What do you think?
Rate this book
Bailey the Bloodhound Mystery #1
Sniffing Out Murder
When a murder unleashes a widespread investigation through Crosbyville, children’s book author Pris and her trusty bloodhound, Bailey, must sniff out the truth before the whole town goes to the dogs.
After deciding that life as a teacher wasn’t right for her, Priscilla found inspiration for her first children’s book in her three-year-old bloodhound’s nose for truth, and so The Adventures of Bailey the Bloodhound was born. After the book’s massively pawsitive response led Pris to move back to her hometown of Crosbyville, Indiana, to continue the series, she’s surprised by how things have changed in the town, but even more so how they haven’t.
Pris is frustrated to discover that newly elected school board trustee Whitney Kelley—a former high school mean girl—is intent on making Crosbyville more competitive by eliminating “frivolous spending” on the arts and social programs, including Pris and Bailey’s beloved pet-assisted reading program. A minor altercation between them isn’t anything unusual, but after Bailey sniffs out Whitney’s body in a bed of begonias, locals start hounding Pris and Bailey as suspects for the crime.
With Bailey’s sharp senses and Pris’s hometown know-how, can they prove to the community that they’re all barking up the wrong tree?
After deciding that life as a teacher wasn’t right for her, Priscilla found inspiration for her first children’s book in her three-year-old bloodhound’s nose for truth, and so The Adventures of Bailey the Bloodhound was born. After the book’s massively pawsitive response led Pris to move back to her hometown of Crosbyville, Indiana, to continue the series, she’s surprised by how things have changed in the town, but even more so how they haven’t.
Pris is frustrated to discover that newly elected school board trustee Whitney Kelley—a former high school mean girl—is intent on making Crosbyville more competitive by eliminating “frivolous spending” on the arts and social programs, including Pris and Bailey’s beloved pet-assisted reading program. A minor altercation between them isn’t anything unusual, but after Bailey sniffs out Whitney’s body in a bed of begonias, locals start hounding Pris and Bailey as suspects for the crime.
With Bailey’s sharp senses and Pris’s hometown know-how, can they prove to the community that they’re all barking up the wrong tree?
422 pages, Paperback
Published March 19, 2025
85 people are currently reading
3314 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
July 30, 2023
A delightful debut with a light, interesting mystery; lots of humor; great characters; and Bailey—a lovable, huggable, therapy dog. Relax, and enjoy this story!
Bailey, the Bloodhound, is a multi-tasking dog. It’s in his genes. He’s also the star of a children’s book series written by his owner, Priscilla Cummings; a retiring teacher who hopes to become a full-time writer. They live in the quaint, old-fashioned town of Crosbyville, IN. When a parent-teacher conference gets heated and the mother gets ugly, she threatens to cut out the dog reading program Bailey participates in. The Police Chief, Gilbert Morgan and his daughter, Hannah, witness Whitney’s bad temper. Guess who Bailey digs up in a flower bed the next morning?
This awesome story moves swiftly due to short chapters and a tight plot. There’s humor galore which I always enjoy in a cozy mystery. Pris sets out to find Whitney’s killer so her family won’t ruin her life, Bailey’s, and the Police Chief and his daughter’s lives, thus targeting herself in the killer’s eyes.
As the suspect list grows; some people appear more suspicious than others. I had my eye on a certain character that I thought seemed around a lot for no good reason. This person is the killer. When a second murder occurs, Chief Morgan orders officers to patrol Priscilla’s house. Gilbert and Pris are attracted to each other, and Bailey loves Gilbert and Hannah. The ending scene is great!
I’m looking forward to the next story and learning more about the entwining lives of these likeable new characters and to seeing what Bailey, the Bloodhound, sniffs out next! I highly recommend this cozy mystery to clean mystery lovers, dog lovers, small-town lovers, and those readers who enjoy humor throughout their mysteries.
I honestly reviewed an un-edited, digital ARC provided by NetGalley and Berkley. All opinions are my own.
Bailey, the Bloodhound, is a multi-tasking dog. It’s in his genes. He’s also the star of a children’s book series written by his owner, Priscilla Cummings; a retiring teacher who hopes to become a full-time writer. They live in the quaint, old-fashioned town of Crosbyville, IN. When a parent-teacher conference gets heated and the mother gets ugly, she threatens to cut out the dog reading program Bailey participates in. The Police Chief, Gilbert Morgan and his daughter, Hannah, witness Whitney’s bad temper. Guess who Bailey digs up in a flower bed the next morning?
This awesome story moves swiftly due to short chapters and a tight plot. There’s humor galore which I always enjoy in a cozy mystery. Pris sets out to find Whitney’s killer so her family won’t ruin her life, Bailey’s, and the Police Chief and his daughter’s lives, thus targeting herself in the killer’s eyes.
As the suspect list grows; some people appear more suspicious than others. I had my eye on a certain character that I thought seemed around a lot for no good reason. This person is the killer. When a second murder occurs, Chief Morgan orders officers to patrol Priscilla’s house. Gilbert and Pris are attracted to each other, and Bailey loves Gilbert and Hannah. The ending scene is great!
I’m looking forward to the next story and learning more about the entwining lives of these likeable new characters and to seeing what Bailey, the Bloodhound, sniffs out next! I highly recommend this cozy mystery to clean mystery lovers, dog lovers, small-town lovers, and those readers who enjoy humor throughout their mysteries.
I honestly reviewed an un-edited, digital ARC provided by NetGalley and Berkley. All opinions are my own.
December 6, 2023
Sniffing Our Murder is the first book in A Bailey The Bloodhound Mystery series by Kallie E Benjamin.
Priscilla(Pris) Cummings has decided, with her children’s book series Adventures of Bailey, Pet Detective based on her Bloodhound, Bailey, hit a Best Sellers list, she decides to buy a house in her hometown of Crosbyville, Indiana, has decided to quit teaching and turn to become a full-time author. Bailey is a trained therapy dog and often attends school with Pris; he frequently goes to the local library to have children read to him and demonstrate his tracking skills.
Pris is not looking forward to the last day of school as she has a parent-teacher meeting with Joe and Whitney Kelley. Whitney was the “bad girl” in high school and was Pris’s nemesis. Joe and Whitney’s niece is not doing well, and Pris will recommend repeating the grade. This does not go over well with the Kelleys, and Whitney, recently appointed school board president, says they will fight this decision. She also says she will cut funding for arts and special education, especially the use of dogs in reading programs.
Pris and Bailey head for the Blue Plate diner, which Pris’s Aunt Agatha owns. A short time later, Joe and Whitney enter, and Whitney engages Pris in an argument. During the argument, Whitney deliberately steps on Bailey’s tail, which causes him to lunge. Police Chief Martin also happens to be the diner and Whitney orders that he have the dog put down and Pris arrested for having a vicious dog.
The following morning, as Pris is walking Bailey in a local park, he breaks loose and ends up partially digging up the body of Whitney. Soon, Chelsea, Whitney’s sister, is accusing Pris of killing Whitney.
Even though Police Chief Martin isn’t making Pris nervous about being the prime suspect, she will start her own investigation into the death of Whitney. Pris will soon find several suspects.
This book is a beautiful start to a new series. The book is light-hearted and provided this reader with several chuckles. The story is well-written and plotted. The characters were well-developed and believable. The story is written, so I was with the various characters. I particularly enjoyed the time spent in The Big Tease, the local hair salon. The owner and the stylist were great characters. And Bailey was very adorable.
I can’t wait for the next book in this wonderful new series.
Priscilla(Pris) Cummings has decided, with her children’s book series Adventures of Bailey, Pet Detective based on her Bloodhound, Bailey, hit a Best Sellers list, she decides to buy a house in her hometown of Crosbyville, Indiana, has decided to quit teaching and turn to become a full-time author. Bailey is a trained therapy dog and often attends school with Pris; he frequently goes to the local library to have children read to him and demonstrate his tracking skills.
Pris is not looking forward to the last day of school as she has a parent-teacher meeting with Joe and Whitney Kelley. Whitney was the “bad girl” in high school and was Pris’s nemesis. Joe and Whitney’s niece is not doing well, and Pris will recommend repeating the grade. This does not go over well with the Kelleys, and Whitney, recently appointed school board president, says they will fight this decision. She also says she will cut funding for arts and special education, especially the use of dogs in reading programs.
Pris and Bailey head for the Blue Plate diner, which Pris’s Aunt Agatha owns. A short time later, Joe and Whitney enter, and Whitney engages Pris in an argument. During the argument, Whitney deliberately steps on Bailey’s tail, which causes him to lunge. Police Chief Martin also happens to be the diner and Whitney orders that he have the dog put down and Pris arrested for having a vicious dog.
The following morning, as Pris is walking Bailey in a local park, he breaks loose and ends up partially digging up the body of Whitney. Soon, Chelsea, Whitney’s sister, is accusing Pris of killing Whitney.
Even though Police Chief Martin isn’t making Pris nervous about being the prime suspect, she will start her own investigation into the death of Whitney. Pris will soon find several suspects.
This book is a beautiful start to a new series. The book is light-hearted and provided this reader with several chuckles. The story is well-written and plotted. The characters were well-developed and believable. The story is written, so I was with the various characters. I particularly enjoyed the time spent in The Big Tease, the local hair salon. The owner and the stylist were great characters. And Bailey was very adorable.
I can’t wait for the next book in this wonderful new series.
December 28, 2023
Sniffing Out Murder is the first book in the Bailey the Bloodhound mystery series. Pris, a children’s book author, and her dog, Bailey, help solve a murder. Pris and the deceased did not get along, so Pris is a suspect, but there is a long list of suspects.
A diverse group of characters in a quaint, small town. This is a delightful new cozy mystery series. Recommended for fans of cozies that have dogs as a main character.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A diverse group of characters in a quaint, small town. This is a delightful new cozy mystery series. Recommended for fans of cozies that have dogs as a main character.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2023
Good start to a new series. I thought this might turn out to be a talking dog mystery and I was so glad to find that it wasn’t; I love dogs but don’t want to know what they’re thinking. Pris and Bailey are loveable as are their friends and family. I particularly liked the relationship blossoming for her and can’t wait to see how that plays out. The mystery was well-paced and had enough clues to keep me guessing. I did figure it who the murderer was about halfway through but not why so it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story. Looking forward to their next adventure.
August 8, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Crime for the advanced review copy. All opinions in this review are my own and not affected by the giveaway.
Kallie E. Benjamin is a pseudonym for Valerie Burns/V.M. Burns
Priscilla, an elementary school teacher, is fed up with teaching. Fresh off the success of her first children's book The Adventures of Bailey the Bloodhood, she's eager to quit teaching and write full-time. First she has to deal with ONE last parent-teacher meeting, one that will have long-lasting consequences! When Pris informs high school mean girl Whitney Kelly and her husband, former heartthrob Joe's adopted daughter, Clarice, is failing and can't be promote, Whitney goes on a rampage, threatening, as a member of the school board, she will cut “frivolous spending” on the arts and social programs, including Pris and Bailey’s pet-assisted reading program! Then she steps on Bailey's tail, causing the massive Bloodhound to react, nearly getting him and Pris arrested. Fortunately, everyone knows what Whitney is like. Unfortunately someone decides to take things one step further and remove Whitney not just from Pris's aunt's diner but life, permanently. Bailey the Bloodhound detects Whitney's body buried in the flower beds in the park. Pris becomes the prime suspect with the hunky police chief and she's determined to ask around and figure out who else had a motive to kill Whitney. She'll be careful and take her findings to the police. Can she solve this one before she's arrested and win a date with her crush?
If I had known this was written by V.M. Burns, I probably would not have requested it. I have read a few of her books and her writing style just doesn't click with me. I appreciate how she, as a Black woman, writes about diverse characters. I liked the premise of the book a lot, but I found it really slow and the characters cartoonish. I kept putting it down and doing something else and returning later. I didn't care who killed Whitney. I thought I knew, then I changed my mind. I thought I was right the second time but there was a last minute twist I had only just put together. The body count was a little high for me and the villain too chilling for such a fluffy mystery. I also thought it was sad/darkish to have so many children with dead parents!
The cozy part comes in the form of small town charm in Indiana. The town is in Amish country but there's a variety of different types of people here. No one is judgmental about the others' lifestyles. There is a diverse array of people in this town. Both Pris and her BFF are mixed and there are other characters of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Pris's aunt runs the local diner and makes the best fried chicken in the world. Her pies sound yummy and she taught Pris how to cook. I was surprised and not too happy to read a reference to COVID, just in passing (post-COVID weight) but it jarred me and took me out of the idyllic cozy world. Bailey the Bloodhound is adorable! He's goofy at times but fiercely loyal to those who love him. He gives his love and loyalty in return but won't hesitate to protect his pack. I love that he's a working scent hound and does demonstrations at the library. He's a certified therapy pet and kids can practice reading to him. It's so sweet how Hannah comes out of her shell when she reads to Bailey. I've heard of this program and know they do it near me but as an adult, I can't very well say "I want to read and cuddle with the dog too!" I should have saved this book for next week when my furniece comes to stay. She likes it when I read and cuddle with her. (She's not as big as Bailey but she's also not a lap dog!)
Pris is an OK character. She's a great dog mom to Bailey, even if he doesn't always obey. I like the sound of her picture book and I would enjoy reading it. Pris is a little nosy, she has a teacher brain which must be similar to a librarian brain because she has to know everything. Like most cozy heroines, she gets nosy and starts sleuthing on her own. She doesn't get too nosy though and tries to share her news with the police and ask for advice. When she gets into trouble, it's not her fault. I don't like kids but I like how Pris nurtured and helped the two young girls in her care. . I think she's a great teacher and should stick with it. Kids need teachers like her who will stand up for them and help them to succeed. Unfortunately, with more and more parents like Whitney, teachers like Pris are quitting in droves because they can't win. The catalyst for suspecting Pris hits too close to real life right now.
Chief of Police Gilbert Morgan is a bit of a stick in the mud. He's new in town, from the big city and isn't used to small town ways. He's a widower with a small daughter, Hannah, who he adores. He's not a very good father though. He tries but his job is demanding and all Hannah wants is to be a family and spend time together. Maybe he should think about a new profession? He's ex-military and very by the book. Sparks fly between Gilbert and Pris and not always in a good way. He has a suspicious mind when it's obviously stupid to suspect Pris! Why would anyone kill someone and then go through the trouble of burying the body, getting their dog to dig it up and call it in? Gilbert also feels that he has to be impartial and can't be in a relationship with Pris or ANYONE from the town. Way to go about finding a new partner and mom for Hannah! Hannah is very precocious for 8. At first she's shy and reserved, being new in town. She's quiet and withdrawn at home too, no doubt missing her mom AND her often absent dad. She latches on to Bailey and he provides her with love, attention and the friendships she craves- even if most of those friends are adults. I know ZERO tweens who would enjoy watching videos of a 1970s show on YouTube. Schoolhouse Rock may have been cool back in the day but my nieces and nephews would laugh and scream at me if I chose to torture them like that. I've heard of it but I don't think I've seen it. It would have been dated and scream worthy in my day too.
Aunt Agatha raised Pris. She loves her niece and stands by Pris no matter what. She chooses family over business. I admire that. I don't like that Aunt Agatha comes rushing over with emotional guilt when Pris doesn't share news (gossip) with her or how she worries about Pris. The small town gossip grapevine runs through her diner and she apparently listens as avidly as everyone else. Aunt Agatha is good with Hannah but does spoil the girl. She is sort of Hannah's surrogate grandmother for now.
Pris's best friend Marcie, gorgeous, biracial Black and Asian, and artistic, is the complete opposite of Pris. Yet they get along well. Marcie is light and optimism. She's fun and pushes Pris to be a little more lively and less introverted. Marcie is also a teacher and good with kids, even the difficult ones.
Whitney Kelley was a grown up mean girl. She was a two-dimensional cardboard villain. Selfish, self-absorbed and into money and power, Whitney was so unlikable I didn't care who killed it. How can one person control the school board? What skeletons do they have in their closets she wants to rattle and who cares? She was a terrible wife and mother. She couldn't even get Clarice's name right! My heart breaks for Clarice. What court in their right minds would award custody to Whitney, who can't even remember the child's name? Whitney doesn't know or care what's best for Clarice! She only cares about money and power. What happens to her if Joe is convicted of murdering Whitney or if he doesn't want her, not being a blood relative. Will Chelsea be a better mom? Two new moms in such a short amount of time plus what happens in the end is enough to make this child "not ok"! She'll need some help healing from all that trauma.
Suspects include Lucas Harrison, the slimy realtor Pris and friends used to refer to as "octopus" in school. He's smarmy and doesn't respect women. Rumor has it he was having an affair with Whitney. DUH! I saw that coming a mile away and I put him at the top of my suspect list. It was either the lover or the husband. Joe Kelley is no prize either. The former high school heartthrob, I don't think his ego has been deflated. Whitney wanted him, Whitney got him and they're the ultimate power couple. Greed is good in their world. He seems a little more easy going than Whitney though, at least as far as Pris is concerned but he thinks he can charm Pris into agreeing to pass Clarice to the next grade. Yeah right! Rumor has it, he wasn't faithful to his marriage vows. DUH! These two were made for each other but that doesn't mean they have a happy marriage. He's a newly elected state senator and throws around his weight when he wants to. They're both horrid people.
The other top suspect in my mind, coming in at number 3, is Chelsea, Whitney's sister. Sure she claims to be angry and outraged over her sister's murder but she sure is quick to point the finger at Pris. A little too quick if you ask me. Chelsea is just as mean girl as her sister but not quite so selfish. She seems to have a heart whereas Whitney did not. For some reason though, Chelsea hates Pris and it goes beyond the murder. I think she is protesting too much.
Betty Wilson of The Big Tease, a vintage style hair salon, is a brassy, buxom blond. She loathed Whitney and was having an affair with Joe! Betty is loud and somewhat obnoxious and believes Pris did her a favor in killing Whitney, in spite of Pris's protests. Yet Betty knows all her customers by name, she has a good instinct for style and is generous to those she likes. I don't believe she wouldn't lie for Joe and make him lie for her. I hope the police checked those alibis because she had every reason to want Whitney dead.
Amelia Cooper Lawson, a descendant of the town founding family, is on the school board with Whitney. Amelia Cooper Lawson has personally funded the arts and language programs at the schools and Whitney believes that money would be better spent on math and science. Amelia Cooper Lawson sold her carriage house to Pris but left behind boxes of personal mementos and maybe more. She doesn't appear on page in a speaking part until late in the book. Pris fears the rest of the school board will be murdered and worries for Amelia Cooper Lawson but I'm not so sure she's the victim here. She certainly has a strong motive for removing Whitney!
Pitbull, aka Mark Alexander, is a potential love interest for Pris. He's an undercover cop who has enemies in the big city. He's come to this small town to work and get away from the danger. Mark is a military brother of Chief Morgan and the two seem to both have a thing for Pris. The way they act around her is like two dogs with one bone. Is is Pris or is it more than that? BIG spoiler ahead
Tabby, a stylist at Betty's salon, is a wizard with Black hair. She is a lot of fun even if she likes to gossip. She doesn't reveal anything that isn't common knowledge. I love how devoted she is to her partner, Carla. Carla is more sensible and less vivacious than Tabby but they make it work. Their romance is very sweet and inspirational. I think they will both be new friends for Pris.
I'm glad I gave it a chance but I won't be continuing with the series. While I didn't love this story, that doesn't mean I wouldn't recommend it. You don't have to take my word for it! Not every book is for every reader or every reader for every book.
Kallie E. Benjamin is a pseudonym for Valerie Burns/V.M. Burns
Priscilla, an elementary school teacher, is fed up with teaching. Fresh off the success of her first children's book The Adventures of Bailey the Bloodhood, she's eager to quit teaching and write full-time. First she has to deal with ONE last parent-teacher meeting, one that will have long-lasting consequences! When Pris informs high school mean girl Whitney Kelly and her husband, former heartthrob Joe's adopted daughter, Clarice, is failing and can't be promote, Whitney goes on a rampage, threatening, as a member of the school board, she will cut “frivolous spending” on the arts and social programs, including Pris and Bailey’s pet-assisted reading program! Then she steps on Bailey's tail, causing the massive Bloodhound to react, nearly getting him and Pris arrested. Fortunately, everyone knows what Whitney is like. Unfortunately someone decides to take things one step further and remove Whitney not just from Pris's aunt's diner but life, permanently. Bailey the Bloodhound detects Whitney's body buried in the flower beds in the park. Pris becomes the prime suspect with the hunky police chief and she's determined to ask around and figure out who else had a motive to kill Whitney. She'll be careful and take her findings to the police. Can she solve this one before she's arrested and win a date with her crush?
If I had known this was written by V.M. Burns, I probably would not have requested it. I have read a few of her books and her writing style just doesn't click with me. I appreciate how she, as a Black woman, writes about diverse characters. I liked the premise of the book a lot, but I found it really slow and the characters cartoonish. I kept putting it down and doing something else and returning later. I didn't care who killed Whitney. I thought I knew, then I changed my mind. I thought I was right the second time but there was a last minute twist I had only just put together. The body count was a little high for me and the villain too chilling for such a fluffy mystery. I also thought it was sad/darkish to have so many children with dead parents!
The cozy part comes in the form of small town charm in Indiana. The town is in Amish country but there's a variety of different types of people here. No one is judgmental about the others' lifestyles. There is a diverse array of people in this town. Both Pris and her BFF are mixed and there are other characters of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Pris's aunt runs the local diner and makes the best fried chicken in the world. Her pies sound yummy and she taught Pris how to cook. I was surprised and not too happy to read a reference to COVID, just in passing (post-COVID weight) but it jarred me and took me out of the idyllic cozy world. Bailey the Bloodhound is adorable! He's goofy at times but fiercely loyal to those who love him. He gives his love and loyalty in return but won't hesitate to protect his pack. I love that he's a working scent hound and does demonstrations at the library. He's a certified therapy pet and kids can practice reading to him. It's so sweet how Hannah comes out of her shell when she reads to Bailey. I've heard of this program and know they do it near me but as an adult, I can't very well say "I want to read and cuddle with the dog too!" I should have saved this book for next week when my furniece comes to stay. She likes it when I read and cuddle with her. (She's not as big as Bailey but she's also not a lap dog!)
Pris is an OK character. She's a great dog mom to Bailey, even if he doesn't always obey. I like the sound of her picture book and I would enjoy reading it. Pris is a little nosy, she has a teacher brain which must be similar to a librarian brain because she has to know everything. Like most cozy heroines, she gets nosy and starts sleuthing on her own. She doesn't get too nosy though and tries to share her news with the police and ask for advice. When she gets into trouble, it's not her fault. I don't like kids but I like how Pris nurtured and helped the two young girls in her care. . I think she's a great teacher and should stick with it. Kids need teachers like her who will stand up for them and help them to succeed. Unfortunately, with more and more parents like Whitney, teachers like Pris are quitting in droves because they can't win. The catalyst for suspecting Pris hits too close to real life right now.
Chief of Police Gilbert Morgan is a bit of a stick in the mud. He's new in town, from the big city and isn't used to small town ways. He's a widower with a small daughter, Hannah, who he adores. He's not a very good father though. He tries but his job is demanding and all Hannah wants is to be a family and spend time together. Maybe he should think about a new profession? He's ex-military and very by the book. Sparks fly between Gilbert and Pris and not always in a good way. He has a suspicious mind when it's obviously stupid to suspect Pris! Why would anyone kill someone and then go through the trouble of burying the body, getting their dog to dig it up and call it in? Gilbert also feels that he has to be impartial and can't be in a relationship with Pris or ANYONE from the town. Way to go about finding a new partner and mom for Hannah! Hannah is very precocious for 8. At first she's shy and reserved, being new in town. She's quiet and withdrawn at home too, no doubt missing her mom AND her often absent dad. She latches on to Bailey and he provides her with love, attention and the friendships she craves- even if most of those friends are adults. I know ZERO tweens who would enjoy watching videos of a 1970s show on YouTube. Schoolhouse Rock may have been cool back in the day but my nieces and nephews would laugh and scream at me if I chose to torture them like that. I've heard of it but I don't think I've seen it. It would have been dated and scream worthy in my day too.
Aunt Agatha raised Pris. She loves her niece and stands by Pris no matter what. She chooses family over business. I admire that. I don't like that Aunt Agatha comes rushing over with emotional guilt when Pris doesn't share news (gossip) with her or how she worries about Pris. The small town gossip grapevine runs through her diner and she apparently listens as avidly as everyone else. Aunt Agatha is good with Hannah but does spoil the girl. She is sort of Hannah's surrogate grandmother for now.
Pris's best friend Marcie, gorgeous, biracial Black and Asian, and artistic, is the complete opposite of Pris. Yet they get along well. Marcie is light and optimism. She's fun and pushes Pris to be a little more lively and less introverted. Marcie is also a teacher and good with kids, even the difficult ones.
Whitney Kelley was a grown up mean girl. She was a two-dimensional cardboard villain. Selfish, self-absorbed and into money and power, Whitney was so unlikable I didn't care who killed it. How can one person control the school board? What skeletons do they have in their closets she wants to rattle and who cares? She was a terrible wife and mother. She couldn't even get Clarice's name right! My heart breaks for Clarice. What court in their right minds would award custody to Whitney, who can't even remember the child's name? Whitney doesn't know or care what's best for Clarice! She only cares about money and power. What happens to her if Joe is convicted of murdering Whitney or if he doesn't want her, not being a blood relative. Will Chelsea be a better mom? Two new moms in such a short amount of time plus what happens in the end is enough to make this child "not ok"! She'll need some help healing from all that trauma.
Suspects include Lucas Harrison, the slimy realtor Pris and friends used to refer to as "octopus" in school. He's smarmy and doesn't respect women. Rumor has it he was having an affair with Whitney. DUH! I saw that coming a mile away and I put him at the top of my suspect list. It was either the lover or the husband. Joe Kelley is no prize either. The former high school heartthrob, I don't think his ego has been deflated. Whitney wanted him, Whitney got him and they're the ultimate power couple. Greed is good in their world. He seems a little more easy going than Whitney though, at least as far as Pris is concerned but he thinks he can charm Pris into agreeing to pass Clarice to the next grade. Yeah right! Rumor has it, he wasn't faithful to his marriage vows. DUH! These two were made for each other but that doesn't mean they have a happy marriage. He's a newly elected state senator and throws around his weight when he wants to. They're both horrid people.
The other top suspect in my mind, coming in at number 3, is Chelsea, Whitney's sister. Sure she claims to be angry and outraged over her sister's murder but she sure is quick to point the finger at Pris. A little too quick if you ask me. Chelsea is just as mean girl as her sister but not quite so selfish. She seems to have a heart whereas Whitney did not. For some reason though, Chelsea hates Pris and it goes beyond the murder. I think she is protesting too much.
Betty Wilson of The Big Tease, a vintage style hair salon, is a brassy, buxom blond. She loathed Whitney and was having an affair with Joe! Betty is loud and somewhat obnoxious and believes Pris did her a favor in killing Whitney, in spite of Pris's protests. Yet Betty knows all her customers by name, she has a good instinct for style and is generous to those she likes. I don't believe she wouldn't lie for Joe and make him lie for her. I hope the police checked those alibis because she had every reason to want Whitney dead.
Amelia Cooper Lawson, a descendant of the town founding family, is on the school board with Whitney. Amelia Cooper Lawson has personally funded the arts and language programs at the schools and Whitney believes that money would be better spent on math and science. Amelia Cooper Lawson sold her carriage house to Pris but left behind boxes of personal mementos and maybe more. She doesn't appear on page in a speaking part until late in the book. Pris fears the rest of the school board will be murdered and worries for Amelia Cooper Lawson but I'm not so sure she's the victim here. She certainly has a strong motive for removing Whitney!
Pitbull, aka Mark Alexander, is a potential love interest for Pris. He's an undercover cop who has enemies in the big city. He's come to this small town to work and get away from the danger. Mark is a military brother of Chief Morgan and the two seem to both have a thing for Pris. The way they act around her is like two dogs with one bone. Is is Pris or is it more than that? BIG spoiler ahead
Tabby, a stylist at Betty's salon, is a wizard with Black hair. She is a lot of fun even if she likes to gossip. She doesn't reveal anything that isn't common knowledge. I love how devoted she is to her partner, Carla. Carla is more sensible and less vivacious than Tabby but they make it work. Their romance is very sweet and inspirational. I think they will both be new friends for Pris.
I'm glad I gave it a chance but I won't be continuing with the series. While I didn't love this story, that doesn't mean I wouldn't recommend it. You don't have to take my word for it! Not every book is for every reader or every reader for every book.
December 16, 2023
Dollycas's Thoughts
Priscilla Cummings has found success as an author with her first children's book, The Case of the Missing Maltese, an Adventures of Bailey the Bloodhound, Pet Detective story. So successful that she is giving up her career as a teacher. She has saved what she knows is going to be the hardest parent-teacher conference as the last thing to do before she leaves the school as a member of the staff. Joe and Whitney Kelly's adopted daughter, Clarice is very smart but hasn't applied herself and Pris believes she needs to be held back. The parents blame her as a teacher and her bloodhound who is part of a reading program at the school for distracting their daughter.
Later Pris and Bailey go to the Blue Plate Special Cafe owned by her aunt Agatha for some chowder and a BLT without the T but plenty of B. Her meal is ruined when the Kelly's make an appearance and cause trouble. Whitney vows to use her position as chairwoman of the school board to ruin Pris and cancel the reading program along with the art and music classes, calling them unneeded "fluff". Pris attempts to tell her how important these programs are and they have a minor argument that gets blown all out of proportion when the new Chief of Police Gilbert Morgan walks in with his daughter. Not everyone saw what Whitney did to start the chaos but the drama queen acted all innocent trying to blame Pris and her dog.
Pris then finds herself in the hot seat when an early morning walk has Bailey the Bloodhound sniffing out a murder, and digging up the body of none other than Whitney Kelly.
______
Prepare to have your heart stolen by Bailey the Bloodhound. It is a stubborn breed especially when they catch a scent. Nose to the ground the hound is at work but when he is ready to play he is a gentle 100-pound giant with a whole lot of drool. A loyal inquisitive dog he always seems to be ready for his next adventure. His person Pricilla, was inspired by him to not only write stories featuring him but she also started a pet-assisted reading program letting children read to Bailey. She also takes him to library, to show off his special skills. She is inquisitive herself which comes in handy to do a little amateur sleuthing. Her Aunt Agatha has her back no matter what and I loved that. Her best friend, Marcie, is also a teacher and a lot of fun. I was not a fan of Chief of Police Gilbert Morgan until I got to know some of his backstory and his delightful daughter Hannah. He is a by-the-books kind of guy from Chicago so he needs to find his place and understand the ways of small-town life. I enjoyed meeting all these characters and like that even for the first book in a series, they have depth.
Set in the small town of Crosbyville, Indiana, we meet several of its residents that are all tied in different ways to what is happening in the story. The cast is very diverse and typical of what you would find in any midwestern small town. The good, the bad, and sometimes the creepy or entitled. I hope to see the good ones in future stories.
Ms. Benjamin sets a brisk pace with short chapters and she plotted out a sharp mystery. Pris is on the suspect list but there are several other viable suspects. Whitney Kelly was an awful person and had made some enemies. I was suspicious of all of them. As Pris investigated she did put a target on her own back but then clues for me started to fall into place. One character stood out but I wasn't sure about their motive until it was all spelled out. The killer did make a big mistake when they tried to get rid of some loose ends. The showdown was tense. A unique lesson came into play and some high school talents saved the day. I absolutely loved the way the ending played out.
Sniffing Out Murder is a delightful lighthearted mystery with appealing characters and a sweet adorable bloodhound. I am excited to see what Ms. Benjamin has planned for her characters next and what kind of trouble Bailey's sniffer finds.
Priscilla Cummings has found success as an author with her first children's book, The Case of the Missing Maltese, an Adventures of Bailey the Bloodhound, Pet Detective story. So successful that she is giving up her career as a teacher. She has saved what she knows is going to be the hardest parent-teacher conference as the last thing to do before she leaves the school as a member of the staff. Joe and Whitney Kelly's adopted daughter, Clarice is very smart but hasn't applied herself and Pris believes she needs to be held back. The parents blame her as a teacher and her bloodhound who is part of a reading program at the school for distracting their daughter.
Later Pris and Bailey go to the Blue Plate Special Cafe owned by her aunt Agatha for some chowder and a BLT without the T but plenty of B. Her meal is ruined when the Kelly's make an appearance and cause trouble. Whitney vows to use her position as chairwoman of the school board to ruin Pris and cancel the reading program along with the art and music classes, calling them unneeded "fluff". Pris attempts to tell her how important these programs are and they have a minor argument that gets blown all out of proportion when the new Chief of Police Gilbert Morgan walks in with his daughter. Not everyone saw what Whitney did to start the chaos but the drama queen acted all innocent trying to blame Pris and her dog.
Pris then finds herself in the hot seat when an early morning walk has Bailey the Bloodhound sniffing out a murder, and digging up the body of none other than Whitney Kelly.
______
Prepare to have your heart stolen by Bailey the Bloodhound. It is a stubborn breed especially when they catch a scent. Nose to the ground the hound is at work but when he is ready to play he is a gentle 100-pound giant with a whole lot of drool. A loyal inquisitive dog he always seems to be ready for his next adventure. His person Pricilla, was inspired by him to not only write stories featuring him but she also started a pet-assisted reading program letting children read to Bailey. She also takes him to library, to show off his special skills. She is inquisitive herself which comes in handy to do a little amateur sleuthing. Her Aunt Agatha has her back no matter what and I loved that. Her best friend, Marcie, is also a teacher and a lot of fun. I was not a fan of Chief of Police Gilbert Morgan until I got to know some of his backstory and his delightful daughter Hannah. He is a by-the-books kind of guy from Chicago so he needs to find his place and understand the ways of small-town life. I enjoyed meeting all these characters and like that even for the first book in a series, they have depth.
Set in the small town of Crosbyville, Indiana, we meet several of its residents that are all tied in different ways to what is happening in the story. The cast is very diverse and typical of what you would find in any midwestern small town. The good, the bad, and sometimes the creepy or entitled. I hope to see the good ones in future stories.
Ms. Benjamin sets a brisk pace with short chapters and she plotted out a sharp mystery. Pris is on the suspect list but there are several other viable suspects. Whitney Kelly was an awful person and had made some enemies. I was suspicious of all of them. As Pris investigated she did put a target on her own back but then clues for me started to fall into place. One character stood out but I wasn't sure about their motive until it was all spelled out. The killer did make a big mistake when they tried to get rid of some loose ends. The showdown was tense. A unique lesson came into play and some high school talents saved the day. I absolutely loved the way the ending played out.
Sniffing Out Murder is a delightful lighthearted mystery with appealing characters and a sweet adorable bloodhound. I am excited to see what Ms. Benjamin has planned for her characters next and what kind of trouble Bailey's sniffer finds.
July 25, 2023
Lovely new series whose main characters are a bloodhound who majors in pet assisted reading programs and his person/librarian who has added children's book author to her resume.
The publisher's blurb is great so no need to repeat it or do the spoiler thing. I love the characters, humor, small town interactions, and simply the whole book. The mystery is well done with many surprises and an astounding twist at the end.
I requested and received an EARC from Berkley Publishing group via NetGalley. Thank you!
The publisher's blurb is great so no need to repeat it or do the spoiler thing. I love the characters, humor, small town interactions, and simply the whole book. The mystery is well done with many surprises and an astounding twist at the end.
I requested and received an EARC from Berkley Publishing group via NetGalley. Thank you!
December 4, 2023
Sniffing Out Murder by Kallie E. Benjamin is the debut of A Bailey the Bloodhound Mysteries. I had trouble getting through Sniffing Out Murder. Pris is an insecure woman. She cares a great deal about what other people think about her. When Pris is embarrassed, she blushes (which happens frequently). Anger has Pris’s face and neck flushing red (again, it is a frequent occurrence). Pris is also clumsy. I wish the description of Pris had been more complete. I am guessing that she is fair skinned based on the obvious blushing (we know her sweet aunt is dark skinned). I do not understand why Pris has had hair trouble all her life. I would have expected her aunt to have filled Pris in or take her to a beauty shop. I like that the story features a diverse cast of characters. Unfortunately, the story is also filled with several unlikeable characters (it made a person wish for a serial killer to hit town). The mystery was simple. The killer can easily be identified (as subtle as a wrecking ball). Pris spends little time sleuthing. She does gather gossip and passes it along to the police. Bailey is good at sniffing out clues. The case is neatly wrapped up at the end. There were some aspects of the mystery that were not suitable for a cozy mystery. I found there to be way too much romance in the story. It overshadowed the mystery. I was not a fan of Pris’s dating style. I felt there was too much repetition (I got it the first time). Pris’ Bailey mystery sounded cute. However, in one part it sounds like it is aimed at middle school children (a chapter book), but some of the descriptions make it sound like a picture book. I did tire of her thinking about writing. I wanted her to just get on with it. I liked Tabby, the beautician who gives Pris a new hair style and teaches her how to care for her hair. The best part of Sniffing Out Murder is Bailey, Pris’ goofy yet lovable bloodhound. While Sniffing Out Murder was not for me, I suggest you download a sample to see if it suits you. Sniffing Out Murder is a playful tale with unruly hair, a dead woman in a maze, writing troubles, a lovable aunt, pet reading program, dating dilemma, and a lovable bloodhound.
June 23, 2023
Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of SNIFFING OUT MURDER (Book 1 of the Bailey the Bloodhound Mysteries) by Kallie E. Benjamin in exchange for an honest review. After Priscilla’s first children’s book became a best-seller, she decided to resign her teaching position. If only Priscilla didn’t have writer’s block, she wouldn’t be stressing out about affording the house she just made plans to buy, the groceries she had her doggy sidekick, Bailey, will need to eat, and paying all the other bills and expenses necessary to life. After one last fraught parent-teacher conference, Pris thinks dealing with her students and their parents is a thing of the past, but one of the nastier parents picks a public fight with Pris and her pup in front of the new sheriff, and Pris is really embarrassed. When a morning walk through the park leads Bailey to uncover that parent’s body in the begonia bed, Pris is now a suspect. Can Pris and Bailey sniff out the real killer before Pris is sent off to the kennel?
I liked this book. I thought it was a great start to a new series. I look forward to future books by this author. I recommend this book to fans of cozy murder mysteries featuring stressed-out authors, bloodhound super sniffers, and adult women who are too old to still be acting like teenaged mean girls.
#SniffingOutMurder #NetGalley
I liked this book. I thought it was a great start to a new series. I look forward to future books by this author. I recommend this book to fans of cozy murder mysteries featuring stressed-out authors, bloodhound super sniffers, and adult women who are too old to still be acting like teenaged mean girls.
#SniffingOutMurder #NetGalley
May 6, 2025
This series debut checks all the boxes for a perfect cozy mystery! A well-written and tightly plotted mystery with fantastic characters and touch of romance made for a super fun read. I highly recommend to cozy mystery lovers. Bonus points for Bailey, the adorable Bloodhound. I can't wait for the release of book two, Hounding a Killer. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 21, 2023
I always love this author’s books, no matter what name she’s writing under, and I especially love how she writes dogs. So I was very excited to dive into this first book in a new series about Bailey the Bloodhound and his human, Priscilla. Bailey is such a fun dog with expressive reactions, a protective spirit when needed, a nose for clues, and a gentle patience with children. The scenes with Chief Morgan’s daughter, Hannah, finally reading with confidence while snuggled up with Bailey are so precious and heartwarming!
Priscilla is very likable as a protagonist, and I enjoyed her personality as well as her new career path as a children’s book author. Her take on teaching these days (what she had been doing) is totally accurate, but I also appreciated that she was still going to be involved in the pet-assisted reading program. I didn’t know there was such a thing but I LOVE IT! Her BFF Marcie and Aunt Agatha are the perfect support network for her, and they had me chuckling out loud more than once. And then there is Chief Gil Morgan (aforementioned father of Hannah) – he’s handsome and muscular and smart and kind…. and his chemistry with Pris is off the charts. I loved the sparks between them, and I look forward to seeing their relationship progress in future books.
The mystery was full of suspects – and a vicitim – that were truly loathsome people, so I almost hate that not all of them were behind it haha! I had my suspicions about the culprit(s) early on but couldn’t put my figure on why … just a gut reaction … and while I was ultimately proven right, I definitely wasn’t confident in my answer until it was actually revealed. The author skillfully weaves clues among the red herrings and a couple of surprising twists, and it’s just a lot of fun hanging out with Pris as she tries to figure out whodunit and why.
Bottom Line: A new cozy mystery (and pseudonym) by one of my fave authors – with a relatable protagonist, a great dog (who has a fantastic personality), and a clever plot? Yes please! The combo of Pris and Bailey is lots of fun, and the supporting cast is equally so. I particularly enjoyed BFF Marcie and Aunt Agatha as well as their relationships with Pris – and of course I loved swoony Gil and his endearing daughter Hannah. The murder victim is a character you’ll love to hate so there’s no shortage of suspects, a fact that keeps Pris and Bailey — and readers — on their toes!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Reviewer’s Note: Followers of my reviews may want to be aware that there is a same-sex relationship – as tertiary characters – in this story.
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Priscilla is very likable as a protagonist, and I enjoyed her personality as well as her new career path as a children’s book author. Her take on teaching these days (what she had been doing) is totally accurate, but I also appreciated that she was still going to be involved in the pet-assisted reading program. I didn’t know there was such a thing but I LOVE IT! Her BFF Marcie and Aunt Agatha are the perfect support network for her, and they had me chuckling out loud more than once. And then there is Chief Gil Morgan (aforementioned father of Hannah) – he’s handsome and muscular and smart and kind…. and his chemistry with Pris is off the charts. I loved the sparks between them, and I look forward to seeing their relationship progress in future books.
The mystery was full of suspects – and a vicitim – that were truly loathsome people, so I almost hate that not all of them were behind it haha! I had my suspicions about the culprit(s) early on but couldn’t put my figure on why … just a gut reaction … and while I was ultimately proven right, I definitely wasn’t confident in my answer until it was actually revealed. The author skillfully weaves clues among the red herrings and a couple of surprising twists, and it’s just a lot of fun hanging out with Pris as she tries to figure out whodunit and why.
Bottom Line: A new cozy mystery (and pseudonym) by one of my fave authors – with a relatable protagonist, a great dog (who has a fantastic personality), and a clever plot? Yes please! The combo of Pris and Bailey is lots of fun, and the supporting cast is equally so. I particularly enjoyed BFF Marcie and Aunt Agatha as well as their relationships with Pris – and of course I loved swoony Gil and his endearing daughter Hannah. The murder victim is a character you’ll love to hate so there’s no shortage of suspects, a fact that keeps Pris and Bailey — and readers — on their toes!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Reviewer’s Note: Followers of my reviews may want to be aware that there is a same-sex relationship – as tertiary characters – in this story.
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
December 11, 2023
There was so much to like about this new series. I like Priscilla, Pris, Cummings. She is a good main character and her posse, her friend Marcie, her Aunt Agatha and of course her furry roommate and muse Bailey are wonderful additions. Pris, who has just published her first children's book successfully, decides to leave her job as an elementary school teacher and devote herself to writing full time. Her last act as a teacher is a parent teacher conference with her old high school nemesis Whitney and her husband over their adopted daughter. When she gives advice that Whitney finds embarrassing, she not only says no to the plan but as a newly appointed member of the Board of Education, threatens to cancel the Arts programs including Pris' program with her bloodhound Bailey, the pet-assisted reading program. When Bailey diggs up Whitney's body in the park the next morning all heck breaks lose. What follows is an interesting ride where even when Pris decides to try and stay uninvolved she keeps getting dragged back. I only have a couple quibbles with this book, want more about the fascinating Carriage House Pris has moved into and she actually never works on her writing, which is a pet peeve of mine! To be fair the book does take place over a fairly short timeline or maybe I am just spoiled by Ms Burns bookstore series. Definitely looking forward to the next in the series.
December 30, 2023
Pris is frustrated to discover that newly elected school board trustee Whitney Kelley a former high school mean girl is intent on making Crosbyville more competitive by eliminating “frivolous spending” on the arts and social programs, including Pris and Bailey’s beloved pet-assisted reading program. A minor altercation between them isn’t anything unusual, but after Bailey sniffs out Whitney’s body in a bed of begonias, locals start hounding Pris and Bailey as suspects for the crime.With Bailey’s sharp senses and Pris’s hometown know-how, can they prove to the community that they’re all barking up the wrong tree?
This is a good mystery. Bailey can sniff out anything and Pris is just inquisitive enough to be on the lookout for a murderer. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
This is a good mystery. Bailey can sniff out anything and Pris is just inquisitive enough to be on the lookout for a murderer. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
March 5, 2024
Former teacher Priscilla has given up her steady paycheck to write children's books starring her lovable bloodhound Bailey, but she's still a target for mean-girl-grown-up Whitney, who wants all arts programming out of the local schools. When Bailey finds the newly-buried Whitney in the local park, Priss is afraid ahat she's the number one suspect. But handsome new police chief Gilbert Morgan doesn't think so, and not only because Priss has been kind to his daughter, still reeling from her mother's death. Priss keeps promising that she'll stay out of the investigation, but she also keeps reminding herself that she knows and understands the small-town ways that Chicago-raised Gilbert does not get. With the help of some staunch friends, and Bailey, of course, Priss manages to corral the murderer. Solid series debut.
December 19, 2023
Sniffing Out Murder by Kallie E. Benjamin [Valerie Burns]
Bailey the Bloodhound Mystery #1
8h 51m narrated by Dara Brown, 352 pages
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Featuring: Children's Author, Bloodhound, Teacher, Therapy Dog, Indiana, Amish Country, School, Restaurant, Family, Hot Cops, Kids, Small-Town Drama, Food, Dog Slobber
Rating as a movie: PG-13
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½🐶
My thoughts: I spent the day with this book and it was very good. I knew who the killer was halfway through I just didn't know why. I was a bit confused with her interchangeable use of Gilbert and Morgan in the same paragraph but other than that it was great. I'm looking forward to the next book.
Recommend to others: Yes. This is a refreshing new series.
Bailey the Bloodhound Mystery
1. Sniffing Out Murder (2023)
Bailey the Bloodhound Mystery #1
8h 51m narrated by Dara Brown, 352 pages
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Featuring: Children's Author, Bloodhound, Teacher, Therapy Dog, Indiana, Amish Country, School, Restaurant, Family, Hot Cops, Kids, Small-Town Drama, Food, Dog Slobber
Rating as a movie: PG-13
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½🐶
My thoughts: I spent the day with this book and it was very good. I knew who the killer was halfway through I just didn't know why. I was a bit confused with her interchangeable use of Gilbert and Morgan in the same paragraph but other than that it was great. I'm looking forward to the next book.
Recommend to others: Yes. This is a refreshing new series.
Bailey the Bloodhound Mystery
1. Sniffing Out Murder (2023)
June 13, 2025
I loved this book! I was not planning to read it, it was a last minute substitution for a challenge when I realized I had already read the book I picked out. I’m so glad it worked out this way. This was a super fast read which was much appreciated this week. I liked the characters and the story and was very proud of myself for coming up with the culprit. The next one’s already on my TBR.
December 15, 2023
I am a huge fan of this author (she also writes wonderful cozy mystery series as Valerie Burns/V. M. Burns) and I've always had a soft spot for bloodhounds so I was very excited to read this new series. It did not disappoint. I adore Bailey! The descriptions of his ornery (and breed-accurate) behavior are laugh-out-loud hysterical. Priscilla is a wonderful and sympathetic amateur sleuth. Her romantic side plot provides all the tingles without creating a distraction from the primary puzzle. Speaking of the central mystery plot, I did not guess whodunnit until Bailey alerted me to the culprit. I'm looking forward to more books in this series.
April 9, 2024
Well this book was a delight! The characters were wonderful and Pris is someone I would love to be friends with. It felt super cozy and her hound Bailey made that even more so. There were a lot of different elements going on; the MC is starting her full time writing career and interested in this murder and dipping her toe into romance?? Also meeting new people and possibly making new friends. It was a classic cozy mystery with characters that I can't wait to see again!
Also, I listened to the audiobook and LOVED it!
Also, I listened to the audiobook and LOVED it!
June 24, 2024
True my enjoyed this mystery.
January 3, 2026
She is way too focused on her and everyone else’s weight, it’s non stop.
August 17, 2023
This is the first book I have read by this author. I really enjoyed it. The characters are well written with an interesting mystery. I am looking forward to the next book.
May 16, 2024
I really enjoyed the mystery aspect of this book and the budding romance. However, the authors choice to have the main character mention her weight, trying to lose weight, and such ideas MANY times and in moments where it was completely unnecessary was off putting. In the year of our lord 2024 we are not doing that anymore. Because of that I had to take one star off what would have been a solidly 4 star book. All that to say I will read a sequel if there is one to see what happens to the characters!
June 10, 2024
This book just screams of the talent that VM Burns has as a writer....
It has all the elements I don't care for in a cozy:
love triangle
mean girl trope
diet talk/restricted calories
beautiful girl MC that isn't aware of it but every man hits on her
cop romance
BUT... IT WORKED IN THIS... the story was so good, I adored Bailey the Bloodhound, I loved the MC Pris, her struggles as a teacher and reasons for leaving.. PREACH.
Her BFF, her aunt, the community, everything!!
I loved the diversity in this book, yes small town but still had representation of all sort of people. She's a children's book author, which there wasn't much of her writing and that process in it, but I still loved it.. and wait also the food descriptions... her Auntie Agatha can throw down some groceries.. I am going to need that lemon blueberry bread recipe..
The main character is adorable yet relatable, the romance is sweet and heart felt, (although a little speedy, but I'll let that slide... that means the triangle was broken quickly...
I just adored this book, I so hope there is more to this series.
5 big shining stars! Thank you Kallie E. Benjamin... AKA VM Burns for this treasure!
It has all the elements I don't care for in a cozy:
love triangle
mean girl trope
diet talk/restricted calories
beautiful girl MC that isn't aware of it but every man hits on her
cop romance
BUT... IT WORKED IN THIS... the story was so good, I adored Bailey the Bloodhound, I loved the MC Pris, her struggles as a teacher and reasons for leaving.. PREACH.
Her BFF, her aunt, the community, everything!!
I loved the diversity in this book, yes small town but still had representation of all sort of people. She's a children's book author, which there wasn't much of her writing and that process in it, but I still loved it.. and wait also the food descriptions... her Auntie Agatha can throw down some groceries.. I am going to need that lemon blueberry bread recipe..
The main character is adorable yet relatable, the romance is sweet and heart felt, (although a little speedy, but I'll let that slide... that means the triangle was broken quickly...
I just adored this book, I so hope there is more to this series.
5 big shining stars! Thank you Kallie E. Benjamin... AKA VM Burns for this treasure!
February 10, 2024
SNIFFING OUT MURDER by Kallie E. Benjamin is the first book in the A Bailey The Bloodhound Mystery Series. It’s the wonderfully written story that introduces us to the diverse people of Crosbyville - like Priscilla “Pris” Cummings – former school teacher and now full-time author, her three-year-old bloodhound Bailey, who helps comfort children and sniffed out a dead body, and Chief of Police Gilbert Morgan, who isn’t quite sure how to take Pris as she continues to grow on him.
Pris knew that her true calling was to be an author – especially after the fabulous success of her first book BAILEY THE BLOODHOUND, PET DETECTIVE, where she used her own bloodhound for great reference material. She’s happy to leave her full-time job as a teacher, especially after her last day teacher/parent conference with Whitney (hateful child from her past and now a hateful woman in the present) and Joe Kelley over their adopted daughter Clarice. She’s now free to write the next book in the series, which she agreed to write within the next 30 days. She’s buying her first home – the Josiah Cooper (first major of the town) carriage house – from Amelia Cooper Lawson. She’s also looking for the man in her life that - as Tabby, her beautician - said, should make her “liver quiver and her toes to curl in her shoes”. Maybe a new hairdo, a date with a man nicknamed Pitbull, and remembering a most important quote by Eleanor Roosevelt – “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent”, maybe her life is headed in the right direction. Finding dead bodies, trying to clear her name or putting her life in danger was NOT on her agenda!
Gilbert is doing the best he can in raising Hannah, after the death of his wife. Part of that is earning a living in a job he loves. While that includes murder cases, it does not include civilians getting involved in his investigations. He knows that he cannot allow her any involvement in the case or allow any attraction to her to interfere with his job, which has him coming off as rigid or hateful at times. With his daughter enjoying spending time with Pris, when she offers to help when sitter problems arise, isn’t helping things either. He is grateful for the tips she’s been able to over hear or that come from loose lips that won’t talk that freeing to an officer of the law and her help with information about town events of the past that might connect to the case, but he’s worried about her safety if she tips off the wrong person about what she’s doing while questioning folks. It’s also gotten under his skin seeing Pitbull around Pris. Although he was in the military with him when he went by Mark Alexander and had a high regard towards him, he’s changed and there’s been some bad things so down, including his discharge from the police force. Are his uneasy feelings with the situation because of recent past history or jealousy?
Pris loves interacting with Hannah, she just wished that included the time her dad joined them, without the underlying murder investigation. With Whitney dead and her sister Chelsea shot, leaving Clarice needing a place to live, it only seemed natural for Pris to offer to take care of her. Thankfully she has help from her Aunt Agatha and Marcie, her best friend since childhood. With her plate full now with helping with both Hannah and Clarice, plus trying to clear her name in this murder investigation, will she be able to meet the deadline she set for herself on the next BAILEY THE BLOODHOUND, PET DETECTIVE series? When it is evident that Pitbull is more of a friend that boyfriend, what will be her next move? Is it possible to have your liver quiver even without a kiss? Will figuring out all the pieces to the puzzle, including hidden clues that Bailey digs up, have danger entering her home uninvited? Bailey may be a bloodhound, but he’s also a great protector of those he loves. Can Gilbert and the police force arrive in time or will it be a matter of four against one and taking things into their own hands?
SNIFFING OUT MURDER is a fabulous cozy mystery that will grab you from the first page as you fall in love with the town and the characters. Kallie E. Benjamin has a way of blending events of the past with those of the present making it all run smoothly as you quickly turn the pages trying to figure out whodunit. Bailey is a great big loveable pooch you just want to cuddle with and give him lots of treats. SNIFFING OUT MURDER is most definitely a FIVE STAR book that I recommend to everyone! I’m excited about this new series and can wait to see where the next book in the series takes us and who all will be involved in it. I’ll be needing some more Bailey for sure!
I receive a copy of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#SniffedOutMurder #ABaileyTheBloodhoundMysterySeries #KallieEBenjamin #cozymystery
Pris knew that her true calling was to be an author – especially after the fabulous success of her first book BAILEY THE BLOODHOUND, PET DETECTIVE, where she used her own bloodhound for great reference material. She’s happy to leave her full-time job as a teacher, especially after her last day teacher/parent conference with Whitney (hateful child from her past and now a hateful woman in the present) and Joe Kelley over their adopted daughter Clarice. She’s now free to write the next book in the series, which she agreed to write within the next 30 days. She’s buying her first home – the Josiah Cooper (first major of the town) carriage house – from Amelia Cooper Lawson. She’s also looking for the man in her life that - as Tabby, her beautician - said, should make her “liver quiver and her toes to curl in her shoes”. Maybe a new hairdo, a date with a man nicknamed Pitbull, and remembering a most important quote by Eleanor Roosevelt – “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent”, maybe her life is headed in the right direction. Finding dead bodies, trying to clear her name or putting her life in danger was NOT on her agenda!
Gilbert is doing the best he can in raising Hannah, after the death of his wife. Part of that is earning a living in a job he loves. While that includes murder cases, it does not include civilians getting involved in his investigations. He knows that he cannot allow her any involvement in the case or allow any attraction to her to interfere with his job, which has him coming off as rigid or hateful at times. With his daughter enjoying spending time with Pris, when she offers to help when sitter problems arise, isn’t helping things either. He is grateful for the tips she’s been able to over hear or that come from loose lips that won’t talk that freeing to an officer of the law and her help with information about town events of the past that might connect to the case, but he’s worried about her safety if she tips off the wrong person about what she’s doing while questioning folks. It’s also gotten under his skin seeing Pitbull around Pris. Although he was in the military with him when he went by Mark Alexander and had a high regard towards him, he’s changed and there’s been some bad things so down, including his discharge from the police force. Are his uneasy feelings with the situation because of recent past history or jealousy?
Pris loves interacting with Hannah, she just wished that included the time her dad joined them, without the underlying murder investigation. With Whitney dead and her sister Chelsea shot, leaving Clarice needing a place to live, it only seemed natural for Pris to offer to take care of her. Thankfully she has help from her Aunt Agatha and Marcie, her best friend since childhood. With her plate full now with helping with both Hannah and Clarice, plus trying to clear her name in this murder investigation, will she be able to meet the deadline she set for herself on the next BAILEY THE BLOODHOUND, PET DETECTIVE series? When it is evident that Pitbull is more of a friend that boyfriend, what will be her next move? Is it possible to have your liver quiver even without a kiss? Will figuring out all the pieces to the puzzle, including hidden clues that Bailey digs up, have danger entering her home uninvited? Bailey may be a bloodhound, but he’s also a great protector of those he loves. Can Gilbert and the police force arrive in time or will it be a matter of four against one and taking things into their own hands?
SNIFFING OUT MURDER is a fabulous cozy mystery that will grab you from the first page as you fall in love with the town and the characters. Kallie E. Benjamin has a way of blending events of the past with those of the present making it all run smoothly as you quickly turn the pages trying to figure out whodunit. Bailey is a great big loveable pooch you just want to cuddle with and give him lots of treats. SNIFFING OUT MURDER is most definitely a FIVE STAR book that I recommend to everyone! I’m excited about this new series and can wait to see where the next book in the series takes us and who all will be involved in it. I’ll be needing some more Bailey for sure!
I receive a copy of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#SniffedOutMurder #ABaileyTheBloodhoundMysterySeries #KallieEBenjamin #cozymystery
November 13, 2024
This review is too long and probably not that helpful so I’m not going to spend a lot of time organizing the paragraphs.
The main character and her best friend are both mixed race. There were other strong non-white people. The main character also was really good at sports (although it didn’t make a whole lot of sense for a fat short girl being on the softball team that was second in the state. But I guess Babe Ruth was overweight.) She likes a guy because he seemed slightly dangerous. The supporting chats are likable enough, not particularly unusual but they were nice.
There was way too much information. An hour and a half in, we’d learned the history of the town, all about her new house, the culture and topography of the area, etc. This went on throughout the story. It was so involved, I wonder if it’s either a real city or based on one. It sounded like an interesting, maybe even lovely place. However, that level of detail didn’t advance the story at all.
Within an hour, it was revealed that three important characters had had their mothers (if not parents) die while they were children. One of the two that are still kids is unlikable and isn’t nice to the other. The MC actually says the one possibly being bullied just lost her mom and didn’t deserve to be treated badly by the other. No compassion for the one acting out her pain.
The parent teacher conference was ridiculous. The parents were awful and didn’t do what the child needed but her teacher really was incompetent. As a long time foster parent, I have a lot of experience with this. (And with stuff that happened later in the book which wouldn’t have happened either.) Lots of foster parents are terrible parents but right now we’re talking about the teacher.
You never put the responsibility on a child to get a message home about her problems. The likelihood that they were getting to the parents was nil. A child whose parents died two years before would be expected to have problems in school and problems should be addressed immediately. There should have been an early intervention or actually a prevention meeting with her care team. Calling a child that age lazy is ridiculous. Either there were problems at home or depression, or something else. Also, holding kids back causes more problems than it solved. If an elementary school aged child is at the point where she can’t be promoted to the next grade level and they were just talking for the first time is just absurd. It could happen because if the parents but the teacher should have brought in the principal or school professionals by then. And having a parent teacher meeting held by a teacher leaving without the new teacher? Even the principal should have been there and the (district?) school psychologist etc. Maybe in an inner city school this isn’t possible but in a small city like the one described here? I’ve lived with foster children in several cities from half a million down to 15,000 people and they were all like I describe at the grade school level. No, not inner city but not just nice, safe neighborhoods either.
The chief of police was incompetent too. He told her too much and was surprised when she gave the simplest of suggestions such as an interrupted robbery. He also dismissed the idea that the husband was a chief suspect, that that was only on TV. That’s ridiculous.
He was constantly grabbing people when they turned away from him. A police officer would never grab anyone who was not a suspect trying to get away, at least not frequently and not in a calm moment. Police brutality, inappropriate behavior, etc. are just a few of the reasons why. I’d freak if a police officer grabbed me. I am not okay with anyone grabbing me. I
Yay, she mentioned the pandemic. I hate that people ignore something that huge. Even just a mention is cool. But I’m pretty sure it’s a federal law that animals can’t be in an eatery and those rules have nothing to do with the pandemic.
The MC is in the middle of a love triangle. She had decided she wasn’t really interested in one guy. Then she kissed him to see if she “quivered.” I feel like she was leading him on. She also asked his advice anx he gave a well thought out response. Then the person in question walked up and she did the exact opposite of what the first guy suggested, right in front of him. Why did she ask for his advice then? She never ever apologized or explained.
This was a typical cozy mystery and doesn’t break any new ground. The dog was cute but nothing original or interesting. I probably won’t read the next one in the series.
The reader, Dara Brown, was good and had a variety of voices not just a change in pitch. But she sounded like she had a cold or something stopped up her nose. I hope that it was a one-time thing.
The main character and her best friend are both mixed race. There were other strong non-white people. The main character also was really good at sports (although it didn’t make a whole lot of sense for a fat short girl being on the softball team that was second in the state. But I guess Babe Ruth was overweight.) She likes a guy because he seemed slightly dangerous. The supporting chats are likable enough, not particularly unusual but they were nice.
There was way too much information. An hour and a half in, we’d learned the history of the town, all about her new house, the culture and topography of the area, etc. This went on throughout the story. It was so involved, I wonder if it’s either a real city or based on one. It sounded like an interesting, maybe even lovely place. However, that level of detail didn’t advance the story at all.
Within an hour, it was revealed that three important characters had had their mothers (if not parents) die while they were children. One of the two that are still kids is unlikable and isn’t nice to the other. The MC actually says the one possibly being bullied just lost her mom and didn’t deserve to be treated badly by the other. No compassion for the one acting out her pain.
The parent teacher conference was ridiculous. The parents were awful and didn’t do what the child needed but her teacher really was incompetent. As a long time foster parent, I have a lot of experience with this. (And with stuff that happened later in the book which wouldn’t have happened either.) Lots of foster parents are terrible parents but right now we’re talking about the teacher.
You never put the responsibility on a child to get a message home about her problems. The likelihood that they were getting to the parents was nil. A child whose parents died two years before would be expected to have problems in school and problems should be addressed immediately. There should have been an early intervention or actually a prevention meeting with her care team. Calling a child that age lazy is ridiculous. Either there were problems at home or depression, or something else. Also, holding kids back causes more problems than it solved. If an elementary school aged child is at the point where she can’t be promoted to the next grade level and they were just talking for the first time is just absurd. It could happen because if the parents but the teacher should have brought in the principal or school professionals by then. And having a parent teacher meeting held by a teacher leaving without the new teacher? Even the principal should have been there and the (district?) school psychologist etc. Maybe in an inner city school this isn’t possible but in a small city like the one described here? I’ve lived with foster children in several cities from half a million down to 15,000 people and they were all like I describe at the grade school level. No, not inner city but not just nice, safe neighborhoods either.
The chief of police was incompetent too. He told her too much and was surprised when she gave the simplest of suggestions such as an interrupted robbery. He also dismissed the idea that the husband was a chief suspect, that that was only on TV. That’s ridiculous.
He was constantly grabbing people when they turned away from him. A police officer would never grab anyone who was not a suspect trying to get away, at least not frequently and not in a calm moment. Police brutality, inappropriate behavior, etc. are just a few of the reasons why. I’d freak if a police officer grabbed me. I am not okay with anyone grabbing me. I
Yay, she mentioned the pandemic. I hate that people ignore something that huge. Even just a mention is cool. But I’m pretty sure it’s a federal law that animals can’t be in an eatery and those rules have nothing to do with the pandemic.
The MC is in the middle of a love triangle. She had decided she wasn’t really interested in one guy. Then she kissed him to see if she “quivered.” I feel like she was leading him on. She also asked his advice anx he gave a well thought out response. Then the person in question walked up and she did the exact opposite of what the first guy suggested, right in front of him. Why did she ask for his advice then? She never ever apologized or explained.
This was a typical cozy mystery and doesn’t break any new ground. The dog was cute but nothing original or interesting. I probably won’t read the next one in the series.
The reader, Dara Brown, was good and had a variety of voices not just a change in pitch. But she sounded like she had a cold or something stopped up her nose. I hope that it was a one-time thing.
December 7, 2023
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Sniffing Out Murder by Kallie E. Benjamin is about a children’s book author trying to solve a mystery and writing one as well.
Will Priscilla and Bailey clear their names for the killing of Whitney Kelley?
Priscilla Cummings and Bailey the Bloodhound
Priscilla Cummings is a retired elementary school teacher who is now the author of a book series called The Adventures of Bailey the Bloodhound, Pet Detective. Honestly, that sounds so awesome. Pris is back in her hometown, where she taught her last year before switching to full-time author. Let’s say that puts a perspective on Priscilla about how far she has come and not allow anyone to make her feel like her old self again. I liked Priscilla as a main character; her devotion to her dog is lovely, and I liked how she became the reluctant sleuth.
Bailey the Bloodhound is such a hoot of a character. I loved him very much. The one thing I like the most is that as a bloodhound, one wouldn’t think much about him, but he is a fiercely loyal dog who will protect anyone he cares about. Bailey is also a trained therapy dog, which I find so sweet, and I like that he is using his talents to help kids read.
Of these two characters, I couldn’t decide which is my favorite as they are a team, and it truly shows.
The Victim
Whitney Kelley was a beautiful young woman who just had a nasty personality. She acted like she was rich when she wasn’t, and Whitney was a terrible bully. She never grew out of that characteristic. Whitney probably had good intentions about cutting the art programs from schooling. Still, she didn’t care about her adopted daughter’s education, except for how it would look if her daughter weren’t “perfect” like the rest of the family.
I have to say that I was surprised she wasn’t killed sooner than she was. I guessed who the killer was.
Five Stars
Sniffing Out Murder by Kallie E. Benjamin is an excellent start to a new series by Ms. Benjamin. I loved every minute of being in this book. I am giving five stars to Sniffing Out Murder by Kallie E. Benjamin and recommending it to anyone who likes a good, cozy animal mystery.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Sniffing Out Murder by Kallie E. Benjamin. Please look at the other tour stops and check out the giveaway.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Will Priscilla and Bailey clear their names for the killing of Whitney Kelley?
Priscilla Cummings and Bailey the Bloodhound
Priscilla Cummings is a retired elementary school teacher who is now the author of a book series called The Adventures of Bailey the Bloodhound, Pet Detective. Honestly, that sounds so awesome. Pris is back in her hometown, where she taught her last year before switching to full-time author. Let’s say that puts a perspective on Priscilla about how far she has come and not allow anyone to make her feel like her old self again. I liked Priscilla as a main character; her devotion to her dog is lovely, and I liked how she became the reluctant sleuth.
Bailey the Bloodhound is such a hoot of a character. I loved him very much. The one thing I like the most is that as a bloodhound, one wouldn’t think much about him, but he is a fiercely loyal dog who will protect anyone he cares about. Bailey is also a trained therapy dog, which I find so sweet, and I like that he is using his talents to help kids read.
Of these two characters, I couldn’t decide which is my favorite as they are a team, and it truly shows.
The Victim
Whitney Kelley was a beautiful young woman who just had a nasty personality. She acted like she was rich when she wasn’t, and Whitney was a terrible bully. She never grew out of that characteristic. Whitney probably had good intentions about cutting the art programs from schooling. Still, she didn’t care about her adopted daughter’s education, except for how it would look if her daughter weren’t “perfect” like the rest of the family.
I have to say that I was surprised she wasn’t killed sooner than she was. I guessed who the killer was.
Five Stars
Sniffing Out Murder by Kallie E. Benjamin is an excellent start to a new series by Ms. Benjamin. I loved every minute of being in this book. I am giving five stars to Sniffing Out Murder by Kallie E. Benjamin and recommending it to anyone who likes a good, cozy animal mystery.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Sniffing Out Murder by Kallie E. Benjamin. Please look at the other tour stops and check out the giveaway.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
February 18, 2024
https://openbooksociety.com/article/s...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
First in the Bailey the Bloodhound Mystery Series, Sniffing Out Murder is a delightfully easy read by Kallie E. Benjamin. The characters are interesting, especially Bailey the bloodhound. In fact – I liked the dog the best!
Priscilla Renee Cummings (known as Pris) is a writer of a children’s series titled “The Adventures of Bailey the Bloodhound” as well as a soon-to-be former teacher. Of course the inspiration for the series is from her three-year-old bloodhound. Currently, Pris is plagued with a case of writer’s block. Penning the second book in her series is tough:
These eight-to-twelve-year-old middle-grade readers have high standards. They expect books to be well written, funny, and relevant, even if they can’t articulate that’s what they want.
To complicate this hopefully temporary writers block, Pris is having trials and tribulations with the newly elected school board trustee, Whitney Kelley. Whitney was a high school mean girl back in the day. She wants to do away with vital programs in the school; like the pet-assisted reading program which is Priscilla’s pet project – pun intended. Furthermore, Pris is dead set against its elimination. So, when Whitney turns up planted in the daisy’s (figuratively with respect to the type of flowers as the flowers were actually begonia’s) face down and dead…Pris is a prime suspect. So Pris and Bailey set out to discover the identity of the actual killer, putting her writing endeavours on hold temporarily.
As the reader is lead through the life of Whitney and who is/was a part of this life, we get a sense of who she really is. Not a great person and this of course leads to many potential suspects. The journey is fraught with leads that lead to even more suspects. But never fear, Pris and Bailey gather gossip, passing it on to the police and eventually the correct culprit is caught… whew.
The quote below made me chuckle and remember that Bailey is a standard dog, with likes and dislikes that are predictable:
“Bailey wasn’t keen on wallowing, unless it involved mud, freshly cut grass, or his favorite, eau de parfum-deer poop.”
I was not particularly fond of Pris as a main character. She was not a confident woman and seemed very insecure and conscious of what other people thought of her. But I quite enjoyed the character Tabby, the beautician. She helped Pris with a new hairstyle and showed her how to care for her unruly hair.
However, for all my “not loving the main character”, I did find the story charming (thanks to Bailey of course). As well, there were plenty of red herrings to keep me guessing until the end as to who the actual murderer was. Just the way I like my “whodunits”.
A good effort for a first in series by Kallie E. Benjamin. I may just pick up the second in the series, should one be forthcoming.
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
First in the Bailey the Bloodhound Mystery Series, Sniffing Out Murder is a delightfully easy read by Kallie E. Benjamin. The characters are interesting, especially Bailey the bloodhound. In fact – I liked the dog the best!
Priscilla Renee Cummings (known as Pris) is a writer of a children’s series titled “The Adventures of Bailey the Bloodhound” as well as a soon-to-be former teacher. Of course the inspiration for the series is from her three-year-old bloodhound. Currently, Pris is plagued with a case of writer’s block. Penning the second book in her series is tough:
These eight-to-twelve-year-old middle-grade readers have high standards. They expect books to be well written, funny, and relevant, even if they can’t articulate that’s what they want.
To complicate this hopefully temporary writers block, Pris is having trials and tribulations with the newly elected school board trustee, Whitney Kelley. Whitney was a high school mean girl back in the day. She wants to do away with vital programs in the school; like the pet-assisted reading program which is Priscilla’s pet project – pun intended. Furthermore, Pris is dead set against its elimination. So, when Whitney turns up planted in the daisy’s (figuratively with respect to the type of flowers as the flowers were actually begonia’s) face down and dead…Pris is a prime suspect. So Pris and Bailey set out to discover the identity of the actual killer, putting her writing endeavours on hold temporarily.
As the reader is lead through the life of Whitney and who is/was a part of this life, we get a sense of who she really is. Not a great person and this of course leads to many potential suspects. The journey is fraught with leads that lead to even more suspects. But never fear, Pris and Bailey gather gossip, passing it on to the police and eventually the correct culprit is caught… whew.
The quote below made me chuckle and remember that Bailey is a standard dog, with likes and dislikes that are predictable:
“Bailey wasn’t keen on wallowing, unless it involved mud, freshly cut grass, or his favorite, eau de parfum-deer poop.”
I was not particularly fond of Pris as a main character. She was not a confident woman and seemed very insecure and conscious of what other people thought of her. But I quite enjoyed the character Tabby, the beautician. She helped Pris with a new hairstyle and showed her how to care for her unruly hair.
However, for all my “not loving the main character”, I did find the story charming (thanks to Bailey of course). As well, there were plenty of red herrings to keep me guessing until the end as to who the actual murderer was. Just the way I like my “whodunits”.
A good effort for a first in series by Kallie E. Benjamin. I may just pick up the second in the series, should one be forthcoming.
July 3, 2024
"Sniffing Out Murder" is book #1 in the "Bailey The Bloddhound Mystery" by Kallie E Benjamin.
"When a murder unleashes a widespread investigation through Crosbyville, children’s book author Pris and her trusty bloodhound, Bailey, must sniff out the truth before the whole town goes to the dogs.
After deciding that life as a teacher wasn’t right for her, Priscilla found inspiration for her first children’s book in her three-year-old bloodhound’s nose for truth, and so The Adventures of Bailey the Bloodhound was born. After the book’s massively pawsitive response led Pris to move back to her hometown of Crosbyville, Indiana, to continue the series, she’s surprised by how things have changed in the town, but even more so how they haven’t.
Pris is frustrated to discover that newly elected school board trustee Whitney Kelley—a former high school mean girl—is intent on making Crosbyville more competitive by eliminating “frivolous spending” on the arts and social programs, including Pris and Bailey’s beloved pet-assisted reading program. A minor altercation between them isn’t anything unusual, but after Bailey sniffs out Whitney’s body in a bed of begonias, locals start hounding Pris and Bailey as suspects for the crime.
With Bailey’s sharp senses and Pris’s hometown know-how, can they prove to the community that they’re all barking up the wrong tree?"
My thoughts:
Pris and Bailey make a great team! Of course, Bailey is a bit of a scene stealer but his nose gets the job done and his loyalty is beyond measure.
Additional core characters of Marcie, Aunt Agatha, Captain Gilbert Morgan and his daughter Hannah all bring a deeper meaning to Pris's life. The conversations - both serious and light hearted are well done and believable. Hairdresser, Tabby brings a lot of energy, fun and some very helpful insight along the way.
As Whitney was the definition of "mean girl", it was no surprise that she was the victim of murder. Over the years, she'd pretty much alienated almost everyone in town to get her way. Figuring out who had finally done the deed lead to a number of suspects.
I had a strong hunch as to who the murderer was well before the final reveal. It was just a matter of seeing how it all played out - and I was on the edge of my seat as the killer was set to strike again! A very creative takedown Ms. Benjamin!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to another adventure with the loveable Bailey and the amazing humans in his life!
"When a murder unleashes a widespread investigation through Crosbyville, children’s book author Pris and her trusty bloodhound, Bailey, must sniff out the truth before the whole town goes to the dogs.
After deciding that life as a teacher wasn’t right for her, Priscilla found inspiration for her first children’s book in her three-year-old bloodhound’s nose for truth, and so The Adventures of Bailey the Bloodhound was born. After the book’s massively pawsitive response led Pris to move back to her hometown of Crosbyville, Indiana, to continue the series, she’s surprised by how things have changed in the town, but even more so how they haven’t.
Pris is frustrated to discover that newly elected school board trustee Whitney Kelley—a former high school mean girl—is intent on making Crosbyville more competitive by eliminating “frivolous spending” on the arts and social programs, including Pris and Bailey’s beloved pet-assisted reading program. A minor altercation between them isn’t anything unusual, but after Bailey sniffs out Whitney’s body in a bed of begonias, locals start hounding Pris and Bailey as suspects for the crime.
With Bailey’s sharp senses and Pris’s hometown know-how, can they prove to the community that they’re all barking up the wrong tree?"
My thoughts:
Pris and Bailey make a great team! Of course, Bailey is a bit of a scene stealer but his nose gets the job done and his loyalty is beyond measure.
Additional core characters of Marcie, Aunt Agatha, Captain Gilbert Morgan and his daughter Hannah all bring a deeper meaning to Pris's life. The conversations - both serious and light hearted are well done and believable. Hairdresser, Tabby brings a lot of energy, fun and some very helpful insight along the way.
As Whitney was the definition of "mean girl", it was no surprise that she was the victim of murder. Over the years, she'd pretty much alienated almost everyone in town to get her way. Figuring out who had finally done the deed lead to a number of suspects.
I had a strong hunch as to who the murderer was well before the final reveal. It was just a matter of seeing how it all played out - and I was on the edge of my seat as the killer was set to strike again! A very creative takedown Ms. Benjamin!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to another adventure with the loveable Bailey and the amazing humans in his life!
October 23, 2023
"Sniffing Out Murder" is a cozy mystery. Priscilla's extremely insecure and cared a great deal what others thought about her. Add in that she's very clumsy (at least in the first half of the story), and she's flushing in anger or blushing in embarrassment in nearly every scene. When she found the body, she regretted not taking the time while waiting for the police to arrive to primp and put on more makeup. She didn't spend it looking for clues, either. Bailey, the dog, was the one who kept finding clues, which she passed on to the police along with the town gossip she "happened" to hear.
Whodunit was one of my initial two suspects. I was certain of that person when Pris' best friend gushed a major clue to Pris, yet neither recognized it was a clue. They never figured it out. The killer decided to kill Pris and confessed everything to her at that time. At least Pris managed to save herself.
The author tended to omit needed description or gave it too late. For example, Pris found the body and looked around in panic like she couldn't see if the killer was nearby. Only we later learn that the maze hedge was only 3 foot tall and she could pretty easily see and hear that the maze was empty. I'm confused about what Pris looks like. We're only told that she has grey eyes and dark, curly hair. Since the author made such a point that she had a very visible, bright red blush that traveled up her neck and into her face, I assumed she was fair skinned. However, her hair stylist implied she had "Black hair" and her aunt is dark skinned (which could mean anything from someone who tans dark to an ebony skin).
I don't care about fashion, so I wasn't very interested in a mystery hinging on knowledge about fashion designers and such along with discussions about what clothes she should wear, like to impress a date she didn't really care for. She even invited her true crush to join them on their date. She later initiated a kiss with one man and led him on then encouraged a kiss from her crush while everyone thought she was dating the first man. Hmm. Anyway, not really my type of story. I also fail to see how her middle grade mystery (which read like a board book for young readers) became a best seller. The cozy had no sex and only a few uses of bad language.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Whodunit was one of my initial two suspects. I was certain of that person when Pris' best friend gushed a major clue to Pris, yet neither recognized it was a clue. They never figured it out. The killer decided to kill Pris and confessed everything to her at that time. At least Pris managed to save herself.
The author tended to omit needed description or gave it too late. For example, Pris found the body and looked around in panic like she couldn't see if the killer was nearby. Only we later learn that the maze hedge was only 3 foot tall and she could pretty easily see and hear that the maze was empty. I'm confused about what Pris looks like. We're only told that she has grey eyes and dark, curly hair. Since the author made such a point that she had a very visible, bright red blush that traveled up her neck and into her face, I assumed she was fair skinned. However, her hair stylist implied she had "Black hair" and her aunt is dark skinned (which could mean anything from someone who tans dark to an ebony skin).
I don't care about fashion, so I wasn't very interested in a mystery hinging on knowledge about fashion designers and such along with discussions about what clothes she should wear, like to impress a date she didn't really care for. She even invited her true crush to join them on their date. She later initiated a kiss with one man and led him on then encouraged a kiss from her crush while everyone thought she was dating the first man. Hmm. Anyway, not really my type of story. I also fail to see how her middle grade mystery (which read like a board book for young readers) became a best seller. The cozy had no sex and only a few uses of bad language.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews