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Pet Boutique #1
Paws For Murder
Izzy McHale wants her new Trendy Tails Pet Boutique in Merryville, Minnesota, to be the height of canine couture and feline fashions. But at the store’s opening, it turns out it’s a human who’s dressed to kill…Izzy’s own beloved pets are dressed to the nines for the grand opening of Trendy Tails. Feisty feline Jinx is large and in charge, and happy mutt Packer is lapping up the attention. Izzy and her best friend Rena have their hands full meeting Merryville’s menagerie and serving tasty pupcakes and kitty canapes from their “barkery.” The last thing they need is the town’s local activist, Sherry Harper, scaring off customers and getting tongues wagging by picketing the event.The two manage to stop Sherry’s protest in its tracks, but the trouble for Trendy Tails is just beginning. Sherry is found murdered in back of the shop, and Rena is immediately named as the lead suspect. Now Izzy and her furry friends have a new pet project—collaring a killer.FIRST IN A NEW SERIES!
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2013
30 people are currently reading
1222 people want to read
About the author
Annie Knox
6 books73 followersAnnie Knox doesn’t commit–or solve–murders in her real life, but her passion for animals is 100% true. She’s also a devotee of 80s music, Asian horror films, and reality TV. While Annie is a native Buckeye and has called a half dozen states “home,” she and her husband now live in a crumbling historic house just a stone’s throw from the courthouse square in a north Texas town.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
November 3, 2023
WOW! This was one of the best cozy mysteries I've ever read!! If you love pets and mysteries, this is the purrfect read for you!! Izzy McHale is excited about the grand opening of her Trendy Tails Pet Boutique where she designs and sells canine couture and feline fashions. Her best friend, Rena, operates the 'barkery' inside the shop, making pupcakes, kitty canapés, and all things delicious for your spoiled fur-babies! The town of Merryville, Minnesota is a charming place for Izzy's new business. Unfortunately, a local activist, Sherry Harper, is picketing the event, and Izzy shockingly finds her dead body in the back alley after the party. Suspicion is cast on Rena, but with no solid evidence, Officer Jack Collins can't arrest her. Sherry's guinea pig, Ghandi, is missing, and so is her cell phone. With an amazing cast of possible suspects, Izzy and her friends put on their thinking caps and start to follow up on every lead they can find related to Sherry's past. Who had motive to kill her?
Annie Knox does a riveting job in weaving together all the threads of deceit in "Paws for Murder." The story is fast-paced, it completely holds your attention, all the characters are interesting and well-developed, and you'll find it hard to put down once you start reading!!! 5 STARS!!
I received a free ARC of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
Annie Knox does a riveting job in weaving together all the threads of deceit in "Paws for Murder." The story is fast-paced, it completely holds your attention, all the characters are interesting and well-developed, and you'll find it hard to put down once you start reading!!! 5 STARS!!
I received a free ARC of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2019
This was a good first entry in the series. I liked the characters and I'm curious to see what Izzy and Sean's new relationship will look like. The mystery definitely kept me guessing, I followed the red herrings well. My biggest complaint was the authors use of the word effing. I know cozies aren't supposed to have curse words in them but either use the real word or use nothing at all because using effing just looks effing dumb.
January 1, 2014
This was great book to read. Very fast paced, the mystery was well developed. There was a great list of suspects that had really good reasons, why they might want to kill the victim. You well be guessing all the way up towards the end of the book.
Loved the animal theme, the animals were so adorable. I could just picture them running around in Trendy Tails and through the whole of Merryville. Izzy, and the rest of the cast of human characters are great as well. Each character has really interesting side stories. That can continue in the next book in the series.
For anyone whom is interested in cozy mysteries or books based around animals. I think you well really enjoy reading, Paws for Murder.
Loved the animal theme, the animals were so adorable. I could just picture them running around in Trendy Tails and through the whole of Merryville. Izzy, and the rest of the cast of human characters are great as well. Each character has really interesting side stories. That can continue in the next book in the series.
For anyone whom is interested in cozy mysteries or books based around animals. I think you well really enjoy reading, Paws for Murder.
February 20, 2024
Fun cozy mystery
I enjoyed this book very much. The characters are well done and easy to like.
I love the idea of the pet boutique and all the different animals and their antics made me laugh throughout the story.
I enjoyed this book very much. The characters are well done and easy to like.
I love the idea of the pet boutique and all the different animals and their antics made me laugh throughout the story.
January 5, 2014
Paws For Murder is the first book in the A Pet Boutique Mystery series.
I love pet related mysteries and this a great beginning for a new series.
Izzy McHale is putting the final touches for the opening of her pet boutique, Trendy Tails. Izzy designs and makes clothes for pets and her best friend Rena bakes wonderful treats for pet crowd. As they get ready to open the doors for a grand opening party, Sherry Harper, begins to picket in front of the store. Sherry has many causes for which she pickets, but the picketing in the last thing Izzy needs as she starts her new business. As the party is wrapping up and things being cleaned up, Izzy takes the trash to dumpster in back and discovers the lifeless body of Sherry. When it is learned that Rena had left the store about the time Sherry was killed, she becomes a prime suspect. Izzy then contacts Sean, who was sweet on her during high school and who is now a lawyer, to help her gather information that clear Rena.
There are many in Merryville who are sad to learn of Sherry's passing, her activist stand has riled many.
The book has many enjoyable characters who provide a few chuckles to go along with the mystery. Aunt Dolly and Ingrid Whitfield, Izzy's landlord, are a lot of fun. Particularly enjoyable is Aunt Dolly who is using her feminine wiles to distract Izzy's neighbor, Richard Greene, from pursuing his desire to have Trendy Tails shut down for being a nuisance.
Looking forward to the next book in this enjoyable series.
I love pet related mysteries and this a great beginning for a new series.
Izzy McHale is putting the final touches for the opening of her pet boutique, Trendy Tails. Izzy designs and makes clothes for pets and her best friend Rena bakes wonderful treats for pet crowd. As they get ready to open the doors for a grand opening party, Sherry Harper, begins to picket in front of the store. Sherry has many causes for which she pickets, but the picketing in the last thing Izzy needs as she starts her new business. As the party is wrapping up and things being cleaned up, Izzy takes the trash to dumpster in back and discovers the lifeless body of Sherry. When it is learned that Rena had left the store about the time Sherry was killed, she becomes a prime suspect. Izzy then contacts Sean, who was sweet on her during high school and who is now a lawyer, to help her gather information that clear Rena.
There are many in Merryville who are sad to learn of Sherry's passing, her activist stand has riled many.
The book has many enjoyable characters who provide a few chuckles to go along with the mystery. Aunt Dolly and Ingrid Whitfield, Izzy's landlord, are a lot of fun. Particularly enjoyable is Aunt Dolly who is using her feminine wiles to distract Izzy's neighbor, Richard Greene, from pursuing his desire to have Trendy Tails shut down for being a nuisance.
Looking forward to the next book in this enjoyable series.
January 7, 2014
I won a copy of this in a giveaway the author did on Facebook, in exchange for an honest review. This author had another series out a couple of years ago written under another name that I absolutely loved, so was anxious to dive into this one. The premise of a trendy pet clothing boutique sounded interesting since I'm a huge animal lover (I mostly like them WAY better than most people!). Izzy's on the rebound from a long-term love affair gone bad and decides to go into business for herself, with her best friend, Rena, as a "mostly" partner. When the towns crackpot activist shows up at the grand opening party to protest the business and then turns up dead in the alley behind the store later that night things get interesting. Especially when Rena becomes suspect #1. Izzy goes into detective mode to clear her friend's name and ends up working with Rena's lawyer, another old friend who she has an uncomfortable past with. There's no shortage of viable suspects in this one and though I figured out the bad guy about half way into the book that didn't detract from my enjoyment. The only thing I didn't like was the "feel" to Izzy's relationship with Sean. I hope that gets worked out a little better in the next one. It just seemed a bit off in this one. Great 1st outing for this new series! If the rest are half as good as your previous series, Ms. Knox, you've got a real winner! RECOMMEND!
November 15, 2020
Paws For Murder
Pet Boutique, Book #1
Annie Knox
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Izzy McHale wants her new Trendy Tails Pet Boutique in Merryville, Minnesota, to be the height of canine couture and feline fashions. But at the store’s opening, it turns out it’s a human who’s dressed to kill…
Izzy’s own beloved pets are dressed to the nines for the grand opening of Trendy Tails. Feisty feline Jinx is large and in charge, and happy mutt Packer is lapping up the attention. Izzy and her best friend Rena have their hands full meeting Merryville’s menagerie and serving tasty pupcakes and kitty canapes from their “barkery.” The last thing they need is the town’s local activist, Sherry Harper, scaring off customers and getting tongues wagging by picketing the event.
The two manage to stop Sherry’s protest in its tracks, but the trouble for Trendy Tails is just beginning. Sherry is found murdered in back of the shop, and Rena is immediately named as the lead suspect. Now Izzy and her furry friends have a new pet project—collaring a killer.
FIRST IN A NEW SERIES! (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Izzy has opened her new business, Trendy Tails Pet Boutique. When her plans for a happily-ever-after falls apart, she decides to make pet clothes and tasty treats. With the help of her friend, Rena, and the financial backing of her Aunt, she is open for business. But before the treats are baked, there is a murder in her alley and Rena is the prime suspect. With the help of Sean, an old boyfriend who is now a lawyer, she knows she has to find the killer before it is too late. The characters were engaging and they brought a lot to the story. I enjoyed all of the animals too, they had their own story to tell.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions brought the story to life in my mind. The writing style flowed smoothly and the book was a quick easy read. The mystery was well plotted and not easily solved, which is how I like my mysteries.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Pet Boutique, Book #1
Annie Knox
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Izzy McHale wants her new Trendy Tails Pet Boutique in Merryville, Minnesota, to be the height of canine couture and feline fashions. But at the store’s opening, it turns out it’s a human who’s dressed to kill…
Izzy’s own beloved pets are dressed to the nines for the grand opening of Trendy Tails. Feisty feline Jinx is large and in charge, and happy mutt Packer is lapping up the attention. Izzy and her best friend Rena have their hands full meeting Merryville’s menagerie and serving tasty pupcakes and kitty canapes from their “barkery.” The last thing they need is the town’s local activist, Sherry Harper, scaring off customers and getting tongues wagging by picketing the event.
The two manage to stop Sherry’s protest in its tracks, but the trouble for Trendy Tails is just beginning. Sherry is found murdered in back of the shop, and Rena is immediately named as the lead suspect. Now Izzy and her furry friends have a new pet project—collaring a killer.
FIRST IN A NEW SERIES! (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Izzy has opened her new business, Trendy Tails Pet Boutique. When her plans for a happily-ever-after falls apart, she decides to make pet clothes and tasty treats. With the help of her friend, Rena, and the financial backing of her Aunt, she is open for business. But before the treats are baked, there is a murder in her alley and Rena is the prime suspect. With the help of Sean, an old boyfriend who is now a lawyer, she knows she has to find the killer before it is too late. The characters were engaging and they brought a lot to the story. I enjoyed all of the animals too, they had their own story to tell.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions brought the story to life in my mind. The writing style flowed smoothly and the book was a quick easy read. The mystery was well plotted and not easily solved, which is how I like my mysteries.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
April 11, 2017
The book started a bit slow. I had a hard time getting into the characters, but about mid-way things seemed to come together.
There was a dreaded love triangle, but it might be gone in the future. I really liked Sean and how willing he was to help his friends. Izzy was a bit more iffy. She kept accusing people with little evidence and anytime she had a faux pas she just kept referring to herself as Dizzy Izzy, which was annoying and a cop out.
There was a dreaded love triangle, but it might be gone in the future. I really liked Sean and how willing he was to help his friends. Izzy was a bit more iffy. She kept accusing people with little evidence and anytime she had a faux pas she just kept referring to herself as Dizzy Izzy, which was annoying and a cop out.
July 12, 2017
Another interesting cozy series, this one involving pets and costumes. I admit when my little Austin was alive I would dress him in a denim coat. He also had a reflective tradie coat, a dracula costume, bow ties...you get the idea. So the theme behind this one wasn't new to me, haha. Maybe when my Paddy Pupper grows up I'll even buy him his own few accessories.
The murder mystery was especially good for a first mystery, and the romance was sizzling. If this was the beginning, then I can't wait to read the rest. It should be an awesome ride!
Can't wait to read more, five stars!
The murder mystery was especially good for a first mystery, and the romance was sizzling. If this was the beginning, then I can't wait to read the rest. It should be an awesome ride!
Can't wait to read more, five stars!
January 28, 2021
This book series is about Izzy. She owns Trendy Tails.
shop that she makes animal clothes and her friend Rena make animal treats. Izzy boyfriend left her she was going to go away with him and start a clothing line for people. But that did not happen. So now Izzy is making clothes for animals instead. Some people do not want Izzy to successed with her store. So when a protester is poisoned people look at Rena because she had a heated argument with the protester. Izzy known Rena for 30 years. She know she would poison anyone. But there is something Rena is not telling Izzy about.
shop that she makes animal clothes and her friend Rena make animal treats. Izzy boyfriend left her she was going to go away with him and start a clothing line for people. But that did not happen. So now Izzy is making clothes for animals instead. Some people do not want Izzy to successed with her store. So when a protester is poisoned people look at Rena because she had a heated argument with the protester. Izzy known Rena for 30 years. She know she would poison anyone. But there is something Rena is not telling Izzy about.
January 14, 2019
Well, I liked the characters and the setting, but a) would someone who runs a pet boutique really forget a murdered customer's pet? and b) it didn't really have a satisfying ending. Yes, they found out whodunnit, but in the end, the victim's attempts to stop the developer utterly failed.
March 6, 2020
Review coming soon
January 30, 2018
Great book. Very entertaining. Izzy decides to open up her own pet boutique shop since she loves making clothes for animals with her friend Rena who makes animal treats in the small town of Merryville, Minn. Except for the protest outside their shop by Sherry Harper, local activist everything seems to be going okay. That is until Sherry is found dead behind their shop and Rena becomes the main suspect. Rena ask her friend Brad to represent her in case she needs a lawyer and the three of them start asking a lot of questions. They find out more about Sherry and her family and friends then they want to but to clear Rena they have no choice. This is a town full of creative characters. A small town atmosphere with just the right amount of mystery.
November 21, 2020
Paws For Murder
Pet Boutique, Book #1
Annie Knox
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Izzy McHale wants her new Trendy Tails Pet Boutique in Merryville, Minnesota, to be the height of canine couture and feline fashions. But at the store’s opening, it turns out it’s a human who’s dressed to kill…
Izzy’s own beloved pets are dressed to the nines for the grand opening of Trendy Tails. Feisty feline Jinx is large and in charge, and happy mutt Packer is lapping up the attention. Izzy and her best friend Rena have their hands full meeting Merryville’s menagerie and serving tasty pupcakes and kitty canapes from their “barkery.” The last thing they need is the town’s local activist, Sherry Harper, scaring off customers and getting tongues wagging by picketing the event.
The two manage to stop Sherry’s protest in its tracks, but the trouble for Trendy Tails is just beginning. Sherry is found murdered in back of the shop, and Rena is immediately named as the lead suspect. Now Izzy and her furry friends have a new pet project—collaring a killer.
FIRST IN A NEW SERIES! (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Izzy has opened her new business, Trendy Tails Pet Boutique. When her plans for a happily-ever-after falls apart, she decides to make pet clothes and tasty treats. With the help of her friend, Rena, and the financial backing of her Aunt, she is open for business. But before the treats are baked, there is a murder in her alley and Rena is the prime suspect. With the help of Sean, an old boyfriend who is now a lawyer, she knows she has to find the killer before it is too late. The characters were engaging and they brought a lot to the story. I enjoyed all of the animals too, they had their own story to tell.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions brought the story to life in my mind. The writing style flowed smoothly and the book was a quick easy read. The mystery was well plotted and not easily solved, which is how I like my mysteries.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Pet Boutique, Book #1
Annie Knox
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Izzy McHale wants her new Trendy Tails Pet Boutique in Merryville, Minnesota, to be the height of canine couture and feline fashions. But at the store’s opening, it turns out it’s a human who’s dressed to kill…
Izzy’s own beloved pets are dressed to the nines for the grand opening of Trendy Tails. Feisty feline Jinx is large and in charge, and happy mutt Packer is lapping up the attention. Izzy and her best friend Rena have their hands full meeting Merryville’s menagerie and serving tasty pupcakes and kitty canapes from their “barkery.” The last thing they need is the town’s local activist, Sherry Harper, scaring off customers and getting tongues wagging by picketing the event.
The two manage to stop Sherry’s protest in its tracks, but the trouble for Trendy Tails is just beginning. Sherry is found murdered in back of the shop, and Rena is immediately named as the lead suspect. Now Izzy and her furry friends have a new pet project—collaring a killer.
FIRST IN A NEW SERIES! (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Izzy has opened her new business, Trendy Tails Pet Boutique. When her plans for a happily-ever-after falls apart, she decides to make pet clothes and tasty treats. With the help of her friend, Rena, and the financial backing of her Aunt, she is open for business. But before the treats are baked, there is a murder in her alley and Rena is the prime suspect. With the help of Sean, an old boyfriend who is now a lawyer, she knows she has to find the killer before it is too late. The characters were engaging and they brought a lot to the story. I enjoyed all of the animals too, they had their own story to tell.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions brought the story to life in my mind. The writing style flowed smoothly and the book was a quick easy read. The mystery was well plotted and not easily solved, which is how I like my mysteries.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
January 24, 2023
That was cute. Izzy owns a costume/clothing shop for animals and is getting ready for her grand opening when a local protester is found behind her business. Her best friend is accused of the murder. Her former friend who has returned to town is helping to get Rena off the murder charges as he's a lawyer. Lots of plot twists and a nice reveal that you don't see coming until it happens was a refreshing change.
February 20, 2014
http://openbooksociety.com/article/pa...
Brought to you by OSB reviewer Jeanie
The opening novel of the Pet Boutique Mystery series, Paws for Murder introduces the delightful Trendy Tails Pet Boutique, owned by Izzy and her her four-legged partners Packer (pug-bulldog mix) and Jinx (Norwegian Forest Cat). Rena, Izzy’s best friend and two-legged partner, makes organic pet treats for sale in the Boutique and helps make the pet-safe pet clothing designed by Izzy. Ingrid is her landlord and owner of the 3-story home that had formerly housed Ingrid’s Gift Haus and included Ingrid’s 2nd story home.
Izzy, who had studied fashion design in college, lived in the third-floor apartment with her ex-boyfriend Casey until he moved on to a Park Avenue practice after his residency was complete. When Ingrid closed her business, the Gift Haus two years after their breakup, she encouraged Izzy to sell the pet clothing she designed, and thus began the idea for Trendy Tails.
Merryville, Minnesota has an eclectic mix of residents and tourists that would sufficiently provide clientele for a variety of shops. Personally, I like any shop that caters to pets – even though my cats would never allow themselves to be dressed up, a clothing boutique for pets sounds like a fun venture! Getting healthy pet treats would definitely be a plus in a setting where one could sample or purchase a very small quantity should one have a finicky pet.
The night of the catered grand opening party of the Boutique brought many visitors to Pet Tails. One person who they wish had stayed home, however, was Sherry Harper. Sherry was the local activist, a trust-fund baby who would protest almost anything for any reason. She protested the Pet Tails because, to her, it wasn’t natural for animals to wear clothes. Sherry’s boyfriend, Nick, had a loud disagreement with her outside that evening, as did Rena. In spite of the sidewalk squabbles, it seemed the grand opening was an overall success.
Izzy and her friends were nearly done cleaning up afterwards when she took the trash out. Unfortunately she also found the body of Sherry, who had died from something that wasn’t evident at the time. And by the end of the night, Izzy’s best friend Rena was the prime suspect, particularly when it was learned that Sherry had been poisoned by water hemlock root. It was a plant native to the area that police theorized she had prepared in the cereal mix.
It was an interesting sight to see Izzy then we met her old friend, Sean, now an attorney who would represent Rena – and a blast to watch two of them pair up to find the killer. Even more fun was seeing the good-looking attorney’s well-heeled ladyfriend, also an attorney, meet Rena and Izzy, who were clearly below the social circles she liked to be seen in. Several people were considered suspects throughout the book for various reasons, and sometimes the process of eliminating them as suspects caused a few raised eyebrows from their family or friends. Finally, Izzy ‘got it’ on the night of the Halloween Howl. She was reminded, by Packer’s actions, of something mentioned by one of their neighbors. Merryville’s pets would parade their Halloween attire to win fun prizes, but would have to wait until the suspect could be questioned by – of course – Izzy. It was clear that Rena wouldn’t have to worry about a murder charge any longer – and the person that this armchair detective would have least expected was taken away in handcuffs.
I very much enjoyed Annie Knox’s first book in the Pet Boutique Mystery series. Izzy was likeable in many ways, most especially for being a pet-lover. I had empathy with her when she thought about the years she had been away at college – how even though she stayed in touch with Rena and others, she realized that she had not known much about Rena’s life during those years yet returned to Merryville thinking that they were picking up where they left off. How she felt when realizing that Rena had challenges and changes that she knew nothing about, but Rena knew all about hers. How she felt when realizing that Sean had been right about Casey all those years ago. And how life was for her sisters and parents. Izzy’s work to get Rena off of the suspect list was amazing, and her thought processes interesting.
For me, it was a challenge to remember all the people, their family members and friendships, and other details noted about their lives. There were more than I could easily recall while reading this novel. Sometimes I appreciate seeing short lists of the “players” in the front of a book, especially as I get a bit older! Perhaps a well-done map of the main street with the storefronts in relation to each other, or any other creative way to help remind us of each other.
I would recommend this new series to pet lovers who enjoy small-town life, creative businesses that cater to pets, and an interesting assortment of passionate, eccentric people. And, of course, to everyone who enjoys a small-town whodunit! I, for one, am looking forward to Groomed for Murder, the second book in the series.
Brought to you by OSB reviewer Jeanie
The opening novel of the Pet Boutique Mystery series, Paws for Murder introduces the delightful Trendy Tails Pet Boutique, owned by Izzy and her her four-legged partners Packer (pug-bulldog mix) and Jinx (Norwegian Forest Cat). Rena, Izzy’s best friend and two-legged partner, makes organic pet treats for sale in the Boutique and helps make the pet-safe pet clothing designed by Izzy. Ingrid is her landlord and owner of the 3-story home that had formerly housed Ingrid’s Gift Haus and included Ingrid’s 2nd story home.
Izzy, who had studied fashion design in college, lived in the third-floor apartment with her ex-boyfriend Casey until he moved on to a Park Avenue practice after his residency was complete. When Ingrid closed her business, the Gift Haus two years after their breakup, she encouraged Izzy to sell the pet clothing she designed, and thus began the idea for Trendy Tails.
Merryville, Minnesota has an eclectic mix of residents and tourists that would sufficiently provide clientele for a variety of shops. Personally, I like any shop that caters to pets – even though my cats would never allow themselves to be dressed up, a clothing boutique for pets sounds like a fun venture! Getting healthy pet treats would definitely be a plus in a setting where one could sample or purchase a very small quantity should one have a finicky pet.
The night of the catered grand opening party of the Boutique brought many visitors to Pet Tails. One person who they wish had stayed home, however, was Sherry Harper. Sherry was the local activist, a trust-fund baby who would protest almost anything for any reason. She protested the Pet Tails because, to her, it wasn’t natural for animals to wear clothes. Sherry’s boyfriend, Nick, had a loud disagreement with her outside that evening, as did Rena. In spite of the sidewalk squabbles, it seemed the grand opening was an overall success.
Izzy and her friends were nearly done cleaning up afterwards when she took the trash out. Unfortunately she also found the body of Sherry, who had died from something that wasn’t evident at the time. And by the end of the night, Izzy’s best friend Rena was the prime suspect, particularly when it was learned that Sherry had been poisoned by water hemlock root. It was a plant native to the area that police theorized she had prepared in the cereal mix.
It was an interesting sight to see Izzy then we met her old friend, Sean, now an attorney who would represent Rena – and a blast to watch two of them pair up to find the killer. Even more fun was seeing the good-looking attorney’s well-heeled ladyfriend, also an attorney, meet Rena and Izzy, who were clearly below the social circles she liked to be seen in. Several people were considered suspects throughout the book for various reasons, and sometimes the process of eliminating them as suspects caused a few raised eyebrows from their family or friends. Finally, Izzy ‘got it’ on the night of the Halloween Howl. She was reminded, by Packer’s actions, of something mentioned by one of their neighbors. Merryville’s pets would parade their Halloween attire to win fun prizes, but would have to wait until the suspect could be questioned by – of course – Izzy. It was clear that Rena wouldn’t have to worry about a murder charge any longer – and the person that this armchair detective would have least expected was taken away in handcuffs.
I very much enjoyed Annie Knox’s first book in the Pet Boutique Mystery series. Izzy was likeable in many ways, most especially for being a pet-lover. I had empathy with her when she thought about the years she had been away at college – how even though she stayed in touch with Rena and others, she realized that she had not known much about Rena’s life during those years yet returned to Merryville thinking that they were picking up where they left off. How she felt when realizing that Rena had challenges and changes that she knew nothing about, but Rena knew all about hers. How she felt when realizing that Sean had been right about Casey all those years ago. And how life was for her sisters and parents. Izzy’s work to get Rena off of the suspect list was amazing, and her thought processes interesting.
For me, it was a challenge to remember all the people, their family members and friendships, and other details noted about their lives. There were more than I could easily recall while reading this novel. Sometimes I appreciate seeing short lists of the “players” in the front of a book, especially as I get a bit older! Perhaps a well-done map of the main street with the storefronts in relation to each other, or any other creative way to help remind us of each other.
I would recommend this new series to pet lovers who enjoy small-town life, creative businesses that cater to pets, and an interesting assortment of passionate, eccentric people. And, of course, to everyone who enjoys a small-town whodunit! I, for one, am looking forward to Groomed for Murder, the second book in the series.
January 8, 2014
After breaking up with her boyfriend, Izzy McHale goes home to Merryville, Minnesota where she opens a new store, Trendy Tails Pet Boutique. Along with her best friend, Rena, Izzy hopes her shop will be a huge success. Rena will make the tasty treats like pupcakes and kitty canapés, while Izzy designs canine and feline outfits. All is well until a local activist, Sherry Harper, shows up to protest.
Sherry is a trust-fund baby carrying a guinea pig in a sling like a baby. Sherry is very much opposed to dressing animals in clothes. Izzy’s argument is that most people buy animal clothes from big market places that get their shipments overseas. Izzy creates the outfits herself and offers a local non-toxic alternative. Sherry isn’t buying it.
As everyone celebrates the grand opening of Trendy Tails Pet Boutique, Sherry protests and eventually is found dead in the alley outside. The prime suspect is Rena. Izzy doesn’t intend to let her best friend go down for this murder. Rena hires a local attorney who happens to be a guy who loved Izzy when they were teens. Izzy blew him off then, but now she teams up with him to get Rena cleared of all charges. Of course, Sean and Izzy grow closer and old sparks start to rekindle, but their main concern is Rena and finding out who really killed Sherry. Much to their surprise, there is quite a long list of potential suspects.
The “A Pet Boutique Mystery” series gets off to a great start with this one. Dogs, cats, ferrets and even guinea pigs take center stage in this one. I was taken in on the first page as they discussed dressing animals in clothes. Not something I do, but it made for an interesting start to the story.
Izzy is a great character and I’m looking forward to getting to know her better. Sean, Rena…they are all fun characters, not to mention that Izzy has an entire family of fun characters.
I enjoyed the mix of mystery with romance in this one and can’t wait to see what happens with Izzy and Sean’s potential relationship. I didn’t guess who the killer was until the last chapter, so that’s a good thing. The mystery weaved through the entire book to keep readers guessing until the end. Annie Knox did a great job of creating a fun mystery with great character. The next book isn’t out until September, but I’ll be looking for it. Great start to a fun series!
FTC Disclosure: The publisher provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Sherry is a trust-fund baby carrying a guinea pig in a sling like a baby. Sherry is very much opposed to dressing animals in clothes. Izzy’s argument is that most people buy animal clothes from big market places that get their shipments overseas. Izzy creates the outfits herself and offers a local non-toxic alternative. Sherry isn’t buying it.
As everyone celebrates the grand opening of Trendy Tails Pet Boutique, Sherry protests and eventually is found dead in the alley outside. The prime suspect is Rena. Izzy doesn’t intend to let her best friend go down for this murder. Rena hires a local attorney who happens to be a guy who loved Izzy when they were teens. Izzy blew him off then, but now she teams up with him to get Rena cleared of all charges. Of course, Sean and Izzy grow closer and old sparks start to rekindle, but their main concern is Rena and finding out who really killed Sherry. Much to their surprise, there is quite a long list of potential suspects.
The “A Pet Boutique Mystery” series gets off to a great start with this one. Dogs, cats, ferrets and even guinea pigs take center stage in this one. I was taken in on the first page as they discussed dressing animals in clothes. Not something I do, but it made for an interesting start to the story.
Izzy is a great character and I’m looking forward to getting to know her better. Sean, Rena…they are all fun characters, not to mention that Izzy has an entire family of fun characters.
I enjoyed the mix of mystery with romance in this one and can’t wait to see what happens with Izzy and Sean’s potential relationship. I didn’t guess who the killer was until the last chapter, so that’s a good thing. The mystery weaved through the entire book to keep readers guessing until the end. Annie Knox did a great job of creating a fun mystery with great character. The next book isn’t out until September, but I’ll be looking for it. Great start to a fun series!
FTC Disclosure: The publisher provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 16, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This story was a fun start to the Pet Boutique Mystery series. We have tried costumes on our pets over the years. None of them were ever too happy about it but it is a very cute idea and practical for those pets that venture outdoors in the cold winter months.
I enjoyed the way the author tied the story to my home state of Wisconsin too, with a dog named Packer, and characters that went to college or moved from Madison.
All he characters both two legged and four legged were introduced to us quite well in this first installment. I have a soft spot for Aunt Dolly, of course, us Dolly’s need to stick together. I love the way she supports Izzy both with helping her open Trendy Tails and in any other way she can. She even dons 4 inch platform sandals and “dresses up” to catch the eye of a crotchety store owner trying to make trouble for Izzy. Aunt Dolly is a hoot!!
Izzy is a strong protagonist too. Her life was turned upside down by a man. They had their whole future planned but just when they were supposed to be a making the move to New York, he changed his plans and left her behind and took another woman with him! She had to pick herself up, dust herself off and get on with her life. She does that with Trendy Tails. At least she was in her hometown surrounded by friends and family. Going into business with her best friend Rena was the perfect choice. Hopefully she can patch thing up with her old friend Sean too. Their friendship had added rather abruptly but now that they are both back in Merryville she are going to constantly bumping into each other.
There are many more interesting characters who reside in Merryville. It is one of those small towns where everyone knows everyone or they have heard gossip about each other. A perfect setting for this cozy mystery series.
I did see the writing on the wall a bit before the guilty party was revealed, but this still a wonderful mystery. I enjoyed the story so much I have already started reading Groomed For Murder. It hits store shelves next week!
March 22, 2014
Book #30 Read in 2014
Paws for Murder by Annie Knox
This is the first book in a relatively new cozy mystery series; it is set in a pet boutique. Izzy returns to her hometown and opens the pet boutique, making all sorts of costumes and clothing for pets. Her childhood Rena partners up with her to create yummy pet treats to sell at Trendy Tails. Their grand opening is going well until the body of a local rich girl/political activist is found in their alleyway. Rena is considered a suspect. Izzy teams up with Sean, her old friend who had a crush on her, who is now Rena's lawyer to try to find the real murderer. Will they do so before Rena is arrested?
This was a good cozy mystery read. I enjoyed the setting and the animal characters throughout the book. The mystery was decent as I was kept guessing about the true identity of the murderer. The romantic history between Izzy and Sean was another interesting element. There was also humor in the book. I loved Aunt Dolly trying to seduce Izzy's cranky business neighbor. I will read the second book in this series.
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
Paws for Murder by Annie Knox
This is the first book in a relatively new cozy mystery series; it is set in a pet boutique. Izzy returns to her hometown and opens the pet boutique, making all sorts of costumes and clothing for pets. Her childhood Rena partners up with her to create yummy pet treats to sell at Trendy Tails. Their grand opening is going well until the body of a local rich girl/political activist is found in their alleyway. Rena is considered a suspect. Izzy teams up with Sean, her old friend who had a crush on her, who is now Rena's lawyer to try to find the real murderer. Will they do so before Rena is arrested?
This was a good cozy mystery read. I enjoyed the setting and the animal characters throughout the book. The mystery was decent as I was kept guessing about the true identity of the murderer. The romantic history between Izzy and Sean was another interesting element. There was also humor in the book. I loved Aunt Dolly trying to seduce Izzy's cranky business neighbor. I will read the second book in this series.
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
June 27, 2015
3.5 stars
February 10, 2020
A fun and easy to get into cozy mystery. The theme of a pet boutique was fun and the mystery was well done. An interesting cast of characters as well.
July 13, 2018
When Izzy McHale's life falls apart because her doctor boyfriend decides to hightail it out of town with another woman, she decides to open a pet clothing store and 'barkery' with her friend Rena Hamilton, and she thinks everything is going to be fine. But she doesn't count on Sherry Harper, trust fund baby and local activist, who thinks it's cruel to dress up pets, picketing on opening night.
When there is a set-to outside her store during the opening, she finds Sherry and her ex-boyfriend Nick in the middle of a heated argument. After Rena successfully ends the fiasco, the party continues. Later in the night when Izzy is taking out the trash she sees something near the dumpster...which turns out to be Sherry, quite dead indeed.
When Rena is suspected of the crime, Izzy realizes her best friend couldn't possibly be guilty and since she thinks the police aren't even looking for anyone else she opts to find the killer herself rather than see her friend jailed for something she didn't do...
Well, this book started out interesting enough with a conversation between Sherry and Izzy. But the more I read, the more it seemed rather silly. A store dedicated to dressing up your dogs and cats? Honestly, I own cats (and have owned dogs) and I can't imagine trying to put clothing of any kind on my cats. Just trying would have me paying for it for months, if you know what I mean.
And to tell the truth, I've never really liked the idea of people clothing their dogs. They're pets, for goodness' sake, not people. While you think they may love being dressed up, they're dogs. They only know they're getting attention, and are probably wondering what you're doing to them. It's rather silly to see a dog in a tutu and makes me wonder about the person who did it - but enough about that...
Anyway, it is the first in a series and that always makes me want to give a book a chance, because you never know what you might find. Sadly, it wasn't much. Why did she decide to design for pets? Especially in a small town? She trained to be a clothing designer, and she could just as well have made clothing for people, even in said small town. If the designs were nice enough, she could have started small and worked her way into a high-end boutique. This would have made the series much more interesting.
Unfortunately, once a book loses me it's very hard to take anything else in it seriously, so I won't be reading any more of this series.
When there is a set-to outside her store during the opening, she finds Sherry and her ex-boyfriend Nick in the middle of a heated argument. After Rena successfully ends the fiasco, the party continues. Later in the night when Izzy is taking out the trash she sees something near the dumpster...which turns out to be Sherry, quite dead indeed.
When Rena is suspected of the crime, Izzy realizes her best friend couldn't possibly be guilty and since she thinks the police aren't even looking for anyone else she opts to find the killer herself rather than see her friend jailed for something she didn't do...
Well, this book started out interesting enough with a conversation between Sherry and Izzy. But the more I read, the more it seemed rather silly. A store dedicated to dressing up your dogs and cats? Honestly, I own cats (and have owned dogs) and I can't imagine trying to put clothing of any kind on my cats. Just trying would have me paying for it for months, if you know what I mean.
And to tell the truth, I've never really liked the idea of people clothing their dogs. They're pets, for goodness' sake, not people. While you think they may love being dressed up, they're dogs. They only know they're getting attention, and are probably wondering what you're doing to them. It's rather silly to see a dog in a tutu and makes me wonder about the person who did it - but enough about that...
Anyway, it is the first in a series and that always makes me want to give a book a chance, because you never know what you might find. Sadly, it wasn't much. Why did she decide to design for pets? Especially in a small town? She trained to be a clothing designer, and she could just as well have made clothing for people, even in said small town. If the designs were nice enough, she could have started small and worked her way into a high-end boutique. This would have made the series much more interesting.
Unfortunately, once a book loses me it's very hard to take anything else in it seriously, so I won't be reading any more of this series.
December 4, 2020
54. Paws for Murder (A Pet Boutique Mystery Book 1) by Annie Knox
The grand opening of Izzy McHale’s Trendy Tails Pet Boutique in Merryville, Minnesota, is almost marred by the picketing of the local town activist (she thinks it’s cruel to dress pets in clothing). Izzy and her bff, Rena, who cooks treats for the canine customers of the boutique, manage to head off the protest, but later in the night, Izzy finds the activist dead behind the store, and the cause isn’t natural. Rena is the lead suspect because she and the dead woman had words earlier in the evening. Izzy knows Rena couldn’t have done it, and sets out to prove the police wrong.
I enjoyed this way more than I anticipated. Sure, the plot has been done before (fledgling business owner, cute products to sell, angry competitor/jealous other business owner/misguided citizen causes problems, blah-blah-blah), but this had good writing, well-developed, likeable and surprisingly complex characters, a lovely setting, a fun shop to work in, several suspects, and snazzily dressed dogs and cats.
This was a light, fun, engaging read. The mystery held my interest all the way through, didn’t give me stress, and I found Izzy to be someone to root for and cheer her successes. I liked the descriptions of the pet outfits she designed, and I enjoyed following along as she solved the crime. I was sad when it ended because I became attached to Izzy and Rena and their pets. They seem like people I’d like to hang out with, and I know if Trendy Tails was a real shop, I’d be one of their best customers. I will read more in this series.
The grand opening of Izzy McHale’s Trendy Tails Pet Boutique in Merryville, Minnesota, is almost marred by the picketing of the local town activist (she thinks it’s cruel to dress pets in clothing). Izzy and her bff, Rena, who cooks treats for the canine customers of the boutique, manage to head off the protest, but later in the night, Izzy finds the activist dead behind the store, and the cause isn’t natural. Rena is the lead suspect because she and the dead woman had words earlier in the evening. Izzy knows Rena couldn’t have done it, and sets out to prove the police wrong.
I enjoyed this way more than I anticipated. Sure, the plot has been done before (fledgling business owner, cute products to sell, angry competitor/jealous other business owner/misguided citizen causes problems, blah-blah-blah), but this had good writing, well-developed, likeable and surprisingly complex characters, a lovely setting, a fun shop to work in, several suspects, and snazzily dressed dogs and cats.
This was a light, fun, engaging read. The mystery held my interest all the way through, didn’t give me stress, and I found Izzy to be someone to root for and cheer her successes. I liked the descriptions of the pet outfits she designed, and I enjoyed following along as she solved the crime. I was sad when it ended because I became attached to Izzy and Rena and their pets. They seem like people I’d like to hang out with, and I know if Trendy Tails was a real shop, I’d be one of their best customers. I will read more in this series.
April 25, 2018
Not a bad book, really. As much as I love mysteries, I half expected not to like this one, since it's a cozy. Too many tropes that I can't stand in cozies these days, the first of which is first-person narration. (Followed by some others, like living in a quaint small town, the MC running her own business, having some quirky friends/relations, a love interest--or potential one--who either works in law enforcement or the law, etc.) Anyway, this one was actually readable for me, even with these cliches. Anyway, the mystery itself was pretty good, with one glaring exception: the finding and handling of the victim's cell phone. That was really a stretch, and the fact that nobody even suggested turning it in to the cops, or had a qualm about unlocking the phone and looking into its history. That really was beyond the pale, behavior-wise. Also, the book ended pretty abruptly. One minute there's a big town event going on, and the next minute the book is finished.
February 9, 2019
I had no expectations when I picked up this book. I'm a HUGE fan of The Cat Who mysteries by Lilian Jackson Braun, so perhaps that cast a thin veil of filter over my expectations, if I'm being honest. I checked this out of the library as part of my plan to read more real books in my life. It was part of a display of books right in front of the door as you walk into the library.
I really enjoyed reading this book. This really doesn't compare to The Cat Who mysteries, but rather stands on its own. It's a different time period, different locale. The characters are endearing and well-developed. The suspense was excellent; not outrageously edge of your seat, but enough to make it hard to put the book down. Also this was very well written!! That might be my favorite part of all. Several times I had to reach for the dictionary/Google to look up a word.
Overall I recommend this as a cozy mystery. Well done story!
I really enjoyed reading this book. This really doesn't compare to The Cat Who mysteries, but rather stands on its own. It's a different time period, different locale. The characters are endearing and well-developed. The suspense was excellent; not outrageously edge of your seat, but enough to make it hard to put the book down. Also this was very well written!! That might be my favorite part of all. Several times I had to reach for the dictionary/Google to look up a word.
Overall I recommend this as a cozy mystery. Well done story!
November 8, 2019
About the book:
Izzy’s own beloved pets are dressed to the nines for the grand opening of Trendy Tails. Feisty feline Jinx is large and in charge, and happy mutt Packer is lapping up the attention. Izzy and her best friend Rena have their hands full meeting Merryville’s menagerie and serving tasty pupcakes and kitty canapes from their “barkery.” The last thing they need is the town’s local activist, Sherry Harper, scaring off customers and getting tongues wagging by picketing the event.
The two manage to stop Sherry’s protest in its tracks, but the trouble for Trendy Tails is just beginning. Sherry is found murdered in back of the shop, and Rena is immediately named as the lead suspect. Now Izzy and her furry friends have a new pet project—collaring a killer.
I enjoyed this story I loved how it all turn out, . I'm looking forward to the next one.
Izzy’s own beloved pets are dressed to the nines for the grand opening of Trendy Tails. Feisty feline Jinx is large and in charge, and happy mutt Packer is lapping up the attention. Izzy and her best friend Rena have their hands full meeting Merryville’s menagerie and serving tasty pupcakes and kitty canapes from their “barkery.” The last thing they need is the town’s local activist, Sherry Harper, scaring off customers and getting tongues wagging by picketing the event.
The two manage to stop Sherry’s protest in its tracks, but the trouble for Trendy Tails is just beginning. Sherry is found murdered in back of the shop, and Rena is immediately named as the lead suspect. Now Izzy and her furry friends have a new pet project—collaring a killer.
I enjoyed this story I loved how it all turn out, . I'm looking forward to the next one.
October 12, 2018
This is the first book in a new mystery series involving pets set in Merryville, Minnesota. Izzy has opened Trendy Tails a pet boutique that features outfits for pets and serves cat and dog snacks. Sherry Harper, an activist who protests almost everything, comes to the grand opening and does more of the same. Later Izzy finds her murdered in the alley behind the boutique, and Rena becomes a suspect. The book is devoted to the search for the killer by Izzy, her employee and best friend Rena, Rena's attorney and Izzy's ex-boyfriend Sean. The story is well written and interesting with twists and turns and surprises throughout.
August 18, 2017
I enjoyed the first installment in Knox's new series quite a bit. The characters were well developed and lacked the annoying qualities that so frequently irritate me in cozy mysteries. I'm not sure I would ever visit Izzy's shop (I agree with Sherry about clothes on animals), but I thought the setting worked well. The story moved quickly, and I definitely didn't have this one solved until the end, but wasn't irritated because some new character/info slid in the settle the mystery. All-in-all, it was a good story and I look forward to reading the next one.
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