In this second installment in the series, Chrissy digs up clues to help Autumn solve a historical disappearance and a modern-day murder mysteryAutumn Clarke is getting her life back to normal with the help of her extraordinary shih tzu, Chrissy, when the death of a local philanthropist reveals the man’s dark family secrets, as well as unexpected ties to Autumn. When Chrissy discovers a dog-eared … discovers a dog-eared diary in the dead man’s family home, Autumn discovers that things in the Clarke family are not quite as they seem. Can Autumn interpret the hidden clues in the dog-eared diary to crack the most puzzling disappearance in Knollwood history? Are the recent murders connected to the past? Is Chrissy more insightful than Autumn realized?
“I have fallen in love with Chrissy and Autumn and their continuing journey to health while finding themselves in the middle of a murder mystery adventure. My pre-teen daughter and I enjoyed reading The Dog-Eared Diary and then discussing the clues, plot twists, and characters.”
–Antoinette Brickhaus, Maryland
“Through the relationship between Autumn and Chrissy, Wing also shows the importance of therapy animals and how much they can help those who need them. Add a sweet romance to the intrigue of the mystery and you’ve got a book that you won’t want to put down.”
–Melissa Alvarez, Intuitive, animal communicator and author of Animal Frequency and Llewellyn’s Little Book of Spirit Animals
“Diane Wing has created a wonderfully endearing little character in Chrissy the Shih Tzu. It really shines through that the author is a lover of animals and dogs. I can see these books quickly becoming a cherished addition to the cozy mystery genre.”
–J. New, author of The Yellow Cottage Vintage Mysteries
Book #2 in the Chrissy the Shih Tzu Mysteries
From Modern History Press
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Autumn Clarke and her lovable little dog Chrissy are back with a very interesting story this time around. When Oxnard Peabody passes away not only is it determined that it was murder but Autumn soon finds herself as the soul benefactor of the Peabody inheritance! It comes as shock to Autumn discovering that her lineage of being a Clarke was actually untrue and she is angry to find out that her father knew before he died in the car crash – Autumns world is fairly turned upside down, and I can wholeheartedly understand her hurt and anger towards her father, but she soon realises that he was sworn to secret regarding his lineage and she would only find out when the time was right due to stipulations in the inheritance.
Oxnard sister Beatrice is also angry at being cut out of the will, as she thought she stood to inherit everything! Imagine her surprise to discover then when she lost her brother she gained a cousin she knew nothing about – and there was a very good reason why – which I am not going to spoil you will just need to read the book to find out that story!
As it becomes more apparent that Oxnard was murdered the suspect pool looks towards Beatrice as being suspect number one and the housekeeper Greg a close second. The story has me hooked from the get go and I loved our interaction between Autumn and Chrissy and her little special ability. The story sends you a roller coaster ride as you try to piece it all together and when a body is found during the town festival the identity of which connects everything together, the story definitely keeps you on your toes.
I cant wait to see what Diane Wing has in store for duo next!
5 stars
Autumn Clarke who suffers from Anxiety and PTSD from when both her parents died in an auto crash, adopted a little shih tzu named Chrissy. Autumn and Chrissy are inseparable! Chrissy knows how to help Autumn and visa versa! Please note that Chrissy is one spoiled little princess! They can read each others thoughts when need be.
Chrissy is very social and has many friends in the neighborhood including a German Shepard whose daddy is a cop and a very good friend of Autumns.
Autumn finds out about her real parents but not without a lot of angst. The cousin she never knew she had is murdered and Autumn is bound and determined to find out who did it–which means delving back into ancient history. There are quite a few suspects and Autumn and one of her other friends get into trouble–Chrissy follows and then gets help!!
There are plenty of twists and turns in this enchanting clean cozy mystery! See if you can guess who was behind the current murder. The one who committed murder in the past will shock you.
You are going to love all the dogs and their parents!!
cozy mystery
I love cozy mysteries. If they have animals, recipes or cute small town settings well that makes it even better.
This is the second book in a series and I definite want to go back and read book 1, because this one was so cute and everything I love in a cozy mystery.
Chrissy the Shih Tzu is really a character in the book and not just a prop to help the story along. Chrissy often felt like she was going to start talking. I loved the relationship between Autumn and her dog. The love the two of them have is absolutely perfect.
I love Autumn and her friends as well. They make for a fun and entertaining story.
This was a really interesting read, as Autumn has learned some new things about her heritage and has inherited the Peabody fortune, along with a few mysteries, including who killed her cousin Oxnard.
OK, I was kind of confused a bit by Oxnard and Beatrice. I really needed to know their ages. Beatrice seemed to be around the same age as Autumn and her friend Stephanie. (as she was having a fling with the gardener/landscaper, Greg) But I couldn’t really figure out how old Oxnard was. He was young enough to go in a dunk tank, but old enough not to want to be taken to a hospital when it was obvious he might die. Also, Oxnard? Where did that name come from?
There are so many great little mysteries and scandals that are discovered along the way, and her romance with Ray is quite nice too, along with Stephanie and her dating life.
Its a quick read too at only 170 pages.
Perfect for a rainy afternoon and one any cozy mystery fan will enjoy. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
When a prominent businessman is murdered, Autumn discovers that she is, in fact, the next in line to inherit the Peabody fortune. Autumn suspects more than a couple of people of the murder, and with her surprise inheritance, she is put in more danger than ever before. But with the extraordinary power that her little companion Chrissy secretly welds, Autumn can solve the murder in no time at all.
I love the combo of Autumn and Chrissy, and how they comfort each other. This had a great plot and I enjoyed the unexpected twists, and how everything unfolded. The rest of the characters fit in smoothly and helped to make this a very enjoyable read.