Scooping Up Scandal: A Cozy Dog Mystery

Little Dog Diner #7

by Emmie Lyn

Turning thirty can be murder!

When a body is discovered next to the Little Dog Diner on her milestone birthday, Dani Mackenzie finds herself scooping up a scandal instead of cutting cake.

The prime suspect is the new owner of the Blueberry Bay Grapevine, but the victim’s stepbrother and ex-girlfriend also have means, motive, and opportunity.

With this trio of suspects, it will take a good nose to uncover whodunnit. At least Dani has her best friend—her Jack Russell, Pip—at her side to help sniff out the killer! But in the meantime, her kick-off to her thirties is turning into more of an upside-down cake than a celebration as she uncovers money, a business scandal, and thwarted love at the core of this crime.

It will take the victim’s black Labrador and finding a winning lottery ticket to solve this mystery, but Dani never throws in the towel. Will she and Pip once again use their experience at solving mysteries to bring justice to Misty Harbor, Maine, or will they be caught in the crosshairs of the killer?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Animals, Relationships, Family

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 5, 2024

Reviews

[JoAnne McMaster (Any Good Book) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dani Mackenzie is awakened early one morning by a call from Cam, who owns the local newspaper, the Grapevine. Cam tells her that someone is trying to break into Dani's restaurant, The Little Dog Diner. But when Dani arrives, she gets a different surprise -- it's her thirtieth birthday and her friends and family have planned a celebratory breakfast for her. But there's another surprise waiting -- the body of Thorne Waite is in Cam's office, and she claims she has no idea how it got there or who killed him.

Now Cam, along with others who knew Thorne, are suspects in the murder, and Dani's right in the middle of it. Will she be able to find a killer? Will she survive her birthday? Not to mention her best friend Maggie has fallen in love with the dead man's dog and refuses to give it back to the breeder, who isn't happy about it. Dani doesn't know what's going on, but when she receives an unexpected surprise on her birthday -- from an unexpected source -- she begins to figure out that she might be the next target of a killer....

This is the seventh book in the series, and I am sad to say that I have not read them all. But I found this so delightful that I fully intend to correct that and read the ones I missed. Poor Dani only wants a quiet birthday, but that's not going to happen; and she's stuck in the middle of another murder investigation, much to the dismay of Detective AJ Crenshaw.

Then there's the victim's lab, whom both Maggie and the breeder want. Which one will get the dog? And why does the victim's brother hang around town after the murder, acting suspiciously? Or the ex-girlfriend annoying everyone she comes across?

Dani has her hands full, not only with her diner, (which she's not able to spend a lot of time in, but that's okay, she has her grandmother Rose saving the day there), so worrying about the diner is at least on the back burner for awhile.

Needless to say, this mystery is full of twists and turns, full of people who aren't the nicest, and questions about why the dead man was in Cam's office. Dani dives full on into the murder, and we watch as she gathers and deciphers clues along the way. It's a lot of fun with a lot of intrigue, a few secrets being unveiled, and an ending that was and wasn't unexpected (you'll find out!). All in all, I really enjoyed this and hope you will, too. Highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book from the author and BookSprout but this in no way influenced my review.

[SOS · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars

This was a sweet cozy mystery. It was fast paced and grabbed me from the first page. It includes an adorable Jack Russel Terrier, Pip, and two galumphing but lovable black labs. It takes place in a small town in Maine, and is filled with humor and community.

When Dani Mackenzie gets an early morning call telling her that someone is trying to break into her Little Dog Diner, she rushes to check it out. There, she’s met with one wonderful surprise, and with another that tempers the first. It isn’t long until she and her family and friends are knee deep in helping to solve a murder.

I love small town tales, and this one didn’t let me down. It was entertaining, if a little long, but overall, it was a delightful read. If I have any complaints about this book, it’s its ageist treatment of Rose, Dani’s grandmother. The woman is seventy-three, still working and helping out in every way she can. However, Dani seems to think she’s an anomaly in that at seventy-three, she’s still able to do all that she does. Are some people in their seventies homebound and infirm? Sure. However, I’d guess they’re in the minority. This attitude of the author’s drew a gray curtain over the entire book, diminishing my enjoyment of it just a bit.

This book seven in the Little Dog Diner series, but the first book in that series that I’ve read. I had no problem understanding relationships and all that was going on. The author did a wonderful job in making sure all necessary information was included so that it worked well as a standalone.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher, Tule. I thank all involved for their generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love cozy mysteries and am always looking for a new series to try. Although book 7 in this series I was quickly able to establish the intricacies of the people in Misty Harbor and the Little Dog Diner. The titles of this series are clever-in this one the murder victim, Thorne, is found in the office of the local paper (and Cam the nosey reporter and top suspect). With her surprise 30th birthday party ruined Dani finds herself investigating Thorne's murder. I was quickly turning the pages as Dani sorts out the list of suspects and multiple reasons for Thorne's demise Don't even get me started on Pip and the two black labs Sherlock and Watson (Bones)-their central role in the mystery was intriguing and added a light-heartedness to the plot. I can't wait to see what is in store for Dani and the dogs in the next book (of course after I read the previous 6). I highly recommend this quick-paced, fun story! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book in the Little Dog Diner series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The fast paced murder mystery with a myriad of suspects, the small town setting and colourful secondary characters and the irresistible dogs all made this an enthralling read, despite not reading the previous books I quickly learned who was who and it was easy to keep track. I definitely need to read more of this series! Thanks to Tule and the author for an advanced copy of this book!

[Melissa Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A loonnngggg birthday

Dani's birthday is full of surprises, some good, some bad. A winning lottery ticket causes greed based problems. Twists and turns abound.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scooping Up Scandal by Emmie Lyn, book seven in the Little Dog Dinner series, is an enjoyable murder mystery with a variety of suspects, set in small town Maine, and adorable dogs. Dani Mackenzie gets an early morning call telling her that someone is trying to break into her Little Dog Diner, from the new owner of the weekly Grapevine newspaper. She quickly calls her friend, private investigator Maggie, to come with her. On the way, they almost hit a dog that is running in the middle of the road; quickly catch the dog and head to the diner. She arrives to find a surprise birthday party for her. That’s not the only surprise: a dead body is found nearby.

A million dollar lottery ticket, a murder, and many attempts to steal the ticket, makes this an exciting reading. With the help of her friends, family, her adorable Jack Russell Terrier, Pip, and two lovable black labs puppies, Sherlock Bones and Watson, Dani are on the case; helping detective AJ and his new and less popular partner, Detective Jane Winter.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! This book hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. It's a clean cozy mystery with wonderful characters and just enough twists and turns to keep you turning the pages. I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a good cozy mystery.

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

[Karen L. Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book. A surprise birthday party that ends in murder. Several suspects and an ending you won't see coming. I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all the characters, especially the four legged kind in this story. Pip is such a sweetheart and he makes the story so fun with his smart antics. Blueberry Bay is a community that makes me want to pull up a chair with friends and gaze out over the beautiful water. The close knit community that supports and helps each other with food or encouragement is perfect. Throw in a murder and you have several fun and quirky character come together to help solve the mystery. So many twist and turns keep you guessing. Just when I thought I had it figured out a twist throws my guess out the window. I love this story and all the books in this well written series. You will definitely be kept entertained and pulled into every page!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Mendy Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it from beginning to end. I have loved the series from the first book. Also will continue to read each future book.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series for several reasons; the first being all the different dogs involved in the crimes. I like that there's such a variety. Also, all the storylines have moved quickly, easily and hooked me right from the beginning. I love that Dani has Pip and they work together to solve all the mysteries. This is a very good cozy mystery that keeps you guessing till the end. If you haven't read any in this series, I'd recommend starting with the first book but you don't have to. I'm just kind of OCD about series! lol

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

[Eliz Marino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review. A cute clean quick read cozy with engaging characters. Dani and Pip,her dog, are trying to solve the murder that happened next door to the Little Dog Diner. Lots of red herrings, cute dogs and suspects galore which makes for a good mystery and fun read.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An early morning call from Cam, the new owner of the Blueberry Bay Grapevine, reporting a prowler has Dani rushing to the Little Dog Diner. There Dani is surprised with a 30th birthday party breakfast. But the real shock happens when Cam reveals there really was a prowler and a dead body is found in her office. The victim, Thorne, turns out to be the owner of the Labrador that Dani & Maggie found running in the street. When Dani finds a note from Thorne entrusting her with his winning lottery ticket, she has no choice but to get involved in the case.

Dani, Pip, and the crew are up to it again in this cozy dog mystery. Lots of shenanigans from Sherlock Bones and his litter mate, Watson, as they are central to solving the case. The mystery is well plotted with plenty to keep you guessing with various motives and shady characters. Easily works as a standalone for those unfamiliar with the previous books in the series. A nice balance of humor and tension as the story unfolds.

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

[Leslie Grosvenor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite series. This book did not disappoint. A good, fun, clean read. The mystery was great and I hope the new characters are back in book 8.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scooping Up Scandal is the first book in Emmie Lyn’s Little Dog Diner that I have read. Still the characters were like old friends, not too many to keep up with and names different enough from each other that I had no trouble remembering each one. Now of course, I want to go back to the previous books to see why Maggie is the investigator but it is Dani who they all say is good at sleuthing as well as cooking. Oh well, no matter, it is a fun group of characters.

The story opens with a startling phone call, then the story never slows down. That is not to say it is an action-packed adventure story but the pace is smooth and continues to keep moving forward. Just the kind of cozy mystery I enjoy the most. What could be better than a story with a dog as a sidekick? Well, two dogs, with a young one joining up early in this book. The characters are such a small town eccentric likeable bunch including the four-legged ones that this was a wonderful read. Visit the Little Dog Diner for an addictive reading time.

[DeeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read in the Little Dog Dinner series, this is book number seven. It was also my first read by this author, and I think Emmie did a great job of incorporating enough information about the past characters and events that I did not feel lost.
It is a quick read and even though it’s a murder mystery, I found it to be a fun read.

I love the small town set in Maine and the dogs. Yes dogs as in three! Pip is a Jack Russell terrier, and Sherlock and Winston (Bones) are two black labs.

If you’re looking for read and something that keeps you wondering this is definitely one that I would recommend.

I was asked to read this ARC by Tule publishing.

[Marietta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Author Emmie Lyn but it won't be the last. She has a nice of making you want to continue to read a story and try and figure who the murder is . All maain characters have every interest story about them. I hope that Emmie will continue to write about these characters and keep everyone wanting more. There were lots of twist and turn in this murder mystery but was so good I could not put it down until I had finished the book. I will be recommend this author to all my friend who love cozy mysteries.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t realize how much I’d been missing this series until I started reading this book. It was so good to see Dani and Luke again, and all their crazy, kooky, quirky friends and family. The mystery kept me guessing and the shenanigans kept me just off-balance enough to never get in front of the clues to make the right deductions before the big reveal. Now that we’ve come back to the Little Dog Diner, I can’t wait until it’s time for our next visit.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dani Mackenzie, owner of Little Dog Diner and her Dog, a Jack Russel Terrier and husband Luke are targeted by a killer.
Camilla Carter called very earlier in morning to say someone was breaking into the diner. Dani tells Rose who is her neighbor and grandmother who goes with her to the diner.
She picks up Maggie; a PI, on the way to her diner. On the way she finds a stray dog who Maggie named Bones When she gets to the diner she finds it is surprise party for her. They also found out that Bones original owner was murdered in the business next door Dan and Maggie team up to find the killer.
I really enjoyed this book could not put it down. I highly recommend it

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

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! This is a new author to me but this won’t be the last of her books that I read! I loved the town full of a diverse cast of lovable characters. Friends new and old, family and acquaintances who all embody small town charm to a t. The mystery was filled with surprises and some good old fashioned sleuthing with a touch of a harebrained scheme just to lighten things up. Dani is absolutely fabulous I so want to be friends with her! I loved getting to know this town and the people and look forward to reading more books in this series!.

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

[Sherri Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by this author and I found it to be a very entertaining read. It was honestly like nothing I excepted it to be. The story line was fast paced. It was intriguing, funny, and even dramatic at times. You add in the dogs and you have yourself a book you will not want to put down. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scooping Up Scandal is another excellent mystery from Ms. Lyn. It is well written, has great characters, and a twisty plot. There are so many suspects, red herrings, a winning lottery ticket, some labradors and more to keep your interst and keep you guessing about the murderer. I am always happy to visit the Little Dog Diner, Dani, Pip, Rose, Luke and the rest of the recurring characters. I spent a delightful afternoon binge reading this wonderful mystery!

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The story starts with a phone call but even that isn't what you think of are expecting. There was so much going with a birthday party, a runaway dog to even a murder all cleverly wrapped up in lots of surprises. It was well-written and all blended nicely into the story, which kept it entertaining and me reading until the last page. I like the characters, especially the addition of the new dog, who the author has fun writing about but it was actually the mystery that had me hooked. There was a number of suspects and I kept changing my mind as to who was involved and even why. This can be read as a standalone but why would you want to miss out on the fun and the next book.
Dani gets woken up early by a phone call to say somebody is hanging around her Little Dog Diner. She rushes over only to find a dog wandering around on his own. Then the owners body is discovered. Dani's best friend is quick to take in the dog but was the dog the motive for the murder? Or the winning lottery ticket the victim was supposed to have won? There seems no shortage of people who wanted him dead but after a number of break ins and a dognapping, Dani won't stop until she has found the truth and saved her friends heart.
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Dotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really felt bad for Dani it's her birthday and not just any birthday. She gets woken up by her diner's neighbor saying someone is trying to break in. When she gets there, she learns it's a surprised birthday breakfast party for her. She also finds out there's been a murder. She picked up the victim's dog on her way to the diner with Maggie. The day just keeps getting more interesting, but I will not spoil what happens that day or the days that follow. Will the killer go after Dani because of what the victim left her?

I have really gotten to enjoy this type of story thanks to this author. It's a well written story with a good story line. The book held my attention. I did put the book down long enough to deal with something the doctor told me otherwise I would have finished it in one setting because I did not want to put the book down.

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

[Louise Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reading an arc of this cozy mystery. It was a spectacular read!

[Javon50 · Rating 4 out of 5]

When owner of the Little Dog Diner, Dani Mackenzie receives an early morning from the new owner of the weekly Grapevine newspaper she is told that someone is attempting to break into her diner. She quickly calls her friend, private investigator Maggie, to come with her. On the way, they almost hit a dog that is running in the middle of the road. Quieting their beating hearts at the near miss, they gather the dog and head to the diner. Finding this charming dog will lead the two friends to a mystery they will soon have to unravel. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scooping Up Scandal is book 7 in the Little Dog Diner by Emmi Lyn. I think that this series is wonderful. After 6 books, the characters become "book friends". I believe that the author writes enjoyable mysteries and each book is different while the core characters develop in their relationships and life. Scooping Up Scandal is a great cozy mystery with a murder around greed with the plus being this book can be read as a stand alone. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entertaining Whodunit.

Great characters and an interesting plot held my attention the entire time I was reading this book. Every time I thought I knew who the killer was, I had someone else to add to the list. I was surprised by the reveal at the end of the book.

This is the first book that I have read by this author and now I am ready to read more. Even though this is book seven in the series, I felt it read well as a stand-alone.

[Margery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dani gets awakened to her phone ringing. An early morning call usually means trouble. A muffled voice tells her someone is trying to break into her restaurant. What would anyone want from there? When she arrives she is shocked to see all her friends. It is a surprise birthday breakfast for her. Is this why Cam called, and if so, why did she sound so alarmed? Cam arrives in slippers and pj's saying it was not the party that she called Dani, but the possible break in and something odd going on at her newspaper office. A stray dog she and Maggie picked up running into the street has the brother of the deceased and even the breeder of the puppy. The police check the paper offices and find one Thorn murdered. Is cam a suspect, is the breeder a suspect afraid Thorn was going to expose illegal breeding practices? OR as Thorns ex girl mentions he had a winning lottery ticket to the tune of a million dollars. Dani sure has her hands full with this murder!

[Carole Craddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love the Little Dog Diner! I've dreamed of stopping by, having a lobster roll and a slice of blueberry pie looking out onto Blueberry Bay, and scratching the owner's little dog, Pip, behind the ears! Sounds nice, huh? But someone disrupts this little corner of paradise by committing murder, again! It's Danielle (Dani) Mackenzie's 30th birthday and her friends and family have thrown her a party at the Little Dog Diner, but the celebration is interrupted by news of a murder at the newspaper office next door. With several suspects to choose from, Dani, her family, and friends turn her celebration into a murder investigation. Interestingly, there are adorable Black Labrador puppies involved! This is a super fun series with great characters and wonderful stories set in a picturesque town called Misty Harbor, Maine, and I've enjoyed each and every book! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.