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Cozy Corgi #11

Perilous Pottery

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Estes Park is fired up by a new coffee shop and pottery studio bringing chocolate espresso pastries, fierce competitive spirits, and murder ...

Winifred Page might feel apprehension as she steps into the Koffee Kiln--Carla Beaker's new charming coffee shop and pottery studio--but her corgi sidekick, Watson, welcomes the idea of a new place for snacks. With Carla's disdain for the Cozy Corgi Bookshop and Bakery, Fred fears the caffeine will come with a side of drama. What she finds is delicious chocolate espresso scones, decaf coffee ... and a dead body.

As Fred and Watson fire up their investigative savvy, they face down one of Estes Park's cold-hearted matriarchs. To solve a murder, Fred must confront her own insecurities as she navigates the tangled coils of obsessions, business deals, and betrayals.

(This culinary cozy mystery includes a recipe for a sinfully delicious chocolate espresso torte.)

1 pages, Audio CD

First published March 5, 2019

457 people are currently reading
208 people want to read

About the author

Mildred Abbott

56 books370 followers
Mildred Abbott writes twisty cozy mysteries filled with humorous and complex characters. Whether brimming with magic or simply an above average dose of curiosity, Mildred's amateur sleuths solve murders with the cutest sidekicks ever.

Fifteen years as a special education teacher and a lifetime of loving rescue dogs results in creating adventures with a ton of heart and the need for lint rollers.

Connect with Mildred Abbott’s Cozy Mysteries on Facebook to catch the latest release and find fellow addicts of books, coffee, and corgis.


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MildredAbbot...

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mildredabbott/

Email: mildredabbottauthor@gmail.com

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5 stars
505 (64%)
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210 (26%)
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66 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
Profile Image for Nola Arganbright.
1,592 reviews32 followers
July 21, 2019
Broken

Fred is thrust in the middle of several feuds in town when a resident is found murdered. There is a lot of angst and hidden secrets in this book. I think there are exciting things in the series to come!
Profile Image for Shawna Shaheen.
332 reviews23 followers
July 2, 2021
This 11th book in series. Is Fred (winifred) and Leo a Ranger are dating now. Fred knew that she always loved him but did not act on it because she was smitten with another man Branson. Carla, (Fred and Katie nemisis) ( from some of the other books in series) was reopening her Coffee shop again. Carla and Simone were partners now. Simone had pottery class there too. A woman named Violet started coming in all hours of night night and days trying to perfect her work. But her wife thought she would stop it since Violet always had different hobbies and then would quit. Valerie strangled and was positioned like a mermaid around clay. In Carla shop again a murder in Carla shop Elsie Carla mother in law was a very mean person making Carla thinks she owes Elsie so she because Carla is married to her son ( and her husband got poisoned in another book of the series in her Coffee shop last time. This is a good one. I gave it 3 stars because it wasn't as detailing of anything that always Mildred has in her books that seem cool to visit. But still Love Watson. Hopefully I can get a corgi one day. Love these dogs
Profile Image for Laura Thomas.
1,552 reviews108 followers
January 18, 2020
Some people might not like Fred, but they can’t deny she’s good at solving murders and that earns her their respect. Carla Beaker is the opposite. When Fred proposes they let bygones be bygones, Carla is having none of it. I wouldn’t blame Fred for placing Carla at the top of her suspect list when a women is found dead in her new business, the Koffee Kiln.

Fred may be trying to solve a murder and facing off with a very unpleasant suspect, but that doesn’t blind her to other possibly nefarious shenanigans occurring in Estes Park. I didn’t doubt her abilities one bit. She’s proven herself over and over. And it’s not like she has to do it alone. Many of the town’s residents are always eager to feed her some news and she has a supportive family and friends to use as a sounding board. I almost forgot to mention Watson. It’s not just tasty dog treats he’s good at sniffing out.

Every time I start a new book in this series I have my fingers and toes crossed it will be every bit as much fun as the previous books. Once again, Mildred has hit it out of the park.

I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
Profile Image for Emmalynn.
2,938 reviews29 followers
July 10, 2022
Ahh Fred and Watson are back… and so is Carla 👀 Fred and Leo are now dating to Watson’s everlasting joy. Carla has reopened her business as a coffee shop and pottery business with a new partner. One of the customers, Violet, is discovered dead encased in clay and the investigation begins. To Fred’s consternation, Susan Green wants to work WITH her and not against her😮😮 ( is this the twilight zone) During her investigation, Fred encounters Elise, MIL to Carla, the meanest definition of a MIL ever 😒😄.

For such a tranquil place, Estes Park is seeming underbelly of murrrrder and nefarious going ons. Fred is fully settled into her life and now her love in Estes Park. Fred and Leo are both working through their insecurities as they navigate their relationship.

I did like the relationship that Officer Green and Fred are developing in solving murders, Green is a great character and I love that she leaves Fred off balance 😄😄

Fred’s family as always help to round out the cast of characters and their family dinners in including Katie and now Leo, is fantastic.
Profile Image for ✰  BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰.
3,028 reviews12 followers
September 27, 2020
I've said it before and I'll say it again.

Watson is my patronus... "fluffy" and loves treats.

Another murder in Estes - note don't visit there lol - has Fred and Watson on the case.

I like the way Officer Green and Fred are now working together. I adore Fred and Leo's relationship.

I had an idea who the killer was this time but was still unsure till it was released.

Bring on the next installment.
Profile Image for Kayt18.
416 reviews
March 22, 2019
Another great read in this delightful series. I love Fred, Watson, Leo, Katie and the whole gang. The storylines are always fun and entertaining.
Profile Image for Karen (BaronessBookTrove).
1,117 reviews108 followers
May 17, 2022
Perilous Pottery by Mildred Abbott is about Fred trying to find out who killed Violet and hoping to be friends with Carla.
Is Violet's killer someone she crossed?
Winifred "Fred" Page
Yup, I'm back in Fred's life in Estes Park, Colorado. I still would love to be working at Fred's bookstore. Fred is a great character, and I love her relationship with Leo. Okay, Fred is also jealous of how Leo and others can pick up Watson without him grumbling. Fred is turning forty, and she doesn't even want to think it is possible to be turning that age right now. Fred is going up against some snobby people as she's trying to solve this murder that took her a bit longer to solve this time around. I fell for a red herring, but I also really wanted the person to be it because the red herring is rude and cruel. Either that or for her to be the victim....hmm.

Okay, all jokes aside, Fred would still be my friend in real life if she wasn't fictional, even though she finds dead bodies all the time. Plus, Watson is adorable, especially when helping Fred solve a case by letting people use him as a support animal while they grieve.
Perilous Pottery CRThe Victim and Mystery
Violet Yates is our victim. She may first seem like someone who would not harm anyone because she is an elderly lady, although things usually surface once someone dies and people start to dig into their past. Violet may seem like an innocent lady who is rich and has an obsession with certain things. At the time of her death, it was pottery. She was doing many things around town that had me thinking it was another person who could have murdered Violet.

I have to say that I liked how Officer Green handled two red herrings even though I only liked one for this particular murder. Granted, I know I fell for the red herring once again as I crossed the actual murderer off my list as it didn't seem possible that person could have done it.
Five Stars
Perilous Pottery by Mildred Abbott is a fantastic book from Ms. Abbott that had me laughing throughout the entire story. I have to say, though, that if I worked with Fred in her bookstore, I wouldn't be able to bypass all those lovely smells coming from the bakery. Working so close to a bakery all day makes me feel for Fred every time I enter one of these stories knowing that Katie has a great recipe to be featured throughout the book. I love Fred, Watson, and all their friends, especially when they are trying to help Fred solve a case.

My rating for Perilous Pottery by Mildred Abbott is five stars, and I recommend it to everyone who loves an excellent cozy culinary animal mystery story. Don't forget to look at books 1-5 and 8-10 if you want to see those reviews done by Jennifer and me. Oh, and another thing to not forget to do is look at Katie's Chocolate Espresso Torte recipe in the back of the book. Yum!


The Cozy Corgi Mystery Series

Cozy Corgi Mysteries Series
Also Available on #KindleUnlimited.



Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed these reviews of Perilous Pottery by Mildred Abbott.

Until the next time,

Karen Signature

Happy Reading!

This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

Profile Image for Kirby Manning.
39 reviews4 followers
March 15, 2019
The Series

Obviously I have found this series enjoyable. After reading all 11 of the stories what I like best is getting to know all of the characters who own businesses in the series and the neighbors, all with their personality eccentricities. I do recommend beginning with the series in order, it helps to become familiar with all the characters. In the first book the main character had moved to the small tourist tow. In Estes Colorado to begin a new phase in her life. She opened up a bookstores and added a partner who had always wanted her own bakery. Every story has added characters who have opened businesses in the town . The scenic setting, the individuals who ow. Their businesses all contribute to the stories and illustrate how connected like especially in a small town an be. This particular story has a familiar character from a previous story opening a new business that once again is a. Attempt to compete with the Cozy Corgi Bookstore and Bakery. The difference is it has added a ceramics class awhile the customers enjoyed their coffee and Bakery specializes. I known Painting and Wine classes have been formed to encourage people to try art and socializing as a fun way to encourage a the arts increase business. However there is a safety factor when combining Art materials & food. When working with clay and glazes there must be caution. Ceramics is an Art that requires a process and it takes weeks for a greens are piece to dry , then be glazed , and fired again. The idea of a kiln being in close proximity to a restaurant isn't safe. Most places, schools & Art Centers have a room outside or a well ventilated room away from the area where students work. I could see it being viable for the local residents but for tourists, it would be difficult because of the time factor. I couldn't fathom anyone being created in clay...not in one night...that takes talent. The wrong person was taking the lessons.
Eventually the difficulties of clay in combination with a cafe may be one of the reasons why Carla's new business might not be successful. It's conceivable that she and her new business partner may divide the business and she will focus on the museum which seems more suited to her talents. Art and anything to do with food isn't in her DNA.
Each story ends with several possibilities for the next story which could go in many directions. The Corgi is adorable and the Cover Art is wonderful. I look forward to the next story.
Profile Image for Victoria Smiser.
83 reviews2 followers
March 6, 2019
Hooray a new Cozy Corgi mystery is exactly what this winter needs!
One of the reasons I personally love a new Cozy Corgi mystery is to catch up with familiar characters in the Estes Park town. So many quirky personalities contribute to the small-town gossip, politics, and loyalties which make each book both unique and familiar.
Carla Beaker’s former Black Bear Roaster has now become the Koffee Kiln. A combination of cocktail coffees, coffee flavored pastries and paint your own pottery items. Additionally, several nights a week it becomes a studio to learn pottery making. Fortunately, the Koffee Kiln is utilizing a new pastry vendor and one flavor combination begins to taunt Katie.
When Fred finds a dead body covered in clay artistically displayed on the morning, she arrives to retrieve her painted dog bowl, a new mystery takes hold. Susan Green is in great form and while reminding Fred that she does not work for the police force, she does ask Fred for a little help in reaching out to some of the possible suspects.
Fred follows her own hunches and faces an extremely nasty, mean, distasteful, and antagonistic suspect reminding Fred of all her youthful insecurities. Fred also uncovers hints of possible unsavory investments going on with one of her least favorite citizens.
Throughout the investigation her low key emotional relationship with Leo is simmering AND because NO Cozy Corgi mystery is solved without his grumpy input and plenty of treats, Watson as always takes his place in everyone’s heart.
PERILOUS POTTERY does not disappoint and is one more wonderful read.
Profile Image for Debby.
38 reviews
March 4, 2019
Welcome to Estes Park, CO and the Cozy Corgi. I love returning to this series with each new book. Mildred Abbott’s version of Estes Park is making me want to make the drive back up the mountain once more. The residents in this series have become friends to us.

In this book, one of the residents, Carla from the Black Bear coffee shop, is re-joining the shop owners with a new venture, and a new co-owner. And a dead body in her shop. This “almost” makes me feel badly for Carla! But Carla is Carla, with her dislike for our Winifred “Fred” Page and Watson (who puts the Corgi in Cozy Corgi), but with better pastries this time around.

The death and who-done-it kept me guessing … right up to the end. While Officer Susan Green may not be appreciative of how Fred works her way thru the clues, I like how her mind works and questions. And the on-going stories that shape the residents and their lives are present with all the puzzles and personalities we love to read about. We even have a new resident or two to add to the melee. It will be interesting so see the dynamics moving forward.

Note: I received an ARC of this book from the author. The opinions in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews54 followers
March 5, 2019
Torte and murder

Loved it. A great plot that really didn't give away any clues as to the culprit and Watson was splendid as always. A bit greedy, a bit spoiled, a bit aloof but with a heart of gold. The characters have gotten better with each book, like revisiting old friends, but the romance is like the icing on the cake. Not in your face, or overdone but just right for this gentle cozy series.
When she is persuaded to visit Carla's new venture she is introduced to some old friends of her mother's. However when one of the women is found dead she is shocked. The woman had been left like a sculpture, covered in clay and posed. As she starts asking questions (with Susan's blessing) she comes to know the personality of the dead woman better. Cold, demanding and a perfectionist. This is at odds with how the broken-hearted wife sees her. Can she make any inroads into the plans the dead woman had and figure out who killed her? Leo acts like a shelter in the storm as she tries to fight the feelings over her own father's death and the if ealing of being lacking when compared to the others not only in power but looks.
Profile Image for Grammy 1.
805 reviews18 followers
March 11, 2019
5 Stars
Book: Perilous Pottery
Series: Cozy Corgi Mysteries Bk #11
Author: Mildred Abbott
Publisher: Kindle Unlimited
Release: March 5, 2019
Pages:211
Genre: Contemporary Mystery
Rated: Mature

It is Book 11 and I still cannot wait to read these fun mysteries…….You would think in a small town like Estes Park, Colorado the body count would be dwindling down the townsfolk by now with all the cloak and dagger stuff and murders..But this small circle of elder inhabitants have some really deep issues…..

It is wonderful to see the growth of our heroine/sleuth Winifred Page owner of the local Cozy Corgi Bookstore. Fred has come to town after a terrible divorce and friend’s betrayal and made it a life changing event with her corgi Watson. Our wonderful young woman is now sorta being asked by the local police detective Susan for help rather than being banned previously. The body is found of a town elder in the back studio of the new Coffee Kiln shop…….

Aside from the murder, Winifred has finally accepted the love of Leo who has been her friend from the day she moved to town. Good things are happening in Estes Park…..Cant wait for #12
10 reviews
March 9, 2019
Another wonderful book by Mildred Abbott

I am a lover of this series. It never fails to keep me interested and entertained. I am even over and even now like the new direction. I was a tad upset over the "Brandon" betrayal, but it actually raised my admiration of her writing as there are few of the "cozy" writers that would have had such a story line. I especially like the budding romance with Leo if I can call it really budding.

I only pray that the hint of her new series coming out this summer does not mean an end to this series. Regardless, this series is the only book series that I religiously pre-order her next book. I highly recommend her books to cozy up with your favorite drink and spend several hours of total enjoyment.
Profile Image for Sherry Vaughan.
842 reviews10 followers
March 18, 2019
Wonderful Addition

Rivalry rears it's ugly head again. Carla finally reopens her coffee shop but has taken on a sideline. Her partner is a potter who teaches classes and let's people paint pieces. Katie and Fred decide to do their civic duty and visit the newly opened establishment. They are able to decorate a piece and then leave--not before Carla has put them on notice that she intends to serve homemade pastries at her shop. This will put her into direct competition with Katie. The very next day, a body is found in the back of Carla's store.
A well-written story with plenty of twists and turns as Fred tries to discover who the murderer is. A wonderful addition to the Cozy Corgi universe.
Profile Image for Krissi.
7 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2019
Deliciously Enjoyable

I stumbled across the world of Fred and Watson a couple of months ago and have been devouring each book. The author brings the charm of Estes Park to life through the eyes of Fred, a mystery solving Corgi mom. It has been a pleasure to become a part of Fred and Watson's world. The characters and their adventures are a delight as well as the delicious recipes included in each book. Yes, I have made most of them with Kate's all natural dog treats being my Daisy's favorite (also a Corgi). I look forward to many more adventures with Fred and Watson and many more of Katie's yummy recipes.
Profile Image for Nina Derr.
309 reviews1 follower
March 8, 2019
*Insert high-pitched girly scream here* Ok, I'm done. Looooooved how this book ended! I didn't figure out the killer for this one because I don't think that the clues were as in-your-face as the other books, but I had a hunch. It's still an awesome addition to the series. Being that it is book #11, it's getting hard to pick a favorite...so I won't cuz I can't. I love them all! One thing I do...not hate, but maybe...nope, hate works. One thing I do hate is the character of Ethel, she is just horrible person. Regardless, we still get Fred and Watson brightening the day. Enjoy!
25 reviews
June 25, 2019
Surprising Ending

I really like her storyline and Fred has grown on me after reading all the books so far. I don't like the same sex marriage side of it. Two of them a little much but as I have said (hence only 4 stars)I've read them all. Really like the setting in Colorado as I have been in Estes Park and to me so refreshing to read a good murder mystery that's out in the wild so to speak. I have the next and am looking to read who else is next and when Leo is going to pop the Big Question.
Profile Image for Robin Powers.
1,427 reviews35 followers
March 4, 2019
Fred and Watson are back in the thick of things in the latest Cozy Corgi mystery. We haven’t heard from Carla Beaker in a while but she has a new business venture and partner. Just as prickly as ever, she and Fred aren’t on the best of terms but Susan seems to be slightly more receptive. I loved how bringing back characters from past books really showed more of their personalities and challenged Fred in how she dealt with them. Lots of interesting theories and twists in this lovely story with a slight change in Leo and Fred’s friendship which I am totally on board with. It was just a joy to read and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Fred and Watson next!
87 reviews6 followers
March 6, 2019
Fun cozy mystery!

A fun and quick read!! This series is delightful! A corgi. A bookstore. A bakery (omg my mouth is watering over the chocolate torte recipe!) A murder mystery. And romance! Add a few quirky characters and the beautiful mountain setting of Estes Park, CO, and there's not much more that I could ask for. Start at the beginning of the series. You'll be glad you did! (Did I mention the recipes?)
Profile Image for Jeff Klages.
21 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2019
Delightful stories

I've read most of her books. I have 2 left of this series. I will definitely read her new series. The stories are fresh and interesting. Watson has great taste in his poodle girlfriend. He would have loved my Vicious. A toy poodle. Keep writing these stories. They help me get through my days with a happy large Smile on my face & in my ❤. Thank you can't wait for your new book. Rie
Profile Image for Karel .
201 reviews3 followers
April 19, 2020
And the Saga Continues!!

Another twisted and tortuous journey leads to another murder! This time the murderer is a real surprise. Fred and Watson run into an old nemesis who tries to go into competition with the Cozy Corgi Bookshop and Bakery. This time Carla Beaker. opens another coffee shop and bakery (imported). This time she's decided to add a pottery shop! Things seem to be heating up between Leo and Fred!! Keep on reading.
Profile Image for Shari Klase.
Author 6 books2 followers
September 13, 2021
Lovely ugly

As usual I can't have enough of these cozy corgi mysteries. At this point, I'm not sure if it's about the adorable fluffy Watson, the perfect symmetry between the characters or the delectable descriptions of pastries. They all fit together to make these books a forbidden pleasure. This one about perilous pottery is no exception. The lovely ugliness of the crime is spell binding. And so is the way Fred always puts it all together in a light bulb moment every time.
188 reviews1 follower
May 20, 2024
Yet again, another great book in the Cozy Corgi series!
Leo and Fred are finally an official item, they're super cute together! While this one didn't go into the open doors we've had to go through in the past, sometimes you just need a "normal murder" to take a break! Once again, loved this book, not that I'm surprised anymore, and going through these books so quick that I can't wait to read the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
79 reviews
October 1, 2025
Another amazing mystery!❤️. This murder brought Officer Susan Green and Winifred (Fred) closer almost like a team! Everything that happened involving the murder was what Officer Green had solved but of course Fred didn't feel like it was the two that were arrested! She figured it out at the funeral and Joan confessed at the funeral! Fred and Leo finally said I Love You!❤️ Can't wait to see what happens with them and if Ethel and Carla will ever get what is coming to them!
Profile Image for Janice.
85 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2019
Perilous Pottery is the best one so far! The plot and characters are well developed and it is a great fun read. Be sure to check out the recipe at the back of the book and do visit the Rolling Pin in Denver to tell them you found them based on Mildred Abbott's books. They really appreciate that.
323 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2019
The Perilous Pottery mystery is solved because of a great cast of characters doing what they do best such as eating decadent torte, showing they care for each other, sifting through the information gathered, and then piecing together what has been said by those interviewed. Not going to give a spoiler! Enjoy reading another Fred and Watson story.
38 reviews
April 16, 2020
*sigh*

IT'S ABOUT TIME! Readers of the series know what I'm talking about. If you don't know what I'm referring to you need to read the series. There are some nice twists and setups for potential future plotlines woven into the craftily created prose. I highly recommend this book.
172 reviews1 follower
March 14, 2021
Another fascinating corgi mystery

These are great books making for a really memorable series. Fred’s family is amazing and their contributions to solving mysteries as well as creating some are not to be missed. This one happens in the coffee and kiln cafe opened by Fred’s nemesis and murder follows.
Profile Image for Anita.
73 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2019
Mildred Abbott has done it again. Love this instalment in the Cozy Corgi series. We see a return of a few characters that we haven't seen for a while, delve into the love of chocolate espresso pastries and of course have a murder. If you love the series you won't be disappointed here.
Profile Image for Linda Rainey.
2,348 reviews21 followers
March 6, 2019
A Cute Cozy

Fred and Watson are at it again,solving a murder
I loved the storyline,the quirky characters and Fred's romance.
This book is recommended for those who love cozy mysteries.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews

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