Murder is Ruff: A Susan Wiles Schoolhouse Mystery

Susan Wiles Schoolhouse Mystery #13

by Diane Weiner

When Susan’s granddaughter asks Santa for a puppy, Susan can’t help playing fairy grandmother. With Christmas approaching, Susan adopts a shelter pup to surprise Annalise, but as the holiday draws near, her excitement turns to worry when she fears the exuberant puppy might chew the stockings, destroy the presents under the tree, and otherwise wreak havoc on Christmas morning. Susan and her detective daughter Lynette enroll the pup in obedience school in the weeks leading up to Christmas, but their plans take a sinister turn when the school’s owner is killed in his locked office while the class waits for the lesson to begin. With the only window in the office too small for an exit, the pretense of suicide ruled out, and the search for suspects looming, Susan is determined to ‘help’ her pregnant daughter sniff out the clues, but solving the murder isn’t going to be a walk in the dog park— it’s going to be ruff. Get ready for a cozy mystery filled with canine capers, holiday charm, and unexpected twists that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Genres: Mystery

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 20, 2024

Reviews

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder is Ruff is a twisted, suspenseful mystery with misdirects and red herrings! I was totally engaged from the very beginning of this fascinating mystery with Christmas, dogs and a locked room murder. I did not put it down.

[J. Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great cozy mystery!

A determined amateur sleuth and a mystery with lots of twists and turns. This was a fun book to read and was hard to put down.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan, a doting grandmother to Annalise and Mia, her daughter Lynette's children. So of course, she wants to give her granddaughter, Annalise her Christmas wish. So Susan and a very pregnant Lynette picked out Zoe, a rescue pup. With the dog being untrained and loves to chew things, Susan and Lynette decided to enroll in a Dog training facility. At one of the lessons, the trainer, who has written books, and has his own brand of dog food is shot inside his locked office while the clients are all there. It just so happens that Lynette is a detective so she takes over. Is it a suicide for past problems? Present problems? Susan doesn't think so. Susan with her friend Valerie, who just happens to be the mother of Jazzie, Lynette's detective partner decide to look into things themselves, much to the chagrin of both detective daughters. With so many twists and turns and a cold case turning up along the way, Susan and Valerie take us on a twisted roller coaster ride. And Zoe turns into a wonderful pup! I have really loved this series and this book is a wonderful addition to it. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the thirteenth book in the Susan Wiles Schoolhouse Mystery series. Susan and her daughter Lynette find the owner of the dog obedience school dead in his locked office. Lynette is a detective and her mother has a strong curiosity. Susan is determined to solve this case even though her daughter wants her to stay out of it.

What I like about Diane Weiner’s series is they are infused with humor. I can see Lynette’s point of view as a detective. She wants her mother to remain safe. Susan wants to help to take the stress off of her daughter.

The god is charming throughout the story even if there is some destruction, he is a puppy. The story kept me turning the pages and the humor just added to the fun.

I recommend the story which can be read as a standalone but to understand the nuances of the characters start the series from the beginning.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s a grandmother to do when all her granddaughter wants for Christmas is a puppy. A delightful story of a puppy who needs obedience school and unfortunately there’s a murder happening as well. Don’t miss out, enjoyable for everyone.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Culprits Are Not Suspected

You'll never suspect who is responsible for the death of the man. The culprits are not even on the list of suspects.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.

[Karin Tillotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who killed Alpha and why??? Where is the recording??? Thank you, Zoey!!! I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder is Ruff is a twisted, suspenseful mystery with misdirects and red herrings! I was totally engaged from the very beginning of this fascinating mystery with Christmas, dogs and a locked room murder. I did not put it down.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

A thoroughly entertaining story and a great read that I highly recommend. I was drawn in by the plot and the clever investigation of murder undertaken by two mothers of daughters who are detectives. Of course, the sweet, loveable dog played a major role in this book. Fun, easy reading book that I loved. I can't wait to read more books by this author.

I received a copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily providing my honest opinion.

[Dagmar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diane never disappoints.
This series is fun and good reading.