On Fur Bridge Farm, Jules cares for rescued rabbits. But when a killer strikes, she’ll need a rabbit to rescue her . . . Juliette “Jules” Bridge prides herself on the tender rehabilitation she provides for injured or abused rabbits on her New Hampshire rescue farm, but she has a very special relationship with one bunny in particular. Bun is a black-and-white rabbit who happens to have the ability … to have the ability to communicate through mental telepathy. Once she got over the shock, Jules found her furry friend had a lot to say.
One frigid March morning on their walk together, Bun spots a body. The police identify the frozen stiff as Arthur Freeman, aka Arty the Mime. Jules and Arty knew each other on the children’s party circuit, where he’d perform magic tricks and she had an educational rabbit petting pen. With Bun egging her on, Jules decides it’s time they hop to it and put their heads together to discover who silenced the mime. But their investigation leads them down a rabbit hole of more suspects and lies, while a killer sets a trap for them . . .
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A good, entertaining cozy mystery debut with lots of fluffy rescue bunnies to enjoy. Protagonist, Jules Bridge owns Fur Bridge Farm and has a black and white rescue bunny, Bun, who she communicates with telepathically. Bun is smart, sweet, sensitive, sociable, nosy, and a guard rabbit, also! Veterinarian-to-be, Jess Plain, works with Jules at the farm while finishing her degree, and keeps all the sweet bunnies healthy. When Jules and Bun are jogging and happen upon a frozen body; threats and vandalism against Jules and the farm begin.
I liked this interesting story and thought it had an originality I haven’t seen before, especially with the rabbits featured. The farm yarn shop was unique with the angora rabbit fur blends, and a place I’d like to visit. The main characters support each other, and I’
LEFT FUR DEAD by J. M. Griffin is the first book in the Jules & Bun Mystery series. It’s the adorable, wonderfully written story of Juliette “Jules” Bridge who owns Fur Bridge Farm, her adorable rabbit Bun and the murder of Arthur Freeman.
Jules runs a New Hampshire rescue farm that does rehab for injured or abused rabbits while educating the public in the process. Among those she rescued is one very special rabbit with the ability to communicate through mental telepathy – at least with Jules and vice versa. Buns has moved up for the barn to being pampered with a luxury room of his own in Jules home. Knowing that others can’t hear Bun and Jules doesn’t want to be labeled as the crazy lady talking to herself, they make sure that their conversations are private. Although, since only Jules seems to hear Bun, he’s side of the conversation seems to never stop with him having an opinion of most everything.
In one of their early morning outings, Jules and Bun came across the body of fellow children’s party entertainer Arthur Freeman, aka Arty the Mime. Determined to find out what happened to Arthur, who did the deed and why leads both Jules and Bun into some “hare” raising experiences.
Along the way, we meet and fall in love with the secondary characters in this story. The author did a great job introducing them to us. Jess Plain works for Jules and is also her friend. She is a veterinary student about to take her exam to become a full-fledged vet working to open her clinic right there on the Fur Bridge Farm. When danger threatens both the farm and Jules, she moves right in to be there for support and an extra set of eyes. Sheriff Jack Carver can be stern, but he really has Jules best interest at heart and her safety comes first. His wife, Meredith, is a jewel – one who loves Jules shop and a new shipment of yarn. Andrew Stone, a decorated veteran, is the squatter on Jules property. Although quiet and a loner, he keeps watch over the ranch and its inhabitants after Jules allows him to stay instead of having him arrested. I’m hoping he will have a returning role – maybe help out at the ranch after the kids helping head off to college.
The clues in this mystery were evenly spaced giving you time to think about them while you were meeting the folks in this new series. There were a few directions that the clues could have led you and love the direction the author took with them. It leaves some avenues that will make for great beginning for other books in the series.
LEFT FUR DEAD is a delightful book and one that I really enjoyed reading. I would recommend it to anyone that loves cozies and that can see the fun and humor in a communicating rabbit. I, for one, will be looking with great anticipation for the second book in this series.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
A rabbit is an unusual character to find in a cozy mystery. The only series I can think of that included a bunny was The Southern Sewing Circle Mysteries by Elizabeth Lynn Casey. The bunny, Paris, in those stories, added a lot of humor but wasn’t one of the leading characters like Bun, the bunny is in Left Fur Dead.
We meet Jules Bridge, owner of the Fur Bridge Farm where she cares for Bun and several other rescued rabbits. Bun is a very special bunny, he can communicate with Jules, using mental telepathy. He is one opinionated rabbit who rarely takes a break. This makes their relationship very interesting. Jules has to be careful because people would never understand the way the two of them “talk” but she does value his intuitive input. Together they work children’s parties and other events to raise awareness about rabbits and what Jules does on her farm. The farm also has a wonderful yarn shop I would love to visit!
On one of their morning walks Bun discovers the body of Author Freeman/Arty the Mime. Jules and Arty sometimes worked the same events. With Bun giving her a big push she decides maybe they can pull a rabbit out of a hat and catch the killer, but chances are they just may find themselves ensnared in the murderer’s trap.
After I got into the rhythm of Bun and Jules dialogues this was a very entertaining read. The author took time to introduce not only Bun and Jules but Jess Plain, a veterinary student almost ready to take the exam for her license. When Jess learns that Jules and the rabbits could be in danger due to her snooping, she moves right into Jules farmhouse. I really like the bond that has formed between these very independent women.
The murder mystery drew out over a longer period of time than the usual form for books in this genre, but in addition to a killer, we were also trying to catch an intruder that was created havoc on the Fur Bridge Farm and trying to ascertain whether both were connected. We also meet a mystery man that unexpectedly shows up, he may help answer some of Jules questions. I did feel Bun and Jules did not give Sheriff Jack Carver much of a chance but he was a patient man while still telling Jules to stay out of his investigation. His wife is a real peach too. I think we could be fast friends.
I feel this series is off to a grand start. I was totally surprised by the ending. The characters are very appealing and the setting is superb. I do love rabbits, we have wild rabbits often hopping through our yard even here in town. In fact, I can see one out my window right now.
I am looking forward to the next Jules & Bun Mystery!
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
A fantastic start to an adorable new cozy mystery series. We meet Juliette who runs a type of bunny farm/rescue with some of the cutest bunnies as well as a shop. Her constant companion is one such bunny named Bun who just so happens to be able to talk to her telepathically making him an excellent partner in crime. This skill comes into play when they find a dead body and strange things start happening that out them both in danger. Kept me guessing until the end which was just great. Well written mystery solved by an unlikely duo that will steal your heart as they keep you entertained. Perfect for cozy fans. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
Left Fur Dead is a cute cozy mystery. Jules Bridge is the caretaker of Fur Bridge Farm which takes injured and abused bunnies. She also breeds and raises rabbits as well as runs a store on the farm that sells yarn and rabbit related items. Bun is Jules bunny housemate that she rescued from Margery Shaw who called the little fellow the devil spawn. Margery just did not understand what Bun was trying to communicate. Oh, I may have forgotten to mention that Bun talks to Jules using mental telepathy and he is a very curious little bunny. When the pair find Arty the Mime dead in the snow, Bun is eager to investigate. He has a nose for sleuthing plus he has keen hearing. Jules is having trouble at the farm with someone breaking into the barn and opening the rabbit cages. The situation continues to escalate, and Jules is worried about her little rabbit charges. Left Fur Dead is nicely written and progresses at a steady pace. I like the main characters of Jules, Bun, Sheriff Jack Carver and Jess Plain. The mystery has a handful of suspects and there are clues to help readers identify the guilty party. I did feel that the case was a little drawn out. Weeks go by before this case is put to bed. Also, Jules was a little reckless. She put herself into danger more than once (and then what would happen to the rabbits). There are some clever aspects to the mystery with a good reveal and a nice wrap-up. Jules and Bun are cute together and I enjoyed their interactions. Jess is a good friend to Jules, and I look forward to getting to know her better in future books. Sheriff Jack Carver is a nice man with a sweet wife who loves to buy yarn. Jack frequently tells Jules to keep her nose and Bun’s out of the case. I did wonder why Jack told her this right after she found the body. I have a feeling that Jules has tried to help Jack in the past. Left Fur Dead is an upbeat cozy mystery with a dead mime, an inquisitive rabbit, a cunning killer, and a worried rabbit rescuer determined to crack this whodunit.
Synopsis:
On Fur Bridge Farm, Jules cares for rescued rabbits. But when a killer strikes, she’ll need a rabbit to rescue her . . .
Juliette “Jules” Bridge prides herself on the tender rehabilitation she provides for injured or abused rabbits on her New Hampshire rescue farm, but she has a very special relationship with one bunny in particular. Bun is a black-and-white rabbit who happens to have the ability to communicate through mental telepathy. Once she got over the shock, Jules found her furry friend had a lot to say.
One frigid March morning on their walk together, Bun spots a body. The police identify the frozen stiff as Arthur Freeman, aka Arty the Mime. Jules and Arty knew each other on the children’s party circuit, where he’d perform magic tricks and she had an educational rabbit petting pen. With Bun egging her on, Jules decides it’s time they hop to it and put their heads together to discover who silenced the mime. But their investigation leads them down a rabbit hole of more suspects and lies, while a killer sets a trap for them… (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters were well developed and well rounded. Jules is a hardworking smart woman who is very proud of Fur Bridge Farm. She loves animals and will do whatever it takes to keep the rabbits in her care safe and well cared for. I liked the premise of the story, I do not know of very many other cozy mysteries that center around bunnies. Bun, Jules telepathic talking bunny, was a very interesting character.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and I felt like I was at the farm, watching all of the action taking place. At times I felt like there was too much information and repetition. I did not need to keep reading about all of the barn chores and what the rabbits were eating. That is only my opinion and other readers may not agree.
The mystery was carried on well throughout the book. I was pretty sure who the culprit was about halfway through the book, but I did not know the why. I felt the reason for the murder was a little thin but again that is only my opinion.
For the first book in a series, I thought this book was good and the series has a lot of potential. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery and I will definitely read the next one.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
This is the first time I have read anything by JM Griffin and I am glad I gave it a go. Left Fur Dead is a very entertaining story full of twists and turns, a few red herrings that hold your attention from the very beginning.
On Fur Bridge Farm, Jules cares for rescued rabbits. But when a killer strikes, she’ll need a rabbit to rescue her . . .
Juliette “Jules” Bridge prides herself on the tender rehabilitation she provides for injured or abused rabbits on her New Hampshire rescue farm, but she has a very special relationship with one bunny in particular. Bun is a black-and-white rabbit who happens to have the ability to communicate through mental telepathy. Once she got over the shock, Jules found her furry friend had a lot to say.
One frigid March morning on their walk together, Bun spots a body. The police identify the frozen stiff as Arthur Freeman, aka Arty the Mime. Jules and Arty knew each other on the children’s party circuit, where he’d perform magic tricks and she had an educational rabbit petting pen. With Bun egging her on, Jules decides it’s time they hop to it and put their heads together to discover who silenced the mime. But their investigation leads them down a rabbit hole of more suspects and lies, while a killer sets a trap for them…
Protagonist Jules is likeable and I liked Bun (bunny) who is an intelligent and communicates with Jules telepathically. I could really relate to this as I always talked to my cats as well as talk to my dog when out walking I get funny looks, so I could see how it could be embarrassing, especially with local law enforcement! There are other interesting characters to round things out Like Jess and Molly. I personally can’t wait for the next installment.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of the book from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A protagonist duo, one of which is a talking rabbit named … Bun. Okay, you have to suspend belief a little bit here, but this is fiction after all. I normally steer clear of fantasy or supernatural elements in my reading, especially talking animals, but it works well in J. M. Griffin’s new cozy mystery, Left Fur Dead. I couldn’t resist trying this story and I’m so glad I did. This is a fun story, tender and emotional, with lots of light-hearted moments; impossible to read without smiling much of the time.
Left Fur Dead is a fresh and different – dare I say, unique – novel in a cozy mystery field highly populated with cooking themes. I loved New Hampshire rescue farm owner Jules Bridge, and I adored her telepathic bunny. Meet Bun, who, according to Jules, is…
Not your average rabbit, Bun’s smart, sociable, talkative, and very talented. His specialty is pure nosiness. He communicates with me by way of mental telepathy … when Bun talks, I’ve learned to listen.
When Jules and Bun go for walks in the New Hampshire countryside, with Bun happily snuggled in a sling pouch, I am completely engaged in their conversations. I’m a big fan of animal rescue shelters, so this story was easy to connect with. I loved the farm and the rescue work of Jules, also with the potential future of a veterinary clinic on site, and I enjoyed learning about the care of these rabbits.
Jules also reached out to the community with educational events and working with children at birthday parties, etc. It was through these parties that she met the murder victim, a fellow entertainer (mime) named Arty. Guilty party and solution weren’t easy to figure out and I enjoyed following along in the adventure with Jules and Bun.
My favorite part of the story was the rescue farm and getting to know main characters of the series. The writing is strong and clean; I loved that there wasn’t a lot of unnecessary descriptive fillers to slow the action down. I didn’t fully understand why Jules wanted to investigate, but that’s okay. In future stories, I’d like to see a toning down of attacks on Jules and more logical, step-by-step investigation of the crime.
Left Fur Dead begins what promises to be a truly engaging mystery series and I will be following the adventures of Jules and Bun.
Recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Great Escapes Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
The cover was so cute on this book that I was almost afraid to read it because I thought it couldn’t possibly be as good as that darling little bunny was telling me it was going to be. Well, it was better. From the first page describing a walk on a cold day, I was hooked. Love the characters, the rabbit rescue, and especially Bun. Couldn’t wait to finish it but didn’t want it to end. Now I can’t wait for the next one.
This was an interesting start to a new series. Jules runs a farm where she breeds rabbits and rehabilitates them. She also has a yarn shop. Of course, she has a pet rabbit names Bun, who can communicate with her through mental telepathy. When Jules and Bun run across the body of a man, they later learn that he was the mime she shared entertainment parties with. The two had recently had a disagreement regarding setting her bunnies free. All sorts of crazy things start to happen as Jules begins to investigate, such as break-ins at the barn, attacks, and more. Can she and Bun solve the murder before they get killed? I loved the characters in this book and especially Bun. I can’t wait to see what adventure awaits the two!
Left Fur Dead is a cute first book in J.M. Griffin’s new Jules & Bun Mystery series. Juliette “Jules” Bridge owns and operates Fur Bridge Farms, a sanctuary for injured, abused, and neglected rabbits. She has help by way of Jessica “Jess” Plain, a vet school student and other student helpers. Jules also has an unusual bunny named Bun. I enjoyed Bun’s ability to communicate telepathically with Jules.
When Jules and Bun are out for a walk, they discover a body. The body belongs to Arty, a mime Jules occasionally works with at children’s parties. As the police investigate, Jules and Bun decide to try their hand – and paw – at sleuthing. During the hunt for Arty’s killer, Jules also has people breaking into her barn and trying to release all the rehab bunnies, and a person from her past reappears – earlier than she expected. As more suspects are revealed, Jules falls further into dangerous territory.
An entertaining story, Left Fur Dead is an easy read filled with wonderful characters. The world building is done well and I was able to visualize every scene and felt like I was there. The outcome of the mystery left me reeling. I thought I knew who did it or was at least involved (and I was correct), however, the revelations that lead up to everything shocked me. The reasons behind all of the trouble on Jules’ farm are unbelievable (in an awe way, as opposed to a not believable way).
I only had a couple issues with the book: 1) Some of the dialogue between characters and between Bun and Jules is rough but the story is fun, regardless. 2) SPOILER ALERT – there isn’t any sort of romance to be had. I enjoy a light romantic theme to run through the cozies I read. These issues, however, did not stop me from reading the book. In fact, 1f Book 1 is any indication, the Jules & Bun Mystery series is off to a great start. I enjoyed Left Fur Dead and look forward to Book 2.
I was provided a review copy.
LEFT FUR DEAD by J. M. Griffin
The First Jules and Bun Mystery
Juliette Bridge, better known as Jules, is the owner of Fur Bridge Farm. From providing rehabilitation to rabbits that have been abused to bringing bunnies as entertainment to children’s parties, Jules deals in all things rabbit. Her sidekick is Bun, a black-and-white rabbit who has the ability to communicate telepathically with her. After stumbling across a dead body the pair find themselves victims. Someone has been entering the barn and attempting to release the rabbits. The break-ins must be connected to the murder. But how? Not content to leave matters to the police Jules and Bun begin their own investigation. But will they stir up even more trouble?
Never give up and don’t make yourself a victim. These are the two resounding messages found in the first Jules and Bun Mystery. After being left for dead after being run off the road years prior, Jules recovered with the help of rabbits and has vowed to stand up for herself and her friends no matter what. This attitude, while generally commendable, leads her to sometimes be abrupt and act rashly. Jules is refreshing in that she is so independent with a take charge attitude. By far my favorite character is Bun. This is a rabbit with an attitude. He’s funny and forthright, smart and protective.
LEFT FUR DEAD has a quaint premise. A rabbit with telepathic powers is certainly unique in the mystery scene and I appreciate how proper care for rabbits is emphasized. While it fit that Bun’s speech patterns were slightly off kilter, the whole book had an odd use of phrasing and word choice that stopped the flow and made the pacing someone erratic.
Unfortunately, the author hit on a major pet peeve of mine. At the end of the story the villain, who had a very good motive, and had been behaving rationally, suddenly became a “maniac” with an “evil” laugh. The author could have gotten the story exactly where she needed with the same villain, motive, and even final exciting scene, without creating yet another crazed killer.
Bolstered by a charming rabbit LEFT FUR DEAD provides a unique mystery. With room to grow the first Jules and Bun Mystery is a promising start to a new series.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
cozy-mystery, amateur-sleuth, law-enforcement, murder, rescue, pets, bunny, New Hampshire
Great new cozy mystery series! The publisher’s blurb is pretty good for starters, but the mystery is well crafted and full of twists and red herrings that hold the reader’s interest from beginning to end. Bun is an intelligent and fun pet bunny who communicates with Jules telepathically. Since no one else can hear their interactions it can get a mite embarrassing, especially with local law enforcement! There are a slew of other interesting characters to round things out. Can’t wait for the next one!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!