Pawprints, Prose & Murder (Dickens & Christie #9), by Kathy Manos Penn

 

When I suddenly realized I was more than halfway through the book, I slammed to a halt. What a dilemma. I obviously wanted to know how it would all end but, well, I also wanted to prolong my time with Leta and her circle of friends. I found myself rationing the remainder of the book, so to speak, to savor every moment with characters who feel like ol' friends. 

It was a wonderful visit, almost magical for book lovers as Leta's boyfriend Dave celebrates the publication of his new book. There's a bus tour, fun connections to JM Barrie and his writer friends and connections, and everything is lighthearted and carefree. Or, is it? While Lucy snaps photos of Dave's friends and supporters, which include his publishing house people, Leta can't help but notice that something feels off. There seems to be an odd tension between the publishing bunch. But, the party rolls along and a good time is had by all .... until ... uh-oh .... a guest is found dead. 

If you're familiar with the series, you'll know it didn't take long for the Little Ol' Ladies senior sleuths group, now strengthened by Dave's inclusion, to spring into action. The suspects are rather obvious but, well, the clues are confusing, even contradictory at times . Needless to say, Gemma the lead detective is quite frustrated, but it was fun to see Jonas' role expand.  It's fascinating to watch interactions between not just Leta and Dave, now learning to live together, but don't forget the contribution of the animals in their lives. Did I mention Leta can talk to Dickens the dog and Christie the cat? Yes, I know. I talk to my dog, too, but she doesn't talk back, at least in human language. Even more amazing, this is just all part of the story, and despite their abilities, they're otherwise plain ol' lovable pets, even a tad spoiled. Yes, Dickens, I'm typing about you. Don't be too jealous, though, Christie.

I don't want to give away any more of the plot, check the blurb, but will say the story moves right along and while I'd certainly recommend you read the entire series, the book works nicely as a standalone. Author Kathy Manos Penn does an excellent job bringing a growing cast of characters alive (also listed with a brief description in the book) while giving us a glimpse of life in the Cotswolds, England. You'll even get to visit a manor house and some local, mostly bookish attractions while trying to sort out clues. Given the already easy relationship between Dave and Leta, which we see growing even closer as the book progresses and that he jumps in without hesitation to help in the investigation, I'm already looking forward to the next book.

Candy Canes, Canines & Crime, by Kathy Manos Penn

 A Dickens & Christie Mystery #8 

I had to go cuddle with my Daisy dog a few extra times as I read this one. There’s no murder in this mystery but a beloved pet going missing is every pet owner's nightmare. And, of course, there’s far more to this than simply a missing pets story. 

I should note upfront that Leta and her pets talk, not only talk but understand each other. It all seems quite normal. I mean, while I'm sure there are many times I'd just as rather not know exactly what Daisy is thinking, I find myself talking aloud to her, telling her that I wish I could understand what she's saying as I read. She just gives me "that look". Leta does hear and understand her pets, Dickens the dog and Christie the cat, but they are typical pets, full of love, fun and mischief. Nothing magical. In fact, it's Dickens' caring heart that leads him astray as he attempts to protect and help Buttercup, a fellow canine. You've gotta love that dog.

From there the story evolves into not just main character Leta's search for her missing canine friend but a tale of community wide dog napping. As Leta searches, she's also preparing for the arrival of boyfriend Dave, who had to return to New York to prepare for his move to England. She's surrounded by her friends, too, who want to help, particularly the LOL (Little Old Ladies) detective group. They definitely up their game in the quest to return not just Dickens to the safely of his home but other missing pets. All this, mind you, when a storm is kicking in, sending them driving in circles at times, not to mention sliding.

In other words, as noted, it's a character driven story, with both the human and critters playing important roles, and, wow, Ellie! Nope, not telling any more. You won't regret picking up this one to read. It has become a favorite and much anticipated read for me, one for which I set aside whatever else I'm reading to read. Give it a read! Heck, spoil yourself and get the entire series. It's that good.

Castles, Catnip & Murder: A Cozy English Animal Mystery (A Dickens & Christie Mystery Book 5), By Kathy Manos Penn

Castles, Catnip & Murder: (A Dickens & Christie Mystery Book 5)

Interesting mystery and lots of Arthurian history mentions 

While I'm not familiar enough with yoga to have appreciated all the references to it in the story, I have seen comments here and there about cat yoga, so that wasn't a stretch, pun intended, to me. Although I was wary of the idea of talking animals when I first encountered this series, it's nicely done and while Christie, the cat, and Dickens, the dog, may talk to main character Leta, they retain their animal characteristics and don't come off as magical in any way. 

 

That aside, while they play a role in solving the crime, it's Leta and her friends who are at the center of the story. Leta's "across the pond" boyfriend even gets into the act via regular calls while Leta and the LOL (you'll have to read the book to discover what this stands for here) investigate and, yes, put themselves in danger's way. You'll like them, even while occasionally wanting to shake them and urge caution. This is a great series and, as noted above, I found myself learning more about the legend of Arthur and the continuing research into it as I read. Oh, my dog says, "Four paws and a tail wag", which I translated to mean five stars. Well, either that or "feed me".

Pets, Pens & Murder: A Dickens & Christie Mystery, by Kathy Manos Penn

How would you react if you were accused of murder? Leta finds herself in just that position in this installment of the Dickens and Christie Mystery series. And it all started over a seemingly fun jaunt to a literary festival with boyfriend Dave, newly relocated to England from the US, and friends, aka the self dubbed LOLs (Little Old Ladies).

I love the depth of Kathy Manos Penn's writing. Not only do we have well developed characters, both likable and not, but there is a depth to this cozy mystery series. It left me asking myself why someone would be driven to kill.  And, not only do we have a twisted killer but romance, friends helping friends, tours of Agatha Christie's residences and frequented spots, plus a wicked smart cat and dog that speak to Leta and join with boyfriend Dave to keep her safe. Toss in so many literary references that I lost count, and glimpses of some of Agatha Christie's most frequented places, and I was in heaven. Oh, and as with many discussions that involve Christie, a bit of a tutorial on poisons. Well, it was a gathering of the mystery lovers, so perhaps that is expected. What isn't expected, however, a real murder. 

I won't detail the plot as it's fascinating to try to sort things out along with Leta and her sleuthing friends. Even better, they're not on their home turf. I was delighted to see Dave has not just arrived to stay in England but seems to have fit easily into the group. And, as a cozy mystery fan, it was fun to be able to be a fly on the wall at some of the fictional sessions held at the festival. I've never been to such a festival but imagine it would be fascinating tho' fear my shallow depth of knowledge about the genre and its authors would leave my head spinning. 

Anyway, the plot centers about who killed festival organizer Emily. There are several suspects, none of them Leta. Only later, when a suspect who Leta has mentally and vocally labeled a stalker is killed does Leta, who finds the body, probably predictably, become a potential suspect. Leta will need every bit of her powers of observation and putting together clues to clear herself and find the true killer. Leta being Leta, it probably goes without saying that she will find herself in danger at one point but, well, I didn't see the ending coming. There is a great deal of depth to it as we discover the motivations of the killer and what drove them to kill. In the process, we're introduced to new sights and characters and, quite frankly, I had a blast enjoying my virtual visit with Leta and the very likable friends. 

If you haven't read this series, don't wait another moment. Grab this book and be ready to lose yourself in the story. You'll also want to check out some of the books/suggestions at the end.

Bicycles, Barking & Murder: A Cozy English Animal Mystery (A Dickens & Christie Mystery Book 6), by Kathy Manos Penn

 

Picking up this book is like returning home. I've grown to love not just main character Leta as the series has progressed but her home and those about her. That, of course, includes Christie the cat and Dickens the dog. As always, they are an important part of the story. The plot revolves around the death of Rupert, a seemingly well liked man involved in promoting bicycling in Britain. He's come to Cotswold for an associated event and a book signing. He winds up dead in the parking lot of a local pub.

There are several suspects and Leta and the LOL (Little Old Ladies) Detective group set out to solve the case. In the process we encounter some new characters as well as the regulars. It's also always fun to see Christie and Dickens being the cat and dog they are even if Leta has the ability to understand and talk to them. Oddly enough, that ability doesn't come off as odd at all, just part and parcel of who Leta is. Not only is there a case to solve, romance seems to be in the air for not just Leta and soon-to-arrive boyfriend Dave but for Gemma and Jake, an investigator she met in the previous book. Given the comfortable, family feel of this series, that is a welcome turn. Of course, Dave still lives in America, so there is that little complication.

In any case, I won't detail the plot as you can read a summary just about anywhere books are sold. If you like cozy mysteries with people you'd like to know, furry critters to not only keep you on your toes but warm your lap, and a well-constructed plot, this book should delight you as much as it did me. While I'm sure you'd get some of the subtle nuances better if you have read past books, it's a winner as a stand-alone. So, give your furry friends a scratch, grab a warm beverage, tea is the usual in Cotswold, and curl up with "Bicycles, Barking, and Murder". You won't be disappointed.