Duck Duck Danger

Ruff McPaw Mysteries #1

by Max Parrott

A murder, a missing sculpture, and a nose for crime…

Angela Atkinson lives a peaceful life in the sleepy town of Hummings Hollow with her best friend and dog, border collie Ruff McPaw. However, life on Angela’s hobby farm at her little historic home might be too peaceful.

Barista by day in a town with no bars and approximately five-and-a-half churches, Angela and Ruff are the sympathetic ears that collect most of the town gossip—occasionally hearing things that were never meant for their ears—or anyone else’s. When not tending her farm in the rolling countryside, working in the coffee shop, or fending off concern from nieces who worry over their forty-years-old-and-still-single-aunt—Angela and Ruff are usually right on the tail of a mystery.

When Ruff finds retired-carpenter Randy Miller dead in the town lake following the disappearance of an expensive sculpture from a nearby exhibit, the dynamic duo believes there may be more to both crimes than meets the eye. With multiple leads and little cooperation from the police, will they be able to put the pieces together in time to keep an innocent person from going to jail?

Duck Duck Danger is the first book in the Ruff McPaw Mysteries series. If you adore intriguing cozy mysteries with beautiful small towns and a really adorable dog, then you won’t want to miss out on Angela and Ruff's fun and unforgettable cases.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy

177 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 9, 2023

About the author

MAX PARROTT is a cozy mystery author who lives with his beloved golden retriever... who just so happens to be named Luffy. Even though Luffy doesn't help Max solve crimes, he does help him stay amused.

The inseparable duo often enjoy big long walks down the canal where Max reminisces about Luffy's one shot at fame - a close second in Musical Chairs for dogs one wintry Christmas Eve.

Find out more at:

www.maxparrott.com

Reviews

[Tari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed meeting Angela and her awesome and intuitive dog Ruff. She had a crazy case she was working with or without the Chief's blessing lol and needed to figure out what in the world a duck sculpture had to do with a local guy's death. Ruff couldn't talk to Angie's thoughts like Luffy does with Jaz in the other series, but she did pick up on his thoughts that helped in various places. Chief finally conceded that Angela was helpful and agreed to her help.

Megan was a pretty cool niece for Angela and set her up with a new guy that might just work out. He was helpful during the case for sure. I'll be borrowing the next book too when it's out.

[Wanda Siesicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though there was a murder involved, I found this book to be a lighthearted, enjoyable book. I loved Angie and Ruff. I found some of Ruff's comments (in his head as he isn't a "talking" dog) to be quite humorous. If your looking for a book that has a who-dun-it mystery, a touch of humor and romance in which the book flows seamlessly, this is the book for you. I highly recommend it!

I volunteered a honest review in exchange for an ARC copy of this book!

[Jas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so cozy. Thank you to BookSirens and the author for making this book available to me. I 100% picked it up purely for the cover and I do not regret that decision at all. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

When I reached the end of this book, I saw an author's note that said "P.S. Reviews are like giving a warm hug to your favorite author. We love hugs." I immediately thought "This book was a warm hug! I need more in my collection from this guy!" and I proceeded to read the next 4 books in the series. This was a pallete cleanser I very much needed. For anyone in a slump, looking for a light-ish mystery, or just wanting to read something cozy and warm (...with a side of murder), pick this one up.

I don't find many books written about middle-aged women kicking butts and taking names. To be clear, Angela isn't beating people up. I just mean it's nice for a woman of 40 to be written as someone who's out and about, doing things with her life. Some write "older" women as people who are sitting around, looking back on life, waiting on the end to come. I say this as a 20-something who knows few woman in that stage of life, but hope to be an Angela and not a couch potato when my time rolls around. Angela is great! Fun, spunky, smart, stubborn, and hard-headed. Her connection with her animals and family is also endearing and adds to who she is as a character and a human person. The town is small, so everyone knows everyone. The author did well introducing the townsfolk and pacing the clues and finishing reveal. Everything was well grounded and backed up by facts that were presented throughout the text.

Disclaimer: Please read this book for as a cozy, light-hearted mystery. This is NOT some super intricate whodunnit that's going to break your brain and drive you mad trying to solve the crime. Sit back and enjoy the antics of Ruff and Angela as they go about their lives hunting for clues and butting heads with the Chief while trying to keep everything together. (Michelle is also a delight)

[Elaine LaBonte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angela Atkinson and her border collie, Ruff McPaw, were on an errand for Angela’s mother, running and laughing along Lake Hummings. But the situation was far from amusing when they paused to catch their breath. Ruff had found village carpenter Randy Miller’s body floating in the water, face-down.
The pair of best friends enjoy a peaceful life in Hummings Hollow. The calmness at her home rescue farm may not last much longer. As a barista, she knows everyone and often overhears gossip, even things she shouldn’t. People rarely pay attention to servers. Angela and Ruff have a unique way of communicating, similar to telepathy, but can lose contact. It didn’t take long to contact Police Chief Herald Helbar. Angela was explaining how Ruff had found the body. Michelle Blackhoof, a reporter with the Hummings Hollow Gazette, joined them and asked for information for her coverage of the incident. “The investigation is ongoing, Ms. Blackhoof. Even with more details, sharing them would not be appropriate.” “I have it.” Michelle raised her phone in the air. “A friend at the coroner’s office sent the coroner’s report over just before we walked into the meeting.’ She read from the report: “Cause of death? Murder!" The chief dismissed them in no uncertain terms. Angela was motivated to conduct a thorough investigation and prevent an innocent individual from being falsely accused, all because of Helbar’s rudeness. Do you think she'll have anything to contribute to the search?
The manuscript is a fast, compact read. Not because it’s short at 173 pages. But because it is brimming with substantial content. Other than a few minor typos, I’m giving this novel five out of five stars. Thank you to Book Sirens for sending me an ebook copy of Duck, Duck, Danger, on which I based my review. I recommend this novel to all cozy fans, especially fans of murder mysteries and animal stories with a bit of whimsy. This is the first of a 10-book series by Max Parrott. I’m looking forward to spending many pleasant evenings reading all of them.

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duck Duck Danger: A Cozy Animal Mystery is the first book in the Ruff McPaw Mysteries series. Ruff is the star of the show along with his human partner, Angie. She works in a coffee shop, lives on a hobby farm with lots of animals and is an amateur sleuth who delves into a murder with not a care in the world. She's fearless even when she shouldn't be and the police chief seems to rely on her for clues and leads!

The duck statue was an interesting piece of stolen art that caused a murder in their small town. But whodunnit? That's what Angie and her friend, Michelle, who owns the small town newspaper want to know along with the police of course! There are a lot of clues to sift through and a few red herrings along the way. There's an abundance of small town gossip as well as family and friends, some romance, small businesses and crimes to solve.

There is a depth to the story that I wasn't expecting along with some playfulness. There are definitely quite a few twists and turns too. I like the title and the colorfulness of the cover with Ruff front and center. There was closure with the solving of the crimes in an unexpected way but there's definitely more story to tell. I look forward to see what Angie and Ruff get involved in next. Mr. Parrott is a new to me author. I look forward to reading more of his books.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kaustubh Dudhane · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Ruff laid down underneath the coffee table, uncomfortable with the intensity of the emotion leaking from the older woman's pores."

Refreshingly cozy murder mystery!

I would like to thank Book Sirens for an e-ARC for the first book of the Ruff McPaw mysteries. I generally read intense or horrific murder mysteries. However, recently, I started to enjoy the cozy mystery genre as well.

Naturally, most of the characters are good in the book. Yes, there are a lot of adorable moments. Yet, I feel that the major element of the success of a cozy mystery is the humor element - which has been executed brilliantly by Max Parrott. I always used to look forward to a stray comment from Ruff when the humans near him are discussing something serious. Additionally, the conversations between Angela and her dates are hilarious yet cute. Moreover, I have liked the way Ruff and Angela understand each other just like a dog and a pet parent do.

The only major thing which I am not too fond of is the cover art. Reading sci-fi and fantasy has spoilt me for the expectations from the cover art and artists and I personally am not a fan of real people or dogs on the cover nowadays.

[John Presler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angela Atkinson and her Border Collie, Ruff McPaw, live on a small animal farm and Angela works part-time at Lake House Coffee in Hummings Hollow. On her way to work, Angela gets a call from her best friend, Michelle Blackhoof, who recently started the local online newspaper. Her big story is that a prized sculpture was stolen from an art show in a nearby town. While at work, Randy Miller asked Angela if he could post a sign on the bulletin board to sell his truck. Walking with Ruff along the Lake Hummings Trail, Ruff and Angela discover the body of Randy Miller face down in the water. Angela, Ruff, and Michelle can't help but wonder if there might be a connection between the theft of the Duck sculpture and Randy's death.

How did Randy die? Was he murdered? If so, who killed him and why? Is Randy's death related to the theft of the sculpture? If so, what is the connection? Can Angela, Ruff, and Michelle unravel the mystery and expose the guilty culprit?

Max Parrott has a great start to this new series. There are wonderful characters and you get a special insight to what Ruff McPaw is thinking. The situations are very realistic and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged clear to the end.

[Tina Lincoln · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Murder Mystery!
Angela and her loving side-kick Ruff are great at 'helping' the police department with different cases. This one, which is the first in the series, is really a great start!
This is located in a small town, where everyone knows of everyone, even if they don't actually know them!
So, Randy Miller is found face down dead in the lake. This story takes many turns, including photos being taken of Angela at certain places, and then posted at her home in places that she would see, as warnings to stay away from the Miller family!
During this time, her niece sets her up with a teacher who is very independent, like herself, and things go good, but every 'date' has very strange things happening, along with coincidences on every time they are together!... Like Angela thinking that David is, or could be, a suspect in the theft of an expensive piece that was stolen from an art expo that he had gone to.
So, who stole the art sculpture, who killed Randy, and will Angela and David go on another date?...
This series is starting off great and I am looking forward to the next one!
Thank you, Max Parrott for another great starting series story!
I received an ARC copy of this story for an honest review.

[Ruth McDaniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author.

When I initially started, I had to go back and make certain it was book one of a series. Reason being, I felt like I'd been dropped into a *continuing* series, or at the very least, an offshoot series taken up from the end of a previous one.

Upon reading, we are given no explanation about Ruff and his abilities. We aren't given any background about Angela, either. It is indicated that the chief of Police has had dealings with her before, as he doesn't want her snooping around in "another" one of his cases. It also appears that the Chief and Ruff have had dealings before too as the chief asks why does the dog always have to accompany Angela everywhere. Ruff doesn't appear to like him much either.

Anyway. As the book progresses, we never get much backstory on Angela and her cognizant dog or an inkling of mentioned previous cases.

I did like the story. Don't get me wrong. It just didn't give any backstory at all. The killer was easy to guess. I will probably read the next book in this series but please…..fill us in on these people.

I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angela Atkinson lives in Hummings Hollow, Virginia, with her border collie, Ruff McPaw, and a mix of farm animals. Working as a barista at the coffee shop, Angela was worried the day that Randy Miller, a retired carpenter put an ad on the bulletin board offering his truck for sale, not realizing that was the last time she’d see him alive. Angela was determined to help solve his murder following investigative steps her father had begun to teach her when she was a young girl.

I loved the setting of a small town with a lake and the characters that look out for one another. My favorite character was Angela’s fur-end and sleuthing partner, Ruff, especially after he said to himself,

"Guess I’ll have to take matters into my own paws."

Ruff helps with the animals on the farm, is a friend to everyone at the coffee shop, and is a soothing comfort to Angela’s mother, who has dementia, and to Randy’s widow. Meeting Megan, Angela’s niece determined to find a romantic match for her aunt, was also fun.

I’m looking forward to more cozy mystery fun with Angela and Ruff!

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hummings Hollow is just the quiet small town Angela Atkinson and her loving border collie, Ruff McPaw. Living on her small animal farm and working part-time at the local coffee shop she hears lots of gossip. When a duck statue goes missing and Randy Miller is found dead in the lake, Angela, Ruff and her best friend, Michelle, who just started the local newspaper, decide they have to get involved in finding the murderer much to the chagrin of the sheriff who wants her to keep her nose out of the investigation. Add to that and she keeps getting warnings to stay away from the Miller family. Are the two crimes connected? How does the theft of the statue relate to the murder of Randy? Or does it? With lots of twists and turns and the wonderful Ruff involved , we are taken to a great ending. I can't wait to see what will happen next. I too would like to see more of a backstory of Angela and Rudd, but it didn't change my love of this first book in the series. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Maria Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angela and Ruff are not the usual detective pair, because they, human and dog, have a strong bond that allows them to work as one unit despite the occasional disagreement. I liked how quickly I fell into their world. Angela did display her good points and her bad points throughout the story which only served to make her real to me. As for Ruff he is close to perfect. If you love dogs then you too will love Ruff who displays all the intelligence that collies have. The story kept me guessing from start to finish, I enjoyed reading it. The relaxed easy-to-read style was tinged with enough humour and plenty of questions to keep me turning the pages. The individual characters had their own personalities to make them stand out and again this kept me reading. I recommend this book if you like mysteries. I will definitely read another of Ruff and Angela's adventures. I would like to add that I did not buy this book but received an advance copy and decided to leave this review after reading and enjoying the book.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Smart Dog
Angela Atkinson lives a peaceful life in the sleepy town of Hummings Hollow with her best friend and dog, border collie Ruff McPaw. However, life on Angela’s hobby farm at her little historic home might be too peaceful. Barista by day in a town with no bars and approximately five-and-a-half churches, Angela and Ruff are the sympathetic ears that collect most of the town gossip—occasionally hearing things that were never meant for their ears—or anyone else’s. When not tending her farm in the rolling countryside, working in the coffee shop, or fending off concern from nieces who worry over their forty-years-old-and-still-single-aunt—Angela and Ruff are usually right on the tail of a mystery.Ruff was one smart dog who helped solve the case. I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.

[Shelly Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duck Duck Danger is the first book in the Ruff McPaw Mysteries series. The author, Max Parrott has done a great start to this new series. There are wonderful characters and you get a special insight to what Ruff McPaw is thinking. The situations are very realistic and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged clear to the end. Even though there was a murder involved, I found this book to be a lighthearted, enjoyable book. I loved Angie and Ruff. I found some of Ruff's comments to be quite humorous. If you’re looking for a book that has a who-dun-it mystery, a touch of humor and romance in which the book flows seamlessly, this is the book for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Issababy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a fun, lighthearted read. Dogs are my favorite, and though it was hard to adjust to being able to read his thoughts, I got into it more than I thought that I would. Ruff and his "partner" Angela have a fun relationship and work well together. They are amateur sleuths who can't seem to stay out of the mystery business. I guess Angela takes after her dad, who is a PI. A little more introduction to the characters and their lives would have been helpful though. But, they have a murder to solve and you'll just have to read it yourself to see if they do! I think you'll enjoy finding out, though This is the first in a series and I will look forward to more.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[ReadaBook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angela and her dog Ruff McPaw help to solve a crime. Along the way she meets some new people and we find out about her family, friends, and the tiny town she lives in. Ruff, a border collie, can understand human conversation; his thoughts are scattered throughout the book - I hope Ruff continues to develop in future books.
While overall the story and character development are interesting, one thing I did not appreciate was main character Angela (Angie) being referred to as the “older woman” - each reference disrupted my reading and my mental reaction was: “Huh? Who?” There was nothing in Angela’s description that merited or required that!
Although I am looking forward to seeing how the various story lines develop, I surely hope Angela is not described this way in future books!

[Sapphyria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Duck Duck Danger is the first book in the Ruff McPaw series. The book, however, reads like it’s more in the middle of the series. The book begins like the reader already knows who Ruff and Angie are, what they do, and should already have knowledge of their backstory. That is not the case and I spent a lot of time wondering if I missed a book somewhere (like a prequel or a short story).

The mystery itself was well-written and I enjoyed the journey to the reveal. I figured it out but that never detracts from my love of a book. I enjoyed the characters. I just wish I was provided with more information about them. Maybe the author will expand a little bit in the next book.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

[Viktoria Cox · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was entertaining, but did not flow well. I don’t know if I got a porky edited Kindle edition, but the story seemed to jump from scene to scene with no transitions. The backstory of Angela and Ruff is lacking, which made me wonder more than once if I had missed a prequel. The idea was cute, but the lack of flow made it hard to follow. And, the suspect that everyone was looking for had not been missing very long, so I did not understand that line of story. Angela had just seen him in the mall a couple of days prior.

I will try the second book in the series to see if it has better editing. I mean, a border collie detective is a must read!

[Javon50 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angela Atkinson loves living in the small town of Hummings Hollow where she lives on her hobby farm with faithful dog Ruff McPaw and works in the local coffee shop. Naturally curious, when a local man is found dead Angela takes it upon herself to begin investigating the murder much to the chagrin of the local sheriff. This charming story with smart and lovable Ruff McPaw is a fun and entertaining mystery. I look forward to more books in this series. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duck Duck Danger is book #1 in the Ruff McPaw Mysteries series by Max Parrott.

Angela Atkinson and her gig, Ruff McPaw, live on a hobby farm. Angela is also a part-time barista that allows her to hear all the town’s gossip. It is useful when there is a mystery to solve.

This is an entertaining new series. I like Angela and Ruff. If only people could hear him. It was an interesting mystery where things weren’t all as they seemed.

I received a review copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Bookishdays · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this cozy mystery new series, the story is light and entertaining without too much violence. We are introduced to a charismatic duo of detectives, Angela, a young woman who works on her farm and in a coffee shop, and her witty dog Ruff. In this book, Angela and Ruff are investigating the death of a local carpenter who was involved in a suspicious art robbery.

Set in a small town, with fun characters, this reading was very relaxing and enjoyable.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bette Reith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Duck Duck Danger is the first in the series featuring, Ruff McPaw, a collie that helps his owner solve mysteries. Angela and Ruff look for clues to solve the murder of a man found dead in the lake. Ruff shares his thoughts right in the storyline and you can see what a help he is solving the mystery. They make a great pair. Lots of twists and turns, a budding romance, and an unexpected ending – all things that make a perfect Cozy. Thanks to BookSisren for the advance review copy of this book. I look forward to more from this author.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruff is truly the star of the show and Angie is his sidekick , because he can't speak. I've read several of the books in this series, and it's finally hit me on the head with the above fact, but it didn't diminish my enjoyment at all. This story is motivated by greed, pure and simple no matter how you package it. It was twisted that they didn't realize or care how wrong their actions were, and how many people it affected negatively . Smh.I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.

[Bonnie Theel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angela and her dog, Ruff, live in a small town called Hummings Hollow. While out for a walk around the small lake in town, Ruff discovers the body of Randy Miller floating in the lake. Angela notifies the police, but he doesn't show much interest in what she has to say. Needless to say, she thinks that she and Ruff are going to have to try to figure out what happened. Will they be able to do it without help from the police?

I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.

[Lonnia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute story. Angela and Ruff live on a hobby farm. Angela loves her life but her neice (Megan) thinks she is lonely. Megan arranges a date for Angela with a local teacher. The date is interrupted as Angela leaves to solve a murder while solving the theft of a duck sculpture. Sometimes Angela talks to Ruff assuming he understands her. What she doesn't know is, he does. I like that Ruff's thoughts are told like a human thinking. I will have to read more about this duo.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duck, Duck, Danger is Book 1 in the Ruff McPaw Mysteries by Max Parrott. I thought the title sounded so fun, and, the book did not disappoint. Angela works at the Lake House Coffee and will often bring her dog, Ruff. Her father is a PI and Angela likes to snoop with Ruff. Ruff is the star and I love being able to read his thoughts. I found this cozy yo be very entertaining. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Adpa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4+ stars
An interesting cozy mystery with an adorable Border Collie, Ruff McPaw, who helps his mistress, Angela, both on her small hobby farm and as an amateur detective. The dog finds the body of a deceased man and as her dog discovered the body, Angela assists the police chief in the investigation. Poor Ruff, he wishes he could talk so he could communicate better.
It is an enjoyable read. Can't wait for the next case!
I was provided with an advanced copy of the book by the author and BookSirens. This review is my honest opinion.

[Anne-Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A strong 2.5 stars but I rounded up to be nice.

As another reader reviewed she had to look back to make sure this was the 1st book in the series as I did as well. There were no introductions and no explanations to the characters. Especially the dog...did Angela understand him? Was he magical in a way? And why would the chief of police allow Angela to help him with the case? Have they worked together before? See way too many questions!

I found the story tedious. Who would steal a duck statue? There are better things to steal but the author wrote what he wrote. I did finish the book, but I didn't enjoy it.

Sorry to the author but I just didn't find the story or characters likeable.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duck Duck Danger is a great start to a new cozy mystery series, Ruff McPaw Mysteries.

Angela and her dog Ruff McPaw fit together perfectly. When Ruff finds a dead body. Ruff can’t talk but his thoughts sure help move the story along.

It is fun to read what he is thinking. I am eager to read the next book in this series. The characters are all so well written.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Voracious Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a lot of potential to be a really good series. The townspeople who have been introduced so far are mostly likeable and interesting. The mystery was good. My one problem with it is the protagonist leaps to the conclusion that people committed the crimes based on the flimsiest bits of evidence such as a brochure showing a particular location. I hope that habit improves in future books.

I received an ARC of this book. My opinion is given voluntarily.