What do you think?
Rate this book
Lily Rock Mysteries #7
Sit. Stay. Play Dead.: Lily Rock Mystery Book Seven
Pinnacle Book Achievement Award (2025)
"... all the right notes for a cozy friendly dogs, small town charm, a touch of humor, and characters with real heart, all wrapped up in a twisty plot."
Shelbie Thomas for Reader Views
Sit. Stay. Play Woofstock Whodunit marks the seventh installment of the Lily Rock Mystery Series, where springtime in Lily Rock heralds the arrival of the highly anticipated Woofstock weekend festival. This beloved event is a celebration of all things canine, featuring dog shows, agility contests, and a variety of vendors and activities for dog lovers.
The excitement is cut short when a long-time resident and festival organizer is found dead in the dog park. With the town in shock, Janis Jets, Lily Rock's only cop, calls on Olivia to assist in solving the case.
Olivia dives into the investigation with her trademark tenacity and sharp insight, determined to uncover the truth behind Arlo’s murder. However, Janis's insistence that she already knows the killer complicates matters.
As Olivia navigates the clues and red herrings, she must unravel a web of secrets and motives, ultimately revealing the true culprit behind the Woofstock Whodunit.
"... all the right notes for a cozy friendly dogs, small town charm, a touch of humor, and characters with real heart, all wrapped up in a twisty plot."
Shelbie Thomas for Reader Views
Sit. Stay. Play Woofstock Whodunit marks the seventh installment of the Lily Rock Mystery Series, where springtime in Lily Rock heralds the arrival of the highly anticipated Woofstock weekend festival. This beloved event is a celebration of all things canine, featuring dog shows, agility contests, and a variety of vendors and activities for dog lovers.
The excitement is cut short when a long-time resident and festival organizer is found dead in the dog park. With the town in shock, Janis Jets, Lily Rock's only cop, calls on Olivia to assist in solving the case.
Olivia dives into the investigation with her trademark tenacity and sharp insight, determined to uncover the truth behind Arlo’s murder. However, Janis's insistence that she already knows the killer complicates matters.
As Olivia navigates the clues and red herrings, she must unravel a web of secrets and motives, ultimately revealing the true culprit behind the Woofstock Whodunit.
- GenresMystery
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2025
About the author
Bonnie Hardy
18 books57 followersBonnie Hardy, a retired professional turned author, is celebrated for her two enthralling cozy mystery series. The first, set in the picturesque mountain town of Lily Rock, features amateur sleuth Olivia Greer, known for her uncanny ability to draw out confessions from the most unlikely people.
The second series, set in Palm Desert, features the mid-life duo mentalist Rex Redondo and his down to earth next door neighbor doula Vivienne Rose.
Inspired by Agatha Christie, Bonnie's captivating tales of mystery and community masterfully blend fast-paced whodunits with clever sleuthing.
The second series, set in Palm Desert, features the mid-life duo mentalist Rex Redondo and his down to earth next door neighbor doula Vivienne Rose.
Inspired by Agatha Christie, Bonnie's captivating tales of mystery and community masterfully blend fast-paced whodunits with clever sleuthing.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 2, 2026
Always nice to revisit Lily Rock and the characters there with another murder to solve.
August 9, 2025
Set in the dog-loving mountain town of Lily Rock, Sit. Stay. Play Dead, the seventh book in the Lily Rock Mystery series by Bonnie Hardy, opens during the Woofstock festival: a celebration of dogs, community, and music. But the festive spirit shatters when a festival organizer and close friend of our protagonist, Olivia, is discovered dead at the local dog park. Both Olivia and the town’s only cop, Janis Jets, work together to solve the murder – but the problem for Olivia is that Officer Jets has already made up her mind as to who is responsible, and she’s afraid the real killer might get away.
Bonnie Hardy hits all the right notes for a cozy mystery: friendly dogs, small-town charm, a touch of humor, and characters with real heart – all wrapped up in a twisty plot. The setting itself adds to the fun: from the quirky Frenchie Connection Dog Park, to a suspicious new inn and all the big personalities around town. What works best in Hardy’s writing is her balance of warmth and suspense. The investigation proceeds through authentic interpersonal interactions, though at times the dialogue is not necessarily natural – but this may be what you expect from your classic small-town mystery.
Olivia Greer is an appealing protagonist. She’s empathetic, curious, and not afraid to ask hard questions. The best part of this particular mystery is that the hints are perfectly sprinkled throughout, and it’s only after you reach the end that you realize you should’ve seen it all along. The plot keeps the reader guessing, but without unnecessary violence or bleakness, and its final reveal is truly surprising, yet stays aligned with the cozy tone.
The only slight drawback is that readers coming into the seventh book might feel a bit behind on character relationships, even though Hardy does enough exposition to stand alone. I expect that fans of the series will appreciate returning faces and deeper backstory, while newcomers may feel a few relational threads left dangling, but not enough to spoil the enjoyment. It should be noted that not every character’s actions and dialogues make sense 100% of the time due to character depth and relationships that may have been better established in previous Lily Rock Mystery books.
Bonnie Hardy’s Sit. Stay. Play Dead is best suited for readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with heart, canines, and community secrets. Fans of Maggie Sefton would find much to love here!
Bonnie Hardy hits all the right notes for a cozy mystery: friendly dogs, small-town charm, a touch of humor, and characters with real heart – all wrapped up in a twisty plot. The setting itself adds to the fun: from the quirky Frenchie Connection Dog Park, to a suspicious new inn and all the big personalities around town. What works best in Hardy’s writing is her balance of warmth and suspense. The investigation proceeds through authentic interpersonal interactions, though at times the dialogue is not necessarily natural – but this may be what you expect from your classic small-town mystery.
Olivia Greer is an appealing protagonist. She’s empathetic, curious, and not afraid to ask hard questions. The best part of this particular mystery is that the hints are perfectly sprinkled throughout, and it’s only after you reach the end that you realize you should’ve seen it all along. The plot keeps the reader guessing, but without unnecessary violence or bleakness, and its final reveal is truly surprising, yet stays aligned with the cozy tone.
The only slight drawback is that readers coming into the seventh book might feel a bit behind on character relationships, even though Hardy does enough exposition to stand alone. I expect that fans of the series will appreciate returning faces and deeper backstory, while newcomers may feel a few relational threads left dangling, but not enough to spoil the enjoyment. It should be noted that not every character’s actions and dialogues make sense 100% of the time due to character depth and relationships that may have been better established in previous Lily Rock Mystery books.
Bonnie Hardy’s Sit. Stay. Play Dead is best suited for readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with heart, canines, and community secrets. Fans of Maggie Sefton would find much to love here!
January 29, 2025
There’s chaos in Lily Rock as the town is overrun by dogs and their hippie cosplaying owners for Woofstock. When the Old Rocker organizer of the event is murdered, Meadow steps up but is in over her head. Officer Jets pulls Olivia into the investigation and tries to rein in the chaos. Complicating matters is the new French Connection Hotel and dog park that caters exclusively to AKC certified French Bulldogs. When the owners insult Janis’s beloved fur baby Tater Tot, she’s convinced they are involved with the murder. Olivia isn’t so sure and along with Michael follows up on clues on her own. The dognapping of a prize winning stud and rumors of an unscrupulous breeding scheme muddy the waters further. Mayor Maguire’s absence alarms Olivia and the search for him puts Olivia in danger before providing vital clues. Meanwhile, Olivia is also wrestling with unhappiness in her new home built by Michael and the loss of a friend who’s leaving town.
In Lily Rock, author Bonnie Hardy has created a town populated with believable and relatable yet quirky characters. The growth of these characters throughout the series is what keeps the stories interesting. The identity of the town is a character in its own right and conflict comes from the Old Rockers clinging to the past and the new growth required to keep the town vital. Central to the mystery this time around was determining why someone would murder an Old Rocker. Once that becomes clear, the murder becomes much more heartbreaking for long term readers of the series. Janis fixating on a suspect and willing to manufacture evidence to support her view of the crime brings her into conflict with Olivia. As she comes to realize her mistake, she corrects course but also apologizes to Olivia and gives her an official role in the constabulary. For Olivia, her difficulty in expressing her concerns to Michael about the house will ring true to anyone who’s been through an abusive relationship. As she learns to trust herself more, she’s able to trust the safety and stability she has with Michael and can face expressing herself freely to him.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In Lily Rock, author Bonnie Hardy has created a town populated with believable and relatable yet quirky characters. The growth of these characters throughout the series is what keeps the stories interesting. The identity of the town is a character in its own right and conflict comes from the Old Rockers clinging to the past and the new growth required to keep the town vital. Central to the mystery this time around was determining why someone would murder an Old Rocker. Once that becomes clear, the murder becomes much more heartbreaking for long term readers of the series. Janis fixating on a suspect and willing to manufacture evidence to support her view of the crime brings her into conflict with Olivia. As she comes to realize her mistake, she corrects course but also apologizes to Olivia and gives her an official role in the constabulary. For Olivia, her difficulty in expressing her concerns to Michael about the house will ring true to anyone who’s been through an abusive relationship. As she learns to trust herself more, she’s able to trust the safety and stability she has with Michael and can face expressing herself freely to him.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 6, 2025
Sit. Stay. Play Dead. by Bonnie Hardy is a charming and witty addition to the Lily Rock Mystery series, blending small-town charm, dog-loving fun, and a twisty murder mystery that keeps you guessing. If you love cozy mysteries packed with heart, humor, and adorable canine companions, this book is exactly what you need!
Lily Rock’s inaugural Woofstock festival promises to be a paw-sitively great time—until a key organizer is found dead in the Frenchie Connection Dog Park, turning excitement into suspicion. With the town swarming with music lovers, campers, and dog enthusiasts, Olivia and Janis have their hands full untangling a web of rivalries, secrets, and red herrings. And with Janis’s new puppy, Tater Tot, already holding grudges (especially against the inn’s new owner, Eldred Whitlock), their suspect list is both hilarious and ever-growing.
I loved how Bonnie Hardy weaves together the cozy mystery elements with humor and lovable four-legged sidekicks. Olivia’s determination and small-town sleuthing skills shine, and the playful antics of Tater Tot add the perfect touch of canine chaos. The quirky residents, the festival setting, and the unexpected twists make this a standout in the series.
Whether you’re new to Lily Rock or a longtime fan, Sit. Stay. Play Dead. is a must-read for anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries with lovable characters, a little mischief, and a whole lot of dog-loving charm. A perfect whodunit to curl up with—preferably with a pup by your side!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Cozy, clever, and absolutely bark-tastic! Pardon the puns! :).
Lily Rock’s inaugural Woofstock festival promises to be a paw-sitively great time—until a key organizer is found dead in the Frenchie Connection Dog Park, turning excitement into suspicion. With the town swarming with music lovers, campers, and dog enthusiasts, Olivia and Janis have their hands full untangling a web of rivalries, secrets, and red herrings. And with Janis’s new puppy, Tater Tot, already holding grudges (especially against the inn’s new owner, Eldred Whitlock), their suspect list is both hilarious and ever-growing.
I loved how Bonnie Hardy weaves together the cozy mystery elements with humor and lovable four-legged sidekicks. Olivia’s determination and small-town sleuthing skills shine, and the playful antics of Tater Tot add the perfect touch of canine chaos. The quirky residents, the festival setting, and the unexpected twists make this a standout in the series.
Whether you’re new to Lily Rock or a longtime fan, Sit. Stay. Play Dead. is a must-read for anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries with lovable characters, a little mischief, and a whole lot of dog-loving charm. A perfect whodunit to curl up with—preferably with a pup by your side!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Cozy, clever, and absolutely bark-tastic! Pardon the puns! :).
January 19, 2025
It has been a long time (it seemed like it to me) since we've been in Lily Rock. Olivia has shown much growth and seems to be on the road to her authentic self more and more. I liked that Michael and Olivia are still together and growing together. I was sad to see such a colorful character lost in this mystery. There are a great many changes to take in and absorb. With all the "flooding of frenchies", I thought we were going to lose the mayor. He is too integral a part of the fabric of Lily Rock to ever be lost or replaced. The frenchies are a fad, the mayor is a staple and pillar of the community. In sleuthing this crime, they had to get up close and "personal " to solve this one. I love the setting of this small town, because it feels comfortable. Some people seemed a bit flighty with their investigation for my tastes. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.
January 28, 2025
Detective- Olivia Greer, musician
Love Interest- Michael (architect/builder)
Crime- murder
Victim- Arlo
Method- insertion of bladed utensil
Police- Janis Jets
Furry Character- “Mayor” Maguire
Mewsings
The characters in this series are so believable and well written. I’m always impressed and this book is no exception. The world building of this small town is excellent. But the series furry character, Mayor Maguire, steals the show. He acts as a mascot, but almost takes on the role of a Greek chorus with his nonverbal commentary through subtle actions. The mystery in this book is clever, and I honestly felt bad for the other characters when they lost their friend. I’m on the fence about Olivia and Michael’s relationship; sometimes I think they are well-suited, and sometimes I think that they aren’t. I enjoyed this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Love Interest- Michael (architect/builder)
Crime- murder
Victim- Arlo
Method- insertion of bladed utensil
Police- Janis Jets
Furry Character- “Mayor” Maguire
Mewsings
The characters in this series are so believable and well written. I’m always impressed and this book is no exception. The world building of this small town is excellent. But the series furry character, Mayor Maguire, steals the show. He acts as a mascot, but almost takes on the role of a Greek chorus with his nonverbal commentary through subtle actions. The mystery in this book is clever, and I honestly felt bad for the other characters when they lost their friend. I’m on the fence about Olivia and Michael’s relationship; sometimes I think they are well-suited, and sometimes I think that they aren’t. I enjoyed this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 29, 2025
This is a wonderful easy cozy read which begins with the discovery that the organiser of the Woofstock festival has been murdered. The story is set in a small town where there is also lots of dogs expecially French bulldogs at a local venue.
I enjoyed the relentless nature of Janet Jets in her quest to prove who the murderer is while at the same time, her relationship with her new bulldog provided a lot of laughs. Olivia is a lovely character and I enjoyed what she brings to the investigation. The ending sets things up nicely for a more professional approach in the next book from Janet....I think!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed the relentless nature of Janet Jets in her quest to prove who the murderer is while at the same time, her relationship with her new bulldog provided a lot of laughs. Olivia is a lovely character and I enjoyed what she brings to the investigation. The ending sets things up nicely for a more professional approach in the next book from Janet....I think!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 29, 2025
A Paws-itively Delightful Mystery: Woofstock and Whodunits! 🐾🔎
I enjoyed catching up with all the characters in this latest visit to Lily Rock. The relationship between Olivia and Michael is developing and they are learning to navigate changes in each other. The mystery was twisty and plenty of suspects were introduced to keep the story interesting. I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone looking for a great cozy mystery with unique characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed catching up with all the characters in this latest visit to Lily Rock. The relationship between Olivia and Michael is developing and they are learning to navigate changes in each other. The mystery was twisty and plenty of suspects were introduced to keep the story interesting. I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone looking for a great cozy mystery with unique characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2025
Bonnie Hardy does it again in this book, it had that mystery going on that I was looking for and was enjoying the concept. It was a strong seventh entry in the Lily Rock Mystery series. The characters had that feel that worked in this universe and thought they were everything that I was hoping for and enjoyed how the characters continued the story. It was everything that I was hoping for from this type of book and am excited for more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 1, 2025
Five star
Another entertaining cozy with the fantastic Lily Rockers as an Old Rocker is murdered and Olivia jumps into investigation mode. The hilarious relationship between Olivia and Officer Jets, as well as between Mayor and the town keeps me loving this series. Clever plot and great characters make this book hard to put down.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am voluntarily reviewing this book.
Another entertaining cozy with the fantastic Lily Rockers as an Old Rocker is murdered and Olivia jumps into investigation mode. The hilarious relationship between Olivia and Officer Jets, as well as between Mayor and the town keeps me loving this series. Clever plot and great characters make this book hard to put down.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am voluntarily reviewing this book.
January 31, 2025
This was a fascinating murder mystery based in a very special small town.
I found the characters really interesting.
This book is a real must read for dog lovers of cosy murder mysteries.
It almost has a supernatural edge to it.
All in all, this was a most satisfying read. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I found the characters really interesting.
This book is a real must read for dog lovers of cosy murder mysteries.
It almost has a supernatural edge to it.
All in all, this was a most satisfying read. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 5, 2025
It's all gone to the dogs! This book has it all for the dog lover. Small town Lily Rock hosts a dog everything basically - shows, contests, food and dog lovers/owners. Of course, there's a murder so Olivia rides to the rescue, along with the cop, trying to figure out who is the murder. Interesting read, love all the dogs.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 10, 2025
This is book 7 of the Lily Rock Mystery series. It is hard to read this book and be so series with the murder, when you have a new dog that is the whole story with the book. Never been in a dog club or park so after this book, I think I want to keep my dog still with me and no friends. HAHAHa I look forward to reading more to see what happens next in the small town and the dog.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 18, 2025
Typical to Lily Rock is a Woodstock festival, that's a bit granola crunchy, a bit Instagram worthy, and a lot of not typical to Lily Rock breed snobs.
Mixed with the loss of a core member or two from the heart of Lily Rock and some canine quandaries and relationship changes and challenges, it's a lot - and a lot of great reading!
Mixed with the loss of a core member or two from the heart of Lily Rock and some canine quandaries and relationship changes and challenges, it's a lot - and a lot of great reading!
January 19, 2025
The quiet town of Lily Rock becomes overrun with dog lovers of all breeds. The confusion gets intense when a local is found dead in a dog park. The locals are stressed by the murder plus the dogs (and owners) running amok in their quaint surroundings. The characters are lively and intriguing, even the dogs have personality. Excellent whodunnit.
January 31, 2025
Sit, Stay, Play Dead is Book 7 in the Lily Rock Mystery Series by Bonnie Hardy. I thought this cozy was light hearted. Olivia helps as an amateur sleuth. I really liked the characters and I thought the clues were sprinkled perfectly. I thought that this was very enjoyable. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
February 11, 2025
Woofstock sit and stay dead
Olivia and Janis work together catching criminals. The town decided to have a weekend Woofstock with dogs as the focus. Olivias friend was killed in the frenchies dog walking park. I liked the book., and can imagine how smelly it was. Olivia and Michael built a wonderful house to move in.
Olivia and Janis work together catching criminals. The town decided to have a weekend Woofstock with dogs as the focus. Olivias friend was killed in the frenchies dog walking park. I liked the book., and can imagine how smelly it was. Olivia and Michael built a wonderful house to move in.
July 1, 2025
Great story. And I couldn’t even put it down. It was a page turner and the suspense was so intense and amazing with a hint of captivating of mystery. It had danger , fear, curiosity, confusion and conflict. And will the truth come out in this moment.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Trina Jones
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Trina Jones
July 24, 2025
A town festival has visitors flocking to her small town of Lily Rock and when a man is found murdered in the park Olivia helps the police to solve the case. This was a lot of fun a dog parade, certified breeds and a special ability of getting people to talk has Olivia solving the case.
Read
February 27, 2025Another doggone good addition to the Lily Rock Mystery series. Woofstock was clever. The murder mystery was twisty in all the right places. It's easy to love this series and this author.
May 13, 2026
Interesting cozy mystery. The heroine seemed a bit indecisive. I enjoyed it and have continued reading the series. I enjoyed the characters a lot. The plots were quite interesting and fun to solve.
January 7, 2026
Dog gone dead!
Olivia Greer has helped Janis Jets with murders in the past, but this case hits close to home. The victim discovered in the exclusive Frenchie Connection Dog Park was a close friend. Will the town's Woofstock Festival still be held now that the organizer is dead? The investigation may be derailed from the start. Jets decides the new owner of The Frenchie Connection Inn is the prime suspect after he disrespects her new Frenchie puppy. Olivia has her hands full looking for her missing labradoodle and trying to keep Janis on track.
What a fun cozy! Mayor Maguire doesn’t have much to say, but is an excellent sleuth. The story also brought to light some lesser-known breeding practices for Frenchies. I received a free copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
Olivia Greer has helped Janis Jets with murders in the past, but this case hits close to home. The victim discovered in the exclusive Frenchie Connection Dog Park was a close friend. Will the town's Woofstock Festival still be held now that the organizer is dead? The investigation may be derailed from the start. Jets decides the new owner of The Frenchie Connection Inn is the prime suspect after he disrespects her new Frenchie puppy. Olivia has her hands full looking for her missing labradoodle and trying to keep Janis on track.
What a fun cozy! Mayor Maguire doesn’t have much to say, but is an excellent sleuth. The story also brought to light some lesser-known breeding practices for Frenchies. I received a free copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews