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Dogwood Springs Cozy Mystery #5
Festivals, Funnel Cakes & Felonies
In the heart of a celebration, a dark secret festers.
The Dogwood Festival, held each year in the small town of Dogwood Springs, Missouri, is more than just a special event. It's a cozy haven of springtime charm, live music, and handmade crafts that draws tourists from all around. Libby Ballard, the dedicated director of the local history museum, is thrilled to be a first-time member of the festival steering committee.
As the festival approaches, the air buzzes with excitement.
But secrets simmer beneath the surface, and tragedy strikes when a fellow member of the steering committee is found murdered at the festival grounds.
When the police zero in on the wrong suspect and dismiss any connection to the festival, Libby realizes she must step in. With her loyal golden retriever by her side, Libby dives headfirst into a sea of suspects, each with their own motives, each a piece in a puzzle waiting to be solved.
Can Libby and Bella find their way through the labyrinth of lies and unmask the villain before another life is lost?
If you like a cozy mystery with an adorable dog, a warm circle of friends, and a dash of romance, you’ll love Festivals, Funnel Cakes & Felonies.
Join Libby and Bella to start solving this mystery today!
This is a clean read with no profanity, sex, or graphic violence.
The Dogwood Festival, held each year in the small town of Dogwood Springs, Missouri, is more than just a special event. It's a cozy haven of springtime charm, live music, and handmade crafts that draws tourists from all around. Libby Ballard, the dedicated director of the local history museum, is thrilled to be a first-time member of the festival steering committee.
As the festival approaches, the air buzzes with excitement.
But secrets simmer beneath the surface, and tragedy strikes when a fellow member of the steering committee is found murdered at the festival grounds.
When the police zero in on the wrong suspect and dismiss any connection to the festival, Libby realizes she must step in. With her loyal golden retriever by her side, Libby dives headfirst into a sea of suspects, each with their own motives, each a piece in a puzzle waiting to be solved.
Can Libby and Bella find their way through the labyrinth of lies and unmask the villain before another life is lost?
If you like a cozy mystery with an adorable dog, a warm circle of friends, and a dash of romance, you’ll love Festivals, Funnel Cakes & Felonies.
Join Libby and Bella to start solving this mystery today!
This is a clean read with no profanity, sex, or graphic violence.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2024
129 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Sally Bayless
26 books96 followersSally Bayless writes cozy mysteries and sweet romance.
She lives in the Missouri Ozarks, and when not working on her next book, she enjoys shopping for cute shoes, swimming, watching BBC television with her husband, and—of course—reading! She has two grown children.
For updates on her writing and a free mystery, sign up for her newsletter by visiting sallybayless.com.
She lives in the Missouri Ozarks, and when not working on her next book, she enjoys shopping for cute shoes, swimming, watching BBC television with her husband, and—of course—reading! She has two grown children.
For updates on her writing and a free mystery, sign up for her newsletter by visiting sallybayless.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 15, 2024
Libby and the museum staff are looking forward to the Dogwood Festival. It will be Libby's first since moving to Dogwood Springs and she can't wait to raise money for local families in need and promote the museum. Before the festival begins, Libby, a steering committee member, has to meet with the pageant photographer, Darcy, at the fairgrounds. When Darcy is not in the appointed location, Libby searches the woman out and discovers Darcy's body in the river. Festival organizer Harry rushes to the rescue but it's too late. Libby noted Darcy was bashed in the head and knows they have another murder to solve. Detective Trent arrests Darcy's very recently ex-fiancé, a local vet and Cleo's longtime crush. Everyone knows Bryce would never hurt anyone. Libby wants the festival to go on as planned and bring in new visitors to the museum so when Cleo begs Libby to solve this mystery, she has to agree to try. Promising to be careful, Libby gathers her friends to start investigating. When someone else turns up dead, Libby fears the festival will never happen. She'll have to work overtime to solve this one. In the meantime, she gets a message about a phone call coming in from someone who recognized the girl in the painting, Ivy. Libby and Sam hope to get answers to their questions but the volunteer forgot to write down contact information. It will have to wait until the festival is all over before Libby can get back to work and track down the information they seek. Could the answer be staring them in the face all along?
I was far more interested in the Ivy mystery than the present day murder. I figured out whodunit right away. It was super obvious and Libby should have figured it out too. Then halfway through there was a twist and I figured my suspect could not be the murderer. Then it kept me guessing as to who and why. I also liked the romantic subplot. Libby and Sam are growing closer and she's finally ready to confront her past. Sam is a sweetheart and truly loves and supports Libby. I wasn't sure about him at first but he's very genuine. Even though he's wealthy, he doesn't care about money. He works to keep busy and not for the money. Libby is a less appealing character. She's still gun shy after her divorce even though Sam has proven he's crazy about her and not at all like Reggie. Libby is also kind of dumb. She rushes into investigating on her own and is almost killed. It's up to Bella to save the day once again. I'm a little tired of that trope so I hope she gets better at sleuthing and being safe in the next one. Bella is hands-down my favorite character. She's smart, intuitive, sweet and loyal. She deserves some people food after this!
Libby doesn't deserve her friends and sleuthing crew. They're all better at getting information than she is, being long time residents of the town and knowing everyone. Alice is so lovely and I'm happy for her life decision. Cleo is weird. She's obsessed with this Bryce guy she was in love with back in high school! She moved back because of him only to find out he was engaged to another woman. Cleo claims she isn't in love with Bryce anymore but she just KNOWS he's not a murderer. Well, were you there? How many meaningful conversations have you had with him in adulthood? However, for the purposes of the novel, I'm going to agree with her. Bryce seems very sweet and gentle. He was good with his niece on Halloween and seemed to be having fun. He's a vet and therefore good with animals, loves animals and would never hurt them. I would say he's probably not the murderer.
Darcy Jackson, the local banker and amateur photographer was assigned to photograph the Dogwood Queen contest. Darcy seems to be one of those women who gets under the skin of other women. She was very good at photographing the pageant participants, getting the girls to relax and have fun. She was probably good at banking but was not a nice person. Darcy had a lot of enemies- women who loved Bryce, people who tried to get loans from her, pageant contestants who were rejected and their moms and who knows who else! According to Cleo, Darcy was selfish and thought she was better than everyone else. Finding out who actually killed her is going to be tricky.
Another new character is Harry Myers, the festival’s new director. A widower in his early sixties, Harry had retired as a bigwig at a major phone company, he had offered all sorts of new ideas and given volunteers a lot of freedom. Something about Harry seems off to me. I don't think he has the experience he says he does. He humble brags a lot. He pushed the longtime local vendors, like Imani's husband out of their usual spots. Maybe this was directed at Imani's husband because he's Black? That's going to really affect his business and at the worst possible time when they have a new baby. Harry says it's more fair but is it? Shouldn't regular vendors have the same spot so their customers can find them? I know where to find my favorite vendors at the farmer's market each year and seek them out. The previous director, Sylvia Snodgrass, had run the festival with an iron hand. She's still alive and her property abuts the river on the other side. Could she be angry with the way Harry is running the festival and argued with Darcy for some reason and killed her? Sylvia is a former teacher so I hope not. She seems tough in a teacher sort of way and doesn't feel the need to explain herself. Once a teacher, always a teacher.
One suspect is Madison Thompson, a receptionist at the vet’s office. Her daughter Zoe really wanted to be in the Dogwood Queen contest. It meant a lot to Zoe. Zoe is a sweet girl and doesn't exert herself to get what she wants. Maybe her mother did it for her? Her mother seems a bit stage mother-y. Zoe is also under suspicion for the same reasons. She's smart, nerdy and likes Zeke so I don't think she did it. Zeke insists she didn't. He just KNOWS in the same way Cleo knows Bryce didn't do it. Libby isn't so sure.
Aaron Eckhart, a park worker, was one of the first on the scene when Libby called for help after discovering Darcy's body. Aaron has a temper and a strong motive for hating Darcy. He lies to Libby and possibly even to someone else. Also first on the scene was Cameron, who works at the bank with Darcy. His stepdaughter, Noelle, is a candidate for Queen. He seems fond of Noelle and indulgent. Noelle is a mean girl and her alibi is her frenemy Kayla. The two were supposedly fighting over a boy in the bathroom when Darcy was killed. Zoe and her mom were witnesses but are they telling the truth? I can see Cameron killing Darcy in anger because she let Kayla advance in the pageant along with Noelle even though Kayla was mean and "stole" Noelle's boyfriend. Cameron is known to be a jerk and not even nice to his wife, Tiffany. Was he having an affair with Darcy?
Eileen Davidson, Cameron's aunt, owns a BBQ joint in town. When she learned her food truck would be in direct competition with someone else's, she offered to make funnel cakes instead. Really? There's only room for one BBQ truck? That's weird and messed up. Not that I don't love fried dough because I am total support of funnel cakes but think it's strange that Eileen would be so selfless. Did she get a loan from Darcy at the bank to start her business? Will this food truck switcheroo at the festival affect the terms of her loan? Perhaps Eileen tried to renegotiate or something and killed Darcy in revenge? She seems nice and I don't know if she's a solid suspect. I bet she has an alibi.
Jimbo, a fried macaroni and cheese vendor (OMG YES!) is an out of towner but he sure is nice and helpful. He seems protective of Libby and eager to help. Yet, when the police come, Jimbo is nowhere to be found. Again this makes me think racial tension. He's a Black man in the South. Or does he really have something to hide?
I really enjoyed the new characters at the end and want to get to know them better. I need more information, like a timeline. There's also a plot error -
I'll read one more since that's a new release and see if the plot improves. I liked the "guess the antique" game (I got the bowl with the lid right, that was easy! I would have gotten the first object if I had seen it.) and want more museum!
I was far more interested in the Ivy mystery than the present day murder. I figured out whodunit right away. It was super obvious and Libby should have figured it out too. Then halfway through there was a twist and I figured my suspect could not be the murderer. Then it kept me guessing as to who and why. I also liked the romantic subplot. Libby and Sam are growing closer and she's finally ready to confront her past. Sam is a sweetheart and truly loves and supports Libby. I wasn't sure about him at first but he's very genuine. Even though he's wealthy, he doesn't care about money. He works to keep busy and not for the money. Libby is a less appealing character. She's still gun shy after her divorce even though Sam has proven he's crazy about her and not at all like Reggie. Libby is also kind of dumb. She rushes into investigating on her own and is almost killed. It's up to Bella to save the day once again. I'm a little tired of that trope so I hope she gets better at sleuthing and being safe in the next one. Bella is hands-down my favorite character. She's smart, intuitive, sweet and loyal. She deserves some people food after this!
Libby doesn't deserve her friends and sleuthing crew. They're all better at getting information than she is, being long time residents of the town and knowing everyone. Alice is so lovely and I'm happy for her life decision. Cleo is weird. She's obsessed with this Bryce guy she was in love with back in high school! She moved back because of him only to find out he was engaged to another woman. Cleo claims she isn't in love with Bryce anymore but she just KNOWS he's not a murderer. Well, were you there? How many meaningful conversations have you had with him in adulthood? However, for the purposes of the novel, I'm going to agree with her. Bryce seems very sweet and gentle. He was good with his niece on Halloween and seemed to be having fun. He's a vet and therefore good with animals, loves animals and would never hurt them. I would say he's probably not the murderer.
Darcy Jackson, the local banker and amateur photographer was assigned to photograph the Dogwood Queen contest. Darcy seems to be one of those women who gets under the skin of other women. She was very good at photographing the pageant participants, getting the girls to relax and have fun. She was probably good at banking but was not a nice person. Darcy had a lot of enemies- women who loved Bryce, people who tried to get loans from her, pageant contestants who were rejected and their moms and who knows who else! According to Cleo, Darcy was selfish and thought she was better than everyone else. Finding out who actually killed her is going to be tricky.
Another new character is Harry Myers, the festival’s new director. A widower in his early sixties, Harry had retired as a bigwig at a major phone company, he had offered all sorts of new ideas and given volunteers a lot of freedom. Something about Harry seems off to me. I don't think he has the experience he says he does. He humble brags a lot. He pushed the longtime local vendors, like Imani's husband out of their usual spots. Maybe this was directed at Imani's husband because he's Black? That's going to really affect his business and at the worst possible time when they have a new baby. Harry says it's more fair but is it? Shouldn't regular vendors have the same spot so their customers can find them? I know where to find my favorite vendors at the farmer's market each year and seek them out. The previous director, Sylvia Snodgrass, had run the festival with an iron hand. She's still alive and her property abuts the river on the other side. Could she be angry with the way Harry is running the festival and argued with Darcy for some reason and killed her? Sylvia is a former teacher so I hope not. She seems tough in a teacher sort of way and doesn't feel the need to explain herself. Once a teacher, always a teacher.
One suspect is Madison Thompson, a receptionist at the vet’s office. Her daughter Zoe really wanted to be in the Dogwood Queen contest. It meant a lot to Zoe. Zoe is a sweet girl and doesn't exert herself to get what she wants. Maybe her mother did it for her? Her mother seems a bit stage mother-y. Zoe is also under suspicion for the same reasons. She's smart, nerdy and likes Zeke so I don't think she did it. Zeke insists she didn't. He just KNOWS in the same way Cleo knows Bryce didn't do it. Libby isn't so sure.
Aaron Eckhart, a park worker, was one of the first on the scene when Libby called for help after discovering Darcy's body. Aaron has a temper and a strong motive for hating Darcy. He lies to Libby and possibly even to someone else. Also first on the scene was Cameron, who works at the bank with Darcy. His stepdaughter, Noelle, is a candidate for Queen. He seems fond of Noelle and indulgent. Noelle is a mean girl and her alibi is her frenemy Kayla. The two were supposedly fighting over a boy in the bathroom when Darcy was killed. Zoe and her mom were witnesses but are they telling the truth? I can see Cameron killing Darcy in anger because she let Kayla advance in the pageant along with Noelle even though Kayla was mean and "stole" Noelle's boyfriend. Cameron is known to be a jerk and not even nice to his wife, Tiffany. Was he having an affair with Darcy?
Eileen Davidson, Cameron's aunt, owns a BBQ joint in town. When she learned her food truck would be in direct competition with someone else's, she offered to make funnel cakes instead. Really? There's only room for one BBQ truck? That's weird and messed up. Not that I don't love fried dough because I am total support of funnel cakes but think it's strange that Eileen would be so selfless. Did she get a loan from Darcy at the bank to start her business? Will this food truck switcheroo at the festival affect the terms of her loan? Perhaps Eileen tried to renegotiate or something and killed Darcy in revenge? She seems nice and I don't know if she's a solid suspect. I bet she has an alibi.
Jimbo, a fried macaroni and cheese vendor (OMG YES!) is an out of towner but he sure is nice and helpful. He seems protective of Libby and eager to help. Yet, when the police come, Jimbo is nowhere to be found. Again this makes me think racial tension. He's a Black man in the South. Or does he really have something to hide?
I really enjoyed the new characters at the end and want to get to know them better. I need more information, like a timeline. There's also a plot error -
I'll read one more since that's a new release and see if the plot improves. I liked the "guess the antique" game (I got the bowl with the lid right, that was easy! I would have gotten the first object if I had seen it.) and want more museum!
May 17, 2024
4 1/2 stars of fun
I love Libby, Bella, Cleo, Sam - the entire cast - and Dogwood Springs is a super small town! The plot moved along at a good pace, and I loved the resolution of the historical mystery! I'm eager to read book 6!
I love Libby, Bella, Cleo, Sam - the entire cast - and Dogwood Springs is a super small town! The plot moved along at a good pace, and I loved the resolution of the historical mystery! I'm eager to read book 6!
June 5, 2024
Gosh I love these precious little mysteries
July 8, 2024
Still love this series so much. These characters and this small town setting have my heart. I cannot wait to continue! <3
December 13, 2023
Another delightful visit to Dogwood Springs, and another unfortunate murder. This book is focused on a community event instead of a museum function, although the museum is participating in the community festival. I enjoy the reality that the author infuses in each story, and in this particular book, I was immersed in the surroundings and thought I could actually smell the delicious fair foods.
I love the predictability and support of Libby's friends as well as their fairness in considering all the possibilities. It's always fun to see how Libby's dog, Bella, inserts herself into the situation. I look forward to the continuing mysteries and relationships that are developing during the series
This is a terrific addition to a series that keeps getting better and better. I'm already anticipating what will happen next!
I love the predictability and support of Libby's friends as well as their fairness in considering all the possibilities. It's always fun to see how Libby's dog, Bella, inserts herself into the situation. I look forward to the continuing mysteries and relationships that are developing during the series
This is a terrific addition to a series that keeps getting better and better. I'm already anticipating what will happen next!
April 14, 2024
This was another enjoyable Dogwood Springs mystery. Libby, along with Harry Myer, head
organiser of the Dogwood Springs Festival, discover the body of Darcy Jackson, the photographer of the festival, on the grounds of the festival. Darcy had been bludgeoned to death. Bryce Parker, local veteranarian and former boyfriend of Libby's best friend, Cleo, is accused of the crime. Cleo asks for Libby's help in proving his innocence. Libby, along with her good friends and boyfriend, Sam, try to discover the real killer. Their task is a difficult one as several people had grudges against Darcy. Will they be able to find out who dun it? Find out by reading this intriguing mystery. I highly recommend it to other cozy mystery readers. I received an ARC of this book, and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.
organiser of the Dogwood Springs Festival, discover the body of Darcy Jackson, the photographer of the festival, on the grounds of the festival. Darcy had been bludgeoned to death. Bryce Parker, local veteranarian and former boyfriend of Libby's best friend, Cleo, is accused of the crime. Cleo asks for Libby's help in proving his innocence. Libby, along with her good friends and boyfriend, Sam, try to discover the real killer. Their task is a difficult one as several people had grudges against Darcy. Will they be able to find out who dun it? Find out by reading this intriguing mystery. I highly recommend it to other cozy mystery readers. I received an ARC of this book, and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.
April 19, 2024
I am really enjoying this series, it has everything I love in a cozy mystery: a well-written story, realistic and likeable characters who work together to solve the mystery, a believable plot that the reader can follow and attempt to discover the culprit, some humor, and a little romance. Libby Ballard is the director of the Dogwood Springs Historical Museum, and she is helping with the town’s upcoming Dogwood Festival. When she goes to meet Darcy, a photographer, on the festival grounds, she and Harry (the festival director), instead find that Darcy has been murdered. Libby’s friend Cleo asks Libby to investigate when the police arrest the town veterinarian, who is a former beau of Cleo’s. A fun and entertaining mystery. I highly recommend this series!
I was given an advance copy. This review is my honest opinion.
I was given an advance copy. This review is my honest opinion.
April 21, 2024
I love all things Sally Bayless and this does not disappoint! Libby is the Director of the history museum in Dogwood Springs Missouri. This is the first time she is a member of the festival steering committee. Libby is supposed to meet Darcy the photographer of the festival, but she finds her dead! Even though Detective Harper tells Libby not to get involved with the investigation, she still does. Libby, along with her golden retriever Bella, and her friends Cleo, Zeke, Alice, and her boyfriend Sam; they can eliminate some suspects. Can she help find the murderer without getting herself killed? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward as to what Ms. Bayless writes next!!!!
July 7, 2024
I so enjoy this series. Libby, the museum director in Dogwood Springs, MO, has come a long way from the sad and lonely divorcee fleeing Philadelphia and her cheating ex-husband. She now has a wonderful job, many friends, and the very smart Golden Retriever Bella.
In this 5th book she is on the steering committee for the annual Dogwood Festival. And of course there is murder. Libby and her team of sleuths, i.e. friends, put clues together to find the perpetrator of another heinous crime in their search for justice. While along the way she and boyfriend Sam make headway im their search for the woman painted out of a family portrait in 1905.
Can't wait for #6 to be published in December 2024.
In this 5th book she is on the steering committee for the annual Dogwood Festival. And of course there is murder. Libby and her team of sleuths, i.e. friends, put clues together to find the perpetrator of another heinous crime in their search for justice. While along the way she and boyfriend Sam make headway im their search for the woman painted out of a family portrait in 1905.
Can't wait for #6 to be published in December 2024.
April 16, 2024
A clean, fun whodunit. When the body of Darcy Jackson is found at the Dogwood Festival, held each year in the small town of Dogwood Springs, Missouri, Libby Ballard and her group of fellow sleuths set out to solve the crime. The police have a suspect and don’t seem to be looking any further, but Libby and her team don’t believe they have the right person. Can the team weed out the suspects with alibis and narrow it down to the real killer before anyone else is killed or hurt?
There are plenty of suspects, twists, turns, and danger.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
There are plenty of suspects, twists, turns, and danger.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 19, 2024
This book is another fabulous visit to Dogwood Springs. I didn't want to put it down until I finished it and then didn't want it to be finished!
Once again, Libby is there when Darcy's murdered body is discovered. The police quickly zero in on Bryce, the local veterinarian and Cleo's former boyfriend. Cleo asks for Libby's - and the group of friends - help is finding the real killer so they are off on another investigation.
And the historical mystery that Libby and Sam have been working on is solved in this book too!
This was another wonderful installment in this mystery series and I can't wait to see what happens next. I received a free advance copy and this is my honest review.
Once again, Libby is there when Darcy's murdered body is discovered. The police quickly zero in on Bryce, the local veterinarian and Cleo's former boyfriend. Cleo asks for Libby's - and the group of friends - help is finding the real killer so they are off on another investigation.
And the historical mystery that Libby and Sam have been working on is solved in this book too!
This was another wonderful installment in this mystery series and I can't wait to see what happens next. I received a free advance copy and this is my honest review.
April 22, 2024
I love cozy mysteries, and Sally Bayless has this terrific series going!
Libby, the director of the local history museum seems to have a penchant for solving mysteries, too. She has a dog for a sidekick, as well as her best friend and upstairs neighbor. The team of employees and volunteers at the museum also love to help her solve mysteries.....usually a murder. One thing I really love about these books is that you don't really find out till the end of the book who the murderer is, You think you know,....but you find out you don't. This particular story has an added mystery that is solved. A fun read!
I was provided with a copy of the book; this review is my honest opinion.
Libby, the director of the local history museum seems to have a penchant for solving mysteries, too. She has a dog for a sidekick, as well as her best friend and upstairs neighbor. The team of employees and volunteers at the museum also love to help her solve mysteries.....usually a murder. One thing I really love about these books is that you don't really find out till the end of the book who the murderer is, You think you know,....but you find out you don't. This particular story has an added mystery that is solved. A fun read!
I was provided with a copy of the book; this review is my honest opinion.
April 15, 2024
Small town festival cozy
Libby runs a small town museum and has a knack for solving mysteries, along with her faithful dog Bella. In tis installmeny, she is helping with the town's festival aside from her day job. When Darcy fails to meet her a scheduled, she looks for her only to find her body and surprise things continue to go downhill from there for the festival until her friends help her assimilate the clues they uncover. Nicely plotted, moves right along with bits of romance and humor.
I received an ARC gratis and offer my opinion in the same.
Libby runs a small town museum and has a knack for solving mysteries, along with her faithful dog Bella. In tis installmeny, she is helping with the town's festival aside from her day job. When Darcy fails to meet her a scheduled, she looks for her only to find her body and surprise things continue to go downhill from there for the festival until her friends help her assimilate the clues they uncover. Nicely plotted, moves right along with bits of romance and humor.
I received an ARC gratis and offer my opinion in the same.
May 29, 2024
Libby confronted yet another killer when she was investigating the case, this time at a local festival where the drama ran high and so did the murder count. I named the killer pretty early but didn’t know what the reason or story was behind it, so I was happy to sleuth along with Libby and her amazing group of friends.
I loved the very sweet turn Libby and Sam’s relationship made too and can’t wait to see what’s next for them and all their sleuthing friends in Dogwood Springs. Pretty sure they’ll be hunting for a new history mystery too!
I loved the very sweet turn Libby and Sam’s relationship made too and can’t wait to see what’s next for them and all their sleuthing friends in Dogwood Springs. Pretty sure they’ll be hunting for a new history mystery too!
December 12, 2024
Great cozy mystery
This was another enjoyable read with the lead character Libbi and her pup Bella as she and her friends solve another murder mystery in Dogwood Springs. A fun read for cozy mystery fans. Reason for a four rather than five is because if you’ve read many cozies their is a bit of repetition in then regardless of the author that could be more creatively handled, I just skip those cut and paste paragraphs, but the do add up to pages of monotony. But I'm still off to read the next installment in the series.
This was another enjoyable read with the lead character Libbi and her pup Bella as she and her friends solve another murder mystery in Dogwood Springs. A fun read for cozy mystery fans. Reason for a four rather than five is because if you’ve read many cozies their is a bit of repetition in then regardless of the author that could be more creatively handled, I just skip those cut and paste paragraphs, but the do add up to pages of monotony. But I'm still off to read the next installment in the series.
April 18, 2024
Murder mystery!
Another classic Dogwood Springs cozy mystery with Libby and her fabulous furry friend, Bella investigating a murder and ensuring the guilty party is apprehended. Clues and suspects mount as Libby pursues her investigation, with Bella being a star investigator. A fun and entertaining cozy that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Another classic Dogwood Springs cozy mystery with Libby and her fabulous furry friend, Bella investigating a murder and ensuring the guilty party is apprehended. Clues and suspects mount as Libby pursues her investigation, with Bella being a star investigator. A fun and entertaining cozy that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am voluntarily leaving this review.
May 5, 2024
Another winner!
This is the latest installment of the Dogwood Springs mystery series. Join Libby Ballard, Director of the local museum, her dog Bella, and her friends and fellow sleuths as they get to the bottom of both murders, scams, and historical mysteries in Dogwood Springs.
The characters and plot are believable and well developed, the writing flows seamlessly and the entire series is thoroughly enjoyable (and I love the ending to Ivy’s story - the historical mystery).
This is the latest installment of the Dogwood Springs mystery series. Join Libby Ballard, Director of the local museum, her dog Bella, and her friends and fellow sleuths as they get to the bottom of both murders, scams, and historical mysteries in Dogwood Springs.
The characters and plot are believable and well developed, the writing flows seamlessly and the entire series is thoroughly enjoyable (and I love the ending to Ivy’s story - the historical mystery).
May 12, 2024
Enjoyable series
This is a light, enjoyable series. There are quite a few murders for a small town, which is a little far-fetched. But I really like the characters. Libby is museum director, Bella is her beautiful Golden, Cleo is her upstairs neighbor turned best friend, and Sam is her love interest. This book winds up a little historical mystery that has been going on throughout the books. Start at the beginning to meet these characters and several more.
This is a light, enjoyable series. There are quite a few murders for a small town, which is a little far-fetched. But I really like the characters. Libby is museum director, Bella is her beautiful Golden, Cleo is her upstairs neighbor turned best friend, and Sam is her love interest. This book winds up a little historical mystery that has been going on throughout the books. Start at the beginning to meet these characters and several more.
April 18, 2024
Libby is helping with the Dogwood Festival when one of her colleagues is murdered so can she, with the help of Bella of course, find the culprit and save the festival. There's lot of twists and turns, although I did suspect the culprit quite early on it didn't detract at all, I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait for the next one.
April 18, 2024
Libby Ballard and Harry find Darcy’s dead body at the waterfall. Detective Harper was on the case and arrested Bryce as the main suspect. Then Cameron is murdered and Libby and Cleo are determined to find the real culprit. A intriguing read with suspense and humour. I received a ARC copy and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.
April 29, 2024
Libby and her friends have to solve not one, but two murders! Libby is loving her new life in Dogwood Springs. Her job as the director of the local museum is going well, and she has volunteered to work on the committee for the Dogwood Springs annual festival. Of course, she stumbles on a body and her and her gang need to solve the murder and save the festival. This is a nice addition to a very fun cozy mystery series.
April 21, 2024
I enjoyed this book so much! The plot is perfect, Libby and Bella are wonderful, and the mystery is intriguing. Highly recommended.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
May 8, 2024
Can’t wait to go back to Dogwood Springs
I just love this series! These are great reads and most are less than 200 pages so they don’t take long to finish. Libby and Bella are the best and I enjoy seeing what they get into next!
I just love this series! These are great reads and most are less than 200 pages so they don’t take long to finish. Libby and Bella are the best and I enjoy seeing what they get into next!
July 19, 2024
Good book, easy to read,
Great book. Easy to read. The murderer was a surprise to me. I had not figured it out. I lovethis series.
Great book. Easy to read. The murderer was a surprise to me. I had not figured it out. I lovethis series.
August 1, 2024
Good as Ice Cream
reading through these like a hot knife through butter! The perpetrator continues to elude me to the end. The characters remain delightful.
reading through these like a hot knife through butter! The perpetrator continues to elude me to the end. The characters remain delightful.
September 2, 2024
this series is u guilty pleasure I fear
September 18, 2024
Very enjoyable
November 15, 2024
Libby and friends are busy solving another murder and busy with a festival. Another plus is a big mystery from the past dealing with a painting was solved.
March 23, 2025
3.75⭐️ rounded up!
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