What do you think?
Rate this book
The Dog Park Detectives
Murder is never just a walk in the park . . .
When friends Louise and Irina find a dead body in the local park whilst walking their dogs, they are soon drawn into the mystery of who murdered local entrepreneur Phil Creasey.
Phil used to be a member of their dog walking community – nicknamed ‘the Pack’ – until the death of his cockapoo, and the Pack feel they owe it to Phil to investigate his death. But with Louise and Irina leading the charge, it isn’t long until they’re neck-deep in local gangs, stolen motorcycles and a disturbing string of poisonings. Have the Pack bitten off more than they can chew, or can they follow their noses and solve the crime?
The Dog Park Detectives is a joyous and fur-ociously entertaining murder mystery for fans of dogs and cosy crime, and the first in a pawfully exciting new series that is perfect for fans of Richard Osman and Robert Thorogood.
When friends Louise and Irina find a dead body in the local park whilst walking their dogs, they are soon drawn into the mystery of who murdered local entrepreneur Phil Creasey.
Phil used to be a member of their dog walking community – nicknamed ‘the Pack’ – until the death of his cockapoo, and the Pack feel they owe it to Phil to investigate his death. But with Louise and Irina leading the charge, it isn’t long until they’re neck-deep in local gangs, stolen motorcycles and a disturbing string of poisonings. Have the Pack bitten off more than they can chew, or can they follow their noses and solve the crime?
The Dog Park Detectives is a joyous and fur-ociously entertaining murder mystery for fans of dogs and cosy crime, and the first in a pawfully exciting new series that is perfect for fans of Richard Osman and Robert Thorogood.
445 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2024
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
August 28, 2024
The fact that I'm not a serious dog lover is not why I ended up giving this book three stars instead of the four I thought I would give.
On the contrary, this book is very well suited for people who don't own a dog. The author shows a great insight in how the bond between human and dog works. And how a pack of dogs (or humans) work. The term 'dog mum' or 'dog dad' grates a little on me. I grew up in a household with a dog - who was wonderful and loved by all of us - but to me, a pet will never become 'a child'. For those of you who disagree: it's nothing personal - it's just how I see it.
Having said this, I really enjoyed big parts of the book and the idea is good. What hampered me in reading was that there are a LOT of humans and dogs, and although there is a list at the start of the book, it was difficult to keep the characters apart. In fact, keeping the characters apart was easier with the dogs than the humans sometimes. All human characters blended in one big group of people who spent most of their time drinking a lot and walking with the dog(s) a lot. Sometimes there was a mention of work, but this didn't give the characters more depth.
It all felt a little unbalanced too, with most of the real action in the last 20 pages of the book. I would have given an extra star if this wouldn't have been the case.
I understand this is the first in a series and I would like to read the next one to see whether the characters will be more developed and the pace more balanced.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster and Netgalley for this review copy.
On the contrary, this book is very well suited for people who don't own a dog. The author shows a great insight in how the bond between human and dog works. And how a pack of dogs (or humans) work. The term 'dog mum' or 'dog dad' grates a little on me. I grew up in a household with a dog - who was wonderful and loved by all of us - but to me, a pet will never become 'a child'. For those of you who disagree: it's nothing personal - it's just how I see it.
Having said this, I really enjoyed big parts of the book and the idea is good. What hampered me in reading was that there are a LOT of humans and dogs, and although there is a list at the start of the book, it was difficult to keep the characters apart. In fact, keeping the characters apart was easier with the dogs than the humans sometimes. All human characters blended in one big group of people who spent most of their time drinking a lot and walking with the dog(s) a lot. Sometimes there was a mention of work, but this didn't give the characters more depth.
It all felt a little unbalanced too, with most of the real action in the last 20 pages of the book. I would have given an extra star if this wouldn't have been the case.
I understand this is the first in a series and I would like to read the next one to see whether the characters will be more developed and the pace more balanced.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster and Netgalley for this review copy.
September 3, 2024
My bookclub made me read this.
That’s not to say it’s bad, I’m just new to the genre and I think it’s just not my thing oops sorry girls.
I would watch the TV show though (I’m thinking Only Murders in the Building vibes)
That’s not to say it’s bad, I’m just new to the genre and I think it’s just not my thing oops sorry girls.
I would watch the TV show though (I’m thinking Only Murders in the Building vibes)
July 29, 2025
Amazing!!
Fantastic holiday read- read it in 24 hours and could not put it down at the end
Fantastic holiday read- read it in 24 hours and could not put it down at the end
August 20, 2025
A cosy mystery is just that! A pleasant reading experience with lots of fun characters, but without much depth. The ending felt a bit rushed but overall I enjoyed and will read the next book in the series!
April 10, 2025
3,5 ⭐️
September 19, 2024
Boekenclubboek!! Ik vond het echt meevallend leuk!! Misschien komt het door mijn puppy fever van de laatste tijd?
March 14, 2025
Not the best murder mystery book ever, but you learn interesting facts about dogs along the way.
August 31, 2024
The book premise caught my attention, a pack of dog owners who try to find out what happened to a fellow member of the pack who was murdered.
However, I felt like the book read too slow. Yes, I completely understand this is a cosy murder mystery so they'll give you only bits and pieces to get the thought train going as to who did it but I felt like this book really needed more to get my mind going. But only 350 pages or so in I'd say the author gave me enough information to start trying to figure out who did it or why? It didn't help that it felt like this book had a hundred characters, dogs included.
I was disappointed that there was barely any character building for the people. I didn't feel a connection to them because I felt like I didn't know who they were, the dogs however? I knew them inside and out. The author did a great job at describing their personalities but I wanted the same for the humans. If the pack was just the same 5 people instead of the 12 (dogs not included) mentioned, it would've been a stronger more enjoyable book all around.
The red herrings throughout the book completely threw me off, as they are supposed to do, but the red herrings in itself were much more exciting than what the actual reveal ended up being that I was a bit disappointed to get to the final reveal. Oh well! That's just my opinion.
If you are a dog lover, I feel this book will be of much greater interest to you. You'll have a different perspective and might be able to connect better to the characters. It just wasn't a book for me!
However, I felt like the book read too slow. Yes, I completely understand this is a cosy murder mystery so they'll give you only bits and pieces to get the thought train going as to who did it but I felt like this book really needed more to get my mind going. But only 350 pages or so in I'd say the author gave me enough information to start trying to figure out who did it or why? It didn't help that it felt like this book had a hundred characters, dogs included.
I was disappointed that there was barely any character building for the people. I didn't feel a connection to them because I felt like I didn't know who they were, the dogs however? I knew them inside and out. The author did a great job at describing their personalities but I wanted the same for the humans. If the pack was just the same 5 people instead of the 12 (dogs not included) mentioned, it would've been a stronger more enjoyable book all around.
The red herrings throughout the book completely threw me off, as they are supposed to do, but the red herrings in itself were much more exciting than what the actual reveal ended up being that I was a bit disappointed to get to the final reveal. Oh well! That's just my opinion.
If you are a dog lover, I feel this book will be of much greater interest to you. You'll have a different perspective and might be able to connect better to the characters. It just wasn't a book for me!
July 7, 2024
4.5 stars
As a dog lover myself, this drew me in straight away. For a crime thriller book, it was very cute mainly down to the array of fabulous dog characters!
Bark Vader and Jimmy Chew!!!
Honestly, such a great read. My only negative is the amount of characters to follow. Yes, they were laid out at the startbut I still got confused.
It did drag in places but overall a very enjoyable, delightful read. The dogs and their owners were all brilliant and the idea of a bunch of dog owners taking it open themselves to solve a murder within their own dog park is just brilliant.
As a dog lover myself, this drew me in straight away. For a crime thriller book, it was very cute mainly down to the array of fabulous dog characters!
Bark Vader and Jimmy Chew!!!
Honestly, such a great read. My only negative is the amount of characters to follow. Yes, they were laid out at the startbut I still got confused.
It did drag in places but overall a very enjoyable, delightful read. The dogs and their owners were all brilliant and the idea of a bunch of dog owners taking it open themselves to solve a murder within their own dog park is just brilliant.
October 14, 2024
I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in return for an honest review. This review is based entirely on my own thoughts and feelings.
Overall rating : 3*
Writing skill : 3*
Plot: 4*
Pace: 3*
Characters: 2*
Twist: 2*
I normally write my NetGalley reviews the literal minute I finish reading it, but the fact I finished this on holiday a week ago has left me with a dog shaped hole in my memory, not a positive for the book!
First off there were a lot of charcters to remember, and all of them had a dog with a name to remember, it was just a lot to take on board.
I also felt the whole thing was very far fetched, theres no way a community of dog lovers all get along so much so they have a whatsapp group chat and talk daily. Just no way.
Now the story itself was intriguing, a cozy murder mystery with the main theme of dogs....sign me up. I cant say its been done before from what I've seen or read, and it was refreshing. Something just missed the mark for me, and I think it was the overwhelming cast of characters.
Others may get on better with this, I can see there's great reviews, but it just wasn't for me.
Overall rating : 3*
Writing skill : 3*
Plot: 4*
Pace: 3*
Characters: 2*
Twist: 2*
I normally write my NetGalley reviews the literal minute I finish reading it, but the fact I finished this on holiday a week ago has left me with a dog shaped hole in my memory, not a positive for the book!
First off there were a lot of charcters to remember, and all of them had a dog with a name to remember, it was just a lot to take on board.
I also felt the whole thing was very far fetched, theres no way a community of dog lovers all get along so much so they have a whatsapp group chat and talk daily. Just no way.
Now the story itself was intriguing, a cozy murder mystery with the main theme of dogs....sign me up. I cant say its been done before from what I've seen or read, and it was refreshing. Something just missed the mark for me, and I think it was the overwhelming cast of characters.
Others may get on better with this, I can see there's great reviews, but it just wasn't for me.
January 7, 2025
What a fantastic book to kick off my reading journey! This thoughtful gift from my best friend was exactly the encouragement I needed to dive into reading. As someone who loves both murder mysteries and dogs, The Dog Park Detectives was the perfect choice. I’m already excited to pick up Blake Mara’s next book, The Dog Park Detectives 2: Bone of Contention. I highly recommend this book! 🐶
May 8, 2026
3,5⭐️
October 23, 2024
3,5⭐️ Ik vond het thema erg leuk, en de wisselende perspectieven gaf ook wel een leuke storytelling. Echter vond ik het middenstuk te lang duren, waar er veel werd verteld maar er eigenlijk niks gebeurde.
April 29, 2025
If you enjoy cosy murder mysteries and dogs then this is the perfect book. When dog owners Louise and Irina discover a dead body in their local dog park, they, and several other dog owners are drawn into investigating the murder of Phil, who himself had been a member of their dog walking community.
Most of the characterisation in the book focuses on the dogs which gives the story an interesting point of view. It would be difficult to dislike any of these beautiful pooches and their slightly crazy humans.
Most of the characterisation in the book focuses on the dogs which gives the story an interesting point of view. It would be difficult to dislike any of these beautiful pooches and their slightly crazy humans.
April 21, 2026
Wat een verrassend leuk boek! Goed geschreven vanuit het oogpunt van hondenbaasjes; ook leuk om te lezen als je niet van honden houdt en wel van crime!
Heerlijke cozy crime👌
Heerlijke cozy crime👌
June 12, 2024
When friends Louise and Irina find a dead body in the local park whilst walking their dogs, they are soon drawn into the mystery of who murdered local entrepreneur Phil Creasey. Phil used to be a member of their dog walking community - ‘the Pack’ - until the death of his cockapoo Alfie. The Pack feel they owe it to Phil to investigate his death and with Louise and Irina in charge, it isn’t long until they’re neck-deep in local gangs and a string of disturbing poisonings. Have they bitten off more than they can chew or will they follow their noses and solve the crime?
So firstly, who couldn’t love a book that is filled with dogs??? This is a charming, cosy crime, murder mystery read that can’t help but put a smile on your face. As a dog lover I loved hearing about all the dogs (the little intro with pictures at the beginning is so cute!) and the little snippets into life with a dog are very clearly evident - especially liked the recognition of people by their dog’s names but never the person’s!🤣
It’s full of loveable characters and it’s clear to see how ‘The Pack’ has been formed from their dog walking activity, it makes me want to go and find a group of my own! It’s easy to read, enjoyable and keeps you reading to find out what happens next ( no spoilers here!) and I am glad to hear it’s the start of a series, will definitely be retuning to the Dog Park in the future for further adventures!
“They’re the furry person who’s 100 per cent reliant on you, but loves you 1000 per cent. They share more than your home; they share your life”
So firstly, who couldn’t love a book that is filled with dogs??? This is a charming, cosy crime, murder mystery read that can’t help but put a smile on your face. As a dog lover I loved hearing about all the dogs (the little intro with pictures at the beginning is so cute!) and the little snippets into life with a dog are very clearly evident - especially liked the recognition of people by their dog’s names but never the person’s!🤣
It’s full of loveable characters and it’s clear to see how ‘The Pack’ has been formed from their dog walking activity, it makes me want to go and find a group of my own! It’s easy to read, enjoyable and keeps you reading to find out what happens next ( no spoilers here!) and I am glad to hear it’s the start of a series, will definitely be retuning to the Dog Park in the future for further adventures!
“They’re the furry person who’s 100 per cent reliant on you, but loves you 1000 per cent. They share more than your home; they share your life”
June 12, 2024
"If you bring a dog - or any animal, I guess - into your home, they become part of your family. So when they die, its not "just a dog" like they're a cup you can easily replace. They're the furry person who's 100% reliant on you, but loves you 1000%. They share more than your home; they share your life."
° • ♡ • °
I was thrilled when I got an email to confirm I was taking part in the readalong/book club for this title! I love murder mysteries, I love playing detective and I love dogs so this book was definitely a need!
I was hooked straight away, I loved the small introductions we were given to the large group of characters and their canine companions. There were quite a few characters to keep track of, so these couple of pages helped familiarise myself with the names and background info before the story started.
This book was fun, feisty and fantastic! I was so consumed, I found myself reading some bits twice just to make sure I was taking everything in. I had my suspicions too while digging for clues throughout the book and turns out I was right 👀
A pawsome read that will make you smile, gasp and remind you just how amazing dogs truly are. 🐾
° • ♡ • °
I was thrilled when I got an email to confirm I was taking part in the readalong/book club for this title! I love murder mysteries, I love playing detective and I love dogs so this book was definitely a need!
I was hooked straight away, I loved the small introductions we were given to the large group of characters and their canine companions. There were quite a few characters to keep track of, so these couple of pages helped familiarise myself with the names and background info before the story started.
This book was fun, feisty and fantastic! I was so consumed, I found myself reading some bits twice just to make sure I was taking everything in. I had my suspicions too while digging for clues throughout the book and turns out I was right 👀
A pawsome read that will make you smile, gasp and remind you just how amazing dogs truly are. 🐾
January 15, 2025
Loved the idea of the book, and the plot.
Got really attached to all the characters and the adorable dogs!
The biggest let down was the conclusion, most of the reveal is just speculation and we never really know if all the crimes were connected or not despite Louise (the Main character) connecting the dots without any proof?
The ending just left me a bit unsatisfied but still an enjoyable read
Got really attached to all the characters and the adorable dogs!
The biggest let down was the conclusion, most of the reveal is just speculation and we never really know if all the crimes were connected or not despite Louise (the Main character) connecting the dots without any proof?
The ending just left me a bit unsatisfied but still an enjoyable read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2025
the idea is good, but there were just too many names and characters for me to really follow and enjoy the story, i got confused between who's human and who's dog for one too many times. also, for 70% of the book nothing really happens. i did like some of the characters and i did enjoy the London setting, so there's that.
April 5, 2024
This book was a brilliant read! I couldn’t put it down. I’m from East London and have two pooches so it was right up my street. When a body is found in their park it keeps the local Dog Park friends, headed by Louise start hunting for clues and information. Then when some dogs fall ill, they all jump into action, work together to get to the bottom of what is happening in their local area. This book is a murder mystery that is heart warming, an easy read and exciting.
September 21, 2024
Such a cute read about murder in a dog park! Truly entertaining and lighthearted - like a crime beach read kind of vibe.
October 14, 2024
Geinig!! Vooral omschrijvingen van die hondjes cute
December 17, 2024
Loved couldn’t put it down
June 14, 2025
I really wanted to love this and hoped it would fill the Thursday Murder Club void but it fell very flat for me (I’m probably still going to read the second one lol)
May 10, 2026
It was OK. I found it a little difficult to follow way too many characters. Sadly, I won't be reading the rest of the series 😔
May 10, 2026
Sorry to say but my dog could’ve written a more compelling ‘murder mystery’
June 6, 2025
Nothing out of this world. But a cozy murder mystery with a group of people who have met whilst walking their dogs. “The Pack”, as they call themselves, help solve the murder of one of their own.
Would recommend if you want something you can listen too without having to think too much and if you like dogs 🐕
Would recommend if you want something you can listen too without having to think too much and if you like dogs 🐕
January 4, 2026
3.8. good.l but not amazing. a good murder mystery but a Lot of characters which was confusing, even with the outline of everyone at the start.
March 8, 2025
it was cute with some shitty detective work.
i knew who did it the second they introduced them and i'm no poirot.
also, i know the main premise was that everybody has a dog but at some point i felt like 'we get it, you have a dog'.
however, if you want an easy read and love dogs, you might enjoy this.
i knew who did it the second they introduced them and i'm no poirot.
also, i know the main premise was that everybody has a dog but at some point i felt like 'we get it, you have a dog'.
however, if you want an easy read and love dogs, you might enjoy this.
May 22, 2024
The Dog Park Detectives is a paws-itively cosy murder mystery by Blake Mara.
When a dead body is found in a local park by 2 members of the dog walking group, Louise - our mfc - can’t help but look for clues and try to solve this mystery.
As dogs start getting ill, more of the group band together to figure out what’s going on!
This was a fun, easy read that I couldn’t put down. It’s a very cute spin on a murder mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley, the book publishers and author for allowing me an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review.
When a dead body is found in a local park by 2 members of the dog walking group, Louise - our mfc - can’t help but look for clues and try to solve this mystery.
As dogs start getting ill, more of the group band together to figure out what’s going on!
This was a fun, easy read that I couldn’t put down. It’s a very cute spin on a murder mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley, the book publishers and author for allowing me an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews