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Lia Anderson Dog Park Mysteries #2
Drool Baby
Artist Lia Anderson is emerging from the trauma of the previous months with a new boyfriend, a new patron with an exciting project, and a new therapist to help her sort everything out. Life at the Mt. Airy Dog Park is returning to normal, and that suits Lia just fine. Then a message delivered by a stranger changes everything, starting her down a path that will ultimately have her fighting for her life.
(about 75,000 words)
(about 75,000 words)
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2012
94 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
C.A. Newsome
14 books107 followersC. A. (Carol Ann) Newsome writes the Lia Anderson Dog Park Mysteries, a series of fun, romantic suspense/mystery novels which are inspired by and centered around her mornings at the Mount Airy Dog Park with her trio of rescues (rowdy hooligans).
A life-long lover of fiction, Carol turned to books and audiobooks during her decade-long recovery from a head injury that occurred when she and her bike were struck by a car. Years of immersing herself in popular fiction lead to imagining the book she wanted to read, and wondering if she could actually write it.
She is also an artist with an M.F.A. from the University of Cincinnati. You'll see portraits of some of her favorite four-footed friends on the covers of her books. She enjoys creating community-based public artworks. As an artist, she is best known for her New Leaf Global Good-Will Guerrilla Art Project.
Her other interests include astrology, raw food and all forms of psychic phenomena. She likes to sing to her dogs. The dogs are the only ones who like to listen.
A life-long lover of fiction, Carol turned to books and audiobooks during her decade-long recovery from a head injury that occurred when she and her bike were struck by a car. Years of immersing herself in popular fiction lead to imagining the book she wanted to read, and wondering if she could actually write it.
She is also an artist with an M.F.A. from the University of Cincinnati. You'll see portraits of some of her favorite four-footed friends on the covers of her books. She enjoys creating community-based public artworks. As an artist, she is best known for her New Leaf Global Good-Will Guerrilla Art Project.
Her other interests include astrology, raw food and all forms of psychic phenomena. She likes to sing to her dogs. The dogs are the only ones who like to listen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
August 17, 2016
Lia Anderson and her two dogs, Chewy and Honey were once again at the Mt. Airy Dog Park – the trauma and tragedy of the past few months had left Lia feeling fragile, but she was determined to get back to her life. Her therapist was helping her through it all, and her suggestions to counteract the panic were working.
Detective Peter Dourson was also helping – his blending with her friends at the dog park and his concern for Lia were touching. She still felt unable to commit to anything though – luckily Peter was a patient man. But when Jim was approached by a stranger with some unsettling news, Peter was torn. He knew he’d be unable to approach his department – there wasn’t enough evidence – but he also didn’t feel right having both Jim and Lia investigate with him.
As the covert investigation proceeded, the danger intensified – two more deaths had Peter completely on edge. But this killer was meticulous as well as devious. Could they find the evidence needed to bring in the big guns? Or would it be too late for the next person on the kill-list?
Drool Baby by C.A. Newsome is the second in the Dog Park Mystery series after A Shot in the Bark: A Dog Park Mystery, and it was great! Mystery, suspense and intrigue rippled throughout with the character’s canine companions keeping the entertainment light and fun. I’m already looking forward to the next in the series, Maximum Security: A Dog Park Mystery. Highly recommended.
Detective Peter Dourson was also helping – his blending with her friends at the dog park and his concern for Lia were touching. She still felt unable to commit to anything though – luckily Peter was a patient man. But when Jim was approached by a stranger with some unsettling news, Peter was torn. He knew he’d be unable to approach his department – there wasn’t enough evidence – but he also didn’t feel right having both Jim and Lia investigate with him.
As the covert investigation proceeded, the danger intensified – two more deaths had Peter completely on edge. But this killer was meticulous as well as devious. Could they find the evidence needed to bring in the big guns? Or would it be too late for the next person on the kill-list?
Drool Baby by C.A. Newsome is the second in the Dog Park Mystery series after A Shot in the Bark: A Dog Park Mystery, and it was great! Mystery, suspense and intrigue rippled throughout with the character’s canine companions keeping the entertainment light and fun. I’m already looking forward to the next in the series, Maximum Security: A Dog Park Mystery. Highly recommended.
September 17, 2015
REVIEW: DROOL BABY by C. A. Newsome
[Dog Park Mysteries #2]
This is a very absorbing series--makes me want to read consecutively (smile). I would read it just for the dogs, but the good writing, engrossing plotting, and empathetic characters (even the unpleasant and nasty are well-rounded) add to the enjoyment. I'd like to see the series go on and on.
The mystery continues from the first book, A SHOT IN THE BARK. All these deaths, accidental and one murder--a random chaos or the pattern of a deranged mind? At the end of the first, I had my candidate for villain, but throughout this one I wasn't sure if that character was "it" or one other was, which neatly tuned up the suspense level for me. I also appreciated the author's allowing us insight into the mind of the villain. That really improved the story, for me.
[Dog Park Mysteries #2]
This is a very absorbing series--makes me want to read consecutively (smile). I would read it just for the dogs, but the good writing, engrossing plotting, and empathetic characters (even the unpleasant and nasty are well-rounded) add to the enjoyment. I'd like to see the series go on and on.
The mystery continues from the first book, A SHOT IN THE BARK. All these deaths, accidental and one murder--a random chaos or the pattern of a deranged mind? At the end of the first, I had my candidate for villain, but throughout this one I wasn't sure if that character was "it" or one other was, which neatly tuned up the suspense level for me. I also appreciated the author's allowing us insight into the mind of the villain. That really improved the story, for me.
January 8, 2021
I am honestly surprised about how strongly I feel about the Lia Anderson series. The incredibly diverse cast of characters is really interesting to me, and I love the idea of the dog park crowd.
This is the first cozy mystery sequel I've read where the mystery, and not just the romance, continues onto the next book. At the same time, it doesn't work as a thriller, and it is especially interesting because the case is closed, and the amateur and professional detectives are all working off the record.
On top of that, all of the characters are incredibly interesting, and they all work together as a cast. The mystery is made more engaging because of the community in which all the characters are connected. My suspicions throughout the two books were pretty consistent, but there were certain aspects that made me question everything throughout. I love a story that can do this.
It's not every day that I find a cozy mystery I am this in love with. It's the characters, the dogs, the setting, and everything else. I'm hoping that the next book will be as good, with the mystery solved, but I think I'll wait a bit until buying it. It's really good writing, though.
This is the first cozy mystery sequel I've read where the mystery, and not just the romance, continues onto the next book. At the same time, it doesn't work as a thriller, and it is especially interesting because the case is closed, and the amateur and professional detectives are all working off the record.
On top of that, all of the characters are incredibly interesting, and they all work together as a cast. The mystery is made more engaging because of the community in which all the characters are connected. My suspicions throughout the two books were pretty consistent, but there were certain aspects that made me question everything throughout. I love a story that can do this.
It's not every day that I find a cozy mystery I am this in love with. It's the characters, the dogs, the setting, and everything else. I'm hoping that the next book will be as good, with the mystery solved, but I think I'll wait a bit until buying it. It's really good writing, though.
March 29, 2013
After reading A SHOT IN THE BARK, I was happy to find this sequel. The author was great at continuing the suspenseful story that she began in her first book.
June 18, 2017
I read the first book, A SHOT IN THE DARK in 2015. I meant to read the second book and actually brought it. I didn't get around to read it until this week. I would suggest reading the first before it. The story continues about the residents frequenting the Dog Park and their dogs. The serial killer has not been caught and more close friends of Lia are being killed Lia's boyfriend Peter moved in with her and James join them As A search of Lia's friend is done. They are joined with a computer hacker. The group must find out which friend is the serial killer before she decides to add Lia. I recommend this book
April 17, 2014
Eventually, the main characters of "Drool Baby" come to realize what readers of the previous book, "A Shot in the Bark," knew at the end of the story, that the serial killer targeting the regulars of a Cincinnati dog park is still alive and killing. When Lia Anderson and her friend Jim begin to investigate the matter, they are warned by Peter, Lia's boyfriend and a Cincinnati police detective, "The killer will be someone you know and like." And, of course, he is correct, for such is the nature of the psychopath next door, a cultural motif that appears nowadays to be more of an uncomfortable truth than a urban myth.
In "Drool Baby," we pick up where we left off in the previous volume, with the killer fondly remembering her last kill, and speculating about future ones. Of course, these murderous interludes, set off from the ongoing narrative though the use of italics and a shift to a first-person POV, are unknown to the covert investigators--Jim and Lia keep their queries covert so as not to be targeted by the unknown enemy while Peter must keep it all "off the clock" because the prior murders have all been officially closed; while there are clues aplenty in the killer's musings they do not help the reader much, so adroit is the author at misdirection, ambiguity and the planting of those all-important red herrings.
The portrayals of the characters are not quite as sharp as they were in the first book, but for those who are following forward they don't have to be--we already know who they are (or think we do in one case) and have mental pictures; for those who are not following forward, the characters in the background are still sharp enough, and the ones in the foreground more so, but you still might want to get the first book before delving into the second, so sequentially dependent are they. In one case, however, the portrayal of one character, the unknown killer, is even more vivid than in the previous book, and that is through the frequent delvings into her "murder book," as it might be termed.
Though the identity is not revealed (that happens in the course of the regular narrative toward the end) you feel that you know this person intimately, know the reasons she does what she does, even if you do not understand them. In addition to a crackerjack mystery (with a little bit of romance, but not so much that I couldn't overlook it) the author has given us a glimpse into the reptilian mind of a psychotic killer who is quickly devolving, spiraling more and more out of control, but who is so self-absorbed, self-deluded and self-justified that she has no idea just how out of control she is.
In addition to the crisply drawn characters, the tightly plotted action, and nicely veiled mystery, the author has given animal lovers a keen set of canine characters integral to the plot (though less in the foreground than in the first book) and a vivid slice of Cincinnati life in the form of local landmarks and cultural vagaries. So, if you enjoy well-written mysteries with realistic characters, sustained suspense, procedural investigations by impassioned amateur sleuths, well-researched psychological profiling, a sense of place, and dogs, then "Drool Baby" is for you...but do start at the beginning of the series for maximum enjoyment and suspense.
In "Drool Baby," we pick up where we left off in the previous volume, with the killer fondly remembering her last kill, and speculating about future ones. Of course, these murderous interludes, set off from the ongoing narrative though the use of italics and a shift to a first-person POV, are unknown to the covert investigators--Jim and Lia keep their queries covert so as not to be targeted by the unknown enemy while Peter must keep it all "off the clock" because the prior murders have all been officially closed; while there are clues aplenty in the killer's musings they do not help the reader much, so adroit is the author at misdirection, ambiguity and the planting of those all-important red herrings.
The portrayals of the characters are not quite as sharp as they were in the first book, but for those who are following forward they don't have to be--we already know who they are (or think we do in one case) and have mental pictures; for those who are not following forward, the characters in the background are still sharp enough, and the ones in the foreground more so, but you still might want to get the first book before delving into the second, so sequentially dependent are they. In one case, however, the portrayal of one character, the unknown killer, is even more vivid than in the previous book, and that is through the frequent delvings into her "murder book," as it might be termed.
Though the identity is not revealed (that happens in the course of the regular narrative toward the end) you feel that you know this person intimately, know the reasons she does what she does, even if you do not understand them. In addition to a crackerjack mystery (with a little bit of romance, but not so much that I couldn't overlook it) the author has given us a glimpse into the reptilian mind of a psychotic killer who is quickly devolving, spiraling more and more out of control, but who is so self-absorbed, self-deluded and self-justified that she has no idea just how out of control she is.
In addition to the crisply drawn characters, the tightly plotted action, and nicely veiled mystery, the author has given animal lovers a keen set of canine characters integral to the plot (though less in the foreground than in the first book) and a vivid slice of Cincinnati life in the form of local landmarks and cultural vagaries. So, if you enjoy well-written mysteries with realistic characters, sustained suspense, procedural investigations by impassioned amateur sleuths, well-researched psychological profiling, a sense of place, and dogs, then "Drool Baby" is for you...but do start at the beginning of the series for maximum enjoyment and suspense.
July 26, 2014
Drool Baby: A Dog Park Mystery (Lia Anderson Dog Park Mystery Book 2) by C. A. Newsome picks up where the first book (A Shot in the Bark) left off. Although this book possibly could stand alone as references are made to what happened in the first book I highly recommend you read the first book prior to reading this one. (It was so good, I don't see why you wouldn't want to!) As for those who hated the ending in book one, this book gives a true ending that is sure to please you.
It seemed like the author didn't continue to develop the characters as much as she did in the first book but at this point I am already hooked and bonded with Lia so it didn't matter. What the author did do was continue the story line, made it a light, fun, mystery (just as she did in book 1) and even added some additional twists to heighten the mystery in this book.
I won't re-cap the story as the author did write a nice description which you can read for yourself but I just love that this is still a 'fun' book. The pace of the book was good. There are a few spots where it was a little slower than the rest but over all I thought the pace was good, it never lingered in one spot very long.
Although it is a mystery, it also is about love, friendship, and even some comedy and I highly recommend this book as well as book one (A Shot in the Bark).
It seemed like the author didn't continue to develop the characters as much as she did in the first book but at this point I am already hooked and bonded with Lia so it didn't matter. What the author did do was continue the story line, made it a light, fun, mystery (just as she did in book 1) and even added some additional twists to heighten the mystery in this book.
I won't re-cap the story as the author did write a nice description which you can read for yourself but I just love that this is still a 'fun' book. The pace of the book was good. There are a few spots where it was a little slower than the rest but over all I thought the pace was good, it never lingered in one spot very long.
Although it is a mystery, it also is about love, friendship, and even some comedy and I highly recommend this book as well as book one (A Shot in the Bark).
February 15, 2019
This second story is kind of a part two of the first (A Shot in the Bark) really, and is full of so many twists it's like riding a rollercoaster! I did find Lia a bit annoying at times as she was so blase and ignoring everything that was going on, but that wasn't enough to spoil my enjoyment of the story. A fabulous conclusion to the story, either as a book or as the excellent audiobook, brilliantly narrated by Jane Boyer!
July 30, 2016
I had to read this to find out the "killer" from the first book
January 19, 2016
Loved this to great books
October 19, 2017
At the end of A Shot in the Bark, the reader is left wondering who really killed Luther and Catherine, then set up Bailey to take the fall. This sequel answers those questions.
Early in the book, readers are given a few clues to the killer's identity which helps narrow down the list of suspects. This time I was able to guess correctly about the person, but not about the motive.
I like the developing romance between Peter and Lia, and the camaraderie of the folks, and the dogs, at Mount Airy Dog Park. Now that the serial killer storyline has been wrapped up, it will be interesting to see where Ms. Newsome goes with the rest of the series.
Early in the book, readers are given a few clues to the killer's identity which helps narrow down the list of suspects. This time I was able to guess correctly about the person, but not about the motive.
I like the developing romance between Peter and Lia, and the camaraderie of the folks, and the dogs, at Mount Airy Dog Park. Now that the serial killer storyline has been wrapped up, it will be interesting to see where Ms. Newsome goes with the rest of the series.
August 1, 2021
Having read the first in the series (A Shot in the Bark) and loved it I was delighted to be given this immediately afterwards. I was not disappointed, All the characters are so real and it was difficult to believe any of them fit the description of the killer. I am so glad I had read the first book as this is really just a continuation of that. For anyone who loves both dogs and mysteries this series should be a must and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series and discover what happens to Lia, Chewy, Honey and all the others who frequent the dog park.
December 29, 2016
I love mysteries that have dogs helping solve the mystery. This is book 2 in the Lia Anderson Dog Park mysteries and it's a good one. Lia has survived the killer plaguing the park in book one but soon discovers the mystery is not over. Her dogs, Chewy and Honey are getting her back to the park but she still is in therapy. Peter is still front and center lending a helping hand. A great follow up to A Shot in the Bark.
June 15, 2021
Another pupalicious cozy in the Lia Anderson Dog Park Mysteries, Drool Baby picks up right where A Shot in the Bark left off. After Lia is attacked by someone close to her she is trying to sort out her friends and her boyfriend status. When someone suggests that her first attacker may not be as guilty as thought she tightens her circle and as they try to figure out who is not safe. We get to know the dog park crew- human and furry- a little better before someone feels threatened enough to act.
April 3, 2018
Tail Wagging Good
This second book in the author's duet did a fine job of dolling out tidbits of information about the possible murderers. The true murderer was discovered and dealt in a plausible manner. The tale had just the right amount of romance and humor. My only complaint was that it was too fast a read because I couldn't put it down!
This second book in the author's duet did a fine job of dolling out tidbits of information about the possible murderers. The true murderer was discovered and dealt in a plausible manner. The tale had just the right amount of romance and humor. My only complaint was that it was too fast a read because I couldn't put it down!
July 21, 2018
I don't give 5 stars unless I really love love the book. This was a great twisted mystery. I thought I knew the who did it and then I thought no way. But in the end I was right but what a great ride to get to who was the murder. What's not to love a dog park with a group of dog lovers with very different backgrounds and interests and one of them is a killer. I am off to book 3 in this series.
February 23, 2023
The killing continues as Lia, Peter and Jim work behind the scenes to find the real killer. They have proof that someone switched Bailey's drugs to set her up and now they race to find the real killer before it's too late. Lots of twists and turns in the plot, enough to keep you on the edge of your seat.
March 14, 2017
I loved this book #2 also
The real serial killer psychopath is finally revealed. C.A. Newsome's smooth writing style keeps the story unfold without any desultoriness. I recommend it to everyone who enjoys a good read.
The real serial killer psychopath is finally revealed. C.A. Newsome's smooth writing style keeps the story unfold without any desultoriness. I recommend it to everyone who enjoys a good read.
April 5, 2020
Twists and turns even better than the first book
This author is great at telling a story. The characters become friends and the story pulls you in. Plenty of humor and scary moments too. A very enjoyable read!
This author is great at telling a story. The characters become friends and the story pulls you in. Plenty of humor and scary moments too. A very enjoyable read!
July 23, 2020
Enjoyable
I enjoyed the characters but liked the dogs better. I felt the book would have benefited for more dogs involved in the story. Lia is a bit too sweet and cutsey and everybody loves her. I don't plan to read another book in the series
I enjoyed the characters but liked the dogs better. I felt the book would have benefited for more dogs involved in the story. Lia is a bit too sweet and cutsey and everybody loves her. I don't plan to read another book in the series
October 31, 2020
This fun mystery definitely builds on the previous book, so reading them in order is a good idea. The characters have grown since the last book, but the population is still high. I thought the clues were kind of obvious. I kept wondering why Lia couldn’t see what was staring her in the face.
May 12, 2021
Murders, love story, dogs, mystery and laughs…. What more could you ask for?
The second in the series really showcased the characters in the book. It kept my attention with all of the twists and turns. I loved the sleuthing as I kept trying to figure out “ who done it “
GREAT READ!!
The second in the series really showcased the characters in the book. It kept my attention with all of the twists and turns. I loved the sleuthing as I kept trying to figure out “ who done it “
GREAT READ!!
November 29, 2021
Perhaps I should have started with book 1 (this is book 2) but I found the everyday nature of the characters meeting in a park chatting about their lives not exciting enough to keep me reading. I'm a huge dog fan so I did enjoy the loving relationship that Lia has with her dog.
August 9, 2025
The second book built on the mystery "solved" in the first book. I wasn't all that interested in the main storyline. However, I did enjoy reading about the characters enough to consider the book a worthwhile read.
May 29, 2017
OMG!! I waited so long to read this book! I finally bought it and I wasn't disappointed. I thought I had it right. Then I second guessed myself. It was so good!! Good job C.A. Newsome!!!
January 11, 2019
Loved it!!!
Had to give it a five. It was a sequel! A much better one. It explained how evil Anna's character really was. Looking forward to the next one.
Had to give it a five. It was a sequel! A much better one. It explained how evil Anna's character really was. Looking forward to the next one.
September 28, 2019
Enjoyable distraction
I liked the book very much. I read the first one and I’ll read the next one. I’m enjoying the series.
I liked the book very much. I read the first one and I’ll read the next one. I’m enjoying the series.
January 28, 2020
Second one...good as the first
Great second act book in the series. I'm hooked and will be watching for the third. Consistent characters, plot and setting.
Great second act book in the series. I'm hooked and will be watching for the third. Consistent characters, plot and setting.
February 7, 2020
This is a thoroughly enjoyable read ... nicely paced, and quirky without being too obvious (which isn't easy). Plus, how can you go wrong with dogs?
February 22, 2020
A conclusion to book one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews