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The Charity Shop Detective Agency #3
Death at the Dog Show
It’s the day of the Christchurch Dog Show. The whole town is aquiver with excitement. The ladies of the Charity Shop Detective Agency are hoping to make lots of new furry friends.
After a very dramatic Best Biscuit Catcher competition, Fiona, Sue and Daisy, from the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop, come across a shocking scene.
The dog show’s vet is performing CPR on a woman. The ladies rush over, but it’s too late.
Back at the shop, the ladies learn that the poor woman was murdered. Someone injected Sylvia Steadman with something very nasty indeed.
Sylvia was the owner of Crufts champion Charlie, a handsome black Standard Poodle. She must have had lots of very jealous competitors . . .
Our silver sleuths barely time for elevenses. The charity shop detectives must roll up their sleeves — they have a killer to catch.
Dog-lovers, please note none of our furry friends die in this book.
After a very dramatic Best Biscuit Catcher competition, Fiona, Sue and Daisy, from the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop, come across a shocking scene.
The dog show’s vet is performing CPR on a woman. The ladies rush over, but it’s too late.
Back at the shop, the ladies learn that the poor woman was murdered. Someone injected Sylvia Steadman with something very nasty indeed.
Sylvia was the owner of Crufts champion Charlie, a handsome black Standard Poodle. She must have had lots of very jealous competitors . . .
Our silver sleuths barely time for elevenses. The charity shop detectives must roll up their sleeves — they have a killer to catch.
Dog-lovers, please note none of our furry friends die in this book.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2023
974 people are currently reading
631 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
December 1, 2023
**No dogs are harmed in the plotting of this book!**
Author Peter Boland is really churning out the books in this series now (it was less than 4 months ago that I reviewed an advance copy of #2), but Death at the Dog Show doesn't suffer for it. It delivers on all the hallmarks that have made the previous two instalments so successful - charming, well-written and skilfully plotted - but this time with more adorable dogs added to the mix.
Fiona, Partial Sue and Daisy are having a change of scenery, working off-site at their charity stall at the Christchurch Dog Show, when a death occurs in the midst of the large dog-loving crowd. The poor deceased woman was actually very well-known in the dog world - she was Sylvia Steadman, owner of former Crufts champion, Charlie the black standard poodle.
Unsettled, the women return to their charity shop for a pot of tea, when they receive a visit from DI Fincher and DS Thomas, looking into the MURDER of Ms Steadman. Shock, horror! As always, the detectives don't give much away - just enough to pique the ladies' curiosity and set them on the path of another investigation.
This is turning into a very reliable, unchallenging series (I mean that in the best possible way). Readers who like their cosies clever and charming will love catching up with the Charity Shop Detectives again.
With thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for an eARC to read and review.
Author Peter Boland is really churning out the books in this series now (it was less than 4 months ago that I reviewed an advance copy of #2), but Death at the Dog Show doesn't suffer for it. It delivers on all the hallmarks that have made the previous two instalments so successful - charming, well-written and skilfully plotted - but this time with more adorable dogs added to the mix.
Fiona, Partial Sue and Daisy are having a change of scenery, working off-site at their charity stall at the Christchurch Dog Show, when a death occurs in the midst of the large dog-loving crowd. The poor deceased woman was actually very well-known in the dog world - she was Sylvia Steadman, owner of former Crufts champion, Charlie the black standard poodle.
Unsettled, the women return to their charity shop for a pot of tea, when they receive a visit from DI Fincher and DS Thomas, looking into the MURDER of Ms Steadman. Shock, horror! As always, the detectives don't give much away - just enough to pique the ladies' curiosity and set them on the path of another investigation.
This is turning into a very reliable, unchallenging series (I mean that in the best possible way). Readers who like their cosies clever and charming will love catching up with the Charity Shop Detectives again.
With thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for an eARC to read and review.
November 23, 2023
The Charity Shop Detective Agency #3
It's the day of the Christchurch Dog Show. The whole town is aquiver with excitement. The ladies of the Charity Shop Detective Agency are hoping to make lots of new furry friends. After a very dramatic Best Biscuit Catcher competition, Fiona, Sue, and Daisy, from the Dogs That Need Nice Homes charity shop, come across a shocking scene. The dog show's vet is performing CPR on a woman. The ladies rush over, but it's too late. Back at the shop, the ladies are shocked to learn that the poor woman was murdered.
I love the quirky women of the Charity Shop Detective Agency. Once again, Fiona, Sue, and Daisy find themselves stumbling over a murder case. The dog show's vet was giving the woman CPR, but unfortunately, the woman died. The woman had been murdered. This is a well-written cosy murder mystery, and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #PeterBoland for my ARC of #DeathAtTheDogShow in exchange for an honest review.
It's the day of the Christchurch Dog Show. The whole town is aquiver with excitement. The ladies of the Charity Shop Detective Agency are hoping to make lots of new furry friends. After a very dramatic Best Biscuit Catcher competition, Fiona, Sue, and Daisy, from the Dogs That Need Nice Homes charity shop, come across a shocking scene. The dog show's vet is performing CPR on a woman. The ladies rush over, but it's too late. Back at the shop, the ladies are shocked to learn that the poor woman was murdered.
I love the quirky women of the Charity Shop Detective Agency. Once again, Fiona, Sue, and Daisy find themselves stumbling over a murder case. The dog show's vet was giving the woman CPR, but unfortunately, the woman died. The woman had been murdered. This is a well-written cosy murder mystery, and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #PeterBoland for my ARC of #DeathAtTheDogShow in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2023
This is an excellent cosy mystery series that never fails to entertain and keep me turning pages with the humorous and tightly knitted plot.
I fell in love with the ladies and the stories since I read The Charity Shop Detective.
This is the best story in the series so far and I am sure there will be better stories as each is more entertaining and compelling than the previous.
The ladies are well plotted and lovely as usual, there’s a sort of sadness behind each of them but there’s also a strong friendship and they are a strong team.
The story is also a sharp and well-done description of the world of dog shows and how the competition can be hard even when it comes to funny competition.
I read it in one sitting and can’t wait for the next story. This is one of the best cozy series published in some times.
A strongly recommended and entertaining story.
Many thanks to Joffe Books and Books ‘n’ All Promotions for this digital copy
I fell in love with the ladies and the stories since I read The Charity Shop Detective.
This is the best story in the series so far and I am sure there will be better stories as each is more entertaining and compelling than the previous.
The ladies are well plotted and lovely as usual, there’s a sort of sadness behind each of them but there’s also a strong friendship and they are a strong team.
The story is also a sharp and well-done description of the world of dog shows and how the competition can be hard even when it comes to funny competition.
I read it in one sitting and can’t wait for the next story. This is one of the best cozy series published in some times.
A strongly recommended and entertaining story.
Many thanks to Joffe Books and Books ‘n’ All Promotions for this digital copy
October 19, 2025
3.5 stars
If you’re looking for a cozy mystery to sip tea with, this one delivers. Just don’t expect to channel your inner detective — the motives are so random you’ll never guess who did it (and probably won’t agree with why they did it). Still, watching three sweet ladies solve crimes armed with dream interpretations and intuition — and somehow outsmarting the police — is oddly charming.
If you’re looking for a cozy mystery to sip tea with, this one delivers. Just don’t expect to channel your inner detective — the motives are so random you’ll never guess who did it (and probably won’t agree with why they did it). Still, watching three sweet ladies solve crimes armed with dream interpretations and intuition — and somehow outsmarting the police — is oddly charming.
June 3, 2024
Death at the Dog Show by Peter Boland is the 3rd in the Charity Shop Detective Agency series, a Cozy Mystery Series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Joffe Books, 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 Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
Fiona Sharp is in her mid-seventies, and enjoying a rather quiet life volunteering in a local charity shop called Dogs Need Nice Homes. That's where she adopted her scruffy terrier-cross Simon Le Bon. She works with "Partial Sue" (who often opens her mouth before thinking), and the rather meek, but tech-savvy Daisy. Together, they formed the Charity Shop Detective Agency. They live in a small sea-side town. They love their tea and cake, and are quite bored without a good mystery to solve. Neighborhood police DI Fincher and DS Thomas don't always appreciate the help.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Fiona, Sue and Daisy attend the Christchurch Dog Show, where they see a woman being given CPR by the show's vet. They are later shocked to discover that Sylvia Steadman had been murdered. Who would want to kill Sylvia? The women, of course, decide it is their responsibility to find out.
Meanwhile, they agree to accept a new volunteer at the shop. Molly's parents are in prison from a previous case that the women worked, and Molly seems o be at loose ends. It will be handy having an extra pair of hands around so that they can concentrate on finding a killer.
My Opinions:
Okay, I was hesitant with this book. I loved the first in the series, and found the second one quite boring, but this was quite good. Yes, it's probably still longer than necessary with a lot of descriptions that were not necessary (sandwich choices, etc.), but at least it didn't drag too badly.
The main three characters are quirky and loveable, but I still wonder why the author felt it necessary to have others in their close circle which are just aggravating (Malorie and Sophie are recurring antagonists). I'm also not a fan of the Wicker Man.
There were a lot of suspects, and as everything is explained in such great detail, there were no real surprises.
I'm still wondering about the glossary of British terms for US readers at the back. It's getting annoying.
Overall, the plot was good, and if you need a nice light read, this would be it!
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/
November 30, 2023
#DEATHATTHEDOGSHOW #NetGalley is the first book I've read by this author and I thought it was a cute cozy mystery.
It's fun to discover a new author and a new series and I may have to read this series from the beginning.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
It's fun to discover a new author and a new series and I may have to read this series from the beginning.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
December 6, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
This is the 3rd instalment from The Charity Shop Detectives, and it gets better and better. And in this one, they find themselves in the midst of another murder case, that only they can solve. A woman dies at the local dog show that Fiona, Daisy, and Partial Sue are attending. And it doesn’t take them long to be on the trail of clues.
This is one of my favourite cosy crime mystery series. Aside from the whole murder thing, it is filled with humour and mystery, and they’re always written really cleverly. I never guess who the murderer is until the end. I love the characters of the Detective Agency, they’re starting to feel like old friends!! I can’t wait until the next to find out what murder they’ll be solving next!!
This is the 3rd instalment from The Charity Shop Detectives, and it gets better and better. And in this one, they find themselves in the midst of another murder case, that only they can solve. A woman dies at the local dog show that Fiona, Daisy, and Partial Sue are attending. And it doesn’t take them long to be on the trail of clues.
This is one of my favourite cosy crime mystery series. Aside from the whole murder thing, it is filled with humour and mystery, and they’re always written really cleverly. I never guess who the murderer is until the end. I love the characters of the Detective Agency, they’re starting to feel like old friends!! I can’t wait until the next to find out what murder they’ll be solving next!!
December 7, 2023
Charity Shop Detective Agency mysteries feature Fiona, Sue, and Daisy from the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop in Christchurch, England. While at the local fundraising Christchurch Dog Show a rather nasty person drops dead and is tended by the at hand local veterinarian who then performs "C3PO" (does that make it a Spoonerism?) according to one of the crew. That's the mildest of the guffaw producing antics and verbal slips. The characterizations of everyone are spot on and the whole is hilarious. The mystery plot is fine and has surprises and misdirections aplenty. Loved it!
I requested and received an EARC from Joffe Books via NetGalley. Thanks for the fun!
I requested and received an EARC from Joffe Books via NetGalley. Thanks for the fun!
December 7, 2023
This is the third book in the series and can easily be read as a standalone. Once you do, you will just have to read the others.
It's a thoroughly enjoyable read with plenty of humour.
It's a well written and very likeable storyline with a great plot and strong likeable characters.
There are some unexpected twists and a few red herrings, and you are left guessing and trying to work out along with the ladies of The Charity Shop Detective Agency, who has done the dastardly deed, how and why.
A book I would definitely recommend, a great read.
My thanks to Joffe books for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review.
It's a thoroughly enjoyable read with plenty of humour.
It's a well written and very likeable storyline with a great plot and strong likeable characters.
There are some unexpected twists and a few red herrings, and you are left guessing and trying to work out along with the ladies of The Charity Shop Detective Agency, who has done the dastardly deed, how and why.
A book I would definitely recommend, a great read.
My thanks to Joffe books for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review.
September 9, 2025
I almost threw my phone out the window (I listed to the audiobook) after the about the 2,347th reference to tea. If you cut out all references to tea and tinnitus, this book would be half as long.
I enjoyed the first book in this series but it has gotten steadily dumber, as have the women solving memories. Think I'll just wait for the next Thursday Murder Club book to come out...
I enjoyed the first book in this series but it has gotten steadily dumber, as have the women solving memories. Think I'll just wait for the next Thursday Murder Club book to come out...
December 5, 2023
The ladies are back at solving crime! Another highly enjoyable read! The characters are string and well developed. Great story plot. And a dogshow! Love it! Thanks #Netgalley and #JoffeBooks for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.
November 20, 2023
This is book 3 of the Charity Shop Detective agency series. It could be read as a standalone, but you wouldn't appreciate the characters as much if you don't read the other two! This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series! And is definitely perfect for fans of "The Thursday Murder Club" "Marlowe Series" "Finlay Donovan" and others! They solve cool mysteries, but the real gem of this novel lies in the main character's personalities. Hope to see more from this author!
December 8, 2023
Rounded up from 4.5
What fun it is to be back with the ladies of Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop! After the ladies witness a competitor at the local dog show collapse and die in front of them, they decide to dust off their amateur detective skills and find out who could have done it.
I have really enjoyed the first two books in this series and Death at the Dog Show was another great read!
As usual, there's plenty of suspects, red herrings and copious amounts of tea consumed during the case.
The banter between Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue still can put a smile on my face, even after three books. Also, the Wicker Man who owns the furniture shop next door, in my eyes, has gone from a slightly annoying character to really adding humour to the story.
Honestly, I would love to see this as a TV series. I think it would make the perfect afternoon drama.
Of course, this is a cozy mystery, so the pace is a little slower. If you like your mysteries at a quicker pace, this one might not be for you.
A definite must if you love a well crafted cozy mystery with quirky amateur sleuths and plenty of humour.
What fun it is to be back with the ladies of Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop! After the ladies witness a competitor at the local dog show collapse and die in front of them, they decide to dust off their amateur detective skills and find out who could have done it.
I have really enjoyed the first two books in this series and Death at the Dog Show was another great read!
As usual, there's plenty of suspects, red herrings and copious amounts of tea consumed during the case.
The banter between Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue still can put a smile on my face, even after three books. Also, the Wicker Man who owns the furniture shop next door, in my eyes, has gone from a slightly annoying character to really adding humour to the story.
Honestly, I would love to see this as a TV series. I think it would make the perfect afternoon drama.
Of course, this is a cozy mystery, so the pace is a little slower. If you like your mysteries at a quicker pace, this one might not be for you.
A definite must if you love a well crafted cozy mystery with quirky amateur sleuths and plenty of humour.
December 31, 2023
The day of the Christchurch dog show has arrived and after the best Biscuit Catcher competition, Fiona, Sue and Daisy from the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop come across the dog show’s vet performing CPR on a woman. The charity shop detectives must find out what happened to the woman.
This was the third instalment of the charity shop detective agency, which is one of my favourite series. I will admit that I didn’t like this one as much as the two previous instalments. One reason is because I felt like it took too long to get to who the murderer was and was when we found out who the murderer was, it made a big deal about evidence, but it doesn’t actually say what the evidence was that led to the murderer’s arrest. It also felt like the charity shop detective ladies, Fiona, Sue and Daisy were a bit all over the place in the book. In particular, Fiona. In this book, she kept forgetting things or having brain fog which felt out of character to the Fiona that I have read about in the previous instalments and loved. She came across as being very unsure about herself, which from the two previous books, it isn’t the vibe that I get from her at all. As always, I really enjoy Peter’s plots, his writing and the characters that he creates - they are some of my favourite characters and I love them all so much. This is a fantastic cosy mystery series, one that I will always recommend. Overall, I enjoyed this instalment of the series and I am excited to see how the series progresses.
⚠️ CWs: murder, alcohol use, mentions animal cruelty, cheating ⚠️
Thank you Joffe Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book!
This was the third instalment of the charity shop detective agency, which is one of my favourite series. I will admit that I didn’t like this one as much as the two previous instalments. One reason is because I felt like it took too long to get to who the murderer was and was when we found out who the murderer was, it made a big deal about evidence, but it doesn’t actually say what the evidence was that led to the murderer’s arrest. It also felt like the charity shop detective ladies, Fiona, Sue and Daisy were a bit all over the place in the book. In particular, Fiona. In this book, she kept forgetting things or having brain fog which felt out of character to the Fiona that I have read about in the previous instalments and loved. She came across as being very unsure about herself, which from the two previous books, it isn’t the vibe that I get from her at all. As always, I really enjoy Peter’s plots, his writing and the characters that he creates - they are some of my favourite characters and I love them all so much. This is a fantastic cosy mystery series, one that I will always recommend. Overall, I enjoyed this instalment of the series and I am excited to see how the series progresses.
⚠️ CWs: murder, alcohol use, mentions animal cruelty, cheating ⚠️
Thank you Joffe Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book!
December 5, 2023
Death at the Dog Show has no dog deaths, thank goodness. What it does have is another adventure featuring the retired English Women of the Charity Shop Detective Agency!
What I enjoyed about this is how real it feels, mystery wise. Our detectives follow leads, find dead ends, chase false trails, get frustrated, and start again. It sometimes makes for a confusing plot, but due to the nature of the mystery at hand, I think it works quite well! I like that every side character isn't there just for filler but serves a purpose even if it is small.
Speaking of characters, our three main women are fabulous. Fiona, Daisy, and Partial Sue are the driving force behind this book, and their dialogue never fails to delight me. I frequently work with retirees, and sometimes I feel like the author must be eavesdropping on conversations that I myself have overheard! My only complaint is that I would truly like to know more about this trio. We know more about Fiona because she narrates, but I think the book would be even more enjoyable and engaging if we knew a bit of what makes Partial Sue and Daisy click.
These cozy mysteries can be read alone, but they're better when read in order! I do recommend them, especially if you're fans of Small Town British Mystery TV or of the Thursday Murder Club books! I truly hope we see more of the Charity Shop Detective Agency (and that Britbox finds them and makes them into their own show! The characters would love that)!
7.7/10 CAWPILE Rating
I received e-ARC via Netgalley's "read now" feature in exchange for an honest review.
What I enjoyed about this is how real it feels, mystery wise. Our detectives follow leads, find dead ends, chase false trails, get frustrated, and start again. It sometimes makes for a confusing plot, but due to the nature of the mystery at hand, I think it works quite well! I like that every side character isn't there just for filler but serves a purpose even if it is small.
Speaking of characters, our three main women are fabulous. Fiona, Daisy, and Partial Sue are the driving force behind this book, and their dialogue never fails to delight me. I frequently work with retirees, and sometimes I feel like the author must be eavesdropping on conversations that I myself have overheard! My only complaint is that I would truly like to know more about this trio. We know more about Fiona because she narrates, but I think the book would be even more enjoyable and engaging if we knew a bit of what makes Partial Sue and Daisy click.
These cozy mysteries can be read alone, but they're better when read in order! I do recommend them, especially if you're fans of Small Town British Mystery TV or of the Thursday Murder Club books! I truly hope we see more of the Charity Shop Detective Agency (and that Britbox finds them and makes them into their own show! The characters would love that)!
7.7/10 CAWPILE Rating
I received e-ARC via Netgalley's "read now" feature in exchange for an honest review.
December 14, 2024
3.75🌟
Audiobook
This is my favorite book in the series thus far. It felt as if the ladies did a better job of solving the murders. Not to mention, I’m a dog lover and it was fun to see various characters with their dogs. FWIW, I disliked the “Mary/Molly” aspect at the end of the previous book (The Beach Hut Murders), and I disliked it even more when it carried into this story. I was glad when it came to an end. It had nothing to do with this story and just didn’t belong.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Loved it. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed others so much more.
1🌟 = I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
Audiobook
This is my favorite book in the series thus far. It felt as if the ladies did a better job of solving the murders. Not to mention, I’m a dog lover and it was fun to see various characters with their dogs. FWIW, I disliked the “Mary/Molly” aspect at the end of the previous book (The Beach Hut Murders), and I disliked it even more when it carried into this story. I was glad when it came to an end. It had nothing to do with this story and just didn’t belong.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Loved it. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed others so much more.
1🌟 = I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
October 4, 2025
Good characterisation
This cozy mystery delivers a decent murder at a dog show, giving our charity shop detectives plenty of suspects to work through. The plot has good twists and there's a darker thread from the previous book adding tension. What really works though are Fiona, Partial Sue and Daisy—their friendship feels genuine, because perhaps of the imperfections and little human conflicts. I also enjoyed their endless tea breaks and cake. It's comfort reading that doesn't take itself too seriously. Solid entry in the series.
This cozy mystery delivers a decent murder at a dog show, giving our charity shop detectives plenty of suspects to work through. The plot has good twists and there's a darker thread from the previous book adding tension. What really works though are Fiona, Partial Sue and Daisy—their friendship feels genuine, because perhaps of the imperfections and little human conflicts. I also enjoyed their endless tea breaks and cake. It's comfort reading that doesn't take itself too seriously. Solid entry in the series.
January 13, 2025
3.5 stars (Kindle). The Charity Shop Detectives are at it again! While I devoured this cozy, the Molly conclusion was anticlimactic, making me wonder why it was even included. The primary death in this story also felt a bit forced, but ultimately it came together.
March 16, 2025
What's more dramatic than the British bake off? Dog shows! A famous dog owner died so the golden girls need to deal with competitive dog show contestants to solve the murder.
June 1, 2025
Another fun entry in this murder mystery series.
August 13, 2025
I was intrigued to see how many of this series I would be able to read without getting bored or thinking I didn't want to read anymore.
3 is the answer.
3 is the answer.
June 15, 2025
Listened to audiobook. Right on to the last. Only 4 so far. I would read more. Such a good narrator.
December 17, 2023
As a dog breeder myself, I was very happy to be able to review this book! I loved the intrigue and the fact that everything happens at a dog show. I must add that I found it a little bit harder to enter the book as the dog shows that I go to in real life are something a little bit more serious but anyway, I liked the book. Thank you for the opportunity!
June 9, 2025
Following closely on the heels of the last book, Fiona, Daisy and Practical Sue are working a booth at the annual dog shop when Sylvia, the owner of past winner, Charlie, dies. At first it is deemed a heart attack until the autopsy reveals a puncture wound. There is very little police involvement in this one but the ladies believe that they have tacit approval from them to conduct their own investigation. Their top suspects are a tattooed man who bumped into Daisy, causing her to spill coffee down the front of an angry Pippa. Their theory is that a rival dog owner wanted Sylvia dead so that Charlie wouldn't win again. As they investigate, they leave the shop in the hands of their newest assistant, Molly, the daughter of the murderers in the previous book. The ladies put out a call for information on the tattooed man and they get a visit at the shop from Sally, who was at the dog show with her pup and took video showing Sylvia's death. Sally, owner of a new sandwich shop, brought free lunch for the ladies and claimed that she could always guess a person's favorite sandwich but that she couldn't read Molly because she was hiding something. Shortly after, Sally is dead. It was pretty obvious that Molly was involved and that something fishy was going on with her. Especially when she claimed that there was a man who kept coming into the shop conveniently when Molly was alone who had info that he wanted to give to the ladies about Sylvia's murder. They arrange to meet him at a garden shop, which turns out to be closed and abandoned. It is a trap and there is no tip from a mysterious man. Molly lured them there to get her revenge on them for nabbing her parents and she locks them in an abandoned room and leaves them to die. But Daisy manages to get them out using her lock picking skills and Molly is arrested. She admits killing Sally because she was nervous that she was onto her plan to trap the ladies, but she had nothing to do with Sylvia's murder. So the ladies are back at square one. They find the tattooed man and determine that he had nothing to do with the murder but that does cause them to turn to Pippa. It was almost like she bumped Daisy on purpose but why? It turns out that one of the dog show board members, Ken, had invested in Pippa's new dog grooming business. The only way that it would succeed was with a seal of approval from the board but that was in jeopardy because a recently retired Sylvia wanted to run for election to the board and would likely win and would also be unlikely to recommend a new groomer over the board's current approved groomer who happens to be the one that Sylvia uses for Charlie. So Ken had to kill Sylvia to keep her from joining the board or else his investment would go belly up. A good mystery. In other news, Daisy's estranged daughter is leaving her husband and moving back home so I expect that she will factor into the storyline of the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2024
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Death at the Dog Show is the third Charity Shop Detective Agency mystery by Peter Boland. Released 5th Dec 2023 by Joffe Books, it's 354 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The first two books in the series are also currently available on KU.
This is an entirely whimsical, campy, often slapstick lark featuring three disparate volunteers at the same charity shop (Dogs Need Nice Homes) who find themselves dragged into sleuthing again by a sudden death at a local dog show. (Note: no dogs are harmed in this cozy mystery).
So much of the book is over the top silly that readers should bring a *hefty* suspension of disbelief to the read and expect some moderate amounts of eye-rolling at the seemingly random insertion of weird details about the world of dog fanciers and the comparative merits of dog biscuits vs. sausages.
The plot, resolution, and denouement are self contained in this volume and it works well enough as a standalone. It bears repeating that readers should bring a stout, nay invincible, suspension of disbelief, and expect a solution and epilogue that are fairly silly and over-the-top. Since there are three books extant in the series at this point, it would also make a light diverting binge or buddy read.
Four stars. Potentially just slightly on the wrong side of frivolous, but also undeniably droll and amusing. Readers should be in the mood for an extremely silly mystery to enjoy this one.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Death at the Dog Show is the third Charity Shop Detective Agency mystery by Peter Boland. Released 5th Dec 2023 by Joffe Books, it's 354 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The first two books in the series are also currently available on KU.
This is an entirely whimsical, campy, often slapstick lark featuring three disparate volunteers at the same charity shop (Dogs Need Nice Homes) who find themselves dragged into sleuthing again by a sudden death at a local dog show. (Note: no dogs are harmed in this cozy mystery).
So much of the book is over the top silly that readers should bring a *hefty* suspension of disbelief to the read and expect some moderate amounts of eye-rolling at the seemingly random insertion of weird details about the world of dog fanciers and the comparative merits of dog biscuits vs. sausages.
The plot, resolution, and denouement are self contained in this volume and it works well enough as a standalone. It bears repeating that readers should bring a stout, nay invincible, suspension of disbelief, and expect a solution and epilogue that are fairly silly and over-the-top. Since there are three books extant in the series at this point, it would also make a light diverting binge or buddy read.
Four stars. Potentially just slightly on the wrong side of frivolous, but also undeniably droll and amusing. Readers should be in the mood for an extremely silly mystery to enjoy this one.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
December 24, 2023
I was very excited when I saw the third book in the series was set at a dog show with being a dog lover, although I was slightly worried as to whether any animals would be harmed but having read it, I can assure you they don’t!
I thought we might see Simon Le Bon, Fiona’s dog trying out in some of the competitions, but sadly not. Am sure he would have won something. Whilst Fiona, Sue and Daisy are having a good day with a stall set up trying to raise money for charity, someone dies of which there doesn’t look to be any suspicious circumstances. It’s not long before the police realise she has been murdered and the three ladies yet again decide to put their detective skills to the test and help find the killer.
Well, I have to say for a cozy mystery, I didn’t spot any clues as to who the murderer was and would never have thought about checking into the things that these ladies do. It is so cleverly written with some unexpected turns and I loved following these ladies investigations although there are more than a few times that I worried for their safety and don’t think I could be as calm as them when they do stumble across danger!
Death at the Dog Show by Peter Boland is the perfect read for cozy crime and animal lovers. It’s a gentle read yet offers thrills and excitement. You would think being set at a slower pace due to the genre it might be easier to spot clues but that definitely isn’t the case with this series and the author keeps his reader engaged at all times. These books have a real charm about them with great characters and such a fabulous setting. There are endless possibilities for cases that has me excited for what the author will choose next. Completely compelling!
I thought we might see Simon Le Bon, Fiona’s dog trying out in some of the competitions, but sadly not. Am sure he would have won something. Whilst Fiona, Sue and Daisy are having a good day with a stall set up trying to raise money for charity, someone dies of which there doesn’t look to be any suspicious circumstances. It’s not long before the police realise she has been murdered and the three ladies yet again decide to put their detective skills to the test and help find the killer.
Well, I have to say for a cozy mystery, I didn’t spot any clues as to who the murderer was and would never have thought about checking into the things that these ladies do. It is so cleverly written with some unexpected turns and I loved following these ladies investigations although there are more than a few times that I worried for their safety and don’t think I could be as calm as them when they do stumble across danger!
Death at the Dog Show by Peter Boland is the perfect read for cozy crime and animal lovers. It’s a gentle read yet offers thrills and excitement. You would think being set at a slower pace due to the genre it might be easier to spot clues but that definitely isn’t the case with this series and the author keeps his reader engaged at all times. These books have a real charm about them with great characters and such a fabulous setting. There are endless possibilities for cases that has me excited for what the author will choose next. Completely compelling!
December 11, 2023
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DEATH AT THE DOG SHOW (The Charity Shop Detective Agency Book #3) by Peter Boland is an entertaining cozy mystery once again featuring the three indomitable ladies of the Charity Shop Detective Agency. This cozy mystery can easily be read as a standalone.
Fiona, Partial Sue, and Daisy have a booth at the Christchurch Dog Show for their charity shop, Dogs That Need Nice Homes. The ladies notice a crowd gathering and witness the show’s veterinarian performing CPR on a woman. The ladies discover the dead woman who is attending is the owner of a former Crufts champion. After a visit from their detective friends, the ladies learn the death is a murder by injection and not natural as they first believed.
The ladies put on their detective hats and get to work sorting all the possible suspects and motives.
I liked the previous books in this series, but this is definitely my favorite. I enjoy the quirky individuality of Fiona, Partial Sue and Daisy and the backgrounds that each brings to the investigations. The plot is full of red herrings and twists that lead the ladies to several secondary crimes, but they doggedly (ha-ha) get back on track until they solve the main murder case and have the perpetrators apprehended. I was surprised in the end and satisfied with the conclusion. Being a huge dog lover, the bonus for me in this story is all the added canine characters. Overall, these cozy mysteries have endearing main characters and are intricately plotted amateur sleuth investigations.
I recommend this addition to the series for a delightful cozy mystery read.
DEATH AT THE DOG SHOW (The Charity Shop Detective Agency Book #3) by Peter Boland is an entertaining cozy mystery once again featuring the three indomitable ladies of the Charity Shop Detective Agency. This cozy mystery can easily be read as a standalone.
Fiona, Partial Sue, and Daisy have a booth at the Christchurch Dog Show for their charity shop, Dogs That Need Nice Homes. The ladies notice a crowd gathering and witness the show’s veterinarian performing CPR on a woman. The ladies discover the dead woman who is attending is the owner of a former Crufts champion. After a visit from their detective friends, the ladies learn the death is a murder by injection and not natural as they first believed.
The ladies put on their detective hats and get to work sorting all the possible suspects and motives.
I liked the previous books in this series, but this is definitely my favorite. I enjoy the quirky individuality of Fiona, Partial Sue and Daisy and the backgrounds that each brings to the investigations. The plot is full of red herrings and twists that lead the ladies to several secondary crimes, but they doggedly (ha-ha) get back on track until they solve the main murder case and have the perpetrators apprehended. I was surprised in the end and satisfied with the conclusion. Being a huge dog lover, the bonus for me in this story is all the added canine characters. Overall, these cozy mysteries have endearing main characters and are intricately plotted amateur sleuth investigations.
I recommend this addition to the series for a delightful cozy mystery read.
November 27, 2023
(Dog-lovers, please note none of our furry friends die in this book)
When a woman collapses at a dog show it is first thought that she has had a heart attack. The ladies from “Dogs Need Nice Homes” charity shop are there at their stall and soon get a visit from the local police who advise that it's looking like murder. As the ladies have rather a reputation for solving crime they set to investigating. The thing is they are better placed having been at the scene than the police as in the middle of a field there is no CCTV and little to go on, most things having been bought with cash so nothing is traceable. Who could have wanted the woman dead, how and why?
I adore this series- this book does stand alone. It's brilliantly written with wonderful characters, I can’t help but smile as I'm writing this. Peter has a special talent for making the characters leap off the page as if they are old friends. Partial Sue is a particular favourite (if you know, you know). The ladies balance each other very well, some more outgoing than others and each having different skills. To me these are far better than some more well known cozy crimes around, there’s something really special about them, I find them hugely entertaining and a real lift. A wonderfully thrilling read I can’t recommend highly enough.
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December 8, 2023
When Sylvia Steadman, owner of a former Crufts champion, suffers a heart attack at the Christchurch dog show, everyone thinks it was natural causes. Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue from the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop, together with canine Simon Le Bon, see veterinary surgeon Julie Sheers performing CPR to no avail. However, the next morning they are visited by the very chic DI Fincher and tracksuit clad sidekick DS Thomas and discover it was murder! Of course, the detectives can’t tell them anything but the ladies are convinced this is a thinly veiled way of asking for their help and so oblige, shocked when they find out death was actually caused by a very nasty injection. Who would have wanted Sylvia dead and why? And so, another charity shop murder investigation starts, of course involving lots of cake!
It was nice to see Molly, she of the murderous parents from book two, joining their little gang of volunteers in another smashing story in this charming cosy crime series. These three amateur sleuths, still on a learning curve and together with their various friends such as Freya and The Wicker Man, who have some unexpected skills, are an absolute delight and it was a pleasure to spend a few gentle hours in their company. The excellently drawn characters are easy to visualise and there’s plenty of humour in a well laid out and clever plot with lots of red herrings to confuse the ladies and readers alike. I am definitely looking forward to more in this great series!
It was nice to see Molly, she of the murderous parents from book two, joining their little gang of volunteers in another smashing story in this charming cosy crime series. These three amateur sleuths, still on a learning curve and together with their various friends such as Freya and The Wicker Man, who have some unexpected skills, are an absolute delight and it was a pleasure to spend a few gentle hours in their company. The excellently drawn characters are easy to visualise and there’s plenty of humour in a well laid out and clever plot with lots of red herrings to confuse the ladies and readers alike. I am definitely looking forward to more in this great series!
January 2, 2026
The Golden Girls meets Midsomer Murders—and I am here for it!
I have been following The Charity Shop Detective Agency series from the start, and while I thought the first two books were just "okay" (they were cute but felt like they dragged a bit), Death at the Dog Show really found its stride. This is easily my favorite installment yet!
The best way to describe this book? It’s giving "If the Golden Girls were sleuths." ### What I Loved:
The Growth: Unlike the first two, this one kept me entertained the entire time. I actually found myself eager to pick it up and see what the ladies were getting up to next.
Character Development: Fiona, Sue, and Daisy feel so much more developed and "comfortable" in this book. Their distinct personalities really shine through, and their friendship is becoming the heart of the series. They are chaotic, funny, and incredibly sweet—honestly, I want to be just like them when I get older!
The Humor: The references were hilarious, and the dynamics between the trio are becoming more interesting with every chapter.
The Vibe:
It’s a heartwarming, "cozy" read that feels like a warm hug. While I think some of the procedural/investigative details could still be polished up a bit, the emotional payoff and the humor more than make up for it.
If you’re looking for a mystery that feels mature yet fun, and you love a good "found family" dynamic, definitely give this one a go. I’m officially invested in this sleuthing group!
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