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Pampered Pets Mystery #2
Get Fluffy
Disgraced Texas beauty queen, Melinda (Mel) Langston, owns Laguna Beach’s Bow Wow Boutique. Mona Michaels, Mel’s most despised client, owns a star dog, Fluffy, who’s worth millions. When Mona is found whacked in the head with Fluffy’s Daytime Emmy, everyone wants Fluffy, but someone won’t stop at murder to get the pooch.
Secrets. Blackmail. Mel tackles the case like a dog with a bone. But can she dig up the truth before the killer buries her?
Sparkle Abbey is the writing team of Anita Carter and Mary Lee Woods. Visit the authors at http: //sparkleabbey.com
Secrets. Blackmail. Mel tackles the case like a dog with a bone. But can she dig up the truth before the killer buries her?
Sparkle Abbey is the writing team of Anita Carter and Mary Lee Woods. Visit the authors at http: //sparkleabbey.com
196 pages, Paperback
First published March 30, 2012
73 people are currently reading
386 people want to read
About the author
Sparkle Abbey
14 books257 followersSparkle Abbey is the pseudonym of two mystery authors (Mary Lee Woods and Anita Carter). They are friends and neighbors as well as co-writers of the Pampered Pets Mystery Series. The pen name was created by combining the names of their rescue pets - Sparkle (Mary Lee’s cat) and Abbey (Anita’s dog). They reside in central Iowa, but if they could write anywhere, you would find them on the beach with their laptops and depending on the time of day either an iced tea or a margarita.)
Desperate Housedogs (Book 1), Get Fluffy (Book 2), Kitty Kitty Bang Bang (Book 3), Yip/Tuck (Book 4), Fifty Shades of Greyhound (Book 5), and The Girl with the Dachshund Tattoo (Book 6) are available in large-print through Gale-Thorndike and are part of the Clean Reads program.
Desperate Housedogs (Book 1), Get Fluffy (Book 2), Kitty Kitty Bang Bang (Book 3), Yip/Tuck (Book 4), Fifty Shades of Greyhound (Book 5), and The Girl with the Dachshund Tattoo (Book 6) are available in large-print through Gale-Thorndike and are part of the Clean Reads program.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
February 3, 2018
Kind of fun reading about the glitzy spoiled animals. Easy cozy mystery. Like this series.
September 15, 2016
When Mel gets stuck with Fluffy, the famous dog of Mona Michaels, all Mel wants to do is return the dog. However, when the two arrive at Mona’s mansion, Mona has been murdered. Mel wants to stay out of the investigation, but she keeps learning things that the point her toward the killer. Will she solve the crime?
I wanted to get to book two in this series soon to meet Mel, the cousin of the main character in the first in the series. This book was just as delightful as that first one. We get a mostly new cast of characters, who are all very strong. The mystery is great with lots of secrets and surprises on the way to the logical conclusion. And the antics of the pets in the book are delightfully fun.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I wanted to get to book two in this series soon to meet Mel, the cousin of the main character in the first in the series. This book was just as delightful as that first one. We get a mostly new cast of characters, who are all very strong. The mystery is great with lots of secrets and surprises on the way to the logical conclusion. And the antics of the pets in the book are delightfully fun.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
May 21, 2012
MY REVIEW
As I explained in my review of Desperate Housedogs I downloaded the special omnibus edition which also contains Get Fluffy from Netgalley.
Again I love the chick-lit, almost cartoon type of cover. I also still like how the cover links into the books being detective stories with animals in them. This book picks straight up as the other left off. We jump straight into the scene of the Furr Ball event.
Get Fluffy is book two in the Pampered Pets Series and is centred around Melinda, rather than Caroline as in Desperate Housedogs. There is still the funny feud going on over the brooch. The lengths these cousins go to, to retrieve the brooch from each other is both amazing and comical.
Caroline also features in this book but much more briefly than in book one. Another character from Book One is the detective Malone. Again the murder victim is from the posh gated community and has a very pampered and rather spoilt pet dog.
Melinda runs Bow Wow Boutiques and so sells lots of doggy outfits to her posh/rich clients.
Again this book was funny, at time laugh out loud funny! It also had its sad elements, and all the mystery and suspense that we had in Book One.
So did I enjoy it? Yes, would I read more? Yes Would I recommend? Yes, this is the type of book to get you back into reading, its light, fluffy and funny too.
As I explained in my review of Desperate Housedogs I downloaded the special omnibus edition which also contains Get Fluffy from Netgalley.
Again I love the chick-lit, almost cartoon type of cover. I also still like how the cover links into the books being detective stories with animals in them. This book picks straight up as the other left off. We jump straight into the scene of the Furr Ball event.
Get Fluffy is book two in the Pampered Pets Series and is centred around Melinda, rather than Caroline as in Desperate Housedogs. There is still the funny feud going on over the brooch. The lengths these cousins go to, to retrieve the brooch from each other is both amazing and comical.
Caroline also features in this book but much more briefly than in book one. Another character from Book One is the detective Malone. Again the murder victim is from the posh gated community and has a very pampered and rather spoilt pet dog.
Melinda runs Bow Wow Boutiques and so sells lots of doggy outfits to her posh/rich clients.
Again this book was funny, at time laugh out loud funny! It also had its sad elements, and all the mystery and suspense that we had in Book One.
So did I enjoy it? Yes, would I read more? Yes Would I recommend? Yes, this is the type of book to get you back into reading, its light, fluffy and funny too.
September 27, 2012
I knew from the great cover image that this would be a fun mystery and it did not disappoint! Former Texas beauty queen Mel Langston and her cousin Caro are both living in Laguna Beach, CA and working in the pet industry. Mel owns Bow Wow Boutique, the hot doggy boutique for Laguna's finest pampered pets. When her mother's old friend and Mel's most obnoxious client, Mona, is found dead by Mel, she is not only granted custody of Mona's celebrity dog fluffy, but also attempts to solve the mystery of Mona's murder. Of course problems arise - Fluffy is worth millions, and Mona's unscrupulous ex husband and possible killer is doing everything he can to get Fluffy! Family secrets are unearthed,Mona and Caro continue a longstanding feud over an ugly family heirloom , and there is plenty of doggy chaos in this great summer read.
I received this book for free through goodreads first reads and was happy I did! I will definitely be reading more Sparkle Abbey the next time I am in the mood for a lighthearted mystery.
I received this book for free through goodreads first reads and was happy I did! I will definitely be reading more Sparkle Abbey the next time I am in the mood for a lighthearted mystery.
Want to read
September 15, 2012I received this book yesterday in the mail. I won the book in a first reads free giveaway. I look forward to reading it. Sounds like an interesting book. I will let you know how I like it. Thanks for the copy Sparkle Abbey.
October 14, 2016
Get Fluffy: Pampered Pets Mystery Book Two
It is not necessary to read the books in chronological order.
The Protagonist: Melinda (Mel) Langston is a cousin to Caro Lamont, the amateur detective from Desperate Housedogs. Like her cousin, Mel is a former Miss Texas (in disgrace) and works in the pet industry. Mel own's Bow Wow Boutique for pampered pets. She is a no nonsense type of gal.
The Plot: Speak her mind Texas Belle Mel has a public falling out with her most despised client Mona Michaels. Then Mel finds Mona dead, whacked in the head and is left to care for her dog Fluffy, who is a movie star. Everybody wants the millionaire dog but Mel. Circumstances unravel that implicate Mel's best friend in the murder. Roll out the family sleuth gene.
I liked this book not only because it is a well written, well paced cosy mystery but also because it is clever. Who is investigating? Caro's cousin, Mel. Genius stroke that keeps the small town mystery fresh. I like the ways the dogs match their owners. Mel owns a messy English Bulldog called Missy. I say no more. For those who like a bit of romance, Mel is in an established relationship.
The subplots and supporting cast are interesting. As Caro and Mel live in the same town (Laguna Beach), we meet Detective Malone again. Caro makes the odd appearance and the cousins continue their cosy feud over their grandmother's ugly old brooch.
What's not to like! It is a warm and funny book. Unlike book one, there is a sad element to this story, but it is not less entertaining for that. It's good read for cosy mystery fans.
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Book Rating
Sexual Content: U
Language: U
Violent: U
Would I read the next oneor reread ?: Yes
My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1* Finished the book but didn't like it.
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A magnificent read. A prominent example of the genre.
It is not necessary to read the books in chronological order.
The Protagonist: Melinda (Mel) Langston is a cousin to Caro Lamont, the amateur detective from Desperate Housedogs. Like her cousin, Mel is a former Miss Texas (in disgrace) and works in the pet industry. Mel own's Bow Wow Boutique for pampered pets. She is a no nonsense type of gal.
The Plot: Speak her mind Texas Belle Mel has a public falling out with her most despised client Mona Michaels. Then Mel finds Mona dead, whacked in the head and is left to care for her dog Fluffy, who is a movie star. Everybody wants the millionaire dog but Mel. Circumstances unravel that implicate Mel's best friend in the murder. Roll out the family sleuth gene.
I liked this book not only because it is a well written, well paced cosy mystery but also because it is clever. Who is investigating? Caro's cousin, Mel. Genius stroke that keeps the small town mystery fresh. I like the ways the dogs match their owners. Mel owns a messy English Bulldog called Missy. I say no more. For those who like a bit of romance, Mel is in an established relationship.
The subplots and supporting cast are interesting. As Caro and Mel live in the same town (Laguna Beach), we meet Detective Malone again. Caro makes the odd appearance and the cousins continue their cosy feud over their grandmother's ugly old brooch.
What's not to like! It is a warm and funny book. Unlike book one, there is a sad element to this story, but it is not less entertaining for that. It's good read for cosy mystery fans.
Connect with me on Twitter
Follow my blog on Bloglovin’
Book Rating
Sexual Content: U
Language: U
Violent: U
Would I read the next one
My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1* Finished the book but didn't like it.
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A magnificent read. A prominent example of the genre.
May 6, 2019
This is the second book in the Pampered Pets Mystery Series and I find I have to stick with my initial impression, as a mystery this book wasn’t challenging. It has a limited range of characters and as the book progresses the suspects are eliminated until it is all nice and obvious but this isn’t why I enjoy this series so much. These books are just fun and that is why I so heartily recommend them.
In Get Fluffy Sparkle Abbey concentrates on the character development of one of the main recurring characters, Disgraced Texas beauty queen Melinda Langston, and I feel that this was a great idea, for when you are a bit thin on plot all you have left are the characters.
Mel, like her cousin Caro who was the leading character in the first book, bites off a bit more she can chew and heads out to solve the crime independent of the police. This leads to all kinds of complications but also some pretty witty dialogue and plenty of character insights that keep the plot moving along at a fast rate.
Let me emphasis this book is not for those after a scintillating crime thriller, this book is ideal for someone after a chuckle and an easy read and though I didn’t like Melinda as much as I did Caro, for me it was still a really enjoyable way to pass the afternoon.
In Get Fluffy Sparkle Abbey concentrates on the character development of one of the main recurring characters, Disgraced Texas beauty queen Melinda Langston, and I feel that this was a great idea, for when you are a bit thin on plot all you have left are the characters.
Mel, like her cousin Caro who was the leading character in the first book, bites off a bit more she can chew and heads out to solve the crime independent of the police. This leads to all kinds of complications but also some pretty witty dialogue and plenty of character insights that keep the plot moving along at a fast rate.
Let me emphasis this book is not for those after a scintillating crime thriller, this book is ideal for someone after a chuckle and an easy read and though I didn’t like Melinda as much as I did Caro, for me it was still a really enjoyable way to pass the afternoon.
December 19, 2017
Caro cousin Melinda is featured in the installment. Melinda runs a upscale pet supply store where it seems that the elite go to shop for their pets. Melinda and Mona don't have a great relationship. So when her dog Fluffy is dropped off at the pet boutique by Mona's ex-husband she is surprised. The surprise turns to frustration when Mona doesn't come to claim her furry kid. When Melinda takes Fluffy home they discover that someone has been there ahead of them and murdered Mona. Melinda can't help but get involved in the investigation. There is also the underlying feud over the broach between the two cousins.
Love the title and the alternating protagonists.
Love the title and the alternating protagonists.
September 13, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I read the first one and find it interesting how this series is going to alternate between two main characters. The first book focused on Caro Lamont, this one focuses on Melinda Langston Caro's cousin. In the background of both books is the other cousin and their quest to keep stealing their dead Grandmother's broach, while the main cousin works on solving a mystery. I liked Melinda and her friends and I enjoyed the mystery. I look forward to reading more of the books, but I hope that at some point the cousins actually interact because I think that would be very entertaining.
May 20, 2024
As a writer I’m normally not a stickler for editing- because i don’t do a great job editing myself. Usually if I notice I can shrug it off but there were enough that I got stuck on a couple and even I want the authors to be aware of them. This is the second of a series, and I enjoyed the first. Both are delightful quick reads with enough questions to make you keep reading. That said, I pinned this one from the start. Still a cute book and a cute read, and I’ll probably read the 3rd one too.
March 3, 2021
Its like the Hatfields and Mccoys
The second book in this series comes from Mel, Caro's cousin who is also their granny's favorite and deserving of the broach. Mel gets involved in the murder of one of the citizens on her town and ends up with a snooty Afghan hound. As is her cousin she is in the middle of the investigation. What happens.will shock you but its worth it. Can't wait to start the next book in the series.
The second book in this series comes from Mel, Caro's cousin who is also their granny's favorite and deserving of the broach. Mel gets involved in the murder of one of the citizens on her town and ends up with a snooty Afghan hound. As is her cousin she is in the middle of the investigation. What happens.will shock you but its worth it. Can't wait to start the next book in the series.
September 28, 2017
This is such a silly cozy mystery series, but I love it anyway. The war over the brooch is funny too. I also enjoy the narrator for this series.
July 19, 2019
Entertaining quick read
August 25, 2019
Nice light story, although I prefered Caro as main character and also I'm not sure why Mel doesn't like Fluffy so much if she supposedly loves animals?
April 16, 2020
Cute
Funny characters, solid mystery, and fun plot make this an enjoyable read. Will have to check out the entire series.
Funny characters, solid mystery, and fun plot make this an enjoyable read. Will have to check out the entire series.
September 6, 2021
Another cozy mystery with some over the top characters and dogs. My idea of light fluff to read every few months.
December 31, 2022
It grabbed me from the beginning. I loved it. Great mystery and great series.
August 8, 2023
This is a fun series and I'm now on the search for book #3.
March 12, 2025
Enjoyable cozy mystery.
May 10, 2025
a star dog is trying to get murdered. it's collar is diamonds and it has a trust that's worth a lot. it. it is a fun read
December 17, 2025
I listened to this one and enjoyed it--pure "fluff," but fun.
September 9, 2015
Get Fluffy
Sparkle Abbey
Book Summary: In DESPERATE HOUSEDOGS, pet therapist Caro finds her client (the human one) dead. What did his two German Shepherds witness and how can Caro track down the killer? In GET FLUFFY, Caro's cousin, Melinda, the owner of a fancy pet boutique and spa, feuds with one of the snarkiest divas in town: Mona, whose pampered pup lives the life of a canine princess. When Mona is found dead, Mel is a prime suspect. Can she clear her name or will her career go to the dogs? Book 3: Kitty Kitty Bang Bang. "A mystery worth barking about." - Linda O. Johnson, author of THE MORE THE TERRIER, Berkley Prime Crime Yes, Melinda was feuding with the queen of Laguna Beach dog-loving divas, Mona. But Mel never expected Mona to end up dead. I stumbled through the doorway into a mini-palace fit for a movie star. Fluffy's palace. A white sheepskin rug in front of her personal fireplace, a king-sized sleigh bed and a dressing screen (why a dog needed a dressing screen was beyond me). Fresh, filtered water dripped into her Wedgewood doggie bowl. It was also a disaster. Fluffy's wardrobe was strewn throughout the room, draped precariously on the bed, and hanging out of open drawers. While Mona had an obscene amount of photos, Fluffy had her own slew of trophies and ribbons. All of them haphazardly tossed about. The room looked like it had been ransacked.Fluffy disappeared behind the disheveled bed. Her tail stopped wagging and she whined softly. Mona was sprawled on the floor as if posing for a men's magazine. It was almost picture-perfect, except for the blood matting her five-hundred-dollar haircut and the gold statue stuck in her head. I hesitantly moved closer. Fluffy nuzzled Mona's cheek. When she didn't move, Fluffy pawed her shoulder, still whining. "I don't think she's getting up, girl," I said softly. Mona was deader than a stuffed poodle.
Review: When I first started reading this book (these books) I struggled to get into them. Than like a lighting bolt I was into it. I had the same thing happen during the second book. Now I NEED TO READ all of the them!!!! The language is salty at times. They are rather tame in comparison to most mainstream mysteries and the stories are just fantastic!! The Laguna Beach lifestyle is not for me, however it is fun to read about the people. The pampered pet & dog children is a bit over the top and yet it is funny. I love my pets but do not take them everywhere. The characters are rich in personality and the authors show repeatedly not to judge a book by it’s cover when it comes to preconceived ideas about who people are. The background on the characters is the best. I love that now (not when I started mind you) that the stories go from Caro to Mel and back again. That keeps things fresh and fun. Especially Grandma’s broach. All around the mystery is not the only exciting thing in these books.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Bell Bridge Books or allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.
Sparkle Abbey
Book Summary: In DESPERATE HOUSEDOGS, pet therapist Caro finds her client (the human one) dead. What did his two German Shepherds witness and how can Caro track down the killer? In GET FLUFFY, Caro's cousin, Melinda, the owner of a fancy pet boutique and spa, feuds with one of the snarkiest divas in town: Mona, whose pampered pup lives the life of a canine princess. When Mona is found dead, Mel is a prime suspect. Can she clear her name or will her career go to the dogs? Book 3: Kitty Kitty Bang Bang. "A mystery worth barking about." - Linda O. Johnson, author of THE MORE THE TERRIER, Berkley Prime Crime Yes, Melinda was feuding with the queen of Laguna Beach dog-loving divas, Mona. But Mel never expected Mona to end up dead. I stumbled through the doorway into a mini-palace fit for a movie star. Fluffy's palace. A white sheepskin rug in front of her personal fireplace, a king-sized sleigh bed and a dressing screen (why a dog needed a dressing screen was beyond me). Fresh, filtered water dripped into her Wedgewood doggie bowl. It was also a disaster. Fluffy's wardrobe was strewn throughout the room, draped precariously on the bed, and hanging out of open drawers. While Mona had an obscene amount of photos, Fluffy had her own slew of trophies and ribbons. All of them haphazardly tossed about. The room looked like it had been ransacked.Fluffy disappeared behind the disheveled bed. Her tail stopped wagging and she whined softly. Mona was sprawled on the floor as if posing for a men's magazine. It was almost picture-perfect, except for the blood matting her five-hundred-dollar haircut and the gold statue stuck in her head. I hesitantly moved closer. Fluffy nuzzled Mona's cheek. When she didn't move, Fluffy pawed her shoulder, still whining. "I don't think she's getting up, girl," I said softly. Mona was deader than a stuffed poodle.
Review: When I first started reading this book (these books) I struggled to get into them. Than like a lighting bolt I was into it. I had the same thing happen during the second book. Now I NEED TO READ all of the them!!!! The language is salty at times. They are rather tame in comparison to most mainstream mysteries and the stories are just fantastic!! The Laguna Beach lifestyle is not for me, however it is fun to read about the people. The pampered pet & dog children is a bit over the top and yet it is funny. I love my pets but do not take them everywhere. The characters are rich in personality and the authors show repeatedly not to judge a book by it’s cover when it comes to preconceived ideas about who people are. The background on the characters is the best. I love that now (not when I started mind you) that the stories go from Caro to Mel and back again. That keeps things fresh and fun. Especially Grandma’s broach. All around the mystery is not the only exciting thing in these books.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Bell Bridge Books or allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.
April 18, 2012
Review Get Fluffy by Sparkle Abbey
4 STARS
Get Fluffy is the second bookin the PAMPERED PETS MYSTERIES books.
Its funny and takes off right after the first one Desperate Housedogs ends.
The setting for these stories is around the rich stars and their very pampered dogs.
Melinda is the main character of Get Fluffy and her cousin is main character of Desperate Housedogs. One gag that makes me laugh is the feud the two cousins are having about a jewel fruit basket pin that is worth a lot but ugly. Thier grandmother in her will left it to her favorite grandaughter. So they both think its thiers and are breaking into each others houses or business and stealing it back and than wearing it in public.
Melinda gets in a big fight with two different society women at the big fundraising ball that Carol had helped plan in Desperate Housedogs. In fact Melinda through tea on one of them.
Next day Melinda's business Bow Wow was busy with everyone wanting to gossip about the fight and buy what other society pets had that they don't have when Mona comes in her business and threatens to sue if Melinda does not apoligize.
Mona is a rich mean lady who pampered dog actually is a actor who has won an emmy. Mona and her ex-husband Cliff share the dog so sometimes they just drop dog off at her business. Which Cliff did and Mona won't pick up the phone to come and get her dog. Finally she takes the dog home and finds the house unlocked and in Fluffy room is Mona who was murdered.
So Melinda calls cops and her boyfriend who is undercover FBI. Malone is the homicide detective who in Desperate Housedog was always upset with Carol trying to solve the murder. In fact did. He warns Melinda not to be like her cousin and interfer with his case.
When her bestfriend is prime suspect Melinda thiniks well Carol figured out and saved her friend so she will too.
Both mysteries are funny and keep you guessing about who the murders are till the end can not wait till the next book is out. I was given the ebooks to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley.
03/31/2012 PUB Bell Bridge Books
4 STARS
Get Fluffy is the second bookin the PAMPERED PETS MYSTERIES books.
Its funny and takes off right after the first one Desperate Housedogs ends.
The setting for these stories is around the rich stars and their very pampered dogs.
Melinda is the main character of Get Fluffy and her cousin is main character of Desperate Housedogs. One gag that makes me laugh is the feud the two cousins are having about a jewel fruit basket pin that is worth a lot but ugly. Thier grandmother in her will left it to her favorite grandaughter. So they both think its thiers and are breaking into each others houses or business and stealing it back and than wearing it in public.
Melinda gets in a big fight with two different society women at the big fundraising ball that Carol had helped plan in Desperate Housedogs. In fact Melinda through tea on one of them.
Next day Melinda's business Bow Wow was busy with everyone wanting to gossip about the fight and buy what other society pets had that they don't have when Mona comes in her business and threatens to sue if Melinda does not apoligize.
Mona is a rich mean lady who pampered dog actually is a actor who has won an emmy. Mona and her ex-husband Cliff share the dog so sometimes they just drop dog off at her business. Which Cliff did and Mona won't pick up the phone to come and get her dog. Finally she takes the dog home and finds the house unlocked and in Fluffy room is Mona who was murdered.
So Melinda calls cops and her boyfriend who is undercover FBI. Malone is the homicide detective who in Desperate Housedog was always upset with Carol trying to solve the murder. In fact did. He warns Melinda not to be like her cousin and interfer with his case.
When her bestfriend is prime suspect Melinda thiniks well Carol figured out and saved her friend so she will too.
Both mysteries are funny and keep you guessing about who the murders are till the end can not wait till the next book is out. I was given the ebooks to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley.
03/31/2012 PUB Bell Bridge Books
September 19, 2012
In the second Pampered Pets Mystery, Melinda Langston, owner of a posh doggie boutique in Laguna Beach, California, for those folks with very pampered pooches and too much money on their hands, finds the dead body of a woman a lot of people disliked. Unfortunately, Mel is on that long list of potential suspects and, to make matters worse, the victim has left custody of Fluffy, her Emmy-winning Afghan Hound, to Mel. Fluffy is worth a fortune in her own right and is accustomed to star treatment, such as chauffered drives around town.
Mel has also been accused of having fleas in her shop and, to top things off, she’s embroiled in a grab-it-and-run feud with her cousin, Caro Lamont, over a garish brooch they’re both determined to possess. These two ladies are former beauty pageant queens with Texas society backgrounds and neither can ignore her upbringing even while engaging in breaking and entering with a spot of burglary.
Detective Judd Malone is back but the romantic interest here is Mel’s long-suffering fiance, undercover FBI agent, Grey Donovan. Determined to prevent her good friend from being arrested, she sets out to do her own snooping and soon finds herself in a world of trouble.
Much like the first book in the series, Get Fluffy is amusing and entertaining but there are problems. The authors’ lack of knowledge about Southerners and Texas continues and there is an irritating overabundance of designer namedropping. In addition, there are a multitude of construction errors in the electronic format with grammar and spelling as well as misplaced and incorrect words but it’s possible that a later edition has been corrected. Despite these shortcomings, I enjoyed this nudge at the Real Housewives of Orange County lifestyle and am looking forward to the third book, Kitty Kitty Bang Bang.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, September 2012.
Mel has also been accused of having fleas in her shop and, to top things off, she’s embroiled in a grab-it-and-run feud with her cousin, Caro Lamont, over a garish brooch they’re both determined to possess. These two ladies are former beauty pageant queens with Texas society backgrounds and neither can ignore her upbringing even while engaging in breaking and entering with a spot of burglary.
Detective Judd Malone is back but the romantic interest here is Mel’s long-suffering fiance, undercover FBI agent, Grey Donovan. Determined to prevent her good friend from being arrested, she sets out to do her own snooping and soon finds herself in a world of trouble.
Much like the first book in the series, Get Fluffy is amusing and entertaining but there are problems. The authors’ lack of knowledge about Southerners and Texas continues and there is an irritating overabundance of designer namedropping. In addition, there are a multitude of construction errors in the electronic format with grammar and spelling as well as misplaced and incorrect words but it’s possible that a later edition has been corrected. Despite these shortcomings, I enjoyed this nudge at the Real Housewives of Orange County lifestyle and am looking forward to the third book, Kitty Kitty Bang Bang.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, September 2012.
June 4, 2012
This is the follow-up story to Desperate Housedogs. While I didn't like this book as much as the first, it was still a fun and fast read.
In this book, Melinda Langston (rather than her frenemy-cousin), a pet boutique owner, is the first-person character. While Caroline was my favorite of the two, I honestly can't tell if it's just because I read her story first. I think this is a really refreshing take on a mystery series having different but related characters in the series. It takes care of some of the "Jessica Fletcher" incredulity many cozies stretch to the limit.
Mel isn't having a good start in this novel. Though she's got the broach that's in the center of her contentious relationship with her cousin, she also gets into a very loud, very public argument with Mona Michaels, a woman who spends a lot of money on her pampered pooch (a star) at Mel's boutique, but tends to be... well... a rather crude word for a female dog.
Of course, Mona would be the person who then ends up dead. Luckily, (since this is a good mystery) Mel is only one in a cast of, well, not quite dozens, but more than a few people who might have wanted to kill Mona, including an ex-husband and even her "best" friend.
Not as good as the first one (that was just too much fun) but still a very good book. I can't wait until the next one comes out (and which cousin was really Granny's "favorite").
In this book, Melinda Langston (rather than her frenemy-cousin), a pet boutique owner, is the first-person character. While Caroline was my favorite of the two, I honestly can't tell if it's just because I read her story first. I think this is a really refreshing take on a mystery series having different but related characters in the series. It takes care of some of the "Jessica Fletcher" incredulity many cozies stretch to the limit.
Mel isn't having a good start in this novel. Though she's got the broach that's in the center of her contentious relationship with her cousin, she also gets into a very loud, very public argument with Mona Michaels, a woman who spends a lot of money on her pampered pooch (a star) at Mel's boutique, but tends to be... well... a rather crude word for a female dog.
Of course, Mona would be the person who then ends up dead. Luckily, (since this is a good mystery) Mel is only one in a cast of, well, not quite dozens, but more than a few people who might have wanted to kill Mona, including an ex-husband and even her "best" friend.
Not as good as the first one (that was just too much fun) but still a very good book. I can't wait until the next one comes out (and which cousin was really Granny's "favorite").
June 18, 2013
Want a amatuer mystery and cute dogs bundled into a quick, fun read? Get Fluffy, book two in the Pampered Pets series offers it all! This is exactly the summer beach read I am always looking to find!
Mel and her lovable bulldog Missy seem to always find themselves getting into trouble. Mel has quickfire southern temper and has not problem pushing back or speaking her mind which lands her straight in the middle of a murder investigation; first as a suspect from her public spats with the victim Mona and than into an amateur investigation to clear her best friend's name. Mona was hardly liked by anyone, least of all Mel. However, with Mona's death, Mel finds herself the new guardian of Mona's prized dog Fluffy. While juggling her new fur baby and on-again relationship with Grey, Mel uncovers a plethora of secrets from the rich and glamorous. While the evidence continues to stack up against her best friend Darby, Mel's quick tongue and go get 'em attitude eventual lead her to the real killer.
I absolutely love this series and this was a strong follow-up to the first book. I enjoy the different perspectives and that two authors are writing the series. The books have been quick reads, and I've been sad when they end as I have so much fun following the action. Everything follows and there are no holes or any questions about characters or their role! I truly recommend both books as you will not be disappointed!
Mel and her lovable bulldog Missy seem to always find themselves getting into trouble. Mel has quickfire southern temper and has not problem pushing back or speaking her mind which lands her straight in the middle of a murder investigation; first as a suspect from her public spats with the victim Mona and than into an amateur investigation to clear her best friend's name. Mona was hardly liked by anyone, least of all Mel. However, with Mona's death, Mel finds herself the new guardian of Mona's prized dog Fluffy. While juggling her new fur baby and on-again relationship with Grey, Mel uncovers a plethora of secrets from the rich and glamorous. While the evidence continues to stack up against her best friend Darby, Mel's quick tongue and go get 'em attitude eventual lead her to the real killer.
I absolutely love this series and this was a strong follow-up to the first book. I enjoy the different perspectives and that two authors are writing the series. The books have been quick reads, and I've been sad when they end as I have so much fun following the action. Everything follows and there are no holes or any questions about characters or their role! I truly recommend both books as you will not be disappointed!
April 11, 2012
This is the second of the "Pampered Pets" mystery series from the "Sparkle Abbey" team of Mary Lee Woods and Anita Carter. This one features Caro Lamont's cousin, Mel Langston, as the pet-oriented businesswoman who gets caught up in a murder investigation.
Mel is the owner of Bow Wow Boutique, is clashing with one of her customers, Mona Michaels, owner of the canine daytime tv star, Fluffy. Despite their differences, Mona finds it convenient to use Mel's shop as the exchange point when her ex, Craig, has his visitation with Fluffy. So when Mona drops off Fluffy and leaves, Mel assumes that Craig will be along before closing time. He isn't, and when Mel finally closes up, she heads off to Mona's house to return her dog.
She finds the door unlocked, and Mona dead from a blow to the head--with Fluffy's daytime Emmy.
In no time at all, Mel is juggling Fluffy, her own bulldog, her on-again, off-again fiance, the same homicide detective who enlivened Caro's life in the previous book, the unexpected arrival of her brother, and the mystery of why Mona's will names her as Fluffy's guardian.
Oh, and the little detail of who killed Mona, and is now after Mel and other inconvenient people.
This is another light, funny mystery, great summer reading.
I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
Mel is the owner of Bow Wow Boutique, is clashing with one of her customers, Mona Michaels, owner of the canine daytime tv star, Fluffy. Despite their differences, Mona finds it convenient to use Mel's shop as the exchange point when her ex, Craig, has his visitation with Fluffy. So when Mona drops off Fluffy and leaves, Mel assumes that Craig will be along before closing time. He isn't, and when Mel finally closes up, she heads off to Mona's house to return her dog.
She finds the door unlocked, and Mona dead from a blow to the head--with Fluffy's daytime Emmy.
In no time at all, Mel is juggling Fluffy, her own bulldog, her on-again, off-again fiance, the same homicide detective who enlivened Caro's life in the previous book, the unexpected arrival of her brother, and the mystery of why Mona's will names her as Fluffy's guardian.
Oh, and the little detail of who killed Mona, and is now after Mel and other inconvenient people.
This is another light, funny mystery, great summer reading.
I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
Read
August 3, 2016“A mystery worth barking about.” – Linda O. Johnson, author of THE MORE THE TERRIER, Berkley Prime Crime Disgraced Texas beauty queen, Melinda (Mel) Langston, owns Laguna Beach’s Bow Wow Boutique. Mona Michaels, Mel’s most despised client, owns a star dog, Fluffy, who's worth millions. When Mona is found whacked in the head with Fluffy’s Daytime Emmy, everyone wants Fluffy. And someone won't stop at murder to get the pooch. Secrets. Blackmail. Mel tackles the case like a dog with a bone. But can she dig up the truth before the killer buries her? I stumbled through the doorway into a mini-palace fit for a movie star. Fluffy’s palace. A white sheepskin rug in front of her personal fireplace, a king-sized sleigh bed and a dressing screen (why a dog needed a dressing screen was beyond me). Fresh, filtered water dripped into her Wedgewood doggie bowl.The room looked like it had been ransacked.Mona was sprawled on the floor as if posing for a men’s magazine. It was almost picture-perfect, except for the blood matting her five-hundred-dollar haircut and the gold statue stuck in her head. I hesitantly moved closer. Fluffy nuzzled Mona’s cheek. When she didn’t move, Fluffy pawed her shoulder, still whining. “I don’t think she’s getting up, girl,” I said softly.Mona was deader than a stuffed poodle. Sparkle Abbey is the writing team of Anita Carter and Mary Lee Woods.
April 14, 2012
Melinda was feuding with Caro, her cousin over grandma Tillie's brooch. That was a given. It should be hers! After all Grandma Tillie had left it to "her favorite granddaughter" and that was HER! Caro was mistaken in her belief that SHE was the "Favorite" one.
Mel was also feuding with Mona, the queen of Laguna Beaches dog loving divas. Caro didn't end up dead, but Mona did!
The annual Fur Ball, fundraiser for the animal shelter was the top of the social calendar for the doggie set. Mel as owner of the local upscale doggie boutique "Bow Wow" had to be there as well as all of the local doggie set. Even Gray, her undercover FBI fiancé was there. Tova Randall started the fight over of all things fleas! Then Mona had to insult my mama! Well things went downhill from there and Mel finds herself embroiled in the investigation of Mona's murder and in possession of Mona's spoiled afghan hound Fluffy as well. Blackmail, secrets, oh yeah, this story has them all. Somehow Mel finds herself in the middle of it all. Much to the displeasure of her fiancé Gray, and detective Judd Malone. Follow along and see where it all leads.
More funny, suspenseful fun from Sparkle Abby!
Mel was also feuding with Mona, the queen of Laguna Beaches dog loving divas. Caro didn't end up dead, but Mona did!
The annual Fur Ball, fundraiser for the animal shelter was the top of the social calendar for the doggie set. Mel as owner of the local upscale doggie boutique "Bow Wow" had to be there as well as all of the local doggie set. Even Gray, her undercover FBI fiancé was there. Tova Randall started the fight over of all things fleas! Then Mona had to insult my mama! Well things went downhill from there and Mel finds herself embroiled in the investigation of Mona's murder and in possession of Mona's spoiled afghan hound Fluffy as well. Blackmail, secrets, oh yeah, this story has them all. Somehow Mel finds herself in the middle of it all. Much to the displeasure of her fiancé Gray, and detective Judd Malone. Follow along and see where it all leads.
More funny, suspenseful fun from Sparkle Abby!
November 20, 2012
This is the second book in the Pampered Pet Mystery Series. It's in the point of view of Mel the cousin to Caro from the first book. The author is Sparkle Abbey a dynamic duo from Des Moines Iowa. This author coloboration is unlike any other you'll find. One authors writes the odd numbered books and the other writes the even numbered books. There voices are so similar it is hard to tell them apart. The setting is Laguna Beach, CA where they have more registered dogs than kids. The community is a unigue mix of the wealthy, artistic and surfers. The authors really capture this lovely community. Mel is much edgier than her cousin Caro and doesn't take junk from anyone. She has a run in with a high brow Laguna Beach socialite named Mona who later shows show up dead. Mel is a suspect but must find out "who did it" to protect another. The mystery quickly moves you through the pages and the characters keep you interested. The book was well written and it was a real joy to read. If you like a fun, quick cozy mystery with well rounded characters then this is the series for you. I here they have book three due our soon and I'll be in line or online to snatch it up.
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