Antagonizing Antiques (Cozy Corgi Mysteries Book 26), by Mildred Abbott

 

Book 26! How time flies when you're having fun, and fun and suspense is what you get from the Cozy Corgi Mystery series. I won't detail the plot other than to say that once again (Wini)Fred's life is turned upside-down by the past. In this case, it's her ex and his new wife, both of whom were involved in Fred losing her business and livelihood prior to moving to Estes. It's why they are there that is both troubling and mysterious. Quite frankly, I think I'd dislike the ex-husband thoroughly as a person whether he had any connection to Fred or not. 

In any case, it will come as no surprise to longtime readers that once again Fred finds a body....sorta. Maybe. That her ex-husband is hovering over it holding the supposed murder weapon is a complication. Could he be the murderer? Why would he kill Colin? What is his connection to Colin and, even weirder, why was he opening walking back and forth past the Cozy Corgi just before? Why does he seem glad Fred caught him there? Toss in an elderly English gentleman who cares his late husband's urn of ashes everywhere with him and you've only begun to touch the oddities of this story. It's to author Abbott's credit that the scenario flows smoothly along, confusion and red herrings none-the-less, and Fred and company never lose sight of who they really are and what is important. Heck, Fred even wears something besides her tried-and-true pencil skirt out with Leo for Valentine's Day. Do I need to tell you that date ran into complications, one after the other? 

Seriously, this book, indeed the entire series, is a winner. Although I've grown a bit weary of the Irons Family thread, it does add an element of, oh, what? An overhanging threat? The sense of always being watched? The idea that no one is ever safe? Yet, the characters sparkle and live their lives. Abbott has a winner here. Give it a read. The fact grumpy corgi Watson is the consistent, whether shunning unwanted attention or continuing to amaze even Fred with his sensitivity to those needing comfort, adds a fun element. My corgi mix gives this one four paws up and a tail wag.

Yowling Yetis, (Cozy Corgi Mysteries), by Mildred Abbott

 Yowling Yetis, (Cozy Corgi Mysteries), by Mildred Abbott

As always, lots of twists and turns with humor for good measure

I've been addicted to this series since it began and thoroughly enjoyed "Yowling Yetis". I've come to enjoy my virtual visits to characters, even the not necessarily likeable at first glance ones, and, of course, enjoy the antics of the corgi Watson. As usual, Watson does play a role in the unfolding mystery, one that kept me stumped to the very end. I won't detail the plot since others are surely better at that than I am, but it has lots of action and interplay between the suspects and main character (Winifred) Fred's friends and associates. Their continued growth throughout the series is one of its strengths and never more than here. My corgi mix and I give it four paws up and a tail wag. 

 

5 Stars for Fun Mixed With Mystery 

Deceptive Designs (Cozy Corgi Mysteries Book 25), by Mildred Abbott

 

I've never made it a secret that I love this series. That said, I've grown tired of the Irons crime family connection popping up and had hoped that was behind us. Nope, they're back. Hopefully Abbott will allow them to fade away again so the focus remains on (Wini)Fred,and Watson, not to mention all the other interesting characters that have shown up over the series.

Don't get me wrong. There's absolutely nothing wrong with this book other than my own tendency to roll my eyes when the Irons topic pops up again. That also tends to mean, btw, a return appearance from.....oh, never mind. Long time readers know and we'll leave it a surprise for new readers. 

One hint, however, don't do the same thing I did, read the first three chapters, go, whoa, and put the book aside for awhile. Seriously, read at least four chapters so you don't spend time wondering what Abbott was thinking. As it turns out, phew, I was wrong and Abbott only did what any good author does, got my attention. 

It goes without saying, but there are plenty of scenes involving the ever growing dog population amidst our main characters. Phineas makes me smile jut thinking of the puppy energy and antics while, well, Watson makes me smile at his grumpy acceptance of pup antics and living for a t-r-e-a-t. Why am I typing it that way? Because that's one word you don't say unless you want to see one of Watson's moods. <insert grin>

So, all in all, despite my fatigue with the Irons thread, "Deceptive Designs" was a solid, enjoyable read. The title will make sense as you read and all our favorites are there, from Leo and Katie to the extended family and friends (and their dogs). The book will take you from Fred's sense that all was right in her world, not to mention that Katie's wedding is being planned, to a sudden darkening of mood. There are also signs that some of the characters are growing and evolving, always a plus in a long running series. 

If you enjoy dogs, family and friends who are family, not to mention a good mystery, give this one a read. Bet it'll leave you wanting to pet a puppy, well, right after you congratulate Fred for solving another crime.

Pesky Puppies, by Mildred Abbott

 

I think I'm in puppy heaven. And it exhausts me.

As intriguing as it was to follow Fred and her grumpy corgi Watson as they unravel the mystery of Leah's death in a car wreck, it was an absolute hoot to try to keep up with the exuberant energy, freely given licks and love, of the new and unexpectedly owner-less pup Phineas Foxe. Watson tries hard to be a good big brother but, well, Phineas seems to wear him out, too, not to mention Watson is used to being the center of Fred and new husband Leo's worlds.

That translates to Fred having to figure out what is going on with the alternately loving and standoffish Watson while following her hunch that Leah's death isn't as blameless as it seems. In between, she's coping with Phineas' wild abandon as he meets the rest of the dogs in Fred's world, which lead to some scenes that would wear me out. But, oh, those puppy leaps and licks and the wild abandon as he flings himself into the center of whatever is going on.

And, oh, how complicated what appeared as simply a tragic accident became as Fred decides to follow her instincts. She's always had the ability to be at the right place at the right time. I wonder if Watson will ever get that official promotion to Officer Fleabag? He's already managed to get Susan to buy his favorite treats for when Fred and he stop by the police office. Why did Fred feel that the auto accident was no accident? Where does adorable but exhausting Phineas fit into the mystery? Leah loved him dearly. Heck, Fred and Leo love him dearly, too. Watson? He's still not so sure. What mad skills do some of Fred's friends display that are beyond helpful?

If you like dogs and fun, cozy mysteries that have unexpected complications, twists, and turns, you'll love this series, not just this book. The "Pesky Puppies" of the title get the spotlight here, however, and makes for a fun read. I mean, who can ignore an adorable puppy? Already looking forward to the next installment of the series.

Casserole Casualty (Twister Sisters Mysteries Book 2), by Mildred Abbott

 

I just came off reading a much faster paced book, so it did take me awhile to sort out the characters and settle into the slower pace of this one. I love the use of illustrations at the beginning of each chapter. They reveal who will be the focus of that particular chapter. The Twister Sisters, sisters Cordelia and Pamela and friend Wanda, run a catering service that also delivers to the elderly and shut ins, utilizing their uniquely decorated "Hippie Wagons". Each of those is unique to the characters, too, with Cordelia's flowers, Pamela's hearts, and Wanda's stars. Unfortunately, one of their customers is found dead and it is later proven to be murder. Cordelia seems to be the one most driven to find out "whodunit", which causes even more problems than usual with some of the residents that she has had perpetual trouble with for decades. Think small town America, long time residents, long time grudges and feuds. I won't detail the plot further as it is readily available.

Despite it taking me awhile to settle into the rhythm of the story, I enjoyed my visit with the Twister Sister and those about them. Well, most of them. I'd be giving Lester a wide berth, I'm afraid. I liked that they are older, too, although the overall cast of characters seems to offer a diverse range of age, color, and attitudes. Race is addressed in the story, btw. Being set in a small town, many of the characters are related, either by blood or marriage, something I found a trifle hard to keep straight, lovely illustrations or not. This is only the second of a series, of course, so I expect all that to be better sorted as the series goes along. For those coming from the Cozy Corgi series, there is not only a dog here, Ursa, but a fun goat named Breakfast that provides humor. There is also a nod to Katie of Corgi Cozy when a shared recipe is mentioned. Two very different books but nice to see them tied together occasionally.

Bottom line, an enjoyable ride. For me it isn't quite great yet, which may be on me as much as on the book, but it was still fun to follow along as the truth is discovered bit by bit, clue by clue. Romance seems to be blooming, too. And, oh, did I mention there are a couple recipes at the end? A fun read which shows promise as the series continues.

Lethal Lace (Cozy Corgi Mysteries #23), by Mildred Abbott

I've loved this series from day one and that love affair continues. Abbott has done a wonderful job of character development, making me feel like I know Fred and Watson and their many friends and family members. This book in the series struck me as both poignant and hopeful, with an eye to the future while treasuring the past. Just as grumpy corgi Watson remains, well, grumpy, Fred remains true to her fashion sense, even when it comes to weddings. For those who've followed the series, never fear. Help is at hand.... if she'll accept it. The murder may dominate Fred's thoughts leading up to the Christmas holiday but there is some family "stuff" to deal with, too, as well as the mystery of who did it. I have to admit, I didn't warm up to Leo initially but over time as the series has progressed have come to really respect and appreciate him for the man that has emerged from his past. Hey, Watson loves him. That's good enough for me.

Bottom line, if you like mysteries with well-rounded characters, even some who wear on you at times, people who care about others, even those who've done wrong, an incredibly beautiful setting, food, oh, my, the food, and corgis, grumpy or not, Lethal Lace should be a must read for you. In fact, you'll probably enjoy the entire series. My corgi mix, who isn't quite a grumpy as Watson, thank goodness, gives this one four paws and a tail wag.