andrews was one of the cozy mystery authors who hooked me on the genre and, if push came to shove, would be one of the handful of names I'd give as all-time favorite authors. Not to digress any longer, this book was certainly no exception to my enjoyment of this series. Picking up a Meg Langslow mystery is sort of like spending time with now old friends and enjoying the quirky but "got your back" town of Caerphilly, VA. People there pull together when the going gets tough for one of them and, oh, by, the arrival of some 50 rescued horses in various conditions with multiple needs at Ragnar's Gothic themed estate, and it really is an estate, seems to pull in everyone from school kids and neighbors to the police. Well, as it happens, the police aren't there just to help. Seems Meg, while checking on the horses in the midst of a thunderous rainstorm, finds another body. Nope, not pleasant but not a new thing for Meg, either. And, the investigation is off, albeit Meg is more in the right place at the right time than actually doing any serious investigating. One of the things I've always admired about Meg is that while she all too frequently finds herself in danger, she doesn't tend to go out of her way to dash into such circumstances. 

I'm not going to go into plot details but will note that there are several new to me at least new characters this go-round, primarily those involved in the horse rescue operation. A nasty dispute between brothers Abel and George and potential danger to the horses should they not be moved, has lead to a mass exodus to Ragnar's. And, oh, I'd so love to see some visuals of the settings Andrews describes. While I'm not big on his color scheme and "artistic touches" that seem like they'd suite Dracula's Castle, he's a kind, welcoming and even gentle man contrary to his appearance and the setting. He's also an avid animal lover, hence no hesitation at opening his property to the initial chaos...and some nasty souls who'd like nothing better than to create trouble, the eventual victim one of them. Alibis and evidence kept back from even Meg add to the mystery. And, oh, what happened to that deadly looking knife?

No more plot hints, so on to the characters. As noted, I've come to fully enjoy this cast, even when Meg's grandfather goes into one of his spiels telling us more than we could ever want to know about, uh, animal body functions, for example. That isn't to say we don't learn quite a bit about animals in the process. Being a horse loving kid, I did know much of the info shared about horses but still found it interesting to learn about their potential senses of smell as well as that, hope I'm remembering this right, only 20% of yellow cats are female? We also get info on the idea that the zebra's stripes are biting insect repellents, so to speak, and watch a fun scene of Meg's sons being enlisted to.... well, I won't tell but it's a fun scene. Another absolutely vivid scene involves swans, swans that are not happy to have their turf being invaded by humans. Let's just say the rescue scene involves everything from brooms and rakes to a make-shift....oh, again, I should leave that one for you to discover and chuckle over yourself. There are always such humorous scenes involved in this series and that was one of the big hooks for me. 

Rose Noire gets the spotlight a few times, her soothing manner and knowledge being helpful in many ways. She even manages to make one of the older, once neglected horses far more comfortable by the end. Do be aware, some of the descriptions of the horses and their probably past lives are at the very least mildly disturbing for not just animal lovers but horse lovers. Seeing not just Meg but her family (Mother and Grandmother are away this trip but do check in regularly via the internet) grow to care about these animals is heartwarming and, not really a spoiler, you'll like the ending. Kevin the computer wiz pops in an out albeit largely only at the other end of Meg's phone. Let's just say, while Meg wasn't a real horse person, Kevin is even less so. Fortunately Meg's boys are into horses and already have some background via working with Ragnar's horses. Husband Michael is in and out as he has a day (and, I guess, occasionally night) job, as is the police chief and his extended family and police force. 

And....oh, enough rambling. I obviously thoroughly enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone who likes well rounded/fleshed out characters and more that a touch of humor and family. In the process, you'll learn quite a bit about various animals and a bit of science. Horse fans may know much of the info shared on horses and will probably nod their heads knowingly at Trouble's not-to-be-desired skill with his nimble lips. Yep, been there. Know that. My thanks to #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for feeding my Meg fix early periodically. I loved the intriguing ending and was delighted to see Tomas's unexpected new friend. Nope, not telling, readers. Read the book. Grin.