AUTHOR: Bethany Blake
PUBLISHER: Kensington
PUBLISHING DATE: September 26, 2017
FROM GOODREADS: Even an experienced pet sitter like Daphne Templeton can be fooled by animal behavior: how can an adorably tiny fuzz ball named Tinkleston be capable of sudden flying leaps with cat claws bared? But human behavior remains even more mysterious, especially when Tinkleston's owner is murdered on the night of a gala fundraiser for Fur-ever Friends Pet Rescue.
Accompanied by her unflappable basset hound, Socrates, Daphne plans to take charge of Tinks the Terror and leave the crime-solving to handsome detective Jonathan Black. But while luring the prickly Persian out of hiding, she uncovers clues that might take suspicion off her own mother. Maeve Templeton already has a reputation as a killer--in real estate. How far would she go to bag Sylvan Creek's most coveted property, the Flynt Mansion?
To expose the truth, Daphne finds herself donning a deranged clown costume on an autumnal adventure that might just be crazy enough to work--if it doesn't get her killed.
MY THOUGHTS: After enjoying "Death by Chocolate Lab" so much I knew I had to request this installment the minute I saw it offered on Netgalley. In "Dial Meow for Murder," the main character, Daphne, once again finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time when she finds the body of a wealthy philanthropist during a Halloween gala at the woman's home. Despite the objections from Jonathan Black, the local detective, Daphne continues to look into the murder and gets into all kinds of predicaments along the way.
I felt this second installment was just as strong as the initial one. I enjoy the interaction between Daphne and her family, as well as her best friend. There is still some sexual tension going on between Daphne and Jonathan, but if the author is planning on hooking them up eventually, she is taking her time which makes me very happy as I am not a fan of insta-love. In addition, Jonathan's ex has shown up in town and it's unclear if there is a reconciliation in the future between the two.
What I like best about this series is the connection with the pets. The entire town seems quite pet-centric and since it takes place in October, there are lots of pet-centered activities throughout. In addition, we get to see more of Daphne's dog Socrates than in the first book. This book does introduce some new cat characters, as probably deduced from the title, named Tinkleston and Himmelfarb. I mainly mention them because I would love to ask Blake how she came up with these names!
"Dial Meow for Murder" is a wonderful cozy mystery and is a must read for anyone who enjoys the genre and likes animals to boot. The mystery takes a few twists and turns along the way and because Daphne is a far-from-perfect character, her day to day actions are a lot of fun to read about. This installment has left me anxiously awaiting book #3.
I received this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
RATING: 4 PAWS
I like bassett hounds-they have such great faces! Oh dear, cats! Your boys aren't going to like that! It looks quite interesting though.
ReplyDeleteI think I slid this one by the boys - the cat doesn't stand out on the cover very well and you primarily see Socrates.
DeleteI feel so behind, I got to get to this one soon...lol.
ReplyDeleteIt's a fun read. I think the third comes out in February.
DeleteThis sounds like a fun series, and I'm a sucker for titled with puns in them!
ReplyDeleteI know. Cozy mysteries are always so good with the puns.
DeleteCats?! Dogs?! I must have all of these books. You are super bad for my budget but I think you know that!
ReplyDeleteSorry (not sorry) :)
DeleteHaving a critter in the book is always a plus for me.
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
Most definitely!
DeleteThis sounds so fun!! I definitely need to pick up the first book.
ReplyDeleteYea I highly recommend it if you're looking for a cozy read. And book one introduces you to a side dog - Artie, who is way too much fun!
DeleteThese sound so cute. It's been a long time since I've read a cozy mystery.
ReplyDeleteI like them from time to time to break up other things.
DeleteLove that the town is pet-focused. That's always fun to read :)
ReplyDeleteI would have a blast in that town!
DeleteThis sounds like something I would like. Gotta love a book where pets play a big role.
ReplyDeleteYep, you should check them out!
DeleteI read this one too and really enjoyed it. It's such a great series. I also like the strong focus on the pets and how all the pets have their personality as well. Great review!
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