Pipers Piping and Puppies

Heywood Hounds #2.5

by Carly Winter

When Rudolph goes missing days before the Heywood Christmas Festival, Gina Dunner and her talking dog, Daisy, put their noses to the ground to find him.As the investigation progresses, they not only find themselves saddled with a litter of puppies, but embroiled in the mystery of where the mother has gone.Will Gina and Daisy be able to return the puppies to their mother and find Rudolph in time to save the Christmas Festival?

Genres: Novella, Christmas

138 pages, Paperback

Published December 11, 2023

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Carly Winter writes fun, small town cozy mysteries, always with a dash of humor and quirky characters. When not writing, you can find her spending time with her family, on a Pilates reformer or enjoying the fantastic Arizona weather (except summer - she doesn't like summer). She does like dogs, wine and chocolate and wishes Christmas happened twice a year.

Reviews

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Mystery for Christmas . . .

Someone is messing with the animals! Charlie Tupper, the barn owner where the animals are being kept, is knocked unconscious and the animals are scattered. Among the missing is Rudolph whose presence is needed in time for the Heywood Christmas Festival. A new litter of adorable puppies also needs their mama returned to take care of them! Gina Dunner and Daisy, her talking dog, are pulled into the mystery to find out who did this and recover the missing critters. Will they find the perpetrator and return the animals before the Christmas Festival is ruined? And who would have thought that Daisy didn’t particularly like having puppies around? Her fussing about the situation will keep the reader amused!

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy from BookSirens. I have read other Heywood cozy mysteries. This is part of the calendar mysteries. Gina owns a talking dog, Daisy. Daisy can communicate with other dogs. Gina helps with dog rescues. The small town is holding a Christmas festival. Rudolph, one of the reindeer goes missing. Charlie is attacked. Eleven puppies are abandoned. Possible corruption at town hall. Family time with Gina’s son, brother, and father. Add in Trevor the detective for a hint of romance. Sweet and fun! Need to read the series!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A silly sweet holiday story. A cute mystery involving Santa’s reindeer, Gina and a bushel of puppies. A warm, quick read to keep your spirits bright.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jane Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

So cute!! A novella with Christmas cheer, a happy ending and a talking dog. Just what I needed.

[June Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the week before Christmas and things are getting busy for Gina Dunner. She not only has family, including her father and son, coming for the holiday but suddenly has eleven motherless puppies to care for as well as a perplexing crime to figure out. Talking dog Daisy isn't exactly happy to have to share the attention with eleven adorable Bermese Mountain Dogs and doesn't hesitate to share that sentiment with Gina. Yes, Gina can understand her talking dog. I'm sure some would be put off by that but, well, I found it was a fun touch, maybe partly because my dog's name is Daisy. Now, true, though I frequently wonder what she'd have to say to me if she could speak human, I'm not sure I really want to know, so maybe this is just my way have having a vicarious experience. Whatever the reason, it's a fun, quick read that I enjoyed.

I've also got to admit to being glad no actual murder was involved. Charlie is pet-sitting reindeer and other small animals for the upcoming Christmas doings in town but is attacked. Not only is one of the reindeer missing but someone sets the other animals loose and runs them away from the shelter of the barn. And, baby, it's definitely cold out there, so Gina and police investigator Trevor hustle to find and return them to the shelter and relative warmth of Charlie's barn. Fortunately, some townspeople with horses show up to help.

There aren't many suspects this go-round, it is a novella after all, but Gina is happy to accompany Trevor as he investigates. Hmm.... So, anyway, who knocked poor Charlie on the head? Why were the animals being boarded at his place anyway? Is the attacker the same person that swiped the reindeer named Rudolph? Can the Christmas celebration go on without a Rudolph? Why can't Gina share all the info she has garnered with even Trevor? It's complicated. Will Daisy learn to love puppies? Umm, maybe "like" puppies? Is there romance blooming in the frigid cold winter? Why....oh, enough teasers. I'll simply add that I'm glad that Carly Winter addressed the need for service animals and training as well as emphasizing the need and reasons the puppies really needed to be united with their mother. Daisy's canine translations between human and dogs is helpful but it's hard to explain things to kids, er, puppies, even if Daisy's often childlike reactions are a hoot.

Bottom line, a fun story, nicely done for the holidays. I'm looking forward to seeing where Gina's fledgling relationship with Trevor, if we can even call it that, is going in future books. Hey, he likes puppies! That's a plus. Thanks #BookSirens and author #CarlyWinter for allowing me a sneak peak at this Christmas mystery.

[Kymm · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Christmas in Heywood, AZ and the annual Christmas Festival is all set to go. Santa's expected to make his appearance with his reindeer, but where's Rudolph? He's not in his stall in the barn where he's being kept, and the owner of the barn has been knocked out after a bash to the back of his head. Gina whose helped solve previous cases is on it and her talking dog, Daisy is again sniffing out the culprit. Gina is already very busy as she's just rescued a large litter of puppies and they're running wild in her kitchen. With Daisy and her nose and Gina and her unrelenting quest to do what's right this theft and assault is on its way to being solved but the suspects are many and the answers few.

I've really grown to love this new series by Carly Winter. I absolutely adore the talking dog, Daisy who does have a bit of a Diva complex and keeps her human, Gina on her toes. The books are fun to read and have a detailed, well thought out crime that needs to be solved. The Heywood Hound series is an offshoot of the Heywood Herbalist series, and I love seeing some of the same characters showing up in this one. I highly recommend both series to anyone who loves a good cozy mystery. Happy Reading!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Gina Dunner is called out to rescue a couple of abandoned puppies, she doesn’t expect to find eleven. Her dog, Daisy, is quick to complain about the situation, but eventually comes around to helping. Since Gina can understand Daisy, she’s able to find out that the mama dog chased after a bad man stealing a reindeer from the barn. Unable to reach farmer Charlie on the phone, she returns to the farm and finds him knocked unconscious and all of the animals missing. Detective Trevor arrives and Gina explains what she can without revealing her secret. Trevor and Gina team up to unravel the mystery of the missing animals. Will they be able to solve it in time for Heywood’s Christmas festivities? And can she and Daisy find the mama dog and reunite them with their owner?

A nice little Christmas mystery and a heartwarming storyline regarding the puppies. Daisy’s antics will have you laughing along. And anyone else pulling for a romance to bloom between Gina & Trevor? I definitely enjoyed this visit to Haywood and will be reading more from Ms. Winter.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carole Craddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas puppies, a stolen reindeer, and a talking dog! Gina was woken up one morning to come and rescue a litter of puppies a local farmer found in his barn. The mother was nowhere to be seen, but Daisy, Gina's adorable talking dog, told her the puppies said their mother ran off chasing the bad man who stole Rudolph. With the Heywood Christmas Festival just days away, Gina sets off with the hunky deputy, Trevor, to find who took Rudolph, hoping she would also find the mother of the puppies. I love this series and a short Christmas book was a delightful surprise! There still is a hint of romance in the air for Gina and Trevor as they work together to find Rudolph and Mama dog. This was an enjoyable quick read full of Christmas cheer! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Caitlin C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Carly Winter's books. This is a nice "in-between" addition to the series. Gina Dunner is getting ready for Christmas when she receives an early morning call about a "few" puppies that need her help. When Gina arrives she finds 11 puppies without their mama! Gina learns that Rudolph has gone missing!

I was a little thrown off by there not being a murder to solve in this one, but it was kind of refreshing at the same time. It gave us a little more time to focus on the characters, and the 11 bundles of squirming cuteness. Gina's dog, Daisy, who Gina can talk to is not really happy with the newest additions to the family, but even she gets in to the holiday spirit!

I really enjoyed this installment. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bette Reith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my Goodness!! A few puppies (few is a relative term here) have been abandoned. Gina and Daisy to the rescue. Daisy is not as pleased and makes sure that Gina knows how she feels. Wouldn’t it be great if we could understand our pets. Daisy’s conversations are always endearing and true to life. What is missing here is the mom and - - wait, what? Rudolph?? Yes, a local reindeer is also missing just before the local festival. With little ones to take care of, and 2 mysteries to solve, this is an adorable tail of how Gina and Daisy work together to save the festival and reunite the pups. A must read if you like quirky, funny and affectionate cozies. Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC of this book.

[Kathy Tozzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short holiday mystery staring Gina and her adorable, amusing, chatty canine partner Daisy.
The case? Missing Rudolph and a whole lot of puppies.
Gina and Daisy are on a mission to find Rudolph so Christmas won't be ruined.
Who doesn't like Christmas stories, especially with so much laughter included.
A great addition to the rest of this authors many wonderful books.
Pipers Piping and Puppies: A Heywood Hounds Cozy Mysteries Novella

[ASCookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a charming Christmas addition to the Heywood Hounds series.

I really am enjoying these short cozy mysteries centered around dogs. Gina is in her 40's with a son away to college who owns a nail salon, is a part-time ghost writer and also rescues dogs and finds them new homes.

Of course, she always finds herself involved in a mystery, this time finding a missing reindeer and the mother dog of 11 newborn pups. She and her talking dog, Daisy, solve the mystery and all ends well.

There is also a budding romance starting between Gina and Sheriff Trevor that adds another dimension to the series. Looking forward to more from the author, Carly Winter.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gina rescues dogs. One of her dogs can actually talk to her. She is woken up by a phone call from a man who has found a couple of puppies in his barn, no mother. Her rescue Daisy does not like puppies. Turns out a couple turned into 11, 4-6 week old puppies. Policeman Trevor and Gina try to find out who knocked Charlie out, who let all the livestock loose and who stoles Rudolph the reindeer. Plus Gina has to find the puppies mom.

Very good book. Read it straight thru. Really enjoyed it and recommend it.

I received an advance review copy, ARC, for free, and I am leaving an honest opinion and voluntary review

[Margery · Rating 5 out of 5]

PUPPIES! Who doesn't love adorable puppies? There are eleven fluffy fur balls that take over Gina and her dog Daisey's home. Turner found them in his barn, minus the mom and unbeknownst to him among the deer he was housing, one was missing. Daisey has a gift, she can talk, only to Gina. Together they find mama dog and Gina also solves the mystery of the missing 9th deer. Yep, his name is Rudolph and is supposed to help pull Santa's sleigh down the street at the Christmas eve celebration. Will Gina have a calm home for her Christmas eve dinner? After all 11 puppies can be a handful. This is a heartwarming Christmas story.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Gina & her talking dog Daisy pick up an abandoned litter of puppies at Charlie Tupper's farm, she returns to find him unconscious in the barn with all his livestock let loose, including Rudolph & the other 8 reindeer he was boarding for the Christmas Festival petting zoo. Can Gina, Daisy & Deputy Trevor find Rudolph in time for the Festival? Can they reunite the 11 puppies with their missing mother? Really enjoyed Gina & Daisy's conversations, & Daisy's interactions with the 11 puppies are hysterical. I will be looking for the other books in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pipers Piping and Puppies: A Heywood Hounds Cozy Mysteries Novella by Carly Winter is book #11 in The Twelve Days of Christmas Cozy Mysteries series.

Gina is called to pick a couple of abandoned puppies upsetting things at home. Then they realize there is a missing reindeer. Gina and Daisy have their work cut out for them.

I like Gina and Trevor, but the star of this book is Daisy. She adds so much humor with her spot-on comments. Her comments about the puppies made me laugh out loud. This was a feel-good holiday book. Can’t wait to see what Gina and Daisy get into next!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carly Winter’s newest Heywood Hounds book is a short novella (109 pages) that’s part of The 12 Days of Christmas Cozy Mystery series, a box set of 12 novellas by various cozy authors. In this story, Gina is coping with a houseful of abandoned puppies, a stolen reindeer and an injured neighbor who’s at the center of it all. With the help of her favorite deputy, Gina sets out to solve the mystery, find the reindeer and find the puppy’s mother. It’s a fun read with lots of holiday cheer, another great entry to a terrific series.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[CatMomReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super cute, somewhat silly cozy mystery for the holidays. There is no virtually no drama in this novella, it's just a feel good read with a clever, clean mystery to solve.

I loved following along with Gina as she tried to find out what happened to the missing reindeer, but by far the best part of this book was Daisy the talking dog. It sounds silly (fine, it is silly) but it works and pushes the entertainment value of the book over the top.

I instantly want to read the rest of the series after having read this one. Highly recommended for something light and quick.

I received a copy which I chose to review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gina Dunner and her talking dog, Daisy, get involved in the search for Rudolph, the missing reindeer that is supposed to be one of the stars of the upcoming Christmas festival. As if that isn’t enough, she soon has her hands full with 11 puppies found in the barn where Rudolph went missing from, and their mom is nowhere to be found. Who would want to sabotage the festival and where is the mother of the adorable puppies? Can Gina help solve the mystery in time to save the festival and reunite the missing mama dog with her puppies and hopefully locate their owner?

A quick, fun holiday read!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Dave Measner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas mystery.
It's almost Christmas and Gina gets a rescue call from Charlie Tupper about s couple puppies he found in his barn. The couple turn out o be eleven and Gina and Daisy are overwhelmed by the litte critters.Once Gina gets Daisy to communicate with the puppies she finds out their mother chased a man away from the farm who was taking Rudolh, one of the deer being boarded there. When Gina goes back to try and find the mama of the puppies she finds Charlie unconscious. Gina, Daisy and Deputy Trevor are on the case to find the missing dog, deer and who is behind these crimes.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pipers Piping and Puppies is book 11 in The Twelve Days of Christmas Cozy Mysteries by Carly Winter. I love this series especially since different authors wrote the books. I enjoy having a core group of characters in each book and I love Daisy the talking dog! Daisy is funny and the "talks" between Daisy and Gina are perfect. I believe that the mystery is perfect for Christmas and the author led me on the path to discovering the deer kidnapper. This series is a marvelous Christmas book. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Cozy Reader Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Pipers Piping and Puppies (A Heywood Hounds Novella)" by Carly Winter is a funny Christmas cozy mystery that's quick to read. I enjoy all the Heywood Hounds books but this one was particularly entertaining. Daisy the dog is probably my favorite character and even more so when she's trying to act tough with a pack of puppies.

The mystery was extra cozy. No death in this one. Just a bit of assault and theft. There were a couple of possibilities for who did it but I was fairly certain about what happened. I was mostly right and it wrapped up well.

[Sharon S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun book in the series by Carly Winters.
Once again Gina and her dog Daisy, who can talk to her, are on the job trying to solve the mystery.
Eleven puppies were found in Charlie’s barn and Rudolph, the deer, is missing. When Gina goes back to check for the mother dog, she discovers Charlie has been attacked and all the animals turned loose. What is going on? Can she help deputy Trevor solve another mystery?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rudolph the reindeeer is missing from Charlie Tupper’s farm when he’s clobbered on the head and his barn animals scattered . The reindeer is needed for the festival in Heywood . A new litter of puppies are missing their mother too and it’s up to Gina Dunner and her talking dog Daisy to find the culprit before the festivities begin. Brilliant quirky cosy mystery with humour . Well written immersive Novella.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one. Loved the talking dog. The mystery kept me guessing until close to the end. I figured it out just before the protagonist did.

I thought I had figured out the key to the clues in all the books, but then book throws me three possibles. Did all the books have more than one? Did I miss some in the others while reading? Why do I care since I know there are a few books in the list that didn't interest me after reading the preview chapters?

I love the idea of this series and the hunt for clues. I just wish it hadn't mixed genres.

[Alice Hazelbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute short story in the 12 Days of Christmas series. Pipers Piping is number 11 and involves 9 adorable black, brown and white Bernese Mountain dogs, who Gina is called by a farmer to come and rescue in the early hours of morning a week before Christmas! Only 4-6 weeks old, where had their mother gone? Adding another mystery, Rudolph, needing to put in an appearance at the Christmas Festival is missing. Gina has her work cut out for her! Makes me want to read the rest of the series. I received a free review copy and write this review voluntarily.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gina gets a call from Charlie Tupper about puppies. Someone had sabotage the Tupper barn and all the animals had scattered. Charlie had been hit on the head and Rudolph was missing. Gina's dog Daisy who could communicate with her was a great help. Deputy Trevor Hutchinson who was her friend needed her help. The Christmas Festival was coming and Rudolph was needed for Santa’s sleigh. A exciting read. I enjoyed this book and leave a honest review. I received a ARC copy via booksirans. I recommend this book to other readers.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and enjoyable read! Gina ( dog rescuer, ghost writer and nail artist) is getting ready for Christmas when she receives a phone call from a local farmer asking for her help with some puppies abandoned in his barn. This rescue leads to three mysteries: where is the puppies’ mother, who took one of the reindeer from the farmer’s barn, and who attacked the farmer? Gina works with local deputy Trevor to save Christmas and the puppies, with help from her own dog (who, yes, she can talk to). A cute cozy mystery.

[Adpa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorable story involving mystery, Christmas, a missing Rudolph, and a large litter of puppies! And who wouldn't like a talking dog?
Gina's days just got a little fuller while getting prepared for Christmas. As a dog rescuer, she is called upon to help a large litter of puppies who are without a mother.
I really enjoyed this story so much and could really imagine myself hugging all those pups!
I received an advance review copy of the book, and this review is my honest opinion given voluntarily.

[Kira K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughts:
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is a cute cozy read for christmas time. Although there is an assault, no one was seriously hurt and most of the actual mystery was generally harmless. I liked the characters and appreciated that there was only a hint of romance instead of trying to push loads into a short story like I have struggled through in other books before.

Favourite Quote:
"Receiving a phone call in the early morning hours before daybreak never meant good news."