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Coral Shores Veterinary Mystery #2
Parrot Prose
Maxy Awards 2025 Mystery & Crime
When Marilyn Peña, an eccentric billionaire, vanishes after dropping off her beloved talking parrot, Tiki Lulu, at the Coral Shores Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Emily Benton and her best friend, Anthony, embark on a quest to find her. The search leads them to a gruesome discovery-a dead body in the swamp behind Marilyn's house.
To make matters worse, the veterinary hospital becomes overrun by Marilyn's devoted social media followers who are gathered as a show of support but also to unravel the next clue in Marilyn's wild bird center treasure hunt. A large amount of money is at stake, which attracts all types of trouble. With tensions rising and danger lurking at every turn, Emily and Anthony clash with Emily's brother, Deputy Sheriff Duncan Benton, and her on again-off again beau, Detective Mike Lane. In a race against time, they must navigate the chaos, protect Tiki Lulu, and uncover the truth before it's too late.
When Marilyn Peña, an eccentric billionaire, vanishes after dropping off her beloved talking parrot, Tiki Lulu, at the Coral Shores Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Emily Benton and her best friend, Anthony, embark on a quest to find her. The search leads them to a gruesome discovery-a dead body in the swamp behind Marilyn's house.
To make matters worse, the veterinary hospital becomes overrun by Marilyn's devoted social media followers who are gathered as a show of support but also to unravel the next clue in Marilyn's wild bird center treasure hunt. A large amount of money is at stake, which attracts all types of trouble. With tensions rising and danger lurking at every turn, Emily and Anthony clash with Emily's brother, Deputy Sheriff Duncan Benton, and her on again-off again beau, Detective Mike Lane. In a race against time, they must navigate the chaos, protect Tiki Lulu, and uncover the truth before it's too late.
- GenresFictionCozy Mystery
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 20, 2025
84 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
D.L. Mitchell
4 books30 followersDL Mitchell is the author of the Coral Shores Veterinary Mystery series and a 2024 Nominee for Georgia Author of the Year. Trust the Terrier won the 2024 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion award for best cozy and second runner up for best mystery.
She brings her unique perspective as a practicing small animal veterinarian to the world of mystery fiction. With experience in bustling, big-city hospitals, her transition to a house call concierge veterinary practice has enriched her storytelling with firsthand encounters and insights into the human-animal bond.
She loves spending time with her husband, daughter, and their menagerie of pets, planning the next travel adventure, and running nearby trails. She’s a scuba diver but gets seasick, and when she’s on the road, she travels with her espresso machine and her blow-up, stand up paddle board.
Actively engaged in the Atlanta Chapter of Sisters in Crime and the Atlanta Writers Club, DL Mitchell finds support and camaraderie within this creative community
She brings her unique perspective as a practicing small animal veterinarian to the world of mystery fiction. With experience in bustling, big-city hospitals, her transition to a house call concierge veterinary practice has enriched her storytelling with firsthand encounters and insights into the human-animal bond.
She loves spending time with her husband, daughter, and their menagerie of pets, planning the next travel adventure, and running nearby trails. She’s a scuba diver but gets seasick, and when she’s on the road, she travels with her espresso machine and her blow-up, stand up paddle board.
Actively engaged in the Atlanta Chapter of Sisters in Crime and the Atlanta Writers Club, DL Mitchell finds support and camaraderie within this creative community
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 4, 2025
A petastic read!
“Hello. Watcha doing?” You will quickly fall in love with that welcoming question when you read the second book in DL Mitchel’s Coral Shores Veterinary series, Parot Prose.
The story revolves around a precocious African Grey Parrot named Tiki Lulu and his eccentric and very wealthy owner Marilyn Peña. Tiki is a social media star with a lovable personality and an enormous vocabulary. Everyone who encounters Tiki falls in love with him, including Dr. Emily Benton and her long-time friend and assistant, Anthony.
Marilyn employs Tiki’s charms to deliver online clues to a treasure hunt she has organized to benefit wild bird sanctuaries. Whoever finds the treasure will receive $200,000. When Marilyn inexplicably disappears, leaving Tiki in the care of the Coral Springs Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Emily and Anthony fear the treasure may have led to Marilyn’s abduction. Their fears are confirmed when they discover a dead body at the wealthy woman’s home, and Emily and Anthony find themselves once again embroiled in a deadly mystery. This time, though, they must solve it while a growing mob of Tiki and Marilyn’s concerned social media followers lay siege to the hospital.
The story progresses at a fast pace and is full of characters that readers will care about, including several who will be familiar to those who read the first book in the series, Trust the Terrier. DL Mitchel uses her experience as a practicing veterinarian to bolster Dr. Emily’s credibility by infusing the story with realistic anecdotes about animal care, as well as her knowledge of police procedure to create believable investigative boundaries for Emily and law enforcement. Additionally, Mitchel adds just enough G-rated romance to give the reader more to root for than Emily and Anthony solving the crimes. While we are pulling for Tiki to be reunited with his missing owner, we are also hoping Dr. Emily finds love and Anthony and Marc live happily ever after.
Parot Prose is a great read and is highly recommended.
“Hello. Watcha doing?” You will quickly fall in love with that welcoming question when you read the second book in DL Mitchel’s Coral Shores Veterinary series, Parot Prose.
The story revolves around a precocious African Grey Parrot named Tiki Lulu and his eccentric and very wealthy owner Marilyn Peña. Tiki is a social media star with a lovable personality and an enormous vocabulary. Everyone who encounters Tiki falls in love with him, including Dr. Emily Benton and her long-time friend and assistant, Anthony.
Marilyn employs Tiki’s charms to deliver online clues to a treasure hunt she has organized to benefit wild bird sanctuaries. Whoever finds the treasure will receive $200,000. When Marilyn inexplicably disappears, leaving Tiki in the care of the Coral Springs Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Emily and Anthony fear the treasure may have led to Marilyn’s abduction. Their fears are confirmed when they discover a dead body at the wealthy woman’s home, and Emily and Anthony find themselves once again embroiled in a deadly mystery. This time, though, they must solve it while a growing mob of Tiki and Marilyn’s concerned social media followers lay siege to the hospital.
The story progresses at a fast pace and is full of characters that readers will care about, including several who will be familiar to those who read the first book in the series, Trust the Terrier. DL Mitchel uses her experience as a practicing veterinarian to bolster Dr. Emily’s credibility by infusing the story with realistic anecdotes about animal care, as well as her knowledge of police procedure to create believable investigative boundaries for Emily and law enforcement. Additionally, Mitchel adds just enough G-rated romance to give the reader more to root for than Emily and Anthony solving the crimes. While we are pulling for Tiki to be reunited with his missing owner, we are also hoping Dr. Emily finds love and Anthony and Marc live happily ever after.
Parot Prose is a great read and is highly recommended.
February 26, 2025
Parrot Prose is a delightful and incredibly enjoyable cozy mystery. From the very first chapter, it’s clear that the characters and their storylines have been wonderfully developed from the original book, Trust the Terrier. As a listener, you can feel the growth and depth of the characters, making their journey all the more fun.
Author DL Mitchell whisks you away on a mystery to the enchanting Coral Shores. The vivid descriptions of the location allow you to practically feel the warmth of the sun on your skin and the gentle ocean breeze as you imagine the beautiful coastline. (Bring your own sunscreen, beach chair, and margaritas!) The atmosphere is so well-crafted, that it’s easy to get lost in this picturesque setting.
The pacing of Parrot Prose is spot on, keeping you intrigued and entertained from start to finish. It’s a smooth ride, never feeling rushed, but always keeping you hooked. There’s a perfect balance of suspense, humor, and heartfelt moments, ensuring that you’re always invested in the unfolding events.
A standout aspect of the book is the underlying theme of highlighting nonprofit animal, aviary, and aquatic sanctuaries in Florida, particularly those dedicated to parrots and marine life. I found this element to be especially rewarding, as it sheds light on the tireless work done by these sanctuaries. Not only did I enjoy the mystery, but I also came away with a much greater appreciation for the important work these organizations do.
Overall, Parrot Prose is a delightful book that combines great storytelling, engaging characters, and important causes. It’s the perfect vacation read (or listen!) that leaves you eagerly awaiting the next installment of Emily and Mike. I can't wait for the third book in the series!
Author DL Mitchell whisks you away on a mystery to the enchanting Coral Shores. The vivid descriptions of the location allow you to practically feel the warmth of the sun on your skin and the gentle ocean breeze as you imagine the beautiful coastline. (Bring your own sunscreen, beach chair, and margaritas!) The atmosphere is so well-crafted, that it’s easy to get lost in this picturesque setting.
The pacing of Parrot Prose is spot on, keeping you intrigued and entertained from start to finish. It’s a smooth ride, never feeling rushed, but always keeping you hooked. There’s a perfect balance of suspense, humor, and heartfelt moments, ensuring that you’re always invested in the unfolding events.
A standout aspect of the book is the underlying theme of highlighting nonprofit animal, aviary, and aquatic sanctuaries in Florida, particularly those dedicated to parrots and marine life. I found this element to be especially rewarding, as it sheds light on the tireless work done by these sanctuaries. Not only did I enjoy the mystery, but I also came away with a much greater appreciation for the important work these organizations do.
Overall, Parrot Prose is a delightful book that combines great storytelling, engaging characters, and important causes. It’s the perfect vacation read (or listen!) that leaves you eagerly awaiting the next installment of Emily and Mike. I can't wait for the third book in the series!
January 11, 2025
It’s impossible not to fall in love with Tiki Lulu, the latest and most famous of Dr. Emily Klein’s patients at Coral Shores Veterinary Hospital. This adorable and super smart Grey African parrot’s extensive vocabulary includes clues to the murder of a man discovered at the home of his owner, Marilyn Peña. Both owner and parrot are Internet video stars with an extensive following that’s multiplied in size since Marilyn sponsored a treasure hunt with the bird as her co-host. Although exotic pets aren’t Emily’s specialty, she’s drawn to the sassy creature and is friends with his owner. When Marilyn disappears leaving Tiki in her care, the veterinarian finds herself involved in the woman’s apparent kidnapping.
Determined to help find her friend, Emily insists on joining her brother Duncan and Mike, the detective she just might be falling in love with, in their investigation. Hampered by hordes of Tiki Lulu’s fans who gather at the vet hospital daily and the appearance of Marilyn’s nephew and murder suspect, she insists on playing a key role, putting herself in danger.
Along the way, readers get to know a colorful assortment of hospital patients and their devoted owners. We also get to experience the development of the attraction between Emily and the hot new man in her life.
DL Mitchell’s Parrot Prose is a trip to the beach with your favorite people and pets. Despite the ugliness of the crime and the page-turning tension of solving it, this charming novel is perfect for an afternoon or evening in a comfortable chair with a cup of tea or a maybe a glass of wine.
Determined to help find her friend, Emily insists on joining her brother Duncan and Mike, the detective she just might be falling in love with, in their investigation. Hampered by hordes of Tiki Lulu’s fans who gather at the vet hospital daily and the appearance of Marilyn’s nephew and murder suspect, she insists on playing a key role, putting herself in danger.
Along the way, readers get to know a colorful assortment of hospital patients and their devoted owners. We also get to experience the development of the attraction between Emily and the hot new man in her life.
DL Mitchell’s Parrot Prose is a trip to the beach with your favorite people and pets. Despite the ugliness of the crime and the page-turning tension of solving it, this charming novel is perfect for an afternoon or evening in a comfortable chair with a cup of tea or a maybe a glass of wine.
February 23, 2025
Thank you to author DL Mitchell for an advance copy of Parrot Prose, the second installment in the Coral Shores Veterinary Mystery series. As in the first book, it's filled with charming characters and adorable animals.
Dr. Emily Benton and her friends are back with another lovable animal who puts them in the middle of a murder mystery. An afternoon of parrot-sitting for celebrity African Grey Tiki Lulu turns into weeks of disruption for Emily’s clinic after Marilyn Pena, Tiki’s famous owner, is kidnapped. When Emily and her sidekick, Anthony, visit Marilyn's residence, they find a dead body but no sign of Marilyn. They have no choice but to continue to care for Tiki Lulu while his fans camp out in front of the clinic demanding answers about Marilyn and her famous parrot.
Emily’s romance with handsome Detective Mike Lane heats up, but the two clash again when, concerned for her safety, he tries to keep her away from the investigation. Defying the advice of her well-meaning friends and family, Emily goes rogue to pursue an important clue to solving the mystery. Don’t miss this exciting new adventure for these endearing characters!
Dr. Emily Benton and her friends are back with another lovable animal who puts them in the middle of a murder mystery. An afternoon of parrot-sitting for celebrity African Grey Tiki Lulu turns into weeks of disruption for Emily’s clinic after Marilyn Pena, Tiki’s famous owner, is kidnapped. When Emily and her sidekick, Anthony, visit Marilyn's residence, they find a dead body but no sign of Marilyn. They have no choice but to continue to care for Tiki Lulu while his fans camp out in front of the clinic demanding answers about Marilyn and her famous parrot.
Emily’s romance with handsome Detective Mike Lane heats up, but the two clash again when, concerned for her safety, he tries to keep her away from the investigation. Defying the advice of her well-meaning friends and family, Emily goes rogue to pursue an important clue to solving the mystery. Don’t miss this exciting new adventure for these endearing characters!
March 10, 2025
Dogs, Cats, and a Talking Parrot! Oh My!
This is the second book in what I hope will become a series. Dr. Emily a dedicated Veterinarian along with her good friend and business partner Anthony are tasked with the care and well being of a very clever African Grey Parrot. Tiki luLu was brought into the Vet hospital by his owner to be seen, and ends up in the care of Emily, Anthony and Marc as his owner seems to have disappeared. When a dead body is found on the property of the owner of the bird it raises numerous red flags and more questions than answers.
Fast paced and enjoyable, with insight into the everyday lives of caring pet parents. Not to mention the fact that Tiki LuLu is a media sensation whose followers show up outside the vet hospital demanding answers. The parrot paparazzi are making the lives of Emily and her staff absolutely miserable. A fun read with some carryover from the previous book, all in all a great story. Family, fur babies, and some romance, what's not to love?
This is the second book in what I hope will become a series. Dr. Emily a dedicated Veterinarian along with her good friend and business partner Anthony are tasked with the care and well being of a very clever African Grey Parrot. Tiki luLu was brought into the Vet hospital by his owner to be seen, and ends up in the care of Emily, Anthony and Marc as his owner seems to have disappeared. When a dead body is found on the property of the owner of the bird it raises numerous red flags and more questions than answers.
Fast paced and enjoyable, with insight into the everyday lives of caring pet parents. Not to mention the fact that Tiki LuLu is a media sensation whose followers show up outside the vet hospital demanding answers. The parrot paparazzi are making the lives of Emily and her staff absolutely miserable. A fun read with some carryover from the previous book, all in all a great story. Family, fur babies, and some romance, what's not to love?
February 27, 2025
Another perky and romantic cozy by DL Mitchell!
Set at the beach in Coral Shores, this cozy mystery starts with our sleuth, veterinarian Dr. Emily Benton's mad doctoring skillz. She has an appointment with Marilyn, who is the bird mom to Tiki Lulu, only Marilyn never comes back -- and Tiki Lulu takes up residence at the animal hospital amid an outside avian uproar. You see, Tiki Lulu is a social media sensation in the middle of a whirlwind media blitz involving a treasure hunt for the bird, which ends with a big $$ prize.
As Dr. Emily and her assistant, Anthony, begin their sleuthing adventure to find Marilyn, they uncover clues, delve into danger and learn to listen to their winged friend.
“Parrot Prose” is a fun light-hearted read. There's a satisfying mystery, an on-again-off-again-romance, some humorous banter, and the beach!
If you love mysteries featuring animals and want to wiggle your toes in the sand, pick up Parrott Prose!
Set at the beach in Coral Shores, this cozy mystery starts with our sleuth, veterinarian Dr. Emily Benton's mad doctoring skillz. She has an appointment with Marilyn, who is the bird mom to Tiki Lulu, only Marilyn never comes back -- and Tiki Lulu takes up residence at the animal hospital amid an outside avian uproar. You see, Tiki Lulu is a social media sensation in the middle of a whirlwind media blitz involving a treasure hunt for the bird, which ends with a big $$ prize.
As Dr. Emily and her assistant, Anthony, begin their sleuthing adventure to find Marilyn, they uncover clues, delve into danger and learn to listen to their winged friend.
“Parrot Prose” is a fun light-hearted read. There's a satisfying mystery, an on-again-off-again-romance, some humorous banter, and the beach!
If you love mysteries featuring animals and want to wiggle your toes in the sand, pick up Parrott Prose!
March 1, 2025
I enjoyed this cozy mystery tremendously and looking forward to the other books in the series. It takes place on the west coast of Florida and is part of a series revolving around a veterinarian, her staff, and her small veterinary practice. The characters (including the animals) were well drawn with enough detail to seem like people (or animals) you would encounter in real life. No one was over-the-top good or evil although the "bad guy" was certainly not someone you would wish to be associated - it is a murder mystery after all. The plot moved briskly and didn't get bogged down. I learned some Florida geography as a bonus. It was a quick read. Would recommend to those who enjoy cozy mysteries, stories with animal protagonists, and educated and competent women.
December 4, 2025
Parrots and Murder; a sea of trouble
When social media sensation parrot, Tiki Lulu, owner goes missing and dead bodies start to pile up, our favorite vet feels responsible. I have to admit that just reading and spending literary time with Tiki Lulu may be worth reading the book, and the care of love of animals is a big draw for reading this book it self. The plotting is fairly straightforward and well written, but I have a problem with the way the romance portion portrayed, but that could just my aged cynic reacting….lol. Nice, sweet read and If you love animals this book is s for you.
When social media sensation parrot, Tiki Lulu, owner goes missing and dead bodies start to pile up, our favorite vet feels responsible. I have to admit that just reading and spending literary time with Tiki Lulu may be worth reading the book, and the care of love of animals is a big draw for reading this book it self. The plotting is fairly straightforward and well written, but I have a problem with the way the romance portion portrayed, but that could just my aged cynic reacting….lol. Nice, sweet read and If you love animals this book is s for you.
January 14, 2025
A snappy cozy packed with quirky characters, a missing billionaire, and a treasure hunt that spirals into chaos. As Dr. Emily Benton and her friend Anthony search for answers, they uncover danger, deception, and death. “Parrot Prose” provides humor, tension, and—of course—the charming antics of a talking parrot. But when this bird talks, people listen—and murderers better watch out!
DL Mitchell delivers another fast-paced, engaging whodunit! This book can be read as a stand-alone, but for those who have read “Trust the Terrier,” yes, there is an Elvis sighting.
DL Mitchell delivers another fast-paced, engaging whodunit! This book can be read as a stand-alone, but for those who have read “Trust the Terrier,” yes, there is an Elvis sighting.
July 28, 2025
Parrot Prose
This is another exceptionally well written A Coral Shores Veterinary Mystery. The characters are very well developed and the type of people you would want to have as your friends. Interspersed in the book was information about illnesses and injuries that pets can get.
While I had planned to read a chapter at each reading session, I found that I couldn't stop at just one chapter.
I'm eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series.
This is another exceptionally well written A Coral Shores Veterinary Mystery. The characters are very well developed and the type of people you would want to have as your friends. Interspersed in the book was information about illnesses and injuries that pets can get.
While I had planned to read a chapter at each reading session, I found that I couldn't stop at just one chapter.
I'm eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series.
March 30, 2025
I was eagerly awaiting DL Mitchell's second book after thoroughly enjoying "Trust the Terrier." "Parrot Prose" does not disappoint. All the beloved characters return, and it is fun to see how their relationships change and evolve. Tiki Lulu, the "star" of the story, is an amazing parrot and sets the stage for lots of intriguing twists and turns. A great story and an entertaining read!
May 10, 2025
Something for everyone
This is a very well-told cozy mystery, with an exciting plot, endearing characters, romance to bring a smile, and enough suspense without violence to make your heart pound. Environmentalists & naturalists will be very satisfied & happy with a conclusion I won’t spoil.
This is a very well-told cozy mystery, with an exciting plot, endearing characters, romance to bring a smile, and enough suspense without violence to make your heart pound. Environmentalists & naturalists will be very satisfied & happy with a conclusion I won’t spoil.
April 29, 2025
Even better than the first book!
This second book featuring Dr. Emily and Anthony is one I could not put down. I enjoyed the first book in this series but this one is even better. I hope there will be many more.
This second book featuring Dr. Emily and Anthony is one I could not put down. I enjoyed the first book in this series but this one is even better. I hope there will be many more.
April 30, 2025
Such a treat
As she did in the first book, she captivates the reader with the colorful characters and twists along the way. Thoroughly enjoyed every word. Look forward to Emily and Anthony's next adventure.
As she did in the first book, she captivates the reader with the colorful characters and twists along the way. Thoroughly enjoyed every word. Look forward to Emily and Anthony's next adventure.
August 18, 2025
Delightful
Just a delightful read! What’s not to love about a mystery involving a parrot and his many, many friends and followers?
I enjoyed this book so much that I finished it in two sittings. Hope there is another coming after this one.
Just a delightful read! What’s not to love about a mystery involving a parrot and his many, many friends and followers?
I enjoyed this book so much that I finished it in two sittings. Hope there is another coming after this one.
August 31, 2025
Continuation of Coral Shore veterinary Clinic
Same sweet characters: Elvis, Anthony, Marc... How do they get themselves in tangled in these crimes. Dr. Emily Benton can't leave the problem solving to the police.
Same sweet characters: Elvis, Anthony, Marc... How do they get themselves in tangled in these crimes. Dr. Emily Benton can't leave the problem solving to the police.
February 27, 2025
So much fun, and who couldn't use a bit of fun these days? DL Mitchell has found a winning recipe; delightful animals, the beach, a bit of romance and humor all wrapped up in a satisfying mystery.
May 5, 2025
Wonderful
I completely enjoyed this book. The characters come to life and you really care about them. Great storyline. Can't wait for the next one in the series.
I completely enjoyed this book. The characters come to life and you really care about them. Great storyline. Can't wait for the next one in the series.
June 5, 2025
very good mystery
This was a very good read
It had a little bit of everything
Loved the African grey
Second book read from this author I hope there’s a third
This was a very good read
It had a little bit of everything
Loved the African grey
Second book read from this author I hope there’s a third
July 25, 2025
This is just a great series, and I hope it continues.
Love the cover as well!
Love the cover as well!
March 2, 2025
Enjoyable read
Second in the series, crime fighting, wildlife rescue, and veterinarian care in Georgia by the ocean. Who could ask for a better premise? Loved Trust the Terrier and am enjoying learning more about all the characters - no matter their species. Recommend!
Second in the series, crime fighting, wildlife rescue, and veterinarian care in Georgia by the ocean. Who could ask for a better premise? Loved Trust the Terrier and am enjoying learning more about all the characters - no matter their species. Recommend!
February 20, 2025
A murder, a missing person and a smart parrot. Nice, I just loved this book. I didn't want to stop reading. It's entertaining, easy to read and suspenseful. I haven't read the first story in this series but that wasn't a problem. This book can be read as a standalone.
I received a review copy and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.
I received a review copy and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews