I'm a fan of British crime dramas (Fr.Brown, Sis.Boniface, Death in Paradise), and this book felt like I was watching a lighter one of those. DelightfI'm a fan of British crime dramas (Fr.Brown, Sis.Boniface, Death in Paradise), and this book felt like I was watching a lighter one of those. Delightful and cozy, with great world-building and well developed characters, and just the right level of multiple plot lines. The main mystery was a tad easy to figure out, if you know how to spot patterns in these type of stories, but that didn't detract at all from my enjoyment of the book. And the main character, while definitely an amateur sleuth, was less of the stereotypical nosy old lady with theories up the wazoo (although she did have plenty of those), but more of an approachable neighborly type with a relevant background in social work... okay maybe a bit nosy, but always able to put people at ease rather than stupidly prying into everyone's business. I was happy to see the companionable connection between her and the DI, rather than having them permanently at odds with each other (which is a tad overdone in many crime dramas, in my opinion). Definitely plan to continue this series!...more
Another good story in the Oxford Dog Walkers series, although the ending did seem a bit rushed. The case was solved and, boom, the story ended. The epAnother good story in the Oxford Dog Walkers series, although the ending did seem a bit rushed. The case was solved and, boom, the story ended. The epilogue tied up some loose ends, but I felt a bit cheated out of reading some of those conversations as they happened. There were also a few other moments throughout the book that felt abrupt or disjointed.
I would read the series again, so it's a "high" 3 star rating, rather than a "just barely" 3....more
Overall, an enjoyable series with plenty of mystery, fresh and well-paced plots, memorable and well developed characters. I could generally guess whodOverall, an enjoyable series with plenty of mystery, fresh and well-paced plots, memorable and well developed characters. I could generally guess whodunit before it was revealed, but there was always a twist at the end that surprised me. Book 1 definitely drew me in right away. Book 2 was probably my favorite. Book 3 was good, but there were a few spots that felt disjointed or rushed, and the ending seemed abrupt. The epilogue tied up some loose ends, but I felt cheated out of reading about some of those things as they happened. But I would read the series again and recommend to those who love English settings, dogs, and amateur sleuths!...more
Enjoyed this even more than the first book. Felt like a lot of loose threads were tied up, the characters continued to delight, and the plot felt fresEnjoyed this even more than the first book. Felt like a lot of loose threads were tied up, the characters continued to delight, and the plot felt fresh and kept a good pace....more
Solid mystery with plenty of intrigue and likeable amateur sleuths. I also appreciate the Oxford setting and inclusion of Bonnie, the canine hero of tSolid mystery with plenty of intrigue and likeable amateur sleuths. I also appreciate the Oxford setting and inclusion of Bonnie, the canine hero of the story. Wasn't entirely surprised by "whodunit" - there was a bit of foreshadowing throughout the book - but I did not expect things to play out quite how they did. A good way to pass a few nights!...more
If this had taken me longer than an hour to read, I probably would not have finished it. The title grabbed my attention, and the plot sounded interestIf this had taken me longer than an hour to read, I probably would not have finished it. The title grabbed my attention, and the plot sounded interesting. I was happy to see the main character grew a bit in accepting life in a small town, although by the end she still didn't have a great attitude about her brother or the location. Unfortunately, the writing was filled with pedantic descriptions and redundancies (like "the two twins") that were grating to read. Glad I gave it a try, but I will not be picking up the rest of this series....more
Another satisfying episode of the original Death in Paradise crew! I had my suspicions about whodunit (and was mostly right), but it still kept me gueAnother satisfying episode of the original Death in Paradise crew! I had my suspicions about whodunit (and was mostly right), but it still kept me guessing along the way. A truly enjoyable read for fans of DI Richard Poole, DS Camille Bordey, Dwayne, and Fidel....more
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