What do you think?
Rate this book
Coral Shores Veterinary Mystery #1
Trust the Terrier
As the new owner of the Coral Shores Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Emily Benton is in over her head. When she makes a house call at the home of her client, Mrs. Eliza Klein, she finds the woman's terrier, Elvis, in a state of distress and Mrs. Klein face down on the floor-dead. Emily immediately contacts her brother, Deputy Sheriff Duncan Benton, for help.
The cause of death is later determined to be nicotine poisoning, triggering an official murder investigation. Who would want to kill a retired piano teacher best known for her animal charity work?
Emily is caught up in the middle of the drama when she brings Elvis into her home. The little terrier's strong canine instincts drag Emily further into the investigation, putting them both at risk. While Emily and her best friend, Anthony, take on the role of amateur sleuths, Emily's brother and his very handsome colleague, Detective Mike Lane, work to uncover the truth and get justice for both Mrs. Klein and Elvis.
The cause of death is later determined to be nicotine poisoning, triggering an official murder investigation. Who would want to kill a retired piano teacher best known for her animal charity work?
Emily is caught up in the middle of the drama when she brings Elvis into her home. The little terrier's strong canine instincts drag Emily further into the investigation, putting them both at risk. While Emily and her best friend, Anthony, take on the role of amateur sleuths, Emily's brother and his very handsome colleague, Detective Mike Lane, work to uncover the truth and get justice for both Mrs. Klein and Elvis.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 28, 2023
About the author
D.L. Mitchell
6 books40 followersDL Mitchell is the author of the Coral Shores Veterinary Mystery series and a 2024 Nominee for Georgia Author of the Year. Trust the Terrier won the 2024 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion award for best cozy and second runner up for best mystery.
She brings her unique perspective as a practicing small animal veterinarian to the world of mystery fiction. With experience in bustling, big-city hospitals, her transition to a house call concierge veterinary practice has enriched her storytelling with firsthand encounters and insights into the human-animal bond.
She loves spending time with her husband, daughter, and their menagerie of pets, planning the next travel adventure, and running nearby trails. She’s a scuba diver but gets seasick, and when she’s on the road, she travels with her espresso machine and her blow-up, stand up paddle board.
Actively engaged in the Atlanta Chapter of Sisters in Crime and the Atlanta Writers Club, DL Mitchell finds support and camaraderie within this creative community
She brings her unique perspective as a practicing small animal veterinarian to the world of mystery fiction. With experience in bustling, big-city hospitals, her transition to a house call concierge veterinary practice has enriched her storytelling with firsthand encounters and insights into the human-animal bond.
She loves spending time with her husband, daughter, and their menagerie of pets, planning the next travel adventure, and running nearby trails. She’s a scuba diver but gets seasick, and when she’s on the road, she travels with her espresso machine and her blow-up, stand up paddle board.
Actively engaged in the Atlanta Chapter of Sisters in Crime and the Atlanta Writers Club, DL Mitchell finds support and camaraderie within this creative community
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
May 13, 2024
Trust the Terrier by D.L. Mitchell is the first in the Coral Shores Veterinary Mystery series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Black Rose Writing and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Information:
Dr. Emily Benton is the new owner of Coral Shores Veterinary Hospital in Florida, and has hired her long-time friend Anthony Torres to help manage it. She moved back to the area when her mom got sick, and is now living in the cottage on the beach since her mom passed away. Her brother Duncan is a deputy sheriff, and lives in the next town.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Emily is delivering some medicine for Mrs. Klein's terrier Elvis, when she discovers the woman's body. She calls her brother, and ends up taking Elvis home until the woman's daughter can come.
A day later, Emily's walk on the beach with Elvis is interrupted by an intruder in Mrs. Klein's house. The death is now deemed suspicious, and Detective Mike Lane will get more involved.
Emily gets further involved in all the drama when Elvis takes an instant dislike to a delivery driver who also delivered groceries to his previous owner. Emily is keeping in touch with Mrs. Klein's daughter Sarah who lives in California. They both want to find out what truly happened to the poor lady who was such an animal lover.
My Opinions:
First, you must know that I do not read books about animals. I don't watch tv shows about animals. As a kid, I hated that The Littlest Hobo had no home....and I was always worried that Lassie would get hurt. Don't get me started on Old Yeller. I have had many dogs over the years (2 aging shih-tzu's right now), and it kills me when they are not well. All this being said, I can't believe I even started this book! However, I figured that a vet would not write a cozy mystery where her main character get's hurt.
Anyway, it turned out to be a very fast and easy read. I didn't even mind the romance angle. Although it was way too predictable, it was still good. My biggest complaint was Emily, whose constant interference in the police investigation was highly annoying.
Anyway, not bad for a debut cozy mystery.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
December 8, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a cute cozy mystery! There aren't any big twists or surprises but it was an enjoyable story. And how can you resist that adorable cover!
This is a cute cozy mystery! There aren't any big twists or surprises but it was an enjoyable story. And how can you resist that adorable cover!
December 28, 2023
I read a lot of cozies, so I was delighted to find a new series to follow.I loved the setting, a Florida coastal town. Coral Shores is a wonderful small town filled with sun, sand, a tortoise rescue, and Murder.
When homicide makes an appointment with veterinarian Dr. Emily Benton, she begins an investigation with new pal Elvis the Terrier in tow.
This book was a fast, fun read with an original plot and characters. Dr. Emily is helped by her side-kick, best friend & veterinarian assistant, Anthony who makes sure her schedule runs smoothly and also cooks up some meals to make sure she eats. I need an assistant like that.
Then of course there's Elvis, the terrier of the title who has the instinct of Miss Marple and much more cuddly than McGruff the other famous crime-solving dog.
Do yourself a favor and buy this book. It's a veritable Best In Show.
January 28, 2024
“Trust the Terrier” by DL Mitchell is the first in a cozy mystery series featuring veterinarian Emily Benton. Emily discovers the body of Elvis’s owner when she stops by to bring him some medication. Considering her former piano teacher’s age and penchant for smoking, her death wasn’t entirely unexpected. Until arrangements can be made for her terrier Elvis, Emily agrees to keep him. He’s a wonderful little guy and loves everyone. Except for Bucky, who is the person who delivers groceries. What is it that makes Elvis want to kill him?
This is the perfect light read for a cold winter’s day. I snuggled up under a soft blanket, took in some Florida sunshine, and fell into the friendly community of Coral Shores. I’m looking forward to more light mysteries from this author.
Many thanks to Net Galley and to Black Rose Writing for an ARC of this book. My opinions are my own.
This is the perfect light read for a cold winter’s day. I snuggled up under a soft blanket, took in some Florida sunshine, and fell into the friendly community of Coral Shores. I’m looking forward to more light mysteries from this author.
Many thanks to Net Galley and to Black Rose Writing for an ARC of this book. My opinions are my own.
March 28, 2024
I thought it was an okay story and Elvis, the smart little terrier, is loved by all. However, Emily doesn't get high marks from this reader. This story is actually more romance/women's fiction, with a slight mystery thrown in.
In spite of the raves she gets later for helping solve the crime, Emily does little sleuthing herself. Her main "detecting" is constantly pestering her brother the deputy and her new beau the detective for info. She's upset they won't share. Surely she understands professional ethics?
She does a small bit of snooping, then goes into panic mode when the suspected baddie reacts angrily. She has to be protected by friends and family whenever the going gets tough. (I'm surprised the cops can arrest anyone only on her say-so that he tried to harm her.)
I found the writing style very narrative and "telling." Through Emily's thinking, or by narrative, the writer tells readers what other characters have in mind. For example: "Are you sure you're going to be okay," he asked. Emily could tell by his question that he was worried about her.
Well, so can the readers--without having it spelled out.
Or: "Everyone could tell that (he) was coming to the end of his tribute when he turned the ceremony over to Sarah to say a few words."
This is TELLING. Rather just say, "Then he turned the ceremony over to Sarah." Readers will know he's done and now she's going to say something. As one writing instructor often says, "Give the reader credit."
In spite of the raves she gets later for helping solve the crime, Emily does little sleuthing herself. Her main "detecting" is constantly pestering her brother the deputy and her new beau the detective for info. She's upset they won't share. Surely she understands professional ethics?
She does a small bit of snooping, then goes into panic mode when the suspected baddie reacts angrily. She has to be protected by friends and family whenever the going gets tough. (I'm surprised the cops can arrest anyone only on her say-so that he tried to harm her.)
I found the writing style very narrative and "telling." Through Emily's thinking, or by narrative, the writer tells readers what other characters have in mind. For example: "Are you sure you're going to be okay," he asked. Emily could tell by his question that he was worried about her.
Well, so can the readers--without having it spelled out.
Or: "Everyone could tell that (he) was coming to the end of his tribute when he turned the ceremony over to Sarah to say a few words."
This is TELLING. Rather just say, "Then he turned the ceremony over to Sarah." Readers will know he's done and now she's going to say something. As one writing instructor often says, "Give the reader credit."
January 2, 2024
What’s not to like? A cozy mystery with animals and a beach. While the mystery was straightforward, there was still plenty of suspense, keeping the reader worried about what was going to happen to Emily, a veterinarian and amateur sleuth who ventured into danger at every opportunity. Her romance with the new police officer in town, the support of her best friend, the antics of her niece and nephew, together with the adorable terrier Elvis, made this cozy mystery a delight to read. I’m hoping more books about Emily are in the near future.
May 23, 2025
for young teenagers, juvenile writing.
This story was written in a very juvenile way, that would suit young readers, preteens.
The main female character was hard to like, and that says a lot because the story is all about her, her romance man was written like a shadow, someone you couldn’t grasp onto at all. The rest of family and friends seemed to live in this fantasy land where all was well and perfect.
As an adult reader I don’t recommend it to other adults at all!
This story was written in a very juvenile way, that would suit young readers, preteens.
The main female character was hard to like, and that says a lot because the story is all about her, her romance man was written like a shadow, someone you couldn’t grasp onto at all. The rest of family and friends seemed to live in this fantasy land where all was well and perfect.
As an adult reader I don’t recommend it to other adults at all!
August 31, 2026
What a delightful first book in this new series about Dr. Emily Benton and her thriving new veterinary clinic in Coral Shores, Florida. Only two years out of Veterinary school, Emily had inherited her Mother's home in their home town of Coral Shores on the west coast of Florida. One of her clients Eliza Klein has been found dead shortly after Emily and her vet tech Assistant Anthony has made a home visit to check on her little terrier Elvis. As law enforcement becomes involved over the suspicious circumstances about the death, Emily and Anthony turn up more evidence while Mrs. Klein's daughter asks Emily to care for Elvis while seeking a new owner. Elvis clearly knows a lot more about the death of his prior owner, and it takes everyone time to figure out what he knows. I truly loved the book, the setting, the characters, the terrier, and, although I figured out the solution to the mystery early on, I thoroughly enjoyed following the investigation. Great mystery and highly recommended.
May 8, 2025
I am a sucker for a little playful white dog. The name was nice touch, the mystery could have been better.
January 6, 2024
I have a weakness for cozy mysteries featuring veterinarians, and the dog lover in me couldn't resist the cover of D.L. Mitchell's Trust the Terrier. While I did find the main character exasperating, there is a lot to like about this first Coral Shores Veterinary mystery.
For one thing, the setting is a winner. The town of Coral Shores on the Florida Gulf Coast is a winner. Its strict building codes mean it's not the usual tourist trap, and I'm all for that. There's also the Coral Shores Turtle Project that Emily is a part of, and I always like to see people banding together to protect endangered wildlife. The author also takes readers right into a busy veterinary practice for some behind-the-scenes looks at what goes on.
Dr. Emily Benton's first outing as an amateur sleuth is aided by the dead woman's daughter who can afford to hire a private pathologist, saving valuable time in finding clues. It also doesn't hurt that her brother is the deputy sheriff in town. Emily is still grieving the death of her mother and often makes use of her mother's extensive flip-flop collection. She also has a Maine Coon cat named Bella who must get used to Elvis the canine house guest.
As I said, there's a lot to like in Trust the Terrier, but I found Emily exasperating. All dog lovers know to trust their pets whenever they strongly react to another human, but it took Emily eons to figure out why Elvis always went ballistic around one person. Then there was her belief that her brother should share every little piece of information from the murder investigation he was conducting. One of these days, I'd like to see a character lose his job for sharing information he knows he shouldn't, although that would put a serious cramp in some amateurs' sleuthing attempts.
There was also a bit more romance in this book than I really care for, but I do have to admit that it was handled well. However, what really chapped my hide was Emily's TSTL (Too Stupid To Live) moments. One such example is when she sees the truck belonging to a man she knows to be extremely dangerous parked out on the street. What does she do? She tells no one and goes out after dark to check it out. I rolled my eyes so far back in my head that they almost stuck.
Even though there is a lot to like about Trust the Terrier, the main character's behavior makes it doubtful that I'll read further in the series. Shame on you, Emily.
For one thing, the setting is a winner. The town of Coral Shores on the Florida Gulf Coast is a winner. Its strict building codes mean it's not the usual tourist trap, and I'm all for that. There's also the Coral Shores Turtle Project that Emily is a part of, and I always like to see people banding together to protect endangered wildlife. The author also takes readers right into a busy veterinary practice for some behind-the-scenes looks at what goes on.
Dr. Emily Benton's first outing as an amateur sleuth is aided by the dead woman's daughter who can afford to hire a private pathologist, saving valuable time in finding clues. It also doesn't hurt that her brother is the deputy sheriff in town. Emily is still grieving the death of her mother and often makes use of her mother's extensive flip-flop collection. She also has a Maine Coon cat named Bella who must get used to Elvis the canine house guest.
As I said, there's a lot to like in Trust the Terrier, but I found Emily exasperating. All dog lovers know to trust their pets whenever they strongly react to another human, but it took Emily eons to figure out why Elvis always went ballistic around one person. Then there was her belief that her brother should share every little piece of information from the murder investigation he was conducting. One of these days, I'd like to see a character lose his job for sharing information he knows he shouldn't, although that would put a serious cramp in some amateurs' sleuthing attempts.
There was also a bit more romance in this book than I really care for, but I do have to admit that it was handled well. However, what really chapped my hide was Emily's TSTL (Too Stupid To Live) moments. One such example is when she sees the truck belonging to a man she knows to be extremely dangerous parked out on the street. What does she do? She tells no one and goes out after dark to check it out. I rolled my eyes so far back in my head that they almost stuck.
Even though there is a lot to like about Trust the Terrier, the main character's behavior makes it doubtful that I'll read further in the series. Shame on you, Emily.
December 8, 2023
I received this ebook as an Early Reviewer title from LibraryThing. That in no way influenced this review.
Trust the Terrier is, I believe, the author's first published work, and it is self-published. The author is a veterinarian and uses her veterinary knowledge to portray the life of a relatively new veterinarian operating her own clinic for the first time. Emily, the vet, lives in her hometown and occupies her late mother's house. As the novel begins, Emily is still deep in grief over the loss of her mom.
Emily and her clinic manager, Anthony, drop by the house of their former piano teacher and client, Mrs. Klein., to check on her dog She recommends a nearby grocery store to Emily, who has mainly eaten takeout food since her mother's death. Not long afterward, Mrs. Klein is dead, found in her home by Emily.
Emily takes Elvis, the terrier, home with her after Mrs. Klein's death. Later, when Emily places her first order from the grocery store, Elvis goes ballistic when the delivery man, Bucky, arrives with her order. Elvis tries to both bite and attack him. At this point, the reader realizes that Bucky no doubt had something to do with Mrs. Klein's murder. Emily and law enforcement officials remain oblivious to this fact for quite sometime. Also, Emily and one of the investigating police officers fall pretty head of heals for each other. And naturally, since she was the one who discovered Mrs. Klein's body, Emily feels she must investigate the crime with help from Anthony.
In other words, this is a fairly typical cozy mystery. It's also somewhat obvious that this is a first novel. Given that the author plans to write additional books in the series, I would expect her writing only to improve. I enjoyed reading the book and will look forward to additional entries in the series.
Trust the Terrier is, I believe, the author's first published work, and it is self-published. The author is a veterinarian and uses her veterinary knowledge to portray the life of a relatively new veterinarian operating her own clinic for the first time. Emily, the vet, lives in her hometown and occupies her late mother's house. As the novel begins, Emily is still deep in grief over the loss of her mom.
Emily and her clinic manager, Anthony, drop by the house of their former piano teacher and client, Mrs. Klein., to check on her dog She recommends a nearby grocery store to Emily, who has mainly eaten takeout food since her mother's death. Not long afterward, Mrs. Klein is dead, found in her home by Emily.
Emily takes Elvis, the terrier, home with her after Mrs. Klein's death. Later, when Emily places her first order from the grocery store, Elvis goes ballistic when the delivery man, Bucky, arrives with her order. Elvis tries to both bite and attack him. At this point, the reader realizes that Bucky no doubt had something to do with Mrs. Klein's murder. Emily and law enforcement officials remain oblivious to this fact for quite sometime. Also, Emily and one of the investigating police officers fall pretty head of heals for each other. And naturally, since she was the one who discovered Mrs. Klein's body, Emily feels she must investigate the crime with help from Anthony.
In other words, this is a fairly typical cozy mystery. It's also somewhat obvious that this is a first novel. Given that the author plans to write additional books in the series, I would expect her writing only to improve. I enjoyed reading the book and will look forward to additional entries in the series.
February 12, 2024
Enjoyable, but...
This book is what I would consider a true cozy mystery. The main characters are nice, kind, attractive people. Emily is a veterinarian, and her best friend, Anthony, works closely alongside her in her vet clinic. They go on a house call to the home of an elderly woman, Eliza, to check her beloved dog, Elvis, who has a cough. Dr. Emily tells Eliza that she'll drop some medication off on her way home, but she arrives to find Elvis in distress and Eliza dead. From there, Emily and Anthony make it their business to try to track down the killer. What I found bothersome about Emily's snooping was that she had been told repeatedly that she needed to stay out of it, but she vehemently refuses to do that. Then as soon as she finds herself in a bit of hot water because of her snooping, she becomes hysterical and has to be rescued by her brother, (a cop), her new boyfriend, (a detective), and Anthony had to repeatedly babysit her. She continuously disrupts everyone's lives. She can't handle the repercussions of her snooping, but she won't stop, either. That was annoying...really annoying. I would just hope that if this becomes a series, Emily would stop being so annoying.
This book is what I would consider a true cozy mystery. The main characters are nice, kind, attractive people. Emily is a veterinarian, and her best friend, Anthony, works closely alongside her in her vet clinic. They go on a house call to the home of an elderly woman, Eliza, to check her beloved dog, Elvis, who has a cough. Dr. Emily tells Eliza that she'll drop some medication off on her way home, but she arrives to find Elvis in distress and Eliza dead. From there, Emily and Anthony make it their business to try to track down the killer. What I found bothersome about Emily's snooping was that she had been told repeatedly that she needed to stay out of it, but she vehemently refuses to do that. Then as soon as she finds herself in a bit of hot water because of her snooping, she becomes hysterical and has to be rescued by her brother, (a cop), her new boyfriend, (a detective), and Anthony had to repeatedly babysit her. She continuously disrupts everyone's lives. She can't handle the repercussions of her snooping, but she won't stop, either. That was annoying...really annoying. I would just hope that if this becomes a series, Emily would stop being so annoying.
December 28, 2023
What a sweet debut novel from veterinarian/author D.L. Mitchell! I was thrilled to read an advance copy, and now that it's out, I'm happy to recommend it to animal lovers and/or readers of cozy mysteries.
The story opens when veterinary clinic owner, Dr. Emily Benton, visits the home of her client and former piano teacher, Eliza Klein, to adjust her dog's medication. When Emily arrives for the house call, she finds Elvis, the beloved little terrier, alone and distressed. And Mrs. Klein is dead—apparently from poisoning.
Emily takes Elvis home with her, overriding the objections of her cat, while they contact the victim's next of kin—a daughter who lives in California.
Emily's brother is a deputy sheriff in charge of the investigation, and the victim's daughter, Sarah, insists on conducting some of her own tests, so Emily can't help but get involved in the quest for justice. And she soon learns Elvis knows much more about what happened to his former owner—if only dogs could talk.
A handsome new detective helping with the case provides a touch of romance in this straightforward mystery. I also loved the South Florida setting and Emily's side involvement in saving sea turtles.
The story opens when veterinary clinic owner, Dr. Emily Benton, visits the home of her client and former piano teacher, Eliza Klein, to adjust her dog's medication. When Emily arrives for the house call, she finds Elvis, the beloved little terrier, alone and distressed. And Mrs. Klein is dead—apparently from poisoning.
Emily takes Elvis home with her, overriding the objections of her cat, while they contact the victim's next of kin—a daughter who lives in California.
Emily's brother is a deputy sheriff in charge of the investigation, and the victim's daughter, Sarah, insists on conducting some of her own tests, so Emily can't help but get involved in the quest for justice. And she soon learns Elvis knows much more about what happened to his former owner—if only dogs could talk.
A handsome new detective helping with the case provides a touch of romance in this straightforward mystery. I also loved the South Florida setting and Emily's side involvement in saving sea turtles.
May 3, 2025
I get it. You see this on my read-list and you think, "I've been following him for a while. What's going on? Is he sick? Is he not himself? Is this a cry for help? I FEEL CONFLICTED!"
Listen. It was free, and it was in the middle of the massive political shit storm in which we find ourselves. I needed a break, an escape, a literary (well, a written) security blanket.
Look at the title. Then look at the image on the cover. Observe that it is the first in a series of books called "Coral Shores Veterinary Mysteries". You have all the information you need; you now do not have to read the book.
It was simple, it was predictable, the characters were often chock full of saccharine. But none of them were wearing MAGA hats and making people that don't look or sound like them disappear into some overseas charnel house. I wolfed it down, and am now ready to pick something else up with more cerebral challenge. Please don't feel conflicted. It's not you, it's Trump.
Listen. It was free, and it was in the middle of the massive political shit storm in which we find ourselves. I needed a break, an escape, a literary (well, a written) security blanket.
Look at the title. Then look at the image on the cover. Observe that it is the first in a series of books called "Coral Shores Veterinary Mysteries". You have all the information you need; you now do not have to read the book.
It was simple, it was predictable, the characters were often chock full of saccharine. But none of them were wearing MAGA hats and making people that don't look or sound like them disappear into some overseas charnel house. I wolfed it down, and am now ready to pick something else up with more cerebral challenge. Please don't feel conflicted. It's not you, it's Trump.
December 3, 2023
DL Mitchell’s Trust the Terrier is as much fun as a house full of frisky pups. Her protagonist, Dr. Emily Benton, DVM, returns to her home in Coral Shores, Florida to care for her mother. After her mother’s death, Emily is too heavy hearted to move, so she stays in the family cottage and realizes her life-long dream of owning her own veterinary practice. When Elvis the terrier leads Emily to the dead body of his owner, things take a dark and dangerous turn. At first, the death is ruled as natural, but Emily and Elvis suspect something else. Together, with the help of her brother and a handsome detective, they discover the truth behind the older woman’s death. Along the way, Emily finds comfort and love.
Mitchell does an excellent job of creating a seaside community full of interesting and caring characters. For animal lovers who enjoy a great cozy, this is a must-read.
Mitchell does an excellent job of creating a seaside community full of interesting and caring characters. For animal lovers who enjoy a great cozy, this is a must-read.
May 18, 2024
This really just hit the spot as far as a cozy mystery goes. A very likeable heroine, a vet who bought the practice from a vet in her childhood neighborhood on the Florida panhandle coast. Good, supportive friends, a loving family, a handsome love interest and a dog AND a Maine Coon cat. We all secretly want to live this life, doing a job we love, with people we truly love being with, living on the beach with a dog and cat and having a handsome/beautiful love interest, spiced up with a little murder that never gets too gory, too violent or too soul-damaging. This is a fun, relaxing book, perfect for a beach vacation or as a sort of "sherbert" course in between more pithy, exhausting books. It made me feel that the world was in fact a good and mostly safe place, and confirmed that dogs and cats make life infinitely better.
September 5, 2025
This started out pretty good for me. About at the 50% mark, the main character, Emily, started doing all those things that just frustrated me. She was upset that the police (her brother and new boyfriend) wouldn't tell her everything going on with the murder investigation. She felt she could do things better, find things, get info on things better than the police. She promised not to do anything and then did it anyway. I just couldn't connect with her. The murder had a few twists in the how and why however the Who was pretty easy to guess. I liked the writing style ok and appreciated the secondary characters and the Terrier (Elvis) more than the main character. The romance seemed sort of quick and I didn't think they had all that much chemistry out of the gate. Overall, ok but I probably won't continue with the series.
December 3, 2023
I like the author's writing style. She writes in a very warm, engaging way with no overly descriptive sentences that just slow down the story causing the reader to get glassy eyed. I liked all the characters and it is truly a cozy read. That said, the mystery could have been better.
You know who the culprit is way before the 25% mark and way before the MC does making her appear to be kind of daft. It's very straight forward with no twists or turns or other suspects. The mystery is that there really is none. And the romance is rushed and just tacked on with no chemistry between the two characters. It's corny.
This was a fast paced, truly cozy read with no mystery and a lame romance. I've read better but I have also read worse.
You know who the culprit is way before the 25% mark and way before the MC does making her appear to be kind of daft. It's very straight forward with no twists or turns or other suspects. The mystery is that there really is none. And the romance is rushed and just tacked on with no chemistry between the two characters. It's corny.
This was a fast paced, truly cozy read with no mystery and a lame romance. I've read better but I have also read worse.
December 25, 2023
A terrier's instinct exposes an unscrupulous real estate operation in a quiet place called coral shores.
Emily Benton is a Coral Shores' dedicated veterinarian. She discovers the body of a local resident, Mrs. Klein, on a visit for her dogs checkup. Emily becomes Elvis's caregiver while local police investigate the murder. Elvis's demeanor changes when Bucky delivers food from a local grocer. His negative reaction to Bucky makes Emily think there is a connection to the murder. As the investigation progresses, Emily uncovers a connection to Bucky's involvement with a real estate firm up to no good.
This cozy murder mystery was a fun read. I enjoyed Elvis's intuition that Bucky is not a good guy. This is a highly recommended read for dog lovers and cozy mysteries.
Emily Benton is a Coral Shores' dedicated veterinarian. She discovers the body of a local resident, Mrs. Klein, on a visit for her dogs checkup. Emily becomes Elvis's caregiver while local police investigate the murder. Elvis's demeanor changes when Bucky delivers food from a local grocer. His negative reaction to Bucky makes Emily think there is a connection to the murder. As the investigation progresses, Emily uncovers a connection to Bucky's involvement with a real estate firm up to no good.
This cozy murder mystery was a fun read. I enjoyed Elvis's intuition that Bucky is not a good guy. This is a highly recommended read for dog lovers and cozy mysteries.
February 5, 2024
Prepare to be whisked away with this delightful and charming mystery set on the coast of Florida. Author DL Mitchell combines intrigue with the world of veterinary care, creating a tale that is equal parts heartwarming and enjoyable.
The Floridian setting serves as a character in itself, with vivid descriptions of the beach landscapes and sultry weather. The author's attention to detail makes you feel Coral Shores should be on your vacation list to visit.
This book is a delightful blend of cozy mystery and heartwarming storytelling. It’s also a treat for animal lovers who will relate to the charming and often amusing interactions between Dr. Emily Benton and her four-legged patients.
The Floridian setting serves as a character in itself, with vivid descriptions of the beach landscapes and sultry weather. The author's attention to detail makes you feel Coral Shores should be on your vacation list to visit.
This book is a delightful blend of cozy mystery and heartwarming storytelling. It’s also a treat for animal lovers who will relate to the charming and often amusing interactions between Dr. Emily Benton and her four-legged patients.
June 26, 2024
This was a great book! The characters were interesting and the story was great. The mystery was well done. I was disappointed that there isn't a second book. I hope it becomes a series!
Amazon synopsis:
As the new owner of the Coral Shores Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Emily Benton is in over her head. When she makes a house call at the home of her client, Mrs. Eliza Klein, she finds the woman's terrier, Elvis, in a state of distress and Mrs. Klein face down on the floor-dead. Emily immediately contacts her brother, Deputy Sheriff Duncan Benton, for help.
The cause of death is later determined to be nicotine poisoning, triggering an official murder investigation. Who would want to kill a retired piano teacher best known for her animal charity work?
Emily is caught up in the middle of the drama when she brings Elvis into her home. The little terrier's strong canine instincts drag Emily further into the investigation, putting them both at risk. While Emily and her best friend, Anthony, take on the role of amateur sleuths, Emily's brother and his very handsome colleague, Detective Mike Lane, work to uncover the truth and get justice for both Mrs. Klein and Elvis.
Amazon synopsis:
As the new owner of the Coral Shores Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Emily Benton is in over her head. When she makes a house call at the home of her client, Mrs. Eliza Klein, she finds the woman's terrier, Elvis, in a state of distress and Mrs. Klein face down on the floor-dead. Emily immediately contacts her brother, Deputy Sheriff Duncan Benton, for help.
The cause of death is later determined to be nicotine poisoning, triggering an official murder investigation. Who would want to kill a retired piano teacher best known for her animal charity work?
Emily is caught up in the middle of the drama when she brings Elvis into her home. The little terrier's strong canine instincts drag Emily further into the investigation, putting them both at risk. While Emily and her best friend, Anthony, take on the role of amateur sleuths, Emily's brother and his very handsome colleague, Detective Mike Lane, work to uncover the truth and get justice for both Mrs. Klein and Elvis.
September 19, 2026
An unexpected whodunit. This book is the story of Elvis the Terrier and his wonderful owner.
This book is a hard to put down one. From the beginning we get to see Elvis’ owner as a busy happy lady with many friends all around her. She was very kind unexpectedly found dead in her own home by a dear friend and neighbor. This kind neighbor took Elvis home with her because Elvis was overwhelmed and very upset with his precious owner who had died. From this time on, there are many questions as to how, why, who, could possibly have been involved in her sudden death. Please come along for the read of a wonderful story of love, kindness, confusion and questions, but the answers come eventually and the ending is lovely.
This book is a hard to put down one. From the beginning we get to see Elvis’ owner as a busy happy lady with many friends all around her. She was very kind unexpectedly found dead in her own home by a dear friend and neighbor. This kind neighbor took Elvis home with her because Elvis was overwhelmed and very upset with his precious owner who had died. From this time on, there are many questions as to how, why, who, could possibly have been involved in her sudden death. Please come along for the read of a wonderful story of love, kindness, confusion and questions, but the answers come eventually and the ending is lovely.
November 25, 2023
This was my first "cozy" mystery, and I really enjoyed Emily and the star of the show, Elvis - the sweet terrier. The author did a great job with the setting; small-town Florida, beachside, calming and charming. I felt like I was there.
Emily is a strong-willed vet who finds herself in the middle of a mystery, with Elvis as her sidekick. I enjoyed the pacing of the story and the undoing of the bad guys. I found myself reading this every night until I finished just so I could...as it were, go to the beach.
A little mystery, a little romance, and an adorable pup who saves the day. I love it!! I hope the author writes more of these!
Emily is a strong-willed vet who finds herself in the middle of a mystery, with Elvis as her sidekick. I enjoyed the pacing of the story and the undoing of the bad guys. I found myself reading this every night until I finished just so I could...as it were, go to the beach.
A little mystery, a little romance, and an adorable pup who saves the day. I love it!! I hope the author writes more of these!
December 28, 2023
Trust the Terrier is book #1 in the A Coral Shores Veterinary Mystery series by DL Mitchell.
Dr. Emily Benton is exactly what you want in a veterinarian - caring and compassionate. The characters are wonderful and so supportive of each other. And there is a good infusion of animals. The characters are well-developed and the book had a good pace. It was an interesting mystery. The victim was beloved in the community and there wasn’t an obvious motive. I had happy tears at the end. This is a new favorite series of mine.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dr. Emily Benton is exactly what you want in a veterinarian - caring and compassionate. The characters are wonderful and so supportive of each other. And there is a good infusion of animals. The characters are well-developed and the book had a good pace. It was an interesting mystery. The victim was beloved in the community and there wasn’t an obvious motive. I had happy tears at the end. This is a new favorite series of mine.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 31, 2023
A shout out to DL Mitchell for turning her real-life veterinarian experience into a charming cozy mystery. With Dr. Emily Benton and her best friend Anthony finding themselves in the middle of a murder mystery, the plot moves along with a fluid mix of humour, suspense and cast of lovable characters. I can easily see myself sharing a glass of wine with Emily, Anthony, Bella and Elvis on a beachfront deckchair in Coral Shores. New to the cozy mystery genre, I loved this early read so much I have purchased a hard copy for my bookshelf. I can’t wait to add to the collection and find out what DL Mitchell and Dr. Emily Benton get up to next.
January 3, 2024
This book is a perfect easy beach read that takes place in a charming little beach town. It is full of relatable characters and a must for pet lovers who will adore the main character Elvis. Dog owners know to listen to their pets and this story is no different. It will also appeal to those interested in the inner workings of a vet hospital. I enjoyed learning about the day-to-day life of a veterinarian. This small community comes together to solve the murder of one of their own and touches on the subject of mourning and healing for lost loved ones. Its a feel good mystery with a budding romance to boot.
December 29, 2023
This was such a fun cozy! Elvis the terrier steals the show while he and Dr. Emily Benton work to find out who killed Mrs. Klein! Dr. Emily finds her childhood piano teacher and client dead and no one knows who dunnit but Elvis! While Emily works to sort things out she finds herself on a journey of solving a mystery, self discovery and maybe even a love connection. If you love a seaside setting, dreaming of warm sands and saving sea turtles too....you will love this cozy read! I am really looking forward to more of author and veterinarian DL Mitchell's work!
November 12, 2024
Who doesn't love a cozy mystery with a dog, a beach, and...a murder?
Dr. Emily Benton’s hectic veterinarian schedule twists further when she stumbles into an unsolved murder involving a poisoned customer and her distressed terrier, Elvis. As Emily and her best friend Anthony dive into amateur sleuthing, Elvis’s behavior quirks and clues lead them deeper into the investigation—and danger.
With characters you'll love and a charming Florida small-town setting, DL Mitchell's tale combines suspense, humor, and just a hint of romance.
Dr. Emily Benton’s hectic veterinarian schedule twists further when she stumbles into an unsolved murder involving a poisoned customer and her distressed terrier, Elvis. As Emily and her best friend Anthony dive into amateur sleuthing, Elvis’s behavior quirks and clues lead them deeper into the investigation—and danger.
With characters you'll love and a charming Florida small-town setting, DL Mitchell's tale combines suspense, humor, and just a hint of romance.
April 27, 2025
A Unique New Mystery Series
Because my family has had Westies for over forty years, I know how smart and adorable they are. But I have never had a dog who could identify a killer! So it becomes immediately obvious who did the deed. But there is more to the story than figuring out whodunnit. We are introduced to a likeable group of characters. And the book, which is written by a veterinarian, has an air of authenticity--even a useful bit of information that I passed on to my cat- owning family. I look forward to the next book in the series. Great escape reading!
Because my family has had Westies for over forty years, I know how smart and adorable they are. But I have never had a dog who could identify a killer! So it becomes immediately obvious who did the deed. But there is more to the story than figuring out whodunnit. We are introduced to a likeable group of characters. And the book, which is written by a veterinarian, has an air of authenticity--even a useful bit of information that I passed on to my cat- owning family. I look forward to the next book in the series. Great escape reading!
May 9, 2025
Trust the Terrier
Emily owned an Animal Hospital and lived in her late Mothers beach house. On a house call for a patient near her home, she and Anthony, her medical assistant found the body of her client in her house. Her dog, Elvis was protecting the elderly woman's body. Emily took the dog home and the police discovered it was a murder! Over the next week Emily fell in love with the pup and began to hunt for clues to the murderer. Then her life is threatened and clues are found. Very well written and enjoyable story.
Emily owned an Animal Hospital and lived in her late Mothers beach house. On a house call for a patient near her home, she and Anthony, her medical assistant found the body of her client in her house. Her dog, Elvis was protecting the elderly woman's body. Emily took the dog home and the police discovered it was a murder! Over the next week Emily fell in love with the pup and began to hunt for clues to the murderer. Then her life is threatened and clues are found. Very well written and enjoyable story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews