To bark or not to bark . . .Professional pet sitter Daphne Templeton loves the holidays in Sylvan Creek, Pennsylvania. And nothing gets her into the spirit more than the town’s annual Bark the Halls Ball. The whole community will be there to wag their tails, especially this year’s special guest—Celeste “CeeCee” French, founder of a national chain of pet care franchises, who’s returning home to … who’s returning home to announce plans for a bright new flagship store.
But not everyone’s celebrating CeeCee’s homecoming. Daphne’s friend Moxie Bloom, owner of Spa and Paw, a unique salon for people and their pets, has plenty to growl about. So when CeeCee is found face down under Sylvan Creek’s town Christmas tree, stabbed with a distinctive pair of professional-grade pet shears, suspicion lands squarely on Moxie. Despite Daphne’s promises to Detective Jonathan Black, she quickly reprises her role as amateur sleuth. Ably assisted by her basset hound sidekick, Socrates, she must hurry to prove her friend’s innocence before a killer barks again . . .
Includes recipes for homemade pet treats!
“Doggone charming from start to finish!”
—Cleo Coyle, New York Times bestselling author on Death by Chocolate Lab
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A deliciously twisty tale (tail!) of murder and trickery blended with a healthy dose of cats and dogs! Daphne Templeton has become one of my favorite protagonists. A devoted animal lover with a head for details, she has a sharp nose for sniffing out the truth, especially when her best friend’s liberty is at risk. The touches of romance warmed me to the core, and the ending offered a promise of future delights. The next book looks equally enticing, so I’m adding it to my list!
I have really enjoyed following the journey of all the characters and can’t wait to see what happens next.
Adorable. I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of Bethany Blake’s world. I can’t wait to read the next book.
I loved this book. I loved, loved, loved it! Bethany Blake’s Lucky Paws Petsitting series is charming, funny, clever, and very cozy indeed. In A Midwinter’s Tail, the fourth book in the series, pet sitter/pet bakery owner Daphne Templeton strives to discover who killed her former classmate at Sylvan Creek’s annual Bark the Halls Ball. When her best friend, Moxie, is suspected of the dastardly deed, Daphne, along with her faithful sidekick, Socrates, is determined to use her sleuthing skills to discover the real culprit before the holiday! Out of 5 stars, I’m giving A Midwinter’s Tail a 10 – did I mention that I loved this book?
A Midwinter’s Tail is a fantastic fourth book in Bethany Blake’s Lucky Paws Petsitting Mystery series. The cozy mystery is full of action, suspense, drama, and animals. I love Artie, the chihuahua Daphne rescued in book 1 and convinced Jonathan to adopt. He is such scene stealer in every book. I adore how he absolutely loves clothes. Tinks is a feisty cat with a mischievous and cantankerous personality, and Socrates is quite a long-suffering basset.
Daphne is a wonderful character. She is snarky, compassionate, without too many cares in the world. Some may think she’s a flake since her cell never works and she’s never on time for anything, but she’s a strong protagonist that doesn’t live by the timeline of others. She even has a PhD in philosophy but doesn’t use her degree. She’s down-to-earth, kind, and gentle. She loves her pet sitting business and continues to prosper.
The author does a spectacular job with the continued character development and world building. I love Sylvan Creek and how alive the author writes the town and characters (that is, unless you happen to be the latest murder victim). The book is engaging from the very beginning and kept me entertained throughout. There was never a dull moment and some of Daphne’s antics had me smiling. The author’s writing style is phenomenal. All dialogue was smooth, thought out, and conversational. The twists and turns kept me guessing all the way until the end. This book’s ending shocked me a little. I had no clue who the one was responsible for the mayhem in book 4.
I was provided an ecopy of the book to read.
This author makes her mysteries so entertaining and fun that I love to read her books.
Another great story at the holidays. Several twists that keep you guessing as to what was going happen next. Good character development and story development. Enjoyed reading it.
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
I was dying to get my hands on this book and I was not disappointed once I did. It is Christmas time in Sylvan Creek which comes with a slew of traditions. This town is so full of charm and life you will wish you were there. The pet friendly attitude is the cherry on top of the cake. Daphne is enjoying the festivities when a blast from the past rolls into town making an announcement the rattles them all but before they can adjust she is found dead with Moxie as the main suspect. Daphne starts asking questions while juggling her many tasks. Lots of surprises leading to the finale. Perfect for fans of pets and cozies. I loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
The people of Sylvan Creek, Pennsylvania are wild about their pets. A pet bakery, a pet clothing store, a hair salon that has human and pet clients, and right now they are getting ready for the Bark the Halls Ball where people and their pets deck out in their finest attire to dance the night away and enjoy each other’s company. Former resident, Celeste “CeeCee” French is coming home to be the special guest for the affair. She has taken her love of pets nationally with her pet care franchises. But all the tails stop wagging when they learn she is about to set up a store in Sylvan Creek. That would put many town shops out of business.
While the town is barking mad about the prospect of a big box pet store, someone has taken the matter into their own hands and presented the town with CeeCee’s dead body right under the town’s Christmas tree. The discovery is made by professional pet sitter Daphne Templeton and Detective Jonathan Black. Daphne later learns the woman was stabbed with a pair a pet shears. Pet shears that appear to have been taken from the Spa and Paw owned by her friend Moxie Bloom. The good detective asks Daphne to leave the investigation to him but a certain pet keeps dropping clues at her feet, literally. She knows Moxie is innocent so with the help of her basset hound, Socrates and another mysterious pup she sets out to find the real killer.
This is such a fun series. Daphne is a fantastic protagonist, the “conversations” she has with Socrates are very realistic. I talk to my dogs all the time, never about anything as important as murder, but dogs are attentive and great sounding boards – sometimes they can sniff and lick and bark out the perfect answer. Moxie is a true gem. The friendship between her and Daphne always makes me smile. The “relationship” between Daphne and Jonathan is moving slowly but forward with itsy-bitsy steps. We are introduced to two new canines in this story and one is a real treasure/scene stealer and the other has quite the wardrobe.
The animals bring so much to this story. They are not just pets that are fed and petted and left at home when their people go out or to work. They are involved in the mystery and play important roles. The author’s love for these wonderful creatures shines within her words. We met two very interesting and different pups this time and Socrates falls completely into puppy love. All the dogs in this series have found a place in my heart and it is now impossible to pick a favorite. There is another pet in this story that has not found a place in my heart but the owner seems very happy with it and that is what really matters.
Cleverly written, Ms. Blake gives us another mystery to sink our teeth into, full of twists and turns, suspects with motives and opportunities, and a few red herrings to boot. I loved it! I didn’t solve this one early. I was completely captivated to the very end.
I have enjoyed every book in this series. Bethany Blake is such a talented writer. Pet lovers will love this mystery, curl up with yours and enjoy this Midwinter’s Tail. You will thank your Lucky Paws that you did.
The characters of Sylvan Creek are at it again and I couldn’t be more joyous! While getting ready for the annual holiday festivities, Daphne, Piper and Moxie look forward to an uneventful season, filled with friendship, hot chocolate and warm puppy company! Unfortunately, a quiet time just isn’t in the cards for Daphne as she stumbles across another dead body at the local viewing of It’s a Wonderful Life. Along with a dead body is a surprise dog, wearing a Christmas bah-humbug sweater, leaving the scene. We are quick to learn an old arch nemesis has arrived back in town and rumor has it, she’s opening a rival pet store. Secrets of the past are quickly discovered and revealed, Moxie becomes a most wanted person, and Daphne feels the mysterious pug may be leading her in the right direction to help solve this case and is fascinated with finding out who the mysterious pug belongs to. A Midwinter’s Tail keeps us on our own tails until the end with a fast paced, tightly woven, cozy mystery to keep us entertained in front of the fire this holiday season. So grab your slippers, your tea and a comfy chair because you won’t be going anywhere until you reach the end! And don’t let me forget, you don’t want to miss out on Detective Black – he sure is showing a greater interest in Daphne this time around and you want a front row seat to the subtle romance between the two!
This series by Bethany Blake is one of my favorites, and A Midwinter’s Tail carries on the clean, joyful entertainment. From the quaint shops of Pennsylvania’s Sylvan Creek and its Pocono Mountain backdrop, to the appealing ensemble cast, this story has all the essential elements for the best of quality cozy reading. The well-written narrative is filled with the most delightful gentle humor, and I’m pretty sure I had a smile on my face the whole way through. Each story stands alone, but following the series gives a better understanding of the regular characters.
A series is only as good as its characters, and the whole cast shines here. Daphne Templeton, pet sitter and bakery owner, has a heart for animals, as well as friends and family – and willingly takes risks for them. Detective Jonathan Black, who I hope ends up being her sole romantic interest, is definitely a favorite of mine. A “handsome, enigmatic former Navy SEAL,” he believed in helping former convicts transition back into society … “If you put people away, you probably have a responsibility to help them when they get out.” Two different ways of connecting – friend vs. detective – add complexity to their relationship.
I don’t know if it’s possible for a community like Sylvan Creek to actually exist, but I love to imagine walking down the streets of this quirky, pet-friendly town and shopping at leisure. In fact, it might be the most pet-friendly town ever, with the Bark the Halls Christmas ball being just one example. And second only to my attraction for the detective is that for Daphne’s basset hound, Socrates. I love how the author imbues him with human-like senses, and I often found myself waiting to see what his reaction might be.
The mystery theme itself is well crafted, with elements going back in time to the characters’ senior year in high school. As much as I wanted to discover the solution, I hated to reach the conclusion. May this series continue with many more stories. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Great Escapes Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
A Midwinter’s Tail
Lucky Paws Petsitting Mystery, Book #4
Bethany Blake
5+ Stars
Synopsis:
To bark or not to bark . . .
Professional pet sitter Daphne Templeton loves the holidays in Sylvan Creek, Pennsylvania. And nothing gets her into the spirit more than the town’s annual Bark the Halls Ball. The whole community will be there to wag their tails, especially this year’s special guest–Celeste “CeeCee” French, founder of a national chain of pet care franchises, who’s returning home to announce plans for a bright new flagship store.
But not everyone’s celebrating CeeCee’s homecoming. Daphne’s friend Moxie Bloom, owner of Spa and Paw, a unique salon for people and their pets, has plenty to growl about. So when CeeCee is found face down under Sylvan Creek’s town Christmas tree, stabbed with a distinctive pair of professional-grade pet shears, suspicion lands squarely on Moxie. Despite Daphne’s promises to Detective Jonathan Black, she quickly reprises her role as amateur sleuth. Ably assisted by her basset hound sidekick, Socrates, she must hurry to prove her friend’s innocence before a killer barks again . . .
Includes recipes for homemade pet treats!
“Doggone charming from start to finish!”
–Cleo Coyle, New York Times bestselling author on Death by Chocolate Lab (Goodreads)
Review:
This is such a great book (and series). The characters are well rounded and well developed. I really enjoy Moxie, she is quirky and adorable. I like the friendship that exists between her and Daphne. Her mother irritates me, she is not a very loving person, which I am sure was the author’s intention. Things are moving along well with Detective Black, they are getting much closer. They do not irritate each other as much, which I take as a good sign. The animals are so great in this book and add so much to the story. With their distinct personalities and their funny antics, they had me laughing out loud. And I love the way Daphne is always talking to them and asking their opinions.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. With the author’s descriptions, Sylvan Creek, Pennsylvania, came to life in my mind and it is a place that I would like to visit. The mystery was carried on well throughout the entire book and it was not easy to solve. There were enough red herrings thrown in, which made me second guess myself a few times before the killer reveal.
If I could, I would give this book more than 5 stars, I thought it was that good. I would highly recommend this book, and series, to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. Read the whole series, you will be happy that you did.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
You can read this wonderful mystery by itself but I strongly encourage you to invest yourself in the entire series. You will better appreciate how far relationships have come and the emotional struggles and personality quirks of the main characters. I believe you will love this series.
Getting ready for the most wonderful time of the year often includes visits from people from your past, people who you wouldn’t care to ever see again. One such person is the popular mean girl from high school. It doesn’t help that she has become wealthy and even more self centered.
She drops a bomb at the annual town gathering, announcing moving her company headquarters to town, potentially putting half the businesses out of business. Then she is found dead, and her prize poodle is dropped in Daphne’s lap, much to Socrates delight. Add in her best friend being top suspect and an elusive pug who no one else happens to see and this book takes many twists and zags.
The only slow moving events are romances which seem to get thwarted at any forward motion. Something dramatic always sidetracks them.
Even when the murder is solved there is more mystery to unravel. A five star addition to an amazing series.
My name is Snowdrop. I’m a spoiled toy poodle who adores wearing fancy, sparkling pet clothes My human was murdered, and I had no place to go until Daphne Templeton took me home to stay with her wise basset hound, Socrates, and her haughty cat, Tink. Thanks to Daphne’s detective friend, Jonathan; her best friend, Moxie; and some other nice humans; the crime’s been solved, and I found my furever home with Daphne and her pets. It’s a very happy ending and a Merry Christmas now!
This town is definitely for animal lovers even having an annual Bark the Halls Ball where the dogs join their owners in dressing up. This year seems like a high school reunion for Daphne and the meanest girl is killed when she returns to the town. Did one of Daphne’s former classmates kill her or one of many folks that didn’t like her. So many suspects had me hooked to the end. Even though I read the last book quite a while ago, I had no problem remembering the town and all the many unique residents there. Roxie and her dogs are on the case. Fun characters, including all of the pets. Good mystery with lots of suspects and lots of motives. A real page turner.
t’s the holiday season in Sylvan Creek, Pennsylvania and Daphne is preparing for the annual Bark the Halls Ball. The one thing that is seemingly a problem is the return of Celeste “CeeCee” French who has a national chain of pet care franchises and she wants to set a store up in town. When she’s found murdered, Daphne’s friend,Moxie, is soon the prime suspect so despite promising Jonathon she wouldn’t investigate, Daphne is soon in full investigating mode. There’s another person returning to Sylvan Creek as well and this person has a close tie to Moxie.
I really enjoyed this book and am loving the seires. I highly recommend both although I suggest you read the series in order. The book’s well-written with characters you’ll love to get to know.
It’s a simple story.
Cute and witty. Love the Bassett Hound character in particular. Quick, easy read.
Such a perfect cozy mystery to snuggle up with during the holidays! I can’t get enough of this charming series!
Only a person with a pet obsession like me would consider a formal that includes pets to be a great idea. What a fun cozy mystery with plenty of dog gone good fun