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Pawsitively Organic Mystery #2
A Biscuit, A Casket
The small town of Frog Ledge, Connecticut, has wholeheartedly embraced Kristan "Stan" Connor's new business--preparing quality organic treats for dogs and cats. On a healthy diet, the animals may live longer. . .but one local farmer won't be so lucky.
As Halloween approaches, Stan is asked to cater a doggie costume party hosted by the Happy Cow Dairy Farm. Part of a local co-op, Happy Cow specializes in organic dairy products, and farmers Hal and Emmalee Hoffman have started opening up the farm for parties, offering a "haunted" corn maze as an added attraction.
When Hal's lifeless body is found in the maze, the police at first suspect his wife, but Stan soon learns the dairy farmer had plenty of enemies--from bitter family members to shady business associates. If Stan can't extract a kernel of truth from the labyrinth of lies, she may be the next one to buy the farm. . .
Includes Gourmet Pet Food Recipes!
Praise for Kneading to Die
"Animal lovers and foodies will hunger for more of this yummy new series." --Avery Aames
As Halloween approaches, Stan is asked to cater a doggie costume party hosted by the Happy Cow Dairy Farm. Part of a local co-op, Happy Cow specializes in organic dairy products, and farmers Hal and Emmalee Hoffman have started opening up the farm for parties, offering a "haunted" corn maze as an added attraction.
When Hal's lifeless body is found in the maze, the police at first suspect his wife, but Stan soon learns the dairy farmer had plenty of enemies--from bitter family members to shady business associates. If Stan can't extract a kernel of truth from the labyrinth of lies, she may be the next one to buy the farm. . .
Includes Gourmet Pet Food Recipes!
Praise for Kneading to Die
"Animal lovers and foodies will hunger for more of this yummy new series." --Avery Aames
311 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
63 people are currently reading
861 people want to read
About the author
Liz Mugavero
16 books475 followersLiz Mugavero has been writing stories since she could hold a pen. Before that, she would tell them to anyone who would listen (not many at the time). After deciding early on she would write books for a living, she practiced by writing bad, angst-filled poems, short stories and even a storyline for a soap opera--all by age 15. She never wavered from her goals despite all the usual questions including, “So are you going to be an English teacher with that degree in English?” or, “That writing thing sounds nice, but how are you REALLY going to make a living?”
She went on to get a master’s in writing and publishing and spent time in journalism, PR, and presently, corporate marketing and communications. And she’s confident this writing thing IS the way to make a living.
Aside from writing, she loves animals (has a houseful), the beach, reading other writers’ masterpieces and Starbucks coffee.
Originally from Massachusetts, she lives in Connecticut with her family, but has every intention of getting back to the Bay State sooner rather than later.
The Gourmet Pet Food Mysteries is her first series.
(From her website, www.lizmugavero.com)
She went on to get a master’s in writing and publishing and spent time in journalism, PR, and presently, corporate marketing and communications. And she’s confident this writing thing IS the way to make a living.
Aside from writing, she loves animals (has a houseful), the beach, reading other writers’ masterpieces and Starbucks coffee.
Originally from Massachusetts, she lives in Connecticut with her family, but has every intention of getting back to the Bay State sooner rather than later.
The Gourmet Pet Food Mysteries is her first series.
(From her website, www.lizmugavero.com)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
April 23, 2014
I love this idea for a series. It was a great follow up from book one. The mystery and story between Stan and all the characters animal and human, were great. But I loved the pets the most in this series. I feel very close to this series, one reason is because, I work with animals at a boarding facility. I know a lot of people and pets, that reminds me of these characters in the book. The place I work at, has birthday parties for regulars that come in for doggy day camp all the time. They make all kinds of goodie baggies for the dogs that come and also, sometimes they make goodie baggies for us too.
Can't wait until book three comes out, hopefully, it well be soon.
Can't wait until book three comes out, hopefully, it well be soon.
March 24, 2014
It's fall in New England, and Halloween festivities are being held nightly. Stan Connor, owner of Pawsitively Organic Gourmet Pet Food, bakes healthy, organic food and treats for canines and felines. Her business is branching out to catering parties for pampered dogs. Stan, and bar owner, Jake, have a growing attraction for each other, and Jake's sister is a local state trooper. When a gruesome murder occurs in a corn maze at a neighbors, and the farm owner himself is the corpse, Stan finds herself volunteering to help his widow, Emmalee, keep the dairy farms books. Lack of funds is immediately noticed, and Stan suspects something underhanded is going on in the farming co-op the Hoffman's belong to. See if you can sniff out the clues and figure out who the killer is before the end of the story!!
I received a complimentary copy from Net Galley and Kensington Books in return for an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy from Net Galley and Kensington Books in return for an honest review.
February 3, 2017
Stan is doing well with her new organic pet food business. Orders are coming in so fat she had to hire Jake's sister Brenna as her assistant. It's almost Halloween and Stan has been asked to cater a doggie costume party at the Happy Cow Dairy Farm. When she arrives, the farm owner Emmalee Hoffman is frazzled with running the farm and a special Halloween corn maze. Her husband is nowhere to be found. Before the doggie party even starts, Hal Hoffman is found dead in the corn maze with a sickle through his chest. Stan is horrified and Emmalee and the children shattered. Stan offers to help in any way she can and when word gets out she worked in finance, she's asked to handle the office. The office is in complete chaos: papers everywhere, overdue bills, a missing laptop and a perky middle aged lady from the dairy farm co-op offering to help. Not to mention Stan gets roped into helping on the farm with cows and manure-ew! When Emmalee becomes the chief suspect, Stan is sympathetic. She knows how it feels to be the suspect of Trooper Pasquale's inquiry so of course Stan feels compelled to solve the mystery.
The mystery wasn't as complicated as the first one. I still stayed up very late to find out who did it and why. Who wasn't a big surprise. I figured that someone knew something even if they hadn't done the deed. It seemed so obvious. Stan is very direct in her questioning. She isn't at all subtle and she does some really stupid stuff. She doesn't solve the mystery, she stumbles into it, which is a hallmark of this type of mystery. This is a very long cozy mystery and I skimmed ahead to the end. The workings of a dairy farm are horrific even though the Happy Cow isn't a factory farm. It made me not want to drink "moo milk" (as my niece and nephew call it) and I LOVE milk! I have to do some research and find out where my milk comes from.
The details of New England life are funny in a stereotypical way. I live in New England, close to Connecticut and I have never encountered anyone like any of the characters in the story- not even Stan's mom. It's a little less Gilmore Girls this time around.
I really liked the pet food business concept. Stan does address my concerns about nutrition but not really any of my other quibbles. My new concern is I LOVE the pet party business! I would love to help Stan with that. The dog sounded so cute in their costumes. I wish there were pictures in the book! The cat birthday party sounded kind of weird. I can't imagine owning 10 cats. I love Stan's own personal furbabies as well. They each have their own unique personalities. I am madly in love with Scruffy and her woo-woos. Henry sounds like a sweetheart and I applaud Stan/the author's championing of pit bulls. The dogs play a key role in solving the mystery.
There are a lot of new characters here. The Hoffman family includes Hal, who sounds like a Willie Loman type. He must have been smart but a dreamer and lazy. He was certainly not a great husband and father. Emmalee loves the dairy farm she married. She tries to be a good farm owner and a loving mother. She can be tough but she seems fair. They have 4 children: 18-year-old Tyler and 14-year-old Danny are featured in the story. The eldest son sounds smart, like his dad, but aware of his dad's faults. He does not want to be a farmer, like his dad, but recognizes that his dad's ways were not the best. Danny is still young enough to adore his dad. He's a bit of a crazy kid and I wondered whether he accidentally murdered his dad based on the first scene but that was never questioned. The other two boys are too young to really understand what is happening. The Hoffmans had several employees including Enrico, a young Latino guy who doesn't speak much English. He seems a bit naive but a good worker. There's Roger, who shows Stan around. He's a farmer and isn't as "animal sensitive" as Stan or me. I didn't like him from the get go. There are also co-op partners, including Leigh-Anne, a wealthy widow who runs a successful dairy farm. I didn't like her from the get go. She belongs on some kind of reality TV show like Real Housewives of the Dairy Farms of Connecticut. The other co-op partners are not all that likable either.
Stan's mom makes her first official appearance. A Rhode Island socialite, she reminded me of Emily Gilmore, but less complex. She has her own preconceived ideas about what her daughter should be doing with her life and like Stan, that is not the life I would choose for myself so naturally I didn't like her mom all that much. She becomes more likable once you get to know her though.
The only recurring characters here who play a big role are Izzy, Jake and Brenna. Izzy isn't a great friend and she knows something she isn't telling that could help solve the mystery. I didn't like her much in the first place and I'm not crazy about her still. Brenna seems like a nice girl and a devoted animal lover like Stan. Stan and Jake's romance finally started to get off the ground. I like him well enough but getting to know him through his sister is not all that idea. He's pretty close with his thoughts and feelings. They are going slow and getting to know each other better so hopefully he'll open up more.
I really want to read the rest of the series but sadly my library doesn't have them. It's a great concept and includes some yummy pet treat recipes. I wish I had a pet to try them out on.
The mystery wasn't as complicated as the first one. I still stayed up very late to find out who did it and why. Who wasn't a big surprise. I figured that someone knew something even if they hadn't done the deed. It seemed so obvious. Stan is very direct in her questioning. She isn't at all subtle and she does some really stupid stuff. She doesn't solve the mystery, she stumbles into it, which is a hallmark of this type of mystery. This is a very long cozy mystery and I skimmed ahead to the end. The workings of a dairy farm are horrific even though the Happy Cow isn't a factory farm. It made me not want to drink "moo milk" (as my niece and nephew call it) and I LOVE milk! I have to do some research and find out where my milk comes from.
The details of New England life are funny in a stereotypical way. I live in New England, close to Connecticut and I have never encountered anyone like any of the characters in the story- not even Stan's mom. It's a little less Gilmore Girls this time around.
I really liked the pet food business concept. Stan does address my concerns about nutrition but not really any of my other quibbles. My new concern is I LOVE the pet party business! I would love to help Stan with that. The dog sounded so cute in their costumes. I wish there were pictures in the book! The cat birthday party sounded kind of weird. I can't imagine owning 10 cats. I love Stan's own personal furbabies as well. They each have their own unique personalities. I am madly in love with Scruffy and her woo-woos. Henry sounds like a sweetheart and I applaud Stan/the author's championing of pit bulls. The dogs play a key role in solving the mystery.
There are a lot of new characters here. The Hoffman family includes Hal, who sounds like a Willie Loman type. He must have been smart but a dreamer and lazy. He was certainly not a great husband and father. Emmalee loves the dairy farm she married. She tries to be a good farm owner and a loving mother. She can be tough but she seems fair. They have 4 children: 18-year-old Tyler and 14-year-old Danny are featured in the story. The eldest son sounds smart, like his dad, but aware of his dad's faults. He does not want to be a farmer, like his dad, but recognizes that his dad's ways were not the best. Danny is still young enough to adore his dad. He's a bit of a crazy kid and I wondered whether he accidentally murdered his dad based on the first scene but that was never questioned. The other two boys are too young to really understand what is happening. The Hoffmans had several employees including Enrico, a young Latino guy who doesn't speak much English. He seems a bit naive but a good worker. There's Roger, who shows Stan around. He's a farmer and isn't as "animal sensitive" as Stan or me. I didn't like him from the get go. There are also co-op partners, including Leigh-Anne, a wealthy widow who runs a successful dairy farm. I didn't like her from the get go. She belongs on some kind of reality TV show like Real Housewives of the Dairy Farms of Connecticut. The other co-op partners are not all that likable either.
Stan's mom makes her first official appearance. A Rhode Island socialite, she reminded me of Emily Gilmore, but less complex. She has her own preconceived ideas about what her daughter should be doing with her life and like Stan, that is not the life I would choose for myself so naturally I didn't like her mom all that much. She becomes more likable once you get to know her though.
The only recurring characters here who play a big role are Izzy, Jake and Brenna. Izzy isn't a great friend and she knows something she isn't telling that could help solve the mystery. I didn't like her much in the first place and I'm not crazy about her still. Brenna seems like a nice girl and a devoted animal lover like Stan. Stan and Jake's romance finally started to get off the ground. I like him well enough but getting to know him through his sister is not all that idea. He's pretty close with his thoughts and feelings. They are going slow and getting to know each other better so hopefully he'll open up more.
I really want to read the rest of the series but sadly my library doesn't have them. It's a great concept and includes some yummy pet treat recipes. I wish I had a pet to try them out on.
May 30, 2017
This is the second in a series that features a young, corporate type who got out of the rat race, moved to a small farming town in Connecticut, called Frog Ledge, and has started her own business of making organic, healthy treats and food for cats and dogs. Like most cozies, there is a cast of recurring eccentric neighbors and town folk. Stan (short for Kristan) has 2 dogs and a cat. Most of the people in Frog Ledge have dogs, cats, alpacas and cows; so there is a reoccurring cast of animal characters that I, personally, like as much as the people. The first book set the series up and I gave it three stars, but this is not only better because of the familiarity with the inhabitants but it is a better murder mystery as well. I will continue reading this series and it will join an ever growing list of series that I fall back on as the 'comfort food' of my reading spectrum.
March 24, 2018
This is the 2nd book in the Pawsitively Organic mystery series. It stars Kristan "Stan" Connors, who has recently moved to Frog Ledge, CT and started selling her organic, homemade animal treats and meals. In this book, Halloween is around the corner and Stan is helping her friends with the annual haunted corn maze. Before the maze even starts, the owner of the local dairy farm is found stabbed to death among the corn! Stan sets out to find the culprit, especially when the farmer's teenage son is suspected of the murder and Stan is convinced he didn't do it. Not only does Stan help the investigation, but she also starts to get involved romantically with Jake, the police chief's brother. All in all this was a really fun read, and I definitely recommend this book and series.
August 14, 2016
The chainsaw appeared out of nowhere, its wide arc narrowly missing the top of Stan Connor's head.
It's almost Halloween in Frog Ledge, Connecticut. Kristan "Stan" Connor's Pawsitively Organic pet food business has grown to catering parties for the residents' spoiled pets. The Happy Cow Dairy Farm is the setting for Benny's birthday party. It is also hosting a huge corn maze to supplement the farm's bottom line. The afternoon gets off to a bad start when the owner of the farm, Hal Hoffman. is found dead in the maze with a sickle through his chest. The other farmer's in the dairy co-op show up to help (hinder) with the daily running of the farm and soon accusations are flying.
This is the second book in the series and was quite entertaining. I enjoyed catching up with Stan and her rescues Nutty, Scruffy and Henry. There were not as many recipes in this book although Stan is constantly baking treats and cooking up organic meals. The townspeople are back in force including Jake, Brenna, Izzy and Char. I appreciate how all of the local businesses work together to help each other.
Stan becomes involved with the investigation much to Trooper Jessie Pasquale's annoyance when she is asked to help at the farm by looking at the books. Hal's true self emerges as layers of his life are peeled away.
Suspects come and go as motives are revealed. Of course Stan ends up in a dicey situation when the murderer is revealed.
I enjoyed the Halloween setting and the festivities of the small town. I am also happy to see Stan and Jake moving forward with their relationship. I'm looking forward to the next book.
It's almost Halloween in Frog Ledge, Connecticut. Kristan "Stan" Connor's Pawsitively Organic pet food business has grown to catering parties for the residents' spoiled pets. The Happy Cow Dairy Farm is the setting for Benny's birthday party. It is also hosting a huge corn maze to supplement the farm's bottom line. The afternoon gets off to a bad start when the owner of the farm, Hal Hoffman. is found dead in the maze with a sickle through his chest. The other farmer's in the dairy co-op show up to help (hinder) with the daily running of the farm and soon accusations are flying.
This is the second book in the series and was quite entertaining. I enjoyed catching up with Stan and her rescues Nutty, Scruffy and Henry. There were not as many recipes in this book although Stan is constantly baking treats and cooking up organic meals. The townspeople are back in force including Jake, Brenna, Izzy and Char. I appreciate how all of the local businesses work together to help each other.
Stan becomes involved with the investigation much to Trooper Jessie Pasquale's annoyance when she is asked to help at the farm by looking at the books. Hal's true self emerges as layers of his life are peeled away.
Suspects come and go as motives are revealed. Of course Stan ends up in a dicey situation when the murderer is revealed.
I enjoyed the Halloween setting and the festivities of the small town. I am also happy to see Stan and Jake moving forward with their relationship. I'm looking forward to the next book.
March 10, 2014
The fabulous Liz Mugavero has written another great edition to her Gourmet Pet Food Mystery series. I have been eagerly anticipating the follow up to her debut, Kneading to Die since I finished it last year. I also received a free copy of this via NetGalley.
It's almost Halloween in Frog Ledge, CT and the town is waiting to jump into all of the fall festivities, including a corn maze at one of the local dairy farms. Little did everyone know that the man who owned the farm, Hal Hoffman would be found by our main character, Stan Connor as she makes her way through the maze. Stan can't leave well enough alone (i.e. let the police handle it) and is soon involved with helping Hal's widow, Emma, with the farm's accounting and on the side, trying to figure out who would want Hal dead.
This series is really great. I love the characters and I love the setting. I love that the main character has rescue pets and cooks/bakes for them and others. I love that Eric Walsh, whose store I go to regularly, is a contributor to the recipes in the book. Because Eric provided them, I know they are safe for animals. The other characters in the story are extremely likeable and add to the story, instead of distracting from it, which sometimes happens in a cozy. You might love the main character and the story but the secondary characters are so annoying.
All in all, a great book! I can't wait for the next one to arrive in bookstores!
It's almost Halloween in Frog Ledge, CT and the town is waiting to jump into all of the fall festivities, including a corn maze at one of the local dairy farms. Little did everyone know that the man who owned the farm, Hal Hoffman would be found by our main character, Stan Connor as she makes her way through the maze. Stan can't leave well enough alone (i.e. let the police handle it) and is soon involved with helping Hal's widow, Emma, with the farm's accounting and on the side, trying to figure out who would want Hal dead.
This series is really great. I love the characters and I love the setting. I love that the main character has rescue pets and cooks/bakes for them and others. I love that Eric Walsh, whose store I go to regularly, is a contributor to the recipes in the book. Because Eric provided them, I know they are safe for animals. The other characters in the story are extremely likeable and add to the story, instead of distracting from it, which sometimes happens in a cozy. You might love the main character and the story but the secondary characters are so annoying.
All in all, a great book! I can't wait for the next one to arrive in bookstores!
October 11, 2023
This is a delightful series. I enjoy Stan and all her 4 legged friends. I’m enjoying seeing her start her business and how it’s growing. I liked seeing her try to get away with only doing the books for the dairy farm and getting pulled into other things. The mystery was good and I was happy with who the culprit turned out to be. Recipes for your pets are included at the end.
July 3, 2023
3 1/2 rounded up to 4. Solid plot and good story but I’m not sure how much research the author did. Several details didn’t make sense and it threw me off.
January 13, 2015
A Biscuit, A Casket (A Pawsitively Organic Mystery) by Liz Mugavero is the second book in the series and it is fantastic. I read the first book in the series and I cannot decide which one I like better, they are both really good.
Stan Connor has moved to Frog Ledge, Connecticut, and is working at opening a new business. She makes healthy organic treats and dinners for animals and she is getting a positive response from the community. She is asked to cater a doggie costume party at Halloween time that is being held at Happy Cow Dairy Farm. Not only is the farm the site for the costume party , it is also the site for a haunted corn maze. On opening night, the body of Hal, owner of the farm, is found in the maze, with a hook stuck in his chest. Who would do such a thing and why?
As Stan gets pulled into the workings of the farm (she really needs to learn to say no when people ask her for help) she realizes that there are quite a few people who might want to see him dead. His wife, Em, because he spent more time out drinking and carousing than helping on the farm. One of his teenage children, one of his unsavory business partners,someone within the co-op, or possibly a mistress. Stan wants to try to find the killer before one of her friends get charged with the crime.
Stan is a character that is very likable and easy to relate to. She is totally dedicated to her career of making organic healthy pet food and you can tell how much she loves her animal family, as well as the pets in the community. I really enjoyed the inner thoughts and feelings of Stan and I thought the way she related things happening around her to songs was very funny.
All of the characters in the book are very realistic and three dimensional. They are people that I would like to be friends with. All of the animals are adorable and added a lot to the story.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The mystery is carried on throughout the story and there are many suspects to consider. I did not figure out the killer until it was revealed at the end. I like when that happens. The author is very descriptive and it was very easy to picture the community, the corn maze and the Halloween activities as I read the book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy, especially one involving animals. Both books in the series are fantastic and I would suggest reading both of them.
Stan Connor has moved to Frog Ledge, Connecticut, and is working at opening a new business. She makes healthy organic treats and dinners for animals and she is getting a positive response from the community. She is asked to cater a doggie costume party at Halloween time that is being held at Happy Cow Dairy Farm. Not only is the farm the site for the costume party , it is also the site for a haunted corn maze. On opening night, the body of Hal, owner of the farm, is found in the maze, with a hook stuck in his chest. Who would do such a thing and why?
As Stan gets pulled into the workings of the farm (she really needs to learn to say no when people ask her for help) she realizes that there are quite a few people who might want to see him dead. His wife, Em, because he spent more time out drinking and carousing than helping on the farm. One of his teenage children, one of his unsavory business partners,someone within the co-op, or possibly a mistress. Stan wants to try to find the killer before one of her friends get charged with the crime.
Stan is a character that is very likable and easy to relate to. She is totally dedicated to her career of making organic healthy pet food and you can tell how much she loves her animal family, as well as the pets in the community. I really enjoyed the inner thoughts and feelings of Stan and I thought the way she related things happening around her to songs was very funny.
All of the characters in the book are very realistic and three dimensional. They are people that I would like to be friends with. All of the animals are adorable and added a lot to the story.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The mystery is carried on throughout the story and there are many suspects to consider. I did not figure out the killer until it was revealed at the end. I like when that happens. The author is very descriptive and it was very easy to picture the community, the corn maze and the Halloween activities as I read the book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy, especially one involving animals. Both books in the series are fantastic and I would suggest reading both of them.
October 25, 2023
Okay, so, the book started off pretty well. And it's not that I hate it or the characters. And I do love how pro-animals Stan is. (Even though I want to slap her and tell her feed her cat some taurine.) The mystery was pretty decent - at least I didn't predict the killer from the onset (though Stan did simply stumble across solving the mystery, which is a terrible trend in mysteries that I've been reading lately) - but the problems for me come in the form of Stan herself.
So, this is my first book in the series - which, to me, one of the benefit's of cozy mysteries is that they should be episodic and you should be able to pick up pretty much anywhere without feeling lost. This book does that well, with enough references to what I'm assuming happened in the previous book to make it clear that Stan got her first sample sleuthing by being suspect number one in the previous book. She also had more than a few run ins with the local law in the form of Officer Jessie Pasquale. The very female Officer Jessie Pasquale which I thought was nice in that she wasn't set to be the default love interest.
(Okay, when she was first introduced, I thought I had accidentally come across a lesbian cozy mystery which would have been nice, but I liked that Stan's love interest wasn't a cop. … It's the cop's brother, Jake. (More on him later.) … And I think Pasquale is married, actually.)
I was mostly enjoying this book, even with the other nitpicks and quibbles I'll mention later, until:
'"Listen, Ms. Connor," Pasquale said finally. "I appreciate your…enthusiasm, and the information, but this is a murder case. It's our top priority, and I'm very confident in our ability to solve it. Please don't hesitate to give us any information you come across, but also, please don't expect me to consult with you."
During Stan's corporate career, she'd met many people like Jessie Pasquale. Self-righteous, condescending, and convinced they were smarter than everyone else. Well, she had news for her. She was plenty smart. And now she was annoyed.'
Whew, just reading that again makes me wonder what kind of mental gymnastics Stan had to do to reach those conclusions from Pasquale's words. If anything, I found Pasquale very professional to Stan throughout the book (despite apparently being the main suspect in the previous one) and I don't know what kind of weird vendetta Stan has against Pasquale but I am not here for it. (It is made obvious by little picks that Stan constantly mentally makes about Pasquale from the latter's first introduction that Stan doesn't like her - especially the constant 'she oozes cop' and 'her whole personality setting is cop' brand of mental put downs that make no sense considering - oh, hey! - Stan only sees her when Pasquale's at work investigating a murder.)
My next complaint about Stan is actually something I found kind of fun the first time or two it happened - but after probably more than a dozen instances it wore out its welcome. Stan has music playing in her head. … I kid you not. Someone says the words 'dark side' and Stan has 'Kelly Clarkson running through her head'. Her mom acts weird and she hears the Twilight Zone theme song play. It gets annoying that it constantly happens - and it's made all the more blatantly peculiar by the fact that she is never referenced as listening to music. Not even when she jogs. Apparently she used to listen to music while working her corporate job. Which, don't worry, she'll constantly remind you that she had a corporate job that she's glad se no longer has. But she used to have a corporate job.
(The answer:
'In her old, corporate life, it helped her to pull out her trusty notebook and jot down the facts, then write up a SARS report: Situation, actions taken, results, and support needed. Ad then focus on a theme song until her mind solved the problem.'
…
Trust me, it doesn't make sense in context, either.)
Also, for a grown ass woman, she's kind of…weird about romance. So, she's attracted to Jake. Fine. He seems like a decent enough guy - if a little too stoic and 'mysterious' for me. But there's just so many weird reactions she has to him.
'An evening with Jake, even though he would be working, was tempting. She had to figure out if she was ready to give in.'
Okay, first, Jake's a bar owner and he tends his own bar. So what, exactly, does Stan think is going to happen that she has to 'give in' to? This makes literally no sense to me.
'"Jake's kind of weird, too, so it's a good match." Brenna winked and turned to go back into the kitchen.
"Hang on a second." Stan hurried after her, the dogs trotting obediently behind her. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Oh, you know. You two will eventually stop dancing around each other." Brenna slid a try of cookies out of the oven.
"How did you -" Stan was about to argue the point - she'd never admitted to anyone that she sort of liked Jake -"'
Okay, first of all, Brenna is Jake's sister that currently lives with him and she also works part time for him and part time for Stan. The girl knows. Secondly…What is this, grade school. I can just hear Stan's 'I don't like him.'
'Brenna grinned at her. "I wish you two would just get it over with."
"Brenna!" Stan blushed even redder. "I don't know what you're talking about."'
…
'She could picture him, still in bed, rubbing his eyes, trying to focus and understand what she was talking about this time. Then she blushed.'
… Uhm… Yeah, she blushes a lot, too, by the way. There's this whole section where Stan is being showed around the farm and she blushes and flushes like every other paragraph because - oh, the horror! - she doesn't know something.
Then, finally, the cut the cord moment for me where I was just finishing the book because I'd made it this far. (Which is sad because at one point - in the first 75 pages - I was thinking it'd be a four star book.) In one chapter, we are treated to this:
'But thanks to the chew-'em-up-and-spit-'em-out atmosphere of corporate America, Stan had an edge. She knew how to keep a poker face, how to pretend nothing bothered her when in fact, she wanted to curl up in a corner and cry.'
The very next chapter we have:
'Coffee brewed, and Stan inhaled the scent of bold, bitter beans. Heaven.
"Want a cup?" Izzy asked, a hint of a smile on her lips. Clearly Stan needed to work on her poker face.'
?
I don't… I mean, what in the world?
And Stan's just very…judge-y.
So, this is my first book in the series - which, to me, one of the benefit's of cozy mysteries is that they should be episodic and you should be able to pick up pretty much anywhere without feeling lost. This book does that well, with enough references to what I'm assuming happened in the previous book to make it clear that Stan got her first sample sleuthing by being suspect number one in the previous book. She also had more than a few run ins with the local law in the form of Officer Jessie Pasquale. The very female Officer Jessie Pasquale which I thought was nice in that she wasn't set to be the default love interest.
(Okay, when she was first introduced, I thought I had accidentally come across a lesbian cozy mystery which would have been nice, but I liked that Stan's love interest wasn't a cop. … It's the cop's brother, Jake. (More on him later.) … And I think Pasquale is married, actually.)
I was mostly enjoying this book, even with the other nitpicks and quibbles I'll mention later, until:
'"Listen, Ms. Connor," Pasquale said finally. "I appreciate your…enthusiasm, and the information, but this is a murder case. It's our top priority, and I'm very confident in our ability to solve it. Please don't hesitate to give us any information you come across, but also, please don't expect me to consult with you."
During Stan's corporate career, she'd met many people like Jessie Pasquale. Self-righteous, condescending, and convinced they were smarter than everyone else. Well, she had news for her. She was plenty smart. And now she was annoyed.'
Whew, just reading that again makes me wonder what kind of mental gymnastics Stan had to do to reach those conclusions from Pasquale's words. If anything, I found Pasquale very professional to Stan throughout the book (despite apparently being the main suspect in the previous one) and I don't know what kind of weird vendetta Stan has against Pasquale but I am not here for it. (It is made obvious by little picks that Stan constantly mentally makes about Pasquale from the latter's first introduction that Stan doesn't like her - especially the constant 'she oozes cop' and 'her whole personality setting is cop' brand of mental put downs that make no sense considering - oh, hey! - Stan only sees her when Pasquale's at work investigating a murder.)
My next complaint about Stan is actually something I found kind of fun the first time or two it happened - but after probably more than a dozen instances it wore out its welcome. Stan has music playing in her head. … I kid you not. Someone says the words 'dark side' and Stan has 'Kelly Clarkson running through her head'. Her mom acts weird and she hears the Twilight Zone theme song play. It gets annoying that it constantly happens - and it's made all the more blatantly peculiar by the fact that she is never referenced as listening to music. Not even when she jogs. Apparently she used to listen to music while working her corporate job. Which, don't worry, she'll constantly remind you that she had a corporate job that she's glad se no longer has. But she used to have a corporate job.
(The answer:
'In her old, corporate life, it helped her to pull out her trusty notebook and jot down the facts, then write up a SARS report: Situation, actions taken, results, and support needed. Ad then focus on a theme song until her mind solved the problem.'
…
Trust me, it doesn't make sense in context, either.)
Also, for a grown ass woman, she's kind of…weird about romance. So, she's attracted to Jake. Fine. He seems like a decent enough guy - if a little too stoic and 'mysterious' for me. But there's just so many weird reactions she has to him.
'An evening with Jake, even though he would be working, was tempting. She had to figure out if she was ready to give in.'
Okay, first, Jake's a bar owner and he tends his own bar. So what, exactly, does Stan think is going to happen that she has to 'give in' to? This makes literally no sense to me.
'"Jake's kind of weird, too, so it's a good match." Brenna winked and turned to go back into the kitchen.
"Hang on a second." Stan hurried after her, the dogs trotting obediently behind her. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Oh, you know. You two will eventually stop dancing around each other." Brenna slid a try of cookies out of the oven.
"How did you -" Stan was about to argue the point - she'd never admitted to anyone that she sort of liked Jake -"'
Okay, first of all, Brenna is Jake's sister that currently lives with him and she also works part time for him and part time for Stan. The girl knows. Secondly…What is this, grade school. I can just hear Stan's 'I don't like him.'
'Brenna grinned at her. "I wish you two would just get it over with."
"Brenna!" Stan blushed even redder. "I don't know what you're talking about."'
…
'She could picture him, still in bed, rubbing his eyes, trying to focus and understand what she was talking about this time. Then she blushed.'
… Uhm… Yeah, she blushes a lot, too, by the way. There's this whole section where Stan is being showed around the farm and she blushes and flushes like every other paragraph because - oh, the horror! - she doesn't know something.
Then, finally, the cut the cord moment for me where I was just finishing the book because I'd made it this far. (Which is sad because at one point - in the first 75 pages - I was thinking it'd be a four star book.) In one chapter, we are treated to this:
'But thanks to the chew-'em-up-and-spit-'em-out atmosphere of corporate America, Stan had an edge. She knew how to keep a poker face, how to pretend nothing bothered her when in fact, she wanted to curl up in a corner and cry.'
The very next chapter we have:
'Coffee brewed, and Stan inhaled the scent of bold, bitter beans. Heaven.
"Want a cup?" Izzy asked, a hint of a smile on her lips. Clearly Stan needed to work on her poker face.'
?
I don't… I mean, what in the world?
And Stan's just very…judge-y.
February 9, 2016
Just finished the 2nd instalment in Liz Mugavero's Pawsitively Organic series, and I loved it. Stan (short for Kristan) is swamped with her new business: preparing treats and healthy meals for dogs and cats in her adopted small town. Her latest, a doggy birthday party being held at a neighbor's dairy farm, is interrupted by the discovery of the farmer's body, brutally murdered and left in the corn maze. Stan offers to help the widow sort through the mess of paperwork he left behind, and begins to see that something is not quite right. Still on an adversarial footing with Jessie Pasquale, the local state cop, (who also happens to be the sister of Stan's maybe boyfriend,) Stan's involvement in the case is not welcomed.
There are lots of fascinating subplots including Stan's mother showing up unexpectedly, and the possibility of a new veterinary clinic/homeless animal shelter for the town, as well as the ongoing growth in the romance department.
I love the organic pet food angle, and the characters are well depicted and show growth and development even from the first edition of the series. The small town of Frog Ledge is charming, and the plot is devious and unpredictable.
There are lots of fascinating subplots including Stan's mother showing up unexpectedly, and the possibility of a new veterinary clinic/homeless animal shelter for the town, as well as the ongoing growth in the romance department.
I love the organic pet food angle, and the characters are well depicted and show growth and development even from the first edition of the series. The small town of Frog Ledge is charming, and the plot is devious and unpredictable.
February 13, 2016
The second book in the series, and we're really starting to see Stan grow as a character and feel more comfortable in Frog Ledge. There's a host of other interesting characters becoming a part of her life, including but not exclusive to Jake, the sexy bartender. I'm super happy that she adopted not just Scruffy, but Henry too. Every animal has their part to play in this murder mystery.
Also has recipes included in the back for some of the animal treats Stan bakes- the only thing I bake are fail cakes, and the only thing they have in common is they are terrible. Still baking and cooking is intriguing, despite the fact that I am terrible at it. It's just another plus to get into with this series!
Definitely want to read book three, I'll have to place another order soon for my cat murder mystery fix!
Also has recipes included in the back for some of the animal treats Stan bakes- the only thing I bake are fail cakes, and the only thing they have in common is they are terrible. Still baking and cooking is intriguing, despite the fact that I am terrible at it. It's just another plus to get into with this series!
Definitely want to read book three, I'll have to place another order soon for my cat murder mystery fix!
March 17, 2015
This is a really solid follow up to her first book, which I enjoyed. The characters are all very likable, and I'm enjoying dabbling into romance with Jake. He's even more likable in this book since he's not as much of a one-dimensional character as in the first book. One of the bad situations that Stan put herself in made me stop and say "really??", but I guess it could happen on accident. I love the animals in this series as well, being a pet owner myself. The mystery was good and I had the suspect picked out half way through, but wasn't sure of the motive. The motive itself was so-so, could have taken a different directions that would have been interested.
April 13, 2014
Witches, ghosts, black cats, spiders and vampires are everywhere as Forg Ledge prepares to celebrate Halloween. Stan Conner is at Happy Cow Farms to cater a doggy birthday for Benny a Fox terrier. A scream is heard coming from the corn maze. There is the body of Hal Hofferman with an object through his chest with blood everywhere. Stan is pushed to help sort out the clinical records of the dairy farm. As the police have decided Emmalee kill her husband, Stan decides to help clear Em's name.II Ifound the descriptions of the animals delightful. I Felt the plot was not well develop
Full disclouse: I received a free copy from Netgalley for an honest review
Full disclouse: I received a free copy from Netgalley for an honest review
October 10, 2015
Stan is slightly less annoying in this book. But not by much. At least the ridiculous theme song nonsense from the first book went away, and she wasn't doing quite as much "ooh, look at what I'm wearing" during this one.
This series is ok, but not great. The story was fine--it's a cozy mystery, so how bad can it be? The small town setting is cute. I like Jake, I think, but we don't get a lot of insights into him. We spend more time with his cop sister who clearly is as annoyed with Stan as I am.
But again, I don't love this series, but I also don't hate it. 2 stars. Since I'm a glutton for punishment I will also read book three. Yeah, yeah, I know. But you know I will.
This series is ok, but not great. The story was fine--it's a cozy mystery, so how bad can it be? The small town setting is cute. I like Jake, I think, but we don't get a lot of insights into him. We spend more time with his cop sister who clearly is as annoyed with Stan as I am.
But again, I don't love this series, but I also don't hate it. 2 stars. Since I'm a glutton for punishment I will also read book three. Yeah, yeah, I know. But you know I will.
April 16, 2015
As Halloween approaches Stan is asked to cater a Doggy costume party. The party will behoted by the Happy Cow Dairy which is part of a local co-op. The Happy Cow specializes in dairy products. Hal and Emmalee the owners have started opening the property for parties and they have a Haunted corn maze. But when Hal,s lifeless body is found in the maze Emmalee is the number one suspect Seems Hal had plenty of enemies from shady business associates to bitter family members. Stan needs to find out the truth before the killer gets away with another murder! Hers!
December 23, 2014
I liked this book because although it had many of the traditional cozy themes, it was still interesting and fun. this book gives fleshed out the character of Stan even more by introducing her mother, plus showing how she is building her pet food business and romance with Jake. A good quick read.
March 26, 2014
A strong follow up to the first book, Kneading to Die.
Full review is here: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/821948...
Full review is here: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/821948...
April 7, 2014
I enjoyed the book, but the main character's belief that "farms" must be abusing their animals is annoying. Most farm animals are actually better treated than some people!
May 18, 2014
This was poorly written and flat out boring. I was seriously disappointed. I usually like cozies and I am not particular. I can't say much more because I have already forgotten all about it.
January 3, 2015
A fun romp of a mystery with likeable characters
April 21, 2025
A Biscuit, a Casket is the 2nd book in the Pawsitively Organic Mystery series. I read the 4th book in this series awhile ago, and decided it was time to get back to it and start from the beginning. Kristan "Stan" Connor has moved to Frog Ledge, Connecticut and started her own pet bakery. She is fitting in well in her new community, and has been asked to cater a doggie costume party hosted by the Happy Cow Dairy Farm. The farm has recently become available for parties and added a Haunted Corn Maze as an activity. They have hired local teens to play characters. On the day of the event, Hal, the owner of the Happy Cow Dairy Farm is found dead in the maze, with an antique scythe sticking out of him. Originally his wife is the main suspect, but as Stan begins to ask questions, she finds out that he has many enemies. Stan is asked to help with the books at the farm until they can sort out what to do next. She reluctantly agrees, which gives her lots of opportunity to investigate. Who killed Hal and why, is what she is trying to figure out.
This was an interesting story. I really like Stan, especially as she is jumping into the community and making lots of friends. She is also a smart cookie, but asking too many questions might just put her in danger. The community of Frog Ledge is one of those small places where it seems everyone knows everyone else's business, or pretends they do. Stan's mother shows up to visit and she was an interesting character. She really doesn't approve of Stan's choices and is a bit of a snob, but she eventually comes around. Stan also has a love interest, who just happens to be the brother of the local detective, so that helps when she gets herself into trouble. I liked that I learned a bit about the running of a dairy farm in this story. This was a well plotted story with well developed characters. The final showdown was a bit scary, but fortunately, things all work out. It is a cozy mystery after all. I am enjoying this series and will be reading or listening to the next one soon. I listened to this book narrated by Ann Marie Lee. She does a nice job with the voices, tone and expression. She also narrated the first book in the series, so I enjoyed having her be the voice of Stan once again.
This was an interesting story. I really like Stan, especially as she is jumping into the community and making lots of friends. She is also a smart cookie, but asking too many questions might just put her in danger. The community of Frog Ledge is one of those small places where it seems everyone knows everyone else's business, or pretends they do. Stan's mother shows up to visit and she was an interesting character. She really doesn't approve of Stan's choices and is a bit of a snob, but she eventually comes around. Stan also has a love interest, who just happens to be the brother of the local detective, so that helps when she gets herself into trouble. I liked that I learned a bit about the running of a dairy farm in this story. This was a well plotted story with well developed characters. The final showdown was a bit scary, but fortunately, things all work out. It is a cozy mystery after all. I am enjoying this series and will be reading or listening to the next one soon. I listened to this book narrated by Ann Marie Lee. She does a nice job with the voices, tone and expression. She also narrated the first book in the series, so I enjoyed having her be the voice of Stan once again.
November 9, 2017
Halloween time has arrived in Frog Ledge and Stan’s new business is catering a dog birthday/costume party at the nearby farm. Right before the party starts, a murder occurs in the corn maze. Stan helps out at the farm office while trying to figure out the murderer, as always there was no shortage of suspects! The victim was not well liked in some circles of their small town. During Stan’s sleuthing and working on her new business, her mom shows up and we get to see what she thinks of Stan’s new life. Stan really appears to be taking to her new town and life by getting more involved in various town activities. I had my suspicions about the murderer by not their accomplice. It was quite a surprise. There were also more surprises that pop up with several characters. I am enjoying this series!
July 18, 2017
I really enjoyed reading about Stan and her friends in Frog Ledge, Connecticut. This is the second book in the Pawsitively Organic Mystery series. Stan has begun a new business - preparing organic treats for cats and dogs. As Halloween approaches, Stan is asked to cater a doggie costume party hosted by the Happy Cow Dairy Farm. But disaster strikes when Hal in found murdered in the corn maze. The police suspect his wife, but Stan is sure that Em is innocent. Interesting characters and an engaging mystery kept me entertained.
November 1, 2020
This was the 1st book I've read in the series so a couple of references to the 1st book were a little sketchy. But it had me glued to this one.
There was action & nail biting in almost every chapter. A lot of twists kept me guessing & analyzing right to the end. Who would have thought so much could happen on a dairy farm? Who would think a woman (Stan) who baked dog goodies could get in so many messes? And unlike most of the mystery books Stan was not actively trying to solve the cases or work with the police! This was a great who done it!
There was action & nail biting in almost every chapter. A lot of twists kept me guessing & analyzing right to the end. Who would have thought so much could happen on a dairy farm? Who would think a woman (Stan) who baked dog goodies could get in so many messes? And unlike most of the mystery books Stan was not actively trying to solve the cases or work with the police! This was a great who done it!
June 30, 2019
This book was a new series for me.
It took me home, to the farm, reading about what is done for cows, cleaning, milking etc. But when the owner shows up dead in the cornfield in a corn maze, the suspects are galore,.
Stan has a wonderful business with dog, cat, and basic animal treats and feed, that is all home made and her cookies recipe is in the back of the book.
Hosting a doggie party is something else.
Good read, and the culprit wasn't revealed until the last chapter.
It took me home, to the farm, reading about what is done for cows, cleaning, milking etc. But when the owner shows up dead in the cornfield in a corn maze, the suspects are galore,.
Stan has a wonderful business with dog, cat, and basic animal treats and feed, that is all home made and her cookies recipe is in the back of the book.
Hosting a doggie party is something else.
Good read, and the culprit wasn't revealed until the last chapter.
April 21, 2022
I’m really enjoying this series and I like Stan a lot. It’s been fun getting to know the other inhabitants of Frog Ledge. The plots of these books are not super super heavy but they keep you guessing. I’m looking forward to seeing how Stan and Jake do moving forward. I really like Izzy a lot and we get to learn a little bit more about her in this book. It’ll be interesting to see how the series progresses.
February 10, 2020
A quick and easy read with a good mystery that kept my interest. There is a bit of a love story line , but it is not over the top and felt like it worked in the story. My biggest stumbling block with this one is the main characters name. I don't know why, but I had a real tough time reading the name Stan and picturing a woman.....weird and probably just a me issue hahaaha.
September 3, 2020
Stan has a horror filled Halloween season, but still manages to bake treats for the dogs and cats in her neighborhood. She’s not as popular with the bovine set on the farm next door. While she snoops to solve a murder, her interest in the local bar owner, Jake, is reciprocated. Another interesting cozy mystery in a small town, this series will appeal to animal lovers.
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