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A Zen Goat Mystery #1
An Escape Goat: A Zen Goat Mystery
After finding long-lost family through a DNA test, Callie heads to Bobwhite Hollow, New Hampshire, to meet a great-uncle she never knew existed. Charmed by the village and more than half in love with her new family, she decides to stay and open a goat yoga studio and retreat space.When retreat guest Angilene Claudson turns up dead with a wine glass shattered at her side and Callie’s favorite goat lapping up the spill, the death is written off as an accidental overdose. But when the goat gets sick, Callie’s gut tells her it wasn’t an accident at all. With her new business on the line and a possible murderer staying in the guesthouse, Callie sets to work to uncover the truth and keep her family safe.
236 pages, Paperback
Published March 12, 2024
10 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 11, 2024
Dollycas's Thoughts
Callie Haybeck "spit into a tube" to learn about her DNA and she found some relatives from her dad's side of the family. She takes a trip to Bobwhite Hollow, New Hampshire to meet them. Her Uncle Will and Aunt Ellen welcome her with open arms. So much so, she decides to stay and with their encouragement opens The Zen Goat yoga studio and retreat.
Her first guests arrive and get off to an interesting start, but it isn't long before one of them, Angilene Claudson, a wealthy Bostonian and Instagram Influencer, is found dead behind a haystack, with a goat quickly lapping up the dregs of her discarded wine glass. Her death is quickly ruled an accidental overdose. Then the goat was found in a deep sleep and Callie couldn't wake him. The vet assured her the goat would be fine but in her heart, she knew her guest's death was no accident.
Callie is in a new town, with a new family, and a new business, and the real possibility that one of her first guests is a killer. Are they all safe? Will the killer strike again?
_____
What a fabulous start for this new series!
Ms. Rollins has introduced a great cast of core characters. I think Callie is so brave to take a leap of faith to connect with long-lost family members when her father was clearly against the whole plan. Uncle Will and Aunt Ellen are genuinely nice people and are thrilled to have her stay with them and support her business idea 100%. Their grandson/Callie's cousin is also on board and helps out when she needs him. Levi McClure, the local vet, wasn't sure what to make of Callie initially but he did eventually warm up to her. I am excited to see these characters grow as the series continues.
Angilene Claudson, her cousin Sydney Livingston, a medical student, Gabi Ortega, a ballerina, and Veronica Hollister, Angiline's BFF are Callie's first guests at The Zen Goat. They are joined by Angilene's driver, Dylan Pressley, and Angilene's chihuahua, Matilda. Each character is unique. Some are friendlier than others and one of them ends up dead while the others, sans Matilda, line the suspect list. They were all cleverly crafted.
I love the theme of a goat yoga retreat. Goats are interesting characters. The baby ones love all the attention the yogis give them while they climb or sit wherever they wish. The older ones can be stubborn. but Bugsy is Callie's favorite. He usually follows her around with a smile on his face but sometimes "yells" to get Callie's attention when something is awry. He worked his way right into my heart and they all brought humor to the story.
Ms. Rollins has plotted out quite a mystery. It could be classified as a "closed room mystery" or in this case, a "closed farm mystery. Someone on that farm was a murderer. A second death makes that very clear. Callie worked hard to follow the clues and pin down some proof. I had fun following along with her each step of the way. I had an inkling about whodunit but wasn't entirely sure until everything was revealed.
An Escape Goat checked all my cozy boxes. A fun theme, an interesting budding amateur sleuth, and a brisk plot with plenty of humor, set in a cozy small town. I enjoy the way Ms. Rollins tells a story and her engaging characters. The family dynamics add so much to this book. I am beyond excited for this series to continue.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the Level Best Books for providing me with an ARC.
Callie Haybeck "spit into a tube" to learn about her DNA and she found some relatives from her dad's side of the family. She takes a trip to Bobwhite Hollow, New Hampshire to meet them. Her Uncle Will and Aunt Ellen welcome her with open arms. So much so, she decides to stay and with their encouragement opens The Zen Goat yoga studio and retreat.
Her first guests arrive and get off to an interesting start, but it isn't long before one of them, Angilene Claudson, a wealthy Bostonian and Instagram Influencer, is found dead behind a haystack, with a goat quickly lapping up the dregs of her discarded wine glass. Her death is quickly ruled an accidental overdose. Then the goat was found in a deep sleep and Callie couldn't wake him. The vet assured her the goat would be fine but in her heart, she knew her guest's death was no accident.
Callie is in a new town, with a new family, and a new business, and the real possibility that one of her first guests is a killer. Are they all safe? Will the killer strike again?
_____
What a fabulous start for this new series!
Ms. Rollins has introduced a great cast of core characters. I think Callie is so brave to take a leap of faith to connect with long-lost family members when her father was clearly against the whole plan. Uncle Will and Aunt Ellen are genuinely nice people and are thrilled to have her stay with them and support her business idea 100%. Their grandson/Callie's cousin is also on board and helps out when she needs him. Levi McClure, the local vet, wasn't sure what to make of Callie initially but he did eventually warm up to her. I am excited to see these characters grow as the series continues.
Angilene Claudson, her cousin Sydney Livingston, a medical student, Gabi Ortega, a ballerina, and Veronica Hollister, Angiline's BFF are Callie's first guests at The Zen Goat. They are joined by Angilene's driver, Dylan Pressley, and Angilene's chihuahua, Matilda. Each character is unique. Some are friendlier than others and one of them ends up dead while the others, sans Matilda, line the suspect list. They were all cleverly crafted.
I love the theme of a goat yoga retreat. Goats are interesting characters. The baby ones love all the attention the yogis give them while they climb or sit wherever they wish. The older ones can be stubborn. but Bugsy is Callie's favorite. He usually follows her around with a smile on his face but sometimes "yells" to get Callie's attention when something is awry. He worked his way right into my heart and they all brought humor to the story.
Ms. Rollins has plotted out quite a mystery. It could be classified as a "closed room mystery" or in this case, a "closed farm mystery. Someone on that farm was a murderer. A second death makes that very clear. Callie worked hard to follow the clues and pin down some proof. I had fun following along with her each step of the way. I had an inkling about whodunit but wasn't entirely sure until everything was revealed.
An Escape Goat checked all my cozy boxes. A fun theme, an interesting budding amateur sleuth, and a brisk plot with plenty of humor, set in a cozy small town. I enjoy the way Ms. Rollins tells a story and her engaging characters. The family dynamics add so much to this book. I am beyond excited for this series to continue.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the Level Best Books for providing me with an ARC.
March 1, 2024
Can I make a reservation for a session of goat yoga at The Zen Goat at Haybeck farm?
This was a fun read.
Callie Haybeck is staying with her newly discovered relatives ,Great Aunt Ellen and Great Uncle Will. She has left Seattle to figure out her future. Her original plan to head to Puerto Rico seems in doubt as she discovers secrets regarding her deceased grandfather who seemingly abandoned Callie’s dad and grandma years ago.
She has started a yoga studio at Haybeck farm-the farm that has been in her father’s family for 5 generations, while she gets to know her “new” family. Hoping the cute baby goats that the clients interact with while contorting their bodies will draw people to her business, she struggles to keep from sneezing continuously due to her unfortunate allergy to the goats! The first yoga retreat throws her dreams in doubt when a guest is murdered. Can she figure out what happened so her business doesn’t flop before it has even begun?
This was a solid book. The characters were fully fleshed out and you got enough back story on them to care about what happened to them. The mystery was solid. There were fair clues to get you to the solution but enough twists and suspects to keep you guessing.
Will Callie figure out how Bugsy the goat keeps escaping his pen? Will she get her pesky allergy to goats under control? And what is up with that cute Vet Levi? I look forward to answers to these questions and more in the next book!
This was a fun read.
Callie Haybeck is staying with her newly discovered relatives ,Great Aunt Ellen and Great Uncle Will. She has left Seattle to figure out her future. Her original plan to head to Puerto Rico seems in doubt as she discovers secrets regarding her deceased grandfather who seemingly abandoned Callie’s dad and grandma years ago.
She has started a yoga studio at Haybeck farm-the farm that has been in her father’s family for 5 generations, while she gets to know her “new” family. Hoping the cute baby goats that the clients interact with while contorting their bodies will draw people to her business, she struggles to keep from sneezing continuously due to her unfortunate allergy to the goats! The first yoga retreat throws her dreams in doubt when a guest is murdered. Can she figure out what happened so her business doesn’t flop before it has even begun?
This was a solid book. The characters were fully fleshed out and you got enough back story on them to care about what happened to them. The mystery was solid. There were fair clues to get you to the solution but enough twists and suspects to keep you guessing.
Will Callie figure out how Bugsy the goat keeps escaping his pen? Will she get her pesky allergy to goats under control? And what is up with that cute Vet Levi? I look forward to answers to these questions and more in the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2024
It's possible I'm a bit biased, but I really love these characters!
September 4, 2024
Such a fun series debut! I did call who the murderer was, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story. Highly recommend to those who enjoy cozy mysteries.
March 4, 2024
I enjoyed the first Zen Goat Mystery. It has everything for the perfect cozy mystery: charming location – farm outside of a small village in New Hampshire; interesting occupation – Callie is hosting her first guests at the Zen Goat Yoga Retreat; cozy companions – who doesn’t want a goat (or several baby goats) and a sheep herding dog to snuggle with; farm fresh home cooking – just try not to drool in Aunt Ellen’s kitchen; and of course an amazing cast of characters that you will want to learn more about.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Janna Rollins & Level Best Books.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Janna Rollins & Level Best Books.
Read
March 4, 2024Before Janna Rollins’s debut cozy mystery An Escape Goat begins, Callie Haybeck, a young woman living in Seattle, has never quite lived up to her older sister’s life choices. The one thing Callie’s proud of is her certification as a yoga instructor, but the Covid pandemic derailed her career, leaving her to daydream of one day having a yoga practice on a tropical beach. After learning about long-lost members of her family and meeting them, an idea was born: Callie would move to Haybeck Farm in New Hampshire and open a yoga studio, The Zen Goat. Classes would include adorable baby goats and lure tourists from their hectic city lives to the bucolic countryside.
From those opening minutes, the book offers mishaps, mayhem, and murder with a lively range of characters; an abundance of motives and secrets; relatives from both sides of the Haybeck family who want Callie off the farm; an adventurous great-aunt; and a handsome veterinarian who thinks Callie’s the last person who should have goats in her care. It’s all set against the kindness of family and a charming small town that may make Callie’s dream of a tropical escape fade a little more each day.
An Escape Goat, available March 12, 2024, from Level Best Books, checks all my favorite boxes: snappy dialogue, engaging, layered characters, a good mystery, and funny situations. I look forward to reading future books in the series.
Read and reviewed from an ARC and cross-posted to my blog.
From those opening minutes, the book offers mishaps, mayhem, and murder with a lively range of characters; an abundance of motives and secrets; relatives from both sides of the Haybeck family who want Callie off the farm; an adventurous great-aunt; and a handsome veterinarian who thinks Callie’s the last person who should have goats in her care. It’s all set against the kindness of family and a charming small town that may make Callie’s dream of a tropical escape fade a little more each day.
An Escape Goat, available March 12, 2024, from Level Best Books, checks all my favorite boxes: snappy dialogue, engaging, layered characters, a good mystery, and funny situations. I look forward to reading future books in the series.
Read and reviewed from an ARC and cross-posted to my blog.
June 7, 2024
What a cute cozy! I loved the farm and Bugsy! The MC was likable and all the supporting characters were likable as well. The mystery and family story was interesting too. It does end with a cliff hanger and has a Rich/mean girl theme. I look forward to reading the next one for sure. I did figure out the culprit pretty early in the book, but still enjoyed the mystery. A great start to a fun series.
March 3, 2024
I received an advanced reader copy of this book. This is my first book by Janna Rollins. I thought it was a fun read with interesting characters. Her descriptions of the food served in the book made me wish for recipes! I also now want to take a goat yoga class.
May 14, 2024
I loved An Escape Goat and am anxious to get the next book and see what adventures Callie, Bugsy, Daisy, Aunt Ellen, Uncle Will, and the handsome veterinary get up to next. I also need some answers about other threads that began to be spooled out here. Mostly, I look forward to returning to Bobwhite Hollow in New Hampshire and solving another murder.
March 16, 2024
Interesting start to a series
This was a cute story, nothing wrong with it but also nothing special. There is potential here but it was slow on background in the beginning and ended with a cliffhanger that just made me angry and pretty much cemented a decision not to read more as I felt cheated. Callie could be an excellent main character but I felt the end, with no follow up with the police, the introduction of her uncle in the last couple of pages and the final "delivery" was more action then the whole of the rest of the book. An ok read if you don't mind being left hanging.
This was a cute story, nothing wrong with it but also nothing special. There is potential here but it was slow on background in the beginning and ended with a cliffhanger that just made me angry and pretty much cemented a decision not to read more as I felt cheated. Callie could be an excellent main character but I felt the end, with no follow up with the police, the introduction of her uncle in the last couple of pages and the final "delivery" was more action then the whole of the rest of the book. An ok read if you don't mind being left hanging.
May 26, 2024
I find the concept of goat yoga to be hilariously fun – at least in fiction. I wouldn’t participate to save my life, but I think it’s hysterical to read about other people doing so. Especially when the goats have as much personality as they do in An Escape Goat by Janna Rollins.. and when the person leading the sessions has a brutal goat allergy like Callie does.
Callie’s favorite goat – Bugsy – quickly became mine, too, and I chuckled several times at the scenes he stole along with the Great Pyrenees named Daisy. Her endearing Great Uncle Will and feisty Great Aunt Ellen added even more charm and warmth to this story, which is exactly what poor Callie needs when her debut goat yoga retreat falls apart from the get-go. Add in a swoony vet with Mr. Darcy vibes, a dose of family drama, and a murder mystery with a whole farm full of suspects and you’ve got a story that holds your interest and keeps you invested until the end. I had a feeling I knew who the murderer was early on – and I ended up being right – but I talked myself out of it almost as quickly and kept doing so until Callie unearths evidence that leaves no question as to whodunit.
Bottom Line: An Escape Goat by Janna Rollins combines farmyard mayhem, yummy food, engaging main characters, and a layered mystery to kick off a brand new series that readers will want to follow. I loved the goats (from a safe distance behind the pages of my book) and their hilarious personalities, as well as the romance potential between Callie and Levi for the future. Callie’s first customers were a mix of complicated friends who prove that money can’t buy happiness (or kindness, in most of those cases), which leaves a long list of plausible candidates for the killer among them. An enjoyable new cozy mystery that will appeal to fans of the Farmer’s Daughter mysteries by Peg Cochran and/or the Farm To Table mysteries from Amanda Flower!
Reviewer’s Note: Followers of my reviews may want to be aware that there is a gay character who flirts with and dates another gay character, including some mild innuendo. These characters are prominent in the story.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading is My SuperPower
Callie’s favorite goat – Bugsy – quickly became mine, too, and I chuckled several times at the scenes he stole along with the Great Pyrenees named Daisy. Her endearing Great Uncle Will and feisty Great Aunt Ellen added even more charm and warmth to this story, which is exactly what poor Callie needs when her debut goat yoga retreat falls apart from the get-go. Add in a swoony vet with Mr. Darcy vibes, a dose of family drama, and a murder mystery with a whole farm full of suspects and you’ve got a story that holds your interest and keeps you invested until the end. I had a feeling I knew who the murderer was early on – and I ended up being right – but I talked myself out of it almost as quickly and kept doing so until Callie unearths evidence that leaves no question as to whodunit.
Bottom Line: An Escape Goat by Janna Rollins combines farmyard mayhem, yummy food, engaging main characters, and a layered mystery to kick off a brand new series that readers will want to follow. I loved the goats (from a safe distance behind the pages of my book) and their hilarious personalities, as well as the romance potential between Callie and Levi for the future. Callie’s first customers were a mix of complicated friends who prove that money can’t buy happiness (or kindness, in most of those cases), which leaves a long list of plausible candidates for the killer among them. An enjoyable new cozy mystery that will appeal to fans of the Farmer’s Daughter mysteries by Peg Cochran and/or the Farm To Table mysteries from Amanda Flower!
Reviewer’s Note: Followers of my reviews may want to be aware that there is a gay character who flirts with and dates another gay character, including some mild innuendo. These characters are prominent in the story.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading is My SuperPower
March 8, 2024
I've never done yoga and I've especially never done goat yoga, but after reading An Escape Goat I really want to do both... because it sounds so adorable... little goats hopping on you while you do downward dog? Adorable. That's exactly what Callie Haybeck is expecting until a killer decides to do away with one her retreat guests!
Callie is about to start her first goat yoga retreat at her family's farm in Bobwhite Hollow, New Hampshire. She's excited to share her love of yoga and little baby goats with her guests. However, not all goes to plan when one of the guests ends up dead, and Callie finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. Will Callie be able to find the killer before her retreat goes bust?
From the very first page I really connected with Callie. She's discovering lost family at the Haybeck family farm. The reader is instantly drawn into daily farm life with her aunt and uncle, and all the animals on the farm.... especially Bugsy the Goat [who gets into his own mis-adventure as well]. Callie's family is complicated and I really enjoyed getting to know more about her family and their history. The reader is given a plausible story for the lost family, but there is more to the story and I can't wait to see that unravel in future books.
The mystery was an intriguing web of mean girls getting their just desserts, in a locked "goat farm" mystery kind of way. It had to be someone on the farm, but who? I really enjoyed following the clues and trying to untangle the mystery before Callie.
An Escape Goat is a perfect example of everything I love about cozy mysteries: cozy town, interesting characters and a sensational whodunnit. Readers will come for the mystery, but are going to want to stay for the goats, the friendships and the sweet, coziness of the Bobwhite Hollow!
Note: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Callie is about to start her first goat yoga retreat at her family's farm in Bobwhite Hollow, New Hampshire. She's excited to share her love of yoga and little baby goats with her guests. However, not all goes to plan when one of the guests ends up dead, and Callie finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. Will Callie be able to find the killer before her retreat goes bust?
From the very first page I really connected with Callie. She's discovering lost family at the Haybeck family farm. The reader is instantly drawn into daily farm life with her aunt and uncle, and all the animals on the farm.... especially Bugsy the Goat [who gets into his own mis-adventure as well]. Callie's family is complicated and I really enjoyed getting to know more about her family and their history. The reader is given a plausible story for the lost family, but there is more to the story and I can't wait to see that unravel in future books.
The mystery was an intriguing web of mean girls getting their just desserts, in a locked "goat farm" mystery kind of way. It had to be someone on the farm, but who? I really enjoyed following the clues and trying to untangle the mystery before Callie.
An Escape Goat is a perfect example of everything I love about cozy mysteries: cozy town, interesting characters and a sensational whodunnit. Readers will come for the mystery, but are going to want to stay for the goats, the friendships and the sweet, coziness of the Bobwhite Hollow!
Note: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2024
I simply loved this book. Callie moves to New Hampshire and decides to start a goat yoga studio... well, it's in a pen, not a studio... She buys a bunch of mama and baby goats, and then arranges for the babies to bounce, climb, and snuggle with the participants during the yoga sessions. It's sure to relieve any stress!
In her first ever retreat, one of the guests is murdered. The sheriff asks everyone to stay in town while he investigates, which means that there's a murderer staying on the farm. Callie wants to help find the killer so that life can get back to normal more quickly. There's enough red herrings to keep you guessing, and a lot of fun surprises along the way (what does barn quilting mean to you?!). I'm looking forward to more books in this series.
In her first ever retreat, one of the guests is murdered. The sheriff asks everyone to stay in town while he investigates, which means that there's a murderer staying on the farm. Callie wants to help find the killer so that life can get back to normal more quickly. There's enough red herrings to keep you guessing, and a lot of fun surprises along the way (what does barn quilting mean to you?!). I'm looking forward to more books in this series.
March 9, 2024
I've never been to goat yoga, but now, maybe I do. As long as there's not a murder. I loved This book by Janna Rollins. I'm not one that likes to tell a lot about a book when I review it, but I love to share my favorite things. I LOVED the characters and how they were developed. One of my favorite things about how the author writes, is that I feel like everything is so relatable and as it would be in real life. I can imagine every piece of it. Descriptive, relevant, and thoroughly enjoyable. I loved following along as Callie embarks on a journey of learning about family she never knew she had, starting her own business somewhere unfamiliar, and then being thrown into a bit of chaos when a guest at her yoga retreat is murdered. I LOVED her aunt and uncle, and I see myself in her aunt...let's feed EVERYONE, ALL THE TIME! We meet other characters that I'm pretty sure will become regulars in the series. I found myself trying to solve the mystery and guess who the culprit was...there were several viable suspects. The ending also left us biting our nails as to what would happen next. If you love cozy mysteries...get this one preordered! I CANNOT wait for the next in the series.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2024
Zen Goat Yoga has it's first retreat and it's a killer. One of the mean girls dies and Callie finds herself in the middle of the investigation. This is a fun read with fast moving clues and twists. The goats are filled with joy and provide light moments throughout the story. Callie is a strong character with a vision for her future. The family saga is an interesting piece of the story as well. Well written with a surprise twist that leads to the killer. Great read!
June 5, 2024
Goat yoga, family farm, witty banter, and of course, murder… An Escape Goat has it all! Everything about this book drew me in and I couldn’t put it down! This new series is bound to become one of my favorites!
June 27, 2024
If you love cozy mysteries that take place in New England, you will love this cute read. :)
March 12, 2024
This was a fun book. Callie and her family are engaging and are characters I found myself caring about. When you throw in an escape-artist goat, a handsome veterinarian, and a murder (or two?), it makes for a very easy read. I’m definitely looking forward to the next in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2025
I have no idea why I waited to long to start this series. I enjoyed this book so much that I immediately downloaded the second book on my Kindle. The main character, Callie, was so much fun to get to know. She had me laughing more than once. I love the town of Bobwhite Hollow, the goat yoga and all their silly antics, the newfound family Callie has found (especially her cousin who is always ready to lend a hand, and the potential of a budding romance with the town vet. The mystery was well crafted and kept me engaged to the very end. I'm already onto Callie's next adventure and loving it.
May 11, 2024
An Escape Goat is the first book in the Zen Goat Mystery series by Janna Rollins. Callie Haybeck did a DNA test and found out that she had relatives in New Hampshire. She had always been told that her grandfather had abandoned her grandmother and young son, her father and she moved to Seattle. They never had contact with his family again. Now Callie wants to connect with her father's family and heads to their farm in Bobwhite Hollow. While staying with them for awhile, she decides to start her own yoga business. She buys a small herd of goats and with her Great Aunt's and Uncle's blessing, opens Zen Goat Yoga, offering retreats to small groups. Her first group is a pair of rich mean girls, Angilene and Veronica, Angilene's cousin and another friend, along with their chauffeur. All starts well, but after the first night, Angilene is found dead. It appears to be an accidental overdose, but then is switched to a murder. It had to be someone on the farm. Could it have been one of the group, or possibly Callie's cousin Tristan or the massage therapist, Connor. When someone else is injured the investigation cranks up. Callie does her own investigation, although Sheriff Barnhart wants her to keep her nose out of it. She has not only her business to save, but wants to make sure that Uncle Will and Aunt Ellen are okay as well.
I enjoy this cozy mystery, and hope that will be more in this series. I loved the idea of goat yoga as a business for an amateur sleuth. I also enjoyed the setting of a farm with a nearby town. It gave a cozy feel to the setting. The animals in this book are a huge part of the story, the baby goats, Daisy the Great Pyrenees, and Bugsy, the billy goat who keeps escaping. I liked Callie's character. She wanted to know about her roots, which is a normal quest, but once she found them, she pitched in to help her aunt and uncle and quickly developed a wonderful relationship with them. I wish I has an Aunt Ellen. She was in her 80s, but she wasn't old. She made me laugh and I was in awe at some points in the story. I don't want to give the story away, so will say nothing more about the plot. There weren't a lot of suspects, but several motives. I did figure out the culprit a lot sooner than normal, and as the story progressed, it cemented my choice. I really liked the final showdown and how it all came about. This is the first book in a series, but it wasn't bogged down with information about the characters, it jumped right into the story. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with great characters, some humor, an interesting mystery and a bit of a hook for the next book, then I recommend you pick up An Escape Goat by Janna Rollins.
I enjoy this cozy mystery, and hope that will be more in this series. I loved the idea of goat yoga as a business for an amateur sleuth. I also enjoyed the setting of a farm with a nearby town. It gave a cozy feel to the setting. The animals in this book are a huge part of the story, the baby goats, Daisy the Great Pyrenees, and Bugsy, the billy goat who keeps escaping. I liked Callie's character. She wanted to know about her roots, which is a normal quest, but once she found them, she pitched in to help her aunt and uncle and quickly developed a wonderful relationship with them. I wish I has an Aunt Ellen. She was in her 80s, but she wasn't old. She made me laugh and I was in awe at some points in the story. I don't want to give the story away, so will say nothing more about the plot. There weren't a lot of suspects, but several motives. I did figure out the culprit a lot sooner than normal, and as the story progressed, it cemented my choice. I really liked the final showdown and how it all came about. This is the first book in a series, but it wasn't bogged down with information about the characters, it jumped right into the story. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with great characters, some humor, an interesting mystery and a bit of a hook for the next book, then I recommend you pick up An Escape Goat by Janna Rollins.
July 8, 2025
Mean Girls!
"An Escape Goat: A Zen Goat Mystery" is the first book in a new series written by Janna Rollins. This is the story of Calissa (Callie) Haybeck, a woman in her mid twenties who takes a DNA test and finds existing family members she never knew. She travels from Seattle, Washington small-town New Hampshire, where she connects with her long-lost great-aunt Emma Haybeck (80s), great-uncle Will Hay back (80s), and cousin Tristan (about 27). She gets to know her new family and lives on the family sheep farm. But sheep are not the only menagerie now. Callie buys several goats, including Bugsy whom she saved from a meat sale, and several mama and baby goats, about 8 or 10 of each, of which she begins her own Zen goat yoga farm. Callie's first group of guests winds up being a well-known Internet Influencer, Angeline Claudson; her best friend Veronica; her cousin Sydney; another young friend, an up and coming ballerina, Gabi; and her family driver, a hot young man named Dylan. Also at the farm that weekend will be Callie's cousin Tristan, a good-looking young gay hair stylist, and his new friend, a massage therapist named Connor. Callie realizes that two of the women in the group are long-time "mean girl" who both wind up as victims at the retreat. With the police, all the usual and unusual suspects, quirky town folks, and one extremely hot and handsome veterinarian (Levi), will Callie be able to pinpoint who the killer is before her Zen Goat business goes under? There was only one thing that irritated me to no end. Callie is around 25 to 27 years old with no clear goal in life. She now has a loving family she knew absolutely nothing about, was told stories when she was a child that wind up being total lies about who left who in the old days, and now has a great business as a yoga instructor with baby goats, even though she's allergic to goat hair.The setting is in June, but she's planning on selling all her goats before December, so that she can start a beach yoga business in Puerto Rico. I just don't get it! I am hoping she gets a grip and realizes that the Haybeck farm is her forever home, and that she'll find an allergy pill that will work for her. If it were me, I'd be hankering for that cutie pie veterinarian Levi. I gave this book a 5 star rating.
"An Escape Goat: A Zen Goat Mystery" is the first book in a new series written by Janna Rollins. This is the story of Calissa (Callie) Haybeck, a woman in her mid twenties who takes a DNA test and finds existing family members she never knew. She travels from Seattle, Washington small-town New Hampshire, where she connects with her long-lost great-aunt Emma Haybeck (80s), great-uncle Will Hay back (80s), and cousin Tristan (about 27). She gets to know her new family and lives on the family sheep farm. But sheep are not the only menagerie now. Callie buys several goats, including Bugsy whom she saved from a meat sale, and several mama and baby goats, about 8 or 10 of each, of which she begins her own Zen goat yoga farm. Callie's first group of guests winds up being a well-known Internet Influencer, Angeline Claudson; her best friend Veronica; her cousin Sydney; another young friend, an up and coming ballerina, Gabi; and her family driver, a hot young man named Dylan. Also at the farm that weekend will be Callie's cousin Tristan, a good-looking young gay hair stylist, and his new friend, a massage therapist named Connor. Callie realizes that two of the women in the group are long-time "mean girl" who both wind up as victims at the retreat. With the police, all the usual and unusual suspects, quirky town folks, and one extremely hot and handsome veterinarian (Levi), will Callie be able to pinpoint who the killer is before her Zen Goat business goes under? There was only one thing that irritated me to no end. Callie is around 25 to 27 years old with no clear goal in life. She now has a loving family she knew absolutely nothing about, was told stories when she was a child that wind up being total lies about who left who in the old days, and now has a great business as a yoga instructor with baby goats, even though she's allergic to goat hair.The setting is in June, but she's planning on selling all her goats before December, so that she can start a beach yoga business in Puerto Rico. I just don't get it! I am hoping she gets a grip and realizes that the Haybeck farm is her forever home, and that she'll find an allergy pill that will work for her. If it were me, I'd be hankering for that cutie pie veterinarian Levi. I gave this book a 5 star rating.
May 9, 2024
Not only a fine mystery but also an adorable premise with engaging main characters!
An Escape Goat kicks off this new series, the Zen Goat Mysteries, by Janna Rollins, in great style. Not only does it provide a very good murder mystery, but the premise of finding family through a DNA match was intriguing, the goat yoga retreats were fun, and the main characters were all very engaging. The DNA test connects the main character to relatives she never knew about in New Hampshire who welcome her with open arms. This new-found relationship convinces Callie Haybeck to pull up stakes in Seattle and move to their farm to open a goat yoga and retreat business.
Leading the series is Callie Haybeck, a 27-year-old originally living in Seattle who is reevaluating the path she wants for her life. While her past sounded aimless, she’s certainly flipped that around. She’s got a plan for the future and is energetic in pursuing success, so it made sense for her to keep involved in determining who the murderer is. I was charmed by her aunt and uncle and their grandson, Tristan, individuals she’d only met recently. I was delighted they had all found each other. The mystery behind how the family was estranged is intriguing all on its own. There is also this cute vet who helps out when Bugsy gets into the murder victim’s leftover wine.The plot focuses on the first guests Callie hosts for a goat yoga retreat, and a couple of these gals (and the tiny, spoiled chihuahua) are nightmares. From scene one, the story is a blast, and I *had* to keep reading to satisfy my need to find out how this would turn out. There are twists in the story that kept me guessing; however, there are clues to the murders for savvy armchair detectives to see and recognize for what they are.
I recommend AN ESCAPE GOAT to cozy mystery readers, especially those looking for a unique New Hampshire setting and yoga with adorable kids.I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.August 5, 2024
Eeeeeepppp!!!! New fave cozy mystery series alert! And there is so much to love about it! Like Bugsy -- everyone needs their life enriched by a naughty goat like this little guy! :-) The whole farm setting is written to cozy perfection. That includes the town, Bobwhite Hollow, which sends me back to my Trixie Belden days (remember the Bobwites of the Glen?) Anyway, oodles of charm on the cozy side of things paired with an intriguing mystery and just what I am looking for in this genre.
Callie has made some radical changes in her life not the least of which is leaving the city to become a country girl and the learning curve that involves. Plus she's moved across the country to live with extended family members she's never met before. (Her personal history is so interesting and it's going to play an important part in future books, I'm sure.) Then there's her new business venture, a goat yoga retreat! I mean, is that not a perfect theme for a cozy mystery series or what?! So, of course, it will come as no surprise to you when one of her first ever guests ends up dead. bwahahaha! What's an enterprising girl to do but tune into her inner Trixie Belden and go sleuthing!
Nice balance between cozy and mystery with just the hint of a potential romance in the future which makes me all kinds of happy. The secondary characters are the kind of folks I'd like to be friends with (well, most of them) so I'm eagerly looking forward to the next Zen Goat Mystery instalment -- especially since this one ends on a bit of a cliffhanger in regards to Callie's personal life. I need to see how she's going to work all that out!!!! Hopefully the second book will release soon.
Callie has made some radical changes in her life not the least of which is leaving the city to become a country girl and the learning curve that involves. Plus she's moved across the country to live with extended family members she's never met before. (Her personal history is so interesting and it's going to play an important part in future books, I'm sure.) Then there's her new business venture, a goat yoga retreat! I mean, is that not a perfect theme for a cozy mystery series or what?! So, of course, it will come as no surprise to you when one of her first ever guests ends up dead. bwahahaha! What's an enterprising girl to do but tune into her inner Trixie Belden and go sleuthing!
Nice balance between cozy and mystery with just the hint of a potential romance in the future which makes me all kinds of happy. The secondary characters are the kind of folks I'd like to be friends with (well, most of them) so I'm eagerly looking forward to the next Zen Goat Mystery instalment -- especially since this one ends on a bit of a cliffhanger in regards to Callie's personal life. I need to see how she's going to work all that out!!!! Hopefully the second book will release soon.
May 7, 2024
This the first in a new cozy mystery series and in addition to now wanting to have my own goat, I am excited to get my hands on future additions to this series. This was so great!
Callie is in Bobwhite Hollow, New Hampshire and staying on the farm of a long-lost Great Aunt and Uncle. Ready to try something totally different, she sets up a goat yoga studio and retreat space on the farm. (Can we give this an award for most fun occupation of a cozy mystery sleuth?!)
Callie is nervous when her first group arrives for a retreat and there are some serious mean girls in the bunch, including Boston socialite and Instagram influencer Angilene Claudson. Later Angilene is found dead in the barn, and while police first call it an accidental overdose, they later determine it was murder. That means Callie must be hosting a murderer at her first retreat. To save her family and new business venture, Callie jumps into the investigation.
What a great start to a new series! Callie and her great Aunt and Uncle are wonderful characters, and I love that they are a long-lost family connected by a recent DNA test. This aspect of the story gives major found family vibes, which is my most favorite theme ever.
The setting was charming and the goats and farm dog Daisy adorable. The mystery was well paced and had me quickly turning the pages. I thought I had it all figured out and realized as we neared the end that I actually didn’t. There’s also a little unresolved family business at the end that has piqued my interest, and I’m looking forward to reading more about Callie and her adventures on the farm and with her goats. I hope she stays on the farm for a long time!
Callie is in Bobwhite Hollow, New Hampshire and staying on the farm of a long-lost Great Aunt and Uncle. Ready to try something totally different, she sets up a goat yoga studio and retreat space on the farm. (Can we give this an award for most fun occupation of a cozy mystery sleuth?!)
Callie is nervous when her first group arrives for a retreat and there are some serious mean girls in the bunch, including Boston socialite and Instagram influencer Angilene Claudson. Later Angilene is found dead in the barn, and while police first call it an accidental overdose, they later determine it was murder. That means Callie must be hosting a murderer at her first retreat. To save her family and new business venture, Callie jumps into the investigation.
What a great start to a new series! Callie and her great Aunt and Uncle are wonderful characters, and I love that they are a long-lost family connected by a recent DNA test. This aspect of the story gives major found family vibes, which is my most favorite theme ever.
The setting was charming and the goats and farm dog Daisy adorable. The mystery was well paced and had me quickly turning the pages. I thought I had it all figured out and realized as we neared the end that I actually didn’t. There’s also a little unresolved family business at the end that has piqued my interest, and I’m looking forward to reading more about Callie and her adventures on the farm and with her goats. I hope she stays on the farm for a long time!
May 10, 2024
Read my review on NovelsAlive.com by clicking the link below. It is also posted in full.
https://novelsalive.com/2024/05/10/4-...
An Escape Goat is part of the Zen Goat Mystery series by Janna Rollins. Set on a family farm in New Hampshire, there are beautiful scenic descriptions, goats, and a retreat gone wrong. And when there’s a dead body found, is it murder or a death by natural causes, or maybe even an accidental overdose?
We are introduced to the characters and get to know them a little at a time. Several of those on the first-ever retreat are difficult to like, and many are just plain mean. The goats are adorable and play a role. Callie, the yoga instructor, has allergies when on the farm and around the goats, making things difficult.
Many stories are told and woven together nicely. The murder and an assault are front and center, and Callie plays amateur sleuth, much to others’ chagrin. There are twists and turns until the whodunnit is solved, which gives nice closure. The ending has a twist, and I look forward to meeting up with Callie and the others to see what they get involved in next.
An Escape Goat has a small town feel with several animals and a mystery or two to solve. Relax as they do yoga poses and feel your stress levels decrease.
https://novelsalive.com/2024/05/10/4-...
An Escape Goat is part of the Zen Goat Mystery series by Janna Rollins. Set on a family farm in New Hampshire, there are beautiful scenic descriptions, goats, and a retreat gone wrong. And when there’s a dead body found, is it murder or a death by natural causes, or maybe even an accidental overdose?
We are introduced to the characters and get to know them a little at a time. Several of those on the first-ever retreat are difficult to like, and many are just plain mean. The goats are adorable and play a role. Callie, the yoga instructor, has allergies when on the farm and around the goats, making things difficult.
Many stories are told and woven together nicely. The murder and an assault are front and center, and Callie plays amateur sleuth, much to others’ chagrin. There are twists and turns until the whodunnit is solved, which gives nice closure. The ending has a twist, and I look forward to meeting up with Callie and the others to see what they get involved in next.
An Escape Goat has a small town feel with several animals and a mystery or two to solve. Relax as they do yoga poses and feel your stress levels decrease.
May 11, 2024
An Escape Goat is the debut mystery in the new charming cozy series " A Zen Goat Mystery". I loved the atmospheric setting of a idyllic farm in New Hampshire with a herd of adorable goats and a funny protagnist. This series has all the perfect elements that we cozy readers enjoy.
Callie has moved to her long lost families farm in New Hampshire. She decides to start managing "Goat Yoga" retreats and books her first week of guests. All manner of antics take place between the goats, Callie's mishaps and the guests. I loved the descriptions of the adorable goats taking part in the yoga and the cantakerous large goat that keeps escaping much to the chagrin of Callie. She has her hands full when a shocking murder occurs. Soon the guest are sequestered by the local detective and Callie is determined to solve the murder to save her reputation. When a second murder occurs Callie is cleverly finding the right clues to piece together the two murders.
The mystery was well plotted and kept me guessing to conclusion. I won't give spoilers away as each reader should experience this fun book for themselves. The addtion of a flirtation of a local vet added funny antics of Callie with the animals providing all manner of laughs for the reader. This was such a enjoyable fun read I cannot wait for the next in series. Well done to the author.
Callie has moved to her long lost families farm in New Hampshire. She decides to start managing "Goat Yoga" retreats and books her first week of guests. All manner of antics take place between the goats, Callie's mishaps and the guests. I loved the descriptions of the adorable goats taking part in the yoga and the cantakerous large goat that keeps escaping much to the chagrin of Callie. She has her hands full when a shocking murder occurs. Soon the guest are sequestered by the local detective and Callie is determined to solve the murder to save her reputation. When a second murder occurs Callie is cleverly finding the right clues to piece together the two murders.
The mystery was well plotted and kept me guessing to conclusion. I won't give spoilers away as each reader should experience this fun book for themselves. The addtion of a flirtation of a local vet added funny antics of Callie with the animals providing all manner of laughs for the reader. This was such a enjoyable fun read I cannot wait for the next in series. Well done to the author.
June 2, 2025
Goats, yoga, found family, beautiful rural setting, mean girls, what more can you ask? Callie Haybeck has always wondered about her dad's family and why her grandfather abandoned his wife and son. She does a DNA test, connects with a first cousin once removed and moves across country to meet her newly found cousin, Tristan, great-aunt Ellen and great-uncle Will. She decides to stay on the family farm for awhile, buys some goats and sets up goat yoga retreats. Her first guests include a couple of rich mean girl influencers. When she gets up the first morning after they arrive, she finds her favorite (and now mine!) goat, Bugsy has once again escaped from the pen and is lapping up some spilled wine, oh yeah and she finds the body of mean girl, Angilene.
This is such a fun first entry in the Zen Goat mysteries. It had me laughing aloud reading about Bugsy's antics and nodding in sympathy while Callie bumbled her way through life, trying to decide if she should move on soon or stick around the farm awhile, should she flirt with cute vet Dr. Levi McClure or is he flirting with her? While it was pretty easy to identify the killer early on, getting to the reveal was a fun ride! I admit to reading the second book in the series prior to this one, but I am looking forward to reading number three, hopefully soon!
This is such a fun first entry in the Zen Goat mysteries. It had me laughing aloud reading about Bugsy's antics and nodding in sympathy while Callie bumbled her way through life, trying to decide if she should move on soon or stick around the farm awhile, should she flirt with cute vet Dr. Levi McClure or is he flirting with her? While it was pretty easy to identify the killer early on, getting to the reveal was a fun ride! I admit to reading the second book in the series prior to this one, but I am looking forward to reading number three, hopefully soon!
February 2, 2025
An Escape Goat is the 1st book in A Zen Goat Mystery series by Janna Rollins and it was very enjoyable with wonderful characters. Callie recently moved to New Hampshire to meet her Great Uncle Will and Great Aunt Ellen and cousin Tristan. Callie is starting a goat yoga retreat at their farm. The first group of ladies arrives for a retreat and they get off to a rough start. Things get even worse when one of the guests ends up dead. Callie's cousin Tristan is called to help out and he brings his new boyfriend Connor. It's a locked room style cozy mystery with the suspects being the guests. The cozy mystery kept me guessing although I suspected the culprit. Callie is the city girl trying to fit into country life which provides some humor but she is independent and resourceful. Will, Ellen and Tristan are all wonderful characters and some family dynamics add to the story.
The handsome local vet is a possible romantic interest. It is a great start to a new series and the only thing it is missing is a best friend to investigate with. This is a very enjoyable cozy mystery and I am looking forward to more adventures with Callie and her goats! #AnEscapeGoat #AZenGoatMystery #LevelBestBooks #JannaRollins #RainyDayMysteries
The handsome local vet is a possible romantic interest. It is a great start to a new series and the only thing it is missing is a best friend to investigate with. This is a very enjoyable cozy mystery and I am looking forward to more adventures with Callie and her goats! #AnEscapeGoat #AZenGoatMystery #LevelBestBooks #JannaRollins #RainyDayMysteries
March 7, 2024
What do you get when you combine a well-crafted murder mystery plot, a loveable heroine worth rooting for, an idyllic New Hampshire setting, and a bunch of adorable goats? A new cozy mystery series destined to become one of my favorites!
Callie Haybeck leaves her home in Seattle and heads to Bobwhite Hollow, New Hampshire to meet family she didn’t know existed. Charmed by the village and her new family, she stays to open a goat yoga studio. But when a group of mean girls book the first retreat, things don’t go quite the way Callie hoped.
This story drew me in from the very first page with a heroine I instantly liked, and characters I loved to hate. Add to that a murder (or two), family dynamics, goats, a charming setting, and a touch of romance, and this book has everything I long for in a cozy mystery.
I received an arc for an honest review, and I can honestly say I’m looking forward to Janna Rollins’ second book in the series!
Callie Haybeck leaves her home in Seattle and heads to Bobwhite Hollow, New Hampshire to meet family she didn’t know existed. Charmed by the village and her new family, she stays to open a goat yoga studio. But when a group of mean girls book the first retreat, things don’t go quite the way Callie hoped.
This story drew me in from the very first page with a heroine I instantly liked, and characters I loved to hate. Add to that a murder (or two), family dynamics, goats, a charming setting, and a touch of romance, and this book has everything I long for in a cozy mystery.
I received an arc for an honest review, and I can honestly say I’m looking forward to Janna Rollins’ second book in the series!
April 28, 2025
Callie has discovered some long-lost family through a DNA test, and she is settling in nicely with her newly found great aunt and great uncle. She is just opening her goat yoga studio on their farm, and is so excited to be hosting the first retreat. Things don’t go as planned when one of her not-so-nice guests turns up dead with an overturned wine glass near by. Was it an accident or murder? Callie feels compelled to solve the mystery, saving her new business and perhaps even saving the lives of her family. This tale was so much fun! The goat yoga is a hoot to read about. Callie’s character is a delight as is her great aunt and great uncle, as well as her cousin. He may become her partner, not in crime but in solving them. There is a bit of a sticky wicket that shows up at the end of the book. However, that just promises that Callie’s story has far to go, and isn’t that a wonderful thing to contemplate. I kid you not!
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