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Search and Rescue Cozy Mysteries #6
Ring Leader
Sometimes the best-laid plans…
Can be murder.
Amateur sleuth, Eve Foster, has been keeping a secret from her best friend, and it’s almost time for that secret to come out into the open.
Levi, Tiana’s long-term boyfriend, is planning a proposal, and has asked Eve to help him set up the perfect evening. Since Tiana wants a public proposal, they make reservations at a nice restaurant and bring the staff in on the plan.
Eve and a couple more friends sneak in through the back of the restaurant so they can witness the proposal and surprise Tiana when she says yes, but before Levi can get down on one knee, a tragedy occurs, derailing their plans.
When Tiana begins behaving strangely after the failed proposal, Eve soon realizes that something has gone terribly wrong.
Can she dig up the facts and crack the case…even if she discovers something she never wanted to know? Find out in this exciting Cadaver Dog Cozy Mystery!
Can be murder.
Amateur sleuth, Eve Foster, has been keeping a secret from her best friend, and it’s almost time for that secret to come out into the open.
Levi, Tiana’s long-term boyfriend, is planning a proposal, and has asked Eve to help him set up the perfect evening. Since Tiana wants a public proposal, they make reservations at a nice restaurant and bring the staff in on the plan.
Eve and a couple more friends sneak in through the back of the restaurant so they can witness the proposal and surprise Tiana when she says yes, but before Levi can get down on one knee, a tragedy occurs, derailing their plans.
When Tiana begins behaving strangely after the failed proposal, Eve soon realizes that something has gone terribly wrong.
Can she dig up the facts and crack the case…even if she discovers something she never wanted to know? Find out in this exciting Cadaver Dog Cozy Mystery!
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
134 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2024
171 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Patti Benning
359 books223 followershttps://www.facebook.com/Patti-Bennin...
When Cozy Mystery author, Patti Benning, isn’t busy plotting the deaths of multiple fictitious characters, she loves to spend time hiking with her rescue dog, Max, who is her bestest writing buddy.
Patti loves to cook and the food in her books has been tried and tested in her very own kitchen. She’s technologically shy, and stays away from social media a great deal, because it makes her feel more awkward and introverted than meeting someone face to face.
Writing is the perfect job for her because in her books, she gets to explore all the topics she loves, food, animals, crafts and reading. She loves her readers dearly, and is thankful for the opportunity to share with them through her work.
When Cozy Mystery author, Patti Benning, isn’t busy plotting the deaths of multiple fictitious characters, she loves to spend time hiking with her rescue dog, Max, who is her bestest writing buddy.
Patti loves to cook and the food in her books has been tried and tested in her very own kitchen. She’s technologically shy, and stays away from social media a great deal, because it makes her feel more awkward and introverted than meeting someone face to face.
Writing is the perfect job for her because in her books, she gets to explore all the topics she loves, food, animals, crafts and reading. She loves her readers dearly, and is thankful for the opportunity to share with them through her work.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 30, 2024
Entertaining mystery listening 🎵🤗✨🤔🎶
This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 6 of 6. More to come?
Eve and friends are at a restaurant where there will be a engagement. But a woman is murdered and Eve becomes part of the investigation. It all ends happily.
I would recommend this series and others by Patti Benning to readers of romantic family and friends relationships mystery novels 🏙😘😎 2024
This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 6 of 6. More to come?
Eve and friends are at a restaurant where there will be a engagement. But a woman is murdered and Eve becomes part of the investigation. It all ends happily.
I would recommend this series and others by Patti Benning to readers of romantic family and friends relationships mystery novels 🏙😘😎 2024
February 7, 2026
Ring Leader was another pleasant addition to the Search and Rescue Cozy Mysteries series following Eve as she gets caught up in a murder that interrupts her best friend's marriage proposal.
Eve Foster has been helping her best friend's boyfriend plan her proposal for weeks and the day is finally here. Tiana wants a public proposal and the nicest restaurant in town is the perfect place. But just as Levi goes to propose, a gunshot rings out in the restaurant and a woman dies. Now Tiana is acting weird which has Eve determined to solve the case so she can help her friend get back to normal.
Levi planning to propose to Tiana has been mentioned for several books now so I was excited to finally see it happen. A murder interrupting the proposal was so unexpected and I was curious how someone could kill a person in a crowded restaurant yet no one saw anything. Eve actually doesn't do a lot of active investigating in this book unlike some of the previous cases. Instead she runs into a few people involved, asks a few questions, and then kind of stumbles upon who the killer is. She also isn't careful when she figures out the killer's identity which definitely could have put her and others at risk. Ultimately this wasn't the best mystery in the series although I did still find it interesting.
The characters are the best part of this series in my opinion and I enjoy them more with each book. Eve typically has good instincts when it comes to investigating murders and while she is only an amateur sleuth, she is a good one. A big focus in this book is on Tiana's character due to what happened and Eve is incredibly worried about her friend. I liked that Eve knew her friend well enough to know something was wrong but that she didn't push her too hard to talk about it before Tiana was ready. We also see Eve finally working up the courage to pursue something romantically with Aidan which is exciting. I've enjoyed their minor flirtations so far so I'm looking forward to seeing something more develop between them. Sadly there wasn't really much content with Eve's dogs Willow and Atlas which was a shame as they're adorable.
Overall Ring Leader was an enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to picking up the next book in the series, Shoe Nuff, soon.
Eve Foster has been helping her best friend's boyfriend plan her proposal for weeks and the day is finally here. Tiana wants a public proposal and the nicest restaurant in town is the perfect place. But just as Levi goes to propose, a gunshot rings out in the restaurant and a woman dies. Now Tiana is acting weird which has Eve determined to solve the case so she can help her friend get back to normal.
Levi planning to propose to Tiana has been mentioned for several books now so I was excited to finally see it happen. A murder interrupting the proposal was so unexpected and I was curious how someone could kill a person in a crowded restaurant yet no one saw anything. Eve actually doesn't do a lot of active investigating in this book unlike some of the previous cases. Instead she runs into a few people involved, asks a few questions, and then kind of stumbles upon who the killer is. She also isn't careful when she figures out the killer's identity which definitely could have put her and others at risk. Ultimately this wasn't the best mystery in the series although I did still find it interesting.
The characters are the best part of this series in my opinion and I enjoy them more with each book. Eve typically has good instincts when it comes to investigating murders and while she is only an amateur sleuth, she is a good one. A big focus in this book is on Tiana's character due to what happened and Eve is incredibly worried about her friend. I liked that Eve knew her friend well enough to know something was wrong but that she didn't push her too hard to talk about it before Tiana was ready. We also see Eve finally working up the courage to pursue something romantically with Aidan which is exciting. I've enjoyed their minor flirtations so far so I'm looking forward to seeing something more develop between them. Sadly there wasn't really much content with Eve's dogs Willow and Atlas which was a shame as they're adorable.
Overall Ring Leader was an enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to picking up the next book in the series, Shoe Nuff, soon.
Read
September 25, 2024Great cozy mystery featuring German shepherd search and rescue dogs and their owner/trainer. Short stories.
December 27, 2025
Ring Leader
Search and Rescue #6
By Patti Benning
Narrated by Julie McKay
It's time for a proposal! I have been waiting to see how Levi was going to pop the question to Tiana, and with Eve's help hopefully it will be pulled off. But things go terribly wrong when just as he is about to get down on one knee, a shot rings out killing a woman. Nothing like spoiling the moment! Now Eve is on a mission to find out who shot the woman and why. Plus Levi has to rethink of a way to propose to Tiana! And she is acting very strangely. What happens next? While the dogs are not as prevalent in this book, it's a fantastic mystery keeping me on the edge and surprising me with the outcome.
Julie McKay is still keeping me entertained with her voice. She is so talented I just keep enjoying every listen she puts out there for this series. She is keeping the stories exciting, the voices consistent and each one with just a enough building of suspense to keep it all interesting. Loving her performance.
Search and Rescue #6
By Patti Benning
Narrated by Julie McKay
It's time for a proposal! I have been waiting to see how Levi was going to pop the question to Tiana, and with Eve's help hopefully it will be pulled off. But things go terribly wrong when just as he is about to get down on one knee, a shot rings out killing a woman. Nothing like spoiling the moment! Now Eve is on a mission to find out who shot the woman and why. Plus Levi has to rethink of a way to propose to Tiana! And she is acting very strangely. What happens next? While the dogs are not as prevalent in this book, it's a fantastic mystery keeping me on the edge and surprising me with the outcome.
Julie McKay is still keeping me entertained with her voice. She is so talented I just keep enjoying every listen she puts out there for this series. She is keeping the stories exciting, the voices consistent and each one with just a enough building of suspense to keep it all interesting. Loving her performance.
December 28, 2025
Another delightful, fast paced win from Patti Benning! Ring Leader, book six in the Search and Rescue Cozy Mysteries, takes a celebratory moment and flips it on its head…because what’s a long-awaited engagement without a little murder to ruin the vibe?
Things turn downright dangerous in Granite when a shooting erupts at the exact moment Eve’s best friends are getting engaged. Talk about timing. The stakes feel higher this time, the emotional impact hits closer to home, and the mystery keeps you guessing right up until the end. As always, Patti’s pacing is spot-on…tight, engaging, and perfect for fans who want their sleuthing smart without dragging.
And once again, Julie McKay absolutely shines in this solo narration. She continues to bring warmth, humor, and just the right touch of suspense to every book, cementing this series as a go to cozy audio comfort listen.
These shorter mysteries are such a treat: satisfying, well-crafted, and endlessly bingeable. I’ll happily keep coming back to Granite and can’t wait for whatever adventure (or chaos) comes next.
Things turn downright dangerous in Granite when a shooting erupts at the exact moment Eve’s best friends are getting engaged. Talk about timing. The stakes feel higher this time, the emotional impact hits closer to home, and the mystery keeps you guessing right up until the end. As always, Patti’s pacing is spot-on…tight, engaging, and perfect for fans who want their sleuthing smart without dragging.
And once again, Julie McKay absolutely shines in this solo narration. She continues to bring warmth, humor, and just the right touch of suspense to every book, cementing this series as a go to cozy audio comfort listen.
These shorter mysteries are such a treat: satisfying, well-crafted, and endlessly bingeable. I’ll happily keep coming back to Granite and can’t wait for whatever adventure (or chaos) comes next.
October 26, 2024
This Is A Great Series!
"Ring Leader" is Book 6 of Patti Benning's Search and Rescue Cozy Mystery series. This episode didn't have the dogs in it as much as the previous books. In this episode, Levi is scheduled to propose to Tiana. Eve has helped him with the restaurant reservations and even helped Levi pick out the ring several weeks ago. Tiana and Levi are at the table in the restaurant. Eve and Aidan are in another room, Eve recording everything at her friends' table. It seems as though Tiana is going to have a fairytale proposal. However, when a gunshot rings out and Tiana's friend from a real estate agency is shot dead right in the middle of the restaurant, that fairytale proposal is immediately delayed. Who shot the woman and why? Will Levi get another chance to propose? And why is Tiana acting so strangely around Eve? I gave this book a 5 star rating. Even though Atlas and Willow were only in a couple of scenes, this is still an excellent series.
"Ring Leader" is Book 6 of Patti Benning's Search and Rescue Cozy Mystery series. This episode didn't have the dogs in it as much as the previous books. In this episode, Levi is scheduled to propose to Tiana. Eve has helped him with the restaurant reservations and even helped Levi pick out the ring several weeks ago. Tiana and Levi are at the table in the restaurant. Eve and Aidan are in another room, Eve recording everything at her friends' table. It seems as though Tiana is going to have a fairytale proposal. However, when a gunshot rings out and Tiana's friend from a real estate agency is shot dead right in the middle of the restaurant, that fairytale proposal is immediately delayed. Who shot the woman and why? Will Levi get another chance to propose? And why is Tiana acting so strangely around Eve? I gave this book a 5 star rating. Even though Atlas and Willow were only in a couple of scenes, this is still an excellent series.
December 30, 2025
Book six of the Search and Rescue Cozy Mysteries, Ring Leader will grab your attention from the beginning. Patti Benning has a knack for creating the “want to know more” feeling.
From the previous books in the series we have been witness to Eve’s good friends,Tiana and Levi’s developing relationship. Ring Leader begins with a surprise in store for this loved up couple. Although the event ends up far from the celebration which it was meant to be.
I am really enjoying the friendship Eve and Aidan have going on. Will this develop into more? Can Eve let down her walls and let someone special in?
Each character is portrayed by Julie McKay with conviction. The transition from male to female is fantastic. Each character has a very distinct and different voices throughout. I enjoyed the pace from Julie. Flawless performance!
Thank you Patti for another great mystery. You kept me turning the pages. Thank you to Blue Nose for an entertaining advanced listener copy.
From the previous books in the series we have been witness to Eve’s good friends,Tiana and Levi’s developing relationship. Ring Leader begins with a surprise in store for this loved up couple. Although the event ends up far from the celebration which it was meant to be.
I am really enjoying the friendship Eve and Aidan have going on. Will this develop into more? Can Eve let down her walls and let someone special in?
Each character is portrayed by Julie McKay with conviction. The transition from male to female is fantastic. Each character has a very distinct and different voices throughout. I enjoyed the pace from Julie. Flawless performance!
Thank you Patti for another great mystery. You kept me turning the pages. Thank you to Blue Nose for an entertaining advanced listener copy.
December 31, 2025
Book 6 of the Search and Rescue Series was a bit different from the other stories in the series. This time Eve is present for the murder, attempting to record Tiana and Levi's proposal. No need for rescue dogs Willow or Atlas when the body is in front of Eve! I really liked Eve's character development in this story, recognizing that she is ready for some romance in her life. Also, Tiana's odd behavior was heartbreaking to read, and I was pre-emptively mourning their friendship before the conclusion of the story. I also didn't figure out who the murderer was before the end of the story, which is always a bonus. Julie McKay's narration was simply fantastic, keeping my attention throughout the entire story. Thanks to Blue Nose Publishing for the opportunity to listen and review.
December 30, 2025
This was probably my favorite story so far.
So much happened in a short amount of time and it didn't even really involve the dogs much at all!
I got to listen to this story along with Nose Knows and Bite Moves as an ALC through Blue Nose Audio on their app.
This adventure starts with a surprise for Eve's best friend that turns into a disaster when someone in the restaurant is shot. Eve, using her own training with Michigan Mutts Search and Rescue, tries to save the victim but is ultimately unsuccessful.
When Tatiana isn't acting normal, Eve's alarm bells flare. Her instincts prove spot on.
Julie Mckay (aka Maxine Mitchell) delivers another great narration.
So much happened in a short amount of time and it didn't even really involve the dogs much at all!
I got to listen to this story along with Nose Knows and Bite Moves as an ALC through Blue Nose Audio on their app.
This adventure starts with a surprise for Eve's best friend that turns into a disaster when someone in the restaurant is shot. Eve, using her own training with Michigan Mutts Search and Rescue, tries to save the victim but is ultimately unsuccessful.
When Tatiana isn't acting normal, Eve's alarm bells flare. Her instincts prove spot on.
Julie Mckay (aka Maxine Mitchell) delivers another great narration.
September 2, 2024
I felt so bad for Tiana and Levi for their big night getting railroaded but I’m sure they felt even worse for the murder victim. And Tiana knew the woman from the clinic so Eve needed to sleuth this one out too for her own sanity.
I’m glad Aidan and Eve discovered there was more to life than just coffee shop meets. It was cool how Eve figured out what was going on and the chain of events afterward—served that perp right though. Can’t wait to see what Eve and her friends and the pups get into next!
I’m glad Aidan and Eve discovered there was more to life than just coffee shop meets. It was cool how Eve figured out what was going on and the chain of events afterward—served that perp right though. Can’t wait to see what Eve and her friends and the pups get into next!
December 23, 2025
Adorable cozy mystery series with the added bonus of furry friends! This series is a bunch of short and sweet novellas about Evelyn Foster and her two search dogs. Great series! I cant wait to read more about Evelyn Foster!
Book 6: Ring Leader
Its finally proposal day for Tiana and Levi. As Levi kneels down to propose, a shot rings out and a woman is dead. Another mystery for her to solve, before she becomes a victim.
Huge thank you to Blue Nose Audio for this free ALC audiobook in exchange for my candid review.
Book 6: Ring Leader
Its finally proposal day for Tiana and Levi. As Levi kneels down to propose, a shot rings out and a woman is dead. Another mystery for her to solve, before she becomes a victim.
Huge thank you to Blue Nose Audio for this free ALC audiobook in exchange for my candid review.
September 2, 2024
Another good book in the series
Eve has helped Tania’s boyfriend plan the perfect proposal. It was at a fancy restaurant and her friends were going to video the proposal and then jump out and surprise her. All goes well until just as he is proposing someone shoots another customer in the dining room. The mystery takes off from there. Lots of twists and turns with a surprise ending. A fun read.
Eve has helped Tania’s boyfriend plan the perfect proposal. It was at a fancy restaurant and her friends were going to video the proposal and then jump out and surprise her. All goes well until just as he is proposing someone shoots another customer in the dining room. The mystery takes off from there. Lots of twists and turns with a surprise ending. A fun read.
January 2, 2026
✩°｡⋆⸜ 🎧✮ Audiobook Review! ✩°｡⋆⸜ 🎧✮
This is the sixth book in the Search & Rescue Cozy Mysteries series. I love this series! Evelyn adventures are always entertaining and captivating. The plot is well crafted and intriguing. I liked the mystery, the intrigue, and the twists and turns. Julie McKay is an amazing narrator. She did an excellent bringing this story to life. I enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to more in the series. #BlueNoseAudio
This is the sixth book in the Search & Rescue Cozy Mysteries series. I love this series! Evelyn adventures are always entertaining and captivating. The plot is well crafted and intriguing. I liked the mystery, the intrigue, and the twists and turns. Julie McKay is an amazing narrator. She did an excellent bringing this story to life. I enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to more in the series. #BlueNoseAudio
January 10, 2026
WHIRLWIND!!!
*ALC Review *
Patti you impressed the heck out of me with this spectacular book that is the perfect combination of suspense and plot twist that I never saw coming. Patti you have officially become my go to author when I need a book with all the mystery. I absolutely love this book from start to finish.
Julia, I just want to applaud you for doing a spectacular job breathing life into this extraordinary book that grab my attention from the very first sentence. This book truly was a whirlwind from start to finish. This book had me on pins and needles because I didn’t know what was gonna happen next. I cannot wait to read the rest of the books in this series.
If you absolutely love a book about mystery that makes you question to, then this book is for you. I’m so determined to get my hands on every book in the series because it just intrigues me beyond anything I’ve read in a very long time. What are you waiting for people? You need to get this book right now. You won’t be disappointed.
*ALC Review *
Patti you impressed the heck out of me with this spectacular book that is the perfect combination of suspense and plot twist that I never saw coming. Patti you have officially become my go to author when I need a book with all the mystery. I absolutely love this book from start to finish.
Julia, I just want to applaud you for doing a spectacular job breathing life into this extraordinary book that grab my attention from the very first sentence. This book truly was a whirlwind from start to finish. This book had me on pins and needles because I didn’t know what was gonna happen next. I cannot wait to read the rest of the books in this series.
If you absolutely love a book about mystery that makes you question to, then this book is for you. I’m so determined to get my hands on every book in the series because it just intrigues me beyond anything I’ve read in a very long time. What are you waiting for people? You need to get this book right now. You won’t be disappointed.
August 27, 2024
proposal gone wrong
What should gave been a night of celebration for Eve’s friends turned deadly. Wanting to bring closure for Tiana, Eve tries to figure things out with a little help from Aiden. Love this book and series. Great story & characters. I look forward to reading more.
What should gave been a night of celebration for Eve’s friends turned deadly. Wanting to bring closure for Tiana, Eve tries to figure things out with a little help from Aiden. Love this book and series. Great story & characters. I look forward to reading more.
August 28, 2024
Enjoyable!
Book 6 in this series was a great read from start to finish. Very entertaining, starting off with what was supposed to be a surprise celebration and ending with a bang! It held my interest from start to finish, and I never guessed the real culprit. I am looking forward to more books in this series...many, many more. 🎉⭐⭐👏👏
Book 6 in this series was a great read from start to finish. Very entertaining, starting off with what was supposed to be a surprise celebration and ending with a bang! It held my interest from start to finish, and I never guessed the real culprit. I am looking forward to more books in this series...many, many more. 🎉⭐⭐👏👏
August 27, 2024
Eve helps with her friend boy friend boyfriend’s surprise proposal. But things d o not go as plan when she sneaks a peak at the proposal at the restaurant. What shocking evnts that occur that might not lead to a happy ending? You’ll will just have to read it to find out in this cozy mystery.
October 13, 2024
Great series
Every book in this series gives you dogs to love, great friendships and quirky, likeable characters. The author gives away nothing till the end so your sleuthing skills are out to the test.
Every book in this series gives you dogs to love, great friendships and quirky, likeable characters. The author gives away nothing till the end so your sleuthing skills are out to the test.
February 24, 2025
What kind of ring? Not what you think?
Ok this was really fun! Why do these things keep happening around this little town? Why not. But you just want to figure out who done it alone with them. I still don't know until the end and then there is more....
Ok this was really fun! Why do these things keep happening around this little town? Why not. But you just want to figure out who done it alone with them. I still don't know until the end and then there is more....
December 21, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performed by Julie McKay
It’s time for Levi to propose to Tiana and Eve has been helping him.
All does not go to plan
Eve decides to solve the mystery. Something didn’t sit right.
Thank you Blue Nose Audio for this ALC
Performed by Julie McKay
It’s time for Levi to propose to Tiana and Eve has been helping him.
All does not go to plan
Eve decides to solve the mystery. Something didn’t sit right.
Thank you Blue Nose Audio for this ALC
December 31, 2025
Ring Leader is the sixth book in Patti Benning’s Search and Rescue Cozy Mystery series, and it does not disappoint. Each installment features a distinct mystery that is both entertaining and engaging, and this one is no exception. Julie McKay is immensely talented and truly shines in this solo narration, bringing every emotion and bit of intrigue to life. Her performance pulls the listener in from the very beginning. I can’t wait for more books narrated by Julie McKay and more cozy mysteries from Patti Benning.
August 31, 2024
Holy moly was this ever good. So much tension. I absolutely loved it. Can’t wait for the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the publisher.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the publisher.
September 4, 2024
Who killed Jodie and why??? Security deposits??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
March 8, 2025
Love this series! The characters are all great.
July 24, 2025
What a sleuth solver
This book keeps your attention from start to finish. If you want a book that is easy to read, this one is definitely for you.
This book keeps your attention from start to finish. If you want a book that is easy to read, this one is definitely for you.
December 29, 2025
Great way to wrap up the year! Love this series.
December 29, 2025
What is starting out as a wedding proposal I didn’t expect what happened in the restaurant to happen, but Eve has to find out what’s been going on and she digs deeper. I just love the stories.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews