Disturbing The Fleece, by Reagan Davis

 

First, welcome back and hugs, Reagan Davis. You've been missed. That said....

Davis had me almost immediately as she mentioned main character Megan enjoying the "liminal space" of early morning with her corgi Sophie. While not a commonly used term, it's characteristic of her ability to use just the right phrasing to set the scene. While I'm more likely to enjoy the liminal space of late night, I knew exactly what she meant. This has been a favorite series of mine for a long time and, in fact, is one of those that turned me into a cozy mystery fan. The characters are multi-dimensional and their personalities shine through. I've got to admit, too, that one of the opening scenes with husband Eric fresh from working a traffic accident involving chickens, lots of angry chickens, made me chuckle and settle into my chair knowing I'd enjoy what was coming. I mean, who doesn't giggle at the idea of the police trying to wrangle angry chickens. If you're familiar with chickens, you know they can be scary at times, bizarre as it sounds. I still have nightmares of my grandparents' territorial rooster from childhood. Grin. 

Of course, it isn't long until the real story begins. Megan and much of the town of Harmony Lake is hustling to prepare to open for the first day of the country's huge annual yarn and fibre festival. You'll immediately feel right at home with these people and, most likely, even have some sympathy for the killer as the story winds down. The festival isn't limited to yarn enthusiasts, of course, as there's something for everyone, including local farmers. Even better for Megan and Eric, his Aunt Dorothy is in town and, wow, she's about as organized as any organizer be. She winds up in the middle of quarrel between the town's two premiere yarn dyers, Annabelle and Dawn, and, no surprise, one of them winds up dead. Not only does Megan find her but they also find Dolores, who'd gone missing after her confrontation, unconscious by where, yes, you guessed it, one of the dyers is found dead. And, ugh, what a way to go. Nope, not telling. In fact, this is about as much plot as I'm going to share. It's a good mystery, one with not just twists and turns and nuances, but multiple suspects.   

As noted many times in my reviews, I'm a character drawn reader and that is one of the strengths of author Davis. You'll feel like you know these people and how they're related and connected as the plot moves along smoothly. The book works well as a standalone, sharing Megan's relationship with her ex-husband who is now, no lie, Eric's best buddy. Davis also does an excellent job setting the scene, describing not just the setting but what you'd see, smell, and hear were you to enter the festival  Oh, and taste. You'll also learn a bit about such fun treats as Beaver Tail and what it is really made of. Let's just say, make sure you have something handy to munch on as you read given all the delicious sounding mentions of food. Kudos to Davis for weaving (knitting?) it all together smoothly and sensibly. She definitely kept me guessing. Don't hesitate to pick this one up even if, like me, you aren't a knitter or crocheter. 

 

Musings of a Horse Farm Corgi, by Leslie McDonald

 

I stumbled across this one nearly a year ago while searching "corgi" on Amazon and couldn't resist that cute corgi face on the cover. My Daisy isn't a fluffy but has cute in spades, so was curious to see how this little one fared on a horse farm. I'm not sure if Daisy's ever seen a horse or not, but she has seen moose, bigger and potentially far more dangerous than a horse, and remains convinced she can take care of them. Uh, right, Daisy.

In any case, this is a cute, fun story told from the perspective of Beamer, the puppy star of the book. He gets his name due to his sunny, get it, sun beam, attitude. The author did a great job capturing the inherent corgi attitude and takes us from the puppy's birth to its time on the horse farm. Knowing how Daisy's mind always seems to be working, it was fun to see Beamer's thoughts as he tries to figure out and then manipulate first his new humans, two laid back labs, and, oh, my an electric barrier fence. He lost that round. He even makes friends of sorts with a special horse and frets when it gets colic. Don't worry, the horse was okay. You'll see him work his wiles on everyone from the riding students to the other canines and eventually emerge as "Corgi in Charge". Like all corgis, he's a charmer. There are b/w photos throughout to take you through his adventures. One thing I learned was that fluffy corgis aren't in demand no matter how cute they are, at least if the potential owner wants to show or breed. I've always found them adorable but given that Daisy is simply a corgi mix and I had no intentions of adding another puppy to the world, I'd never delved that deeply into such breed standards. 

Bottom line, a fun read that will give wannabe corgi owners some insight into how the corgi mind seems to work. Kudos to the author for capturing Beamer's thoughts so well. This was published in 2012, so should be an easy find on Amazon for those like me that navigate to all things corgi. The best part was, of course, reading it with my Daisy curled up next to me.

Puzzling Pizzas (Cozy Corgi Mysteries Book 33), by Mildred Abbott

 

As always, a fun, relatively quick read, albeit it seemed a bit scattered at times. We seem to zig and zag from Fred's inner demons, to Halloween decor, questioning suspects, and dining out, to the alternately cranky, treat driven Watson's growing friendship with Susan. Given his propensity to sense when to abandon his other dominate traits and show his loving, soothing side to stressed humans, I'm not sure if we should see this as signs of tough-as-nails Susan eventually cracking or just that her iron woman mask is simply slipping a bit. 

The story is cozy, too, with friends and family popping in and out, the over-the-top decorations for the holiday, and even one restaurant owner a bit jealous that his business hasn't been the scene of a crime yet. Hey, this is Fred's world, where she's seen as a murder solving celebrity and being associated with her is a perk. True, not everyone sees it that way, of course. I wonder how many homes and businesses Fred is now banned from for her intrusive style? There's a sense of paranoia to Fred, too, much of it revealed in her sessions with a counselor recommended by fellow corgi owner Paulie. The sense of looking over her shoulder constantly for Branson or the Irons Family has left its mark. To be honest, I was tired of that thread some books ago but obviously others relish the foreboding atmosphere that possibility creates. All this during Halloween season, no less, although Watson's running battle with the bewitching, battery-operated cat-in-a-box add humor. 

As for the murder, this time Fred actually sees the victim die. Of course, Fred being Fred, she seems to almost immediately sense that this is no mere drunken accident. It's murder. She even seems to know how it was done quite quickly. More amazingly, Susan listens to her. Watson is obviously having an effect on her. Grin. So, who killed Brian? Was he even the intended victim? This obviously wasn't how the charity event was supposed to end. Fred would like nothing better than the guilty party to be her obnoxious ex-husband, who she remains sure is connected to Branson. But, hey, we not only have another wedding to look forward to but a potential big events. What? Nope. Not telling. Read the book. Grin. Seriously, it's a fun read, with lots of characters that come and go but Fred and Watson, as always, remain at the center. Susan was rather prominent this time, too, as he character is emerging more each book. You're in for a treat. There are even recipes to create your own edible treats if you wish.

Bamboozled Brides, by Mildred Abbott

Wedding magic...and murder? Winifred/Fred is busy, busy, busy trying to ensure that Katie's wedding is perfect, hippo theme and all. No one anticipated that Katie would arrive home only a few evenings before the wedding to find a dead body in her home. Even worse, it's the murderous ex-wife of the man Katie is about to marry, Joe. Peg, with the help of a prison guard, had escaped and somehow, perhaps while laying in wait for Katie, died. Toss in the complications of a real crime investigator in town, who happens to be invited to the wedding, that seems addicted to filming everything, and the whole wedding scenario is askew. Fred to the rescue? Maybe? I have to admit, at times Fred seems close to losing it, allowing her past and related fears to catch up to her to the point where almost everyone seems to not just become a suspect but a part of some giant conspiracy. Call that therapist, Fred!

I won't detail the plot (check the blurb) but that is just the beginning. Fred's relationship with some of the town's citizens seems to be either great or horrible, maybe because over the series Fred has annoyed, er, talked to and practically accused some of being murders. Seems there are many secrets in town. When Fred shows up at doors, unfortunately, she's either met with a deep sigh of resignation or anger. Never mind she only has days to help Susan, chief of police, solve the crime so the wedding can happen. Seems Joe is a suspect! . Loyal readers, you'll get some insight into what makes Susan tick amidst the drama. Heck, actually you'll get a good look at some of the characters' lives, both good and bad. I do so love that Susan has been not just resigned but reluctantly seems to enjoy encountering Fred's cranky corgi, Watson, known to Susan as Sgt. Fleabag. She even keeps treats, the magic word as far as Watson is concerned, handy.

In any case, while you'll appreciate the story and relationships far more if you've read previous books in the series, this one works fine as a standalone. Lots of dog antics, including cranky Watson doing his amazing job of switching gears to help calm and soothe as needed. Dogs know. They always know. You'll love the human characters, too, from Fred's ol' hippie step-father and a flamboyant uncle, plus Anna, who's almost as grumpy as Watson and full of gossip and wild theories, as well as Paulie, owner of two maniac corgis that make Watson seem reserved, and... and ... and....well, even the bad guys have their moments. Well, maybe not Peg. Bottom line, a fun read full of twists and turns, Fred's churning mind, cute dogs, romance, a wedding, and, oh, my, what sounds like a delicious recipe for "Nick's Red Raspberry Cake" at the end. Toss in that wonderful, perfect cover design (credited to AJ Corza by the author) and this one is a winner.

Case of the Hobbit Heist (Corgi Case Files Book 19), by Jeffrey (JM) Poole

 

This book was exactly what I needed this weekend. It was great to relax into the amazingly complex and intriguing world of Zach and Jillian, not to mention their corgis. Heck, who am I kidding? It was the corgi connection that drew me to this series to begin with and I'm glad it did. Sherlock and Watson aren't just your ordinary corgis. They are crime solving corgis with an amazing ability to sniff out clues almost without effort. Unfortunately, their humans are more often than not initially bewildered as to what the dogs are trying to tell them. What the heck does the number eight, for instance, have to do with stolen movie memorabilia? Having learned his lesson in previous books, however, Zach knows he needs to take a photo of whatever the dogs indicate because it will be important. Part of the fun is for us as readers to try and show we're smarter than Zack and the other humans involved, including their good friend the police chief who uses the dogs as police consultants. They've become internationally famous, I might add, not to mention got to meet Queen Elizabeth. I will note, their humans, including Vance, the police chief, are getting better, albeit not much faster at sorting out clues.

The plot revolves around what turns out to be a much larger than initially believed theft. Who is stealing movie memorabilia and why? Why is that gun so special? How the heck do the dogs just know? Will Zach ever take advantage of that fancy gym? How does Jillian get fooled? And, oh, I don't want to spoil the fun and surprises for you so I'll leave it at that. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. You'll also get a tour of Zach and Jillian's rather monster sized home with all just about every feature you can imagine, from a hidden library to a theater complex, and some you can't imagine. You'll laugh as Zach describes the place while searching its vast footage in search of his wife, I might note.

You're going to love this series and this book in particular. Co-starring with Sherlock and Watson, and, oh, yeah, Zach, is real life actor Michael Biehn as they sort out all the "what ifs" involved. Biehn and Poole are genuinely friends, btw. Biehn's foreward regarding how they met and bonded, which seems to have included a trek into a remote area of Arizona to try to find and dig up an old grave is a hoot, as is Poole's reference to it later. Biehn says he did NOT take that movie prop, however, and I believe him.

Bottom line, it's a quick, fun read with both humor and some tense moments but, hey, Sherlock and Watson are on top of things. Now, if Zach could just catch up with what the clues mean. 

Daisy approves this book

Caught this cute pose with Daisy and an old book I just picked up to read. 2012 publication date. Haven't done more than flip through to glance at a few pix....I've got another book I want to finish before I let myself get detoured.... but looks like it'll be a fun read.

Baffling Bachelorettes, by Mildred Abbott

I love this series. I've been reading it since it first appeared and though I'm sure I've missed the occasional installment, I'm always delighted to return to Estes Park for a visit with Fred/Winifred and Watson. I enjoyed that we get lots of grumpy corgi Watson this go-round. The regulars are there, too, of course, and Katie's upcoming wedding is the pseudo-focus of the book although, let's face it, there's always a murder mystery to solve that takes center stage. The last thing either Katie or Fred expected, however, was a murder during their outing to Denver for a bachelorette party. Fred, who seems to have the luck of stumbling over bodies frequently, walks in just in time to see a possible suspect standing over the murdered body. Seems simple, right? Nope. And finding out the details and whodunit is half the fun. The other half is getting to watch the beyond grumpy Watson pouting and shunning Fred, his unforgiving personality leading Fred to think he may never come out of his hidey hole in time to go home. And, that's just the tip of the iceberg. 

When I began to think of why this series has appealed to me so much, the first reason is, of course, rather obvious. I, too, own a corgi mix and although she's not even remotely as grumpy as Watson, like him she has a strong personality and when she's displeased with me, I know it.  Second, the humans, of course, are well-fleshed out and quite individual, from the town gossips to the usually bubbly Katie and usually grumpy police chief, Susan. Let's just say, Susan isn't at all pleased when Fred somehow manages to get involved in a murder out of town that finds its way back to Susan's attention. I'll leave it for readers to discover the role of Lassie here but, well, Susan is not pleased with Lassie. The friend-enemy status of Fred and Susan continues, with Susan alternately willing to listen to Fred's takes on the investigation and Susan's exasperation with Fred's meddling flowing over. It makes for some fun, if intense scenes, though I note that Fred has gotten better at refraining from the snappy retorts bound to anger Susan even more. That said, I like Susan and am pretty sure you will, too, as you'll like all the regulars. So, it's a toss up between my corgi fixation and the intriguing, well-rounded characters that somehow feel like old friends that kept me coming back.

As for the murder, well, although few seem to mourn the victim's passing, there are some surprising moments there as well. One of the amusing aspects of this book is that Fred is somehow surprised to discover that the suspects she visits to question have been expecting her. Talk about your reputation being widely known. That doesn't stop her, of course, although Watson's shunning of her at the moment means he doesn't have her back as usual. Will he decide to forgive Fred her transgressions in time to be helpful? Seriously, I know I keep coming back to the grumpy Watson but it was such fun to "see". That said, will Fred survive Susan's wrath? Lassie? What does a pink Cadillac have to do with anything? How many business places will Fred be unwelcome at before this is all over? Which of those involved in the victim's wedding plans killed her or, wait, who was that red-head? And, oh, just read the book. It's a fun read and, hey, there's always a recipe or two to make your mouth water.

Christmas at Corgi Cove, by Annie England Noblin

 

Publication Oct. 17, 2023

Break out the hot chocolate! Bake some Christmas cookies! Pet a dog...or two. Corgis preferred but I'm not picky, even tho' my own is staring at me right now with her nose on my knee. This one has all the makings of a Hallmark Christmas movie, I must admit, but sometimes it's nice to know there will be a "happily ever after" ending. And, oh, I loved the cover. Actually, I think I asked to review this one before I even read the blurb, all based on this adorable cover. The dogs, Bonnie and Clyde, are featured in the book, btw, even when they might prefer not to have been the center of attention. Toss in a slow building love story, small town gal and big town guy, and a financially struggling inn and you know sparks will fly. Will the inn be saved? Oh, come on. If you know romances, especially holiday ones you know the answer to that, even if a five--year plan might be helpful.

Obviously, I've read a few of these Hallmark flavored holiday romances but I still enjoy them. Nothing wrong with happily ever after, even if it's sometimes a rocky road to reach that ending. The prologue sets a somber tone, true, but that quickly abates as main character Rosie grows to love her new home with her aunt and uncle after a troubled youth, not to mention the adorable corgis that live there. Family is important in this story, including a broken relationship, so romance and corgis aren't the only focus. That said, the romance is sweet and the corgis provide plenty of humor, including their role on stage. Nope, not telling. You'll have to read the book for that one. Heck, Bonnie and Clyde even help bring Rosie and big city guy Everett together (in a way) at the end. Smart dogs, those two. 

I'm not going to detail the plot aside from that it's focused on Rosie's efforts to save the floundering inn and her only real home. Romance was an unexpected plus. So, too, is how the community comes together, despite some quirky characters. You'll see Rosie grow as a person, learning to trust and allow others into her life. We even have the advantage of dual viewpoints, so to speak, with chapters largely alternating between Rosie and Everett. That provides an interesting, much fuller picture than single viewpoint might. Bottom line, I fully enjoyed the read despite author Annie England Noblin being new to me and will be on the lookout for future books from her. Thanks #NetGalley and #Avon - #HarperVoyager for giving me a playful dose of corgi mixed with romance and community and the Christmas spirit. I am now feeling the urge for hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies.

Jingle Belly, by Jacinta Froud, Gabriella Petruso (Illustrator)

 

Available August 1, 2023

Happy. This book made me happy.

It also made me smile. Grin. Chuckle. And, laugh out loud. It also made me look at my own dog as she watched me react. A corgi mix, I'm just glad she isn't an Eddie. Fortunately she doesn't share his zest and talent for mischief and mayhem. 

Eddie on the other hand....oh, my. He seems the typical, happy corgi but, sigh, does leave a bit of confusion and chaos behind him. Just ask that Christmas angel. And, poor Nanna. I hope that wasn't an heirloom sarong. I had to laugh as Eddie collected, uh, let's call it holiday decor from just about anyone who crossed his path. My dog disdains wearing anything more than a collar and a smile so I could just imagine the side-eye she'd be giving him. The reindeer hat was a nice disguise, however, as he left so many whirling in his energetic wake. But, oh, Eddie, I doubt ending your escapade at the vet's was in the plan. Nice xray, though. Just glad it all ended, uh, naturally. Hope your humans had extra doggie poo-bags on their shopping list. 

Seriously, this was a delightful, laugh-out-loud read. It'll make you grin. It'll make you laugh. It'll probably also make you appreciate your own dog's decorum a bit more in comparison to Eddie's wild child nature. I loved Eddie but was glad he was going home with someone other than me at the end of the day. My corgi girl seems downright demure in comparison. Thanks #NetGalley and #RosenPublishingGroup - #WindmillBooks for making my day better with Eddie's antics. The illustrations were fun and captured his exuberant personality well. Kids and grown-up kids will surely enjoy this one.

In Stitchness and in Health, by Reagan Davis and narrated by Zim Avaltrades AUDIO

 

 A Knitorious Murder Mystery, Book 10     AUDIO -- 6h and 3m

 

It's been awhile since I read the print version of this one, so it was fun to revisit Harmony Lake and hang out with Meg and her circle of friends. I won't detail the plot as others will have done so, so will simply say it starts with  celebrity wedding planning and ends up with a murder investigation, all while Meg and Eric finalize their whirlwind wedding plans. I grew to love the people of Harmony Lake and bet you will, too, so it was fun to hear their voices, so to speak. Narrator Zim Avaltrades does an admirable job given the size of the cast. The beginning of each chapter is simply announced, ie "Chapter 4", and the only voice I could quibble with was that of Eric, whose dialogue seemed a bit too measured, for lack of a better word. Then again, he's a cop, so a thoughtful, measured rate does seem an appropriate choice even if it threw me. 

 

As for the mystery, as noted, it was satisfactory if a bit sad. I'd actually forgotten whodunit since it's been some time since I read the book but even then it took me some time to put the clues in order again, so kept even a former, albeit forgetful reader guessing. Sophie the dog, a corgi, is, of course, a favorite of mine, especially with her newfound bilingual abilities. You're just going to have to trust me on that but it'll all make sense at the end. You'll also marvel at Meg's relationship with ex-husband Adam, father of daughter Hannah.

 

Bottom line, it was fascinating to see the community members come forward to support Meg and Eric when they....oh, oops, never mind. I almost gave away a plot twist and, trust me, there were a few as well as parallel story lines and viable suspects. Author Reagan Davis, who provided me with the audio code, weaves a good story with likable people who could be out own neighbors, an adorable corgi, and intriguing mystery. Put it all together and you've got another winner. 

Case of the Unlucky Emperor (Corgi Case Files #17), by Jeffrey M. Poole

 

"If you like dogs, especially corgis, and enjoy sniffing out sometimes vague clues, this series is for you." I said that in a previous review and, as always, it still holds true. How do they do it? Who knows? Surely not their humans, Zach and wife Jillian but, know what? It doesn't matter. Poole writes a fun, good story and it's always entertaining. It's fun to watch the dogs exasperation at the slowness of the humans about them to comprehend the clues they've so diligently provided, not to mention the mental gymnastics of Zach, in particular, as he tries to figure it all out.

In this book, they're in my beloved Alaska. Now, true, it gave me pause when I saw Alaska and penguins as part of the plot. I mean, Alaska doesn't have penguins. Long story, but they're just not suited to survive in the wild here. One not-too-well thought out attempt in the1950s was a disaster, let's just say. In any case, let's just say that this setting was a highly sophisticated, well designed enclosure with all the marvels high tech and big money could provide. In other words, no bringing in penguins and shoving them out to be polar bear dessert. 

The mystery that the dogs, who seem to be famous everywhere, are called in to help solve is the disappearance of the facility's first penguin chick. I have to admit to looking up pix of emperor penguin chicks and, yes, they are darn cute. Who'd do such a thing? At first the dogs clues seem vague and barely connected. I mean, a banana? Moose? True, Alaska has tons of moose but what is the connection to the missing penguin? This all takes place in Sitka, Alaska, a rather isolated place where disappearing isn't easy as everyone knows each other and you can't drive out. Watching the corgis solve the crime, which takes their humans far longer to put together than it did them, is simply fun. 

I've enjoyed each and every book in this series. We frequently learn something new about the places Zach and Jillian visit as we experience the sites through their eyes. We view the story through Zach's eyes and author Poole has given him a conversational, easy to follow style that makes for fun, easy reading. The interactions between Zach and Jillian come across well, too, showing their love and humor. Toss in interesting side-characters (and the side characters here are all new ones as even best friend Vance isn't along this time) and bits of info about, well, this-and-that, and, well, it's fun. Give it a read. Then go back and check out the whole series, including book one where Zach is a suspect in a murder!

Finally, having done a whale/wildlife cruise, Poole's description of the one Zach and Jillian embark on is right on target. Made me smile as it brought back memories of a mother whale breaching into the air almost within arm reach, then crashing back into the water moments later to swim directly beneath our suddenly seemingly very small tour boat with her calf. Ah, memories.

Barkcuterie: 25 Pawsome Snack Boards Your Dog Will Love, by Hammy, Olivia

 Publication April 18, 2023

Being familiar with the fun, cute videos of Hammy and Olivia, I was expecting, well, cute and fun. It's all that and more. Not only do we get colorful photos of Hammy and Olivia to illustrate whatever the creation is celebrating, but the book is well-set and an easy guide to follow. It's very well done, especially for two adorable corgis. <insert chuckle>

You say you don't have a board or cookie shape cutters shaped like a paw print or bone? No problem. As is noted, you can certainly use what's at hand but a list of online resources is available at the end. But, with a bit of artful arrangement, you can easily use even a plate to display your results. It's just cuter and, well, more doggie with the shapes. 

As for the recipes, they are simple and easy to follow. Hammy and Olivia introduce each, though their humans do manage to get a few words in here and there, including an introduction. Ingredients and tools are listed and the recipes themselves tend to be short, easy steps. No massive reading required. You also have full color photos of not just the dogs ready to celebrate but the boards themselves to use as a visual guideline. And, yes, for those owned by cats, there are some adorable cat themed boards, too.

The authors also provide a boxed list of safe, safe but should be used only sparingly, and things you should never feed your pets. It's all handy and on one page, easy to copy and keep handy for everyday occasions, not just celebratory ones. I liked that the authors added a caution that just because a food is listed here as safe, you need to be aware of pet allergies or bad reactions to foods and substitute as needed. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup- #RockPoint for making this adorable and creative barkcuterie guide available. My Daisy dog's birthday is coming up soon, not to mention her Gotcha Day , so....hmm. Daisy gives this one four paws up and a tail wag  

Quarto Publishing Group – Rock Point

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.

Queen Elizabeth (Little People, Big Dreams), by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara (Author), Johnson, Melissa Lee (Illustrator)

First, a personal note. As someone owned by a corgi mix, I was delighted to see the prominence given to the adorably cute royal corgis throughout. After all, Queen Elizabeth brought the corgi breed to international attention and at one time owned 30 corgis. Heck, even though the book ends prior to her death, two of her corgis (not to mention one of her horses) made an appearance at the state funeral recently. 

That said, I'm glad the book not only ended on a happy note but didn't go into the royal shenanigans and issues the Queen faced during her long reign. This is a book for young readers, aimed at simply introducing them to a prominent figure and no need to taint that experience. Bad stuff happens to all of us, so appreciate the focus on her life and accomplishments.

As a former teacher, I immediately latched onto the possibilities for discussion of a various things that the book might promote. For instance, is being a queen as fairy tale wonderful as it sounds? What did she have to give up to fill the role of queen? What would you be willing to give up to reach your goals? How is someone prepared for such a role as they grow up? How would you feel knowing your every word, action, appearance, and even wardrobe (right down to the purse she carried) will be analyzed and reported on endlessly? How much freedom and power does a modern queen have anyway? How is it possible there have been more than one Queen Elizabeth in history? On a personal note, to instill interest in history, one might venture into creating family trees. Discovering you have royal bloodlines, however minute, is a way to make history personal and more interesting than a recitation of mere facts. And....so much more. 

Bottom line, this is a bare bones, upbeat look at the life and times of the late Queen Elizabeth. It's an easy read, part of the #LittlePeopleBigDreams series, although reading with a parent opens many other possibilities, and is delightfully illustrated. And, yes, dog lovers, there are many, many corgis that pop up on just about every page. Fun book and shows how childhood dreams can alter. A timeline and real life photos are included at the end.

Thanks #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup - #FrancesLincolnChildren'sBooks for allowing me this lovely peek into the late Queen Elizabeth's life.

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 

Case of the Rusty Sword (Corgi Case Files #16), by Jeffrey M. Poole

 

Does a mystery book always have to focus around a murder? No. This book is proof-positive of that. Full of fun bit of history, focusing on Civil War times and the gold rush, fun corgis that are, well, way smarter than any of the humans around them, the "Case of the Rusty Sword" is a quick, fun read. As a history major and owner of a corgi mix, it hit just the right spot for me.

I've followed this series since the beginning and have found that I tend to somehow always find time to sit down immediately and read about Sherlock and Watson's latest crime solving antics. And, oh, yeah, their humans and human friends. Human Zach has at least grown accustomed to pulling out his phone to snap a photo of whatever the dogs seem to be focused on, usually some vague clue that, you guessed it, leads to the guilty party. It just takes the humans awhile to sit down and mull over the photos to decipher what clue the dogs are trying to give them. How do Sherlock and Watson, who I guess should be addressed as Lady Watson, do it? I have no clue. Neither do their human companions and friends. It doesn't matter. It's always a fun read, full of self-deprecating humor and, yes, intriguing clues.

In this case, they're focused on Civil War era artifacts found under the foundation of Zach's home, and the identities of human bones also found. It's rather nice to see Zach go against the usual amateur sleuth trend when they are stolen and, rather than trying to solve the mystery of who and why, call in others more qualified to sort things out, including archeologists and the police. The dogs, of course, are front-and-center when it comes time to figure out who'd steal those same bones. Why would anyone swipe old bones? Not telling. You'll just have to read the book. I think you'll enjoy it, especially if you like your mysteries with humor, fun characters, wisecracks, and way smart, adorable corgis.

Isabel Puddles Abroad, by M.V. Byrne

 

Publication Nov. 29, 2022

What a delight it has been getting to know Isabel Puddles. I'm new to this series but found it a solid stand-alone. A trip to England, Isabel's first, good friends, scones, sightseeing, and, oh, yeah, murder. 

This one has a slow build, however, so we don't stumble across the body until nearly halfway in, but much to enjoy as we get to that point. Isabel is a delight, as are her family and friends, and I found myself warming to her British friend Teddy and Tuppence, his housekeeper, immediately. Tuppence's scone recipe is included at the end, btw, an extra treat. And, hey, there are even corgis in the book. I gave my corgi mix an extra ear scratch after discovering them on the cover.

So, who buried the body in the flower bed? Who would have wanted to kill Hyacinth? Well, as it turns out, there are quite a few likely suspects. Isabel, who was walking the corgis when they got loose and started digging in the flower bed, of course, becomes involved. Being new to the series, I don't know her relationship with the police in America but since this is the new constable's first murder case, she feels she may be helpful. But, does he feel the same? Why doesn't Teddy's sister like Isabel? Could someone have been jealous enough over a baking contest to want revenge? How seriously do people take these contests? Who is harboring secrets?

There are lots of twists and turns, not to mention red herrings, that make Isabel's first visit to England rather memorable. I mean, I've never discovered a dead body, thank goodness, while dog walking. So, how will it all turn out? Will we see more of Tuppence and Teddy in future books? I mean, there will be an ocean between them. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me along on Isabel's overseas trip. It was great fun with interesting characters met along the way. Now that I've met Isabel, I'm looking forward to joining her on future adventures.

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.

Case of the Stuttering Parrot (Corgi Case Files #15), by Jeffrey M. Poole

If you love dogs, especially corgis, and enjoy sniffing out sometimes vague clues, this series is for you. Corgis Sherlock and Watson, who should possibly be titled Lady Watson, are the brains of the outfit. The canine's human, Zach, and policeman friend Vince always seem a step or two behind but do eventually catch on, rarely quickly enough to please the dynamic duo of Sherlock and Watson. They've got a new friend in the mix, too, Ruby the parrot. Since she only repeats things she's heard at least three times, where is she picking up the mysterious messages that point Zach and Vince toward the criminals? And, how the heck did Ruby talk Watson into being her mount, so to speak? Since I'm owned by a corgi mix, I flashed to corgi lore about corgis being the mythical mounts of fairies but don't recall any parrot in the legends. Oh, well, maybe this is how legends are born?

As unlikely as some of the scenarios sound, the characters come off as likeable and someone you'd like to know. How do the dogs do it? How do they know what is significant and what isn't? Heck, how do they know there has been a crime when even Vince, sitting in his police office, doesn't? These dogs are amazing.

The corgis' clues are often vague and require time and effort to interpret, which is part of the fun as you, the reader, can guess along with Zach and Vince. The dogs have an uncanny ability to know what is important enough to bark at, drag Zach toward, or go on a sit-down strike, so to speak, until he takes a photo to use to figure it all out later. They take their celebrity in stride, even their meeting with Britain's Queen. Oh, wait. That's another book but does come up in this one. This one involves a bank robbery, shooting of a guard, and finding the robbers and missing money. It takes them to, no lie, the site of a Shakespeare festival. How did Zach figure that out? Not telling. You'll have to read the book. It's fast paced, fun, and you'll like the characters, even the humans. You'll also get a taste of what the next book in the series will be. Change is coming for Zach and Jillian but... Swords? Rusty swords? Can't wait.